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The Idiomatic Translation

of the New Testament

prepublication edition
June 28, 2006

William Graham MacDonald

translator
Introduction 2

Introduction to The Idiomatic Translation

The sublime composite of the final biblical revelation known as the New Testament is
presented here in faithful adherence to the ancient Greek manuscripts, all the while preserving a
literary style of translation appropriate for educated readers in the twenty-first century.

Major Criteria Governing This Translation

1. The Idiomatic Translation is based wholly on the Greek text without comparison of any
English translations. While this translator has been studying the Greek New Testament for five
decades, and while he acknowledges that a modicum of the antique KJV and modern translations
may be residual in his memory, he has stringently disciplined himself not to compare any
translation of a given text lest he have to decide its relative merits. This means that the translator
had only to quest, in any given instance, for the best way of expressing the original meaning in
English without the nagging constraints that many of the later translations have imposed upon
themselves, that is, the obligation to word sentences differently solely for the sake of difference
and at the same time to say things traditionally the same—even in those cases of perpetuating
translational errors—so as not to set off the alarms of the reactionaries. This Idiomatic
Translation, therefore, is freestanding verbally from other English translations and is oriented to
the literate, intelligent readers (> Acts 13:7; 18:24; 1 Sam 25:3) such as those mentioned by the
apostle Paul as one of the groups to whom he recognized his ministerial obligations (Rom 1:14).
The holy mission of this translation consists of conveying faithfully the content of the Greek
New Testament, “the word of Christ” (Col 3:16), in language familiar to adept readers
throughout the English-speaking world.
2. Most modern translations in English cater to infrequent, barely literate readers and
gravitate toward the lower linguistic end of the general readership. The most popular translation at
the beginning of the twenty-first century, for instance, was geared to a seventh-grade, middle-school
reading level. The Greek New Testament has books within it written on an easy-reading level but
also books, like Hebrews, Luke-Acts, and Ephesians, written in a style equivalent to college or
graduate levels today. If, for instance, the analytic fog index used to determine reading level is
applied to the Greek text of Paul’s encyclical letter on the nature of the church, first delivered to
the Ephesians, the reading level has to be high, indeed, because of Paul’s long sentences [verses
3-14 of chapter one compose one sentence in Greek, and similarly also: 1:15-23; 2:1-7; 3:1-7;
3:14-19; 4:11-16]. Moreover, there are hundreds more Greek words in the New Testament than
English words used in most contemporary translations of it. English (or arguably German) is the
richest language in the world in terms of vocabulary, of which as many as 70 percent of the
English words are loanwords. But translations are standardly made today from a diminished
word bank of English that does not reflect the wealth of vocabulary of the original text of the
New Testament although such is readily available in English. Every well read person and serious
university student deserves to have a translation that draws on the wealth of the English language
while avoiding reconditeness and polysyllabic concatenations. An avid reader deserves access to
the biblical text in a translation comparable to the English level of the other books he or she
studies if such a competent translation is justified by the ancient texts that the translation
Introduction 3

preserves. Consequently, this translation opts for the most apt word in the English language,
however low or high it may be on the frequency lists if it meets the other criteria of this
translation. For instance, instead of always translating hýdÐr as water as is proper in most
contexts, the more precise rendering of hýdÐr in John 19:34 is lymph. Infrequent words found in
an unabridged English dictionary occur rarely but wherever needed, as for example,
thanatophobia (Heb 2:15), necrobiosis (Rom 4:19).
3. The screen for the readership’s requisite literate level is handily placed within the
translation’s title. Anyone who can comprehend “Idiomatic” in the title also will be able to
handle the multi-level texts within. This Idiomatic Translation attempts to preserve the varieties
of style—ranging from the simplicity of John’s Hebraic gospel, apocalypse, and three letters, all
the way up to the high, Hellenistic-style prologue of the sublime Christological exhortation
called “Hebrews” and Luke’s scholarly introduction of his account of the good news.
4. This translation gives careful attention to the idioms that denote the internal signature
of the English language. Contrast the opposite approach that altogether ignores or eliminates the
idioms. Robert Bratcher, having once made a deliberately non-idiomatic translation of the
Scriptures into Portuguese (to keep from breeding confusion by misconstruing idioms in a
language not his mother tongue), also subsequently for English readers eliminated the idioms he
found and dubbed his expurgated text The Good News Bible [alias, Today’s English Version]. To
compensate for such a decolorizing and diluting of the language resultant from stripping away
the obvious idioms, someone felt it necessary to insert line drawings on the finished pages of
English to put some life back into the now pallid text. The fact that millions of people have been
blessed by the GNB [TEV] is a testimony, above all else, to the insuperable power of the word of
God—even after it has been denuded of certain vibrant expressions. Idioms by their linguistic
color and cadences convince us that God knows us and speaks to us in the language in which we
think. Idioms touch us at a level individual word studies do not reach. They get next to us before
we realize it. The Idiomatic Translation conserves and cherishes those special configurations of
words that characterize the English language. But no idiom is forced on any segment of text. The
presence of idioms in a translation must be natural; their use is always ancillary to the thought
being communicated. They contain and clarify the message or they give way to language that
does. The persistent criterion of choice is always clarity of concept for the attentive reader.
5. The Idiomatic Translation is precisely a translation. Based upon valid hermeneutical
principles, a hundred thousand decisions have been weighed and finalized. For instance: There
are Hebrew idioms (2 Sam 16:10; 19:22 [23 Heb.]; 2 Kings 3:13) that are preserved in Greek
(John 2:4). There are also Greek idioms that must be interpreted: (Acts 5:1—literally, “a man
. . . Ananias in name/for a name”). Furthermore, there are Hebrew-into-Greek and Greek-only
idioms that are best rendered in English without an idiom, because to create one by literalizing
the Hebrew or Greek produces affected language in English. There are, compensatorily, times
when a phrase, verb, or clause is best rendered by an English idiom when one was not present in
the original; for example: “blessed is anyone who is not put out with me” (Matt 11:6). The
presence of idioms in The Idiomatic Translation is exclusively determined by the nature of the
English language and not by the presence or absence of Hebrew and Greek idioms. The Greek
idiom, “speaking into air” is best rendered in English not in that form but as soliloquize (1 Cor
14:9). The presence of idioms in the original biblical texts tests the translator’s comprehension
Introduction 4

that must be exegetically competent before he can accurately convey the meaning in another
language. A word-for-word translation of an idiom will not suffice for lucidity.
Indeed, much contention for a “literal” translation originates from inadequate
presuppositions about the nature of the translating task. English, having comparatively few
inflections, is heavily dependent on word order to indicate meaning, making it subtly idiomatic
at its most foundational level. It is sensible to speak of paraphrasing an English translation
already done, by placing beside it another attempt to say the same thing in different words; but it
is sophomoric to decide the value of a translation by describing it as literal or paraphrastic.
Virtually every consistently metaphrase translation will be a comedown from the original in
clarity and style. And if by “paraphrastic” one means “conceptual,” one should use the latter
word. Moreover, any translation that tries to ignore concepts and just translates the individual
words serially will be pleated with 10,000 crisscrossing wrinkles that frustrate the English reader
by irregular tagmemics. Finally, because The Idiomatic Translation is free to use as many or as
few words as needed for a good translation of a given text, the unwary should not mistake it as
having any “amplified” genes. An amplified translation by its polysemous design dangerously
postpones decisions about word meanings until the reader picks up the text, violates the most
fundamental principle of all word comprehension (that context determines denotation), and
makes for the exclusion of idioms because idioms cannot be amplified without distortion and
almost never would one ascertain synonymous cognate idioms.
6. The language throughout, although formal, is current—as up to date as feasible without
slipping into untested avant-garde expressions or using any word not in keeping with the biblical
norms, and therefore, not in good literary taste. Most modern translations, feeling the massive
influence of tradition, prefer to recede from the present into the safety zone of the English of at
least three to five decades past. However much this translation endeavors to preserve the best of
the thought-forms now current, verbal precision rather than novelty of language is valued above
all else. The most incisive language that is contemporarily in use by intelligent speakers and
authors at the nose cone of refined English has been the ideal. In this regard The Encarta World
English Dictionary (NY: St. Marten’s Press, 1999) has been consulted often. Observing that
“idioms are underrepresented in dictionaries” (p. xviii), this dictionary astutely includes many.
That greatest twentieth-century orator of the U.S. Senate, Everett M. Dirksen, once divulged one
of his verbal secrets: “I choose my words not just for what they mean, but for how they taste in
my mouth.” Great sensitivity, therefore, to word connotations in a given context has been a
primary criterion of this translation as well.
7. The Idiomatic Translation faithfully conserves the univocal genderal perspective of the
New Testament itself, the generic masculine—without dying any of those ancient texts pink or
purple to achieve ephemeral political correctness. On the basis of Genesis 1:26,27 man is
properly understood in certain texts as a synecdoche for human beings.

The Key Role of Idioms in Translation


Derived from the Greek adjective, idios, ‘one’s own’, an idiom denotes a fixed form of
expression that developed within a language and ordinarily is peculiar to that language—a form
whose meaning is not immediately self-evident and must be acquired from familiarity with how
it is used by recognized speakers and writers. Its meaning cannot be deduced merely from the
constituent lexemes. Speakers of that language know well what a particular idiom means and
Introduction 5

outsiders have to guess at it, for its meaning is more than the sum of the bare words. An idiom's
culture-conditioned meaning is linguistically esoteric and resistant to the prevalent but fallacious
notion that translation involves word-for-word substitution of vocabulary from one language into
another, as a computer might attempt but without idiomatic success. In other words, each idiom
in a language consists of a special combination of words (or rarely, a solitary word) whose
meaning is derived from the acquired connotation of the expression’s fixed word-order in
context, not from the expected aggregate of the denotations of its individual words.
Every language has a multiplicity of idioms, each of which is distinctive in its own way.
Accurate and clear translation of the idiomatic components of the biblical text into the target
language affords the greatest challenge of translation.
Every specialist in the field of translation readily acknowledges that seldom does one
find even in cognates a word in one language that has an exact equivalent in another language.
Through continual usage, word histories develop that differ and sometimes spawn colonies of
meaning for a given word. For instance, English has three words, “house,” “household,” and
“home” available to translate the only comparable Greek word, oîkos. Consequently, the
determination of which to use in each English context is decisively idiomatic (house—Acts 9:11;
household—Acts 7:42; home—Luke 10:5). As illustrated here, a single word like home with a
perceived connotation can have in this most subtle sense the character of an idiom, although it
consists of only one word plus its syntactic context that shapes how it is to be understood.
Because structural English has very few variations in word endings (i.e., inflections) in
contrast to those ancient and modern languages that inflect almost all their nouns, adjectives, and
pronouns and that conjugate their verbs with multiple inflections for tense, mood, voice, person,
and number, English early on became dependent on syntactic word order to establish precise
meaning. This structural characteristic of English tagmemics creates the conditions in which
thousands of idioms proliferate and thrive, however inconspicuous many of them may be to the
casual reader or listener. The paucity of inflections makes English easier to learn at first, but the
multiplicity of idioms makes English difficult for infrequent users to master.
English is also prone to the development of idioms because of the facile possibilities of
coupling verbs with prepositions. For example, a classic English idiom is “to put up with” (Eph
4:2). In spite of its literal awkwardness with two prepositions virtually compounding the verb by
the vertical (“up”) and horizontal (“with”) indicia, this idiom is far more pungent than a flat,
literal rendering, “tolerate with restraint,” or “endure the duress of . . . patiently.” Change but
one of the prepositions, from “with” to “to” (i.e., “put up to”), and a completely different idiom
emerges meaning to instigate or coach in deception or dirty tricks against someone (John 18:34;
Acts 6:11). Eliminate the preposition following “put up,” and this verb-preposition combination
demonstrates yet another idiom, meaning to provide hospitality in supplying temporary housing
and meals (Acts 28:7). Similar in form, the idiom “put out” means extinguish (John 1:5), but the
addition of a second preposition “with” and the passive voice of the verb (i.e., “to be put out with
someone”) refers to feeling frustration and possibly anger toward someone (Luke 7:23).
Sometimes the use of a figure of speech that was explicit in biblical times can be
rendered in a safer manner today by straight language because that figure, not in use currently, is
susceptible to ambiguous interpretations. One such figure of speech meant to have only a
temporal denotation occurs in successive verses of Matthew 24:32,33 in Greek: “near the door”;
Introduction 6

“near upon [the] doors.” The plural, doors, intensifies the figure in the second instance. Because
the sayings specify neither a person nor animal having legs, but a season and a series of events
respectively, the figure can be handled with the greatest clarity by using precise, nonfigurative
English: “summer is imminent” (Matt 24:32), and “all these events are imminent” (Matt 24:33).
If the idiomatic figure of speech is retained, a naive reader or an eager allegorizer can get carried
away with the quaintness of the noncurrent way of speaking and escape into unintended
mysteries of the “door”/“doors,” wanting either to name them or to mystically intuit what lies
behind them, and all the while miss the simple, decisively temporal meaning of the text
preserved best in this instance by a straight translation of a foreign figurative idiom.
Because New Testament Greek is a highly inflected language, the biblical authors could
choose to begin a clause or sentence (in company with any transitional particles) by featuring
the most important content first. The Greek inflections of words keep the clause—regardless of
word order—from becoming a grammatical riddle, as can happen in English if one tampers much
with customary word order. Ordinarily, an English sentence begins with what is known and then
moves on to what is new. English at the highest level tends to construct words progressively in
what is called the periodic sentence, working toward a climax of importance at the end. While
recognition of this difference between the original language and the target language is a matter
of tagmemics in conflict in certain texts, the resolution of these structural differences is
idiomatic in the comprehensive sense. This latent idiomatic component remains because
excellent translation conveys the meaning not just by understanding words and phrases, but by
expressing the expected syntactic word-order peculiar to the target language, all the while
seeking to preserve the emphasis implicit, in this case, in the Greek syntax. For example, below
in the Greek text of 1 Corinthians 14:20, after the term of address, the negative is featured,
followed by the object or complement of the verb, and then the verb. Similarly with reference to
the two succeeding clauses, all the verbs come last. The idiomatic rendering is as follows:
Brothers, do not continue to be childish in your reasoning.
Rather, let your immaturity be in evil. Grow up into mature thinking .
Another stellar example is found in Romans 1:14, represented by following the
descending line-sequence below: 1. the transliteration, 2. the interlinear, 3. the idiomatic text:
1. sophoîs te kaì anoétois opheilétes eimí
2. to wise ones and also to ignorant ones debtor I am
3.“I am under obligation to those who have developed their minds and also to the uneducated.”
The challenge of translation requires mastery of the idioms of both the source text and
the target text. In the source text (the Greek NT), the translator in each case has to determine if
the text is:
(1) simple/straight/literal;
(2) figurative;
(3) idiomatic.
If the original text is figurative, the translation normally will preserve the figure of
speech with all the color it provides. When Paul spoke of the world’s valuation of his apostolic
worth, he used the twin metaphors of: “dirty dishwater” and “plate-scrapings” (1 Cor 4:13). Or
observe John the baptizer’s synecdoche in his comparison, “My successor, of whom I am
Introduction 7

unworthy to untie the thong of his sandal” (John 1:27). The identifying part, “untie the thong
of his sandal,” was put figuratively for the whole—the role of being his household servant, his
valet.
The main similarity when comparing figures of speech and the idioms of the New
Testament is that both forms of speech add color and verve to the black and white of ordinary
statement. Difficulty comes when figurative language can be translated best by a precise idiom
replete with its own connotations and implied images. The figure in 1 Corinthians 15:25, “to put
. . . under his feet,” while roughly understandable in English, is better translated idiomatically:
“until such time as he achieves the unconditional surrender of all his enemies .” Another
comparable example involves “feet” as well. The textual figure used in Acts 4:35 says that the
believers were putting their land-sales income at the feet of the apostles. This figure of speech
comes over best in the English idiom: they placed their funds at the apostles’ disposal.
Because of the complexity of any transition from one language to another, no universal
quid pro quo rules are applicable for determining how to handle the translation of straight text,
or the more difficult idiomatic text that has the look of straight language, as to which form is
required in the target language. That is, the notion that straight Greek always should be
translated by straight English and that idiomatic Greek (or its underlying Hebrew idioms) always
should be translated by idiomatic English is a formula that assures a mediocre or often fallacious
translation. A blatant example of this incorrect method can be illustrated by a straight and
therefore obtuse translation of a Hebrew idiom in the Aaronic blessing, now calcified by
centuries of tradition, “the LORD make his face shine upon you” (Num 6:25). No one speaks or
writes that way today unless actually quoting this halfway translation. The Hebrew idiom here
should not be rendered literally, English word for Hebrew word as above, and not by an English
idiom (of which there is none), but by perceptively translating the ancient idiom by simple,
non-idiomatic prose. “May Yahveh smile at you.” Now consider this comparable New Testament
example of an idiom that also smoothes itself out in comprehension by a straight translation:
literal Greek idiom: “Why did you put in your heart this deed?” (Acts 5:4)
straight English: “What motivated you to do this?” (Acts 5:4)

The principle that must be followed is this: Every text of holy Scripture has to be first
understood in the original language by following sound principles of exegesis, hermeneutics, and
a prayerful mindset of spiritual affinity with the truth taught there. Then whether the Greek text
is ordinary or idiomatic, the translator, having grasped the meaning, provides the best way to
express it in the English language, indiscriminately of whether the rendition is normal or
idiomatic. This means that the same depth of care in analyzing the Greek text must also be
extended to finding commensurate English, always choosing the superior expression according
to a criterion of conformity to the original message, striving always for clarity, suitability of the
diction for representing the original, and sensitivity even to the phonology of vocalization so as
to facilitate assimilation and memory.
Complicating the complexity by one more level, Hebrew idioms from the Old
Testament are occasionally imported into the New Testament. This transfer creates three tiers of
language—Hebrew, Greek, English—to be climbed to the summit. For instance, 1 Rock 3:12c
quotes Psalm 34:16, which says literally, “Yahveh’s face is upon those doing evil” and is best
rendered in English as, “Yahveh scowls at those doing evil.” Some of the traditional English
Introduction 8

renderings most plagued with misunderstanding go back in this way through Greek to Hebrew
idioms not well understood four centuries ago or even today. One such misunderstanding is an
idiom of relationship based on the interplay of the speaker's threatened freedom and the
authority of the person addressed, with the first party questioning the right the second party has
to exercise authority over him. What makes it arcane is that the Hebrew idiom is embedded in
verbal simplicity: “What to me and to you?” Structurally, these six words appear to be a sentence
of interrogation, but logically the content of meaning is unavailable just on the basis of the words
and their phraseology that in this form is always idiomatic. This idiom must be ascertained from
the context in the nine respective biblical passages all using the same idiom (2 Sam 16:10; 19:22;
1 Kgs 17:18; Matt 5:7; Mark 1:24; 5:7; Luke 4:34; 8:28; John 2:4), for each context has elements
of similarity that suggest the inferential meaning in any such passage.
Jesus used this Hebraic idiom of relationship in a dialogue with his mother just prior to
performing his first miracle. When a crisis developed at a wedding festival for which she
obviously had some responsibility and Jesus also was in attendance, Mary reported the problem
to him and in so doing she implied that he should do something about it. He responded by saying
[literally]: What to me and you, lady? (John 2:4), which if translated this way would be unclear
and confusing. Honoring the Semitic idiom, one translates as follows: “Lady, what right do you
have to exercise authority over me?” She wisely made no reply, because he was not asking for
information but pointing out a relational disconnect. Mary, who nevertheless had some delegated
authority over the servants, told them to do whatever Jesus said to do, acknowledging in effect
his position to be independent of her.
Sometimes an English idiom is required to translate a biblical idiom. For instance, in
John 10:24 the Greek text says literally, “Until when do you lift up our soul?” That strange
question resolves into transparent English, “For how long will you keep us in suspense?”
There are certain Hebraic idioms that turn out to be redundancies. It is best to pare them
down in English to accord with contemporary canons of style that (except for rhetorical effect in
anadiplosis and anaphora) dislike redundancy and circumlocution. The most notorious of these is
the narrative Hebraic idiom, “answered and said” (John 1:48,50; 2:19; 3:3,9,10,27; 4:10,13,17;
5:19), or the variation, “answered saying” (John 1:26). In Hebrew or Aramaic this duplication of
verbs often alternates with merely, “he said,” in the flow of text that is a deeply set form for
recitation of conversation within ancient storytelling. Hebrew redundancy is used to slow down
the narration, to heighten suspense for a moment longer, and to set up the listener for the reply to
be rendered. This idiom of answering and saying is handled best in English not by verbal
duplication (as in the KJV) but by using only one verb that indicates the transition in speakers
and simultaneously introduces the reply: “he answered” or “he replied.” It is interesting to note
in the Elizabethan English of the King James Version of the Bible (AD 1611) a contrasting idiom
of narrational redundancy. The original Greek text in certain narrations simply says: “It
occurred,” that is, “It happened.” As a story preface the single verb was expanded idiomatically
in the KJV to read: “It came to pass” (Luke 11:1). Four centuries later that Elizabethan narrative
idiom is no longer in use in standard English and illustrates the need for new translations as
language changes. In a different mode of redundancy, compare the literal statement in Galatians
2:5, “we yielded in submission” to the preferred, succinct idiom, “we gave in to.”
When idioms are used, they must be accorded full precision. But idioms do not try to
avoid saying something directly by taking the long route around as do circumlocutions. For this
Introduction 9

translation, equally sensitive to idioms, figures of speech, and ordinary text, Adrienne Koch's
principle of conserving verbal brevity, namely, “using not a word to spare, leave not a moment
for inattention,” has been the ideal for determining the length of every phrase or clause.

Elements of Style
Transparency
The basic design of this translation is constructed to provide full transparency to the
word of God in English: “The greatest possible merit of style is, of course, to make the words
absolutely disappear into the thought.” —Nathaniel Hawthorne. Susan Denzer’s concordant
counsel in this matter has been conserved as the ideal: “Style should be the servant of clarity and
understanding—supportive, but unobtrusive, so that the reader doesn’t really know it’s there.” 1

Capitalization Conforming to Contemporary Style


Conservative use of capitalization according to concurrent norms is a noticeable feature
of The Idiomatic Translation, as contrasted with the majority of other translations that lean back
to colonial days. Benjamin Franklin already in 1789 in his letter to Noah Webster rued the
passing of what he called the age of noun capitalization. But the trend he thought had passed
away has continued ever since, although diminished, especially in religious texts. When frequent
capitalizations within sentences are made, for instance, as seen in America in the historic
Declaration of Independence, the modern reader’s attention is drawn away from the message in
the words to the quaintness of an old-time style in which the reader has to climb over mountain
ranges of capital letters to get to the meaning. Therefore, readers of capitals-heavy translations
done in an old-English tradition that relied on profuse capitalization, ostensibly to show
reverence, to attempt emphases, or to influence dogmatic formulations, will notice the difference
in this translation that uses initial capital letters sparingly and only when required. For example,
Romans 1:9 has “the gospel of his son,” not—however well meaning—the antiquarian
affectation, “the Gospel of His Son.” Use of a plethora of capitals depicts quaintness, peculiarity,
and eccentricity, distracting from the accessibility of the word meanings.
Pronouns for deity have not been capitalized unless placement of the pronoun as the
first word in the sentence necessitates the capital. Compare the idiomatic translation of John
15:26-27 where ten internal words [four titles, six pronouns] in just two verses conform to
regular prose style without loading this text with superimposed capitals:
When your companion arrives, whom I will send to you from the father, the
spirit of truth who proceeds from the father, he will authenticate me. You also
will authenticate me because you have been with me from the beginning.
All but two of the many titles of Jesus have been presented without the artificial boost
of a capital letter (e.g., “forerunner Jesus”—Heb 6:20). Thereby, one’s attention is focused on
the meaning, whether literal or metaphorical, explicit in the title itself. An editor’s imposition of
an initial capital has the effect of distracting momentarily from the idea expressed by the word.
That is, one feels the impact of the capital before that of the concept itself. A capital always has

1
U.S. News & World Report Stylebook for Writers and Editors. Ed. by R. O. Grover. seventh
edition, 1994. p. 45.
Introduction 10

been used for the title, Christ (‘anointed one’), because it is clear in many instances that this title
is normally linked with the name Jesus, coming first or second in word order to specify his
personal identity. Thus the most frequently used title, “Christ,” in most instances functions like a
proper name that accordingly always takes capitalization. Also the characteristic title, Lord,
when linked with Jesus has been capitalized because as the second most frequently used
appellation for Jesus, it has personal implications when he is referred to in the third person with
the definite article, (Luke 18:6; John 6:23; 11:2; Cor 3:17), when it is used as a form of direct
address (Matt 16:22; Luke 5:8; John 11:12), and when it is a component of his formal title (Rom
1:7;5:1,11; 13:14; 14:14; 15:6, 30; 16:20; 1 Cor. 1:1:2,3, 7,8,10; 2 Cor 13:14; Gal 1:3; 6:14; Eph
1:2,3), and for uniformity also in every other place.
The inappropriateness of making capitalization an issue of theological significance in
translation becomes apparent when one follows the mandated ministerial practice of reading the
Scriptures to congregations (1 Tim 4:13). None of the hearers of the read Scriptures can detect
from the oral reading any of the adjustments editors wanting to be theologically correct have
made supposedly to upgrade a text by their stylistic enhancements. The authority, however, lies
entirely in the words themselves, regardless of the literary style of the host languages into which
international translations are made. Furthermore, convincing proof of the validity of this
principle that the words themselves bear all the theological weight can be demonstrated by the
uniformity of letter size in the most ancient Greek codices of the New Testament, the uncials,
handwritten entirely in capital letters. That is, these earliest compiled manuscripts, using
comparable English lettering to illustrate them, looked approximately like this:
ALLINCAPITALLETTERSWITHOUTBREAKSBETWEENWORDSEXCEPT
at the ends of the lines, where the break can and often does come anywhere, even within a word
so as to conserve space. When quotations of the Old Testament are made in the New Testament,
the same uniformity of letter case is apparent in the Old Testament text being quoted, for Hebrew
characters are all of one size without any possible distinction as in English between lower case
and upper case. In ancient Hebrew texts there is only one alphabet, one set of hand-drawn letters,
one “case” or font for all writing. Conclusion: There are no inspired guidelines (given, implied,
or intended) in the original sources to justify initial capitalization of selected words. Every
capital represents a downline editorial decision. This idiomatic translation, therefore, by its
conformity to accepted prose style makes possible a fresh apprehension of the biblical text
without importing dogmatic containers in the cargo hold of capitalization. Whatever of tradition
is lost in the acquisition of biblical truth, none was listed in the original biblical bill of lading.
The analogical terms, “father” and “son,” when used in reference to God and his human
son have not been capitalized except in those cases where the translation has the conjoined term,
“Father God,” (Eph 5:20) of which capitalization of Father in the ascriptive position accords
with contemporary style. It would be redundant to capitalize son in “God’s son” (1 John 5:5)
because “son” is clearly modified by “God.” Often one finds “God the father of . . ." or “the
father” where the article in the Greek text sets the divine frame of reference (John 6:27) to
differentiate “the father” from all human fathers. “Where is your father?” (John 8:19) inquired
Jesus’ enemies. By following current norms of English style one does not need to insert an
awkward capital “F” as “Father” to make a capital letter bear the weight of the determination of
Jesus’ paternity, especially because these critics of Jesus claimed for themselves “we have one
father, God” (John 8:41). Arbitrary decisions about capitalization are avoided by using the
Introduction 11

expected English form, even if that procedure at first seems to traditional eyes to result in literary
understatement—an effective technique in which less is more, as good writers know, indicating
that the truth stands on its own stable feet without need for editorial puffing. Note the following
example where father is being used generically but with obvious meaning without
superimposing a capital letter:
In their view he not only had violated the sabbath, but also by speaking of God
intimately as his father, he was putting himself on a par with God. (John 5:18)
In the next illustration the adjective, heavenly, makes clear which father is meant:
Therefore, if you—although unregenerate—know how to give good gifts to your
children, how much more will the heavenly father give holy spirit to those who
ask him! (Luke 11:13)
Likewise, lower case simplicity of reference to “the spirit of God” has been maintained.
The prepositional phrase, “of God,” makes it unmistakable that “the spirit” in the complete
phrase, “the spirit of God,” is God’s spirit for which a capitalized “S” would create a mysterious
redundancy whose emphasis must then be subtracted from the internal phrase, “of God.” The
same principle holds for “the spirit of Jesus” (Acts 16:7). A restrained use of capitals perfectly
accords with Jesus’ foundational saying about the spiritual nature of God and how to worship
him:
But the future has arrived in which true devotees will adore the father
in spirit and truth. For the father desires that kind of approach by those
worshiping him. God is spirit. Worshipers should revere him in spirit
and truth. (John 4:23-24)
This conservatism in style displayed in the use of capitals has the advantage of not
deciding the interpretation of a given passage such as James 4:5, which mentions “the spirit
dwelling in us.” But if a translator retains as here the lower case “spirit” within a full translation
of the New Testament otherwise peppered with “the Spirit,” he thereby has fully decided that
James here refers to the human spirit that all people have, not to God’s spirit that only believers
in Jesus have. By his capitalization such a translator affords no slack to the careful English
reader, interpreter, or expositor, which means the user will have to take his fisherman’s knife
and cut the translator’s line if he would pull in a different understanding of James 4:5 in view of
the context of the whole Bible. In 2 Timothy 1:7 the same kind of ambiguity exists in the second
mention of “spirit” for any consistent capitalizer of “Spirit,” or in the only mention of "spirit" in
1 Corinthians 15:45 that describes Christ.
There are contexts in the New Testament in which references to to pneûma, “the spirit,”
are such that the lower case is always appropriate and the upper case stilted:
(1) They unmistakably allude (in the larger context) to God (e.g., 1 Tim 4:1).
(2) They are elliptical in that “of God” is implied in each case. Because the reader can
be sure from the context that not some other spirit, but “the spirit of God”
is meant, the shortened form, “the spirit,” introduced by the definite article, suffices
to provide clear reference.
When “holy” is used with “spirit” as in 2 Corinthians 6:6 (en pneúmati hagío), “in holy
spirit,” whether anarthrous as here and also in other instances when preceded by a preposition
Introduction 12

(dià pneúmatos hagíou—Acts 1:2) and in all passages that speak of filling or being full of “holy
spirit” or of immersing or being baptized in “holy spirit” (Matt 3:11; Mark 1:8; Luke 1:15,41,67;
3:16; 4:1; John 1:33; Acts 1:5; 2:4; 4:8,31; 6:3,5; 7:55; 9:17; 11:16,24; 13:9,52; Eph 5:18), or
when the expression is articular as in Acts 10:47 (tò pneûma tò hágion), “the holy spirit,” all
such expressions using “holy” as an adjective modifying “spirit” have been so rendered in this
translation without arbitrary capitalization of the adjective or the noun, understanding “[the] holy
spirit” as a synonym for “the spirit of God.” Tendentious capitalization to accommodate the
dogmatic accretions of the philosopher-theologians of the fourth and fifth centuries, familiar as it
is today in the term, Holy Spirit, as if capitalization created per se a First-name + Surname
indication of a solitary individual, (like Holly Spires or Hobart Spencer), has been avoided as
unwarranted and without scriptural precedent. For instance: “the disciples kept being filled with
joy and holy spirit” (Acts 13:52). Likewise it would be top heavy to put a capital letter on the
first noun in the phrase, “the spirit of grace” (Heb 10:29). One more example is appropriate:
God did not give us a spirit that is faint-hearted, but dynamic, loving, and
controlled by wisdom. (2 Tim 1:7)
Similar principles have been followed with reference to God's word, glory, and hand in
their many occurrences. Whenever “the word of God” occurs, whether it refers to the oral
message, the written message, the eternal word, the planted seed, or the Christ of the apocalypse,
it appears in that lower case form, or following God (in the possessive)—“God’s word”—in
analogy to “the spirit of God,” “the glory of God,” and “the hand of God.”
In conforming to the modern practice of primary use of the lower case, it is interesting
to recall that historic John Wycliffe, maker of the first translation of the Bible into English, did
not use capitals for proper nouns, like “god” (or emperrour august, galile, nazareth, bethleem,
iudee, davith [i.e., David]).2

Holy Onomastics—Inclusion of God's Revealed Personal Name


God's holy name, Yahveh, (pronounced, YAH-vay), his exclusive personal name
revealed in Scripture to identify the only true God (Psa 135:13), has been concealed and
effectively purged from many familiar translations. But The Idiomatic Translation restores the
revelation of his proper name wherever appropriate in demonstrating continuity with the Old
Testament (Exod 33:19). Therefore, when God's only personal name is indicated, as
differentiated from the generic term (God) and all his many titles, his revealed name has been
retained as it should be.
Most of the traditional translations, striving to avoid use of the personal name of God,
have substituted LORD (note the initial capital plus three final small capitals), fabricating an
antonomasia for the personal name of God in the Old Testament, much as King Charles in his
day might be called, “Your Highness,” or “His Majesty,” instead of by his given name. When it
is obvious in a New Testament quotation of the Old Testament that the personal name of God
rather than the generic term for God (Elohim) is found in the Hebrew text, the proper equivalent
in transliteration, following correct Hebrew lettering (having no “j” or “w” among the 22 letters

2
See the quotation of Luke 2:1-14 found in David Crystal, The Cambridge Encyclopedia of the
English Language. (Cambridge University Press, 1995), p. 48.
Introduction 13

of the Hebrew alphabet), i.e., Yahveh [Heb., hw<h.y: , as contrasted with the altered form, hw"ïhy>]
has been used—as for instance, in Luke 20:42 and Hebrews 1:10 as the recognized spelling.3
In ancient Israel the generic term for God was Elohim and the personal name of God
was revealed as Yahveh. The prophet Micah made this distinction clear, using both the generic
terms (Elohim: gods, God) and the only personal name of God (Yahveh):
All the nations may walk in the name of their gods [Elohim]; we will walk in the
name of Yahveh [Yahveh] our God [Elohim] for ever and ever. (Mic 4:5)
Comparable in some sense to the duplicitous Islamic use of Allah, a contraction of al
ilah, [“the god”], hovers the indistinct image of God's personal name among Christians whose
study is limited to English translations of the Bible that omit his real name, even when the
biblical text uses the term, name, and then spells out that unique name. In the 6,007 biblical
occurrences of the one divine name, hwhy, the traditional translators in evading the holy name
have represented it as “the LORD.” Although this adventitious term is augmented by the definite
article [the] (without any literal basis) and magnified by capital letters (without any literal basis)
to form an antonomasia, “the LORD,” this contrived reconstruction is nothing more than a
replacement title, standing in for a proper noun that would be required to represent accurately
the biblical text. The literal rendering in English of the Hebrew hw<h.y: is Yahveh (by
transliteration), or in French, Yahvé (French Bible Jerusalem). The translational downgrade
from his name to an arbitrary title, i.e., from Yahveh to the LORD may have been made on the
basis of the Jewish scribal superstition or fear of misusing his name (Psa 139:20) that after the
fall of Jerusalem caused the Jews to avoid using Yahveh altogether (substituting Adonai—‘my
Lord’ and putting under the radicals its different vowels represented obliquely as hw"ïhy> instead of
hw<h.y,: that has the proper vowels. It is also defended on the basis of the Septuagint’s timid
substitution, thousands of times, of ku,rioj, Lord, for Yahveh. Such an unconscionable deletion of
God's personal name, exalted as it is with his word above all things (Psa 138:2), leaving behind
in the textual vacancy an ash residue, a title not even etymologically related, conditions
English-language believers to think that their God—like Islamic Allah—must not have a distinct
personal name, that is, until they read Romans 8:15 that supports intimate address of God as the
privilege of his children.
That God's revealed name is holy does not mean it is sacrosanct to the point it must be
avoided in identifying or fellowshiping with God (1 John 1:3) or when accurately quoting what
the prophets said in revealing God's name. Whereas the generic term for God(s), Elohim, used of
the true God occurs in the Old Testament slightly over 2,000 times. These include its use also for
idols, judges, and named false gods like Amon, Baal, Chemosh, and Dagon. But the personal
name of God occurs there over 6,000 times, always in the singular, always anarthrous, and
always a proper noun, naming the only true God personally, and asserting in this manner the
acknowledged value afforded by having a name. Yahveh, the personal name of God, occurs three
times for every generic term for God used in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, Jesus
was the special bearer of the divine name as a gift to him from the “holy father,” to whom he

3
Peter Limburg, Stories Behind Words: The Origins and Histories Behind 285 English Words.
H. W. Wilson, 1986. p.104.
Introduction 14

addressed his life-summary prayer, mentioning twice he had been entrusted with God's name:
“your name—the name you gave me” (John 17:11,12).
Most English readers, however, either cannot or do not differentiate between the LORD
and the Lord when reading the Old Testament, as for example in one of Jesus' favorite
messianic passages that remained inexplicable to his enemies: “The LORD says to my Lord:
‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’” (Psa 110:1 NIV). To
bring the English, obscured by editorial revision, up to the level of clarity of the Hebrew, the first
clause should read instead: “Yahveh says to my Lord” (Luke 20:42). In addition, note that the
original text of Moses’ proclamation of Yahveh’s superiority over all gods preserves the name of
God from being obscured by a title (in a context also plentiful with generic terms for God):
For Yahveh your God [Elohim] is God [Elohim] of gods [Elohim] and Lord
[’AdÐnL] of lords [’adÐnTm], the great God [’–l], mighty and awe-inspiring,
who does not show favoritism and does not accept a bribe.
(Deut 10:17—WGM’s translation).
It is confusing at the least and irresponsibly misleading for a translator to omit the
personal name of God and to substitute an antonomasia when he is being identified in his
supreme position and unique personal nature in contrast with all other named deities and idols, or
in any other identity situation. Note again the unnecessary obscurity produced when Hebrew
texts that clearly state the name of God are ignored or suppressed in translation. The practice
denies the reader access to his sacred name, as for instance, in the declaration of Amos about the
identity of the creator, “The LORD is his name” (Amos 5:8 NIV). The prophet would have used
other words had he meant to say that; he actually said without nominal equivocation, “Yahveh
is his name.” The prophet Isaiah, voicing God's self-identification, likewise said, "I am
Yahveh; that is my name! I will not give my glory to another or my praise to idols” (Isa 42:8).
Baal means Lord. In Old Testament times if one merely said, “the Lord,” that
designation was also parallel in expression with the Canaanite term, the Baal [l[;Bö;h—
; article +
noun = “the Lord” (1 Sam 22:53—Heb. = 22:54)]. Were one to back translate from the NIV’s
English version of 2 Kings 10:23 into Hebrew (substituting literally “the Lord” for Baal each
time), the command of Jehu would become meaningless to the original hearers. The NIV has
everywhere excluded Yahveh’s name and thereby introduced literal ambiguity in this Baalistic
context:
Then Jehu and Jehonadab son of Recab went into the temple of Baal [i.e., “the
Lord”]. Jehu said to the ministers of Baal [i.e., “the Lord”], "Look around and
see that no servants of the LORD [i.e., Yahveh] are here with you—only
ministers of Baal [i.e., “the Lord”]."

Quotation Marks
Words obviously used not in their normal denotation but with a special application in
the text, as “law” (1 Cor 9:21), and “baptized” (1 Cor 10:2), have been enclosed in quotes as per
modern usage. Also all quotes from nonbiblical sources (e.g., the Greek poets, a secular proverb,
the Corinthian congregation in dialogue) have been treated the same way.
Introduction 15

Quotations of the Old Testament in the New Testament have not been set in quotation
marks but in a distinctive font [Gill Sans]. Longer quotations begin in indented block format
with wide margins and do not need quotation marks.

Anachronism Avoidance
In general, a true translation will be free of concrete anachronisms. An idiomatic
translation must be true to the historical-cultural context that forms the setting for every text. It
would be improper, therefore, to allude to newspaper headlines in translating Luke 8:17 like this:
“and nothing covered up that will not make the headlines.”
Use of certain neutral—that is, harmless but helpful—anachronistic expressions is
possible within the limits of idiomatic translation. Today the English word city denotes a large
population. This means there are few “cities” (Acts 14:6) in the New Testament and many
towns/villages (Acts 8:40) if one applies the current city concept without regard for the much
smaller world-population in biblical times. Another verbal anachronism justified by idiomatic
translation is illustrated in John 4:52 by the phrase, “1 p.m.,” instead of the literal Roman-culture
time, “the seventh hour,” that could be mistaken in contemporary culture as 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., six
hours early or late in either case. Use of “psychotic” in John 10:20, while a mild anachronism as
a term, constitutes a useful idiomatic rendering that conveys well the present meaning of the
Greek word.

Transliterating with Care and Rarely


It is necessary to transliterate proper nouns that are names and locations, but few other
words unless the transliteration has already acquired an accepted denotation in the English
language. Examples of the latter are: cataclysm < kataklusmòs (Luke 17:27b); gangrene
<gángraina (2 Tim 2:17); abyss < ábyssos Rom 10:7); proselyte < prosélytos (Acts 6:5);
logomachy < logomachRa (1 Tim 6:4); dysentery < dysentérion (Acts 28:8). In order to avoid a
stark anachronism in Acts 12:10, automát— (“of its own accord”) was translated rather than
transliterated (“automatically”—that suggests an electric-eye mechanism). Also in Mary’s
prophetic song, the rendering of dynástas in Luke 1:52 should be monarchs, not dynasties.
Because Jesus gave Simon, one of his first disciples, a positive title by which he would
become known, that significant meaning has been preserved in the translation, Rock, rather than
by transliterating sideways from the Greek translation into English as the transliteration, Peter.
God's unique personal name, used 6,007 times in the Old Testament, was brought over
97 times into the New Testament, retaining the proper Old Testament transliteration, Yahveh.

Paragraphing
The translator’s understanding of what constitutes coherent blocks of thought
determines the configuration of paragraphs. Use of paragraphs set off by leading between them
rather than verses as the primary unit of organization helps the reader by sorting out the
immediate context of each segment of text. Many, but by no means all, of the paragraph
divisions of this translation accord with those of the fourth revised edition of The Greek New
Testament (ed. by B. & K. Aland, Karavidopoulos, Martini, and Metzger).
Introduction 16

Italics, Bolding, and Bullets


In accord with the trends in literary format generated by word-processing software this
translation utilizes (sparingly) italics, bolding, and bullets where these assist in focusing on the
text itself without being intrusive. If anything, these three focalizers are underused, lest key
words, phrases, or clauses be overemphasized at the expense of the inspired text around them.

Ellipses
The following sentence ends more powerfully by requiring the reader to supply by
anaphora the verb needed to complete the last clause: “The sky and earth will disintegrate, but
my words will not.” (Mark 13:31). The Greek text repeats disintegrate after the negative. By
omitting the second recording of the verb, redundancy in English is avoided, and the whole
statement is more likely to stick in the mind of the reader because of the way it terminates with
the negative at the heavy end of the sentence. Another similar example is found in Luke 17:22.
There are other places where an ellipsis is found in the Greek text but in each case it is
best to fill out the ellipsis for the clarity of the English translation: This clause occurs in John
7:39—odpÐ gBr —n pneòma, and has been rendered without ambiguity, “for his spirit was not
yet received”; the final word was supplied by implication from the context. Otherwise, the
amphibology would remain, with the reader’s not knowing whether the spirit had not yet existed
or reception of the spirit had not yet occurred. A second example of this kind of filled-in ellipsis
follows: Mark 6:17—Autbs gBr ho H—rÐd—s aposteRlas ekr<t—sen tbn IÐ<nn—n, translated so as
to tell what was sent: “For Herod himself, having sent deputies, arrested John.”
Other times in an extended inference in which gBr is supplied more than once in
successive Greek sentences (Gal 5:5,6), this conjunction need not be translated the second time.
It would cheapen the quality of the English to begin each of the two coordinate sentences with
“For,” even if it is proper for the Greek construction to signal by this means only that the
argument is continuing in such repetitions.
Also there are inclusions in the Lukan narrative style that in the best English would
sometimes be elliptical. For instance, the Greek verb, “It happened” opens the story of the
healing of Aeneas, where it can be translated, “The following incident occurred” (Acts 9:32), but
it is better to omit it when it occurs again in the story that follows—the fatal sickness of Dorcas
and her resuscitation after death (Acts 9:37). Luke sometimes uses the indefinite relative
pronoun in such a way that the best English is clear without it (except as a, an) as in Acts 9:33:
“He found there a man named Aeneas.” Luke’s narrative style also includes many occurrences
of the particle de (e.g., Acts 9:32,33,36,37,38,39,40,41,42,43) that often cannot be recognized as
requiring an English word for translation.

Parentheses and Brackets


Parentheses have been utilized very sparingly to indicate soft interpolation of elliptical
elements abstracted from the context (Matt 7:7) . Brackets are infrequently used to provide hard
interpolations of helpful explanations where the need for them is immediate and unavailable in
the context as in a difficult allusion (John 1:21) or for the identification of a pronoun.
Introduction 17

Footnote Avoidance
Once one begins to introduce alternatives, clarifications, and exegetical comments by
way of footnotes, there is no logical delimiting principle to keep such from expanding
almost endlessly. Therefore, in only two places (Matt 28:19; Mark 10:51) has a footnote asterisk
been included.

Chapter and Verse Numbering


Headers on each page mark the chapter(s) and all the verses that begin on that page,
whatever the carryover portion of a verse to the next page. Chapters are indicated by boldfaced
numbers. Superscript verse numbers have been inserted within the flow of the text at the
beginning of the reference.
The traditional verse numbering has been retained rather than renumbering a sequence
when the Greek text does not support text of a traditional verse number. This means that in rare
instances a verse number was omitted, for example, Mark 11:25 is followed by 11:27; and Mark
15:27 by 15:29.

The Greek Base for Translation


This translation is based on the most recognized scholarly compilation available of the
oldest known Greek text of the New Testament:
The Greek New Testament. Fourth revised edition. Edited by Barbara Aland,
Kurt Aland, Johannes Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini, and Bruce M. Metzger.
D-Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft: United Bible Societies, 1994.
Exactly the same Greek text is found in:
Novum Testamentum Graece. Twenty-seventh revised edition from the original work of
Eberhard and Erwin Nestle. Edited by Barbara and Kurt Aland, Johannes
Karavidopoulos, Carlo M. Martini, and Bruce M. Metzger. Stuttgart: Deutsche
Bibelgesellschaft, 1993.
While the Greek text above has been carefully followed,4 the punctuation in the Greek
text produced by the editors has not always been accepted. For instance, it is preferable to render
Romans 10:19 in the indicative, although set up in the texts above as an interrogative. John 7:38
is a classic instance of misplaced versification based on Origen’s faulty punctuation, leading to a
mistranslation at odds with the context.

Tag Questions
A tag question expects either a negative or positive reply after an indicative clause and
leads the responder in the direction of the answer it expects, both in Greek and English. In Greek
questions that include a negative in the clause, the negative ou anticipates “yes” for an answer,
4
The one exception is Matthew 28:19b where the longer UBS text has been placed in a footnote.
This questionable text at the end of Matthew, where the exposed edge of the scroll was most
vulnerable to being worn away, has a serious internal contradiction, and external contrarieties in
the inspired biblical history of the church (Acts 2:38; 8:12-16; 10:48; 19:5).
Introduction 18

and conversely the negative m—, a “no.” This grammatical precision has been represented in
English by the use of tag questions: “Two sparrows are sold for the value of the smallest coin;
are they not?” (Matt 10:29). “Boys, you do not have anything to make a meal on, do you?”
(John 21:5)

Spelling of Names and Locations


The spelling of proper nouns conforms with those of William F. Arndt and F. W.
Gingrich in A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian
Literature, second edition (1979). For uniformity this includes the spelling, Judaea, while most
modern spellings have Judea. Sometimes “the southern province” substitutes for Judaea.

Formal Style
As appropriate to the formal character of this nonfiction ancient writing, there are no
contractions used.
The temptation to cutesiness in order to make the message hot or cool has been resisted,
while conserving the enduring character of the word of God.

Idiomatic Binomials
In English idiom the binomial, “flesh and blood” (1 Cor 15:50; Eph 6:12; Heb 2:14) is
idiomatically irreversible and occurs like that, but in the Greek text the cognate binomial is also
idiomatically irreversible in the opposite order (except in Gal 1:16). Another example of an
idiomatically irreversible (Hebrew) binomial is “night and day” (1 Thes 2:9; 3:10; 2 Thes 3:8; 1
Tim 5:5; 2 Tim 1:3), used to describe ongoing labors and prayers; its Hebraic order has been
retained in the texts above. Once the Greek text has “day and night” (Rev 7:15).

Uninterrupted Text
The intrusive but common contemporary practice of interspersing editorial headings
before a block of text within a textual column (e.g., Eutychus’ Defenestration before Acts
20:7-12) has been rejected to maintain the indivisible character and sanctity of the inspired text.

Distinctive Nomenclature
∼ Yahveh, the personal name of God has been restored to the readership. The quaint
omission of God's name by translators who either feared to disclose it to the public or
could not continue the fallacious KJV hybrid, Jehovah, used only 10 times (Gen 22:14;
Exod 6:3; 17:15; Jdg 6:24; Psa 83:18; Isa 12:2; 26:4; Jer 23:6; 33:16; Ezek 48:35) in the
KJV Bible, has been corrected by the restoration of the proper vowels with the
tetragrammaton. In biblical times or post-biblically one either said Yahveh or used the
arbitrary substitution, Adonai (yn"©doa÷] 'my lords'—Psa 2:4), but never Jehovah, which
combined the Hebrew vowels of Adonai with the four consonants of YHVH (hw<h.y: ).
Back in the nineteenth century during the hiatus while Hebrew was still dormant [i.e.,
unspoken], some Christian scholars recognized the need to talk about the God of the
Bible by his proper name. They for the most part transliterated the biblical name as
Introduction 19

Yahweh. This rendering of the medial vav as a waw (i.e., v as w—a strange phoneme not
found among the 22 letters of the Hebrew alphabet), produced a transliteration both hard
to say and hard to sing—a form in disharmony with the transliteration of living Hebrew
into English today. It is important to remember in vocalizing Hebrew that Hebrew (like
Spanish and Czech) is nearly phonetic. Also back in the nineteenth century the Old
Testament scholar, Charles A. Briggs, perceptively stated in reference to God's name
that “any translation [of it] misses the sense” (Messianic Prophecy, 1886, Hendrickson
reprint, 1988) p. x [bold italics added].
∼ John the baptizer is the vocational identifier that differentiates the great prophet from
John the apostle—without introducing the traditional anachronism that when capitalized
seems to give John a denominational affiliation.
∼ The daughter Zion [not daughter of Zion as if there were in addition to God and Zion a
third, unknown party] has been used as when Matthew 21:5 and John 12:15 quote from
the Old Testament. The concept is that just as Israel collectively was God's son, so Zion
was his daughter.
∼ The term, microbeliever(s), has been coined (e.g., Matt 6:30; 8:26; 14:31; 16:8) to
translate olig\pistos, a concise term describing those with puny faith who because of the
presence of Jesus with them should have had much faith.
∼ Olive Grove Mountain replaces the traditional rendering, “Mount of Olives,” which
would suggest to some minds a colossal mound of ripe olives rather than a mountain site
noted for cultivated olive orchards (Matt 26:30).
∼ The Hebrews spoke of non-Jews as the nations (Rom 3:29; 11:13; 15:9,10,11,12) or as
expressed via Yiddish transliteration in English as goyim (Luke18:32; Rom 1:5;2:14;
10:19; 11:13; 15:9) or alternatively, gentiles, a word meaning of the same [non-Jewish]
clan (Matt 10:33; Mark 10:33).
∼ “Simon, called Rock” (Matt 10:2). Because Jesus made a point of giving a
characterizing title to the apostle whose original name meant reed and thereby made a
play on words between the Aramaic words, Simon and Cephas (John 1:42), it is best
always to translate the Greek translation, Petros, rather than transliterate it.
∼ Always scholar(s) occurs as the proper translation of grammateds, grammate´s (pl),
rendered etymologically in the KJV and most subsequent translations as scribe(s) (Mark
3:22; 7:5; 9:11,14; 11:18,27; 12:35; 14:1,53).
∼ The adjective, supersinful, was coined to render hyperbol—n hamartÐlbs (Rom 7:13).
∼ The frequent term, the holy ones, reflects the biblical doctrine of sanctification and was
consistently used to translate hoi h<gioi all 45 times the term (in its various inflections)
occurs in the New Testament (Acts 9:13,32; 26:10; Rom 1:7; 8:27; 15:25,26,31;
16:2,15; 1 Cor 6:1,2; 14:33; 16:15; 2 Cor 1:1; 8:4; 9:1; 13:13; Eph 1:1,15,18; 3:18;
6:18; Phil 1:1; 4:21,22; Col 1:4,12,26; 1 Tim 5:10; Phlm 1:5,7; Jude 1:3; Rev 5:8; 8:3,4;
11:18; 13:7,10; 14:12; 16:6; 17:6; 18:20,24; 19:8). The translation, saints, has become so
tainted by the false (to the New Testament) particularization of individuals by pontifical
canonization to become terminals of prayer and supposed sources of miracles that this
Introduction 20

term has not been used. [The preview edition of the TNIV (2002) distorts the term, hoi
h<gioi, with sociological definitions (e.g., “believers” and “the people of God”),
occluding the truth about the holy nature of the true church. Such a substitution of terms
by the TNIV is cavalier and misleading rather than idiomatic.]
∼ The human one or the human being, a Semitic idiom, was Jesus' favorite way of
referring to himself in 49 instances (recorded 82 times in the Gospels) as ho huiòs toû
anthrÐpou. This title has been translated traditionally in the English language without
recognition of its idiomatic status, as “the Son of Man” (KJV, NIV). Removal of the
awkward, unjustified capitalization in English places the weight where it should be, on
the idiom for man, “the son of man.” Yet in spite of that simplicity of form, the phrase is
not self-clarifying either in English or in other non-Semitic languages. English uses the
“son of . . .” phrase to show paternity in the biological sense, to identify a son or sons of
a named father or mother. Seldom is it used in the figurative paternal sense in English to
refer to spiritual or intellectual sons of a man. While Hebrew, like all other languages,
will name the father whose son is being accorded filial identification, as for instance,
“Ithamar son of Aaron” (Exod 38:21), or the mother, “Shaul the son of a Canaanite
woman” (Exod 6:15), Hebrew also uses “son of . . .” by extension beyond specifying
paternity or maternity to indicate a special, derived qualitative sense, attributing a nature
or character as contained in the common noun that closes the phrase. For example, a son
of worthlessness was a scoundrel, a good-for-nothing (1 Sam 25:17); a son of
might/strength was a brave soldier (1 Sam 14:52; 2 Sam 17:10); a son of death was a
person certain to die soon, one marked for death (1 Sam 20:31); a son of oil was an
olive-oil producing grove (Isa 5:1 [Heb. text]); a son of slaying was a murderer (2 Kgs
6:32); a son of dawn was a glorious one (Isa 14:12); a son of a year was a yearling (Exod
12:5); sons of foreignness were aliens (Isa 60:10; 62:8); sons of fornication were
offspring born out of wedlock (Hos 2:4); sons of the fresh oil were anointed ministers
(Zec 4:14); sons of the East were eastern peoples (Gen 29:1; Jdg 8:10). The “son of . . .”
idiom [singular or plural] carries over into the New Testament as a Hebraism because
the teachings and conversations in the Gospels originated orally in the Hebrew dialect,
Aramaic; that is, the Hebrew idiom was expressed literally in Greek, for example: a son
of peace was a peaceful person (Luke 10:6); a son of the smoldering garbage dump was
an abhorrent person of nefarious character (Matt 23:15); sons of disobedience were
rebels (Eph 5:6; Col 3:6); a son of a devil was a diabolical person (Acts 13:10); a son of
destruction was a destructive person (John 17:12; 2 Thes 2:3); sons of this age were
worldlings, secular people (Luke 16:8; 20:34); sons of the kingdom were people living
under God’s rule (Matt 8:12; 13:38); sons of thunder were denunciators rumbling out
threats of judgment (Mark 3:17 > Luke 9:54); sons of light were enlightened people
having God's perspective (Luke 16:8; John 12:36; 1 Thes 5:5); sons of the bridegroom
were wedding guests (Matt 9:15; Mark 2:19; Luke 5:34). To differentiate usage:
Introduction 21

Determine whether the phrase is standard, that is, stating paternity, or idiomatic, stating a
characteristic or quality that is then used as a substantive: If the object of the preposition is a
proper noun, the son of phrase reveals paternity (or maternity) from the named person. If
the object of the preposition is a common noun—concrete or abstract—the son of phrase
denotes an attribute represented by the featured noun and types the person so characterized.

What can be said in Hebrew literally with full comprehensibility, using son [!B,—ben]
in the construct state, followed by man as, ~d'a'-!B,—ben adam, loses its full degree of
comprehensibility for western readers when rendered literally, and often causes the reader to
imagine he understands it because he knows the three simple words. All the while, the Semitic
idiom eludes him even as he retains the simple phrase in his mind. Therefore, the key
Christological idiom under examination, huiòs toû anthrÐpou, has the following meaning in
consonance with all of those many examples given above:
• one having the characteristics of a human being;
• one expressing the nature, qualities, or attributes of human life and nature;
• a genuine person;
• a specimen of humanity, homo sapiens, man.
Combined with the article, the term in the third person, ho huiòs toû anthrÐpou, that
Jesus most often used in referring to himself, has been rendered most often as “the human one,”
conserving his emphasis on his humanity—the touchstone of true Christology (1 John 4:2-3).
Prayerful Translating
This idiomatic translation, designed to be readily accessible for all literate people,
including those who never pray, is interlaced with the prayers of the translator, as it were
between every line, that all the biblical text will be totally transparent to the word of God in the
hands of every sincere seeker and all bona fide believers.
Matthew 1:1-25 22

MATTHEW’S GOSPEL
1:1 This is the genealogical record of Jesus Christ, descendant of David and of Abraham:
2
Abraham fathered Isaac, who fathered Jacob, who fathered Judah and his brothers.
3
Judah fathered both Perez and Zerah by Tamar.
Perez fathered Hezron, who fathered Aram, who fathered Amminadab, 4 who fathered
Nahshon, who fathered Salmon, 5 who fathered Boaz by Rahab.
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth. Obed fathered Jesse, 6 father of King David.
David fathered Solomon by the widow of Uriah.
7
Solomon fathered Rehoboam, who fathered Abijah, who fathered Asaph, 8 who
fathered Jehoshaphat, who fathered Joram, who fathered Uzziah, 9 who fathered
Jotham, who fathered Ahaz, who fathered Hezekiah, 10 who fathered Manasseh,
who fathered Amos, who fathered Josiah, 11 who fathered Jechoniah and his
brothers at the time of deportation to Babylon.
12
After the deportation to Babylon, Jechoniah fathered Salathiel, who fathered
Zerubbabel, 13 who fathered Abiud, who fathered Eliakim, who fathered Azor,
14
who fathered Zadok, who fathered Achim, who fathered Eliud, 15 who fathered
Eleazar, who fathered Matthan, who fathered Jacob, 16 father of Joseph—the
husband of Mary.
From Mary was born Jesus who bears the appellation, Christ.
17
From Abraham to David there were 14 generations in all; and 14 generations from
David until the deportation to Babylon. There were also 14 generations from the Babylonian
deportation until Christ.
18
The birth of Jesus Christ occurred as follows: While his mother to be, Mary, was
engaged to Joseph and before the marriage was consummated, she was found to have conceived
by the holy spirit. 19 Then Joseph, her husband [by legally binding engagement], a man of
integrity who did not want to stigmatize her, had just about made up his mind to terminate
quietly his marital commitment to her. 20 While he was mulling over the whole situation,
Yahveh’s messenger surprised him by appearing and speaking in a dream:
Joseph, descendant of David, do not be apprehensive about accepting Mary as
your wife, for that which is spirit generated is holy. 21 She will give birth to a
son. You are to call his name Jesus, for in keeping with the meaning of his
name, ‘he will save’ his people from their sins.
22
All this occurred that Yahveh’s word through his prophet might be fulfilled:
23
Notice: The virgin will conceive and bear a son. His identity will be Immanuel. That
designator means literally: with us [is] God.
24
When Joseph got up after sleep, he did as Yahveh’s messenger directed. He took his
wife as his companion, 25 yet he did not have intimate relations with her until her son was born.
He named him Jesus.
Matthew 2:1-18 23

2:1 Jesus was born in Bethlehem, located in the southern province (i.e., Judaea) during the
reign of King Herod.
In Jerusalem there arrived star scholars from the East. 2 They said, “Where is the one
born destined to be king of the Jews? We saw his star in the East and have come to revere him.”
3
This news excited King Herod along with the whole city of Jerusalem. 4 He convened
all the upper-echelon priests and Jewish scholars and put to them the question: “Where will the
messiah be born?”
5
They said to him, “In Bethlehem of the southern province. For in this regard it was
inscribed by the prophet:
6
And as for you, Bethlehem, in the southern province,
By no means are you least among Judaea’s pacesetters.
From you indeed a leader will emerge,
One who will shepherd my people, Israel.”
7
Then Herod, having covertly called in the star experts, ascertained from them the time
the star appeared. 8 He sent them on to Bethlehem with this order: “Go, get exactly the whole
story on the child. When you have found him, report back to me that I too might come and pay
my respects to him.”
9
After their audience with the king, they traveled on. Look! The star they had seen in
the East led them forward until it came and positioned itself right over the location of the child.
10
The sighting of the star made them jubilant with immense joy. 11 When they came inside the
house, they saw the child with Mary, his mother. There they prostrated themselves in reverence
to him. They opened their treasure chests and presented him gifts of gold, frankincense, and
myrrh.
12
Advised in a dream not to report back to Herod, they slipped away homeward by
another route.
13
After their return, observe the sequel: To Joseph Yahveh’s messenger appeared in a
dream. He said,
Move out, take along the child and his mother, and escape to Egypt. Stay there
until such time as I notify you, for Herod is intent on destroying him.
14
Therefore, Joseph got ready and during the night took the child and his mother and
escaped into Egypt. 15 He stayed there until the demise of Herod that Yahveh’s statement, given
through his prophet, might be fulfilled: “I called my son out of Egypt.”
16
Then Herod, realizing he had been stood up by the star scholars, became livid with
anger. He sent his deputies to do away with all the infants two years old and under in Bethlehem
and in all its outlying areas, in accordance with the time of the star’s appearance as ascertained
from the star scholars.
17
On that occasion the declaration through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:
18
A commotion in Rama was heard—crying and great mourning.
Rachel was weeping for her children.
Matthew 2:19-3:15 24

She would not be consoled,


because her children were no more.
19
After Herod came to his end, see this: Yahveh’s messenger appeared in a dream to
Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying:
Get ready, take along the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel,
for those who sought the child’s life are deceased.
21
He packed up, took the child and his mother, and entered the land of Israel.
22
After Joseph heard that Archelaus reigned over the southern province in succession to
his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. Warned about this situation in a dream, he returned
to the region of Galilee. 23 Upon arriving, he settled in a town called Nazareth. In this way the
word of the prophets was fulfilled: He will be called a Nazarene.
3:1 At the time when John the baptizer came on the scene, he began preaching in the
Judaean wilderness. 2 His message was this: Have a change of heart and mind, for the kingdom
of heaven is positioned to appear soon. 3 John is the one mentioned in the declaration of the
prophet Isaiah:
A voice shouting in the wilderness:
Prepare Yahveh’s roadway.
Make straight the lanes.
4
John, himself, was clothed in camel’s hide, held in place by a leather belt around his
waist. Locusts and wild honey were his sustenance. 5 At that time Jerusalem, all the southern
province, and all those in the vicinity of the Jordan went out to meet John. 6 They were being
dip-washed by him in the Jordan River upon confession of their sins.
7
When he observed many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to the site of his baptizing,
he said to them:
Progeny of poisonous snakes, who informed you to flee from the imminent
wrath? 8 Produce evidences of genuine repentance. 9 Do not presume to say
among yourselves, “We have Father Abraham in our ancestry.” For I declare to
you that God is able to raise up from these stones descendants of Abraham.
10
Already the ax is leaning against the trunk of the trees. Therefore, every tree
not bearing good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.
11
As for me, I immerse you in water to depict repentance. On the other hand,
my successor is superior to me. I am not worthy to remove his sandals. He will
immerse you in holy spirit and fire. 12 He grips his winnowing fork and will
clean up his threshing workplace by gathering his grain into the granary, and
by consuming the chaff completely with inextinguishable fire.
13
At that time Jesus came from Galilee to John’s station alongside the Jordan River to
be immersed by him. 14 But John offered resistance to his proposal: “I ought to be baptized by
you, yet you come to me!”
15
Jesus replied to him, “Let it be done now, for this is a positive action for us so as to
fulfill comprehensive righteousness.”
Matthew 3:16-4:16 25

At this point John gave in to him.


16
Once immersed, Jesus immediately went up (the bank) away from the water.
See this: The skies were opened, and John saw God’s spirit as if a dove descending and
alighting upon Jesus.
17
Observe: A voice from heaven exclaimed,
“This is my dearly loved son who pleases me well.”
4:1 Then Jesus was brought by the spirit into the desert where he would be tempted by the
devil. After having gone without food 40 days and 40 nights, he became famished. 3 Then the
2

tempter approached him and said, “If you are God’s son, speak such that these stones might
become bread.”
4
Jesus answered, “It has been written:
Man will not survive on bread exclusively,
but on every word emanating from God’s mouth.”
5
Then the devil took him to the holy city and caused him to perch on the peak of the
6
temple. He said to him, “If you are God’s son, dive down, for ‘it has been written’:
The angels have orders from him concerning you,
and upon their appendages they will support you,
in any case where you might trip over a stone.”
7
Jesus responded: “Again it stands written:
Do not force a test on Yahveh, your God!”
8
Once more, the devil took him along to a spectacularly high mountain. He presented to
him a panorama of all the kingdoms of the world in their glory. 9 He said to him, “I will give all
these to you, if prostrating yourself in submission, you will reverence me.”
10
Then Jesus said to him, “Retreat, opponent, for it has been written:
It is Yahveh, your God, you must reverence, and you will offer worship only to him.”
11
Then the devil left him. And look! Angels arrived and were taking care of his needs.
12
Jesus, having heard that John had been arrested, pulled back to Galilee. 13 He left
Nazareth behind and went to stay at Capernaum, located by the lake in the region of Zebulun and
Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled the proclamation of the prophet Isaiah:
15
Regarding the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, located on the lake road
opposite the Jordan, called international Galilee, 16 a brilliant light shined to benefit
the people sitting in darkness; for those situated in the countryside in morbid gloom,
light has dawned.
Matthew 4:17-5:13 26

17
From that time onward Jesus began to preach this message: Repent, because heaven’s
kingdom has come close to realization.
18
While walking the shoreline of Lake Galilee, he noticed two brothers, Reed [i.e.,
Simon], called Rock, and Andrew his brother. They were spreading a net in the lake because
fishing was their occupation.
19
Jesus said to them, “Come with me, and I will retrain you to fish for men.”
20
At once, leaving their fishing gear, they followed with him.
21
After he had gone further down the shore, he saw two other brothers, James, the son
of Zebedee, and John, his brother. They were in a boat with Zebedee their father, preparing their
nets for use. He called them too. 22 Without delay, leaving the boat and their father, they followed
with him.
23
Jesus circulated throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the
good news of the kingdom. He also healed every disease and sickness among the people.
24
His reputation spread into all of Syria. Consequently, they brought to him everyone
who was seriously sick. Many kinds of diseases were represented, including all those people in
the throes of severe pain, those demented by demons, epileptics, and paralytics—and he healed
them. 25 Many crowds accompanied him. They came from Galilee, Ten-Cities, Jerusalem, Judaea,
and Transjordania.
5:1 After seeing the crowds, he went up the mountain. When he took his seat, his students
came to him. 2 He began his presentation by teaching them the following truths:
3
Blessed are those not full of themselves, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
4
Blessed are those who are grieving, for they will be renewed in spirit.
5
Blessed are the teachable, for they will be given possession of the earth.
6
Blessed are those hungering and thirsting to be righteous, for they will be satisfied.
7
Blessed are those who have a heart, for they will be treated with compassion.
8
Blessed are those with pure motives, for they will see God.
9
Blessed are those who bring about peace, for they will be called God’s progeny.
10
Blessed are those persecuted for taking a stand for what is right, for they possess
the kingdom of heaven.
11
You are blessed when they insult and persecute you and make all kinds of evil
remarks against you because of your association with me. 12 Take joy in that and be cheerful,
because you have a sizable reward reserved in the heavens, for in the same way they persecuted
the prophets who lived before your time.
13
You are the salt on earth. If [impure] salt is insipid, for what will it be used? It no
longer is useful and will be thrown out and trampled by people.
Matthew 5:14-33 27

14
You are light for the world. A city situated on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 One does not
light a lamp and place it under an inverted grain basket, but upon a lamp pedestal. There it
illuminates all the contents of the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine in society so
your beneficial service will be evident, and by it people will glorify your father in the heavens.
17
Do not think I have come to put down the law or the prophets. I have not come to
rescind but to fulfill them. 18 For I assure you that until such time as heaven and earth pass off the
scene, not one smallest letter or stroke of the pen will drop out of the law until every aspect is
fulfilled. 19 Whoever violates one of the least of these commands and teaches people to do
likewise will be called least in heaven’s kingdom. But whoever would practice and teach these
precepts will be called great in heaven’s kingdom.
20
I declare to you this: Unless your righteousness is superior to that practiced by the
scholars and Pharisees, you for sure will not enter the kingdom of heaven.
21
You have heard what has been said by the leaders: “Do not murder; whoever
murders will be subject to punishment.” 22 In addition, I say to you that everyone who stays mad
at his brother will be subject to punishment. And whoever would call his brother “scum” will be
subjected to the highest judicial council. Whoever would call him an outright fool deserves a
place in the smoldering trash dump (i.e., gehenna).
23
Therefore, if at the time you bring your gift to place it on the altar, you remember
your brother has something against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar. Go first and
make things right with your brother, and then come and present your gift.
25
Be quick to get on friendly terms with your accuser, even while you meet up with him
on the way to court, lest he hand you over to the judge, and the judge hand you over to the
warden, who would throw you into prison. 26 I tell you assuredly you will not emerge from prison
until you repay the last small coin.
27
You have heard that it has been stated: “Do not have affairs.” 28 In addition I say to
you that anyone fantasizing sexual acts with a woman, has already raped her in his heart. 29 So if
your right eye gets you into trouble, gouge it out and throw it away from you. For it is better for
you that one of your faculties be destroyed than for your whole body to be thrown into the
infernal garbage dump. 30 Also if your right hand gets you into trouble, chop it off, and throw it
away from you. For it is better for you that one of your faculties be destroyed than for your
whole body to be tossed into the infernal garbage dump.
31
It has been officially stated:
Whoever divorces his wife must give her a document of divorce.
32
Nevertheless, I say to you: Every man who divorces his wife for any reason other than
adultery makes her out to be an adulteress, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits
adultery.
33
Again, you have heard what was stated by the leaders:
You must not lie under oath, but you must make good your oaths to Yahveh.
Matthew 5:34-6:10 28

34
But I say to you: Do not make oaths at all. Do not swear by heaven, because it is the
throne of God; 35 neither by the earth, because it is his hassock; neither by implicating Jerusalem,
because it is the city of the great king. 36 Nor should you swear by your own head, because you
are not able to make one hair white or black. 37 When you give your word, let it be a plain yes or
no. Going beyond these responses introduces evil.
38
You have heard it stated: “An eye in exchange for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.”
39
I say to you: Do not fight back when harm is done to you. On the contrary, if someone slaps
your right cheek, turn toward him the other cheek too. 40 If someone wants to legally take the
shirt off your back, let him have your coat also. 41 If someone forces you to be his porter for a
mile, double the distance. 42 Give to one who implores you, and do not turn your back on the one
wanting to borrow from you.
43
You have heard the saying, “Love those close to you, and hate your enemies.”
44
But I say to you: Love your enemies, and pray for those who put pressure on you. 45 In
so doing you all will be family members of your father in heaven. Indeed, he causes his sun to
rise on bad and good people; he causes rain to fall upon righteous and unrighteous people.
46
For if you love those who love you, how is that a credit to you? Do not even
tax-takers do this? 47 If you have friendly relations with only your extended family, what do you
accomplish more than anyone else? Do not people all over the world do the same? 48 Therefore,
you—in your love—be complete, even as your father in heaven is perfect in his love.
6:1 Make sure the right things you do in public are not done to show off. If you do not
follow my counsel in this, you will forfeit a reward from your father in the heavens. 2 Therefore,
when you contribute to a good cause, do not blow a trumpet to signal the event. Hypocrites are
notorious for doing such in the synagogues and out on the streets. They do it to be celebrated in
public opinion. Indeed, I tell you: They have their full compensation. 3 When you contribute to
the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing. 4 Be secretive about your
kindhearted giving, and your father, who does not miss a secret, will compensate you.
5
When you pray, do not model yourself after hypocrites. They like to position
themselves for prayer in the synagogues and at street intersections to be observed by the public.
Indeed, I tell you: They have their compensation. 6 Now when you pray, enter your hideaway,
and when you have shut the door, pray to your father secretly. Your father, who does not miss a
secret practice, will compensate you.
7
When you pray, do not prattle on repetitiously as do heathen, for they think their
prayers will be heard on the basis of how much they say. 8 Do not imitate them. For your father
knows your needs before you ask him for anything.
9
You, then, are to pray in this manner:
Our father in the heavens,
May your name be held in holy awe.
10
May your kingdom arrive.
May your will be implemented on earth just as in heaven.
Matthew 6:11-34 29

11
Supply for us today our daily bread.
12
Cancel our debts just as we also have canceled debts of those obligated to us.
13
Do not lead us to enter temptation, but rescue us from evil.
14
If you forgive people their transgressions, your heavenly father will also forgive you.
15
But if you are not forgiving toward others, neither will your father pardon your transgressions.
16
When you fast, do not take on the style of down-at-the-mouth hypocrites. For they
alter their appearance negatively in such a manner that everyone will surmise they are fasting.
Indeed, I tell you they have their reward. 17 In the case of your fasting, appear in public with your
hair properly groomed and your face washed clean. 18 Accordingly, do not let the public know
you are fasting; do it secretly before your heavenly father. Your father, who does not miss a
secret practice, will reward you.
19
Stop amassing on earth treasures for yourselves, where moths and oxidation bring
deterioration, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Accumulate treasures in heaven, where
neither moths nor oxidation bring deterioration and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21
For wherever your treasure is stashed away, your heart will be there too.
22
Your body has a lamp—the eye. Therefore, if your eye functions properly, your entire
body has the advantage of light. 23 If your eye is dysfunctional, your entire body experiences
darkness. If your internal illumination consists of darkness, how somber that darkness!
24
No one can be fully committed to work for two bosses. For he will prefer one over the
other; in other words, he will be loyal to one and think less of the other. You cannot be fully
committed to God and to possessions.
25
For this reason I say to you not to worry about survival—as to what you will eat, nor
about your body as to what clothes you will wear. Is not life more than food, and your body more
than your clothes? 26 Notice the birds in the sky. They neither sow, nor reap, nor store up food in
barns, yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they?
27
Who of you by stewing about it is capable of increasing his height by the length of his
forearm?
28
Why do you worry about clothing? Learn well the lesson of how field-lilies grow.
They do not engage in hard labor, nor do they spin threads. 29 But I tell you that even
best-dressed Solomon was never decked out like one of them. 30 If God so gloriously clothes the
flora of the field that is here today and incinerated tomorrow [to heat primitive clay ovens], will
he not all the more clothe you, microbelievers?
31
Consequently, do not begin to fret, wondering: Will we have food? Will we have
something to drink? Will we have something to wear? 32 All these are people’s concerns
universally. Your heavenly father knows you need all these provisions. 33 Seek first God’s
kingdom and his right way of doing things, and all these will be supplied for you. 34 Do not be
anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will take care of itself. There is enough trouble as it is
when we take life one day at a time.
Matthew 7:1-27 30

7:1 Stop being judgmental if you want to avoid being criticized. 2 You will be evaluated the
same way you evaluate. The standard you use to make your judgments will be applied to you.
3
How is it you detect the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and do not notice the
board wedged between your eyelids? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, “Permit me to extract
the speck from your eye,” when—look at you—you have a board blocking your eye? 5
Hypocrite, first remove the board blocking your sight, and then you will see clearly to remove
the speck from your brother’s eye.
6
Do not give meat consecrated on the altar to dogs, nor project your pearls before boars,
lest they trample them underfoot and then spin around and stampede over you.
7
Ask (for what you need), and it will be given to you. Search and you will find. Knock
and the door will be opened for you. 8 For every requester becomes a recipient; and seeker, a
finder; and one who knocks—one admitted. Let me put it another way. 9 Is there any person
among you who when his son asks for bread will give him a stone? 10 If also he would ask for a
fish, he would not give him a snake, would he? 11 Therefore, if you, though degenerate, know
how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good
gifts to those asking him.
12
Therefore, in every way you want people to treat you, treat them accordingly as you
would yourself. For this principle conserves the meaning of the law and the prophets.
13
Enter through the narrow gateway. Here is the reason: The road leading to destruction
is broad, accessed by an enormous entrance. Many people are streaming in through it. 14 How
narrow the gateway and restrictive the road that leads to life! Few actually find it.
15
Be alert for false prophets; they come to you disguised as sheep, but inside they are
insatiable wolves. 16 You will recognize them by what they produce. Harvesters do not gather
grapes from thorn bushes, nor figs from briars, do they? 17 By the same principle every healthy
fruit tree produces wholesome fruit, and a blighted tree produces bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree
cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree make good fruit. 19 Every tree not producing
wholesome fruit is chopped down and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, you will recognize false
prophets with certainty by what they produce.
21
Not everyone who mouths the words to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of
heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father in the heavens. 22 In that future day many
will say to me, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name expel demons,
and in your name perform many miracles?” 23 At that time I shall say to them bluntly, “Never did
I recognize you. Get out of my presence, perpetrators of unrighteousness.”
24
Everyone who listens to these words of mine and implements them will be like an
intelligent man who built his house on rock ledge. 25 Rainstorms, flash floods, and high winds
battered the house, but it did not collapse because its foundation was secure upon rock.
26
In contrast, all who hear my words and do not carry them out will be like someone
stupid who constructed his house on sand. 27 Rainstorms, flash floods, and high winds battered
that house, and it collapsed. It was totaled.
Matthew 7:28-8:20 31

28
As Jesus completed these verbal pictures, the crowds were carried away with his
29
teaching, for he was teaching them as an authority—not in the customary manner of their
scholars.
8:1 When he descended the mountain, immense crowds followed him.
2
See this: A leper approaching and prostrating himself before him, said, “Lord, if you
are willing, you are able to clean me up.”
3
In responding, Jesus extended his hand so as to touch him, and said, “I want that;
become clean.”
At once his system was cleansed from the leprosy. 4 Jesus said to him, “Make sure you
do not tell anyone; but go, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift Moses directed. This
will be a testimony to the priests.”
5
As he came into Capernaum a centurion approached him, imploring him for help. 6 He
said, “Lord, my servant is down in bed at home with paralysis and is really in bad shape.”
7
Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.”
8
The centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come inside my
residence, but only give the order and my servant will be healed. 9 For I am a man under the
chain of command, having troops under me as well. I say to one, ‘Proceed,’ and he goes; and to
another I say, ‘Report for duty,’ and he does. To my servant I say, ‘Do such and such,’ and he
does it.”
10
As he listened to the centurion’s response, Jesus was astonished. He said to those
following him, 11 “I tell you, that from no Israeli have I found such faith as this. I tell you, many
will come from east and west and dine in repose with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom
of heaven. 12 Yet the kingdom regulars will be bounced to the darkness outside, where there will
be crying and grimacing with clenched teeth.”
13
Jesus then said to the centurion, “Proceed. Just as you believed, so will it be for you.”
His servant was healed simultaneously.
14
When Jesus came to Rock’s home, he found his mother-in-law in bed, brought low by
15
a fever. He grasped her hand and the fever left her. She got up and served him.
16
At sunset they brought to him many demoniacs. He exorcised the spirits by his word,
and he healed all those who had something wrong with them. 17 This fulfilled the prophet Isaiah’s
pronouncement:
He himself took away our sicknesses,
and he removed our diseases.
18
Upon seeing a crowd surrounding him, Jesus gave orders to depart to the other side of
19
the lake. Just then one scholar approached him and said, “Teacher, I volunteer to follow you
wherever you go.”
Jesus replied to him, “Foxes have lairs, the birds of the sky have perches, but the
20

human one has no place to rest his head.”


Matthew 8:21-9:8 32

21
Another of his followers said to him, “Lord, permit me first to be furloughed until
such time as I conduct my father’s funeral.”
22
Jesus responded to him, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead.”
23
When he boarded a boat, his disciples shoved off with him. 24 Now look: A
devastating squall swept over the lake so that their boat was being swamped by waves while he
was taking a nap. 25 Coming up to him, they roused him, saying, “Lord, rescue us, we are going
under!”
26
He replied, “Why do you give in to fear, microbelievers?”
Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the sea. A great calm settled over the scene.
27
Astounded by what happened, the men said, “What kind of man is this whom the winds and the
sea obey?”
28
When he reached shore across the lake in the territory of the Gadarenes, two
demoniacs encountered him. They came from the area where tombs are located. They were
extremely violent—so fierce nobody was able to pass down the cemetery road. 29 See how they
reacted to Jesus: They yelled, “What subjection do we have to you, son of God? Have you come
here ahead of schedule to harass us?”
30
In the distance from them a herd of many hogs was feeding. 31 The demons were
pleading with him saying, “If you expel us, send us into the herd of hogs.”
32
He replied, “Get out!”
After they emerged, they transferred into the hogs. Watch! All the herd stampeded
down the steep bank into the lake and drowned in the waters.
33
The herd-tenders fled into the town and reported everything that affected them, and
they told also about the demoniacs. 34 Now look again: All the town went out to meet Jesus.
When they saw him, they pled with him to get off their regional turf.
9:1 After boarding a boat, he crossed the lake and came to his own town [i.e., Capernaum].
2
See this: They brought to him a paralytic confined to a pallet. When Jesus saw their faith, he
said to the paralytic, “Be encouraged, son, your sins are forgiven.”
3
Note the reaction. Certain of the scholars said to themselves, “This man blasphemes!”
4
Jesus, seeing through to their surmises said, “Why do you conjure up evil in your
hearts? For which is easier to say: Your sins are forgiven, or Get up and get going? 6 What I am
5

about to do is being done that you might know that this human being has authority to forgive
sins.”
Then he said to the paralytic, “Get up, gather up your bedroll, and go home.”
7
He stood up and started out homeward bound.
8
Upon seeing this event, the massive crowd became frightened and glorified God, the
one who granted such authority in the human realm.
Matthew 9:9-28 33

9
As Jesus was on his way out of town, he observed a revenue agent busy at his job.
Jesus said to Matthew, for that was his name, “Follow me.”
He disengaged himself and followed him—just like that.
10
The next incident happened while Jesus was reclining as a dinner guest in a home. See
the picture! Many tax-takers and sinners had come and were reclining at dinner with Jesus and
his disciples. 11 The Pharisees, having noted what was going on, kept saying to his disciples,
“Why does your teacher dine with tax-takers and sinners?"
12
When Jesus heard the question, he replied, “Healthy people do not need a physician,
but only those who are ill. 13 Research and learn what this text means: I want compassion, not a
sacrifice. For I did not come to call righteous people, but sinners.”
14
At that time John’s disciples came to Jesus saying: “We fast as do the Pharisees, but
your disciples are not into fasting. Why is that?”
15
Jesus replied to them, “The groomsmen are not able to mourn as long as the
bridegroom is among them. But the time will arrive when the bridegroom will be taken away
from them; then they will fast.
16
No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old fabric. For it eventually shrinks from
full size, separating from the garment and making the split become worse than before.
17
Neither do people put new wine into old leather wineskins. Indeed, were they to do that, the
leather would eventually crack open, the wine would leak out, and the wineskins would be
discarded. But they put new wine into new leather pouches, and both are preserved.
18
While he was saying these things to them, note what happened: One of the leaders
came to him, prostrated himself before him, and said, “My daughter right now is on the verge of
death. But if you will come and lay your hand upon her, she will live.”
19
Jesus got up, and with his disciples he followed the man.
20
See this: Coming up behind him, a woman whose menstrual flow had not ceased for
12 years touched the tassel on his garment. 21 For she thought to herself, “If only I touch his
clothes, I shall be delivered.”
22
Jesus turned around, and looking right at her said, “Be encouraged, daughter, your
faith delivered you.” She was healed instantaneously.
23
Arriving at the leader’s house and seeing the players of wind instruments and the
seething crowd, 24 Jesus said: “Clear out, for the little girl did not die, but fell asleep.” They
scoffed at him. 25 When finally the mob had been put outside, he went inside. He grasped her
hand, and raised up the little girl. 26 The news of this was reported all over the region.
27
As Jesus was leaving there, two blind men followed, imploring him, “Have mercy on
us, David’s son!”
28
After Jesus went indoors, the blind men came to him. Jesus said to them, “Do you
believe I am able to do this?”
They replied, “Yes, Lord.”
Matthew 9:29-10:17 34

29
Then he touched their eyes, saying, “Just as your faith envisions, let it be for you.”
30
Sight was restored to their eyes.
Jesus sternly warned them, “See to it that no one is informed about this.” 31 But when
they went out, they spread the news of him all over that region.
32
Following their departure, see this: A deaf-mute under demoniacal control was
brought to him. 33 After the demon was expelled, the deaf-mute spoke. Amazed by this, the
crowds were exclaiming, “Never has anything like this appeared in Israel!”
34
But the Pharisees kept carping, “By liaison with the leader of demons he expels
them.”
35
Jesus made a circuit to all the cities and towns, teaching in their synagogues, and
preaching the good news of the kingdom. He healed people of every disease and every sickness.
36
When he saw the crowds, he was moved deeply with feelings for them because they
were harassed and lying helpless like sheep not having a shepherd.
37
Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is bounteous, but so few are the laborers.
38
Therefore, ask the harvest manager to send out field hands into his harvest.”
10:1 After having called together his twelve disciples, he conferred on them authority over
sordid spirits so they could expel them, and to heal every disease and every weakness.
2
The register of the twelve apostles is as follows:
First, Simon called Rock, and Andrew his brother,
James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,
3
Philip and Bartholomew,
Thomas and Matthew the revenue agent,
James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus,
4
Simon the right-wing partisan, and Judas from Kerioth, who also betrayed him.
5
Jesus commissioned these twelve and gave them orders: Do not fan out to the nations,
nor enter a Samaritan city. 6 But go to the lost sheep of the enclosure of Israel’s household.
7
When you arrive, preach this: The kingdom of heaven is imminent. 8 Heal sick people;
resuscitate those who die; cleanse lepers of their leprosy; expel demons. You received this
ministry as a gift; give generously. 9 Do not acquire gold, silver, or brass coins for your money
belt. 10 Do not take a pack, nor two long shirts, sandals, nor a staff. For the worker is worthy of
his maintenance.
11
In whatever town or village you enter, inquire as to who living there is reputable.
Remain at his place until the time comes to leave. 12 When you enter a household, greet
everyone. If the home is worthy of your presence, give your peace-blessing to it. 13 If the
household is unworthy, let your peace return to you. 14 As to anyone who will not welcome you
nor listen to your messages, exit from their house or that town, shaking off the dust that clings to
15
your feet. I assure you it will go easier for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on judgment
day than for that city.
16
Understand: I am sending you as sheep among wolves. Hence, be as smart as snakes
and as tame as doves. 17 You must watch out for men. For they will hand you over to councils,
Matthew 10:18-11:1 35

and they will give you whippings at their synagogues. 18 You will be brought before both
governors and kings for my sake as a witness to them and to the nations. 19 When they hand you
over, do not be anxious as to how or what you should answer, for at the hour of your testimony
what you should speak will be given to you. 20 In reality, it will not be you talking, but your
father’s spirit will be speaking by means of you.
21
Brother will betray brother to his death, and a father his child. Children will rise up
against parents to have them executed. 22 You will be detested by people everywhere because of
my name. Yet one who holds on until the end will be rescued. 23 When they persecute you in a
given town, escape to another. For indeed, I declare to you that you will not have completed your
coverage of the cities of Israel before the human one arrives there.
24
A student is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master. 25 For a student to
become like his teacher is sufficient, and for a slave to become like his master. If they have
dubbed the estate owner, Beelzebub, how much worse will be their epithets for members of his
household!
26
Therefore, do not fear them. For nothing is concealed that will not be exposed, nor
secret that will not be revealed. 27 What I say to you after dark, speak out in daylight. What you
hear whispered in the ear, proclaim from roofs.
28
Stop being afraid of those who kill the body, but cannot kill one’s whole self. But
rather fear the one who can destroy one’s entire self, inclusive of the body—in hell.
29
Two sparrows are sold for the value of the smallest coin—are they not? None of them
falls to earth without your father’s awareness of it. 30 As for you, even the count of the hairs on
your head is known. 31 Therefore, stop worrying. Your worth exceeds that of many sparrows!
32
Everyone who will confess publicly his association with me will receive my
recognition before my father in the heavens. 33 Conversely, as for anyone who denies me
publicly, I will disown him before my father in the heavens.
34
Do not surmise I came to put peace into effect on the earth. My coming does not mean
peace—but an active sword. 35 For I came to divide families: a man against his father, and a
daughter against her mother, and a young wife against her mother-in-law. 36 Indeed, a person’s
enemies will be those of one’s family.
37
The one affectionately attached to father or mother more than to me is not worthy of
me. Also one so attached to a son or daughter more than to me is not worthy of me. 38 In addition,
the one who does not take his cross and continue to follow me is not worthy of me. 39 The one
who gets a life for himself will lose it, and the one who forfeits his life for my sake will find it.
40
One who receives you, welcomes me. One who receives me welcomes the one who
commissioned me. 41 The one who takes in a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s
reward. Also one who takes in a righteous person because he is righteous will receive a righteous
person’s reward. 42 Whoever provides only a container of cold water to one of the lowliest
disciples, I assure you will certainly not lose his reward.
11:1 When Jesus completed issuing orders to his twelve disciples, he moved on from there to
teach and to preach in their towns.
Matthew 11:2-24 36

2
Now while John was incarcerated, he received word about the activities of the messiah.
John dispatched his disciples to represent him 3 by saying to Jesus: “Are you the one expected to
come, or should we await someone else?”
4
Jesus gave them this answer: “Go and report to John what you hear and observe:
5
Blind people now see. Lame walk. Lepers are now purified. Deaf people are now hearing. Dead
ones are resuscitated. Good news is being proclaimed to the poor. 6 Moreover, blessed is anyone
who is not put out with me."
7
After these men left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John. What did you go
out to the desert to scrutinize? Was it a reed blown back and forth by the wind? 8 On the
contrary! What did you go there to see? Was it a man clothed in soft clothing? Note: Those who
wear expensive clothes frequent kings’ palaces. 9 But what did you actually go out to see? A
prophet? Affirmative. I declare to you his role exceeds that of a prophet. 10 He is the one
concerning whom it has been written:
Look. I am sending my messenger out as your advance agent.
He will prepare the road ahead of you.
11
I declare to you emphatically that there has not appeared among the offspring of
women a greater person than John the baptizer. Yet the least person in the kingdom of heaven is
greater than he. 12 From the days of John the baptizer until right now the kingdom of heaven is
being forcibly resisted, and violent men put the squeeze on it. 13 All the prophets, as well as the
law, prophesied right up to John. 14 And if you will accept the revelation, he is that Elijah
expected to arrive on the scene! 15 One who has ears must listen to get it.
16
What analogy is appropriate to describe this generation? It is comparable to children
sitting in the open-air markets, chanting back and forth among the groups of children:
17
We played the flute for you, but you did not do the wedding dance.
We wailed out funeral laments, but you did not mourn.
18
For John came along without engaging in social eating and drinking, and they say he
is demonic. 19 The human one came on the scene eating and drinking, and they say, “Look here.
This man is a glutton and an alcoholic, a friend of tax-takers and sinners.” Yet wisdom is
authenticated by its accomplishments.
20
Then he began to censure the cities in which he had done the majority of his miracles.
Why? They did not have a responsive change of heart and mind:
21
Anguish for you, Chorazin!
Anguish for you, Bethsaida!
For if the miracles done among you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, those cities long
ago would have repented, garbed in burlap and covered with ashes. 22 Nevertheless, I
tell you, on judgment day it will go easier for Tyre and Sidon than for you.
23
As for you, Capernaum, are you not elevated to the sky? You will be lowered to the
grave. Here is the reason: If miracles had happened in Sodom such as those that
occurred among you, Sodom would have remained until today. 24 Nevertheless, I tell
you, it will go easier for the land of Sodom on judgment day than for you.
Matthew 11:25-12:20 37

25
On that occasion Jesus expressed himself in these words:
I sincerely praise you, father, sovereign of heaven and earth,
because you concealed these concepts from sophisticates and intellectuals,
and revealed them to novices. 26 Yes, father, such strategy pleased you well.
27
All ( I possess) was given to me by my father. No one knows the son intimately except
the father. Neither does anyone know the father intimately, except the son, and anyone to whom
the son decides to reveal him.
28
Come to me all you who are struggling and oppressed, and I will give you rest.
29
Place your neck in the adjoining collar of my yoke. Learn from me, because I am gentle and
humble in heart, and you will experience rest in your souls, 30 for my yoke wears well, and my
load is light to pull.
12:1 During that time Jesus was passing through the grain fields on a sabbath. His hungry
disciples began to pull off heads of grain and to eat them. 2 When Pharisees saw his disciples
doing this, they said to him, “Look here, what your disciples are doing breaks the sabbath law.”
3
He answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he and his men were
4
hungry? He entered God’s house and obtained the loaves of bread presented to God. They ate
that which was not lawful either for him or for those with him. Only priests were permitted to eat
that bread. 5 Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests in their temple duties
profane the sabbath and are guiltless? 6 I tell you, one superior to the temple is here. 7 But if you
had known what the text means—I prefer compassion more than a sacrifice—you would not
have condemned the guiltless. 8 The human one is the regulator of the sabbath.”
9
After having left there, he came into the local synagogue. 10 See this: A man having a
dysfunctional hand was present. They interrogated Jesus: “Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath?”
Their intent was to condemn him.
11
He answered them, “Who among you having one sheep that fell into a pit on the
sabbath would not grasp it and lift it out? 12 How much more value, therefore, does a human
being have than a sheep? My answer is this: Doing good on sabbath days is legitimate.”
13
Then he said to the man, “Extend your hand.” He did, and it was restored completely
just like his other hand. 14 But after the Pharisees departed, they connived against him that they
might do away with him.
15
When Jesus knew what they were up to, he left that locale. Many people followed
him, and he healed them all. 16 He put restrictions on them, lest they stage demonstrations for
17
him. This took place in order that the message of the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:
18
Focus on my servant whom I chose,
My loved one, the pleasure of my life.
I will put my spirit on him,
And he will proclaim right norms for the nations.
19
He will neither wrangle nor yell out excitedly,
Nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets.
20
He will not break off a smashed-over reed,
Matthew 12:21-44 38

Nor will he extinguish a smoldering wick,


Until such time as he causes justice to prevail,
21
And nations will base their hopes on his name.
22
Then a blind and mute demoniac was brought to him, and he healed him. The result?
The man spoke and saw. 23 All the crowds became very excited and kept saying, “This is not
David’s son, is it?”
24
But when the Pharisees heard, they muttered: “He expels demons only by Beelzebub,
the dictator of demons.”
25
Perceiving their rationalizations, Jesus said to them: Every kingdom split into
opposing factions will be devastated. Every city or family divided into opposite sides will not
endure. 26 If Satan expels Satan, he has taken sides against himself. Therefore, how will his
kingdom persist? 27 If I by Beelzebub expel demons, by whom do your sons expel them? In this
regard they will be your evaluators. 28 But if I by God’s spirit expel demons, then God’s kingdom
has confronted you. 29 Or how can anyone go into the house of a burly man and steal his
possessions, unless first he ties him up? Once he has been bound, the intruder can carry away his
valuables.
30
One who is not with me is against me; and he who does not round up (the sheep) with
me scatters them. 31 For this reason, I tell you, every sin and slander is forgivable to people, but
slandering the spirit of God is the exception for which there is no forgiveness. 32 Whoever says
something against the human one can be forgiven. But whoever says something against the holy
spirit will not be forgiven—either in this epoch or in the coming one.
33
Either make the tree healthy with good fruit, or let the tree be diseased with spoiled
fruit, for you will know the nature of the tree by its fruit. 34 Viper’s brood—how can you speak
pious platitudes—when all along you are poisonous? For out of heart-overflow one’s mouth
speaks. 35 A good person from the treasure of goodness brings forth good things. A bad person
from his evil treasure disgorges evils. 36 But I declare to you that on judgment day the speaker
will be held responsible for every unproductive word. 37 For by your speech you will be
exonerated, and by your speech you will be condemned.
38
Then certain of the scholars and Pharisees reacted to him with a request: “Teacher, we
want to view a miraculous sign from you.”
39
He replied to them: A degenerate, adulterous generation hankers for a miraculous
sign. None will be given to it, except the miraculous sign of Jonah the prophet. 40 For just as
Jonah was in the gut of the sea monster for three days and three nights, so will the human one be
in the heart of the earth three days and three nights. 41 Men of Ninevah will come forward in the
judgment with this generation and castigate it, because they repented under the influence of
Jonah’s preaching. Think on this: One superior to Jonah is here!
42
A southern queen will be brought in to testify against this generation at the judgment.
She will condemn it because she came from an extremely remote place to listen to Solomon’s
wisdom. Consider this: One superior to Solomon is here!
43
When an unclean spirit departs from a man, it passes through waterless places seeking
somewhere to hunker down. Not finding such, 44 it then says, “I shall return to my old haunt.”
Matthew 12:45-13:17 39

Upon arrival it finds that space standing empty, swept out, and ready to live in. 45 Then it goes
and takes with itself seven other spirits more reprehensible than itself. They enter and settle in.
The subsequent state of that person’s life becomes worse than his former condition. What
happens to such an individual is analogous to what will become of this wicked generation.
46
While he was still speaking to the crowds, the scene shifts to his mother and his
brothers, who stood outside, wanting to talk to him. 47 Someone told him, “Your attention,
please: Your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to speak with you.”
48
He replied to the one who announced this to him: “Who is my mother and who are my
brothers?” 49 He stretched out his hand in the direction of his disciples and said, “Take a look at
my mother, and my brothers. 50 For whoever would do the will of my heavenly father is my
brother, my sister, my mother!”
13:1 On that day Jesus went outdoors and was sitting beside the lake. 2 An extremely large
crowd gathered around him so that he pushed offshore in a boat and seated himself. All the
people found places on the shore. 3 He spoke many principles to them in parables.
He said: Picture a planter who went out to plant a field. 4 In the process of sowing, some
seed fell right on the path, and birds came and helped themselves to the seed. 5 Other seed fell on
a thin layer of earth that covered stones. Its germination was fast in the shallow earth. 6 But when
the sun arose and hit it with intense rays, it withered away because it had no developed root
system. 7 Other seed fell where thorny weeds were present. The weeds grew faster and choked
out the planted seed. 8 But other seed fell into good soil and was productive, yielding a crop of
100 kernels for each one planted, or 60, or 30. 9 One who has ears must listen.
10
When his disciples gathered around him afterward, they asked: “Why do you speak to
them in parables?”
11
He replied: To you it has been granted to know the mysteries of the kingdom of
heaven, but not to them. 12 For whoever is receptive will be given more, so that he has an
abundance. But whoever is not receptive will lose out on what he has. 13 This is the reason I
speak to them in parables, because although sighted, they do not see, and though hearing, they do
not actually listen or comprehend. 14 The prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in them:
You will hear what is to be heard, but never comprehend it.
In looking you will see, but never understand the meaning.
15
The people’s heart has become insensitive.
Their ears are hard of hearing.
They shut their eyelids,
Lest they should see with their eyes,
And hear with their ears,
And perceive with their heart,
And turn around that I might restore them.
16
Blessed are your perceptive eyes, and your listening ears! 17 For I assure you that
many prophets and righteous folk yearned to glimpse what you see, but did not; and to tune in on
what you hear, but did not have the opportunity.
Matthew 13:18-40 40

18
Therefore, understand the parable of the planter. 19 Everyone who hears the message
of the kingdom but does not understand it has what was sown in his heart snatched away by the
evil one, as illustrated by the seed sown on the path. 20 The seed sown in shallow soil over rocks
represents the case in which a person joyfully receives the message when he hears it. 21 His
experience, however, lasts only for a short time because there is nothing in him analogous to the
root of a plant. When pressure or persecution on account of the message comes along, he all of a
sudden takes offense. 22 The seed sown in weed-seed saturated soil corresponds to the experience
of a person who listens to the message, but contemporary cares and the deception of having
wealth choke out the message and make it unproductive. 23 As for the seed planted in good soil,
this represents one who listens and understands the message, one who without fail produces
fruit—some at the rate of 100%, some at 60%, and some at 30%.
24
He provided another parable for them:
The kingdom of heaven corresponds to a man who planted quality seeds in his field.
25
After everybody had gone to bed, his enemy came and planted noxious weeds in among the
grain and then left. 26 After the crop sprouted and grew to fruition, the identity of the noxious
weeds became apparent. 27 The farm hands of the estate came to the owner and said, “Sir, did you
not plant quality seed in your field? Where, then, did the noxious weeds come from?”
28
He answered, “An enemy agent did this!”
His farm hands said to him, “Do you, therefore, want us to go and weed them out?”
29
He replied, “No, lest while removing the weeds you might uproot the grain together
with the weeds. 30 Let them alone; let them grow together until harvest time, and at harvest I will
tell the reapers to gather first the noxious weeds and tie them in bundles for burning, but gather
the grain and store it in my granary.”
31
He offered them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is analogous to a single
grain of mustard that a man obtained and planted in his field. 32 Although the smallest of all
seeds, when full grown, it is greater in size than plants, actually becoming tree-size so that the
birds of the sky settle among its branches.
33
He spoke to them another parable: The kingdom of heaven is analogous to yeast a
homemaker obtained and concealed in three oversized scoops of flour until the whole batch was
raised.
34
All this teaching Jesus spoke in parables for the crowds. He spoke to them exclusively
in parables 35 so that the prophetic saying might be fulfilled:
I shall open my mouth speaking analogies;
I shall divulge secrets hidden since earliest times.
36
Then having left the crowds, he went indoors. His disciples gathered around him
saying, “Clarify for us the parable of the noxious weeds in the field.”
37
He answered: He who planted the quality seeds is the human one. 38 The field is the
world. The quality seeds are those committed to the kingdom, but the poisonous weeds are those
committed to evil. 39 The enemy who planted them is the devil. Harvest time arrives at the end of
the era. The harvesters are angels. 40 The noxious weeds are rounded up and incinerated at the
Matthew 13:41-14:8 41

end of the age. 41 The human one will send his emissaries and they will gather out of his
kingdom everything offensive and all who behave without moral restraints. 42 They will throw
them into a superheated kiln. At that site there will be crying and clenching of teeth. 43 Then
righteous people will shine like the sun in their father’s kingdom. If you have ears, listen
attentively!
44
The kingdom of heaven is comparable to a treasure concealed in a field. When a man
happened to discover it, he covered it over. Then in sheer joy he went and sold all he owned and
bought that field.
45
Again, the kingdom of heaven is comparable to a buyer interested in quality pearls.
46
When he found a pearl of incomparable value, he went and sold all he owned, and bought it.
47
Again, the kingdom of heaven is comparable to a fishnet spread out in a lake, where
all kinds of catch are brought together. 48 When the net is full, fishermen haul it to shore, and
having seated themselves, they sort the good fish into containers, but they throw out the
worthless ones.
49
Here is a preview of the end of the epoch. Angels will come on the scene and will
separate evil people from among the righteous. 50 Then they will throw the evil ones into the
superheated kiln. There will be crying and clenching of teeth.
51
“Have you comprehended all these things?”
They answered him, “Affirmative.”
52
He said to them, “For this reason every scholar educated in the discipline of the
kingdom of heaven is comparable to a household manager who from his storeroom brings out
new and old supplies.”
53
When Jesus completed these parables, he left the area 54 and came to the place of his
upbringing. He taught them in their synagogue in such a way they were awed. They said, “Where
did he get this wisdom and these powers? 55 Is not this the woodworker's son? Is not his mother
named Mary, and his brothers James, Joseph, Simon, and Judas? 56 And are not all his sisters
living among us? Therefore, what makes him so special?” 57 They were put out with him.
Jesus responded to them: “A prophet is not dishonored except in his neighborhood and
at home.” 58 So he did not do many miracles there because of their skepticism.
14:1 About that time Herod the tetrarch heard a report about Jesus. 2 He said to his
subordinates, “This is John the baptizer. He has been raised from the dead, and because of this,
miracles are done by him!”
3
Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him away in prison for the sake of
Herodias, the wife of Philip, his brother. 4 John had declared to Herod more than once: “Your
having her is immoral.” 5 Although Herod wanted to assassinate him, he was afraid of the
populace, because they regarded John as a prophet.
6
During a celebration of Herod’s birthday, Herodias’ daughter at the center of activities
performed a dance that pleased Herod so much 7 he promised by an oath to give her whatever
she wanted. 8 Coached by her mother, she said, “Give me, right here upon a platter, the head of
John the baptizer.”
Matthew 14:9-33 42

9
Although it upset the king to do that, he gave the order to grant her request, because he
felt the pressure of his oath made before the guests. 10 He sent a deputy who decapitated John in
the prison. 11 His head was brought on a platter and given to the young girl, who brought it to her
mother.
12
John’s disciples assembled, claimed his corpse, and buried it. Then they came and
told Jesus all about it.
13
Upon hearing the news, Jesus left the area by boat and headed privately for a deserted
place. But after the crowds received news of it, they streamed out of the towns to follow him
overland. 14 As he disembarked, he saw a large gathering, and his heart went out to them; he
healed their sick.
15
As evening approached, his disciples came to him and said, “This is a deserted place
and mealtime is already past. Dismiss the crowds that they might go away to the villages to buy
some food for themselves.”
16
But Jesus said to them, “They need not leave. You give them something to eat.”
17
They replied, “We have nothing here except five loaves of bread and two fish.”
18
He said, “Bring them here to me.”
19
After directing the crowds to get comfortable on the meadow, he took the five loaves
and two fish, and looking up to heaven, he offered thanks. Then he broke the loaves and
distributed the bread to his disciples. They passed the food out to the crowds. 20 All ate and were
satisfied. Of the leftover pieces of bread, the disciples picked up twelve full baskets. 21 There
were about 5,000 men—not counting women and children—who had eaten the meal.
22
Right away he compelled his disciples to embark in the boat and to precede him to the
other side, while he dismissed the people. 23 After he had sent the crowds home, he went up the
mountain by himself to pray. It was now dark and he was there alone.
24
The boat, already a great distance from shore, was being bounced around by the
waves because they were bucking a headwind. 25 During the last quarter of the night, Jesus came
to them, walking upon the lake. 26 When the disciples saw him sea-walking, they became
terrified. They shrieked out in fear: “a phantom!”
27
Right away Jesus spoke: “Keep your composure. It is I. Stop being afraid.”
28
Rock replied to him, “Lord, if it is you, order me to come to you on the waters.”
29
He said, “Proceed!”
After having stepped down from the boat, Rock walked on the waters and went toward
30
Jesus. But when he focused his attention on the wind, he became scared. Beginning to go
under, he yelled, “Lord, save me!”
31
Immediately reaching out his hand, Jesus grabbed him, and said to him,
“Microbeliever, what made you doubt?”
32
When they stepped on board the boat, the gale turned calm. 33 Those in the boat bowed
to him reverently and said, “You are truly God’s son!”
Matthew 14:34-15:25 43

34
Having crossed the lake, they came to the land of Gennesaret. 35 As soon as the local
residents recognized him, they sent word into all that surrounding territory. The people brought
to him everybody that had something wrong with them. 36 They kept after him that they just
might touch the tassel on his clothes; and as many as made contact were made well.
15:1 At that time Pharisees and scholars from Jerusalem accosted Jesus with a question:
2
“Why do your disciples not conform to the tradition maintained by the elders? Your disciples
do not wash their hands when they eat a meal.”
3
He replied to them: Why do you repudiate God’s command in deference to your
tradition? 4 God said: Honor your father and your mother, and The one who insults father or
mother must surely be put to death. 5 But you say: Whoever disclaims his responsibilities to his
father or his mother by claiming his money is dedicated to God is 6 under no obligation to honor
his father. You invalidate the word of God by your tradition. 7 Hypocrites! Isaiah prophesied
concerning you with precision:
8
This people honors me from their lips,
But their hearts are far removed from me.
9
Their worship of me is futile,
Because they teach as dogma the mandates of men.
10
Raising his voice to reach the crowd, he said to them: Listen and understand. 11 Not
what enters one’s mouth pollutes a person. To the contrary, what contaminates a person is what
exits from one’s mouth.
12
Then when his disciples gathered around him, they said to him, “Do you know that
the Pharisees were quite perturbed with you when they heard what you had to say?”
13
He gave this reply: Every plant my heavenly father did not plant will be extirpated.
14
Release your attachment to them. They are blind guides. If a blind man directs a blind person,
they both will fall into the gully.
15
Rock continued the conversation with him: “Explain this conundrum to us.”
16
He replied, Do you still not get it? 17 Do you not understand that everything that enters
one’s mouth makes its way through the digestive canal and is expelled into the latrine? 18 But
words that exit one’s mouth come from one’s heart, and such are personal pollutants. 19 For from
the heart originate disputes, evil acts, murders, adulteries, sexual misconduct, thefts, falsified
statements, and insults. 20 These are the personal contaminators, and not unwashed hands while
eating.
21
When Jesus left there, he withdrew to the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 See this: A
Canaanite woman from that vicinity came out and shouted, “Have pity on me, Lord, descendant
of David! My daughter is badly demonized.” 23 But he did not answer her a word.
His disciples came to him and kept imploring him, “Deliver her, because she is
screaming after us.”
24
He replied, “I was sent to find only the lost sheep from Israel’s fold.”
25
But she came up and bowed before him with honor, saying, “Lord, help me!”
Matthew 15:26-16:7 44

26
He replied, “It is not good to take the children’s food and throw it to pet dogs.”
27
But she said, “Yes, Lord, yet the pets also eat from the scraps that fall from the table
of their masters.”
28
Then Jesus replied to her: “Oh, woman, you are something special! Your faith is
super. You may have what you want.” Her daughter was healed at that very moment.
29
Leaving there, Jesus traveled back to the shore of Lake Galilee. He went up the
mountain and seated himself. 30 Many groups of people assembled around him. They had with
them lame people, blind, deformed, deaf, and many others. They discharged them right at his
feet, and he healed them. 31 The result was that the crowd rippled with awe, as they saw
deaf-mutes speaking, handicapped people restored, lame walking, and blind seeing. They
glorified the God of Israel.
32
Jesus, having called in his disciples, said, “I am deeply concerned about the large
gathering of people because it is already the third day they have camped out with me and they do
not have anything to eat. I do not want to dismiss them in a famished condition, lest they
collapse on the road.”
33
Then his disciples said to him, “Where in this desert would there be enough bread for
us to take care of such a great crowd?”
34
Jesus replied to them, “How many loaves do you have?”
They replied, “Seven and a few small fish.”
35
Jesus ordered the throng to recline on the ground. 36 He took the seven loaves and the
fish and gave thanks. He broke them and kept giving them to his disciples. They in turn passed
them out to the crowds. 37 Everybody ate and had plenty. Of the broken pieces left over, the
disciples retrieved seven full baskets. 38 The number of those eating was 4,000 men, not counting
women and children.
39
After having dismissed the crowd, he boarded the boat and came into the precincts of
Magadan.
16:1 The Pharisees and Sadducees approached him, determined to put him in a no-win
position. They requested him to show them a miraculous sign displayed from the sky.
2
He responded to them: “When the sky is fiery red in the late afternoon, you say that
fair weather is on the way. 3 In the morning if the sky is fiery red and overcast with dark clouds,
you forecast stormy weather. You know how to analyze the appearance of the sky, but you are
not able to assess the signs of the times. 4 An evil, unfaithful generation preoccupies itself with a
search for a spectacular sign. No sign will be supplied for it—except the sign of Jonah!”
Walking out on them, he went away.
5
When the disciples reached the far side of the lake, they realized they had forgotten to
take food along. 6 Jesus said to them: “Watch out and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and
Sadducees.” 7 The disciples were assuming among themselves his statement alluded to their not
bringing along food.
Matthew 16:8-17:2 45

8
But Jesus, knowing this, said: “Why do you, microbelievers, surmise I refer to the
missing food? 9 Do you no longer consider nor remember the five loaves that fed the 5,000 and
how many baskets of it you picked up afterward? 10 Or have you forgotten the seven loaves that
fed the 4,000 and how many baskets of it you picked up afterward? 11 How is it you do not
understand I was not speaking to you about natural bread? But I did say you should guard
against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”
12
Then they understood he did not mean yeast in its natural state, but yeast as a
metaphor for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13
After Jesus went into the region of Caesarea Philippi, he quizzed his disciples: “What
is the public’s perception of the human one?”
14
They said, “Some think you are John the baptizer, others say Elijah, others Jeremiah,
or one of the prophets.”
15
He put it right to them: “As for you, how do you identify me?”
16
Simon Rock said, “You are the messiah, son of the living God.”
17
Jesus answered him, “You are blessed, Simon BenJonah, because your source of
revelation was not human, i.e., flesh and blood, but my father in the heavens. 18 I declare to you
that you are Rock, and on this boulder I will construct my church. The [opening and closing]
gates of the grave will not bring it down. 19 I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven.
Whatever you lock on earth will be locked in heaven as well, and whatever you unlock on earth
will be unlocked in heaven.
20
Then he required his disciples not to tell anyone his identity as the messiah.
21
From that time on Jesus began to divulge to his disciples that it was necessary for him
to go on to Jerusalem. There, he would experience great suffering inflicted by the councilmen,
administrative priests, and scholars. There, he would be executed and on the third day be
restored to life.
22
Rock took him to task for talking this way: “Mercy on you, Lord! This will never
happen to you.”
23
Turning around, Jesus said to Rock, “Fall in line behind me, opponent. You are an
obstacle in my way because you do not think as God does, but as men do.”
24
Right then Jesus said to his disciples: If anyone wants to follow me, let him give up
all rights to himself, carry his cross, and follow me. 25 For whoever wants to save his life will
ruin it. But whoever “ruins” his life for my sake will discover it. 26 For how would a person be
better off if he gains the whole world at the cost of his life? Or what is of such value one would
give his life to get it? 27 For the human one is going to come in his father’s glory with his angels,
and then he will reward each one as his accomplishments deserve.
28
Indeed, I say to you that there are some standing right here who will not experience
death until they see the human one coming in his kingdom.
17:1 Six days later Jesus took along Rock, James, and John his brother, and he brought them
up a high mountain, where they were all alone. 2 He was transformed right before them. His face
Matthew 17:3-25 46

glowed like the sun. His clothes became as brilliant as light. 3 See this: Moses and Elijah
appeared with them, conversing with him.
4
Rock responded by saying to Jesus, “Lord, to be here is good for us! If you so desire, I
will pitch three pavilions here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5
While he was still speaking—get the picture—a radiant cloud hovered over them,
and—hear this—a voice from the cloud, “This is my dearly loved son, who pleases me well.
Listen to him!”
6
After the disciples heard this, they fell prostrate, paralyzed by fear. 7 Jesus came over
to them, and touching them said, “On your feet, and cease cringing.”
8
When they raised their eyes, they saw no one else but Jesus alone.
9
While they were descending the mountain, Jesus issued orders to them, “Make no
reference to this phenomenon until the human one has been raised from the dead.”
10
His disciples questioned him: “So why do the scholars say that Elijah must arrive
first?"
He answered, “Indeed, Elijah does come and will restore everything. On the other
11

12
hand, I tell you that Elijah has already arrived, and they did not recognize him. Rather, they
did to him whatever they felt like doing. In the same way the human one is about to experience
suffering inflicted by them.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he alluded to John the baptizer.
14
Just as he came into contact with a crowd, a man came up, knelt before him 15 and
said, “Lord, have mercy on me—on my son because he is epileptic and suffers much. Often he
falls into fire, and often into water. 16 I brought him to your disciples and they could not heal
him.”
17
Jesus replied: “Alas for this generation, faithless and disoriented as it is, how long
shall I still be around with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him here to me.”
18
Jesus rebuked the demon and it departed from him. The boy was healed at that
moment.
19
Then, coming to Jesus privately, the disciples said, “Why were we not able to expel
it?”
20
He replied to them, “The reason is the deficiency of your faith. Indeed, I assure you
that if you have faith equivalent to a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain: Transfer from
here to there, and it will move the distance. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
While they were in conference in Galilee, Jesus said to them: “The human one is
22

about to be handed over to human authorities. 23 They will kill him, and on the third day he will
be raised.” They experienced much grief over this.
24
When they entered Capernaum, some men stuck the large Roman coin under Rock’s
nose and said, “Your teacher does not pay the double drachma, does he?”
25
He said, “That is correct.”
Matthew 17:26-18:18 47

Rock then came inside. Jesus got the jump on him by saying, “Give me your opinion,
Simon. The kings of the earth take taxes or fees from certain people. Do they collect them from
their citizens or from resident aliens?”
26
He replied, “From those who are not citizens.”
Jesus said to him, “Therefore, the citizens are exempt from the tax. 27 But so as not to
rub them the wrong way, go to the lake and fish with your hook line. Then take the first fish you
catch, open its mouth, and you will find a silver coin (equal to two double drachmas). Take that
and give it to them for me and you.”
18:1 At that time his disciples gathered around Jesus and had a question for him:
“Everything considered, who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
2
Jesus called a little child to come over to him and had him stand there within their
3
circle. He spoke: “I assure you that unless you regress to become as children, you will never
enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Consequently, whoever will humble himself to become as
this child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 Moreover, whoever receives one child
such as this in my name, receives me. 6 As to whoever trips up one of the least of those who
believe in me, it would be better for him were a large upper millstone hung around his neck and
he were drowned in the deep waters of the lake.
7
Too bad for the world—for producing disillusioning influences that cause people to
fall. For it is inevitable that detrimental influences will occur. But alas for the person responsible
for producing such a scandal.
8
If your hand or your foot has a scandalous influence on you, chop it off and throw it
away from you. Better it is to live your life handicapped or disabled than to have two hands or
two feet that will be thrown into inextinguishable fire.
9
If your eye has a baneful influence on you, gouge it out and throw it away from you.
Better it is for you to live a monocular life than to have two eyes to be thrown into the
ever-burning garbage dump.
10
See to it that you do not have contempt for even one of the little people. For you have
it on my authority that their angels in heaven always have access to the presence of my father in
heaven.
12
What is your attitude in the following situation? If a man became owner of one
hundred sheep and one wandered away from them, would he not leave the 99 on the mountain
and go search for the one that wandered off? 13 If he finds it, I assure you, he is going to rejoice
over it more than over the 99 who were not lost. 14 In the same way it is not the will of your
heavenly father that one of these little ones should perish.
15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him with it privately. 16 If he listens
to you, you gained your brother back. 17 But if he does not listen, revisit him with one or two
others, for: “By the testimonies of two or three witnesses every statement will stand.” If he
ignores them, air the matter before the congregation. But if he rejects the congregation’s counsel,
let him as far as you are concerned be like a heathen and a tax-taker. 18 I tell you that everything
you settle on earth will be settled in heaven, and everything you sever on earth will be severed in
heaven
Matthew 18:19-19:8 48

19
Again, I assure you that if two of you on earth are in agreement concerning any matter about
which you make a petition, it will be granted them by my heavenly father. 20 For where two or
three are convened in my name, I am there within their circle.
21
Then coming up to him, Rock said, “Lord, how many times am I expected to forgive
my brother if he sins against me? Seven times?”
22
Jesus replied, “My answer is not seven, but 77 times.”
23
In this regard the kingdom of heaven is like an executive who wanted to close loan
accounts with his employees. 24 When he began to settle up, one debtor was called in who owed
10,000 large units of silver. 25 Because he could not pay up, the executive ordered that he, his
wife, his children, and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 The worker, prostrating himself
in respect before him said, “Be patient with me and I will repay you everything.”
27
That executive, feeling deep compassion for that servant, released him and forgave
the loan as well.
28
But when that worker went out, he found one of his fellow workers who owed him
100 small units of silver. He seized him and kept choking him, saying, “Repay what you owe!”
29
His coworker then fell at his feet and kept pleading with him, “Be patient with me,
and I will repay you.” 30 But the man who was owed made up his mind not to relent. He went to
the authorities and threw him into jail until he should repay what he owed.
31
Then his colleagues, having observed all that happened, became quite upset by the
incident. So they went and reported to their boss all that occurred. 32 He in turn called in the first
laborer and said to him, “Wicked workman, I forgave all your indebtedness because you begged
me to do it. 33 Did you not feel the obligation to go easy on your coworker just as I was easy on
you?” 34 The manager became infuriated with him and handed him over to the prison guards until
such time as he repaid all he originally owed. 35 My heavenly father will handle you in the same
manner unless each of you forgives his brother with genuine cordiality.
19:1 When Jesus had completed these teachings, he departed from Galilee and traveled to the
high ground of the Judaean hills parallel to the Jordan River. 2 Crowds in droves followed along
with him, and he healed them.
3
The Pharisees confronted him at that location with something up their sleeve, saying:
“Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for every cause?”
4
He replied: “You have read these texts, have you not? The creator from the beginning
made them male and female. 5 And he said, For this reason a man will leave his father and
mother and will be attached to his wife, and the two will be physically one. 6 The result is that
they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore, a human must not split up what God has yoked
together.”
7
They answered him, “Why then did Moses direct that a document of divorce be given
her to send her packing?”
8
He replied to them, “Moses, accommodating himself to your hardheartedness,
permitted you to run your wives off. But there is no precedent for such actions in the beginning.
Matthew 19:9-27 49

9
I declare to you that whoever forces his wife out by a divorce [when she has not been
sexually unfaithful], and marries another woman is thereby committing adultery.”
10
His disciples asked him, “If this is the case of a husband with his wife, is it better not
to get married?”
11
But he answered, “What I am about to say does not apply to everyone but only to
those to whom it is given. 12 There are some eunuchs who come forth from their mother’s womb
celibate. Then there are those who are eunuchs because their sexual organs have been altered by
men. Additionally, there are those who have chosen the celibate life for the sake of the kingdom
of heaven. Let him who has the capacity to apply this principle, apply it.”
13
Then children were brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and
offer prayer. But his disciples rebuked those doing this.
14
Jesus responded, “Permit the children to come to me, and do not block them out for
they are the right type for the kingdom of heaven.” 15 After he had laid his hands on them, he left
the area.
16
See this: Someone approached him and said, “Teacher, what good must I do that I
might have eternal life?”
17
He responded to him, “Why do you quiz me on ‘the good’? One there is who is good!
And if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.”
18
The man inquired, “Which ones?”
Jesus said, Do not murder. Do not participate in adultery. Do not steal. Do not lie
when you give your word. 19 Honor your father and mother. Love your fellow man as yourself.”
20
The young man said to him, “I have kept all of these things. What do I lack yet?”
21
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be complete, go sell your assets and give the
proceeds to poor people—and you will have a treasure in the heavens—and come along, follow
me.”
22
When the young man heard this stipulation, he went away dejected because he had
many properties.
23
Jesus said to his disciples, “I assure you that it will be difficult for a wealthy person
to enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 Again, I assure you it is easier for a camel to pass through
a needle’s eye [a slender door within a city gate] than for a wealthy person to get into God’s
kingdom.”
25
When the disciples heard this, they were completely astounded saying, “Who
therefore can be saved?”
26
Looking them in the eye, Jesus said: “From man’s standpoint, it is impossible for
anyone to be saved. With God all is possible.”
27
Then Rock responded, “Consider our commitment. We left everything and followed
you. So what will be in it for us?”
Matthew 19:28-20:22 50

28
Jesus replied to them: “You can count on what I say to you, my followers. In the
restoration, when the human one will sit on his glorious throne, you also will be seated on
twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 All who left homes or brothers or sisters, or
father or mother, or children, or lands for the sake of my name will receive a 100% return and
will inherit eternal life. 30 But many of those now first will be last, and the last will be first.
20:1 For the kingdom of heaven is like an estate manager who went out at the light of dawn
to hire laborers to work in his vineyard. 2 Having agreed with some to work for a denarius a day,
he sent them into his vineyard. 3 Then at about 9 a.m. having come back, he saw other laborers at
the market square standing around without work. 4 To them he said, “You also go to work in the
vineyard, and I shall give you whatever is right.” 5 They left for the job.
Again he came there around noon, and at 3 p.m., and followed the same procedure.
6
Then about 5 p.m. having returned, he found other laborers standing there, and he said to them,
“Why are you standing around here all day long unemployed?”
7
They replied, “Because no one hired us.”
He said to them, “You go also into my vineyard.”
8
As the sun went down, the vineyard owner said to his field boss, “Call the laborers and
give them their wages beginning with the last hired, working your way back to the first.”
9
Those who started work about 5 p.m. came, and each one received a denarius. 10 When
those hired earlier came for their pay, they expected to receive more. They each one received a
denarius the same as the others. 11 Taking it, they were fuming against the owner, 12 muttering,
“These last hired workers put in only one hour. You made their wages equal to ours. We carried
the load of a full day’s work and endured the day’s hottest weather.”
13
But in answer to one of them he said, “Buddy, I am not being unfair with you. Did
you not agree with me on a denarius to be your pay? 14 Take what is yours and be on your way.
My choice is to give to these hired last the same amount as I also pay you. 15 Is it not my
prerogative to do as I please with my resources? Or do you view matters in a bad light simply
because I am free-hearted?” 16 This episode illustrates how the last will be first and the first last.
17
As Jesus traveled up to Jerusalem, he isolated the twelve privately on the way there
and said to them: 18 “Pay attention. We are on our way to Jerusalem where the human one will be
taken into the custody of the administrative priests and scholars. They will condemn him to die
19
and hand him over to the pagans to ridicule him, beat him with a whip, and crucify him; and on
the third day he will be raised up.
20
Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons present, approached him,
bowing before him in deep respect, and asked him for a favor. 21 So he said to her, “What would
you like?” She said to him, “Decree that these two sons of mine might be stationed directly at
your right hand and at your left hand in your kingdom.”
22
Jesus replied, “You do not comprehend what you are requesting. Can you all drink the
cup that I am about to drink?”
They replied, “We can.”
Matthew 20:23-21:10 51

23
He said to them, “In effect, you will drink my cup. The privilege of sitting on either
side of me is not mine to grant. Instead those positions will go to those groomed for such by my
father.”
24
When that news got around to the other ten apostles, they became hot under the collar
about what the two brothers were up to. 25 So Jesus called everybody together and said, “You
know how worldly leadership functions. When leaders have dominion over people, the greater
their power, the more control they exercise over their subjects. 26 It will not be like that among
you. 27 On the contrary, whoever among you who has ambition for greatness will become your
servant. In other words, whoever among you wants to be number one will make himself your
slave. 28 Take the human one as your model. He did not come to be catered to, but to serve and to
expend his life as a ransom in behalf of multitudes.
29
As they were leaving Jericho a thronging crowd was following along with him. 30 View
this: Two blind men were seated at the roadside because they heard Jesus was on his way
through. They shouted, “Have a heart for us, David’s son!”
31
The mob rebuked them in an effort to shut them up. But all the more they yelled,
“Have a heart for us, sovereign, David’s son!”
32
Jesus stopped the procession, called them over to him, and said to them, “What do
you want me to do for you?”
33
They replied, “Sovereign, we want our eyes to see.”
34
Jesus, empathizing with them, touched their eyes. Immediately they were enabled to
see, and they followed along with him.
21:1 Jesus’ traveling party came near Jerusalem, arriving at Bethphage on Olive Grove
Mountain. Then Jesus dispatched two disciples 2 with these instructions: “Go into the village
straight ahead, and right away you will find a donkey tied and her foal with her. Loose them and
bring them to me. 3 If anyone questions what you are doing, say: Their master needs them and
presently he will send them back.” 4 This happened to fulfill the statement of the prophet:
5
Say to daughter Zion:
Look! Your king is coming to you,
low key, mounted upon a donkey,
even upon a foal, the offspring of a beast of burden.
6
When the disciples arrived, they did just as Jesus had instructed them. 7 They brought
the donkey and the foal and placed coverings on them, and he sat upon them.
8
The immense crowd spread their garments on the road, and others were cutting palm
fronds from the trees and spreading them on the road. 9 There were throngs preceding him and
following him, chanting:
Save us please— David’s son!
Blessed is the one who arrives in Yahveh’s name!
Save us please—in the highest heavens!
10
As he entered Jerusalem all the city became excited, saying, “Who is this?”
Matthew 21:11-29 52

11
The crowds responded, “This is the prophet, Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee.”
12
Jesus entered the temple and threw out the merchants, all those who were doing
business in the temple. He toppled the tables of the money changers and benches of those selling
doves. 13 He said to them, “It has been written:
My house will be noted as a place of prayer.
But you have turned it into a den of thieves!”
14
Blind people and lame ones came to him in the temple, and he restored them.
15
The administrative priests and the scholars observed the wonders he performed and
heard the boys and girls in the temple cheering for him, “Save us please, David’s son!” The
officials were indignant, 16 and said to him, “Do you hear what they are saying?”
Jesus answered them, “Of course. You have never read—have you?—the text that says:
From the mouths of minors, even the very young, you [Yahveh God] restored praise.
17
When he left them, he went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there.
18
Early in the morning while returning to the city, he became hungry. 19 When he
noticed a solitary fig tree by the road, he went over to it. He found no fruit on it—only leaves. So
he said to it: “You must never again produce fruit.” The fig tree became desiccated at once.
20
When the disciples saw this, they were impressed saying, “How is it that the fig tree
immediately shriveled up?”
21
Jesus replied, “I assure you that if you have faith and do not waver, not only can you
do such to the fig tree, but if you should say to this mountain: Be removed and shoved into the
lake, it will happen. 22 You will receive all you request in believing prayer.”
23
After he came to the temple, the upper echelon priests and elders of the nation came to
him while he was teaching. They had this to say: “By what authority do you do these things?
Who authorized you?”
24
Jesus replied, “I also have one matter about which to question you. If you respond to
my question, I in turn will tell you by whose authority I do what I do: 25 Where did John’s
baptism originate—in heaven, or was it humanly contrived?”
They talked this over among themselves, saying: 26 “If we say, ‘from heaven’, he will
say to us, ‘What is your reason for not believing him?’ But if we say, ‘It was humanly
contrived’, we have reason to be fearful of the masses, because all the people consider John to be
a prophet.”
27
Therefore, they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
He retorted, “Neither will I tell you my credentials authenticating my actions.”
28
What is your opinion in this situation? There was a man with two children. He
approached the first and said, “My child, go today to work in the vineyard.”
29
He answered, “I will not!”
But later on he had a change of heart and went.
Matthew 21:30-22:3 53

30
The man approached his other child and said the same thing. He replied, “Yes, sir! I
will.” But he did not go.
31
Who of the two actually carried out his father’s will?
They replied, “The first one.”
Jesus said, “I assure you that tax-takers and streetwalkers will make it into God’s
kingdom ahead of you. 32 For John came to you championing the way of righteousness, but you
did not trust him. On the other hand, tax-takers and prostitutes did believe him. Although you
scrutinized him, you afterward did not have a change of heart to place confidence in him.
33
Listen to another analogy: There was an estate owner who planted a vineyard, fenced
it all around, hollowed out a winepress in it, and constructed an observation tower. Then he
leased it out to tenant farmers and took off for a long trip.
34
When harvest came, he sent his servants to the farmers to receive his share of the
35
yield. But the farmers took control of them, beating up some, killing some, and stoning some.
36
Again he sent other servants in addition to the earlier ones, and they were subjected to the
same treatment. 37 Finally, he sent to them his son, saying to himself, “They will surely show
respect to my son.”
38
But the farmers upon seeing the son, conferred and concluded: “This is the heir. Come
on now, let us kill him that we might take over his inheritance.”
39
Seizing him, they threw him out of the vineyard, and murdered him.
40
“When the owner of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those tenant farmers?”
41
They answered him, “He will exterminate those extremely evil men, and he will lease
the vineyard to other tenant farmers who will turn over to him the produce at the appropriate
times.”
42
Jesus said to them: “You have not read—have you?—in the Scriptures:
A stone the masons judged to be a misfit—
that stone became the keystone of the arch.
This was prearranged by Yahveh,
and from our perspective it is splendid.
43
This is why I declare to you that God’s kingdom will be wrested from you and given
to a people who will implement it. Moreover, whoever falls against this stone will be broken. 44
But as for the one on whom that stone comes smashing down—it will pulverize him.”
45
When the ruling priests and the Pharisees heard his parable, they knew he was
alluding to them. 46 They wanted to arrest him, but they feared public opinion because he was
esteemed as a prophet.
22:1 Jesus responded again with a parable for them: 2 The kingdom of heaven is analogous to
a king who gave a marriage feast for his son. 3 He sent his couriers to rally those who had been
previously invited to the festivities. The invited guests, however, were not interested.
Matthew 22:4-25 54

4
Once again he sent other couriers to tell the invitees, “Be informed: My first meal in
the series is ready. My steers and fattened animals have been slaughtered, and everything is
prepared. Come on up to the marriage feast."
5
But disinterested, they backed off. For instance, one went out into his own field and
another to his business. 6 The rest, having seized his couriers, humiliated them, even to the point
of killing them.
7
Then the king, having become furious, sent his militia, executed those murderers, and
set their city ablaze.
8
Then he said to his agents, “The marriage banquet is ready, but those with invitations
were not worthy to attend. 9 Go, therefore, to the secondary roads and back lanes. Call people to
come to the wedding feast wherever you can find them.”
10
His agents fanned out into the streets. They gathered all they could find—both bad
and good people. They filled the marriage banquet hall with guests.
11
When the king came in to look the guests over, he saw a guest not wearing clothes
proper for a wedding. 12 He said to him, “Fellow, how did you get in here not wearing wedding
clothes?”
But the man remained speechless.
13
Then the king said to his servants, “Tie him up feet and hands and eject him into the
exterior darkness, where there will be crying and grimacing with clenched teeth.”
14
Many are invited but few are chosen.
15
Then the Pharisees conferred and concocted a scam by which they would entrap him
in something he would say. 16 They sent to him their students together with the Herodians. This
was their line: “Teacher, we know you are authentic, and that you teach God’s way accurately.
Furthermore, you are not swayed by anything, for you do not base your actions on popular
approval. 17 Therefore, render to us your judgment: Is it right to pay a head tax to Caesar, or
not?”
18
But Jesus saw through their nefarious scheme. He said, “Why do you phonies try to
19
trip me? Show me the coin required for the tax.”
They brought to him a denarius.
20
Then he said to them, “Whose image and inscription are struck on the coin?”
21
They replied, "Caesar’s."
Then he said to them, “Therefore, give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God
God’s possessions!"
22
When they heard that, they experienced such consternation that they gave up on him
and went away.
23
On that day the Sadducees, who expect no resurrection of the dead, approached him.
24
They interrogated him this way: “Teacher, Moses said, If anyone dies childless, his brother
should marry his wife and perpetuate seed for his brother. 25 There were among us seven
Matthew 22:26-23:9 55

brothers. The oldest died after he was married. Not having seed (i.e., children), he left his wife to
his brother. 26 The same sequence of events transpired with the second brother, the third, and all
of them including the seventh. 27 Last of all the woman died. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection
whose wife of the seven will she be, for they all had her?”
29
Jesus replied to them: “Your error derives from your neither knowing the Scriptures
nor God’s power. 30 For in the resurrection epoch no man marries nor is a woman given in
marriage, but everyone resembles the angels of heaven [as singles]. 31 Now as far as the
resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God says to you? — 32 I am the God of
Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not God of the dead, but God of the
living!”
33
The crowds who listened to him were astounded by his teaching.
34
The Pharisees, hearing that the Sadducees were dumbfounded, congregated at the
same place. 35 One of them, trying to provoke him into saying something they could put a spin
on, questioned him: 36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the law?”
37
He replied to him: “Love Yahveh your God completely in your heart, with all your
vitality, and in all your thinking. 38 This commandment is paramount and primary. 39 The second is
similar: Love your fellow human being as you love yourself. 40 The full application of the law and
prophets derives from these two commands!”
41
Because the Pharisees were gathered around, Jesus raised a question for them:
42
“What do you think about the messiah—specifically, whose son is he?”
They said, “David’s son.”
43
“How is it,” he said, “that David was spiritually inspired to call him Lord ? David
said:
44
Yahveh said to my Lord,
Sit at my right hand,
until I relegate your enemies under your control.
45
If then David called him Lord, how can he be David’s son?”
46
No one was able to answer him a word. Neither did anyone dare to interrogate him
any more from that day forward.
23:1 Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples: 2 The scholars and Pharisees sit on
Moses’ bench. 3 Do all they tell you to do and to keep, but do not do as they do. For they make
pronouncements, but do not implement them. 4 For instance, they impose heavy, unwieldy
burdens upon people’s shoulders, but they opt not to move so much as their finger to bear those
loads. 5 All their activities are performed to polish their image in the public perception. They
increase the width of the pendant scroll cases they wear and lengthen the tassels on their
clothing. 6 They love the head-table seats at banquets, the platform seats in the synagogues, 7 the
deferential greetings in the markets, and to be addressed by men as “rabbi.”
8
As for you, do not let yourself be called rabbi, for you have one master-teacher, and all
of you are brothers. 9 Also you are not to be called “father” on the earth, for you have one
Matthew 23:10-35 56

heavenly father. 10 Neither are you to be called an “expert” because you have one expert, the
messiah. 11 The greatest among you will be the one who serves you all. 12 Whoever acclaims
himself will be humiliated, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees—hypocrites all—because you
effect a lockout on the kingdom of heaven just as people get to the entrance. For you neither
enter yourselves, nor do you permit those about to enter to get inside.
15
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees—pretenders all—because you
travel over sea and land to make one proselyte, and once he is yours, you make him over into a
decaying, smoldering, garbage dump of a person—your double.
16
How horrible your destiny, you blind counselors who say, “It means nothing to swear
on the basis of the temple, but it is binding if one swears on the gold of the temple.”
17
Ignoramuses and unenlightened, which is greater, the gold, or the temple that consecrates the
gold?” 18 Also you say: “It means nothing to swear on the basis of the altar, but if one swears on
the basis of the gift on the altar, it is binding.” 19 Irrational men, which is greater, the gift, or the
altar that consecrates the gift? 20 So one who swears on the basis of the altar swears by it and by
all upon it. 21 One who swears by the temple swears by it and the one who dwells in it. 22 One
who swears by heaven swears by God’s throne and the one who sits upon it.
23
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees—hypocrites that you are—because
you tithe mint, dill, and cumin, yet you neglect the important issues of the law: justice, mercy,
and faithfulness. These are the priorities of the law you should practice, while not neglecting
those other elements. 24 Blind counselors that you are, you strain out the gnat (that gets in the
milk) but drink down the camel.
25
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees, charlatans all, because you wash
the outside of your cup and dish, but the interior remains untouched—full of plunder and greed.
26
Blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of your cup, so its interior may be clean as well as the
outside.
27
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees, imposters all. You are comparable
to whitewashed tomb vaults, which externally appear to be attractive, but inside they are full of
the bones of dead people and all kinds of uncleanness. 28 In the same manner you put on a
sanctimonious façade to the public, but internally you are full of hypocrisy and noncompliance
to the law.
29
How horrible your destiny, scholars and Pharisees—phonies all—because you
construct the tombs of the prophets and beautify the monuments of the righteous. 30 You also say:
“Had we lived in the times of our ancestors, we would not have participated with them in
causing the prophets to bleed. 31 Right there you testify against yourselves. For you have
conceded you are the offspring of those who murdered the prophets, 32 and you fit the profile of
33
your fathers. Snakes! Brood of poisonous vipers! How will you escape getting what you
deserve in hell?
34
For this reason—scan the history—I am sending to you prophets, wise men, and
scholars. Some of them you will murder, even crucify; some you will whip in your synagogues
and chase out of town on to the next town. 35 Consequently, you are liable for all the blood of the
righteous soaking the ground from the blood of that righteous man, Abel, to the blood of
Matthew 23:36-24:22 57

Zechariah, son of Barachiah, whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the sacrificial altar.
36
I assure you that responsibility for all these actions will devolve to this generation.
37
Jerusalem, Jerusalem, assassinator of the prophets and pelter of those sent there! How
often I wanted to gather your children as a hen does her chicks under her wings, but you did not
want that. 38 Pay attention! Your house is abandoned to you as an empty shell. 39 For I declare to
you: You will never again see me until the time you say:
Blessed is he who comes in Yahveh’s name.
24:1 After Jesus had left the temple and was on his way, his disciples approached him to
point out to him the buildings in the temple complex. 2 He responded to them this way: “You see,
do you not, all this architecture? I assure you emphatically that not one stone will be left here
upon another; all will be torn down.”
3
When he seated himself on Olive Grove Mountain, his disciples approached him
privately. They said: “Tell us when this will happen, what will be the sign of your coming and
that of the culmination of the age.”
4
Jesus answered them: Watch out lest anyone deceive you. 5 For many will come in my
name saying, “I am the anointed one.” They will delude many people.
6
You will continually hear about wars and rumors of such. Make sure you do not
become terrified by these. 7 For conflicts must arise, but the end will not have been reached. For
nation will become aggressive against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be
famines and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these phenomena are the beginning of
sufferings.
9
They also will hand you over for rough treatment, and assassinate you. You will be
hated by all nations because of your association with my name. 10 At that time many will cave in,
betraying one another, even hating one another.
11
In addition, many false prophets will come into prominence and deceive many people.
12
Because criminal behavior will become so widespread, the love many have will cool
down. 13 But the one who perseveres to the end will be saved.
14
Moreover, this evangel of the kingdom will be proclaimed all over the inhabited
world as a witness to all nations; and then comes the end.
15
Therefore, to use a phrase from the prophet Daniel, when you see “the detestable
result of desolation,” situated in the holy place—let the reader understand—16 then let those who
live in Judaea flee to the mountains. 17 Let whoever is up on his flat roof not go inside to the
ground floor to carry his possessions out of the house. 18 Whoever is in the field must not go back
to get his clothes. 19 And alas for pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days.
20
Pray that your escape will be neither in cold weather nor on the sabbath. 21 For at that
time there will be compounded trouble such as has not occurred from the beginning of the world
until now, nor will there be such in the future. 22 Unless those days were reduced, no human
being would survive. But for the sake of the select ones, those days will be reduced.
Matthew 24:23-50 58

23
At that time if anyone says to you, “Look this way; the messiah is here—or he is over
there—do not believe it.” 24 For false messiahs and false prophets will become prominent. They
will exhibit great miracles and wonders to deceive if it were possible even the select people.
25
Take notice. I have predicted the future for you. 26 Therefore, if they say to you, “Look for him
in the desert,” do not go there; or, “See him in the inner sanctums,” do not believe it. 27 For just
as lightning streaks from the east and flashes to the west, so will be the human one’s arrival.
28
Wherever carrion is located, there the vultures will congregate.
29
Immediately after the ordeal of those days:
The sun will be obscured,
The moon will not provide its glow,
Stars will fall from the sky,
The powers of the heavens will become disorganized.
30
Moreover, at that time the human one’s sign will be manifested in the sky, and all the
peoples of the earth will go into mourning. They will see the human one coming on the clouds
of the sky in a display of power and tremendous glory. 31 Accompanied by a great trumpet blast,
he will dispatch his angels. They will gather his select ones from all over, from the four winds,
even from the extremities under the sky.
32
Now learn this fig-tree analogy. As soon as the fig puts forth tender branches and
leaves, you are aware that summer is approaching. 33 In the same way when you see all these
happenings, you will recognize that the event is imminent. 34 I assure you that this generation will
not pass off the scene until all these are actualized. 35 Sky and earth will disintegrate, but my
pronouncements will never pass away.
36
But concerning those days and the exact time, no one knows—neither the heavenly
angels, nor the son—no one, except the father alone.
37
Just as daily life went on normally in Noah’s day, so will it be in the time of the
human one’s arrival. 38 In the days before the cataclysm, people were dining and drinking,
marrying and being married, until the day Noah entered the ark. 39 Not until the cataclysm
actually struck, did they know it would happen, and they were all swept away by it. The coming
of the human one will be like that. 40 At that time two men will be in the field; one will be taken
away, and one will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding at a millstone; one will be taken away,
and one will be left.
42
Stand watch, therefore, because you do not know what time your Lord is coming.
43
You should know that if the homeowner had known what time during the night the thief was
coming, he would have stayed awake to be on the lookout; he would not have permitted his
house to be ransacked. 44 For this reason, you must be ready because when you least expect it,
the human one will arrive.
45
Who, therefore, is a faithful servant—and sensible—whom the boss will put in charge
over his domestic help to issue them provisions at the proper time? 46 That servant who when his
boss arrives, will be found performing his duties will indeed be delighted. 47 I assure you the boss
will place him in charge of all his possessions. 48 But if that servant is evil and says to himself,
“My manager is putting off his return,” 49 and begins to whip his fellow servants, to party, and to
drink with the intoxicated, 50 that servant’s boss will arrive on a day when he was not expecting
Matthew 24:51-25:23 59

him and at an hour he had not anticipated. 51 He will cut him down and relegate him to a position
among the hypocrites. Crying and clenching of teeth are there.
25:1 The kingdom of heaven will be comparable to ten pure unmarried young women who
took their small clay lamps and departed to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were
shortsighted, and five were thoughtful. 3 The happy-go-lucky ones took along their lamps, but
they did not take a supply of olive oil with them. 4 But the smart young women took along with
their lamps oil in flasks.
5
Because the bridegroom’s procession was delayed, they all nodded off and were
6
sleeping. At midnight a stentorian call was made: “Behold the bridegroom! Proceed to meet
him.”
7
Then all those young women got up and fiddled with their lamps to trim them. 8 The
shortsighted ones said to those who were foresighted, “Give us some of your oil because our
lamps have burned out.”
9
But the thoughtful young women said, “Most certainly there is not enough for us and
for you. Go instead to the merchants and buy some for yourselves.”
10
While they were away to buy oil, the bridegroom arrived. Those who were ready
entered with him to the marriage feast, and the door was bolted. 11 Later, the rest of the young
women arrived saying, “Sir, sir, open up for us!”
12
But his answer came: “Indeed, I declare to you that I do not recognize you.”
13
Keep alert, therefore, because you know neither his arrival day nor the hour!
14
Here is another analogy: A man about to go abroad called his servants and put his
assets under their control. 15 Into the hands of one of them he put five large bars of silver; another
received two bars of silver; and another received one bar. The amount entrusted to each one was
determined by his ability. The man began his trip right away.
16
As soon as the owner left, the servant receiving the five units of silver put them to
work in the community, and by doing so he gained five more units. 17 In a similar fashion the
servant with two units doubled their value. 18 But the servant who received one unit went out and
dug a hole in the ground where he cached away his master’s silver.
19
After a very long time had elapsed, the master of those servants returned, and he had
an accounting with them. 20 The servant came who received five units of silver. He brought with
him five more, saying, “Master, you entrusted me with five units. Look! I have gained an
additional five.”
21
His boss said to him, “Fine work, conscientious and dependable servant. You were
faithful with a little; I will position you to handle much. Enjoy the good graces of your master!”
22
Then the one who had received two units of silver approached and reported, “Master,
you entrusted me with two units of silver. Look! I have gained an additional two units.”
23
His boss said to him, “Fine work, conscientious and dependable servant. You were
faithful with a little; I will position you to handle much. Enjoy the good graces of your master!”
Matthew 25:24-26:2 60

24
Also the one who had received one unit of silver approached him and said, “Master, I
knew that you are hard to satisfy, harvesting where you have not planted, and gathering where
you have not scattered seed. 25 So being afraid, I went and hid your unit of silver in the ground.
Look! You have here what is yours.
26
But his master replied, “You good-for-nothing, lazy servant; you knew, did you, that ‘I
harvest where I did not plant and gather where I did not scatter seed’? 27 You ought, therefore, to
have invested my silver with the financiers. Then when I returned I would have recovered my
principal with interest.”
28
To his servants he said, “Therefore, take away the unit of silver from him and give it to
the one now having ten units. 29 For to everyone having gains, more will be given, and his capital
will be increased. 30 But to the one not having increase, what he has been entrusted with will be
taken from him. Shove that useless servant into the exterior darkness. Crying and grimacing with
clenched teeth will occur there.”
31
When the human one comes in his glory accompanied by all the angels, he will sit at
that time on his glorious throne. 32 All nations will be assembled before him, and he will separate
them from one another just as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. 33 He will station the sheep
on his right side and the goats on his left. 34 Then the king will say to those on his right, “Come,
you who are blessed by my father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the origin of the
universe. 35 For I was hungry and you fed me. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink.
I was a stranger and you made friends with me. 36 I was without clothes and you clothed me. I
was sick and you took care of me. I was in prison and you visited me.”
37
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and provided
food for you, or thirsty and provided something to drink for you? 38 At what time did we
recognize you as a stranger and became a friend to you, or naked and clothed you? 39 When did
we ever know you to be sick or in prison and came to you?”
40
The king will say to them in reply, “I assure you that whatever you did to one of the
least of these my brothers, you did for me.”
41
Then he will say to those on his left, “Move away from me, you who are under the
curse of inextinguishable fire prepared for the devil and his agents. 42 For I was hungry and you
did not feed me. I was thirsty and you did not give me something to drink. 43 I was a stranger and
you did not make friends with me. I was naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and
you did not help me.”
44
Then these people will reply, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or
displaced, or unclothed, or sick, or in prison, and we did not help you?”
45
At that time he will reply to them, “I assure you that whatever you did not do to one of
the least of these, you did not do for me.” 46 These will march off into the punishment whose
effect is permanent, and the righteous into life eternal.
26:1 When Jesus had completed all these teachings, he said to his disciples, 2 “You know that
after two days the Passover will be here, and the human one will be handed over to be
crucified.”
Matthew 26:3-29 61

3
At that time the top echelon priests and the councilmen of the nation held a meeting in
the courtyard of the high priest, Caiaphas. 4 They had a brainstorming session to try to figure out
how by some underhanded means they might arrest and execute Jesus. 5 But they kept saying,
“Not during the feast, lest there be a riot among the people.”
6
While Jesus was staying in Bethany at Simon the leper’s home, 7 a woman approached
him having with her an alabaster vial of very expensive perfume. As he reclined at the table, she
poured it upon his head. 8 When the disciples observed this, they became indignant, saying,
“Why was it wasted? 9 For the perfume could have been sold for much money and the proceeds
given to the poor.”
10
But Jesus, knowing what was going on, said to them, “Why are you causing the lady
consternation? She performed a magnificent service for me. 11 You always have the poor around,
but you will not always have me. 12 For she made this application of perfume on my body in
preparation for my burial. 13 I assure you that wherever the evangel is preached all over the
world, this act of hers will be mentioned in memory of her.”
14
Then one of the twelve, Judas Iscariot, slipped away to the top echelon priests and
said to them, 15 “What would it be worth to you in return for my handing him over to you?”
They weighed for him 30 shekels of silver.
16
From then on he was looking for an opportunity to betray him.
17
At the outset of the feast of flat bread the disciples approached Jesus saying, “Where
do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?”
18
He answered: Go into the city to such and such a person and say to him, “The teacher
says, ‘My special time is almost here. I will observe the Passover at your place, along with my
disciples’."
19
The disciples did as Jesus ordered them. They prepared the Passover meal. 20 When it
became evening, he reclined at the table with the twelve. 21 While they were eating, he said, “I
assure you that one of you will betray me.”
22
Being very upset about this, each one began to say to him, “You are not referring to
me, are you, Lord?”
He replied, “He who dipped his hand with me into the bowl is the betrayer. 24 The
23

human one departs just as it has been written about him, but how horrible the destiny of that man
by whom the human one is betrayed. It would have been better for him had he not been born.”
25
Judas, the betrayer, replied to him, “It is not me, is it, rabbi?”
He answered, “That is what you said.”
26
During their meal Jesus took (flat) bread, consecrated it, broke it into pieces, and gave
the bread to his disciples. These were his words: “Receive and eat this, for it is my body.”
27
After he had taken a cup, he gave thanks and gave it to them saying, “All of you drink
28
from it, for this is my covenantal blood that is being poured out for multitudes for forgiveness
of sins. 29 But I declare to you that from now on I certainly shall not drink from that which grows
Matthew 26:30-48 62

on the grapevine until the day I drink it with you under new conditions in the kingdom of my
father.”
30
They sang a hymn and left for Olive Grove Mountain.
31
Then Jesus said to them, “All of you will become disillusioned over me this very
night. For it has been written:
I shall strike down the shepherd,
and the flock of sheep will be scattered.
32
But after I am raised up, I will lead you forth into Galilee.”
33
Rock replied to him, “If everyone else abandons his allegiance to you, I shall never
renege on my commitment to you.”
34
Jesus said to him, “I assure you that this very night before the rooster call, you will
deny me three times.”
35
Rock said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I certainly will not disown you!” All
the disciples said the same.
36
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane. He said to his disciples, “Be
seated here while I go over there to pray.” 37 Taking along Rock and Zebedee’s two sons, he
began to experience anguish and heartbreak.
38
Then he said to them, “My soul is saturated with sorrows so as to be on the verge of
death. Remain here, and stay awake with me.”
39
After going forward a little way, he lay prone, praying these words, “My father, if it is
possible, cause this cup to be cleared away from before me. Nevertheless, I accept not what I
want, but what you want.”
40
Upon returning to his disciples, he found them sleeping. He said to Rock, “Is the
situation such that you all cannot keep awake with me for one hour? 41 Stay alert all of you and
keep praying, lest you give in to temptation. One’s spirit is eager, but physical capacity is weak.”
42
Again for a second time he went away and prayed these words, “My father, if this cup
cannot be cleared away unless I drink it, your will be done.”
43
When he came back again, he found them sleeping, for their eyes were drowsy.
44
Leaving them, he went away again a third time and prayed the same prayer once more.
45
Then he came to his disciples and said to them, “You are still sleeping and getting
your rest. Pay attention! The time has arrived for the human one to be betrayed into the hands of
sinners. 46 Get up! Let us go! Look, my betrayer has moved in close.”
47
While he was yet speaking—see this—Judas, one of his twelve, came up with a
massive mob carrying swords and cudgels. The upper echelon priests and the elders of the nation
were the instigators of that mob. 48 The betrayer had prearranged with them a signal, saying,
“Whomever I kiss is the man; arrest him.”
Matthew 26:49-68 63

49
At once he approached Jesus and said, “Hi, rabbi,” and he kissed him demonstrably.
50
Jesus replied to him, “Companion, why are you here?”
Then they closed in and grabbed Jesus with their hands and arrested him.
51
Look: One of those with Jesus cocked his arm and wielded his sword, which struck
the high priest’s servant, cutting off his ear.
52
Then Jesus said to him, “Return your sword into its scabbard. All who take the sword
will be done in by the sword. 53 Or do you think I am unable to send a distress signal to my father
and have him station by me right now more than twelve legions of angels? 54 Were I to do that,
however, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled that require such an event as this?”
55
At that time Jesus said to the throng, “As if you were after a thief you have come out
with swords and cudgels to take me in. I daily sat and taught in the temple, and you did not arrest
me.”
56
This whole incident happened that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.
Then all his disciples, leaving him, made their escape.
57
Those who seized Jesus brought him to Caiaphas, the high priest, at whose place the
scholars and councilmen were assembled. 58 But Rock was following him from a distance all the
way to the courtyard of the high priest. Once he was on the inside, he sat with the servants to see
this thing through to the end.
59
Now the ruling priests and the whole council were seeking an allegation of perjury
against Jesus so they might have a case to execute him. 60 They did not find what they wanted,
although many notorious liars came in. Finally, two characters came forward with this statement:
61
“He said: ‘I am able to demolish God’s temple and rebuild it during a three day period’."
62
The high priest stood up and said to him, “Have you no response to what these men
have testified against you?”
63
But Jesus remained silent. So the high priest said to him, “I put you under oath to the
living God to tell us if you are the messiah, God’s son.”
64
Jesus said to him, “You made the declaration to that effect. Nevertheless, I declare to
you that in the future you all will see the human one seated at the supreme position of power and
coming on the clouds of the sky.”
65
Then the high priest ripped his robes into rags saying, “He slandered (God)! What
further need do we have of witnesses? Look now, you heard the blasphemy. 66 What is your
verdict?”
They responded, “He deserves death!”
67
Then they spit on his face and roughed him up, and those punching him were 68 saying,
“Prophesy to us, messiah: Who is battering you?”
Matthew 26:69-27:13 64

69
Rock was sitting outside in the courtyard, and one slave girl approached him saying,
“You also were with Jesus the Galilean!”
70
But he denied it before everybody saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”
71
When he went out by the gateway, another female slave saw him and said to those
who were there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72
And again he denied it—this time with an oath backing his statement, “I do not know
the man!”
73
Shortly thereafter those standing around approached and said to Rock, “For certain,
you are from their group; your accent is evidence enough.”
74
Then he began to call down a curse on himself if he lied, and to swear, “I do not know
the man!” And immediately the rooster call rang out.
75
Rock remembered the statement Jesus had made, “Before the rooster call sounds off,
you will deny me three times.” He went outside and broke down in bitter weeping.
27:1 At dawn all the upper echelon priests and councilmen of the nation put their heads
together in opposition to Jesus and called for his execution. 2 They tied him up, led him away,
and turned him over to Pilate, the governor.
3
Then Judas, his betrayer, perceived that he was condemned. Ashamed of what he had
done, he returned the 30 silver pieces to the administrative priests and councilmen. 4 He told
them: “I sinned, betraying the blood of an innocent man.”
But they said, “What do we care? That is your business!”
5
So he threw down the silver coins in the temple and headed out. After departure, he
hanged himself.
6
The administrative priests picked up the silver coins and commented, “It is unlawful to
put these in the temple treasury because they represent blood money.” 7 After conferring, they
bought with the money a potter’s dumping grounds to be a graveyard for foreigners. 8 Therefore,
that field is referred to as the bloody field right up until this writing. 9 In that episode the
statement of Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled:
And I brought a price of 30 silver coins,
the assessed value by Israel’s descendants;
10
And they spent the money for purchasing a potter’s yard
just as Yahveh instructed me.
11
Jesus was made to stand trial before the governor, who interrogated him, “You—are
the king of Israel?”
Jesus replied, “You so stated.”
12
To the accusations of the administrative priests and councilmen Jesus addressed no
13
answer. Then Pilate said to him, “Do you not hear how many things they are alleging against
you?”
Matthew 27:14-37 65

14
Yet Jesus did not answer him even one word to any accusation. The upshot was that
the governor was greatly impressed by him.
15
Customarily, at the feast the governor would release to the crowd one prisoner whom
they selected. 16 They had at that time a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17 Therefore, when
they assembled, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release for you—Barabbas, or
Jesus, called Christ?” 18 He mentioned Jesus because he knew it was on account of spitefulness
they had handed him over.
19
While Pilate was seated officially at judgment, his wife passed a message to him that
said: “Do nothing against that righteous man. For in a dream today I experienced many agonies
relative to him.”
20
But the administrative priests and the councilmen persuaded the crowds they should
ask for Barabbas in order to destroy Jesus.
21
The governor made this response to them: “Which of these two do you want me to
release to you?”
They said, “Barabbas.”
22
Pilate said to them, “What do you want me to do with Jesus called Christ?"
They all said, “Crucify him!”
23
But he said, “What is the reason—what crime has he committed?”
Yet all the more they kept chanting, “Crucify him!”
24
But Pilate, perceiving that it was of no use to go on because bedlam was breaking out,
took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd and said, “I am guiltless of spilling this
man’s blood. You will be responsible!”
25
All the people answered, “We take responsibility for his blood—we and our children.”
26
Then he released to them Barabbas, but Jesus was given a (Roman) beating; after that, Pilate
turned Jesus over to be crucified.
27
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus aside into the official quarters of the
governor. They assembled around him all the cohort. 28 They undressed Jesus and they put a
scarlet robe on him. 29 After platting a crown from thorns, they put it upon his head. They put a
reed in his right hand, genuflected before him, making fun of him, saying, “Felicitations, king of
the Jews!” 30 They spit on him. They took the reed and kept beating with it upon his head.
31
After they had humiliated him, they took off the robe and dressed him in his own
clothes, and led him away to crucify him.
32
As they were coming out they found a Cyrenian named Simon, whom they impressed
into service to carry his cross.
33
They arrived at a place called Golgotha, which means skull site. 34 They gave him
wine spiked with gall, which when he tasted what it was, he would not drink. 35 Once he was on
the cross, they divided up his clothes by a lottery. 36 Then they seated themselves and guarded
him there. 37 They posted over his head his crime:
Matthew 27:38-64 66

JESUS
KING OF THE JEWS
38
Simultaneously they crucified two thieves, one on each side of him. 39 The mob that
had come out to watch kept insulting him, shaking their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy
the temple and in three days, rebuild it; save yourself. If you are God’s son, come down from the
cross!”
41
Likewise also the administrative priests along with the scholars and councilmen kept
ridiculing him, 42 “He set others free but he is not able to free himself. As Israel’s king, let him
come down from the cross—right now—and we shall believe in him. 43 He trusted in God. Let
God rescue him now if he wants him, for he said, ‘I am God’s son.’”
44
In the same way the criminals crucified with him jeered at him.
45
Darkness overshadowed all the land from noon until 3 p.m. 46 Around three, Jesus
called out in a loud voice: Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani? which means: ‘My God, my God, why
did you abandon me?’
47
Certain ones of those standing around, when they heard this, were saying that he was
calling Elijah. 48 At once one of them ran over, and taking a sponge, filled it with soldier’s cheap
wine. He affixed the sponge to a reed and gave it to him to drink. 49 But the rest were saying,
“Leave him alone. Let us see if Elijah will come to deliver him.”
50
Jesus, after having called out again in a loud voice, dismissed his spirit.
51
See! The veil of the temple was split open from top to bottom into two sections. The
earth also quaked, and rocks were split apart. 52 Tombs were opened, and many bodies of the
holy ones who were sleeping were awakened. 53 Coming out of their graves after his resurrection,
they entered the sacred city and appeared to many people.
54
Now the centurion and those who were with him guarding Jesus, when they saw the
earthquake and the things that happened, became very frightened and exclaimed, “He was truly
God’s son!”
55
Many women were there who were watching from far back. These were women who
had followed with Jesus from Galilee and were serving him. 56 Among them was Mary from
Magdala, and Mary the wife of James and mother of Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
57
Late in the afternoon a wealthy man from Arimathaea came to the site. His name was
Joseph, and he, too, was a disciple of Jesus. 58 He approached Pilate and requested the body of
Jesus. Then Pilate ordered that it be given to him. 59 Joseph took his body and wrapped it in clean
linen. 60 He placed it in his new tomb that had been hollowed out of a rock formation. After
having rolled a massive stone against the door of the tomb, he left. 61 But Mary from Magdala
and the other Mary were there and sat down in front of the tomb.
62
On the next day, which was after the preparation day, the administrative priests and
Pharisees trooped back to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sovereign, we remember that this deceiver said
while he was yet living, ‘After three days I will be raised’. 64 Give orders, therefore, that the
grave be secured until the third day, lest his disciples come and steal him and say to the people,
‘He was raised from the dead’. In such a case the latter deception would be worse than the first.”
Matthew 27:65-28:20 67

65
Pilate said to them, “You have a squad for standing watch. Go make it as secure as
you know how to make it.”
66
So they went and made the grave secure. They placed a seal on the stone in addition to
placing the guard.
28:1 After the sabbath at dawn of the first day of the week, Mary from Magdala and the other
Mary came to see the grave. 2 See this: A great earthquake had occurred. For an angel of Yahveh
came down from heaven, approached the grave, rolled the stone back, and was sitting upon it.
3
His appearance was resplendent like lightning and his clothes were white as snow. 4 Those
securing the tomb were so shaken by their fear of him they became like dead men.
5
The angel responded to the women, “Stop being afraid. I know you are looking for
Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here. He was raised just as he said. Come, see the place
where he was laid out. 7 Proceed quickly and tell his disciples, “He has been raised from the
dead, and note this: He is going before you into Galilee. You will see him there; note that I told
you.”
8
The women, awed and exhilarated with great joy, set out quickly from the tomb. They
ran to announce the news to his disciples. 9 See this: Jesus met them saying, “Rejoice!”
When they approached him, they grabbed his feet and prostrated themselves before him.
10
Then Jesus said to them, “Do not continue to be frightened. Go and announce to my
brothers that they go away to Galilee, and there they will see me.”
11
While they were on their way, the scene shifts: Certain ones of the grave guards went
into the city and announced to the administrative priests everything that happened. 12 They
conferred with the councilmen and reached a decision as to what they would do. They took out
enough silver to bribe the soldiers, 13 saying to them, “Say that his disciples came at night and
stole him from us while we were sleeping.”
14
They promised them, “If the governor gets wind of it, we will influence him so that
you have nothing to worry about.” 15 The soldiers took the silver and did as they were coached.
This spiel has been reiterated by the Jews right up to the time this is written.
16
The eleven disciples went into Galilee to the mountain where Jesus directed them.
17
When they saw him, they worshiped, but some had doubts. 18 Jesus approached and said to
them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19 Consequently, when you go,
disciple all nationalities in my name.* 20 Teach them to keep everything I commanded you to do.
Understand this: I am with you every day until the consummation of the age!”

______________________________
* This is the patristic short form. The traditional long form replaces “in my name” with
“immersing them in the name of the father, and the son, and the holy spirit.”
Mark 1:1-22 68

MARK’S GOSPEL
1:1 The good news of Jesus Christ 2 opens with the prophet Isaiah’s inscription:
Focus on this:
I am sending my messenger as your advance agent.
He will make the arrangements for your expedition.
3
His stentorian voice reverberates in the desert:
Prepare Yahveh’s roadway.
Straighten out the curves.
4
Stationed in the desert was his agent, John the baptizer. He preached, advocating a
baptism conditioned on repentance and resulting in the forgiveness of sins. 5 Everybody came out
there to hear him, that is, all those in the region of the southern province and all the residents of
Jerusalem. They were being immersed by him in the river Jordan on the basis of confession of
their sins.
6
John was dressed in a camel’s hairy hide, held in at the waist by a leather belt. His diet
consisted of locusts and wild honey.
7
He announced this message: On his way as my successor, there is coming one more
dynamic than I. By comparison, I am not worthy to stoop down and untie the thongs of his
sandals. 8 I immersed you in water. He will immerse you in holy spirit.
9
This is what happened in those days: Jesus from Nazareth in Galilee came and was
immersed in the Jordan by John. 10 Right away he went up (on the bank) out of the water. He saw
the skies severing, and the spirit (of God) descending dove-like to him. 11 A voice from the
heavens resounded: “You are my son, my loved one. I am delighted with you!”
12
At once the spirit thrust him out into the desert. 13 For 40 days he was in the wasteland
being tempted by the adversary. What is more—he was there among the wild beasts; and angels
ministered to him.
14
After the incarceration of John, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming good news about
15
God. His message was this: The time has elapsed. God’s kingdom is near. Repent, and believe
the good news.
16
As he walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew, his
brother, casting their nets into the lake, for they were fishermen. 17 Jesus said to them, “Come
with me and I will retrain you to fish for men.”
18
Immediately leaving their fishing gear, they followed him.
19
When he had gone a little farther down the shore, he saw James, son of Zebedee, and
John, his brother, in a boat reconditioning their nets. 20 Right away he called them, too. They left
their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired help, and they went along with him.
21
Jesus traveled to Capernaum, arriving just as the sabbath began. After entering the
synagogue, he began teaching. 22 That teaching astounded them, for unlike the scholars, he was
teaching them as an authority.
Mark 1:23-45 69

23
Suddenly while he was in their synagogue, a man impelled by a sordid spirit shrieked,
24
“What are your superior claims on us, Jesus of Nazareth? Are you here to destroy us?
I know who you are—God’s holy one.”
25
Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Muzzle your mouth, and come out of him.” 26 The filthy
spirit convulsed him and let out an intense scream as it left him.
27
Everyone was amazed, and they had quite a discussion as a result. People kept saying:
“What does this mean? We have heard him give new teaching with the voice of authority. He
also issues commands to contemptible spirits and they obey him.”
28
The news about him spread at once everywhere into the whole surrounding region of
Galilee.
29
Right after that, he departed from the synagogue and came to the home of Simon and
Andrew. James and John were there, too. 30 Simon’s mother-in-law was down in bed with a
fever. As soon as he arrived, they told Jesus about her. 31 Coming to her, he grasped her hand and
raised her up. The fever left her, and she served them.
32
Late in the afternoon when the sun set, they kept bringing to him everyone who was in
serious condition, and also demoniacs. 33 The whole town had been accumulating at the door.
34
He healed the many people who had something wrong with them. Various kinds of diseases
disappeared. He expelled many demons. Because demons knew his identity, he would not allow
them to speak.
35
Next morning when it was very early—still dark—he got up and escaped to an
isolated place. He spent time there praying. 36 Simon and those with him pursued him. 37 When
they found him, they said, “Everyone is looking for you!”
38
He said to them, “Let us go elsewhere to neighboring villages to preach there as well,
for I set out with that purpose.”
39
He went on a preaching mission in the synagogues in all of Galilee and expelled
demons.
40
A leper came to him, pleading with him, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
41
Jesus compassionately stretched out his hand and touched him. He said, “I will do
that. Be clean.”
42
Immediately the leprosy left him, and he became clean.
43
At once Jesus took him aside and gave him a stern warning: 44 “See to it that you say
nothing to anyone. But go show yourself to a priest, and offer for your purification what Moses
specified. This will be evidence to them (of divine acts).”
45
When Jesus left there, he began to preach in many places and to spread the message
everywhere. As a result, no longer was he able to enter a town in plain view. He would stay in
the country in deserted places, but people kept coming to him from everywhere.
Mark 2:1-22 70

2:1 After he returned to Capernaum for some days, word got around that he was at
someone’s house. 2 Many people piled in so that there was no longer room for anyone else, even
outside the door. He kept presenting to them the word (of God).
3
Four men carrying a paralytic came on the scene with the intention of bringing him to
Jesus. 4 Not being able to get him in because of the packed house, they unroofed the (flat) roof
over where Jesus was located. Having made the opening, they lowered the stretcher with the
paralytic lying on it.
5
When Jesus observed their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6
Some scholars were sitting there saying to themselves, 7 “Why does he speak like this?
He blasphemes. Who can forgive sins except God exclusively?”
8
Right away Jesus, sensing in his spirit they were thinking this to themselves, said to
them: “Why do you ponder such notions in your hearts? 9 Which is easier to say to this paralytic?
Your sins are forgiven, or to say, Get up, take your pallet, and get going. 10 Here is the evidence
that you might know the human one has authority to forgive sins on the earth.” He spoke to the
paralytic:
11
“I say to you: Get up, take your pallet, and go to your home.”
12
He at once got up, grabbed his bedroll, and in the presence of everybody went out.
The effect of this left all of them ecstatic, glorifying God, and saying, “We have never seen
anything like it!”
13
Jesus again went out to the lakeshore. All the crowd was coming to him, and he kept
on teaching them.
14
As he passed by he saw Levi, son of Alphaeus, seated at his revenue booth. He said to
him, “Follow me.”
Levi rose to his feet and followed with him.
15
Jesus went to dine at Levi’s home. Many tax-takers and sinners were reclining at the
table with Jesus and his disciples, for many of them were following him. 16 Scholars among the
Pharisees, observing that he was eating with sinners and tax-takers, kept saying to his disciples:
“He eats with revenue agents and sinners!”
17
As he listened in, Jesus said to them, “The well and strong do not need a physician,
but his clientele are those who have something wrong with them. I did not come to call righteous
people, but sinners.”
18
The disciples of John and of the Pharisees practiced fasting. They came and said to
him, “Why do John’s disciples and the Pharisees’ disciples fast, but your disciples do not?”
19
Jesus said to them, “Wedding attendants are not able to fast so long as the bridegroom
is present with them. As long as they have him with them, they cannot fast. 20 The time is coming
when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and during that time they will fast.
21
No one sews new cloth as a patch on old clothing. If that were done, when the new
piece shrank, it would tear the old, and the split would become worse. 22 Also no one pours new
Mark 2:23-3:15 71

wine into old skins. Were that done, the wine would eventually rip the skins, and both the wine
and the skins would be wasted; but new wine goes into new skins.”
23
One sabbath while he was traveling beside the grain fields, his disciples began to step
aside into the field and pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees kept saying to him, “Look at
them! Why do they do what is illegal on the sabbath?”
25
He replied to them, “Have you never read what David did when he had a need for
food at a time when he and his men were hungry? 26 This is how it was: He entered the house of
God during the administration of Abiathar, the high priest, and he ate from the loaves presented
before God though it was illegal for anyone but priests to consume them. Furthermore, he gave
some also to his companions.”
27
Jesus went on to say to them: “The sabbath came into existence for man’s sake, and
not the other way around—man for the sabbath.” 28 Consequently, the human one sets the
standards for the sabbath.”
3:1 Again he went into the synagogue. A man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 They kept
looking over their shoulder at Jesus to see if he would heal him on the sabbath. Their motive was
to find grounds to condemn him.
3
So he said to the man with the incapacitated hand, “Come over here to the center.”
4
Then he said to them, “Is it legal on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life
or to waste it?”
Nobody said a word.
5
After looking around the circle at them with anger, he was heartsick over the callus
condition of their hearts. He said to the man, “Stretch forth your hand.”
He did, and his hand was restored.
6
Immediately, the Pharisees stormed out. They along with the Herodians began
consultations against Jesus with the explicit purpose of destroying him.
7
Jesus with his disciples departed for the lake. A tremendous crowd began to cluster
8
there. They were coming from Galilee, from Judaea, from Jerusalem, from Idumaea, from
Transjordania, and from the regions around Tyre and Sidon. Those who had heard about all he
was doing came to him in a great gathering.
9
He told his disciples to put a small boat at his disposal because of the crowd, lest they
crush him. 10 For he healed many, and as many as were physically suffering were lunging at him
so that they might touch him. 11 Sordid spirits, when they would see him, would fall down before
him, screaming, “You are God’s son.” 12 Yet he repeatedly rebuked them lest they advocate him.

13
He climbed a mountain and called along with him those whom he desired, and they
followed him. 14 He appointed twelve whom he named apostles. He commissioned them to preach
15
and to have the authority to expel demons.
Mark 3:16-4:9 72

16
He gave to Simon the epithet, rock, 17 and James, Zebedee’s son, and John the brother
of James, he called boanerges, meaning, thunder boys. 18 Also there were Andrew and Philip, and
Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James—Alphaeus’ son—and Thaddaeus, and
Simon the right-wing patriot, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.
20
He entered a home and again a crowd gathered. As a result they were not able to eat
their meals. 21 When his close relations heard what was going on, they went out to take him in,
for they were saying, “he has become unhinged.”
22
Also the scholars who came down from Jerusalem kept saying, “He has Beelzebub in
his corner, and by the dictator of demons he expels demons.”
23
Jesus called a meeting with them and spoke to them using analogies: How can Satan
expel Satan? 24 If a kingdom takes sides against itself, that kingdom cannot endure. 25 If a
household splits into factions, that household cannot persist. 26 If the adversary takes aggressive
action against himself and splits into opposing camps, he cannot survive. He is ruined.
27
But here is the situation: No one is able to enter a strong man’s house and steal his
valuables unless first the intruder ties him up. Then he can thoroughly ransack his house.
28
I assure you that every sinful deed and as many insults as human beings make will be
forgiven them. 29 But whoever blasphemes the holy spirit will never have this forgiven as long as
time stands. He is guilty of an everlasting sin. 30 This statement was directed at those who were
saying, “He has a sordid spirit.”
31
His mother and his brothers arrived and stood outside. They passed a message to him,
calling him to meet with them. 32 A crowd was seated around him. They relayed this message to
him, “Attention! Your mother and your brothers are outside and want you.”
33
He responded to them, “Who is my mother and who are my brothers?”
34
Looking around at those sitting encircled about him, he said, “See right here my
mother and my brothers! 35 For whoever does God’s will is my brother, my sister, my mother.”
4:1 Once again he began to teach beside the lake, and a dense crowd wedged in around him.
As a result he had to board a boat and position himself on the lake. All the crowd was on the
shore. Using parables, he kept teaching them many principles. 2 Jesus continued to speak to them
with the following teaching:
3
Listen carefully. See the planter who went out to sow seed. 4 In planting, some seed fell
on the path. Birds came and gulped it down.
5
Other seed fell where not much earth covers rocks. Right away it sprouted, but it did
not have depth of soil. 6 When the sun shined hot upon it, it dehydrated. Because it could not get
a root down, it wilted.
7
Other seed fell among thorns; they grew up and choked it so as not to have fruition.
8
Yet other seed fell in good soil and produced a crop—sprouting, growing, bearing. The
seed multiplied in one case by 30%, in another by 60%, and in another by 100%.
9
He kept saying: Ears are for hearing, so listen!
Mark 4:10-32 73

10
When he became alone, his companions along with the twelve were questioning him
about the parables.
11
He continued to say to them: “The mystery of God’s kingdom is granted to you. But
to outsiders, everything must be expressed in parables 12 in order that:
Looking, they would indeed gaze but not see,
and hearing, they would hear and not comprehend,
lest they turn around and be forgiven.
13
He said to them, “You do not get this parable; how will you grasp the meaning of all
the others?”
14
The planter plants the message. 15 The seed falling on the path illustrates how quickly,
as soon as it is heard, the adversary snatches away the message sown among such people.
16
Now as for that seed planted over underlying rocks, the meaning is this: When some
people hear the message, they immediately accept it enthusiastically. 17 Yet because they have no
root in themselves—but are temporizers—when trouble comes, or persecution connected with
the message, they are done in right away.
18
Then there are those others, the seed planted among the thorn-plants. 19 They also
listen to the message, but worldly anxieties, the delusion of wealth, and the rest of one’s cravings
intrude and choke the message so as to become unproductive in them.
20
There are also those comparable to the seed planted in good soil. These people listen
to the message, accept it thoroughly, and become producers—some at a rate of 30%, some 60%,
some 100%.
21
Jesus continued speaking to them: One would not light a lamp to place it under a
basket, or under a bed. Is not a lamp placed on a lampstand? 22 For there is no secret that will not
be brought out into the open. Neither is there any cover-up but what will come to light.
23 24
Ears are for using; so listen. He continued to say to them: Examine what you are
hearing.
The standard of measurement you use will be used also in compensating you with an
increase. 25 For whoever has such and such standard will get that standard applied to himself. As
to whoever does not have (a willingness to give), what he seemingly has will be taken from him.
26
He kept right on speaking. God’s realm is like a man who planted seed in the ground.
27
He would sleep and he would get up, in night-and-day cycles. The seed sprouted and grew. He
knew not how. 28 All by itself the earth produces, first the green shoot, then the head formation,
then the grain kernels filling out the head. 29 When the crop is ripe, right then, the farmer wields
his sickle because harvest time has come.
30
Also he said: To what should we compare God’s realm? Or by what parable should
we set it forth? 31 A mustard seed illustrates this: When planted in the earth, it is smallest of all
the earth’s seeds. 32 Yet after it is planted, it comes up and becomes larger than all plants. It
makes branches to such long lengths that the birds of the sky are able to roost under its shade.
Mark 4:33-5:19 74

33
By many such analogies he continued speaking the message to them in proportion to
their readiness to listen. 34 He would not speak to them any other way except by a parable. But
privately to his own disciples he elucidated everything.
35
He said to them late in that day, “Let us go over to the other side.” 36 Leaving the
crowd, they shoved off with him in the boat, and other boats were with him. 37 A squall having
high winds arose and the waves were piling into the boat and already were swamping it. 38 He
was in the stern sacked out on a cushion, sleeping. So they awoke him saying, “Teacher, do you
not care that we are going under?”
39
After he got up, he rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Hush. Keep quiet.” The
wind ceased and a great calm ensued.
40
He said to them, “Why are you frightened? Have you yet no faith?”
41
They were overcome by great fear and kept saying to one another: “Who, then, is this
that the wind and the sea submit to him?”
5:1 They arrived at the other side of the lake in the territory of the Gerasenes. 2 As soon as
he stepped out on shore a man coming from among the tombs and who was under the sway of a
filthy spirit accosted him. 3 A squatter among the cave-tombs, this man could not be held down
by restraints; no one could tie him up securely. 4 Many times he was bound by the feet with
chains, only for the chains to be torn apart by him, badly injuring his ankles. No one was able to
tame him. 5 All through the night and day among the tombs and in the mountains he was
screaming and lacerating himself with stones.
6
Yet when he caught a glimpse of Jesus from far away, he ran and prostrated himself
before him. 7 Yelling in a very loud voice, he said, “What right do you have to make me your
subject, Jesus, son of the highest God? Give me your oath before God that you will not torture
me.” 8 For Jesus was in the process of speaking to him, ordering the sordid spirit to come out of
the man.
9
So Jesus asked him “What is your name?”
He replied to him, “My name is legion because we are many.” 10 He pled with Jesus
many times that he not send them outside the territory.
11
Now a large herd of hogs was there on the mountain feeding. 12 The demonic spirits
made a plea to Jesus: “Send us to the hogs that we might enter them.”
13
He gave his permission to them. So the foul spirits departed and entered the hogs. The
herd—about 2,000 in all—stampeded down the steep bank into the lake and drowned.
14
Their feeders fled and spread the news in town and in the fields. People came out to
see what had happened. 15 They came to Jesus and saw the former demoniac seated, dressed, and
sensible. Because this was the same man who once had a legion within him, the sightseers
became scared. 16 Eyewitnesses gave an account of what happened to the demoniac and to the
hogs. 17 The local people began to beg Jesus to leave their areas.
18
When he went aboard the boat, the once demonized man implored him that he might
be with him. 19 Jesus did not permit him, but said, “Go to your home and your people and report
Mark 5:20-43 75

to them all that Yahveh did for you in being merciful to you.” 20 That man left and began to
proclaim in the Ten Cities area everything Jesus had done for him, and everybody was awed by
it.
21
When Jesus crossed back again to the other side of the lake, many people crowded
around him on the shore. 22 Jairus, one of the leaders of the synagogue, came up. When he saw
Jesus, he fell at his feet 23 and urged him with many words, stating: “My young daughter is at
death’s door. So come, lay your hands on her in order that she might be restored and live.”
24
Jesus set out with Jairus. A large crowd followed along with him, thronging him. 25 In
the crowd was a woman who had a continuous flow of blood for twelve years. 26 She had
suffered many things while under the treatment of numerous physicians. Although she had spent
all the money she had, she was no better; rather, she became worse. 27 She had heard about Jesus.
Moving up in the crowd behind Jesus, she touched his garment. 28 For she said to herself, “If I
can just touch his garment, I shall be delivered!”
29
At once the flow of her blood ceased, and she knew in her body that she was healed of
that disorder.
30
Immediately also Jesus, knowing in himself that power emanated from him, turned
around to the crowd and said, “Who touched my clothing?”
31
His disciples began saying to him, “Look at the crowd jostling you, and you say,
‘Who touched me?’”
32
He glanced around to see who had done this. 33 The woman, scared and shaking,
knowing what had happened to her, came forward and fell before him and told him the whole
truth. 34 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith delivered you. Go in health, and be fully recovered
from your disorder.”
35
While he was yet speaking, messengers came from the home of the leader of the
synagogue, saying, “Your daughter died. Why bother the teacher any longer?”
36
Overhearing the report, Jesus said to the synagogue superintendent, “Stop being
afraid; just trust.”
37
He did not allow anyone to file in with him except Rock, James, and John the brother
38
of James, as they entered the home of the superintendent of the synagogue. There he saw a
commotion—weeping, and much wailing.
39
When inside, he said to them, “Why all this fuss you are making, and the crying? The
child is not dead; she is asleep.”
40
They reacted by making fun of him. But after he had bounced everybody out, he took
the father of the child and the mother and those (three) who were with him and he went in where
the child was. 41 He grasped the child’s hand and said to her, “Talitha koum,” which translated
[from Aramaic] means, Little girl, I say to you—get up!
42
Immediately the girl got up and walked around, for she was twelve years old. Those
there were breathlessly ecstatic. 43 He gave emphatic orders to them that no one should know
what went on. Also he said, “Give her something to eat.”
Mark 6:1-24 76

6:1 He left there and came to his hometown with his disciples. 2 As the sabbath arrived he
began to teach in the synagogue. Many of those who heard him were amazed, saying, “Where
did he get this content he presents? Who gave wisdom to him? What is the source of the miracles
such as these created by his hands? Is he not the carpenter, Mary’s son? 3 Is he not the brother of
James, Joseph, Jude, and Simon? Are not all his sisters here with us?” In this manner they wrote
him off.
4
Jesus said to them, “A prophet does not go unhonored except in his hometown, and
among his relatives and those in his household.”
5
Moreover, he could not do anything miraculous there, except that he did lay his hands
on a few sick people and healed them. 6 Their faithlessness made a deep impression on him.
He made the rounds from village to village, teaching.
7
Jesus called the twelve together and began to send them out in teams of two. He gave
them authority over sordid spirits. 8 He required them to take nothing with them on the road, with
the possible exception of a walking stick—no food, no leather pouch, no money for the coin belt.
9
But wearing sandals, they were not even to take a second tunic.
10
He told them, “Whenever you enter into a home, remain there until you leave town.
11
Whatever place neither welcomes you nor listens to you should become the object of a
demonstration against them: As you leave, wipe off the dust that clings to your feet.
12
When they went out, they preached, requiring repentance. 13 They expelled many
demons; they anointed with oil many sick people and were healing them.
14
King Herod heard about Jesus, for his name stood out in the news. Some were saying
John the baptizer had been raised from the dead, and for this reason miracles were performed by
him. 15 Others kept saying he was Elijah. Still others opined he was a prophet like one of the
(ancient) prophets. 16 After hearing the reports, Herod kept remarking, “John whom I decapitated
has been raised.”
17
For Herod himself, having sent deputies, arrested John and held him in prison because
of Herodias, the wife of Philip his brother. Herod had married her. 18 Indeed, John would say to
Herod, “It is wrong for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Consequently, Herodias had it in for
John and wanted him assassinated, but could not bring it off. 20 For Herod was edgy about John,
knowing he was a righteous, holy man. So he was protecting him from her. Having heard John
many times, Herod was at a loss (to know what to do with him), yet he would gladly listen to
him.
21
When the appropriate time came for celebration of Herod’s birthday, he put on a state
dinner for his top officials, his high ranking militia officers, and the prominent people of Galilee.
22
His daughter by Herodias entered and did a dance that pleased Herod and those laid
back with him.
The king said to the young girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to
you.” 23 So he made oaths promising her carte blanche up to half of his kingdom. 24 She exited
and said to her mother, “For what should I ask?”
And she retorted, “The head of John the baptizer.”
Mark 6:25-48 77

25
So with dispatch the girl entered at once before the king with her request: “I want you
to give me right away upon a platter the head of John the baptizer.”
26
The king was depressed by this. But because of the oaths he had affirmed and the
presence of the feasters, he could not afford to break faith with her. 27 So at once the king sent an
executioner with an order to bring John’s head. He went out and decapitated him in the prison.
28
Then he brought his head on a platter and he gave it to the young girl. She gave it to her
mother.
29
When John’s disciples heard about it, they came and took his corpse and placed it in a
tomb.
30
The apostles had a debriefing in Jesus’ presence, reporting to him all they had done,
and the extent of their teaching. 31 He said to them, “Come away by yourselves to a wilderness
location and rest up a little while.” For there was such continual coming and going, they were
not eating regularly. 32 So they went away by boat to go to a deserted place by themselves. 33 But
they were seen leaving, and many knew where they were headed. Going by land on foot, people
from all the (regional) towns ran there and preceded them.
34
When he came ashore, he saw a huge crowd. His heart went out to them because they
were as sheep not having a shepherd. He began to teach them many truths. 35 After many hours
had elapsed already, his disciples came to him and said, “This is wilderness country and already
they have been here for quite some time. 36 Dismiss them that they might go to the nearest farms
and villages to buy for themselves something to eat.”
37
But he answered them, “It is your responsibility to feed them.”
They said to him, “Should we go away and buy loaves of bread costing the equivalent
of 200 days’ wages so as to feed them?”
38
He replied to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go, find out.”
When they knew, they said, “Five, and two fish.”
39
Then he ordered them to cause everyone to get comfortable on the meadow in groups.
40
So they reclined row by row, some containing 100, and some 50.
41
He picked up the five loaves and the two fish. With his eyes looking toward the sky,
he gave thanks. Then he broke the bread and gave portions to his disciples that they might
distribute them. The two fish he distributed for all of them.
42
Everybody ate and had plenty.
43
They carried away twelve full baskets of leftovers, including the fish. 44 Those who ate
numbered 5,000 men.
45
At once he compelled his disciples to get into the boat and to cross to the other side,
to Bethsaida, until he dismissed the crowd. 46 After he said farewell to them, he departed up the
mountain to pray.
47
Once it had become late, the boat was half way across the lake. He was alone on land.
48
He observed them under much stress in handling the boat, for they were rowing into a
Mark 6:49-7:13 78

headwind. It was the fourth quarter of the night when Jesus came to them walking on the lake.
49
When they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a phantom, and they
shrieked, 50 because everyone saw him, and they were all shook up.
Immediately, he spoke with them and said, “Courage! It is I, stop being scared.” 51 He
boarded the boat with them. As he did, the wind ceased, and they became extremely bewildered
among themselves. 52 For they had not understood what took place with the loaves of bread. But
their heart had become calloused.
53
Having crossed over, they reached the shore at Gennesaret and moored their boat.
54
As they disembarked, he was recognized at once by the local folks. 55 The people of that whole
region scurried, beginning to bring on bedrolls those who were ill to whatever place they heard
he was currently, wherever he entered—whether villages, or cities, or rural areas. In the market
squares they placed the sick, and they would call him over that they might touch the tassel of his
garment. As many as touched him were restored to health.
7:1 The Pharisees and some of the scholars coming from Jerusalem ganged up on him.
2
They saw some of his disciples eating food with what they called common hands, that is, hands
not washed. 3 The Pharisees and all the (practicing) Jews do not eat without first washing their
hands up to the elbows. They do this in observing the traditions of the elders. 4 When they come
from the market, they do not eat unless they have their ritual washing. There are also many
things received from tradition that they observe, such as washings of cups, jugs, and kettles.
5
The Pharisees and scholars interrogated him: “Why do your disciples not conform to
the tradition of the elders? Why instead do they eat their meals with common hands?"
6
He said to them, “Isaiah prophesied very well concerning the likes of you hypocrites;
he wrote:
This people honors me with their lips.
But their hearts are far removed from me.
7
Their worship of me is futile.
They teach as doctrines the directives of men .
8
Having forsaken God’s command, they cling to human tradition.”
9
He went on to say to them, “Ironically, you cancel God’s command to instantiate your
tradition. 10 For Moses said:
Honor your father and your mother.
And:
The one denouncing father or mother must surely die.
11
“But you say: ‘If a person says to his father or mother, korban (i.e., gift to the temple),
12
he will no longer be obligated to do anything for his father and his mother’. 13 In such a manner
those who do that are revoking God’s word on the basis of your transmitted tradition. You do
many comparable things.”
Mark 7:14-37 79

14
He again called together the crowd and was speaking to them: All of you listen to me
and understand: 15 There is nothing external to a person that by entering him is capable of making
him common. But the things that proceed out of the person are the contaminants.
17
When he came indoors away from the crowd, his disciples asked him to explain the
proverb.
18
He said to them: Do you likewise lack comprehension? Do you not perceive that
everything entering a person from the exterior cannot contaminate him 19 because it does not
enter one’s heart. But going into the digestive canal, it proceeds through to the latrine. This
principle causes all foods to be rated clean.
20
He further stated: Whatever proceeds from a person makes him common. 21 For from
within, from a person’s heart, evil decisions emerge, namely: sexual misconduct, thefts, murders,
22
adulteries, deeds of greed, malicious acts, deception, sensuality, grimacing by looking daggers
at someone, insulting acts, arrogance, foolishness. 23 All these evils spring from within. They
make a person common.
24
Moving on from there, he went away to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and
wanted no one to know anything about it. But his presence could not be concealed. 25 Right away
a woman heard about him. Her daughter had a sordid spirit. The mother came and prostrated
herself at his feet. 26 She was Greek, a Syrophoenician in nationality. She asked him to expel the
demon from her daughter.
27
He said to her, “Let the children be satisfied first, for it is not good to take the
children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”
28
She replied to him, “Lord, it is also true the little dogs under the table eat from the
children’s crumbs.”
29
He said to her, “Because of what you just said, go; the demon has departed from your
daughter.”
30
When she arrived home, she found her daughter sprawled on a bed, and the demon
had departed.
31
The story continues again as he left the region of Tyre. He passed through Sidon and
returned to Lake Galilee, to an area right in the middle of the Ten-Cities. 32 They brought to him
a deaf mute and called on him to lay his hand on him. 33 Taking him away from the crowd to a
private place, he put his fingers into his ears, and he applied his saliva to the man’s tongue.
34
Then, looking up to the sky, he sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha,” which means, Be
released.
35
His ears were opened to hear, and the binder on his tongue was broken so that he
began speaking properly.
36
He commanded them to tell no one. His command notwithstanding, they all that much
more spread the news. 37 Their astonishment knew no bounds. They said, “He has done
everything so very well. He makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”
Mark 8:1-21 80

8:1 In those days once again a large crowd was in attendance, and they had nothing to eat.
Jesus, having called in his disciples, said to them, 2 “I have the crowd on my heart because
already for three days they have been lingering with me, and they have nothing to eat. 3 If I
dismiss them to go to their homes famished, they will pass out on the road with exhaustion.
Some have come from far away.”
4
His disciples replied to him, “From where would anyone here in this uninhabited
region be able to supply them with meals?”
5
So he asked them, “How many bread portions do you have?”
They said, “Seven.”
6
He ordered the crowd to get comfortable on the ground. He took the seven bread
hunks, offered thanks for them, broke them, and gave them to his disciples to distribute. They
passed them out to the crowd.
7
They also had a few small fish. He blessed these and told the disciples to distribute the
fish also.
8
Everybody enjoyed a satisfying meal, and they picked up seven baskets full of
leftovers. 9 There were approximately 4,000 who had been served. Then he dismissed them.
10
Right after that he boarded a boat with his disciples and went to the region of
Dalmanutha.
11
The Pharisees set out and began to track him down. What they were after was to put
pressure on him to validate himself by producing a miraculous sign originating in the sky. 12 He
sighed in his spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? I assure you emphatically
that this generation will not get a sign such as you want.”
13
Therefore, he left them again, boarded a boat, and crossed to the other side of the lake.
14
They had neglected to bring along food, except for one hunk of bread they had with
them in the boat. 15 He directed them saying, “Pay attention to what I am telling you. Beware of
Pharisaic yeast and Herodian yeast.”
16
They assumed among themselves he was alluding to the missing bread. 17 He,
however, knowing the situation, said to them: “Why do you surmise that I am talking about your
lack of bread? Are you not yet mentally awake? Do you not understand? Has your heart become
fibrous? 18 Although you have eyes, you do not see, do you? And although you have ears, you do
not listen, do you? 19 Do you not recall the time when I broke five bread portions for feeding
5,000? How many baskets full of leftovers did you carry away?”
They answered, “Twelve.”
20
“When the same was done with seven bread hunks for 4,000, how many baskets full
of leftovers did you pick up?”
They said, ”Seven."
21
So he said to them, “Do you still not get the point?”
Mark 8:22-9:6 81

22
They came to Bethsaida, where some people brought to him a blind person and
begged him to touch him. 23 Taking the hand of the blind man, he conducted him outside the
town. Jesus put his saliva on his eyes and placed his hands upon him. He questioned him as to
whether he saw anything.
24
Looking up, the man said, “I see people that look like trees moving about.”
25
Then again he put his hands on his eyes, and the man could see well; his ability to
focus clearly on everything at a distance returned. 26 Jesus sent him home and told him not to
enter the town.
27
Jesus and his disciples traveled up to the town of Caesarea Philippi. On the way he
asked his disciples, “What is the public perception of me?”
28
They responded, “There are those who say you are John the baptizer. Others identify
you as Elijah; and some say you are one of the prophets.”
29
Then he asked them: “As for you, how do you identify me?”
Rock replied to him, “You are the messiah.” 30 Jesus then warned them to tell no one
about his identity.
Also he began to teach them that it is imperative for the human one to suffer much
31

and to be repudiated by the elders, executive priests, and scholars, and to be killed, and—after
three days—to rise. 32 He made this statement resolutely. Yet Rock, taking him to task, began to
rebuke him for it.
33
Jesus, turning around and looking right at his disciples, rebuked Rock by saying, “Go
get in line behind me, opponent, because you are not thinking God’s thoughts—but doing human
reasoning.”
34
Inviting the crowd together with his disciples, he said to them: If anyone wants to
follow after me, let him say no to autonomy, shoulder his cross, and follow me. 35 For whoever
wants to preserve his life will lose it. Conversely, whoever forfeits his life on my account and the
gospel’s will save it. 36 What value would it be for a man to gain the whole world at the cost of
his life? 37 For what exchange value will a person put on his life?
38
If anyone is ashamed of me and my pronouncements in this adulterous, sinful
generation, there will be consequences: The human one also will be ashamed of him when he
comes in the glory of his father with the holy angels.
9:1 He continued speaking to them: I assure you that there are some standing here who will
not experience death until they see the kingdom of God arrive dynamically.
2
Six days later Jesus took along Rock, James, and John and led them up a high mountain
to be all by themselves. He was transformed in appearance before them. 3 His clothes became
radiant, gleaming white, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 Elijah along with
Moses appeared with them, and these two individuals were conversing with Jesus.
5
Rock responded to all this by saying to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is a good experience for us to
be here. Let us put up three pavilions—one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 6 He
blurted out this because he did not know what to say, for they were frightened.
Mark 9:7-29 82

7
Then a cloud overshadowed them. A voice rang out from the cloud: “This is my son,
my loved one; listen to him.” 8 Suddenly as they gawked in all directions, they no longer saw
anyone with them except Jesus alone.
9
As they descended the mountain, he commanded them not to narrate to anyone what
they had seen until after the human one was raised from the dead. 10 They retained this
prohibition to themselves, grappling with the meaning of the phrase, to rise from the dead.
11
Then they questioned him this way: “Scholars say Elijah must arrive on the scene
first; do you concur?”
12
He answered them: Elijah, indeed, is the pioneer to reestablish everything. You
should understand how it is written that the human one must suffer many things and be treated
with contempt. 13 But I declare to you that Elijah has come on the scene, and they did to him
whatever they wanted to do, just as it has been written about him.
14
As they came to his [nine] disciples, they saw a large crowd around them, including
scholars who were having a discussion with them. 15 At once all the crowd became very excited
when they saw him, and they ran over to meet and greet him.
16
He questioned them, “What are you discussing with them?”
17
One of the crowd replied, “Teacher, I brought to you my son who has a mute spirit.
18
Wherever it overcomes him, it batters him. He foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and then he
loses consciousness. I requested your disciples to expel it, but they were not able to do it.”
19
In reply to them he said, “O faithless generation, how long will I be with you? For
how long will I put up with you? Bring him to me.”
20
They carried the son to him. Upon seeing him, the spirit immediately convulsed him.
He fell to the ground rolling and foaming.
21
Jesus inquired of his father, “For how long has he been subject to spells like this?”
He replied, “From childhood. 22 Many times it thrusts him into fire and into water so as
to harm him. But if you can do anything, help us. Be compassionate toward us.”
23
Jesus said to him, “What do you mean—if I am able? All is possible to the believer.”
24
At once the boy’s father exclaimed, “I do believe! Help me to get over unbelief.”
25
Observing that the crowd was packing in on them, Jesus commanded the sordid spirit,
“Mute and deaf spirit, I order you to leave him and never reenter him.”
26
The spirit yelled out and convulsed him severely as it came out of him. He became
like a dead person, so that many said, “He is dead!” 27 But Jesus grasped his hand, raised him
upright, and he stood.
28
When he went indoors and was alone with his disciples, they questioned him about
their experience, “Why were we not able to expel it?”
29
He said to them, “Nothing but prayer can expel this kind.”
Mark 9:30-10:3 83

30
Leaving there, he traveled through Galilee and did not want anyone to recognize him.
31
For he was teaching his disciples and saying to them that the human one would be betrayed
into the custody of men, that they would kill him, and three days after his murder he would rise
again. 32 But they did not understand his statement and were apprehensive of questioning him
about it.
33
Then they came to Capernaum. Once inside the house, he put a question to them:
“What were you arguing about on the road?”
34
. But they kept silent. For they had been arguing in transit about their pecking order.
35
He sat down, called the twelve, and said to them, If anyone wants to be first, he will
take the last position—as servant of everyone. 36 Taking a child, he set him in their circle. He
hugged the child and said to them, 37 Whoever welcomes in my name one of such little people as
these, receives me. Whoever welcomes me receives not only me, but the one who sent me.
38
John said to him, “Teacher, we saw someone expelling demons in your name, and we
forbade him, because he was not following with us.”
39
But Jesus said: Stop forbidding such a one. For no one who does a miracle in my
name also can quickly turn around and disparage me. 40 Whoever is not lined up against us is on
our side. 41 Whoever will give you a cup of water to drink because you are associated with Christ,
indeed, I declare to you, that one will surely not lose his reward.
42
Whoever causes one of the least of those who believe to stumble would have been
better off if an upper millstone were placed to encircle his neck and he had been dumped into the
lake.
43
If your hand gets you into trouble, chop it off. Better it is for you to go through life as
an amputee than to have two hands to discard in the infernal garbage dump, in inextinguishable
fire.
45
If your foot causes you to fall on your face (morally), chop it off. For it is better for
you to enter life lame than to have two feet to be thrown into the infernal garbage dump.
47
If your eye causes you to lose out (morally), gouge it out. For it is better for you to
enter with one eye into God’s kingdom than to have two eyes to be cast into the infernal garbage
dump, 48 where their consuming maggot does not die off, nor does the fire burn out. 49 For
everyone will be salted with fire!
50
Salt is beneficial. But if salt becomes chemically contaminated, by what will it be
reconstituted? Have salt among yourselves, and live at peace with one another.
10:1 Then he departed from there and went to the region of the southern province and to the
district across the Jordan to the east, and again crowds gathered about him. As he customarily
did, he continued to teach them.
2
The Pharisees came and posed a question to him: “Is it all right for a man to divorce
his wife?” They were out to entrap him.
3
He replied to them, “What did Moses stipulate for you?”
Mark 10:4-26 84

4
They said, “Moses permitted him to write a divorce certificate and turn her away.”
5
But Jesus said to them: Your insensitive hardheartedness was the deciding factor in
Moses’ writing that regulation. 6 When one goes back to the primal creation, one reads:
He made them male and female.
7
For that reason a man will leave father and mother and bond with his wife.
8
The two of them will be one flesh.
The result of marriage is that they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, let no
human being separate what God has yoked together.
10
Again when they were inside, his disciples continued to question him about this. 11 He
said to them: Whoever divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against
her. 12 Also if a divorcée marries another, she commits adultery.
13
Folks kept bringing to him children that he might touch them. But his disciples
rebuked them. 14 When Jesus noticed what was going on, he became indignant and said to them,
“Permit the children to come to me. Do not forbid them, for the kingdom of God is made up of
such as these. 15 I assure you that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as would a child
will not gain admission.” 16 He hugged them and blessed them as he laid his hands upon them.
17
After Jesus took to the road again, a man ran up to him. He fell to his knees and fired
off a question: “Good teacher, what should I do that I might inherit eternal life?”
18
Jesus said to him, “Why do you say that I am good? None is good except one, and that
one is God. 19 You know the commandments:
Never murder.
Never commit adultery.
Never steal.
Never tell lies.
Never defraud.
Honor your father and mother.”
20
He responded, “Teacher, I kept these all the time I was growing up.”
21
As Jesus looked at him, he loved him, and said to him, “You are deficient in just one
aspect. Go sell all your holdings and give to the poor. By so doing you will have treasure in
heaven. Then come along and follow me.”
22
He grimaced sadly upon hearing this, and backed out dejectedly because he held
much real estate.
23
Looking his disciples right in the eye, Jesus said, “How difficult it is for wealthy
people to get into God’s kingdom!”
24
These words of his caught his disciples completely off guard. So again Jesus
responded by saying to them, “Children, how hard it is to get into God’s kingdom! 25 It is easier
for a camel to pass through a needle’s eye than for a rich person to get into God’s kingdom.”
26
But they were all the more overwhelmed by this, saying among themselves, “Then
who can safely make it?”
Mark 10:27-47 85

27
Making eye contact with them, Jesus said, “It is a human impossibility, but not so
with God, for God can do everything.”
28
Rock began to say to him, “Look at our situation. We left everything and followed
you.”
29
Jesus answered, “I assure you, there is no one who has forsaken home or brothers or
sisters or mother or father or children or farms for my sake and for the sake of the gospel 30 who
will not receive now in this lifetime 100%: homes, and brothers and sisters, and mothers, and
children, and farms—with persecutions—and in the coming age, life that never ends. 31 For many
who are first in status will be last, and the last will be first.”
32
They were on the way traveling up to Jerusalem, and Jesus was leading the climb.
Those following were confused and afraid. Thus again he took the twelve into his confidence and
began to tell them the things that were about to happen to him: 33 “Pay attention. We are on the
way to Jerusalem. The human one will be betrayed to the administrative priests and scholars.
34
They will condemn him as deserving the death penalty. Then they will hand him over to the
gentiles. They will ridicule him, spit on him, beat him with whips, and kill him. After three days
he will be raised up.”
35
James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to him and said, “Teacher, we want
you to do for us whatever favor we ask.”
36
He said to them, “What do you want me to do for you?”
37
They answered him, “Give us the seats at your right and at your left when your glory
arrives.”
38
Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink
the cup that I shall drink, or to be immersed in the baptism that I shall experience?”
39
They said to him, “We can!”
Jesus replied to them, “The cup that I drink, you will drink. The baptism in which I am
immersed, you too will experience. 40 Yet to sit on my right or my left is not mine to grant. It is
reserved for those for whom it was prepared.”
41
When the ten heard about this, they began to be put out with James and John.
42
Therefore, Jesus called them in for a meeting and said, “You know how leadership works
among the nations. Those who appear to lead are notorious for bearing down on their
subordinates. Their great men control them. 43 That style must not be yours. 44 Rather, whoever
desires to be great among you will become your servant. Whoever wants to be first will be the
slave of all. 45 For the human one did not come to be served, but to serve and to give his life as a
ransom for many.
46
They came to Jericho. Then as he was going out of town, he was accompanied by his
disciples and a huge crowd. At that point they encountered Bartimaeus, son of Timaeus.
Bartimaeus was a blind beggar seated beside the road. 47 When he heard that Jesus of Nazareth
was the one all the fuss was about, he shouted out these words,
“Son of David, Jesus, show mercy to me!”
Mark 10:48-11:17 86

48
Many people were rebuking him, telling him to keep quiet. But with all the more
intensity he kept yelling, “Son of David, show me mercy!”
49
Coming to a halt, Jesus then said, “Call him.”
So they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be encouraged. Get up. He is calling
you.”
50
He threw off his garment, sprang to his feet, and came to Jesus.
51
In response to him, Jesus said, “What do you want me to do for you?”
The blind man said to him, “Your majesty,* I want to see again.”
52
Jesus said to him, “Granted. Your faith freed you.”
Immediately his sight was restored, and he followed with him on the road.
11:1 When they made the approach to Jerusalem on the route going through Bethphage,
Bethany, and Olive Grove Mountain, he sent two of his disciples on ahead. 2 He told them, “Go
into the small town directly ahead of you. Just as soon as you enter it, you will find a young
donkey tethered, one upon which no person has ever sat. Loose it and bring it. 3 If anyone says to
you, ‘Why do you do that?’ say, ‘Its master needs it and will return it here right away.’”
4
They left and found such a foal tied outside a door by the road, and they loosed it.
5
Some people standing there said to them, “What are you doing, loosing the foal?”
6
The two related to them just what Jesus had said, and they allowed them to take it to Jesus.
7
They brought the young donkey to Jesus and draped it with their robes. He mounted it.
8
On the road many people spread out their garments. Others cut leafy fronds from the fields.
9
There was a procession leading forth, and one following him, shouting:
Save (us), please!
Blessed is the one who comes in Yahveh’s name!
10
Blessed is the coming kingdom of our ancestor, David!
Save (us), please—in the highest heavens!
11
He entered Jerusalem, went to the temple, and looked everything over. Because it was
already getting late, he departed to Bethany with the twelve.
12
On the next day as they were leaving Bethany, he became hungry. 13 When he saw far
away a fig tree having foliage, he went over to it to see if he could find anything on it. Once
there, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14 Yet he responded to it by
saying, “No one any longer for all time will eat your fruit.” His disciples heard him say it.
15
They came into Jerusalem. After entering the temple, he began to throw out the
salesmen and customers doing business in the temple. He upset the tables of the money changers
and the stands of those selling doves. 16 He did not allow anyone to transport a container through
the temple. 17 He taught them and said to them, “Has it not been written: My house will be called
a house of prayer for all nations, but you have turned it into a hangout for thieves.”
* literally, ‘my great one’ (the Hebrew etymology behind this Aramaic form).
Mark 11:18-12:10 87

18
The executive priests and scholars heard about this; therefore, they were seeking
ways to destroy him. They feared him because all the crowd was carried away with his teaching.
19
When evening came, he went outside the city.
20
As they were coming in early the next morning, they saw the fig tree desiccated from
the roots up. 21 Rock was reminded of what happened and said to him, “Rabbi, take a look at the
fig tree you cursed. It has dried up.”
22
Jesus in reply said to them: “Have faith in God. 23 I assure you that whoever says to
this mountain, ‘Be removed and dumped into the sea’, and does not equivocate in his heart—but
believes that what he speaks occurs—it will happen for him. 24 This is why I say to you to believe
you will receive everything you request in prayer, and you will.”
25
When you stand praying, forgive whatever you have against anyone so that your
heavenly father might forgive you your transgressions.
27
They came again to Jerusalem. While he was walking along in the temple, the
executive priests, scholars, and elders accosted him. 28 They asked, “By what authority do you do
these things? Who commissioned you with credentials to take over as you have done?”
29
Jesus said to them, “I will question you about one issue. Answer me, and I will tell
you by what authority I do these things. 30 Did John’s baptism originate in heaven, or did it come
from men? Give me an answer.”
31
They discussed this among themselves: “If we say ‘from heaven’, he will say, ‘Why
did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘from men’, that will not work either.” They feared
the crowd, for all held John in high regard as an authentic prophet.
33
They answered Jesus in these words, “We just do not know.”
So Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.”
12:1 Then he began to speak to them in parables. A man planted a vineyard. He fenced it. He
chiseled out a stone trough for the pressed juices. He built an observation tower. Then he leased
it out to tenant farmers and took a trip. 2 At harvest time he sent a servant to the farmers that from
them he might receive some yield from the vineyard. 3 Instead, they took control of him, beat him
up, and sent him away empty-handed. 4 But again he sent to them another servant. As for that
one, they beat him over the head and insulted him. 5 He sent another and they killed that one.
Indeed, he sent many others, some of whom they beat up, and some they murdered. 6 He still had
one much loved son. He sent him last of all, thinking, “They will respect my son.”
7
But those tenant farmers said among themselves, “This is the heir. Come on, let us do
away with him and the inheritance will be ours!”
8
So they seized and killed him, and dumped him outside the vineyard.
9
What will the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy those farmers, and
he will give the vineyard to others.
10
You obviously did not read this Scripture:
A building stone rejected by the masons has become the keystone!
Mark 12:11-31 88

11
Yahveh set it in place.
This construction is splendid in our appraisal.
12
They were still anxious to arrest him, but they feared public opinion. For they
understood that he had made this analogy with them in mind. So leaving him, they walked out.
13
Their next tactic was to send to him certain representatives of the Pharisees and
Herodians to entrap him by something he would say. 14 Therefore, they came and said to him,
“Teacher, we know that you are genuine and completely objective about everything. For you are
not swayed by human influences, but you teach God’s way truthfully. Is it obligatory to pay the
tax to Caesar? Should we pay it, or not?”
15
But he, perceiving their subterfuge, said to them, “Why do you test me? Bring me a
denarius that I might inspect it.”
16
They brought it. He said to them, “Whose image is this, and whose inscription?”
They said to him, "Caesar’s."
17
Jesus replied to them, “Give over to Caesar’s control what belongs to Caesar; and
give over to God what belongs to God.”
Thus they were astounded by him.
18
Then the Sadducees surrounded him. They take the position there is to be no
resurrection. So they put a question to him: 19 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if any brother
should die and leave a wife but not a child, his brother should take his wife and produce seed
for his brother. 20 Now consider the case of seven brothers. The first took a wife and died
without leaving seed. 21 The second took her also and died not leaving seed. The third had the
same experience. 22 Indeed, all seven did not leave seed. Last of all the woman died. 23 In the
resurrection, she will be the wife of which of these, for she was wife to all seven?”
24
Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason you are deceived? You neither know the
Scriptures, nor God’s power. 25 For in that future, subsequent to the resurrection from the dead,
neither will men marry nor women be given in marriage, but they will be just like the angels in
heaven. 26 Now concerning the reality of the resurrection of the dead, have you not read in
Moses’ scroll, in the passage about the thorn-bush, how God spoke to him? God said, ‘I am the
God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 27 God is not the God of the dead but
of the living. You are deeply mired in error.”
28
Then one of the scholars who had listened to the previous confrontation came to him.
Taking account of the fact that Jesus had answered his critics outstandingly, the scholar
interrogated Jesus this way: “Of them all, which commandment is most important?”
29
Jesus answered him, “The preeminent command is this: Listen, Israel, Yahveh our
God is one sovereign. 30 You must love Yahveh your God wholeheartedly, enthusiastically,
intelligently, and vigorously with all that is in you. 31 The second most important command is
this: Love your fellow human being just as you do yourself. No other commandment is greater
than these.”
Mark 12:32-13:8 89

32
The scholar said to him, “High honors for you, teacher, because you so correctly said:
He is one and has no rivals. 33 And to love him wholeheartedly, wisely, and vigorously and to
love your fellow human being as yourself transcend all holy offerings and sacrifices.”
34
Jesus, perceiving that he answered him thoughtfully, said to him, “You are not far
from God’s kingdom.”
From then on, no one dared to launch questions at him.
35
Jesus, taking the initiative while teaching in the temple, said: How is it the scholars
say the messiah is David’s son? 36 David, himself, testified by the holy spirit:
Yahveh said to my sovereign,
‘Sit at my right side,
until such time as I make your enemies your footrest’.
37
David, himself, called him “sovereign,” so how can he be his son?
A large crowd continued to listen to him with delight.
38
Also in the course of teaching he said: Beware of the scholars. They are ambitious to
parade around in their flowing robes, and for greetings at the markets, 39 and for the seats of
honor at the synagogues, and for the head tables at banquets. 40 These men are consuming the
estates of widows and as a cover-up they grandstand with lengthy public prayers. They will
receive greater punishment than others.
41
While he was seated in the vicinity of the monetary offering receptacle, he was
observing how ordinary people deposited brass coins into the receptacle. Also there were many
wealthy people who made large donations. 42 Then a poor widow came by. She deposited two
tiny brass coins, equivalent to one-fourth of a Roman cent.
43
He called together his disciples and said to them, “Indeed, I declare to you that this
poor widow put into the offering receptacle more than all the other contributors! 44 For they all
contributed out of their abundance. But she contributed out of her poverty the full amount she
had to live on.”
13:1 As he was leaving the temple one of his students said to him, “Teacher, take a look at
the wonderful stonework and elegant buildings!”
2
Jesus replied to him, “You are impressed by these magnificent buildings, are you? Not
a stone fitted upon a stone will be left standing here that will not be torn down.”
3
While he was sitting on Olive Grove Mountain overlooking the temple, Rock, James,
John and Andrew asked him privately, 4 “Tell us when these changes will occur. What is the sign
as to the time all these events are going to be fulfilled?”
5
Jesus began to say to them: See to it that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come on the
scene assuming my role, saying, “I am the one,” and many will be taken in by their deceptions.
7
When you hear about wars and rumblings of wars, do not be alarmed. These things
must happen, but they are not a sign of the end. 8 Nation will attack nation, and kingdom attack
Mark 13:9-34 90

kingdom. Earthquakes will occur in various places, and there will be famines. These events are
like the early contractions of a woman in childbirth.
9
Watch out for yourselves. They will betray you to the sanhedrin, and at synagogues
they will beat you with whips. You will stand before governors and kings on account of me as a
witness to them. 10 Moreover, the good news must first be proclaimed to all the nations. 11 When
they lead you away to hand you over to the authorities, do not worry about what you should say.
On the contrary, state whatever is given to you at that hour. For you are not the one speaking, but
it actually will be the holy spirit.
12
A brother will hand over his brother for death, and a father his child. Children will
even rise up against their parents and put them to death. 13 All will hate you because of your
allegiance to my authority. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.
14
When you see the detestable sacrilege of desolation standing where it should not, let
the one who reads consider this, then those in the southern province should escape to the
mountains. 15 Those up on their flat roofs, having come down, should not go inside to take
anything out of their homes. 16 Also the one in the field should not turn around to what is behind
him to get his garment. 17 Too bad for the pregnant women and nursing mothers in those days. 18
Pray that it would not be in wintertime.
19
For those days will mean trouble such as has never occurred from the beginning of
God’s creation until now, and such as will never happen again. 20 Unless Yahveh would shorten
those days, not a single human being would make it. But because of God’s select ones whom he
chose, the duration will be shortened.
21
So at that time if anyone says to you, “Look, the messiah is here,” or “See him, there,”
do not fall for their line. 22 For false messiahs and false prophets will arise and produce signs and
wonders that would mislead if it were possible, even the select people. 23 Be alert. I have foretold
everything for you.
24
But in those days in the period following that trouble,
The sun will become dark,
The moon will not provide its radiance.
25
Stars will be falling from the sky,
The powers of the heavens will be shaken.
26
At that time they will see the human one coming, surrounded by clouds and having
much power and glory. 27 Then he will send the angels and he will assemble his select ones from
the four points of the compass, from the farthest reaches of earth and sky.
28
Learn the analogy derived from the fig tree. When the branch is tender and it sprouts
leaves, you know summer is on the way. 29 It will be the same for you when you see these events
happen, you will know the time is so near as to be imminent. 30 I assure you that this generation
will not pass away until all these events occur. 31 The sky and earth will disintegrate, but not my
statements.
32
No one knows the exact time as to day and hour of that event, neither the angels in
heaven, nor the son. Only my father knows. 33 Remain alert and watchful, for you do not know
when the time will arrive. 34 The situation is comparable to a man leaving his homestead to
Mark 13:35-14:21 91

take a trip. He gave responsibilities to each of his servants in reference to his work, and he
commanded the doorman to stand watch. 35 In such a manner, therefore, should you be attentive,
for you do not know when the estate owner will arrive—whether at 9 p.m., midnight, 3 a.m., or
dawn. 36 Otherwise, he might arrive suddenly and find you dozing. What I say to you, I say to
everyone, stay alert!
14:1 The Passover and feast of flat-bread were coming up in just two days. Bent on pulling
off a surreptitious arrest of him, the executive priests and scholars were intent on achieving his
assassination. 2 Yet they kept saying, “Not during the feast, lest we have a riot of the people.”
3
While Jesus was reclining at a dinner in Bethany at the home of Simon the leper, a
woman came to him. She had an alabaster flask of sweet smelling oil of genuine spikenard that
was expensive. She broke open the alabaster flask and poured its contents on his head.
4
But some present were indignant, thinking to themselves, “What good did it do to
waste this perfume? 5 Could not this fragrant oil have been sold for more than the equivalent of
300 days’ wages, and the proceeds given to the poor?” So they censured her.
6
Jesus’ response on the other hand was this: “Leave her alone. Why are you giving her
a difficult time? She has accomplished a beautiful deed for me. For you have the poor in society
always; 7 and whenever you want to, you have an opportunity to do something good for them.
But with me, it is different. You will not always have me. 8 That which she had, she used. By her
anointing my body with perfume she anticipated my preparation for burial. 9 I assure you that
wherever the gospel is preached in the whole world, that which she did will be mentioned as a
memorial to her.
10
Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, departed to go to the administrative priests that he
might betray Jesus to their purposes. 11 When they heard his story, they were elated; they
promised to pay him in silver. So he sought how he could pull off this treachery at the best time.
12
On the first day of the flat-bread festival when the Passover was sacrificed, his
disciples said to him, “Where shall we go and make arrangements so that you might eat the
Passover?”
13
He sent two of his disciples on an errand, telling them: Go into the city and you will
meet a man transporting an earthenware jar of water. Follow him. 14 Wherever he enters, say to
the house manager, the teacher says, “Where is the guest room for me and my disciples to
partake of the Passover?” 15 He will show you into a large furnished room on the second floor
that is ready. Make preparations there for us.
16
His disciples left, entered the city, and found things just as he had indicated to them.
They prepared the Passover. 17 At evening he came with the twelve. 18 While they were reclining
at the table and eating, Jesus said, “Surely, I declare to you that one of you who dines with me
will betray me.” 19 At this they began to be down in the mouth and to say to him, one after
another, “You are not referring to me, are you?”
20
He said to them, “It is one of the twelve, one who dips his hand with me in the same
bowl. The reason for this is that the human one is leaving your presence just as the Scriptures
21
Mark 14:22-43 92

say in reference to him. But how horrible for that man by whom the human one is betrayed. That
man would have been better off not having been born.”
22
While they were eating, having taken (flat) bread, he said a blessing of thanksgiving
over it, broke it, and gave it to them. He said, “Receive this, my body.”
23
Also having taken a cup, he pronounced a blessing of thanksgiving over it, and he
gave it to them. They all drank from the cup. 24 He said to them: “This is my covenantal blood
poured out on behalf of multitudes of people. 25 I assure you that I will surely no longer drink
what is produced by the vine until that day arrives when I drink of a new vintage in the kingdom
of God.”
26
After having sung a hymn, they went out to Olive Grove Mountain.
27
Jesus said to them, “You all will experience disillusionment, because it is written:
Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be dispersed. 28 But after I am raised up again, I shall
precede you into Galilee.”
29
Rock said to him, “Everybody else may back off, but not me!”
30
Jesus responded to him, “Indeed, I declare to you that today—this night—before two
signals for the changing of the Roman guard sound out, you will deny me three times.”
31
But he kept protesting relentlessly, “Even if it should be necessary for me to die with
you, I certainly will not deny you!” All the others were saying the same thing.
32
They went to a tract of land called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here
as long as I am at prayer.” 33 He took with him Rock, James, and John and began to be distressed
and in anguish. 34 He said to them, “My soul is deeply distressed on all sides to the point of
death. Remain here and stay alert.”
35
After he had gone ahead a short distance, he fell prostrate on the ground. He was
praying that if possible the experience of that hour might pass from him. 36 Here was the prayer
he was making: “Abba, my father, all is possible for you to do. Remove this cup from me; yet not
what I want, but what you want.”
37
He came and found them sleeping. To Rock he said, “Simon are you asleep? Are you
not able to stand watch for one hour? 38 All of you keep alert and keep praying lest you enter into
temptation. One’s spirit consents readily (to pray), but one’s flesh is weak.”
39
Again he went away and prayed the same prayer. 40 Then coming back to them, he
found them sleeping. For their eyes drooped heavily with sleep, and they did not know what to
say in response to him.
41
The third time he came to them and said, “Sleep on for the time being and get your
rest. Time is up. The hour (of destiny) has arrived. Look! The human one has been betrayed into
the hands of sinners. 42 Get up. Let us go. See this: The one betraying me has moved in close.”
43
At once as he was speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, showed up with a crowd
carrying swords and clubs; they had been dispatched by the administrative priests, scholars, and.
Mark 14:44-67 93

elders. 44 His betrayer had given them a signal, “Whoever I kiss is the one. Seize him and lead
him away securely.”
45
Immediately, Judas came over, stepped up to him, and said, “Rabbi,” and kissed him.
46
The men who came with him grabbed hold of Jesus and arrested him. 47 One of those standing
beside him drew his sword, and he struck the servant of the high priest so as to cut off his ear.
48
Jesus responded by saying to them, “As if after a thief did you come out with swords
and clubs to take me prisoner? 49 I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and you did not
arrest me. But the Scriptures must be fulfilled.”
50
Also, having abandoned him, everybody of his group fled. 51 One young man who was
following with him had wrapped himself with a single linen covering over his nakedness. 52 As
they nabbed him, he wiggled out of the linen wraparound and streaked away naked.
53
The arresting squad dragged Jesus away to the high priest. All the administrative
priests, elders, and scholars held a conclave. 54 Rock was following him at a distance until he
came inside the courtyard of the high priest. He settled down with the servants and was warming
himself at the fire. 55 The administrative priests and all the council were seeking a witness who
could justify a sentence of capital punishment against Jesus. But they were not able to find one.
56
For many were fabricating false reports against him, but their testimonies were not in
agreement.
57
Some stood up and told stories against him, saying: 58 “We heard him say, ‘I will
destroy this temple custom-built by hand, and during a period of three days I will build another
without the use of hands.’” 59 Yet neither did their testimony match the others.
60
Then the high priest took the floor in the center of the group and addressed his
question to Jesus, “Do you have no response to make? What is the meaning of these things of
which they are accusing you?”
61
He kept silent and made no reply.
Again the high priest interrogated him, “You are the messiah, the son of the praised
[God], are you?”
Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the human one seated in the administrative seat of
62

power, and coming enveloped with the clouds of heaven.”


63
Then the high priest ripped his robes into tatters, and exclaimed: “Why do we need to
have any more witnesses? 64 You heard his blasphemy. How do you interpret it?”
To a man they condemned him as deserving the death sentence.
65
Some of them began to spit on him. They blindfolded him and hit him with their fists
and would say, “Prophesy.” Then the servants took over by slapping him around.
66
While Rock was below in the courtyard, one of the female slaves of the high priest
came on the scene. 67 She saw Rock warming himself. Looking straight at him, she blurted out,
“You, too, were with Jesus the Nazarene!”
Mark 14:68-15:14 94

68
But he denied it, asserting, “Neither do I know him, nor do I understand what you are
saying.” Then he went outside into the outer courtyard, [and the signal to change the watch
sounded].
69
The female slave, when she saw him out there again began to say to those standing
around, “This guy is one of them!”
70
Again he denied it.
After a little while again those standing with him were saying to Rock, “Truly you are
one of them for you are a Galilean.”
71
But he began to call curses upon himself (if what he was saying was not factual) and
to swear that he did not know this man they were talking about. 72 Immediately, the second
watch-call was sounded.
Then Rock remembered the remark Jesus made to him, “Before the watch-signal sounds
out twice, you will deny me three times.” As soon as it hit him, he dissolved into tears.
15:1 Right away at daybreak the administrative priests with the elders, scholars, and all the
sanhedrin held a meeting to make a decision. The upshot was that Jesus was brought bound
before Pilate, and handed over to his jurisdiction.
2
Pilate interrogated him: “You are the king of the Jews, are you?”
“You are saying that,” Jesus answered him.
3
The administrative priests fired a barrage of accusations against him.
4
Again Pilate pressed him: “Are you not going to answer anything? Just listen to how
many things of which they accuse you.”
5
But Jesus would no longer answer anything. As a result Pilate was astounded.
6
At the feast it was customary for him to release to them one prisoner whom they
7
selected. There was one named Barabbas, who was locked up with the insurrectionists who had
committed murder in the insurrection. 8 The crowd came forward and began to ask that Pilate do
for them what he customarily did.
9
Pilate responded by saying, “Do you desire that I should release to you the king of the
10
Jews?” He knew, of course, that because of spite the administrative priests had handed him
over.
11
The leading priests manipulated the mob so they asked for Barabbas to be given to
them instead.
12
Pilate again responded to them: “What, therefore, shall I do with the king of the
Jews?”
13
Again they cried out, “Crucify him!”
14
But Pilate kept saying to them, “What crime did he commit?”
They chanted incessantly, “Crucify him!”
Mark 15:15-39 95

15
Pilate, wanting to satisfy the crowd, set Barabbas free. After having Jesus whipped,
Pilate turned him over to be crucified. 16 The soldiers led Jesus away inside their courtyard,
which is in a praetorium, and they called together all the cohort. 17 They put on him a purple
robe; and when they had twisted together thorns, they crowned him. 18 They began to salute him:
“Be happy, king of the Jews!” 19 They struck him on the head with a cane. They spit upon him.
Going down on their knees, they were paying homage to him.
20
After they had mocked him, they removed from him the purple robe and dressed him
in his own clothes. They led him out (of the city) to crucify him.
21
They also commandeered a man coming toward them from the country to carry his
cross. He was Simon of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus.
22
They brought him to a location called Golgotha, meaning skull-site. 23 They offered
him wine drugged with myrrh, which he would not accept.
24
They crucified him.
They also separated the pieces of his clothing and cast lots to see who received what.
25
It was 9 a.m. when they crucified him. 26 The placard of the charge against him
read,
“THE KING OF THE JEWS.”
27
With him they crucified two thieves, one on his right and one on his left.
29
Those passing by were insulting him, bowing their heads and saying, “Oh me—oh
my, for the one who destroys the temple and rebuilds it in three days. 30 Save yourself by coming
down from the cross.”
31
Likewise the administrative priests, ridiculing him to one another with the scholars,
kept saying, “He delivered others. He is not able to deliver himself. 32 Let the messiah, the king
of Israel, now come down from the cross in order that we might see and believe.”
Those co-crucified with him were insulting him too.
33
When it became noon, darkness overshadowed all the land and lasted until 3 p.m.
34
At three, Jesus exclaimed in a loud voice, El-Ð-ee, El-Ð-ee, leh-mah sa-bach-thah-nee? This is
translated: My God, my God, what caused you to abandon me?
35
Having heard his outcry, certain ones of those milling around were saying, “See here,
he is calling Elijah.”
36
Someone else dashed over, having filled a sponge with sour wine, lifted it up to him
on a reed for him to drink, saying, “Back off, let us see if Elijah comes to take him down from
the cross.”
37
But Jesus, having called out in a loud voice, breathed out his last breath. 38 Then the
veil of the temple was ripped down from top to bottom into two pieces.
39
When the centurion who had stationed himself opposite him saw that he had expired,
he exclaimed: “This man truly was God’s son!”
Mark 15:40-16:11 96

40
There were also women there observing from a distance. These included Mary
Magdalene, Mary the mother of the younger James and Joses, and Salome. 41 When they were in
Galilee, they used to follow him around and serve him. There were present many other women
who went up together with him to Jerusalem.
42
It was already becoming late in the day, and because it was the preparation day before
the sabbath, 43 Joseph of Arimathaea, a well-off councilman, came on the scene. He, himself, also
was waiting for the kingdom of God and dared to approach Pilate to ask for the body of Jesus.
44
Pilate was surprised he was already dead. So he called in the centurion and asked him
to verify the death. 45 When he knew for sure of his death from the centurion, he made a present
of the corpse to Joseph.
46
Having bought a wrapping linen for a shroud, Joseph took him down from the cross,
wrapped him in the linen, and placed him in a tomb hewn out of rock, and rolled a stone upon its
entrance.
47
Mary Magdalene and Mary the (mother) of Joses were taking note of where they
placed him.
16:1 When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the (wife) of James, and Salome
bought aromatics that upon arrival they might anoint him.
2
Very early on the first day of the week at sunrise they came to the tomb. 3 They were
saying to themselves, “Who will roll back for us the stone from the entrance of the tomb?”
4
Looking up, they observed that the enormous stone had been rolled back. 5 When they
entered the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a white robe, seated to their right, and they
were astounded.
6
He said to them, “Stop being startled. Jesus the Nazarene for whom you are looking—
the one crucified—was raised! He is not here. Take a look at the place where they laid him. 7 But
go and say to his disciples and to Rock, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. You will see him there
just as he told you’.”
8
When they came out, they fled from the tomb, for they were both shocked and ecstatic.
They said nothing to anyone for they were afraid.

The Shorter Ending of Mark


They promptly reported to those associated with Rock all the things announced to them.
After these events, Jesus himself sent out through them, east to west, the holy and
incorruptible message of eternal salvation. Amen.
The Longer Ending of Mark
9
Having risen at dawn on the first day of the week, Jesus appeared first to Mary
Magdalene, from whom he had expelled seven demons. 10 She went and reported to those who
had been with him the events that had happened. They were mourning and weeping. 11 When
they heard he was alive and was seen by her, they did not believe her.
Mark 16:12-20 97

12
After these events and while two of them were walking, he was manifested in a
changed form as they were proceeding through the countryside. 13 They came and reported to the
rest of the group what had happened. But neither did they believe these two.
14
Later he appeared to the eleven as they were dining. He reprimanded their unbelief
and obtuseness, because they did not believe those who had seen him alive.
15
He told them this: Go into all the world and proclaim the good news to every human
16
being. The one who believes and is baptized will be saved. Unbelievers will be condemned.
17
These supernatural signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will expel
demons. They will speak in new languages. 18 Should they pick up snakes or even if they drink a
deadly poison, they will not be harmed. They will lay their hands on incapacitated people and
they will get well.
19
Then after conversing with them, the Lord Jesus was taken up into heaven, and he sat
at the right hand of God.
20
They who went out from there preached everywhere. The Lord was their colleague.
He confirmed the message through accompanying signs.
Luke 1:1-25 98

LUKE’s GOSPEL
1:1 Inasmuch as many took on the task of compiling a narrative of the events that ran their
full course among us, 2 just as they were transmitted to us by the original eyewitnesses and
ministers of the word, 3 it seemed appropriate that I, too, having checked out everything from the
beginning, should record accurately in historical sequence this account for you, esteemed
Theophilus, 4 that you might attest the solid basis of the data you were taught.
5
In the era of Herod, king over the Jewish realm, there was a priest named Zechariah,
belonging to the Abijah sector of priests. His wife, a descendant of the Aaronic line, was named
Elizabeth. 6 Righteous before God, they were living blamelessly by carrying out all of Yahveh’s
commands and sacred requirements. 7 This couple was childless because Elizabeth was sterile,
and both of them had passed into senior maturity.
8
While Zechariah’s sector served on duty before God, 9 he was selected by lot,
according to the priestly custom, to enter the sanctuary of Yahveh and offer incense. 10
Meanwhile, the whole throng of people was praying outside at the time of the incense offering.
11
Yahveh’s messenger took a stance at the right side of the incense altar and appeared
to Zechariah as he offered incense. 12 Upon seeing the angel, Zechariah became unsettled,
reacting with trepidation.
13
The messenger said to him, “Do not be intimidated, Zechariah, because your request
was heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear a son for you. Name him John. 14 He will be joy and
exultation to you, and many people will be elated because he was born. 15 He will be illustrious
vis-à-vis Yahveh. He must not drink wine or intoxicants. He also will be filled with holy spirit
while still in his mother’s womb. 16 He will cause many of Israel’s descendants to turn around to
face Yahveh their God. 17 As his advance man, he will function in the dynamic spirit of Elijah.
His task will be to cause fathers to take an avid interest in their children and to get rebels to
reform their thinking to conform to the righteous way. His mission is to produce a people ready
and prepared for Yahveh.”
18
Zechariah said to the messenger, “How can I be sure of this, for I am an older man
and my wife is postmenopausal?”
19
The messenger replied, “I am Gabriel. While stationed in God’s presence, I was sent
to announce this good news to you. 20 Listen: You will be reduced to silence, unable to speak
until the time these events transpire—because you did not believe my message that will be
fulfilled in due course.”
21
The people kept waiting for Zechariah, wondering why he was staying so long inside
the sanctuary. 22 After he did emerge unable to speak to them, they surmised he was preoccupied
with a vision seen inside because he was using nonverbal communication with them and
remained mute.
23
When the [15] days of his service were up, he returned home. 24 Afterward, Elizabeth
his wife conceived. She secluded herself five months, saying: 25 “In this manner at this time
Yahveh has done something special for me. He smiled on me and removed my social stigma.”
Luke 1:26-51 99

26
In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, the messenger Gabriel was dispatched
from God to a Galilean town called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, who
was of the Davidic dynasty. The untouched young woman’s name was Miriam [i.e., Mary].
28
He approached her and said, “Be glad, because you have been selected for blessing!
Yahveh is with you.”
29
She felt consternation upon hearing this, trying to decipher what this greeting was all
about.
30
The messenger said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you are in God’s good graces.
31
Understand this: You will become a mother and bear a son, whose name you will call Joshua
[i.e., Jesus]. 32 He will be distinguished, called son of the highest [God]. Yahveh Elohim will
grant him the throne of David, his ancestral father. 33 He will reign over the clan of Jacob far into
the future. Indeed, his kingdom will be unending.”
34
Mary said to the messenger, “How is this going to work, because I am not intimate
with a husband?”
35
The messenger replied: “Holy spirit will envelop you; the highest one's power will
overshadow you. Consequently, your offspring will be holy; he will be called God’s son. 36 Also
note this: Elizabeth your relative is also pregnant with a son. This is the sixth month for one who
was called barren. 37 For with God nothing is impossible.”
38
Mary said, “You are looking at Yahveh’s servant. May it happen to me just as you
said.” Then the messenger left her.
39
At that time Mary, not losing any time, got ready and went to a mountain town in the
southern province. 40 She entered Zechariah’s home and greeted Elizabeth. 41 As soon as
Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, her fetus leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with
holy spirit. 42 Then Elizabeth exclaimed in a resounding voice:
Blessed are you among women.
Blessed is the fruit of your womb.
43
How did this happen to me that there would come to me the mother of my Lord?
44
See what happened: As the sound of your greeting reached my ears,
the baby in my womb leaped in exultation.
45
Blessed is she who believed what was spoken to her by Yahveh will reach full term.
46
And Mary exclaimed:
47
My whole being honors Yahveh
My spirit rejoiced in my savior-God,
48
because he has smiled upon the humbleness of his servant girl.
For note: From now on, all generations will consider me to have been blessed,
49
because for me the mighty one has done great deeds.
His name is holy!
50
His mercy extends generation after generation to those who revere him.
51
He has wielded his arm with dynamic force;
Those high and mighty in their self-esteem he has scattered.
Luke 1:52-78 100

52
He has dethroned monarchs.
and he exalted humble people.
53
He satisfied the hungry with good foods.
The wealthy elite he has sent away empty.
54
He helped Israel, his young servant,
by remembering compassion,
55
just as he gave his word to our ancestors,
to Abraham and his descendants of future generations.
56
Mary remained with Elizabeth about three months before returning home. 57 When
Elizabeth reached full term, she gave birth to a son. 58 Her neighbors and relatives heard that
Yahveh had multiplied his kindness to her, and they shared in her joy.
59
On the infant’s eighth day, men came to circumcise him. They were going to name
him Zechariah, Jr. 60 But his mother said, “No, indeed! Rather, his name will be John.”
61
They said to her, “None in your family tree is called by that name.” 62 So they deferred
with a nod to his father to determine what he would call the infant. 63 Having asked for a writing
board, he wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was surprised.
64
At that moment Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue set free. He blurted out
praises to God. 65 As a result, a reverent awe settled upon all their neighbors. In all the
mountainous region of Judaea all these events were the topic of conversation. 66 All those who
heard the news took it to heart saying, “What, indeed, will this infant grow up to be?” and
“Yahveh’s hand is upon him!”
67
Zechariah, his father, was filled with holy spirit and prophesied:
68
Worthy of praise is Yahveh, God of Israel,
because he has cared for and redeemed his people.
69
[Like a bucking bull] he has raised a horn of salvation for us,
in the dynasty of David, his servant,
70
just as he said through the mouth of his holy prophets of long ago:
71
There will be salvation from our enemies,
from the hand of all who have animosity toward us,
72
in order to express compassion and to keep faith with our ancestors,
and to remember his holy covenant,
73
an oath he swore to our father Abraham,
for the purpose of 74 giving us freedom from fear,
deliverance from the grip of our enemies,
that we might serve him 75 in holiness and righteousness
in his presence all our days.
76
As for you, child, you will be called a prophet of the highest one.
For you will precede the presence of Yahveh,
to prepare his roadways,
77
to bring salvific experience to his people by forgiveness of their sins,
78
through the deep-seated compassion of our God,
by whose mercies heaven’s dawn will rise over us,
Luke 1:79-2:23 101

79
to bring light to those situated in gloom and the shadow cast by death,
to direct our feet into the way of peace.
80
The child, John, grew and developed into a dynamic personality. He lived in the
desert until his introduction to Israel.
2:1 During the time of these events the great caesar issued a census decree applicable to
the whole territory. 2 This census was prior to the one conducted while Quirinius governed Syria.
3
Everyone was going out to register, each one to his city of record.
4
Therefore, Joseph also set out from the province of Galilee, from the city of Nazareth,
to travel to the southern province, to David’s city, Bethlehem. 5 He went there to register because
he was from the dynasty and family of David. With him was Mary, who was engaged to him and
expecting.
6
While there, her pregnancy came full term. 7 She gave birth to her first child, a son, and
wrapped him in long strips of cloth. She put him to bed in an animal’s feeding trough, because
there was no vacancy in a guest room.
8
Now shepherds were together out in the open air that night. These outdoorsmen were
standing night watches over their flock 9 when a messenger from Yahveh surprised them.
Yahveh’s glory engulfed them in a flood of light, and they became very frightened.
10
The messenger said, “Stop being afraid. Understand this: I have good news for you,
bringing great joy for all the people. 11 Today a savior, Christ the sovereign, was born among you
in David’s town. 12 This will be the identifier for finding him—an infant enfolded in windings of
cloth and resting in an animal’s feeding trough.”
13
Suddenly the messenger was accompanied by a vast army of heaven, praising God in
these words:
14
Glory in the highest places to God,
Also on earth—peace among people pleasing him well!
15
After the messengers departed from them into heaven, the shepherds kept saying to
one another, “Onward into Bethlehem! Let us see what occurred, the event Yahveh let us in on.”
16
They went in a hurry and found both Mary and Joseph, and the infant resting in an
animal’s feeding trough. 17 After they saw this, the shepherds made known the news
communicated to them about this child. 18 Everyone who heard was astounded by what the
shepherds told them. 19 Mary cherished all these words, repeating them over and over in her
heart.
20
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they heard and saw while
there. What they found matched the details given to them.
21
Eight days later at the time of circumcision, the infant was called Jesus, the name
assigned him by the messenger before he was conceived in Mary’s womb.
22
When according to the law of Moses the [40] days of their purification were
completed, they brought him to Jerusalem to present him to Yahveh. 23 The law of Yahveh has
this stipulation:
Luke 2:24-45 102

Every male who opens the womb (as firstborn) will be treated as holy to Yahveh.
24
You are to give a sacrifice according to what is written in the law of Yahveh:
a pair of turtledoves or two young doves.
25
Look in on this scene: In Jerusalem there was a man named Simeon, a righteous,
devout person, who awaited Israel’s consolation; and holy spirit was present upon him. 26 It had
been revealed to him by the holy spirit that he would not experience death before he would see
Yahveh’s anointed.
27
By the spirit’s direction Simeon came into the temple. When the parents brought in
infant Jesus to carry out the legal regulation for him, 28 he welcomed the baby into his arms and
praised God in these words:
29
Sovereign, now you are releasing your servant,
according to your word—in peace,
30
because my eyes have seen your salvation,
31
that you prepared in full view of all peoples.
32
He is light to be revealed to the nations,
and glory to be experienced by your people Israel.
33
His father and mother were deeply impressed by what was being said about him.
34
Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother:
Understand: He is destined to topple and to raise up many people in Israel,
and to be a deplored enigma.
35
As for you, your soul will feel the thrust of a heavy sword.
These events will occur that the motives of many hearts might be exposed.
36
Also present was Anna, a prophetess, a daughter of Phanuel from the tribe of Asher.
She was superannuated, having been married for seven years, 37 and now she was a widow 84
years old. She did not leave the temple environs, spending her time fasting and praying, serving
night and day. 38 At that time she stepped up and expressed gratitude to God and kept speaking
about the child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.
39
After the parents had completed everything required by the law of Yahveh, they
returned to Galilee to their city of Nazareth.
40
The boy grew and became strong, having a personality filled with wisdom. God’s
grace was evident upon him.
41
Jesus’ parents made an annual pilgrimage to Jerusalem for the Passover. 42 When he
was twelve years old, he went up with them to the feast according to custom. 43 After the festival
was over, the pilgrims started for home, while the preteen Jesus remained in Jerusalem without
his parents being aware of that. 44 Assuming he was along in the group, they traveled for a day
before they went looking for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 Not finding him,
they returned to Jerusalem, searching for him.
Luke 2:46-3:12 103

46
After three days they did find him—in the temple. Seated among the teachers, he was
listening to them, and asking them questions. 47 All who heard him were astonished at his
understanding and responses.
48
When his parents located him, they were at their wit’s end. His mother said to him,
“Child, why did you do this to us? Now see here, your father and I were frantic as we looked for
you!”
49
He replied to them, “Why were you searching for me elsewhere? Did you not know
that necessarily I had to be in the precincts of my father?”
50
They did not understand the allusion he was making in saying this to them.
51
He went down with them and came to Nazareth and submitted himself to them. His
mother cherished all these words in her heart.
52
Jesus progressed in wisdom as his body developed to full stature. God liked him and
people did too.
3:1 In the fifteenth year of the emperorship of Tiberius Caesar, when Pontius Pilate was
procurator of Judaea, and Herod [Antipas] was tetrarch of Galilee, and Philip his brother was
tetrarch of the lands of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias was tetrarch of Abilene, 2 during
the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, God’s word came to John, son of Zechariah, while
he was in the desert.
3
He went into all the territories surrounding the Jordan River, preaching baptism based
on repentance—for the forgiveness of sins. 4 He cited the text in the scroll of Isaiah the prophet:
A voice calls out in the desert:
Prepare Yahveh’s highway.
Make straight roads for him.
5
Every ravine is to be filled in,
and every mountain and hill leveled.
Every curve will be straightened out.
Rough roads will be smoothed.
6
All humanity will see God’s salvation.
7
John kept saying to the crowds that came out to be immersed by him: “Brood of
vipers, who alerted you to escape from the rage on the way? 8 Therefore, produce the effects
certifying repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father (and
that is all that matters).’ For I declare to you that from these stones God can raise up children for
Abraham.
9
“Already an ax is leaning against the trunk of the trees. Consequently, every tree not
bearing good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”
10
The crowds responded to him by asking, “What, then, should we do?”
11
John replied: “He who has two tunics should share with the one who does not have
any. Let the person having foodstuffs do the same.”
12
The revenue agents came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?"
Luke 3:13-28 104

13
He replied: “Collect no more than the amount legally specified.”
14
The security men questioned him, “What must we do?”
He replied: “Do not give anyone a shakedown to take his money, or practice extortion.
Be satisfied with your pay.”
15
The people were expectant and all were wondering in their hearts about John—
whether he might be the messiah.
16
In response, John said to everyone: “I immerse you in water. One superior to me is
coming. For him I am not worthy to untie the thongs of his sandals. He will immerse you in holy
spirit and fire. 17 He holds his winnowing shovel in his hand to clean up his threshing floor and to
gather the grain into his granary. He will burn up the chaff with inextinguishable fire.” 18 Also on
many other subjects he exhorted and preached good news to the people.
19
But Herod the tetrarch was convicted by him for taking his brother’s wife, Herodias,
and for all the other evils Herod did. 20 Yet he added this to all the rest: He incarcerated John.
21
The following happened when all the people were being baptized. After Jesus had
been immersed and was praying, the sky opened. 22 Like a dove, the holy spirit in physical
manifestation descended upon him. There was also a voice from heaven:
“You are my son, my loved one. I am delighted with you.”
23
Now Jesus himself began his mission when he was about thirty years old. He was a
son—as was supposed—of Joseph,
the son of Heli
24
the son of Matthat
the son of Levi
the son of Melchi
the son of Jannai
the son of Joseph
25
the son of Mattathias
the son of Amos
the son of Nahum
the son of Esli
the son of Naggai
26
the son of Maath
the son of Mattathias
the son of Semein
the son of Josech
the son of Joda
27
the son of Joanan
the son of Rhesa
the son of Zerubbabel
the son of Shealtiel
the son of Ner
28
the son of Melchi
Luke 3:29-36 105

the son of Addi


the son of Cosam
the son of Elmadam
the son of Eart
29
the son of Joshua
the son of Eliezer
the son of Jorim
the son of Matthat
the son of Levi
30
the son of Symeon
the son of Judas
the son of Joseph
the son of Jonam
the son of Eliakim
31
the son of Melea
the son of Menna
the son of Mattatha
the son of Nathan
the son of David
32
the son of Jesse
the son of Obed
the son of Boaz
the son of Shelah
the son of Nahshon
33
the son of Amminadab
the son of Admin
the son of Arni
the son of Hezron
the son of Perez
the son of Juda
34
the son of Jacob
the son of Isaac
the son of Abraham
the son of Terah
the son of Naho
35
the son of Serug
the son of Reu
the son of Peleg
the son of Eber
the son of Shelah
36
the son of Cainan
the son of Arphaxad
the son of Shem
the son of Noah
Luke 3:37-4:19 106

the son of Lamech


37
the son of Methuselah
the son of Enoch
the son of Jared
the son of Maleleel
the son of Cainan
38
the son of Enos
the son of Seth
the son of Adam
the son of God.
4:1 Full of holy spirit, Jesus turned away from the Jordan River and was led by the spirit
into the desert. 2 For forty days he stayed there undergoing temptation by the devil.
He ate nothing during that time, and when the days came to an end, he was famished.
3
The devil said to him, “Assuming you are God’s son, tell this rock to become bread.”
4
Jesus answered, “It stands on record: A person does not live by food alone.”
5
Having led him up on a mountain peak, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the
world instantaneously. 6 Then the devil said to him, “I will give you authority over all this and all
their associated glory. This prerogative is mine to grant to whomever I want to have it. 7 As for
you, therefore, if you will bow down before me, you will have it all.”
Jesus replied, “It stands on record, You are to worship Yahveh your God, and him
8

alone are you to serve with adoration.”


9
The devil brought him to Jerusalem and caused him to stand on the highest peak of the
temple, and said to him, “Assuming you are God’s son, jump off from here in mid air. 10 For it
stands on record, He will assign to you his angels to protect you. 11 And again: Upon their
appendages they will lift you up should your foot stumble on a rock.”
12
Jesus replied to him, “It has been stated, You must not test Yahveh your God."
13
When all temptation was concluded, the devil backed off from him for awhile.
14
But Jesus returned to Galilee having the spirit’s dynamic. News about him spread to
all the surrounding area. 15 He taught in the local synagogues and was honored all around.
16
He came to Nazareth where he grew up, and as he customarily did, he entered the
synagogue on the sabbath. He stood to read aloud 17 from the scroll of the prophet Isaiah given to
him. He unrolled the scroll and found the following text:
18
Yahveh’s spirit is upon me.
He anointed me to announce good news to the underclass.
He commissioned me:
to proclaim release to those held captive,
to restore vision to the blind,
to set free those oppressed,
19
to announce the arrival of Yahveh’s favorable time frame.
Luke 4:20-41 107

20
Jesus rolled up the scroll, presented it to the curator, and sat down. All eyes in the
synagogue were focused on him. 21 He introduced his presentation with these words:
Today this text is fulfilled right as you listen.
22
Everyone kept affirming him. The people were deeply impressed by the gracious
words that cascaded over his lips. They also kept raising the question: “Is not this Joseph’s son?”
23
He responded to them, “Over and over you quote to me this proverb, Physician, heal
yourself. We have heard about all the special feats done in Capernaum. Do here in your
hometown the same works!”
24
He continued: “I assure you no prophet is accepted in his home territory. 25 In stating
the objective truth, I say to you there were many widows in Israel in the era of Elijah, when it
did not rain for three years and six months. A great famine prevailed throughout the land, 26 but
Elijah was sent to none of Israel’s widows. On the other hand, he was sent to a widow in
Zarephath, in the vicinity of Sidon.
27
“Moreover, there were many lepers in Israel in the time of the prophet Elisha. Yet
none was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.”
28
Everyone in the synagogue became infuriated when they heard these remarks. 29 The
people stormed out to the outskirts of the city with Jesus in tow. They pushed him as far as the
ridge of the plateau on which their city was built, intending to force him off the precipice. 30 But
he passed right through the middle of them and kept on going.
31
He transferred to the Galilean city, Capernaum, and was teaching the people on the
32
sabbath. They were impressed by his teaching because his message was with authority.
33
In the synagogue there was a man possessed by a spirit, a dirty demon. He shrieked in
a loud voice: 34 “Leave us alone! What is our subservient relationship to you, Jesus of Nazareth?
Did you come to devastate us? I know who you are—God’s holy one.”
35
Then Jesus rebuked him, “Hush—and come out of him.”
When the demon had thrown him sprawling in the center of the group, it exited from
him without harming him.
36
Awesome astonishment gripped everyone. Those present kept discussing with one
another what happened, saying, “What is this message, for with authoritative power he gives
directives to the sordid spirits and they depart!”
37
News about him was spreading to every place in the vicinity.
38
When he left the synagogue, he entered Simon’s home. The mother-in-law of Simon
was running a high fever. Those there asked Jesus about her. 39 As he stood over her, he rebuked
the fever and it left her. Immediately, she got up and began serving them.
40
At sunset they brought to him all who were incapacitated and those with various
diseases. On each of them he placed his hands and healed them. 41 Demons departed from many,
yelling, “You are God’s son!” But he rebuked them, not permitting them to have their say
because they knew he was the messiah.
Luke 4:42-5:17 108

42
After daybreak, he departed and made his way to a deserted place. But the crowds,
intent on finding him, came where he was. They were trying to hold on to him for themselves so
that he would not go anywhere.
43
He said to them, “Also in other cities I must preach the good news of God’s kingdom,
because I was commissioned to do that.” 44 He would preach in the synagogues of the southern
province as well.
5:1 As he stood on the shore of Lake Gennesaret, a crowd gathered and was pressing in
upon him to hear the word of God. 2 He saw two boats, each with the bow beached on the shore.
The fishermen had disembarked from them and were cleaning up their nets. 3 He boarded one of
the boats, the one belonging to Simon, and requested him to shove off a little way from the
shore. Taking his seat there, he taught the crowds from the skiff.
4
When he was through speaking, he said to Simon, “Shove off into deep water and let
down your nets for a catch.”
5
Simon responded to him, “Master, all night long we worked hard, not taking a thing.
Yet because you say so, I will lower the nets.”
6
When they did this, they enclosed such a large school of fish their nets were bursting.
7
They signaled their partners in another boat to come and help out. They came and filled both
boats, submerging them to the gunwales.
8
After Simon, alias Rock, observed this, he fell before the knees of Jesus and said,
“Leave me, Lord, for I am a man with a sinful nature.” 9 Fright had engulfed him and all his crew
as a result of the catch of fish they hauled in. 10 The same reaction set in for James and John,
Zebedee’s sons, Simon’s partners.
Jesus said to Simon, “Stop being afraid. From now on you will catch men.”
11
After securing the boats on the shore, they left everything and followed with him.
12
The following incident took place in one of the towns. Picture this: A man full of
leprosy saw Jesus, prostrated himself—face down—and pleaded with him, “Lord, if you would,
you can purify me!”
13
Jesus reached out his hand and touched him as he said, “I want that. Be clean.”
At once the man’s leprosy disappeared.
14
Jesus ordered him, “Do not tell anyone, but depart and show yourself to the priest on
duty. Then offer for your ritual cleansing what Moses required. This act will be testimonial
evidence for those there.”
15
The word about Jesus kept spreading even more. Many throngs of people kept
gathering to listen and to be healed of their sicknesses.
16
He would slip away to deserted places and spend time praying.
17
The next incident occurred one day while he was teaching. Sitting there before him
were Pharisees, and teachers of the law, and people who had come from every village of Galilee,
the southern province, and Jerusalem. Yahveh’s power was manifested in his healing activity.
Luke 5:18-6:2 109

18
See this: men carrying a paralyzed man on a stretcher. They were attempting to get
him in and to place him in front of Jesus. 19 Not finding any way to bring him in through the
crowd, they went up on the flat roof. Removing tiles, they lowered him on his pallet right in the
center in front of Jesus.
20
When Jesus saw their faith expressed, he said, “Mister, your sins are forgiven.”
21
Then the scholars and Pharisees began to question his declaration, “Who is this who
speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sin except God alone?”
22
Jesus knew what they were thinking and questioned them: “Why do you surmise such
conclusions in your hearts? 23 Which is easier to say: Your sins are forgiven, or Get up and walk?
24
Yet in order that you might know the human one has authority on earth to forgive
sins,” he said to the paralytic, “I say to you: Get up, pick up your bedroll, and go to your home."
25
Immediately, having stood up in their presence, he picked up his pallet, and praising
God, he went home. 26 Exhilaration overtook everyone, and they were glorifying God. Filled with
awe, they kept saying, “We saw strange things today!”
27
After these events Jesus left there and saw a revenue agent named Levi seated at his
collection station. He said to him, “Follow me.”
28
Leaving everything, Levi got up and followed him. 29 At home, Levi held a big
reception for Jesus. A large group of tax-takers and others were reclining altogether at Levi’s
table.
30
The Pharisees and their scholars got huffy about this, saying to his disciples, “Why do
you eat and drink with tax-takers and sinners?”
31
Jesus replied to them: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but sick people need
32
him. My mission is not to call righteous people, but sinners to repentance.”
33
They said to him, “John’s disciples fast frequently as they say their prayers, as do also
the disciples of the Pharisees, but your disciples enjoy food and beverages.”
34
Jesus replied, “You cannot make those in the wedding party fast as long as the groom
is with them, can you? 35 The time will come when the groom will be removed from them. In that
future period they will fast.”
36
He gave them this analogy: No one cuts a swatch of new material to patch an old
garment. Were one to attempt that, the new piece (when it shrinks) would tear something, and
also the patch of new material would not harmonize with the old.
37
Moreover, no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Were one to attempt that, the
new wine (when it ferments) would burst the wineskins and leak out; the containers would be
ruined. 38 But new wine is meant to be poured into new wineskins. 39 No one who has drunk the
old cares for the new, for he says, “The old is preferable.”
6:1 The following incident happened one sabbath as Jesus was passing through the standing
grain. His disciples were stripping heads of grain, rubbing them together in their hands, and
eating the kernels. 2 Certain Pharisees complained, “Why do you break the sabbath law by what
you are doing?”
Luke 6:3-22 110

3
Jesus replied, “Have you not read the passage about how David and his men handled
their hunger? 4 He entered the house of God, took some of the bread of presentation, ate it, and
shared it with his companions. Now this was unlawful food for just anyone to eat. It was for the
priests exclusively.”
5
Jesus told them, “The human one holds executive rights over the sabbath.”
6
On another sabbath he entered a synagogue to teach. A man was there whose right
hand was dysfunctional. 7 The scholars and Pharisees were keeping an eye on Jesus to see if he
would heal on the sabbath—to afford them grounds to denounce him. 8 But aware of their
subterfuge, he said to the man having the useless hand, “Stand up and move to the center.”
He rose and stood there.
9
Jesus said to them: “I ask you whether it is lawful on the sabbath to do positive deeds
or negative ones, to deliver life or to destroy it?”
10
After looking everyone in the eye, he said to him, “Extend your hand.”
As he did, his hand was completely restored.
11
The scholars and Pharisees became infuriated, and they kept conferring among
themselves what they would do with Jesus.
12
During that time he went out to a mountain to pray. He remained there praying to God
throughout the night. 13 When daylight appeared, he called his disciples together and chose
twelve of them, whom he designated apostles. 14 They were: Simon, to whom he gave the epithet,
Rock, Andrew his brother, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, 15 Matthew, Thomas, James the
son of Alphaeus, Simon the right-wing patriot, 16 Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot who
became a betrayer.
17
After descending the mountain with them, Jesus stationed himself on a level place. A
large crowd of his disciples was there, and very many people were coming from all over the
southern province, Jerusalem, and the coastland of Tyre and Sidon. 18 They had come to hear him
and to be healed of their maladies. Also those victimized by sordid spirits were being restored.
19
All the crowd was attempting to make contact with him because power was emanating from
him, and he was healing everyone.
20
As he lifted his eyes to view his students, he would say to them:
Blessed are those who are poor, because you possess the kingdom of God.
21
Blessed are those experiencing hunger now, because you will be fed to the full.
Blessed are those weeping now, because you will smile.
22
Blessed are you when people hate you, exclude you, insult you, and denigrate your
reputation on account of your association with the human one. 23 Rejoice on
that day and go skipping along. For—make a note of it—your reward in heaven
is great. Their fathers used to treat the prophets the same way.
Luke 6:24-42 111

24
Too bad, however, for you who are rich, because you have your consolation now.
25
Too bad for you who are fully satisfied now, because you will become hungry.
Too bad for you who are laughing now, because you will mourn and weep.
26
Too bad for you when all people speak of you approvingly. Their ancestors used to
treat false prophets the same way.
But I say to you who listen:
27
Love your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who give you a rough time. 29 To someone who slaps you in the face, offer your
other cheek.
When one rips off your outer garment, do not withhold your inner garment. 30 To
everyone who asks you, give. If someone takes away what is yours, do not ask for it back again.
31
Whatever you would want people to do for you, do accordingly for them.
32
If you love those who love you, what gratitude do you deserve? Even sinners like
those who like them. 33 If you do good to the ones benefiting you, what gratitude do you deserve?
Sinners also do the same. 34 If you lend to those from whom you have a hope of return of the
goods, what gratitude do you deserve? Sinners also lend to sinners so they might be repaid the
full amount.
35
Nevertheless, love your enemies, do good, and lend without counting on repayment.
When you do such, your reward will be great and you will be sons of the highest one because he
is kind to the ungrateful and degenerates. 36 Be big-hearted, just as your father is generous.
37
Cease being judgmental, and you certainly will not be judged. Stop passing sentences
of condemnation on others, and you will not be condemned.
Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38
Give, and it will be given to you. Give a good measure that has been pressed down,
shaken down, and then filled to overflowing. Others in a similar manner will give into the big
fold in your garment (where grain is carried). For the same standard you use to dish out to others
will be the measure by which others reciprocate to you.
39
He gave them another illustration: A blind man is not able to serve as a guide to the
blind, is he? Will not both of them plunge into a pit?
40
A student is not superior to his professor. When each student has finished his
education, he will be comparable to his teacher.
41
Why do you focus on the speck in the eye of your brother, but do not notice the heavy
timber in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, “Brother, let me remove the speck
from your eye,” when all the while you do not see the ceiling-joist in your own eye? Hypocrite,
first extricate the heavy board from your eye, and then you will see properly to remove the speck
from your brother’s eye.
Luke 6:43-7:14 112

43
A healthy tree cannot produce decayed fruit. Neither, for that matter, can a blighted
tree produce delicious fruit. 44 The quality of each tree is recognizable by its fruit. For instance,
one does not gather figs from thorn bushes. Nor from a briar patch does one harvest grapes.
45
A good person brings forth good from the good treasure in his heart. An evil person
brings out evil from the evil stored within. One’s mouth pours forth what is plentiful in one’s
heart.
46
Why do you acclaim me, “Lord, Lord,” but do not do what I say?
47
Everyone who comes to me listens to my instructions and implements them. 48 He is
like a house-builder who excavated deeply and laid the foundation on rock ledge. When a flash
flood came, causing a stream of water to surge against that house, the torrent was not able to
dislodge it because it was well founded.
49
But one who hears what I have to say and does not put my teaching into practice is
comparable to a man who built his house on the ground without a foundation. When a flash flood
surged against it, at once it broke up, becoming a total loss.
7:1 After Jesus had completed all his words in the hearing of the people, he entered
Capernaum. 2 A centurion lived there whose slave was sick—very bad off, even at death’s door.
That servant meant a lot to him. 3 Because the centurion had heard about Jesus, he sent Jewish
elders to him to ask him to come and heal his servant. 4 When they got in touch with Jesus, they
earnestly were urging him to do this. They said, “The centurion is worthy for you to grant his
request. 5 He appreciates our people; he even built our synagogue for us.” 6 Therefore, Jesus went
along with them.
When Jesus was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends with this message for
him: “Sir, do not bother, for I am not worthy of the honor that you should put in an appearance at
my residence. 7 By the same token, I am not worthy to come to you. But issue an order and my
servant will be healed. 8 For I am a man accustomed to command structures, having soldiers
under me. I tell this one, Proceed, and he goes; to another, Report, and he appears; and to my
slave, Do this, and he does it.”
9
On hearing this, Jesus was greatly impressed by the centurion. Turning around to the
large group following him, he exclaimed,
“I declare to you I have not found such faith as this in Israel.”
10
When the contact people returned to the centurion’s home, they found his slave in a
healthy condition.
11
Soon afterward, Jesus was traveling toward a town called Nain. His disciples and a
large crowd were proceeding along with him. 12 As they reached the city gate—look!—a funeral
procession was headed out to the burial place. The dead was the only son of his mother, a
widow. A large group from town was accompanying her.
13
When he noticed her, the Lord was deeply touched in his feelings for her. He said to
her, “Stop weeping.” 14 Moving right in close, he put his hands on the funeral stretcher so that the
pallbearers stood still. Then he said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”
Luke 7:15-38 113

15
The dead fellow sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother. 16 A
sense of reverential awe swept over everyone, and they glorified God saying:
“A great prophet has come on the scene among us” and “God has visited his people.”
17
A report of this event featuring Jesus spread to the whole Jewish community as well
as to all the surrounding territory. 18 John’s disciples also related to him all of these activities.
John called in two of his disciples 19 and sent them to the Lord to say: “You are the anticipated
one—or should we keep on waiting for another?”
20
When they arrived in Jesus’ presence, the men stated: “John the baptizer sent us to
you to inquire: You are the anticipated one—or should we keep on waiting for another?"
21
During that time he healed many people of their diseases, miseries, and evil spirits; he
gave vision to many who were blind. 22 Then he responded to John’s disciples: “Return and
report to John what you saw and heard. The blind are seeing again. The lame are walking. Lepers
are purified. The deaf are hearing. The dead are being raised. The poor are getting good news. 23
And tell him: Blessed is whoever is not put out with me!”
24
After John’s messengers had left, Jesus began to speak to the crowds about John.
What did you go out in the desert to see? A reed trembling in the wind? 25 On the contrary. What
did you go out to view? A man dressed in soft clothes? Note that those adorned in gorgeous
garments and living in luxury belong to royal palaces. 26 Again, what did you go out to see? A
prophet? Yes, indeed, I assure you he is more than a prophet. 27 This is the one concerning whom
it has been written:
Look: I will send my messenger as your advance man.
He will prepare your way before you .
28
I declare to you that no one born of women is greater than John. But the least in the
kingdom of God is greater than he!
29
All the people who were listening—even the tax-takers—were taking up for God
because they had participated in the Johannine baptism. 30 But the Pharisees and the lawyers
declared nul and void God’s counsel applicable to them, as evidenced by their not having been
baptized by John.
31
How shall I characterize the people of this generation? What are they like? 32 They
resemble children sitting around in the market square who call out to one another, chanting:
We played the flute for you, and you did not do a (wedding) dance.
We made the (funereal) sounds of wailing, and you did not weep.
33
For John the baptizer came on the scene neither consuming bread nor drinking wine,
and you say, “He is demonic.” 34 The human one has come eating and drinking, and you say,
“See a man who is a glutton and a wino, a crony of tax-takers and sinners.” 35 But wisdom gets
authenticated by all its progeny.
36
One of the Pharisees invited him to have a meal with him. After entering the house of
the Pharisee, he reclined at the dinner table [on his side with feet out away from the table].
37
Now see what occurred: A woman in the city, a sinner, found out he was dining at the
Pharisee’s home. She brought an alabaster flask of perfume, 38 and having stationed herself out of
Luke 7:39-8:8 114

the way in the area of his feet, she was weeping. Her tears began to wet his feet, and she dried
them with the hair of her head. She kissed his feet and anointed them with perfume.
39
When the Pharisee who had invited him saw what was going on, he said to himself: If
he were a prophet, he would have known what kind of woman this is who caresses him. He
should have known she is a sinner.
40
In response Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say specifically for you.”
He replied, “Teacher, out with it—speak.”
41
“Two men had loans outstanding from a lender. One owed him the monetary
equivalent of 500 days’ wages, and the other owed an amount comparable to 50 days’ wages.
42
Because neither man could repay his debt, he graciously canceled the debts of both. Which of
these men will have greater appreciation for him?”
43
Simon responded, “I assume the one for whom he forgave the most.”
Jesus replied, “You judged correctly.”
44
Then he turned to face the woman, and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I
entered your home and you did not provide any water to pour over my feet. But by her tears she
rinsed my feet and dried them with her hair. 45 You did not give me a welcoming kiss, but from
the time I entered, she has continually kissed my feet. 46 You did not anoint my head with
(scented) oil, but she anointed my feet with perfume. 47 Consequently, I declare to you that her
many sins have been forgiven because of her deep love. But one who has been forgiven little
loves less.
48
Then he said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49
The other guests at the dinner party began to say among themselves: “Who is this who
forgives sins?”
50
Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”
8:1 He proceeded successively on a teaching mission throughout the cities and towns,
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. The twelve accompanied him. 2 So did some
women who had been healed from evil spirits and diseases. They were: Mary who was called
Magdalene, from whom seven demons had departed; 3 Joanna the wife of Chuza, a manager in
Herod’s household; Susanna, and many others. These women were taking care of the material
needs of the traveling group, using their possessions for this.
4
When a large crowd was assembling with people pouring in city by city to hear him,
he spoke to them using a parable:
5
A planter went out to sow his seed. As he did, some seed fell along the path
and was trampled. The birds of the sky gulped down these seed. 6 Others fell on
soil mingled with rocks. After the seed sprouted, the plants dried up because of
insufficient moisture. 7 Other seed fell among thorns, and they grew together
until the thorns took over to stifle the growth. 8 Still other seed landed in good
soil and produced 100% more.
Luke 8:9-24 115

After saying these things, he called out more than once: “One who has ears for hearing
must listen.”
9
His disciples asked him for an explanation of the parable. 10 He told them: You are
given the privilege of knowing the secrets of God’s kingdom. With the rest of the people
parables are used because:
Although they look, they do not see;
and although they hear, they do not understand.
11
This is the explanation of the parable: The seed is the word of God. 12 Seed that fell on
the path represents those who only hear the words. Then the opponent comes along and takes the
message away from their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.
13
The seed planted in rock-filled soil represents people who hear and receive the
message enthusiastically. But they do not have the analogue of a plant’s root. So they believe for
a while, yet in the time of testing, they drop out.
14
The seed that fell among the thorns represents those who hear the message, but they
are done in by cares, wealth, and pleasures of life that come their way. These choke off their life,
and they do not attain maturation.
15
But as for that seed planted in good soil, these are conscientious people having good
motives. When they hear the message, they hold to it securely and bear fruit patiently.
16
No one having lighted an olive-oil lamp covers it with a crock or places it beneath a
bed. One places it on a lampstand so that those entering the dark place might see by the light.
17
For there is nothing hidden that will not be brought out into the open—nothing
covered up that will not be made known and exposed.
18
Pay attention therefore as to how you listen. For whoever holds on to what he hears
will be given more. Correspondingly, whoever does not hold on to it will be stripped of that
which he seems to have.
19
His mother and brothers came to his meeting and were not able to have access to him
because of the crowd. 20 A message was announced to him: “Your mother and brothers are
standing outside, wanting to see you.”
21
This is how he answered them: “My mother and my brothers are those who pay
attention to the word of God and put it into practice.”
22
One day this incident occurred: He and his disciples shoved off in a boat, and he said
to them, “Let us head for the opposite side of the lake.” They got underway. 23 As they sailed, he
took a nap. During this time a squall hit the lake with high winds. The boat was being swamped
to the point their lives were in jeopardy.
24
They came and roused him with these words: “Teacher, teacher, we are going under!”
He got up and issued commands to the wind and the surging water. Their velocity abated, and
calm came.
Luke 8:25-45 116

25
Then he said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Fearful and full of consternation, they kept saying to one another, “Who then is this
who commands the winds and the water and they obey him?”
26
They sailed to the territory of the Gerasenes, located across from Galilee. 27 When
Jesus disembarked, a man from the town met him—a man who had been controlled by demons
for a long time. He neither wore clothes, nor did he live in a house, but among the cave-tombs.
28
Upon eyeing Jesus, he shrieked. Prostrating himself before him, he yelled out, “What
rights do you have over me, Jesus, son of the highest God? I beg you not to torture me.” 29 Jesus
commanded the sordid spirit to come out of the man. It had taken control of him many times
previously. He had been bound by chains and foot fetters while being guarded; but after his
having torn the shackles away, he would be driven by the demons into deserted places.
30
Jesus asked him: “What is your name?” He replied, “Legion” (i.e., army) because
many demons had entered into him. 31 They were begging Jesus not to order them to depart into
the abyss. 32 A large herd of hogs was feeding there on the mountainside. The demons implored
him to allow them to enter the hogs. He consented.
33
As the demons departed from the man, they entered the hogs. The herd stampeded
down the precipice into the lake and drowned.
34
When the hog-herders saw what had happened, they took to their heels and reported it
in town and in the countryside.
35
The local people went out to see what had happened. They came up to Jesus and
found the man from whom the demons had departed sitting down beside Jesus' feet. He was
clothed and in his right mind. It frightened them. 36 Those who had witnessed the event of how
the demonized man was delivered rehearsed the story for them. 37 All the many people of the
territory of the Gerasenes requested Jesus to leave them because they were gripped by great fear.
He went aboard the boat for the return trip. 38 The man from whom the demons had
departed kept asking to be with him. But he sent him away with these words: 39 “Return home,
and give your testimony of everything God did for you.” He departed, going throughout the town
proclaiming all that Jesus had done for him.
40
When Jesus returned, there was a welcoming crowd there for him because they were
all expecting him. 41 See this: A man named Jairus, an administrative elder of the synagogue,
came up and prostrated himself before Jesus. He urged him to come to his home 42 because his
only daughter, twelve years old, was dying.
As Jesus led the way, throngs of people were pressing up against him. 43 Among them
was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years. She had spent all her life support on
physicians, none of whom was competent to cure her. 44 She made her way up behind him and
touched the tassel of his clothes. At once her bloody discharge ceased.
45
Then Jesus said, “Who made contact with me?”
When everybody denied it, Rock said, “Teacher, the crowd is surrounding you and
pressing in on you.”
Luke 8:46-9:12 117

46
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I was conscious of power dispensed.”
47
The woman, surmising she could not escape notice, came trembling and prostrated
herself before him. She disclosed before all the people the reason she touched him and how she
was healed instantaneously. 48 He said to her, “Daughter, your faith restored you. Go in peace.”
49
While he was still speaking, someone from the chief administrative elder’s household
arrived, announcing, “Your daughter is dead. Do not further inconvenience the teacher.”
50
Jesus, having heard this, responded to Jairus, “Do not give in to fear. Just believe, and
she will be restored.”
51
When Jesus entered the home, he did not permit anyone to enter with him except
Rock, John, James, and the child’s father and mother.
52
All were crying and beating their breasts in mourning for her. He said to them: “Stop
the crying because she did not die—but fell asleep. 53 They ridiculed him, for they knew she had
died.
54
Jesus grasped her hand and called to her, “Child, get up!”
55
Her spirit returned to her and she got up at once. He ordered that some food be given
to her. 56 Her parents were ecstatic, but he commanded them to tell no one what happened.
9:1 Jesus called together the twelve. He gave them power and authority over every demon,
and also to heal diseases. 2 He commissioned them to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal
sicknesses.
3
He gave them these instructions: Do not take along anything for the road—not a
traveler’s light club, not a traveler’s bag, not bread, not money, not a second change of clothes.
4
When you enter a home, remain there until you leave that locale. 5 As for those who do not
welcome you—when you leave that city, tap off the dust from your feet as a demonstration
against them.
6
When the twelve set out, they proceeded village by village, announcing good news and
healing everywhere.
7
Herod the tetrarch heard about all the things that had happened, and he was at a loss to
know what to make of it all. Some were saying John had been raised from the dead. 8 Some said
Elijah had come on the scene. Others thought one of the ancient prophets had reappeared. 9 But
Herod said, “I decapitated John. Who is this about whom I hear such things?” He yearned to see
Jesus.
10
After the apostles returned, they reported to Jesus all they had done. Taking them on a
retreat privately, he set out in the direction of a town called Bethsaida. 11 But the crowds got wind
of it and followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed
those who needed healing.
12
When the sun became low on the horizon, the twelve came to him and said, “Dismiss
the crowd so they can go into the nearest villages and farms to get refreshment by finding
something to eat because we are in a desolate place.”
Luke 9:13-33 118

13
He said to them, “You provide them with food.”
They replied, “We can come up with no more than five loaves of bread and two fish,
unless we go out and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were approximately five
thousand men there.
He said to his disciples, “Have the people to get seated comfortably in groups of fifty
(in readiness for a meal).”
15
They did as he said, and everyone was reclining.
16
He took the five loaves and two fish, and having looked toward heaven, he blessed
them, broke them into portions and gave them to his disciples to distribute to the crowd. 17 They
ate and all were filled up. The disciples afterward collected twelve baskets of leftovers.
18
The next incident took place while Jesus was praying alone with his disciples. He
questioned them: “How do the crowds identify me?”
19
They answered: “John the baptizer. Others say, Elijah. Yet others identify you as one
of the ancient prophets now raised up.”
20
He said to them, “As for you, how do you identify me?”
Rock answered, “You are God’s messiah.”
21
Then Jesus strictly prohibited their announcing his identity to anyone. 22 He tied that
prohibition to the following declaration: “The human one must suffer many things. He will be
rejected after examination by the elders, administrative priests, and scholars. He will be killed
and raised up on the third day.”
23
He kept saying to them all, “If anyone desires to follow me, let him reject autonomy.
Let him take his cross day after day, and follow me. 24 For whoever desires to save his life will
lose it. Whoever would lose his life on account of me will preserve it. 25 For what good is it if a
person gains the whole world and destroys or loses himself in the process?
“Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the human one will be ashamed of him
26

when he comes in his glory with the glory of his father and the holy angels. 27 I declare to you the
truth: Some of those standing here will not experience death before seeing the kingdom of God.”
28
About eight days after he had spoken these words, Jesus took Rock, John, and James
up on a mountain to pray. 29 As he prayed the appearance of his face changed, and his clothing
gleamed as bright as lightning. 30 See this: Two men, Moses and Elijah, were conversing with
him. 31 Those who appeared in glory were speaking about the exodus he was about to experience
in Jerusalem. 32 Rock and those with him had been in deep sleep. But fully awakened, they
observed his glory and the two men standing with him.
33
As those two were departing from them, Rock said to Jesus, “Master, it is a fine
situation for us to be here. Let us pitch three pavilions—one for you, one for Moses, and one for
Elijah. He did not know what he was talking about.
Luke 9:34-57 119

34
After Rock said these things, a cloud approached and overshadowed them. They
became afraid as they entered the cloud. 35 A voice spoke from the cloud: “This is my chosen
son; listen to him.” 36 As that voice resounded, Jesus alone was found there.
So the men kept quiet about this and reported nothing of what they had seen to anyone
in those days.
37
On the next day as they descended the mountain a large crowd met him. 38 Look at the
scene: A man from the crowd called out to him in distress: “Teacher, I beg you to focus attention
on my son, my only son. 39 See how a spirit takes hold of him so he suddenly shrieks; it
convulses him, causing foaming at his mouth, and scarcely lets up from crushing him. 40 I begged
your disciples to expel it, but they could not.”
41
Jesus answered: “What an unbelieving, distorted generation this is. How long will I be
with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.”
42
While the man’s son was coming forward, the demon threw him down and convulsed
him. Jesus rebuked the sordid spirit, healed the child, and turned him over to his father. 43 They
all were astonished at God’s magnificence.
While everyone was astounded at all the feats Jesus was doing, he said to his disciples:
44
“Store these words in memory: The human one is about to be betrayed into the control of
men.” 45 They had no idea what that statement meant. It was obscured from them lest they
perceive it. Furthermore, they were afraid to question him about it.
46
Some difference of opinion occurred in their group as to who would be the greatest
among them. 47 Jesus, who understood their aspirations motivating the discussion, selected a
child and had him stand next to himself. 48 Then he said to them, “Whoever receives this child in
my name receives me. Moreover, whoever receives me receives the one who commissioned me.
Indeed, among all of you, the one of least standing is eminent.”
49
John responded, “Master, we saw someone expelling demons in your name, and we
forbade him because he was not on our team.”
50
Jesus replied, “Stop disallowing such people, for whoever is not against you is on
your side.”
51
As the days of his ascent came closer to fulfillment, his resolve to go up to Jerusalem
showed on his face. 52 In advance of himself, he sent messengers who entered a village of
Samaria with the intention of preparing for his arrival. 53 The Samaritans, however, would not
accept him because he was headed for Jerusalem.
54
When the disciples, James and John, got the picture of what was going on, they said,
“Lord, do you want us to order fire down from the sky to wipe them off the map?”
55
Jesus turned to face them and rebuked them. 56 So they proceeded on to another
village.
57
As they were traveling down the road, someone came to him and said, “I will follow
you wherever you go.”
Luke 9:58-10:19 120

Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens; birds of the sky have nests—but the human one
58

has nowhere to lay his head.”


59
To another person he said, “Follow me.”
But he replied, “Sir, permit me first to go back (waiting) until I have conducted my
father’s funeral.”
60
Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead. But as for you, go out and announce
the kingdom of God.”
61
Someone else said, “I will follow you, Lord. But permit me first to say my good-byes
at home.”
62
Jesus replied, “No one who grips the plow handles and then looks over his shoulder is
suitable to serve in the kingdom of God.”
10:1 After these events, the Lord designated seventy others and sent them out in pairs in
advance of his appearance in every city and place he was about to go. 2 He said to them, The
harvest is abundant, but laborers are hard to get. Therefore, ask the harvest-boss to thrust out
workers into his harvest.
3
Get going. Understand that I am sending you as lambs, encircled by wolves. 4 Do not
carry a money bag, a traveler’s bag, or (reserve) sandals, and do not stop to make newsy
exchanges with anyone along the way. 5 Into whichever house you enter, say first of all, “Peace
be upon this home.” 6 If a peaceful person resides there, your peace-blessing will rest on him. But
if he is not that kind of person, it will return to you. 7 Stay put in that home, eating and drinking
what they provide. For the worker is worthy of his compensation. Do not move about from house
to house. 8 Into whatever city you enter and are welcomed, eat whatever is set before you. 9 Heal
the sick in that city, and say to them, “the kingdom of God has come close to you.”
10
When you enter a city and its people do not accept you, go out into the main streets
and say this: 11 “The dust of your city that clings to our feet we rub off to return to you. But be
assured of this—the kingdom of God has come near you.” 12 I declare to you that on that day (of
judgment), the sentence against Sodom will be more bearable than the one leveled against that
city.
13
Too bad for you, Chorazin! Too bad for you, Bethsaida! If the miracles that took place
among you had occurred in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in rags
on ashes. 14 It will go easier for Tyre and Sidon in the judgment than for you. 15 As for you,
Capernaum: Are you not elevated to the sky? Down to the realm of the dead you will slide.
16
Whoever listens to you hears me. The one who gives a cold shoulder to you rebuffs
me. The one who rebuffs me rejects the one who sent me.
17
The seventy returned elated, having this report, “Lord, even the demons are subject to
us in your name.”
18
He responded to them, “I watched the opponent [i.e., Satan] falling from the sky like a
bolt of lightning. 19 Note: I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and
over
Luke 10:20-35 121

all the power of the enemy, that nothing should be able to do you in. 20 The fact, however, that
the spirits are subject to you should not be the basis of your rejoicing. Rejoice because your
names are listed in the heavens.
21
At that time Jesus exulted in the holy spirit. He exclaimed,
I extol you, father, sovereign of heaven and earth,
because you concealed these concepts from sophisticates and intellectuals,
and you revealed them to those of a childlike disposition.
Father, I concur with your doing what pleased you well.
22
Everything was given to me by my father. No one perceives the identity of the son
except his father—and the identity of the father except his son, and anyone to whom his son
desires to reveal him.
23
Then having turned toward his disciples, he said privately, “The eyes witnessing what
you see have been blessed. 24 For I declare to you that many prophets and kings have wanted to
see what you are witnessing, and did not, and to listen to what you hear, but did not.”
25
In the next scene an expert in the law stood up to examine Jesus with a question:
“Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”
26
He replied, “What has been specified in the law? How do you interpret it?”
27
The lawyer answered: “Love Yahveh your God wholeheartedly, that is, totally with
your life, fully with your strength, and completely with your mind. Also love your fellow human
being as you would yourself.”
28
Jesus said to him, “Your answer is right. Do this and you will live.”
29
But wanting to vindicate himself, he said to Jesus, “Who is my fellow human being?”
30
Continuing the dialogue, Jesus said:
A man traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho was ambushed by thieves.
They stripped him of everything, beat him up severely, and then absconded,
leaving him semiconscious.
31
It just so happened a priest was traveling down that same road. When he saw
the man, he crossed over to the other side of the road and passed by.
32
Likewise, when a Levite came down to that place and saw him, he crossed the
road and went on.
33
But when a Samaritan traveler came on the scene and saw him, he felt very
sorry for him. 34 Coming over to him, he bandaged his wounds after first
pouring oil and wine upon them. 35 After setting him on his own riding animal,
he brought him to an inn and took care of him. The next day he took out silver
equivalent to two days’ wages and gave it to the manager of the inn. He said,
“Take good care of him, and whatever it might cost more, I will repay you on
my return trip.”
Luke 10:36-11:15 122

36
Which of these three do you think became a fellow human being to the one mugged by
the thieves?
37
The lawyer said, “The one who expressed compassion toward him.”
Jesus replied, “Go and do as he did.”
38
While they were traveling, he entered a village, and a woman named Martha
welcomed him. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat as a disciple before the Lord and listened to his message.
40
But Martha was preoccupied with preparing a meal. Intruding, she said, “Lord, is it no concern
of yours that my sister left me to serve alone? Speak to her, therefore, so she will give me a
hand.”
41
The Lord responded to her, “Martha, Martha, you are concerned and distressed over
many things. 42 One thing is a necessity. Indeed, Mary made the better choice, which will not be
denied her.
11:1 Jesus was praying somewhere. When he was finished, one of his disciples said to him,
“Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2
He said to them, “When you pray, here is the way:
Father, cause your name to be held in holy honor.
Cause your kingdom to arrive.
3
Give us today our daily bread;
4
And forgive our sins, for we ourselves forgive all who are indebted to us;
And do not position us for testing.”
5
He said to them: Who among you would respond as follows? A man had a friend who
came over at midnight with this request, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread 6 because my
friend has just come off the road to my place, and I do not have food to set before him.”
7
But from inside he answered, “Do not make it difficult for me. The door has already
been barred for the night and my children are all bedded down with me. I cannot get up and
supply you.”
8
I tell you, even if he will not get up and give it to him on the basis of friendship alone,
on the basis of the man’s undaunted persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he
needs.
9
Moreover, I say to you: Ask, and (what you need) will be given. Seek, and you will
find. Knock, and you will get an opening. 10 For everyone asking receives, the seeker finds, and
the one who knocks gets entry. 11 What father among you whose son asks for a fish will instead
give him a snake? 12 Or if he would ask for an egg, will he give him a scorpion? 13 Therefore, if
you—although unregenerate—know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more
will the heavenly father give holy spirit to those who ask him!
14
Once Jesus was expelling a mute demon. When it had gone, the mute person spoke.
The crowd was astounded. 15 But some of them said, “He expels demons by Beelzebub, the
Luke 11:16-38 123

dictator over demons.” 16 Others were endeavoring to put pressure on him, goading him for a sign
from heaven.
17
But he, understanding their rationalizing, said to them: Every kingdom split into
opposing factions will self-destruct. The same holds true for households; if the home is at odds
internally, it will split apart. 18 If, indeed, Satan takes sides against himself, how will his kingdom
stand? I ask this because you say I expel demons by Beelzebub. 19 If I expel demons by
Beelzebub, tell me by whom do your protégés expel them? For that reason they will be your
judges. 20 If I expel demons by God’s finger, then the kingdom of God has encountered you.
21
When an armed strong man guards his courtyard, his possessions are undisturbed.
22
When someone stronger comes on the scene and overpowers him, that stronger one takes away
his protective gear in which he trusted and plunders the man’s goods.
23
Whoever is not with me is in opposition to me; one not gathering with me scatters.
24
When a sordid spirit departs from a person, it passes through waterless places in
search of a resting place. If none is found, it says, “I will return to my house I left.” 25 Once there,
it finds the place swept and spruced up. 26 Then it goes and procures seven other spirits more evil
than itself, and they move in to settle there. That person’s latter plight becomes worse than his
previous condition.
27
While he was saying these things, a woman’s voice was directed toward him from out
in the crowd, “Blessed is the womb that carried you, and the bosom that nursed you!”
28
He replied, “Au contraire, blessed are those who listen to the word of God and keep
what it says.”
29
As the crowds were mobbing him, he began to speak: This is an evil generation. It
seeks a miraculous sign, and no sign will be supplied to it except that of Jonah. 30 As Jonah
became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so the human one will be a sign to this generation.
31
The queen from the south will be raised at the final judgment with the men of this generation,
and she will condemn them because she came from the far reaches of the earth to listen to
Solomon’s wisdom, and—get this—one greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh
will arise in the judgment with this generation and condemn it because they repented in response
to Jonah’s message, and—get this—one greater than Jonah is here.
33
No one lights a lamp and puts it under a cover or under a grain basket, but he puts it
upon a lamp holder so people entering the room would benefit from its light.
34
Your body has a lamp—your eye. When your vision is clear, your entire being
experiences illumination. When your eye does not see properly, your body experiences darkness.
35
See to it, therefore, that the illumination in you is not actually darkness. 36 If, therefore, your
whole being experiences the brilliance of light—not having any part darkened—it will be fully
bright as when a flash of lightning illuminates you.
37
While he was speaking, a Pharisee invited him over for the midmorning meal. He
went and reclined at the table. 38 The Pharisee was aghast as he scrutinized Jesus because he did
not first wash his hands before brunch.
Luke 11:39-12:7 124

39
The Lord said to him: “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of your cup and dish, but
you leave your interior full of greed and malice. 40 Irrational ones, did not the craftsman who
formed the exterior also form the interior? 41 Give attention, rather, to inner motives such as
compassion, and—understand this—for you everything will be clean.
42
“But brace yourselves for judgment, Pharisees, because you tithe right down to mint,
rue, and every herb, but you bypass justice and God’s love. These values are the most important,
without your neglecting other things.
43
“Judgment hangs over you, Pharisees, because you set your affections on the
prominent seats in the synagogue and respectful greetings in the markets.
44
“Judgment hangs over you, because you are unmarked graves that people walk over
[thereby being made unclean] and do not know it.”
45
In response, one of the law experts said to him, “Teacher, when you say these things,
you reflect disparagingly on us as well.”
46
He replied, “As for you experts in the law—judgment awaits you, because you load
people down with heavy burdens, and you, yourselves, do not reach out so much as a finger to
help them support their loads.
47
“Judgment awaits you because you build the memorials to the prophets when it was
your ancestors who assassinated them. 48 Therefore, you give evidence you approve of your
forefathers’ actions, for they killed them and you memorialize them. 49 For this reason the
wisdom of God said: I sent them prophets and emissaries, yet they murdered some and
persecuted others. 50 This is why the blood of all the prophets poured out since the beginning of
the world will be exacted from this generation—51 all the blood from Abel to the blood of
Zechariah who was wasted between the altar of sacrifice and the sanctuary. Indeed, I declare to
you, judgment for this blood will be exacted from this generation.
52
“Judgment awaits you law experts because you take away the key to knowledge; you
yourselves do not use it to enter, and you inhibit others who are entering.”
53
When Jesus left there, the scholars and Pharisees had it in for him in the worst kind of
54
way. They intended to ambush him, by interrogating him on many subjects so as to entrap him
in something he would say.
12:1 In the meantime as crowds in tens of thousands were gathering, even jostling one
another, he began to speak first to his disciples: Protect yourselves from the Pharisaic yeast:
hypocrisy. 2 There is nothing concealed that will not be revealed—nothing secret that will not be
exposed. 3 Whatever you speak after dark will be heard in the daylight. Moreover, what you
whisper in someone’s ear in back rooms will be shouted from roof balconies.
4
I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but afterward
can do nothing more. 5 I am telling you precisely whom to fear: Be afraid of the one who after
putting you to death, has punitive power to throw you into hell. I thus declare to you: Fear him.
6
Are not five sparrows sold for two small brass coins? Not one of them is overlooked in
the presence of God. 7 But as for you, all the hairs of your head are accounted for. Stop being
worried; you are superior to many sparrows.
Luke 12:8-30 125

8
I declare to you that everyone who acknowledges before the public his relationship to
me will be reciprocated. The human one will acknowledge before God’s angels his relationship
to such a one. 9 But he who denies me before human beings will be denied before God’s angels.
Whoever speaks a word against the human one can be forgiven. But whoever
10

slanders the holy spirit will not be forgiven.


11
When they bring you in before synagogues, their officials, and the authorities, do not
be anxious about how to defend yourselves or what you should answer. 12 For in that hour the
holy spirit will teach you what you must say.
13
A man from the crowd said, “Teacher, speak to my brother to insist on his dividing
the inheritance with me.”
14
But Jesus replied, “Sir, who constituted me as a judge or probate official over you?”
15
He spoke further to them: “See to it that you keep yourself above all covetousness, because
one’s life is not derived from the abundance of his possessions.” 16 He illustrated with a parable
for them:
There was a man whose farm produced very well. 17 He thought to himself,
“What shall I do now, because I do not have space to store my crops?” 18 Then
he decided, “Here is what I shall do: I shall tear down my granaries and build
larger ones, and I shall store there all the grain and other valued foodstuffs.
19
Then I shall say to myself, ‘Man alive, you have many good things to eat
stored up for many years to come. Relax, eat, drink, and enjoy.’”
20
But God said to him, “Foolish person, this very night your life will be
demanded from you. 21 As for all you have stashed away—to whom will that
belong?”
This is how it is with a person who hoards for himself but is not wealthy by God’s
standards.
22
He said to his disciples: This is the reason I told you not to worry about your life as to
what you will eat, or about your body as to what you will wear. 23 One’s life is more than food,
and one’s body is more than what clothes it.
24
Consider the crows. They neither plant nor harvest, and they have neither a storeroom
nor a barn. Yet God feeds them. How much more are you superior to the birds!
25
Who among you, by getting worked up about it can add to his height half a meter?
26
If, therefore, you are not able to do what is minor, why do you worry about the rest?
27
Consider lilies; think about how they grow. They do not labor nor do they spin
threads. Yet I tell you even Solomon in all his finery was not dressed as exquisitely as a lily. 28 If
today they are part of the flora of the field, and tomorrow they are discarded to heat an oven,
how much more will God clothe you, microbelievers that you are.
29
You must stop going overboard in your concern for what you will eat and drink.
Refrain from worrying. 30 For these needs are the primary concerns of people universally; but in
Luke 12:31-53 126

your case, your father knows you need these. 31 In contrast to the general trend, seek his
kingdom, and these staples will be supplied for you. 32 Stop being afraid, small flock, because
your father is pleased to give to you his kingdom.
33
Sell off your possessions and share with the needy. Provide for yourselves moneybags
that will not wear out. Put away an investment in the heavens, where a thief cannot get to it, nor
a moth eat holes in it. 34 For the location of your treasure will coincide with that of your heart.
35
Keep dressed unflappably (for service), and keep the lamps burning. 36 Be like those
live-in servants awaiting their employer at whatever time he might return from a multiple-days-
long wedding feast. Be ready that when he arrives and knocks, you can open the door for him at
once. 37 Those servants will be happy if their master upon arrival finds them alert. I tell you truly
that such a servant will belt in his garments, cause the returnees to recline at the table, and
coming by each one, he will serve them. 38 If the master’s arrival would be between 9 p.m. and
midnight or between midnight and 3 a.m. and he finds them alert, they will have cause to be
glad.
39
But understand this. If the estate owner had known the time of a thief’s arrival, he
would not have permitted the break-in of his house. 40 You be ready, for at a time you consider
unlikely the human one is coming.
41
Rock said to him, “Lord, do you mean this illustration for us or for everybody?”
42
The Lord replied: Who, then, is a faithful and intelligent manager whom the boss will
install over his domestic servants to distribute the food supplies at the appropriate time? 43 Happy
will be that servant who, upon his boss’s arrival, will be found by him doing precisely this.
44
I say to you truly that he will put him in charge of all of his possessions.
45
But if that servant should think to himself, “My boss will delay much longer before he
comes back,” and if he should begin to batter the servants and maids, and to party—eating,
drinking, and getting drunk—46 that servant’s boss will return on a day he does not expect, and at
an hour he does not know. He will rip him to pieces (with the sword) and dispose of him with the
infidels. 47 As for that servant who knew what his boss wanted, but did not prepare himself for
the task, nor carry out his will, he will take a heavy beating. 48 As for the servant who did not
know what he was supposed to do and who fouled up in what he did do, his beating will be light.
To everyone given much responsibility, much accomplishment is expected. To the one
allocated many resources, there will be required of him all the more productivity.
49
I came to ignite a fire on the earth, and how I wish that fire were already burning. 50 I
have a baptism to undergo, and how I feel the pressure until such time as it is accomplished.
51
Do you think I came to make peace on earth? Not so. I declare to you—not peace, but a rift.
52
From now on there will be five in one household divided three against two, and two against
three. 53 They will be split:
y father against son, and son against father,
y mother against daughter, and daughter against mother,
y mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law,
y and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.
Luke 12:54-13:17 127

54
He also said to the crowds: When you observe a cloud arising in the west, right away
you conclude, “Rain is on the way,” and it rains just as you forecasted. 55 When a south wind
blows, you say, “It will be hot,” and the heat comes. 56 Disingenuous people—you know how to
analyze the earth’s surface and the sky, but you do not know how to evaluate this historical
moment.
57
Why do you not judge objectively what is right? 58 As you leave with your antagonist
for a hearing, make every effort to settle up with him out of court, lest he drag you before a
judge, and the judge remand you over to his deputy, and the deputy throw you into prison. 59 I tell
you that you certainly will not be released from there until you repay the last brass coin owed.
13:1 Some of those who were present with him at that time brought up the incident of
Pilate’s mixing the blood of some Galileans with their sacrifices. 2 Jesus responded: “Do you
suppose those Galileans had become worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they
suffered this catastrophe? 3 Not at all. But I tell you this: Unless you repent, all of you will perish
as surely as they did. 4 Or, take those 18 on whom the tower at Siloam collapsed, killing them.
Do you think these people had become more deserving of this than all the other residents of
Jerusalem? 5 Not at all, I tell you, to the contrary. Unless you repent you all will perish likewise.”
6
He presented this parable:
A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came to it expecting to find
fruit and found none. 7 He said to his farmhand, “Look, this is the third year I
have come to this tree expecting figs, and I have not found any. Cut it down.
Why should it take up space unproductively?”
8
But the farmhand replied to him, “Sir, leave it for this year until I cultivate it
and spread manure around it 9 to see if it will bear fruit in the future.
Otherwise, then chop it down.”
10
Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the sabbath. See this: 11 A woman was
there who had been in a debilitated state for 18 years. She had a curvature of the spine and could
in no way straighten up to an erect position.
12
When Jesus saw her (in the women’s section), he called out to her, “Woman, you
have been freed from your disorder.” 13 He placed his hands upon her. Immediately she
straightened to an erect posture and glorified God.
14
The administrative elder of the synagogue, indignant that Jesus healed on the sabbath,
kept saying to the crowd, “Six days are designated for working. During those days, therefore,
come and be healed, but not on the sabbath day.”
15
The Lord retorted to him, “Hypocrites, does not each of you on the sabbath untie his
ox or donkey from its stall and lead it away to get a drink of water? 16 As for this daughter of
Abraham whom the adversary kept bound for—count them—18 years, was not it necessary to
loose her from this shackle on the sabbath?
17
After his response, all his antagonists were reduced to shame. All the crowd rejoiced
over all his glorious accomplishments.
Luke 13:18-14:4 128

18
Then he continued speaking: How is the kingdom of God to be illustrated, and what
analogy shall I use to compare it?
19
God's kingdom is comparable to a mustard seed a man picked up and threw
down in his garden. It grew so as to become a shrub of such size the birds of
the sky perched in its branches.
20
Again he said: To what shall I compare the kingdom of God?
21
God's kingdom is like yeast a woman took and hid in three large quantities of
flour until the whole batch of dough was raised.
22
He kept making his itinerary in cities and villages, teaching and making his way
toward Jerusalem. 23 Someone said to him, “Lord, will only a few be saved?”
He responded to those there: 24 Make every effort to enter through the narrow opening,
because many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able to get in. 25 After the head of the
household has gotten up and barred the door (for the night), it is too late. If you begin to stand
outside and knock on the door, saying, “Lord, open up for us,” he will answer you, “I do not
recognize you or where you are coming from.”
26
Then they will begin to say, “We ate and drank in your presence, and you taught in
our town squares.”
27
But he will say to you, “I do not recognize you or where you are coming from. Stand
away from me, all who practice wickedness.” 28 At that place there will be weeping and
clenching of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, and all the prophets in the kingdom of God,
while you get bounced. 29 People will come from east and west, north and south, and recline at
the table in God’s kingdom. 30 Note this: There will be those who are last who will be first, and
conversely, the first who will be last.
31
At that time some Pharisees came and said to him, “Get a move on and clear out of
here, because Herod is eager to execute you.”
32
But he said to them, “When you have gone on your way, tell that fox for me: Look! I
expel demons, and I produce healings today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will be
finished. 33 Nevertheless, it is necessary for me to proceed on today, tomorrow, and the next day
because a prophet’s assassination anywhere but at Jerusalem does not fit the pattern.”
34
Jerusalem, Jerusalem—she who slays the prophets, stoning those sent to her—how
often I desired to gather your children as a hen gathers her baby chicks under her wings, and you
would have none of it. 35 Look out. Your house is abandoned to you. I declare to you that surely
you will not see me until such time as you say: “Blessed is he who comes in Yahveh’s name!”
14:1 The next incident happened on the sabbath when he went to dine at the home of a
leading Pharisee. The Pharisees were scrutinizing him. 2 See this: A man with edema was across
from him. 3 In response to this situation Jesus said to the lawyers and the Pharisees, “Is it in
accordance with the law to heal on the sabbath—or not?” 4 They were silent. So taking hold of
the man, he healed him and released him.
Luke 14:5-26 129

5
To them he said, “Who among you if your son or ox would fall into a well, would not
immediately pull him out on the sabbath day?” 6 They were unable to offer a rejoinder.
7
He spoke a proverb to the invited guests because he noticed how they selected the
prime seats for themselves: 8 When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not
ensconce yourself in the most prominent seat lest someone more honorable than you may have
been invited by the host. 9 In such a case the host who also invited him might very well come to
you and say, “Give up your seat.” Then embarrassed, you would have to begin to step down to
the last seat in the house.
10
But when invited, upon arrival, take a back seat. Then when the host says to you,
“Friend, come forward for a better seat,” you will be honored before all your fellow diners. 11
The principle holds: Everyone who promotes himself will be humiliated; and everyone who
humbles himself will be honored.
12
He also spoke to the one who had invited him, “When you give a midmorning meal or
put on a dinner, do not call your friends, your brothers, your relatives, or your wealthy neighbors
—who might reciprocate, repaying your hospitality. 13 But when you offer a big spread, call the
poor, the disfigured, the lame, and the blind. 14 In so doing you will be blessed because they do
not have the means to reciprocate. You will receive your reward in the resurrection of the
righteous.
15
When one of the reclining guests heard these things, he said to him, “Blessed will be
anyone who gets to dine in the kingdom of God!”
16
Jesus replied to him:
A man made a great banquet and invited many people. 17 At the designated
time he sent his servant to say to those invited, “Come, because everything is
ready.” 18 They all to a man began to beg off. The first one said to him, “I
bought a field and I need to go out and look it over. Let me be excused.” 19
Another said, “I bought five pairs of oxen and I am going to prove their worth.
I request you count me out.” 20 Still another said: “I just took a wife and
because of this I cannot come.”
21
When the servant returned, he reported these responses to his master. Then
the estate owner became furious and said to his servant, “Go out quickly into
the streets and lanes of the city and bring in here the poor, the disabled, the
blind, and the lame.”
22
The servant said, “Sir, what you ordered has been done, and yet there is room
for more.”
23
The master said to the servant, “Go out to the alleys and hedgerows and urge
those there to come in so my house may be full. 24 For I tell you that none of
those heads of households originally invited will enjoy my banquet.”
25
Many crowds assembled around Jesus. Turning to face them, he said: 26 If anyone
comes to me and does not give me the preferential place over his father, his mother, his wife, his
children, his brothers, his sisters, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.
Luke 14:27-15:15 130

27
Whoever does not carry his cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.
28
For who among you with an intention to build an observation tower does not first sit
down and calculate the cost of construction to see if he has funds sufficient to complete it?
29
Otherwise, having laid the foundation but not being able to complete all the job, the observers
will snicker at him. 30 Their refrain will be, “This man started to build, but could not complete
it!”
31
Or what king, rushing out to engage another king in battle, does not first sit down to
contemplate if he is able with 10,000 soldiers to meet on the battlefield the other king who is
coming against him with 20,000? 32 If he does not think he can win, he sends a delegation to
them. While the other force is still far away, he solicits terms of peace.
33
Therefore, comparably as it applies to all of you, know that anyone who does not give
up all his possessions, cannot be my disciple.
34
Salt is useful. But if the salt you obtain is a low-percentage admixture, what will you
use for seasoning? 35 It is neither fit for the soil nor the compost heap. People will just trash it.
One who has ears for hearing should listen.
15:1 All the tax-takers and sinners were coming close in to listen to him. 2 The Pharisees and
scholars kept carping about this: “He receives sinners and has table fellowship with them.”
3
As his response, Jesus told the following parable:
4
Who among you would not follow the same course of action as a man who
had 100 sheep, one of which became lost? He left the 99 in the wilderness and
went searching for the lost sheep until he found it. 5 Once he found it, he placed
it across his shoulders, all the while rejoicing. 6 Upon arrival at home he called
together his friends and neighbors. “Celebrate with me,” he said, “because I
have found my lost sheep!” 7 I declare to you there will be comparable joy in
heaven over one sinner who repents, even more than for 99 righteous people
who do not need to repent.
8
Or take the case of the woman who had 10 silver coins [of dowry]. If she
loses one such dracma, would she not light a lamp and sweep her house,
searching carefully until she finds it? 9 After it is found, she will call together
her friends and neighbors saying, “Celebrate with me over the recovery of my
lost silver coin!” 10 I declare to you there is comparable joy among God’s
angels over one sinner who repents.
11
He continued:
A man had two sons. 12 The younger one spoke to his father, “Father, give me
my share of the property.” So he divided for them the means of livelihood.
13
Not very long afterward, the younger son gathered together all that was his
and headed for a distant land. There he squandered his funds, living fast and
loose.
14
After he had spent all he had, a severe famine occurred in that land, and he
began to experience poverty. 15 So he went and got a job with a citizen of that
Luke 15:16-16:2 131

place, who sent him into his fields to feed hogs. 16 He was driven by hunger to
satisfy himself with the carob tree pods the hogs ate. No one would give him
anything.
17
When he began to think objectively, he said to himself: How many hired
hands work for my father and have plenty to eat, and here I am starving in this
famine. 18 I shall get up and go to my father, and I shall say to him, “Father, I
sinned against heaven and in your sight. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called
your son. Take me on as one of your hired hands.”
20
So he got up and went in the direction of his father. While he was still at
quite a distance, his father saw him, and his father’s heart welled up within
him. Running to meet him, he hugged his neck and kissed him.
21
His son said to him, “Father, I sinned against heaven and your interests. I am
no longer worthy to be called your son.”
22
His father said to his help, “Quickly bring the best robe and dress him. Put a
signet ring on his finger, and sandals on his feet. 23 Get the grain-fed calf,
butcher it, and let us feast and have a party, 24 because this my son who was as
good as dead lives again. A missing person, he has been found.” So they began
to celebrate.
25
The father’s older son was in the field. As he came close to the house he
heard music and (circular) dancing. 26 He called one of the servants and
inquired what it was all about. 27 He was told, “Your brother has arrived, and
your father killed the fattened calf, because he received him back safe and
sound.”
28
Outraged, he did not want to go inside. But his father, coming out, called him
aside.
29
He replied to his dad, “See my side of this. For so many years I have worked
like a slave for you and never crossed your will. But you never gave me so
much as a young goat that I might have a party with my friends. 30 When this
son of yours who consumed your resources with prostitutes arrived, you
slaughtered the grain-fed calf for him.”
31
But his father said to him, “Son, you are always at my side, and everything
that is mine is yours. 32 The party and celebration had to be because this brother
of yours who was dead now lives. A missing person, he has been found!”
16:1 Jesus said to his disciples:
There was a wealthy man who had a business manager against whom serious
accusations were made. The manager was charged with wasting the owner’s
assets. 2 So he called him in and said, “What is this I hear about you? Give an
accounting of your transactions, for you cannot continue in your managerial
position.”
Luke 16:3-20 132

3
The manager thought to himself: What shall I do now, for my boss is
relieving me of my position as manager? I am unable to dig as a laborer. I am
ashamed to beg. 4 Say, I know what to do to provide security after my
departure from management. My plan will open the door to people’s homes for
me.
5
So he got in contact one by one with each of his boss’s debtors. He said to the
first, “How much do you owe my boss?”
6
He replied, “100 units of olive oil.”
He said to him, “Take your invoices, have a seat quickly, and change the
amount to 50.”
7
The process kept being repeated. He asked another how much he owed, and
the response was 100 units of grain. He said to him, “Take your invoices and
adjust the amount to 80.”
8
Yet his boss commended the immoral manager because he had acted astutely.
In that respect secular people are keener as a whole, in their contemporary
frame of reference, than are those who are enlightened.
9
I instruct you to make friends for yourselves by using the material goods tarnished by
injustice so that when such runs out, the friends made might welcome you into everlasting
dwellings.
10
One who is faithful in small matters is also faithful in great responsibilities. One who
is dishonest in small stuff is also dishonest with great obligations. 11 If, therefore, you are not
faithful with respect to the wealth tarnished by injustice, who will entrust to you true wealth? 12 If
you are not reliable in managing someone else’s assets, who will grant to you your own?
13
No household servant can serve two bosses successfully. He will prefer one over the
other every time, respecting the wishes of one and disregarding the other. One cannot serve God
and wealth simultaneously.
14
The Pharisees, notorious for being avaricious, were listening to all these things and
were turning up their noses at him. 15 He said to them, “You are intent on validating yourselves
by public opinion, but God detects what is in your hearts. What is held in high regard by human
values is repudiated as stench in the presence of God.
16
The law and prophets characterized the epoch until John. From then on the kingdom
of God is being announced as good news, but everyone offers resistance against it.
17
It would be easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for one small pen mark of
the law to become invalid.
18
Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery. Likewise, the
divorcée who remarries commits adultery.
19
There was a rich man who dressed in (royal) purple and fine linen, who daily
was enjoying life to the full. 20 A homeless man, named Lazarus, had been
dropped off at the entrance of his estate, and Lazarus was covered with sores.
Luke 16:21-17:8 133

21
His desperate desire was to survive on the scraps from the rich man’s table.
His care came from dogs who licked his sores.
22
The poor man died and he was transported by the angels to a place where he
could be hugged by Abraham.
The rich man also died and was entombed.
23
In the grave he lifted his eyes upward—while he experienced great
agony—and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus right next to him. 24 So he
called out: “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus so he might
dip the tip of his finger in water and cool down my tongue because I am in
severe pain in this flame.”
25
Abraham said, “Descendent, remember you received your good times during
your life, and conversely, Lazarus had a rough time. Now he is soothed here
and you suffer pain. 26 Moreover, between us and you a vast chasm has been
set so that those wanting to proceed from here over to you cannot, nor can they
transfer from there to us.”
27
He said, “I ask you then, father, to send him to my father’s house, 28 for I
have five brothers. Send him that he might give an eyewitness account to them,
lest they come to this place of anguish.”
29
But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets. They must listen to them.”
30
He replied, “Oh no, Father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the
dead, they will change their mind.”
31
He said to him, “If they do not pay attention to Moses and the prophets,
neither would they be persuaded if someone would be raised from the dead.”
17:1 Jesus said to his disciples: Demoralizing influences inevitably will occur. Nevertheless,
too bad for the one responsible for them. 2 He would be better off if a millstone encircled his
neck and he was thrown into the lake, than that he should be the cause for the moral failure of
one of these little ones.
3
Pay attention to what is going on among yourselves. If your brother sins, rebuke him.
If he repents, forgive him. 4 If he sins against you seven times in a day and comes back to you
seven times saying, “I am repentant,” forgive him.
5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Enlarge our faith.”
6
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a grain of mustard, you would be able
to say to a mulberry tree: Be uprooted and be set down in the lake, and it would obey you."
7
Which of you who has a slave plowing or tending sheep says to him when he comes
from the field, “Go ahead at once and take your place at the table?” 8 But rather do you not speak
to him as follows? “Prepare the meal I shall eat, and then, dressed waiter’s style, serve me while
I dine and drink; and afterward you will eat and drink.”
Luke 17:9-37 134

9
Gratitude does not accrue to a slave because he did what he was ordered to do, does it?
10
Nor should you expect it. When you have done all you were told to do, say, “We servants are
unworthy of commendations; we were obligated to do what we did.”
11
The next incident happened as he was traveling toward Jerusalem. He took the road
bordering between Samaria and Galilee. 12 As he was entering a small town, ten leprous men met
him. Standing at a distance, 13 they projected their voices, “Jesus, teacher, have pity on us!”
14
Upon seeing them, he said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” As they
went, their system was purified of the disease.
15
One of them, realizing he was healed, returned. In a loud voice he glorified God.
16
Then he did reverential prostration at Jesus’ feet, all the while thanking him. He was a
Samaritan.
17
Jesus said in response: “Ten were purified, were they not? Where are the nine? 18
Were none of them found returning to give praise to God—except this foreigner?
19
He said to the Samaritan, “Arise and go. Your faith delivered you.”
20
Jesus was being questioned by the Pharisees about the introduction of the kingdom of
God. He answered: The kingdom of God does not emerge into one’s line of vision. 21 Neither will
it be said, “See it here!” or “There it is!” Understand: God’s kingdom is set up within you.
22
He said to his disciples: Times will come when you will yearn to see one of the
human one’s days, but will not. 23 They will say to you, “Look over there,” or “Observe here.”
Do not follow up on these or chase such leads. 24 For just as lightning flashes, illuminating the
sky from one place to another, so will be the phenomenon of the human one’s arrival. 25 But first
he must experience extreme excruciation and rejection by this generation.
Just as conditions were in Noah’s epoch, so it will be when the human one’s time
26

comes around. 27 People were eating, drinking, marrying and giving daughters in marriage, until
the day Noah entered the ark. Then came the cataclysm and everyone perished.
28
There was a comparable situation in the days of Lot. People were eating, drinking,
buying, selling, planting, and building 29 until the time of Lot’s departure from Sodom. After that,
fire and sulfur rained down from the sky and destroyed everyone.
30
It will be the very same at the time the human one is revealed. 31 On that day one
upstairs on the (flat) roof should not go down and inside to get his personal effects. Likewise,
one in the field should not go back for anything. 32 Remember Lot’s wife.
33
Whoever would seek to take special care of his life will wreck it. Whoever ruins his
life will preserve it.
34
I declare to you that in that night two will be sharing one bed. One will be taken along
and the other left. 35 Two will be grinding grain at the same location. One woman will be taken
along; the other will be left.
37
They responded by saying, “Where, Lord?”
He replied, “Where the carrion is, there the vultures will gather around.”
Luke 18:1-22 135

18:1 He put a parable before them on the necessity of praying persistently, never giving up.
2
In a certain city there was an atheistic judge who did not care about people.
3
There also was in that city a widow who kept coming to him saying, “Get my
opponent off my back!” 4 But he did not want to do it for a while. Afterward,
he mused to himself: Although I am an atheist and no humanitarian, 5 yet
because this widow is driving me up the wall, I will adjudicate her case. If I do
not, in the end her appearances here will get the best of me.
6
The Lord said: Listen to what was said by that judge who is a moral zero.
7
Nevertheless, will not God surely make things right for his chosen ones who call to him day
and night—while being ever so patient with them? 8 I declare to you he will make a righteous
judgment on their behalf and do so speedily. However, when the human one arrives, will he find
on the earth those who have kept the faith?
9
He spoke the following parable to those persuaded by their own prejudices that they
exclusively are righteous, and consequently they have only disdain for everyone else.
10
Two men went up to the temple for prayers. One was a Pharisee, and the
other a tax-taker. 11 The Pharisee stood aloof and prayed this way: “O God, I
thank you I am not like the rest of humanity: swindlers, wicked, adulterers, or
even like this tax-taker. 12 I fast twice a week. I tithe everything I acquire.”
13
But the tax-taker standing far back, did not even want to lift his eyes up to
heaven. He slapped his chest repeatedly saying, “O God, have mercy on me,
a sinner.”
14
I declare to you this tax-taker went home justified—but not the other man. This is the
reason: Everyone who brags on himself will be humiliated, and the one who humbles himself
will be respected.
15
People kept bringing to him little ones for him to touch. When the disciples observed
what was going on, they would rebuke them. 16 But Jesus called for the little ones to come to
him: “Let the children come to me. Do not hinder them. For the kingdom of God consists of such
as these. 17 I assure you: Whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as would a child will not
get in.”
18
A leader was putting a question to him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit
eternal life?”
19
Jesus replied, “Why do you categorize me as good? No one is good, except
one—God. 20 You know the commandments: Do not commit adultery. Do not murder. Do not
steal. Do not tell lies. Honor your father and mother.”
21
He replied, “All these I have kept from the time I was a youth.”
22
After listening to him, Jesus said, “Still one thing more you do not possess. Sell
everything you own, and share with the poor—and you will have a treasure in heaven; and come,
follow me.”
Luke 18:23-19:7 136

23
Upon hearing that, he became dejected, for he was extremely wealthy.
24
As Jesus observed him, he said: How difficult it is for those having riches to enter the
kingdom of God. 25 It is easier for a camel to enter through a needle’s eye [a trap door in the city
gate] than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God.
26
Those who were listening said, “Just who can be saved?”
27
He replied, “Things humanly impossible are possible with God.”
28
Rock said, “Review our situation. We forsook our own involvements, and we
followed you.”
29
He replied to them: I assure you that every single one—excluding no one—who left
home, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God 30 will
receive not only many times more in this age, and eternal life in the coming age.
31
Jesus took the twelve aside for a retreat and said to them, “I put you on notice: We are
going up to Jerusalem, and all that has been written in the prophets, destined for fulfillment in
the human one, will be culminated. 32 He will be turned over to the goyim, ridiculed, abused, and
spit upon. 33 They will whip him and kill him; and on the third day he will be raised up again.” 34
They understood none of this. This matter was concealed from them so that they did not
comprehend the events mentioned.
35
As Jesus reached Jericho, a blind man was sitting along the roadside begging. 36 When
that man heard the crowd surging along, he inquired what it all meant. 37 They related the news to
him that Jesus of Nazareth was coming through. 38 He then yelled out, “Jesus, son of David, have
pity on me!”
39
Those on the front wave of the crowd rebuked him, telling him to keep quiet. But all
the more vociferously he yelled, “Son of David, have pity on me!”
40
Jesus came to a standstill and ordered him to be led to him. When the man came close,
Jesus put the question to him: 41 “What do you want me to do for you?”
He said, “Sovereign, I want to regain my sight!”
42
Jesus replied, “See! Your faith has delivered you.”
43
Immediately his vision was restored, and he followed with him, glorifying God. All
the people who watched what happened gave praise to God.
19:1 Having entered Jericho, Jesus was on his way through. 2 The scene shifts to a man
named Zacchaeus who lived there. He was a top-echelon tax-taker who was rich. 3 He wanted to
get a look at Jesus, but because he was a short fellow, he could not see over the crowd. 4 So
because Jesus was about to pass that way, Zacchaeus ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree
in order to glimpse him.
5
When Jesus came precisely to that spot, he looked upward and said to him,
“Zacchaeus, get a move on and come down, for today I must stay at your home.”
6
At once he hurried down and welcomed Jesus enthusiastically. 7 But all who saw this
became censorious, blurting out, “He went in to be entertained at a sinner’s house.”
Luke 19:8-29 137

8
Nevertheless, while standing there, Zacchaeus said to the Lord, “Witness (my
promise): Half of my possessions, Lord, I shall give to the poor. If I have defrauded anyone of
anything, I shall return to them 400% of the value.”
9
Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this home, because he too is
Abraham’s son. 10 As for my motives—the human one came to seek and save the lost.”
11
As they listened to these things, he again told a parable, because he was near
Jerusalem, and they were thinking the kingdom of God was to appear momentarily.
12
A man of the aristocracy went to a distant land to receive a kingdom for
himself and to return. 13 He called his ten slaves and entrusted to each of the ten
a unit of money. He said to them, “Do business with this until I return.”
14
But his fellow citizens hated him. They sent a delegation after him to say to
the authorities, “We do not want this man to rule over us.”
15
After receiving the kingdom, he returned and ordered his slaves who had
been entrusted with the silver to be called in so he might know how they had
managed their business transactions. 16 The first came and reported, “Sir, your
unit of money gained ten more units.”
17
He said to him, “Excellent, good slave, because you were faithful with this
very small amount, you will be put in charge of ten towns.”
18
The second one came and said, “Your unit of money, sir, multiplied to five units.”
19
He said to this one, “You will be placed over five towns.”
20
Another came saying, “Sir, voilB! Here is your unit of silver. I stored it away
wrapped in a cloth all the while. 21 For I was apprehensive about you, because
you drive a hard bargain, carrying away what you did not deposit, and reaping
what you did not sow.”
22
The governor said to him, “By the words of your mouth I will judge you,
despicable slave. You knew, did you, that I drive a hard bargain, carrying off
what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow? 23 Why then did you not
put my silver into the trading system? And when I came, I would have
collected it with a profit.”
24
To his assistants he said, “Take the unit of money from him and give it to the
one who has ten.”
25
They said to him, “Sir, he already has ten!”
26
“I declare to you that all who possess assets will be given more. From the
one who does not have anything, even what he seemingly has will be taken
27
away. Now, however, as for those enemies of mine who did not want
to submit to my sovereignty, bring them here and slaughter them before me!”
28
After he had spoken these insights, he proceeded on, leading the way as he traveled
up to Jerusalem. 29 When he came near to Bethphage and Bethany on Olive Grove Mountain, he
sent
Luke 19:30-20:6 138

two disciples 30 with these instructions: Go to the town just ahead. When you have entered it, you
will find a young donkey tied, one on which no one has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 31 If
anyone inquires why you are untying it, tell him the Lord needs it.
32
Those having been sent found circumstances to be just as he told them. 33 As they
were loosing the foal the owners said to them, “Why do you untie the animal?”
34
They said, “Its master needs it.”
35
They brought it to Jesus, and having draped their garments on the young donkey, they
mounted Jesus upon it. 36 As he went along, people spread their garments on the road.
37
When he came near, already at the descent of Olive Grove Mountain, all the crowd of
disciples began to rejoice, praising God in loud jubilation for all the miracles they had witnessed,
38
saying:
Blessed is the one arriving,
the king coming in Yahveh’s name.
In heaven there is peace,
and glory in the highest places!
39
Some of the Pharisees in the throng said to him, “Teacher, forbid your disciples to do
this!”
40
He replied, “I tell you: Were these people to keep silent, the rocks would shout out.”
41
As he came close and saw the city, he wept over it, 42 exclaiming:
If you had known on this day the conditions for obtaining your peace—but now that is
hidden from your vision. 43 For in your future, your enemies will stake out a wall of
palisades to surround you, and press hard against you from every direction. 44 They will
smash you into the ground, together with your children. Not one building stone
will be left in place in consequence of your not knowing the time of your visitation.
45
When Jesus entered the temple, he began to throw out those making sales. 46 He said
to them, “It has been written: My house will be a house of prayer, but you made it a hangout for
thieves.”
47
He was teaching daily in the temple. All the while the administrative priests and
scholars were seeking how to destroy him, and also the leaders of the people were in collusion
with them. 48 But they could not find a way to do what they wanted done with him because all the
people were enthralled as they listened to him.
20:1 On one of those days as he was teaching the people in the temple and proclaiming good
news, the administrative priests, scholars, and elders barged in on him. 2 They accosted him with
questions: “Tell us who authorized you to do as you do? Who credentialed you?”
3
He replied to them, “I, too, have a question for you relative to this matter. Tell me your
4
answer: Was John’s baptism authorized in heaven, or was there a human agency behind it?”
5
They put their heads together, saying among themselves, “If we say, from heaven, he
will say: Why did you not believe him? 6 If we say, from men, all the people will stone us for
they
Luke 20:7-25 139

are persuaded John was a prophet.” 7 So they answered, “We do not know the source of his
authority.”
8
Jesus replied, “Neither will I tell you by whose authority I do these things.”
9
He began to speak to the people this parable:
A man who planted a vineyard put it under the care of tenant farmers. He then
traveled for a long time. 10 At the proper season he sent a slave to the farmers
so they might give him some of the produce of the vineyard. But they beat him
up and sent him away empty-handed. 11 He repeated the process by sending
another slave. That one also, beaten up and humiliated, they sent away with
nothing. 12 He made a third try by sending again. They also wounded this one
and threw him out.
13
The owner of the vineyard said to himself: What shall I do? I will send my
son, my loved one. I presume they will respect him.
14
When the farmhands saw him, they schemed among themselves, “He is the
heir. Let us put an end to him that the inheritance might be ours.” 15 They threw
him outside the vineyard and murdered him.
Consequently, what will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16 He will come and
destroy those farmhands, and he will turn the vineyard over to other farmers.
They responded, “May that never be!”
17
Having fixed his gaze on them, he said, “What, then, is the meaning of this Scripture?
A stone the craftsmen rejected has become the keystone of the arch.
18
All who fall on that stone will be broken. But the one on whom the stone falls will be
pulverized.”
19
The scholars and administrative priests were eager to lay their hands on him at that
time. But they were afraid of public opinion because they knew he presented that parable with
them in mind.
20
They scrutinized the situation carefully and sent plants who pretended to be pious
men. Their purpose was to spin something Jesus would say so they could betray him to the ruler,
the governmental authority. 21 They interrogated him this way: “Teacher, we know what you say
and teach is right, and you do not shape your teaching by the audience before you, but you teach
God’s way truthfully. 22 Is it lawful for us to give tribute money to Caesar or not?”
23
Because he was aware of their duplicity, he said to them, 24 “Show me a denarius.
Whose image and inscription are on it?”
They said, "Caesar’s."
25
He replied to them, “Therefore, give Caesar what belongs to Caesar; also give God
what belongs to him.”
Luke 20:26-21:7 140

26
They were not able to entrap him by a statement made in the presence of the people.
Stunned by his answer, they kept quiet.
27
Some of the Sadducees—who were in denial of a resurrection—moved in close and
questioned him: 28 “Teacher, Moses wrote for us as follows: If a brother dies without children,
his brother should take his wife and raise up seed [i.e., children] for his brother. 29 There were
seven brothers, the oldest of whom took a wife and died childless. 30 The second also did the
same. 31 Then the third took her, as did also all seven, leaving no child before each died. 32
Finally, the woman died. 33 Therefore, in the resurrection whose wife will she be, for all seven
were married to her?”
34
Jesus said to them, “Men of the present age marry and women are given in marriage.
35
But those considered worthy to participate in that age and the resurrection from the dead
neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Nor can they die; they resemble the angels in that
respect. They are God’s sons by virtue of being resurrected. 37 That the dead are raised, Moses
also indicated. When he was at the thorn bush, he mentioned Yahveh, the God of Abraham, and
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. 38 God is not associated with the dead—but the living.
For all (of them) are alive in reference to him.”
39
Some of the scholars answered, “Teacher, you spoke superbly.”
40
After that no one dared to ask him anything.
41
He said to them, “How do they say the messiah is David’s son? 42 For David himself
says in the scroll of Psalms:
Yahveh said to my sovereign:
Sit at my right side,
43
until I subdue your enemies under your feet.
44
David, therefore, calls him ‘Lord’, so how could he be David’s son?”
45
While all the people were listening, he said to his disciples: 46 Beware of the example
set by the scholars. They hanker after parading around in vestments, love (reverential) greetings
in the market squares, the honored seats in synagogues, and the head tables at banquets. 47 These
are the men who gobble up the houses of widows, and pretend to be pious by making long
prayers. They will get what is coming to them—more severe judgment than others.
21:1 After he observed wealthy people placing their gifts into the contribution receptacles,
2
he also saw an indigent widow putting in two small brass coins. 3 He commented, “I declare to
you truly that this poor widow has put in more than all the rest. 4 For all of them donated out of
their abundance. But she, out of her poverty, put in all she had to live on.”
5
While some were “oo”-ing and “ah”-ing over the temple because of its beautiful stones
and the votive offerings (of gold) that embellished it, he said, 6 “As for all these phenomena you
see, the time will come when a stone will not be left in place upon a stone that will not be
loosened and fall.”
7
They asked him about this: “Teacher, when will these things happen, and what is the
sign of their onset?”
Luke 21:8-36 141

8
He said, “Watch out, lest you become deceived. For many will come on the scene in
my name declaring: I am the one, and The right time has come. Do not get carried away with
them. 9 When you hear of battles and uprisings, do not be alarmed. For these must occur first,
but it is not yet the end.”
10
Then he said to them: Nation will become aggressive against nation and kingdom
against kingdom. 11 There will be tremendous earthquakes, famines from place to place,
epidemics, horrors, and great signs from heaven.
12
Before all these things occur, they will nab and persecute you, turning you over to the
synagogues and prisons, dragging you away before kings and governing agents on account of my
name. 13 It will turn out as an opportunity for you to testify. 14 Determine, therefore, in your heart
not to premeditate how you will make your defense. 15 For I will give you speech permeated with
wisdom that all your enemies will be unable to withstand or refute.
16
You will be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives, and acquaintances. They will put
some of you to death. 17 You will be hated by all people on account of your identification with
me. 18 Yet not a hair of your head will be destroyed. 19 In your patient endurance you will possess
your lives.
20
When you see Jerusalem surrounded by army encampments, then know its devastation
21
is near. Then those in the southern province must flee to the mountains. Those inside the city
must evacuate it, and those in the rural areas must not enter Jerusalem. 22 For these are days of
retribution to fulfill all the things that have been written. 23 Too bad for those who are pregnant
and those breast-feeding in those days. Great calamity is ahead for this locale, and wrath against
this people. 24 They will fall, consumed by swords, and they will be taken captive to all nations.
Jerusalem will be trampled on by the nations until their times are up.
25
Signs will appear in the sun, moon, and stars. Upon the earth there will be anguish
worldwide and confusion due to the roaring of the sea and its surging. 26 Human beings will be
expiring from terror and from anticipating what is coming on the whole world, for the powers of
space will be disrupted. 27 Then they will see the human one coming in a cloud resplendent with
power and spectacular glory.
28
When these events begin to transpire, stand up and raise your heads, because your
rescue is near. 29 He presented an illustration to them: Notice the fig tree, and all trees. 30 When
you see for yourselves that they already have sprouted leaves, you know that summer is near.
31
By the same process when you see these things happening, you also will know the kingdom of
God is near. 32 I assure you this generation will not pass off the scene until all these things
(pertaining to it) occur. 33 The sky and earth will disintegrate—but not my word.
34
Be concerned about yourselves lest your hearts get depressed by partying,
drunkenness, and the pressures of coping with worldly survival, and suddenly that day overtakes
you 35 like a trap springing shut on all people located all over the earth. 36 Keep on your toes in
every season, praying you might be able to escape all the things about to happen and to be
prepared to stand before the human one.
Luke 21:37-22:27 142

37
During those days he was in the temple teaching, and in the evening he would go out
and overnight on Olive Grove Mountain. 38 All the people would rise early, meeting in the
temple, to hear him.
22:1 When the feast of flat bread, called the Passover, was near, 2 the administrative priests
and the scholars were seeking some means to do away with him, but they were afraid of the
general public reaction. 3 Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, 4 who went out and
conferred with the administrative priests and the security officials as to how he might betray him
to them. 5 Gleefully, they agreed to pay him off in silver. 6 He promised to do the job and sought
the right moment to hand him over to them when a crowd was not around.
7
The time arrived for the feast of flat bread in which the Passover sacrifice was made.
8
Jesus sent Rock and John with these instructions: “Go prepare the Passover meal for us that we
might eat it.”
9
They said to him, “Where do you want us to prepare it?”
10
He replied, “When you enter the city, take note of a man who will meet you carrying a
jug of water. Follow him into the building into which he enters. 11 Say to the person in charge of
the place: The teacher says to you: Where is the function room in which I might eat the Passover
with my disciples? 12 He will show you a large room upstairs that is furnished. Prepare there.”
13
After they went, they found things just as he had told them, and they made
preparations for the Passover.
14
When the hour arrived, he reclined at the table accompanied by the apostles. 15 He said
to them, “I have intensely desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I declare to
you I shall not eat it again until it has fulfillment in the kingdom of God.”
17
After receiving a cup, he gave thanks and said, “Take this and share it among
yourselves. 18 For I declare to you that from now on I shall not drink again from the fruit of the
vine until the kingdom of God arrives.”
19
Taking bread, he gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them as he spoke these words,
“This is my body given in your behalf. Do this as a reminder of me.”
20
Also coordinately with the cup after the meal, he said, “This cup is the new covenant
in my blood, poured out for your sake.”
“Nevertheless, notice that the hand of my betrayer is with me upon the table. 22 The
21

human one is going on just as it has been determined. It will be too bad, however, for that person
by whom he has been betrayed.” 23 They began to argue among themselves as to which one of
them it would be.
24
Then a dispute occurred among them as to which of them seemed to be top man in
their lineup. 25 In opposing this, Jesus said to them, “Kings of nations exercise control over their
people, and leaders who have authority over them are accorded distinction. 26 With you it must
not be like that. Let one who is greater conduct himself among you with the demeanor of a
younger person, and the leader as one who is serving the others. 27 For who is greater—the one
reclining, or the one serving him? Is it not the one reclining? But I relate within this group as one
who serves.
Luke 22:28-51 143

28
“You are those who remained with me during my trials. 29 I allocate to you a kingdom,
just as my father allocated such for me, 30 that you might dine and drink at my table in my
kingdom, and sit upon thrones evaluating the twelve tribes of Israel.
31
“Simon, Simon, pay attention. The opponent asked for you, to sift you as one does
wheat. 32 But I interceded in your behalf lest your faith be utterly terminated. When you have had
a turnaround, strengthen your brothers.”
33
He replied to Jesus, “Lord, I am ready to go to prison with you and to death!”
34
Jesus said, “I tell you, Rock, the rooster call will not sound off today until you deny
three times that you know me.”
35
Then he asked them, “When I sent you without a money bag, traveler’s bag, or (extra)
sandals, you did not lack for anything, did you?”
They said, “Nothing."
36
He said to them, “But now one who has a money bag should take it, and likewise a
traveler’s bag. He who does not have a sword should sell his garment and buy one. 37 For I tell
you that what has been written in reference to me—‘and he was classed with criminals’—must
come to a climax. Indeed, that text refers to me.”
38
They said, “Lord, look! We have two swords here.”
He replied to them, “That is enough.”
39
Leaving there, he went as he customarily did to Olive Grove Mountain, and his
disciples followed along with him. 40 When they came to the site, he said to them, “Pray that you
will not give in to temptation.”
41
He withdrew from them about as far as one can throw a stone. There he knelt as he
kept praying: 42 “Father, if you would, remove this cup from me. Yet not my will but yours be
done.”
43
An angel from heaven appeared with him, strengthening him. 44 Under agonizing
stress, he continued praying with more passion. His sweat, like globules of blood, was dripping
upon the ground.
45
When he was done praying, he came to his disciples and found them sleeping from
nervous exhaustion. 46 He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray—lest you give in
to temptation.”
47
While he was still speaking, a crowd could be seen approaching. One of the twelve
called Judas was at the forefront. He came up close to Jesus to kiss him. 48 Jesus said to him,
“Judas, do you by a kiss betray the human one?”
49
When those around him saw what was about to happen, they said, “Lord, should we
strike with the sword?” 50 One of them struck the servant of the administrative priest and cut off
his right ear.
51
Jesus replied, “This has gone far enough.” And he touched the ear and healed him.
Luke 22:52-23:3 144

52
Jesus then said to the administrative priests, temple guards, and elders who mobbed
him, “Have you come out with swords and clubs as you would against a thief? 53 I was daily with
you in the temple and you did not lay a hand upon me. But this occasion belongs to you and to
the domain of darkness.
54
They arrested him, took control of him, and brought him in—to the house of the high
priest. Rock was following far back. 55 A fire had been started in the center of the courtyard and
people were sitting around it. Rock was settling down right in the middle of them.
56
By the light of the fire a female slave saw him sitting there. She looked intently at him
and exclaimed, “This man also was with him!”
57
But he denied it in these words, “I do not know him, woman.”
58
After a brief interval, another person who saw him said, “You also are from that
group.”
But Rock said, “Man, I am not!”
59
About an hour later another person insisted he recognized him, saying, “Truly this
man was his associate because he is a Galilean.”
60
Rock replied, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” Immediately, while
he was still speaking, the rooster call sounded off.
61
The Lord turned and looked right at Rock. He then remembered the word of the Lord,
that he had spoken to him: “Before the rooster call sounds off today, you will deny me three
times.” 62 He went outside the premises and cried brokenheartedly.
63
The men who held Jesus in custody were ridiculing him as they roughed him up.
64
They blindfolded him and kept questioning him: “Prophesy and tell who it is that punched
you.” 65 They also kept showing contempt for him with many other insults.
66
As day broke, the leaders of the people, including the administrative priests and
scholars, assembled and brought him into their sanhedrin. 67 They said to him, “If you are the
messiah, tell us.”
He replied, “Were I to tell you, you would not believe. 68 If I would question you, you
surely would not answer me. 69 From now on the human one will be seated at the powerful right
hand of God.”
70
They all said, “Are you, therefore, God’s son?”
He said to them, “You have indicated as much by your question.”
71
They said, “What need do we yet have for witnesses? For we ourselves heard it from
his own lips.”
23:1 All their assembly stood up and brought him to Pilate. 2 They began to accuse him: “We
found him subverting our nation, forbidding people to pay tribute money to Caesar, and making
himself out to be someone special—an anointed king.”
3
Pilate questioned him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
Luke 23:4-29 145

He replied, “You are saying so.”


4
Pilate said to the administrative priests and the crowds, “I find no reason to indict this
man.”
5
But they became more insistent: “He incites the people, teaching throughout all the
Jewish lands, beginning from Galilee and extending down here.”
6
When Pilate heard this, he inquired if the man was a Galilean. 7 After he ascertained he
was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him over to Herod, who also was in Jerusalem at the
time.
8
Getting to meet Jesus occasioned intense gratification for Herod. For a long time
Herod had been hankering to see him because of what he had heard about him. He was hoping to
see some miraculous sign performed by him. 9 So he interrogated him with many questions.
Jesus, however, would not utter a word for him.
10
The administrative priests and scholars had taken the stand, vehemently condemning
11
him. Herod also expressed contempt toward him. With his soldiers he mocked him, and having
draped him in a bright robe, he sent him back to Pilate. 12 On that day Herod and Pilate began to
relate on good terms, for prior to that time they were antagonistic to each other.
13
Pilate summoned the administrative priests, the leaders, and the people. 14 He said to
them, “You brought to me this man as one who is leading the people into rebellion. See here
now. In your presence I found no grounds for indictment of this man on the charges you leveled
against him. 15 Neither did Herod who returned him to us. Take notice: Nothing worthy of death
has been perpetrated by him. 16 Therefore, after I have taught him a lesson with a beating, I will
let him go.”
18
But they yelled out in unison, “Take this one, and free Barabbas for us.” 19 He had
been involved in a rebellion in the city and murder, having been imprisoned for that reason.
20
Again Pilate, wanting to free Jesus, shouted back to them.
21
But they kept yelling, “Crucify, crucify him!”
22
Yet a third time he spoke to them: “What evil has he done? I found no evidence
warranting the death penalty for him. After whipping him, I shall release him.”
23
But in deafening screams, they kept urging him to crucify Jesus. They won the
shouting match, 24 so Pilate acceded to their demand. 25 He freed the jailed revolutionary
murderer whom they requested, and he betrayed Jesus according to their will.
26
As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene [in Libya] as he was
coming into the city from the countryside. They laid upon him the cross and forced him to carry
it behind Jesus.
27
A large number of the populace was following along with him, including women who
were wailing and mourning for him. 28 Jesus turned toward them and said:
Daughters of Jerusalem, stop weeping for me. Rather, weep over yourselves
and your children 29 because—get the picture—the days are coming when people
Luke 23:30-54 146

will say,“Blessed are the sterile, the wombs that did not bear, and the breasts
that did not nurse!” 30 At that time they will begin to say to the mountains,
“Fall over us,” and to the hills, “Cover us.” 31 For if they do these things with
green wood, what will they do after it has dried out?
32
They were bringing two other criminals to be executed with him. 33 When they came
to a place called “Skull,” they crucified him there along with the criminals—one on his right, and
one on his left.
34
Jesus kept saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
By casting lots they distributed his clothes among themselves. 35 The people stood
around as spectators, while the leaders were ridiculing him. They said, “He delivered others. Let
him save himself if he is God’s chosen messiah.”
36
The soldiers also mocked him, coming up to him and offering him sour wine, 37 and
saying, “If you are the king of the Jews, rescue yourself.” 38 Posted over him was a placard:
THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39
One of the criminals hanging beside him slandered him with these words: “Are you
not the messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40
The other man on the cross rebuked him by saying, “Do you not have any fear of
God—you who are experiencing the same punishment? 41 For we rightly are getting what is
coming to us for what we did, but he did nothing out of order.”
42
Also he said, “Jesus, think of me when you come into your kingdom.”
43
He replied, “I assure you: You will be with me today in paradise.”
44
Already it was about noon, and it became dark over all the land until 3 p.m. 45 After
the sun became occluded, the veil of the temple was torn open down the middle.
46
After he had called out in a loud voice, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit
my spirit.” Once he uttered this, he expired.
47
When the centurion saw what happened, he honestly confessed before God, “This was
really a righteous man!”
48
All the crowds that had collected at this spectacle, when they saw the developments,
beat upon their breasts and returned (into the city). 49 All those who knew him, as well as the
Galilean women who were following him, had stationed themselves far back, and they also
witnessed these events.
50
Now observe: There was a councilman named Joseph, a good and righteous man
51
who had not consented to the sanhedrin’s decision and action. He was from Arimathaea, a city
of the southern province, and he was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Joseph went to Pilate
and requested the body of Jesus. 53 He took it down from the cross, wrapped it in linen, and
placed it in a tomb hewn in rock in which no one as yet had been buried. 54 The day was the
preparation day, and a sabbath was approaching.
Luke 23:55-24:24 147

55
The women followers who had accompanied Jesus out of Galilee, observed where the
tomb was and how his body was placed there. 56 They returned to the city and prepared ointments
containing spices and embalming perfumes. During the sabbath they were resting according to
the regulation.
24:1 At early dawn on the first day of the week they came to the tomb, carrying the aromatic
ointments they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled back from the entrance of the tomb.
3
Upon entering, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
4
As they were in quandary about these things—see this—two men in lightning-bright
clothing stood beside them. 5 The women became afraid and bowed their faces to the earth.
The men said to them, “Why do you seek at the gravesite one who lives? 6 He is not
here. On the contrary, he has been raised. Remember how he said to you while he was yet in
Galilee, 7 the human one must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the
third day be resurrected.”
8
They then did remember his words.
9
When they returned from the tomb, they announced all these details to the eleven and
to all the rest of the group. 10 The women were Mary from Magdala, Joanna, Mary the wife of
James, and the others who were with them. They reported their experiences to the apostles. 11 The
women’s account seemed nonsensical to them, and they did not believe them.
12
But Rock got up and ran to the tomb. He bent over and saw only the linen shroud and
left wondering to himself what had happened.
13
Observe this: Two from their group on that same day were walking to a town about 10
kilometers from Jerusalem—a town called Emmaus. 14 They were conversing about all these
events that had transpired.
15
As they were dialoguing and striving for answers, Jesus himself came up and walked
along with them. 16 Their eyes were restrained so they would not recognize him. 17 He said to
them, “What are these statements you are tossing back and forth between yourselves as you walk
along?”
They, looking downhearted, stopped in their tracks. 18 The one named Cleopas said to
him, “Are you the only resident of Jerusalem who does not know what happened there recently?”
19
He said to them, “What events?”
They replied—“those involving Jesus of Nazareth, a man who was dynamic in work
and word, a prophet before God and all the people, 20 and how the administrative priests and our
leaders handed him over (to the Romans) with a death sentence on him, and they crucified him.
21
We had hoped he was the one who was going to redeem Israel. But as to all these events, this is
the third day after their occurrence. 22 Ironically, some women in our group excited us after
having gone early this morning to the tomb 23 and did not find his body. They came back saying
they had seen a vision of angels who told them he is alive. 24 Some of our group went out to the
tomb and found the situation just as the women had said. But they did not see him.”
Luke 24:25-51 148

25
He said to them, “Oh how you are deficient in understanding and how slow your
heart’s response to believe all that the prophets have spoken. 26 Was it not necessary for messiah
to suffer and to enter his glory?” 27 He began in the writings of Moses, and then passing through
all the prophets, he interpreted for them throughout all the Scriptures the data concerning
himself.
28
As they came close to the town that was their destination, he acted as though he was
going farther. 29 But they tenaciously urged him to stay: “Remain with us, because it is toward
evening, and the day is almost done.”
So he went inside to stay with them. 30 As he reclined with them at the table, he took the
bread, gave thanks, and having broken it, gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and
they recognized him, but he vanished from them.
32
They said to each other, “Did not our hearts glow when he spoke with us on the road
as he opened for us the meaning of the Scriptures!”
33
Rising from the table at the same hour, they returned to Jerusalem. They found the
eleven and those gathered with them, 34 who were saying the Lord was raised and appeared to
Simon. 35 Then the two explained the things that happened on the road, and how he was made
known to them by his breaking of bread.
36
After they had narrated these things, Jesus stood in the center of their gathering and
said to them, “Peace to you!”
37
Apprehensive and frightened, they assumed they were gazing at a ghost.
38
But he said to them, “Why are you unhinged, and why do perplexities arise in your
39
heart? Take a look at my hands and my feet to be sure it is I myself. Take hold of me and
examine me, because a ghost does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 After saying
this, he showed them his hands and his feet.
41
While they were still incredulous, reeling from joy and amazement, he said to them,
“Do you have any food on hand?” 42 They gave him a serving of broiled fish. 43 Having received
it, he ate it in their presence.
44
He said to them, “Recall my statements to you while I was still with you: All that was
written concerning me in the law of Moses, in the prophets, and in the psalms must be fulfilled.”
45
Then he opened their mind to understand the Scriptures.
46
Also he said to them: “Accordingly, it has been written that the messiah must suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day, 47 and that repentance as a condition for the forgiveness
of sins will be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48 You are witnesses
to attest these events.”
49
“I also will send my father’s promise (in fulfillment) upon you. As for you—stay put
in the city until you are clothed with power from above.”
50
He led them out as far as toward Bethany. He lifted up his hands and blessed them.
51
As he blessed them, he departed from them and was being taken up into the sky.
Luke 24:52 149

52
They prostrated themselves before him and returned to Jerusalem with tremendous
53
joy. Moreover, they were continually at the temple praising God.
John 1:1-25 150

JOHN’S GOSPEL

1:1 In the beginning the word intrinsic to God was active, identifying God.
2
This word, expressed in the beginning, belonged to God. 3 Through his word
all creation originated; not one existing component was created apart from his word.
4
Life inhered in the word, and life was humanity’s light. 5 The light shines in the
darkness, and darkness did not put it out.
6
A man commissioned by God came on the scene; his name was John. 7 His role was to
advocate the light by his testimony, that through the light everyone might believe. 8 Not that light
himself, John came to authenticate the light. 9 This true light that enlightens all humanity was
arriving in the world. 10 He was in the world—the world created through him—yet the world did
not recognize him. 11 He came into his own created realm, and his own people did not accept
him. 12 But to all those who did receive him, those believing in his name, he gave the right to
become God’s offspring. 13 They were fathered neither by blood lines, nor by biological drives,
nor by a husband’s insistence, but by God.
14
The word became a human being and made his home among us. We had a good look
at his glory—glory as of an only son representing his father, glory permeated with grace and
truth.
15
John testified about him and exclaimed: “This is the one I meant when I said: My
successor has superseded me because he was my superior."
16
There is a cause for this: Out of his full capaciousness we all received grace facing us
from every direction.
17
Through Moses the law was given. Through Jesus Christ grace and truth emerged.
18
God has never been seen by anyone. God divulged himself in the one uniquely born,
the one embraced by the father.
19
This is the testimony John gave when the Jews from Jerusalem sent priests and
Levites to him in quest of his identity. 20 He confessed candidly without equivocating, “I am not
the messiah.”
21
They pressed the question on him further, “Who, then, are you? Are you Elijah?”
He said, “No, I am not.”
“Are you the prophet?” He replied, “No.”
22
Next they said to him, “Identify yourself so we can file a report with those who sent
us. What do you say about yourself?”
23
He said, “I am a voice resounding in the desert: Straighten out Yahveh’s roadway
just as the prophet Isaiah said.”
24
That delegation was from the Pharisees. 25 They kept up their interrogation of him:
“Then why do you baptize if you are neither the messiah, nor Elijah, nor the prophet?”
John 1:26-51 151

26
John gave his answer: “I immerse in water. One stands in the community whom you
do not know. 27 He is my successor, of whom I am unworthy to untie the thong of his sandal.”
28
These events occurred at Bethany on the east bank (of the Jordan River), where John
was baptizing. 29 The day after that, John sees Jesus coming toward him and exclaims, “Look!
God’s lamb—he who removes the sin of the world. 30 He is the one about whom I said: My
successor has superseded me because of his superiority. 31 I had not known him before this, but
the purpose of my baptizing in water was to introduce him to Israel.”
32
John gave this testimony: “I observed the spirit (of God) descending like a dove from
heaven to remain on him. 33 I had not known him, but the one who commissioned me to immerse
in water told me this: Upon whomever you see the spirit descending and remaining, he is the one
who immerses in holy spirit. 34 I observed this and certify that he is God’s son.”
35
On the next day, John again took his stance, and two of his disciples were lined up
with him. 36 When John saw Jesus walking by, he said, “Look! God’s lamb.” 37 These two
disciples heard him speaking, and they followed along with Jesus. 38 Having turned, Jesus noticed
them following, and said to them, “What would you like (to know)?”
They responded, “Rabbi, i.e., teacher, where are you staying?”
39
He said to them, “Come along and you will see.”
Therefore, they came, saw where he was staying, and remained with him that day, for it
was about 4 p.m. 40 One of these two who heard about him from John and followed him was
Andrew, the brother of Simon Rock. 41 Right after that, Andrew found his own brother, Simon,
and said to him, “We have discovered the messiah”—which term means anointed. 42 He brought
him to Jesus.
Looking right at him, Jesus said, “You are Simon, John’s son. You will be called
Cephas”—signifying Rock.
43
The day following, Jesus left for Galilee. There Jesus finds Philip and says to him,
“Follow me.” 44 Philip was from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Rock. 45 Philip finds
Nathanael and says to him, “We have discovered the one Moses wrote about in the law, the one
the prophets specified, Jesus, Joseph’s son from Nazareth.”
46
Nathanael said to him, “Nazareth? Can anything good originate there?”
Philip says to him, “Come and see.”
47
Jesus noticed Nathanael coming toward him and said about him, “See here. This is
truly an Israeli in whom there is nothing phony.”
48
Nathanael says to him, “From where do you know me?”
Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, while you were under the fig tree, I saw
you.”
49
Nathanael responded to him, “Rabbi, you are God’s son, you are Israel’s king.”
50
Jesus answered him, “Because I said I saw you under the fig tree, you believe on that
basis. You will see even greater events.” 51 He went on to say: “This is memorable truth I declare
John 2:1-24 152

to you. You will see the sky opened and God’s messengers ascending and descending upon the
human one.”
2:1 On the third day, a marriage took place at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was
there. Jesus also and his disciples were invited to the marriage celebration. 3 After the wine ran
2

out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They are out of wine.”


4
Jesus says to her, “Lady, what right do you have to exercise authority over me? My
time has not yet arrived.”
5
His mother says to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”
6
Six stone water containers used for Jewish purification rites were standing there. They
held up to two or three standard liquid quantities each.
7
Jesus says to them, “Fill the containers with water.” They filled them to the brim.
8
He said to them, “Dip out some now and deliver it to the master of ceremonies.”
They brought it to him. 9 When the master of ceremonies tasted the water transformed
into wine, he did not know where it originated, yet the servants who obtained the water knew.
The master of ceremonies called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Every host puts out the good
wine first, and when the guests have drunk that, the lesser quality vintage; but you have kept the
best wine until now.”
11
Jesus did this beginning of miracles at Cana in Galilee, demonstrating his glory. His
disciples believed in him.
12
After this he went down to Capernaum—he, his mother, his brothers, and his
disciples, and they remained there for a short duration.
13
The Jewish Passover was approaching, so Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple
he discovered those selling oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as moneychangers ensconced there.
15
When he had fabricated a whip from twisted rushes, he drove out of the temple both the sheep
and the oxen. He also dispersed the moneychangers' coins by upsetting their tables. 16 To those
selling doves he said, “Take these cages out of here. Stop making my father’s house into a
marketplace.”
17
His disciples remembered it had been written: Enthusiasm for your house consumed
me.
18
Then the Jews responded to Jesus, “What miraculous proof do you show us to justify
your actions?”
19
Jesus replied, “Demolish this temple, and in three days I will reconstruct it.”
20
The Jews then said, “For 46 years this temple has been under construction, and you, in
three days will erect it?” 21 He was alluding to his body as the temple. 22 When he was raised from
the dead, his disciples remembered he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and Jesus’
statement.
23
While he was in Jerusalem during the Passover feast, many believed in his name as
they saw the miracles he was doing. 24 Yet Jesus did not entrust himself to them because he knew
John 2:25-3:26 153

everyone. 25 He did not depend upon anyone’s testimony about another human being, for he
understood human nature.
3:1 One of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews, 2 came to him at night and said,
“Rabbi, we know you are a God-ordained teacher, for no one can do the miraculous signs you do
unless he has God with him.”
3
Jesus replied to him, “This is basic truth I tell you: Unless one is born from above, he
cannot participate in God's kingdom.”
4
Nicodemus said to him, “How can a mature person be born again? He cannot enter his
mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”
5
Jesus replied, “This is basic truth I tell you: Unless one is born from water and spirit,
he cannot enter God's kingdom. 6 What is born from the physical process is flesh, and what is
born from the spiritual source is spirit. 7 Do not be perplexed because I said to you, You must be
born from above. 8 The wind blows in whatever direction it would take. You hear it gusting, but
you know neither its derivation nor its destination. This analogy fits everyone whose birth
derives from the spirit.”
9
Nicodemus responded, “How can these principles be possible?”
10
Jesus answered, “You are Israel’s teacher—and you do not comprehend these
precepts? 11 I am telling you basic truth: We speak what we know, and we testify to what we
have seen. But our testimony is not accepted by your group. 12 Although I stated earthly
analogies, you do not believe. How would you believe if I spoke abstractly of heavenly realities?
13
No one has ascended to heaven. The exception is the one who descended from heaven—the
human one.
“Just as Moses elevated the snake (on a pole) in the desert, the human one must
14

comparably be lifted up 15 so that all who believe in him might have eternal life. 16 This is the
consequence of God’s love for the world: He gave his unique son that all who believe in him
might not perish, but have eternal life.”
17
Indeed, God did not send his son out into the world to condemn it, but to rescue the
world through him. 18 One who believes in him is not condemned, but the nonbeliever stands
condemned already, because he has not put his faith in the name of God’s unique son. 19 This is
the reason for condemnation: Light has come into the world, but human beings preferred
darkness to light. Their evil acts demonstrate this. 20 Everyone engaged in wicked practices
detests light and does not approach the light, lest his actions be critically exposed for what they
are. 21 One doing what is right, however, comes to the light that his deeds might be revealed as
accomplished with God’s strength.
22
After these incidents, Jesus and his disciples came into the countryside of the southern
province. Jesus spent some time there with them, and he was baptizing.
23
John also was baptizing at Aenon near Salim because plenty of water was there.
People were coming and being baptized, 24 for John had not yet been incarcerated.
25
At that time a disagreement arose between John’s disciples and the Jews concerning
purification. 26 So they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, the one who was with you is on the
John 3:27-4:17 154

east bank of the Jordan, the one to whom you gave your endorsement—observe him! He is
baptizing, and everybody is attracted to him.”
27
John responded, “A human being can receive nothing unless it is granted him from
28
heaven. You yourselves can substantiate my announced disclaimer: I am not the messiah, but I
was commissioned to be his advance agent. 29 He who holds the bride is the bridegroom, but his
best man, who stands and listens to him, thrills with satisfaction when he hears the bridegroom’s
voice. That is my privilege, therefore, and the basis for rounding out my joy. 30 He necessarily
must increase in recognition—and I decrease.”
31
One who comes from above is supreme. One who originated from the earth is
mundane and speaks with an earthly orientation. The one who originated in heaven 32 testifies to
that which he has seen and heard, but his attestation is not accepted. 33 The one who has received
his testimony certifies God’s authenticity. 34 He whom God commissioned speaks God’s words,
for God gives his spirit to him in immeasurable quantity. 35 The father loves his son and has put
everything at his disposal.
36
One believing in God’s son has eternal life, but one who does not believe in his son
will not experience life. Instead, the wrath of God hovers over him.
4:1 After Jesus knew the Pharisees had heard he was making and baptizing more disciples
than John, 2 although not Jesus himself but his disciples actually did the baptizing, 3 he left
Judaea and traveled again to Galilee. 4 It was necessary for him to take the road through Samaria.
5
On the way he came to a Samaritan city called Sychar, near the tract of land Jacob gave to
Joseph, his son. 6 Jacob’s well was there. Weary from walking, Jesus was sitting on the rim of the
well about noon.
7
A Samaritan woman came up to draw some water. Jesus said to her, “Give me (please)
some water to drink.” 8 His disciples had gone into town to buy some food.
9
The Samaritan woman said to him, “How is it that a Jew like yourself would ask me, a
Samaritan woman, for a drink of water? Jews do not share utensils with Samaritans.”
10
Jesus replied to her, “If you knew about God’s gift, and the identity of the one who
asked you for a drink, you would ask him and he would give you living water.”
11
She said to him, “Mister, you do not have a bucket and the well is deep. Where do you
have the living water? 12 You are not greater than our father, Jacob, are you? He gave us the well,
and he himself used to drink from it, along with his sons and his livestock.”
13
Jesus responded, “Everyone who drinks this water will get thirsty again. 14 But
whoever drinks the water I shall provide him will never thirst forever. On the contrary, the water
I will give will become an artesian well in him, supplying him with a spring of eternal life.”
15
The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so I will no longer get thirsty nor
have to come here to draw water.”
16
Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come back here.”
17
She answered him, “I have no husband.”
John 4:18-42 155

Jesus said to her, “You are right about having no husband. 18 You have had five
husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have honestly stated this.”
19
The woman said to him, “Mister, my intuition tells me you are a prophet. 20 Our
fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you say Jerusalem is the mandated place of worship.”
21
Jesus said to her, “Trust me, woman, the time is coming when neither on this
mountain nor in Jerusalem will all of you worship the father. 22 You Samaritans are uninformed
in your worship. We worship in accordance with knowledge, for salvation issues from a Jewish
source.
23
“But the time is coming and is now present in which true worshipers will adore the
father in spirit and truth. For the father desires that kind of approach by those worshiping him.
24
God is spirit. Those worshiping him must worship in spirit and truth.”
25
The woman said to him, “I know that the messiah, the one called anointed, will come.
When he gets here, he will inform us about everything.”
26
Jesus said to her, “I am that one—he who now speaks to you.”
27
At that point his disciples came back. They were amazed he was talking with a
woman. No one, however, questioned what he wanted with her or why he was speaking with her.
28
The woman left her water jar and went away into town. She said to the men, 29 “Come
on and see a man who told me all the many things I have done. This could not be the messiah,
could it?” 30 They left town and were coming to him.
31
In the meantime his disciples were putting pressure on him, saying, “Rabbi, have a
bite to eat.”
32
But he said to them, “I have food to consume of which you are unaware.”
33
The disciples kept saying to one another, “It is not that someone brought him
something to eat, is it?”
34
Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of him who commissioned me and to
complete his work.
35
“Stop saying: There are yet four months before harvest is here. See what I am telling
you. Lift your eyes and observe fields that are harvest-ready right now. 36 One who gathers in the
harvest receives pay. That one gathers produce for eternal life so the planter might rejoice
together with the harvester. 37 In this way the truth of the maxim is realized: One plants and
another harvests. 38 I sent you to reap that for which you had not invested your labor. Others did
the hard work, and you participated in their labor.”
39
Many Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the woman’s statement,
“He told me everything I had done!” 40 As the Samaritans came to him, they kept imploring him
to remain with them, so he stayed two days. 41 Many more believed because of his message. 42
They were saying to the woman, “We believe no longer just because of your word, for we have
heard him ourselves, and we know that he is truly the savior of the world.”
John 4:43-5:16 156

43
After two days, he departed from there for Galilee. 44 Jesus himself acknowledged that
a prophet is not respected on his own home turf. 45 When he came into Galilee, all the Galileans
welcomed him, having seen all the things he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also
were there.
46
He traveled again into Cana in Galilee, where he had transformed water into wine.
Present in Cana was a governmental official whose son was sick in Capernaum. 47 When he heard
Jesus had come to Galilee from the southern province, he tracked him down and asked that he
would come down and heal his son who was on the verge of death.
48
Jesus said to him, “Unless you see miracles and wonders, you never would believe.”
49
The official said to him, “Sir, come down before my son dies.”
50
Jesus said to him, “Go, your boy is all right.” The man believed what Jesus said to
him and left. 51 Already as he was on the way home, his servants met him with the report that the
boy was well. 52 He inquired from them when he became well. They replied, “The fever left him
yesterday at 1 p.m.” 53 The father knew it was at that very time Jesus said his son would live. He
believed, as well as his entire household. 54 This was the second miracle-sign Jesus did after he
came from the southern province into Galilee.
5:1 Later on there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 In the city in the
vicinity of the Sheep Gate, there is as it is called in Aramaic, the Bethzatha Pool, having five
colonnades. 3 Lying around on these porches were a great many incapacitated people—blind,
lame, and paralyzed. 5 One man had been there for 38 years in his weakened state. 6 When Jesus
saw him lying down, and knew he had been there for a long time already, he said to him, “Do
you want to become well and strong?”
7
The disabled man replied, “Sir, when the water is bubbling up, I do not have a person
to throw me into the pool. In the time it takes for me to get there, someone else plunges in before
me.”
8
Jesus said to him, “Get up, pick up your bedroll, and walk.” 9 Immediately, the man
was restored, picked up his bedroll, and walked.
That day was a sabbath. 10 The Jews, therefore, kept saying to the healed man, “It is the
sabbath; carrying your pallet is impermissible for you.”
11
He replied, “The one who made me whole said to me: take your bedroll and move
on."
12
They questioned him, “Who is the person who told you to take it and move on?"
13
The one restored did not know his identity, for Jesus had ducked out because a crowd was at
that location.
14
Later on Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “See, you are healthy now.
Do not continue to sin lest something worse happen to you.”
15
The man went and notified the Jews that Jesus was the one responsible for his
restoration. 16 Consequently, the Jews had it in for Jesus for doing this on a sabbath.
John 5:17-40 157

17
But Jesus responded to them, “Up until now my father has been at work; I too am
18
working.” Because of this situation, therefore, the Jews were striving all the more to
assassinate him. In their view he not only had violated the sabbath, but also by speaking of God
intimately as his father, he was putting himself on a par with God.
19
Jesus responded to them, “This is basic truth: The son is unable to do anything all by
himself, being dependent exclusively on whatever he sees his father doing. Whatever his father
does, the son—following the paternal model—does the same 20 because the father loves his son
and reveals to him everything he himself is doing. Indeed, he will show him greater works than
these to your consternation. 21 Just as the father raises the dead and restores life, his son in
comparable manner also will make alive those whom he wants to live.”
22
Indeed, the father does not judge anyone. Instead, he has turned over all judgment to
23
his son in order that everyone might respect the son just as they respect the father. One who
does not honor the son does not honor the father who commissioned him.
24
This is memorable truth I declare to you: One who listens to my message and believes
in the one who commissioned me has eternal life. Such a person will never experience
condemnation. Far from it, he has transferred out of death’s domain into life.
25
This is memorable truth I declare to you: The time is imminent—even already
present—when the dead will hear the voice of God’s son, and those who hear will live. 26 For just
as the father in and of himself is the source of life, he has endowed his son in a similar manner to
be a repository of life.
27
Also he granted him authority to make judicial evaluations because he is human. 28 Do
not be surprised at this aspect because there will be a future moment in which all in their graves
will hear his voice. 29 Those who have been productive of what is good, will be raised to
experience life. Those who have practiced despicable things will have a raising for judgment.
30
I am capable of doing nothing all by myself. Just as I hear, I decide with objectivity.
My evaluation is right because I do not pursue my own interests, but the will of the one who
commissioned me.
31
If I (alone) testify concerning myself, my testimony is invalid. 32 There is another who
testifies about me, and I know the recommendation he renders for me is accurate. 33 You sent to
check out John. He reported out the truth. 34 I, indeed, do not receive testimony from a human
being. Yet I say these things in order that you might be saved. 35 John was a brightly glowing
lamp, and you wanted for a brief time to be thrilled by his light. 36 But I have a greater mode of
authentication than John’s testimony. The works the father assigned me to complete, the very
works I do, validate me as one commissioned by my father.
37
Also the father who sent me has gone on record in my behalf. Neither have you ever
heard his voice, nor have you seen his image. 38 Moreover, you do not have his word remaining
in you. This is evident because you do not trust his emissary.
39
Scrutinize the Scriptures because you suppose you have eternal life in them. They
authenticate me. 40 But you are not willing to come to me in order to have life.
John 5:41-6:22 158

41
I do not accept human glory. 42 On the contrary, as for you—I have known you, that
you do not have God’s love within yourselves. 43I have come in my father’s name, and you do
not accept me. If someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. 44 How can you
believe, you who flatter one another, and do not seek the glory granted by the only God?
45
Do not imagine I will condemn you to the father. Your prosecutor is Moses, in whom
you have placed your hopes. 46 For were you believing Moses, you would believe me. Indeed, he
wrote about me. 47 If you do not believe his writings, how would you trust my pronouncements?
6:1 Afterward, Jesus went across Lake Galilee, i.e., the lake at Tiberius. 2 A huge crowd
followed along with him because they were seeing the miraculous signs he was doing in healing
those who were sick. 3 Jesus climbed a mountain and took his seat there to be with his disciples.
4
The time for the Jewish feast, the Passover, was near.
5
When Jesus lifted his gaze and saw a great crowd coming his way, he said to Philip,
“From where could we purchase food so these people might eat?” 6 He said this to test him, for
he knew what he was about to do.
7
Philip answered him, “A supply of bread costing the equivalent of 200 days’ wages
would be insufficient to feed each of them.”
8
One of his disciples, Andrew, brother of Simon Rock, said, 9 “There is a young man
here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what is that for so many people?”
10
Jesus said, “Cause the people to get comfortable in a reclining position.” There was
much grass in that place. Then they reclined—the number being about 5,000 men.
11
Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and passed them out to those reclining. Likewise,
he also distributed the fish, as many as they wanted. 12 When they had all they could eat, he said
to his disciples, “Collect the leftovers so nothing is wasted.” 13 They did that, and from the five
barley loaves that increased to feed them all, they filled 12 baskets with leftovers.
14
Then the people who had seen the miraculous sign he had done kept saying, “He is
truly the prophet expected to come into the world.”
15
Therefore, Jesus, perceiving they were about to come and seize him to install him as
king, departed again into a mountain by himself—all alone.
16
When evening came on, his disciples went down to the lake. 17 After shoving off in a
skiff, they were on their way across the lake to Capernaum. It had already become dark, and
Jesus had not yet come to them. 18 A gale force wind blowing over the lake was piling up high
seas.
19
After they had rowed about 4,500 to 5,500 meters, they saw Jesus walking on the
lake. As he was nearing the boat they became afraid. 20 He said to them, “It is I; do not be
frightened.” 21 They then wanted to receive him into the boat, but immediately the boat touched
shore at their destination.
22
On the next day the crowd that had taken a position on the other side of the lake saw
that only one small boat was there and knew that Jesus had not boarded the boat with his
disciples, who had departed by themselves.
John 6:23-52 159

23
A flotilla of small boats came from Tiberius near the place where they ate the bread
blessed by the Lord. 24 When the crowd saw that Jesus was not there, nor his disciples, they
shoved off in the small boats and came to Capernaum looking for Jesus. 25 When they found him
across the lake, they said to him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”
26
Jesus answered, “Most certainly, I declare to you that you are on my trail not because
you saw miracles, but because you ate the bread and became filled. 27 Struggle not for perishable
food, but for the food that retains eternal vitality, the food the human one will give you. For he
is the one on whom the father, that is, God, placed his seal of approval.”
28
They said to him, “What is the formula for our doing God’s works?”
29
Jesus replied, “This is what God expects you to do: Believe the one he sent.”
30
Then they said to him, “What miraculous sign do you do that we might see it and
believe in you? What would you do? 31 Our fathers continued to eat manna in the desert, just as it
has been written: He gave them bread from heaven to eat.”
32
Jesus said to them, “This is basic truth I declare to you: Moses has not supplied you
with the bread from heaven. On the contrary, it is my father who gives you the true bread from
heaven. 33 For God’s bread is the one coming down from heaven and giving life to the world.”
34
They said to him, “Leader, give us this bread continually.”
35
Jesus said to them, “I am the bread that supports life. One who comes to me surely
will not go hungry, and one who believes in me surely will not get thirsty—ever. 36 Nevertheless,
I spoke to you because you have looked me over and do not believe. 37 All that the father gives
me will be with me. I certainly will not reject anyone who comes to me 38 because I have come
down from heaven not to implement my will, but the will of the one who commissioned me.
39
“In regard to all he has given me, the will of the one who commissioned me is that I
should not lose any of it, but raise up such on the last day. 40 For this is my father’s will that all
who see his son and believe in him might have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last
day.”
41
As a consequence the Jews were contesting his identity because he said, “I am the
bread descended from heaven.” 42 But they kept saying, “Is this not Jesus the son of Joseph, one
whose father and mother we know? How can he now say, I came down from heaven?"
43
Jesus replied, “Stop disputing with one another over this. 44 No one can come to me
unless the father who sent me attracts him. I will resurrect such a one on the last day. 45 It has
been recorded in the prophets: They all will be God’s students. All who listen to the father and
learn from him come to me. 46 No one has seen the father. The exception is the one who is from
the father; he has seen the father.
47
This is foundational truth I declare to you: One who believes has eternal life. 48 I am
the bread supportive of life. 49 Your ancestors ate manna in the desert and yet died. 50 This bread
to which I refer is the bread that descends from heaven; anyone eating it will not die. 51 I am the
living bread descended from heaven. If anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. The bread I
will provide is my flesh given in behalf of the world to provide life.”
52
The Jews were contending with one another: “How can he give us his flesh to eat?”
John 6:53-7:12 160

53
Then Jesus said, “This is memorable truth I declare to you: Unless you ingest the flesh
of the human one and drink his blood you will not have life in yourselves. 54 One who eats my
flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will resurrect him on the last day. 55 For my flesh
truly is food, and my blood truly is beverage. 56 One who eats my flesh and drinks my blood
remains in me—and I also in him. 57 This mutuality is comparable to my paternal relationship.
My living father sent me, and I live through the father. Comparably, one who ingests me will
live through me. 58 This bread that descended from heaven is not like that our ancestors ate—and
died. One who eats this bread will live forever.”
59
He said these things in a synagogue while teaching in Capernaum. 60 Many of his
disciples after hearing the foregoing teaching, said, “This is a perplexing message. Who can take
it in?”
61
Because Jesus knew within himself that his disciples were disgruntled about it, he said
to them, “Does this shock you? 62 Then what would it do to you if you would see the human one
ascend where he was before? 63 The spirit gives life. The flesh provides no benefit at all. The
words I have spoken to you are spirit, expressing life. 64 But some among you do not believe.”
Jesus, indeed, knew from the beginning who the nonbelievers were and the identity of his
betrayer. 65 He continued, “This is the reason I said to you that no one is able to come to me
unless that privilege is granted him by the father.”
66
As a result of this interchange many of his disciples dropped out and no longer
traveled around with him. 67 Jesus said to the twelve, “You do not want to go away, too, do you?”
68
Simon Rock replied, “Lord, to whom would we turn? You possess words of eternal
69
life. We have believed and know you are God’s holy one.”
70
Jesus responded to them, “Did not I choose twelve of you? Yet one in the group is an
adversary.” 71 He was speaking about Judas, son of Simon from Kerioth, the one of the twelve
who was about to betray him.
7:1 Afterward Jesus was traveling around in Galilee, for he wanted to avoid the southern
province where the Jews kept seeking to assassinate him. 2 The Jewish festival of booths was
coming up shortly. 3 His brothers said to him, “Move on out from here, and go to the southern
province so your disciples might see the works you do. 4 For no one does anything important in
seclusion, but he seeks public exposure for himself. If you are going to continue to take these
actions, manifest yourself to the world.” 5 The fact was that neither did his brothers believe in
him.
6
Jesus said to them, “The right time for me has not yet presented itself. But your right
time is always available. 7 The world cannot hate you, but—me—it hates, because I state for the
record that its actions are evil. 8 You go ahead to the feast. I am not going up to this feast (right
now), because the right time for me has not come full cycle. 9 Subsequent to saying these things,
he remained in Galilee.
10
After his brothers had gone to the feast, he also went—not openly, but covertly. 11 The
Jewish leaders were on the lookout for him at the feast and were saying, “Where is he?” 12 There
was also much contention about him among the crowds. Some were saying, “He is a good
John 7:13-38 161

leader.” Others were saying, “No, on the contrary, he deceives the masses.” 13 Actually, no one
would openly express an opinion about him because they were intimidated by the Jewish leaders.
14
Already it was the middle of the feast when Jesus turned up at the temple and began
15
teaching. The Jews were deeply impressed by him; they said, “How does he have such a
command of language in consideration of the fact that he has not been to rabbinic school?”
16
Jesus responded to them, “My teaching is not mine, but it belongs to the one who
commissioned me. 17 If anyone wants to implement his will, he will know about this teaching
—whether it is from God, or if I speak on my own. 18 He who speaks on his own authority is
concerned with personal glory. But he who seeks the glory of the one who commissioned him is
authentic, and no unrighteousness inheres in him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law? But none of
you meets its demands. Why do you seek to murder me?”
20
The crowd replied, “You are crazy. Who is trying to kill you?”
21
Jesus answered them, “I did one work and everyone was astounded by it. 22 Look at it
this way: Moses gave you circumcision, not that it originated with Moses but with the patriarchs,
and on the sabbath you circumcise a human being. 23 If a person receives circumcision on the
sabbath so as not to violate the law of Moses, why are you in consternation over my restoration
of an entire man on the sabbath? 24 Do not judge by superficial appearances, but make critical
evaluation accurately.
25
Some of those from Jerusalem were saying, “Is not this the one they were seeking to
assassinate? 26 Just look here. He speaks out in the open, and they are not saying anything to him!
Perhaps the leaders know for sure that he is the messiah. Could that be? 27 But we are cognizant
of this man’s origin. When the messiah arrives, no one will know where he originates.”
28
Jesus exclaimed in the temple as he was teaching: “You know me—do you?—and
you know my origin? I did not come on my own accord. But the one who is true is responsible
for my being here, one whom you do not know. 29 I know him because I represent him; he
commissioned me.”
30
They were eager to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him because his time had not
yet arrived. 31 From that crowd many believed in him and would say, “When the messiah comes
on the scene, he will not do more miracles than Jesus does, will he?”
32
The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things concerning him. Therefore, the
executive priests and Pharisees sent their deputies to arrest him.
33
For this reason Jesus said, “For a little while yet will I be with you before I go away to
the one who sent me. 34 You will search for me and you will not find me. Furthermore, where I
am going you cannot come. 35 The Jews said to themselves, “Where is he about to go that we
shall not be able to find him? He is not going to the Hellenistic diaspora to teach the Greeks, is
he? 36 What does his statement mean?—You will search for me and not find me; and where I am,
you cannot come."
37
On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus took a stance and shouted:
If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me.
[38]
Let one who believes in me drink.
John 7:39-8:13 162

Just as the Scripture stated:


Streams will flow with living water from its interior.
39
He spoke this concerning the spirit that those who believed in him would receive. For
his spirit was not yet received, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
40
Comments were overheard in the crowd that listened to Jesus making his declarations:
He is truly “the prophet.” 41 Others were saying: He is “the messiah.” Others contradicted, “Does
the messiah come from Galilee? 42 Does not the Scripture say the messiah is a descendant of
David and from David’s hometown, Bethlehem?” 43 The crowd was divided over him. 44 Some
wanted to arrest him, but no one laid their hands on him.
45
The deputies returned to the executive priests and Pharisees, who wanted to know
why they had not brought him in. 46 They replied, “Never has anyone spoken as does this man!”
47
Then the Pharisees replied, “You also have not been deceived, have you? 48 Not any of
the leaders believe in him, or any of the Pharisees, do they? 49 But this crowd that does not know
the law is under a divine curse.”
50
Nicodemus, the one of their group who formerly had come to Jesus, said to them,
51
“Our law does not judge a man unless it first hears from him and knows what he is up to, does
it?”
52
They replied to him, “You are not also from Galilee, are you? Investigate and see that
a prophet does not originate in Galilee.” 53 They filed out each to his own home.
8:1 Jesus went to Olive Grove Mountain. 2 At daybreak he came again into the temple, and
all the people kept coming to him. He took his seat and was teaching them. 3 The scholars and
Pharisees brought in their custody a woman seized while committing adultery and plunked her
right in the middle of the group. 4 They said to him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act
of adultery. 5 In our law Moses commanded that such as she is to be stoned. What, therefore, do
you say about it?” 6 They were saying this for entrapment so as to have an issue they could use to
needle him.
But Jesus stooped down and with his finger wrote in the dust. 7 As they remained
questioning him, he stood up and said to them, “Let the sinless one among you hurl the first
stone upon her.”
8
Again he stooped down and wrote in the dust. 9 But those who got the message began
to slink away one by one, beginning with the oldest. The woman was left alone in the center.
10
Jesus straightened up and said to her, “Woman, where are they? Does no one
condemn you?” She said, “Nobody, mister.”
11
Jesus said, “Nor will I condemn you. Go, and from now on sin no more.”
12
Again Jesus spoke to them: “I am the light of the world. One who follows me will
never walk around in darkness, but he will have the light permeated with life.”
13
The Pharisees then said to him, “You are testifying about yourself. Your testimony is
untrue.”
John 8:14-39 163

14
Jesus responded to them, “Even if I do testify concerning myself, my testimony is true
because I know my origin and my destination, neither of which you discern. 15 You judge
according to natural considerations. I do not judge anything that way. 16 If I do judge, my critique
is true because I am not alone. On the contrary, I have as my companion the father who sent me.
17
In your law it has been written that the testimony of two is valid. 18 I am one reporting about
myself, and there is also my father who commissioned me who testifies concerning me.”
19
They kept questioning him, “Where is your father?”
Jesus answered, “You neither know me nor my father. Had you known me, you also
would have known my father.” 20 He made these statements while teaching in the treasury area of
the temple. No one arrested him because his crisis had not yet come.
21
Then he said again to them, “I am going away and you will search for me; yet in your
sinful condition you will die. Where I am going you cannot come.”
22
The Jews kept saying: Surely his statement that where I am going, you cannot come
does not imply he will commit suicide, does it?
23
He continued speaking to them, “You are from below. I am from above. You are from
this world. I did not originate from this world. 24 Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your
sins, for if you do not believe that I am who I am, you will die in your sins.”
25
They kept on saying to him, “Who are you?”
Jesus said to them, “My answer remains the same as I expressed at the beginning. 26 I
have many things to declare concerning you and critical evaluations to make. But first you must
comprehend that the one who commissioned me is altogether true, and the truths I heard from
him are what I speak in the world.” 27 They did not understand that he was referring to the father.
Therefore, Jesus said, “When you have lifted up [i.e., crucified] the human one, then
28

you will know who I am, and that on my own I do nothing. But I speak messages exactly as the
father taught me. 29 The one who sent me also accompanies me; he has not left me alone because
I do always what pleases him.”
30
After his saying these things, many believed in him.
31
Jesus said to those Jews who had put their faith in him, “If you stay within my
message, you are truly my disciples. 32 Furthermore, you will experience truth, and the truth will
release you.”
33
There were those who answered him, “We are Abraham’s posterity and by no one
have we ever been enslaved. How can you say: You will become free?"
34
Jesus responded to them, “This is basic truth I declare to you: Every sinner is a slave
to sin. A slave does not remain permanently in a household; the son remains always. 36 If, then,
35

the son sets you free, you will really be free. 37 I know you are Abraham’s seed. But you have a
mindset to murder me because my message does not meet with your approval. 38 What I have
experienced with my father—these matters are what I speak about. You also, therefore, do what
you heard from your father.”
39
They replied to him, “Our father is Abraham!”
John 8:40-9:2 164

Jesus said to them, “If you are Abraham’s offspring, act as would Abraham. 40 Right
now you are attempting to murder me—a man who has spoken the truth to you that I heard in
contact with God. That is not the kind of action reminiscent of Abraham. 41 You are replicating
the deeds of your father.”
They said to him, “We were not born out of wedlock. We have one father, and that one
is God.”
42
Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me because I came out
from God and have arrived here. Nor have I come on my own initiative, but he sent me. 43 Why
do you not understand my assertions? The reason lies in your inability to obey my message. 44
You descended from your diabolical father, and your father’s cravings you want to carry out. He
was a killer of human beings from the beginning. He has no standing in the truth because no
truth inheres in him. When he speaks deception, he expresses his own traits in that he is a
liar—the founder of falsehood.
45
“As for me, because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46 Who among you
convicts me of sin? If I declare the truth, why do you not believe in me? 47 One who is from God
is attentive to the words of God. The reason you do not listen is this: you are not from God.”
48
The Jews answered him, “Oh, did we not speak correctly when we said you are a
Samaritan and have gone out of your mind!”
49
Jesus replied, “I am not deranged, but I honor my father and you dishonor me. 50 I am
not questing for my glory; there is one who seeks that and evaluates.
51
This is basic truth I declare to you: If anyone keeps my message, he surely will
never—for eternity—experience death.”
52
The Jews said to him, “Now we know for sure you are demented. Abraham died. The
prophets died. You say: If anyone keeps my word he will never experience death on into
eternity. 53 You are not greater than our father Abraham—who died!—are you? The prophets also
died. Who do you pass yourself off to be?”
54
Jesus replied, “If I honor myself, my self-congratulations amount to nothing. My
father, the very one you call our God, is the one who acclaims me. 55 You are unacquainted with
him, yet I know him. Were I to state that I do not know him, I would be disingenuous like you.
But I understand him and conserve his word. 56 Abraham, your ancestor, became enthusiastic
anticipating my day. And he enjoyed actually seeing it.”
57
The Jews said to him, “You are under 50 years old, and you have seen Abraham?”
58
Jesus said to them, “This is basic truth I declare to you: Before Abraham appeared on
the scene, I am (the one anticipated).”
59
At that point they picked up stones to pelt him. But Jesus concealed himself and left
the temple.
9:1 As he was passing by, he saw a man who had been blind from birth. 2 His disciples
wanted to know about him. They inquired, “Rabbi, who sinned, causing his natal blindness—he
or his parents?”
John 9:3-25 165

3
Jesus replied, “Neither one—not he, not his parents. Nevertheless, this is an
opportunity for God’s acts to be exhibited in him. 4 We must do the works of my commissioner
during daylight. When nightfall comes, no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light
of the world.”
6
After making these statements, he spat on the ground, made clay from the mixture, and
smeared the clay on the man’s eye sockets. 7 Then he said to him, “Go, wash up in the pool of
Siloam,” a place name meaning, sent.
He went, washed, and returned seeing.
8
His companions and those who recognized him from his former condition as a beggar
kept saying, “Is not this the one who sits and begs?” Some contended that it was the very man,
9
but others said, “No, but he resembles him.” The man himself kept repeating, “I am that man!”
10
Therefore, they kept saying to him, “How were your eyes opened?”
11
He replied, “The man called Jesus produced clay and applied it upon my eye sockets
and said, Go to Siloam and wash. I then went, washed, and began to see.”
12
They said to him, “Where is he?”
He replied, “I do not know.”
13
His companions brought the former blind man to the Pharisees. 14 The day Jesus made
clay and opened his eyes was a sabbath. 15 Again they, with the Pharisees joining in, kept
interrogating him as to how he became sighted.
He said to them, “He put clay upon my eye sockets, I washed, and I see.”
16
Some of the Pharisees were saying, “He who did this is not God’s man because he
does not keep the sabbath.” Others would say, “How can a sinner do such miracles?” So there
was a parting of the ways among them on this issue. 17 Therefore, they said to the once-blind man
again, “What do you say about him, because it was your eyes he opened?”
The man said, “He is a prophet.”
18
The Jews did not believe that he was blind and had become sighted until they called in
the parents of the sighted man 19 and questioned them: “Is this your son, and do you attest he was
born blind? How, consequently, does he now see?”
20
His parents replied, “We know he is our once-blind son. 21 How he now sees we do
not know. The opener of his eyes is unknown to us. Ask our son who is of legal age. He will
speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were intimidated by the Jews. For
already the Jewish authorities had agreed on a policy that anyone who confessed Jesus as
messiah would be excommunicated from the synagogue. 23 That accounts for his parents’
statement, “He is of legal age, question him.”
24
They called, therefore, the once-blind man for a second round and said to him, “Make
a full confession to God. We know that this man is a sinner.”
25
He then answered, “If he is a sinner, I do not know about that. One thing I do know: I
was blind, but now I see!”
John 9:26-10:12 166

26
They said to him, “What did he do to you? How did he restore your vision?”
27
He replied to them, “I told you already and you would not listen. Why do you want to
hear my story again? You do not want to become his disciples, do you?”
28
They put him down by saying, “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.
29
We know that God spoke to Moses, but we do not know where this fellow got his start.”
30
He responded to them, “This is indeed remarkable. You do not know where he is
coming from—and he gave vision to my eyes! 31 We know that God does not listen to sinners.
But if one reveres God and does his will, he listens to that person. 32 From time immemorial it
has never been heard that anyone brought vision to one born blind. 33 Were he not from God, he
would be able to do nothing!”
34
They replied to him, “You are an illegitimate offspring—all told—and would you
teach us?” So they expelled him.
35
Jesus heard that they had excommunicated him and when he found him, he said to
him, “Do you believe in the human one?”
36
He replied, “Who is he, sir, that I might believe in him?”
37
Jesus said to him, “You have seen him, and he is the one who speaks with you.”
38
He said, “I believe, Lord,” and he assumed a posture of deep reverence before him.
39
Jesus said, “I came into this world to decide critical cases, that those not seeing might
see, and that the sighted might be blinded.”
40
Some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these comments. They said to him,
“You are not implying that we too are blind, are you?”
41
Jesus replied, “Were you blind, you would not be implicated in sin. But now that you
claim to see, your sin remains.”
10:1 This is basic truth I declare to you: One who does not enter through the gate of the
sheepfold but slips in some other way is a poacher and rustler. 2 But the one who enters through
the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens for him. The sheep listen for his
voice. He calls his own sheep by name and he leads them out. 4 When he takes all his own sheep
to pasture, he proceeds ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they recognize his
voice. 5 They will not follow an unknown person, but flee from him because they are
unfamiliar with the stranger’s voice. 6 This analogy Jesus shared with them, but they did not
understand what he was saying to them.
7
Again Jesus said, This is a basic truth I declare to you: I am the gateway for the sheep.
8
All those others who came (over the wall) are poachers and rustlers, but the sheep did not listen
to them. 9 I am the gateway through which if anyone enters, he will be safe. He also will go in
and out and find pasture. 10 The poacher comes only to steal, slay, and spoil. I have come that
believers might have life in overflowing abundance.
11
I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd puts his life on the line for the sheep.
12
The hired hand, not being the shepherd and not owning the sheep, sees the wolf on the prowl,
John 10:13-42 167

abandons the sheep, and deserts. So the wolf snatches and scatters them. 13 This occurs because
the hired hand is only hired; he does not care what happens to the sheep.
14
I am the good shepherd. I recognize my own. My sheep also know me. 15 Just as the
father knows me, I also know my father, and I put my life on the line for the sheep.
16
Other sheep I also have that are not from this fold. These others I must lead as well.
They will listen to my voice. There will be one fold, one shepherd.
17
This is the reason my father loves me: I expend my life that I might receive it. 18 No
one commandeers it from me, but I place it on the line voluntarily. I have authority to expend it,
and I have the right to hold on to it. This prerogative I received from my father.
19
These statements produced another rift among the Jews. 20 Many of them were saying,
“He has a demon that is making him psychotic. Why do we listen to him?” 21 Others kept saying,
“These words do not belong to a demented man. A demon-driven man cannot give sight to blind
men, can he?”
22
Then came the festival of (temple) rededication in Jerusalem during the rainy season.
23
Jesus was moving about in Solomon’s colonnade of the temple. 24 The Jews cornered him and
kept saying, “For how long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the messiah, tell us
outright.”
25
Jesus replied to them, “I have informed you, and you do not believe. The works I do
in the name of my father certify my identity. 26 But you do not believe because you are not my
sheep. 27 My sheep listen to my voice. I know them and they follow me. 28 I give eternal life to
them, and surely they will never be destroyed for all time to come. Nor will anyone grab them
out of my control. 29 My father who gave them to me is greater than all, and no one can extricate
them from the father’s hand. 30 I and the father are one.”
31
Again the Jews snatched up stones ready to pelt him.
32
Jesus replied to them, “I have demonstrated for you many beneficial accomplishments
from the father. For which of these in particular are you going to stone me?”
33
The Jews answered, “For a good deed we would not stone you, but for blasphemy,
because you—a human being—make yourself out to be a god.”
34
Jesus answered them, “Has not it been written in your law: I said: You are gods?”
35
Because he used the term ‘gods‘ for those to whom the word of God came—and the Scripture is
irrefutable—36 how can you say that the one whom the father consecrated and sent into the world
blasphemes, because I said I am God’s son? 37 If I do not perform my father’s works, do not
believe me. 38 But if I do—even if you would not trust me—believe on the basis of the works so
that you might begin to perceive and continue to know that the father and I are mutually
inherent.”
39
Again they sought to arrest him, but he slipped out of their control.
40
So he went away again to the east bank of the Jordan, to the place where John at first
was baptizing, and he remained there. 41 Many came to him and would say, “John did not do a
miracle, but everything John said about him is true.” 42 As a result, many believed in him there.
John 11:1-31 168

11:1 A man by the name of Lazarus became sick. He was from Bethany, the town of Mary
and Martha her sister. 2 This Mary was the one who anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped
his feet with her hair. It was her brother who was ill. 3 The sisters sent a message to Jesus: “Lord,
take note, he whom you love is sick.”
4
When Jesus got word, he said, “This illness is not for death’s triumph but for the glory
of God, that God’s son might be glorified through it.”
5
Jesus loved Martha, her sister, and Lazarus. 6 After hearing he was sick, Jesus stayed
put two days more. 7 Then after that, he said to his disciples, “Let us take to the road to Judaea
again.”
8
The disciples said to him, “Rabbi, so recently the Jews there were intent on stoning
you. Are you going to lead the way there again?”
9
Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? If anyone moves about in
daylight, he does not stumble because he sees by natural light. 10 If anyone walks about at night,
he stumbles because he lacks light.”
11
He made those remarks, and after that, he said to them: “Lazarus our friend has fallen
asleep. But I am going to arouse him.”
12
The disciples said to him, “Lord, if he gets his rest, he will get better.” 13 But Jesus had
alluded to his death. They thought he had spoken about natural rest one gets when asleep.
14
Then Jesus said to them bluntly, “Lazarus died, 15 and for your sake it makes me glad I
was not there, for you must (learn to) believe. But let us go to him. 16 Thomas, the twin, then said
to his colleague-disciples, “Let us also go so we might die with him!”
17
When Jesus came on the scene, he found that already Lazarus had been entombed four
days. Bethany was near Jerusalem—about 2,775 meters away. 19 Many of the Jews had come to
18

Martha and Mary to comfort them about their brother.


20
When Martha heard that Jesus was on the way, she met him. Mary was sitting at
home. Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, had you been here, my brother would not have died. 22 And
21

now I know that as much as you request from God, he will give you.”
23
Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.” 24 Martha said to him, “I know he will
rise in the resurrection on the last day.”
25
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and life. One who believes in me—even if he
dies—will live. 26 All who live and believe in me will never die for eternity. Do you believe
this?”
27
She said, “Yes, Lord. I have believed that you are the messiah, God’s son, the one
expected to come into the world.”
28
After she said this, she slipped away and secretly called her sister Mary, “The teacher
is here and he is calling for you.”
29
When she heard that, she got up quickly and came to him. 30 He had not yet come into
the village but was still at the place where Martha met him. 31 Those Jews who were with Mary at
John 11:32-56 169

her home comforting her, when they saw that she got up quickly and went out, followed her,
supposing she returned to the tomb to weep there.
32
As Mary came where Jesus was and saw him, she fell at his feet exclaiming, “Lord,
had you been here my brother would not have died.”
33
When he saw her weeping and the Jews who came along with her weeping, Jesus
sighed ever so deeply in his spirit and was emotionally stirred. 34 He said, “Where did you put
him?”
They said to him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept.
36
Therefore the Jews said, “See how much he loved him!” 37 Some of them said, “Could
not this one who opened blind eyes have done something so that he might not have died?”
38
Jesus again sighed ever so deeply in himself as he came to the tomb. It was a
cave-type tomb with a stone closing its entrance.
39
Jesus said, “Remove the stone.”
Martha, the sister of the deceased, said, “Lord, already he is giving off an offensive
odor, for it has been four days.”
40
Jesus said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believe, you would see God’s glory?”
41
They rolled away the stone.
Jesus lifted his eyes upward and spoke, “Father, I thank you that you heard me. 42 I have
known all along that you always listen to me, but for the crowd’s sake standing around, I spoke
aloud that they might believe you commissioned me.”
43
After saying this, he shouted with full voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 The dead exited,
bound feet and hands by linen windings, his face covered by a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose
him and let him go free.”
45
Of those Jews who came with Mary and saw what he did, many believed in him.
46
Some of them, however, went away to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47 The
executive priests and Pharisees convened a council and kept saying, “What shall we do, because
this man does many miraculous signs? 48 If we let him go on this way, everyone will believe in
him. Then the Romans will come and remove from us both our place and our national identity.”
49
One of them, Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said to them, “You do not understand
50
at all. Do you not think it is to your advantage that one person should die on behalf of the
people so that the whole nation not be ruined?” 51 He did not say this merely by his own
motivation, but as the high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus was about to die on behalf of
the nation. 52 Jesus’ death would not be for the nation alone, but that he might bring together
God’s scattered children. 53 From that day forward they were plotting to assassinate him.
54
So Jesus no longer moved about in plain view among the Jews, but he left there for
open country near the desert, to a town called Ephraim, and he remained there with his disciples.
55
The Jewish Passover was near, and many from the outlying areas went up to
Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 All the while, they were seeking Jesus
John 11:57-12:22 170

and kept discussing the subject as they stood with one another in the temple. Conversations went
like this: “What do you think? Surely he will not come to the festival?” 57 The executive priests
and Pharisees had issued an order that if anyone knew his whereabouts, he was to report it so
they might arrest him.
12:1 Six days before the Passover Jesus went to Bethany, the hometown of Lazarus whom he
had raised from the dead. 2 Local people made a dinner for Jesus there. Martha prepared the food,
and Lazarus was one of those who reclined at the table with him. 3 Then Mary took twelve
ounces of genuine oil of nard, an expensive perfume, anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped them
with her hair. The building was filled with the aroma of the perfume.
4
Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples—the one about to betray him—said, 5 “Why was
this perfume not sold for the equivalent of three hundred days’ wages and the proceeds given to
the poor?” 6 He said this not because he had any compassion for the poor. He was an embezzler
from the bag he carried that held the group’s money.
7
Jesus said, “Get off her back. She saved this for the day of my burial. 8 You always
have the poor among yourselves, but you will not always have me around.”
9
A large group of the Jews then knew he was there. They came on the scene not on
account of Jesus alone, but so they might get a look at Lazarus who was raised from the dead. 10
The executive priests were conspiring to murder Lazarus too 11 because on account of him many
Jews were withdrawing from their influence and were believing in Jesus.
12
On the next day the large crowd present for the festival heard that Jesus was on the
way to Jerusalem. 13 They took fronds from palm trees and went out to meet him, chanting:
Hosanna!
Blessed is he who arrives in Yahveh’s name,
The king of Israel!
14
When Jesus found at his disposal a young donkey, he sat upon it, just as it is written:
15
Do not be afraid, daughter Zion.
Look! Your king is coming seated on a foal of a donkey.
16
His disciples did not understand these allusions at the time, but when Jesus was
glorified, they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had
implemented them for him.
17
The group who had been with him when he called Lazarus from his tomb and raised
him from the dead was testifying about him. 18 For this reason a crowd that had heard about his
doing this miraculous sign met up with him.
19
Within the Pharisaic cabal, they said, “You see nothing does any good in stopping
him. Take a good look. The world has gone wild over him.”
20
Some Greeks were among those who went up to worship at the festival. 21 These
people came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee. They were asking him, “Sir, we want
Jesus to be introduced to us.” 22 Philip conferred with Andrew, and the two of them told Jesus.
John 12:23-43 171

23
Jesus replied to them, “The time has arrived for the human one to be glorified. 24 This
is a basic truth I declare to you: Unless a kernel of grain falls into the soil and dies, it remains
solitary. But if it dies, it produces much yield.
25
“The one who loves his life is ruining it, and the one who disregards his life in this
world will keep it for eternal life. 26 If anyone would serve me, let him follow me. Then where I
am my servant will be also. If anyone serves me, the father will honor him.
27
“Now my soul is undergoing deep stress, and what shall I say in response? Father,
spare me from this crisis? But for this mission I have come all the way to this hour. 28 Father,
glorify your name.”
Then came a voice from heaven, “I have glorified it, and I will again glorify it.”
29
The crowd milling around who heard the sound said it had thundered. Others were
saying an angel had addressed him.
30
Jesus responded to them, “Not on my account did the voice come, but for your sake.
31
Judgment of this world is scheduled momentarily. The leader of this world will be deposed
right away. 32 As for me: If I am lifted up from the earth, I will attract all people to myself.” 33 He
said this indicating what kind of death he was about to experience.
34
The crowd replied to him, “We heard from the law that the messiah remains forever.
How do you say it is imperative that the human one is to be lifted up? Who is this human one?”
35
Jesus said to them, “For only a little longer will the light be among you. Walk in the
light while you have it, lest darkness overtake you. One who moves about in darkness does not
know where he is going. 36 While you have light, believe in the light, so that you might be
enlightened.”
Once he had said these things, Jesus went out and was concealed from them.
37
Although he had done so many miraculous signs in their presence, they were not trusting in
him. 38 This correlated with the fulfillment of the utterance of the prophet Isaiah, who said:
Yahveh, who believed our report?
To whom was Yahveh’s arm revealed?
39
For this reason they could not believe, because again Isaiah said:
40
He blinded their eyes.
And he made their heart a callous,
lest they see with their eyes,
and understand with their heart,
and turn around,
that I might heal them.
41
Isaiah made these statements because he saw his glory, and he spoke concerning him.
42
Nevertheless, many of the leaders actually believed in Jesus, but because of the Pharisees they
did not confess allegiance to him lest they would be excommunicated. 43 For they loved human
approval more than honor from God.
John 12:44-13:19 172

44
Jesus exclaimed, “The faith of one who believes in me does not terminate on me, but
ultimately reaches the one who sent me. 45 Correspondingly, one who inspects me sees the one
who commissioned me. 46 I have come into the world as light, that all who believe in me might
no longer remain in the dark.
47
“If anyone hears my words and does not conserve them, I will not judge him. For I
did not come to judge the world, but to rescue the world. 48 One who sets me aside and does not
receive my words has the following criterion for judging him—the message I spoke. That
message will judge him on the last day 49 because I did not say anything on my own. On the
contrary, the father himself, who sent me, commanded me as to what I would declare and what I
should speak. 50 I know his command is infused with eternal life. Therefore, I make these
statements; I present them in conformity with what my father has spoken to me.”
13:1 This incident happened before the Passover festival, when Jesus knew his time had
come to transfer from this world to the father. He had loved his own people in the world, and he
loved them right up to the end. 2 After dinner, and after Judas, son of Simon from Kerioth, had
already been motivated by the devil to betray him, 3 Jesus being fully conscious that his father
had put all things under his control and that he had originated from God and was on his way to
God, took the following actions: 4 He got up from the dinner table, removed his street clothes,
and took a long towel and wrapped it around himself. 5 Then he poured water in a basin and
began to wash the feet of his disciples. He dried them with the towel tied around him.
6
When it was Simon Rock’s turn, he said, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
7
Jesus replied to him, “What I am doing, you do not comprehend now, but later on you
will see the purpose of it.”
8
Rock replied, “No, you will never wash my feet!”
Jesus retorted, “Unless I wash you, you will have nothing more to do with me.”
9
Simon Rock said to him, “Lord, wash not just my feet, but my hands, and my head.”
10
Jesus replied, “One who has been bathed needs only his feet to be washed; he is clean
all over. The group of you is clean, but not all.” 11 For he knew who was betraying him. That is
why he said that not everyone is clean.
12
Then after he had washed their feet, he put his street clothes back on and reclined
again at the table. He said to them, “Do you understand what I have done for you? 13 You
correctly call me teacher and leader, for I am such. 14 Therefore, if I, your leader and teacher,
washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you a model;
follow my lead and do as I have done. 16 This is basic truth I declare to you: A slave is not greater
than his master; neither is a representative greater than the one he represents. 17 If you understand
these principles, you will be blessed if you practice them.
18
“I am not speaking about all of you, for I know those whom I chose. But it is
imperative that the Scripture would be fulfilled: My dinner guest turned his back on me, kicking
me with his heel. 19 Now I am telling you before it occurs that when it happens, you might
believe that I am who I am.
John 13:20-14:7 173

20
“This is a basic truth I tell you: One who receives my representative, whoever that
one may be, receives me. One who receives me, receives the one who commissioned me.”
21
After having said these things, Jesus was deeply stirred in his spirit and testified. “So
be it as confirmed: I say to you that one of you will betray me.”
22
His disciples, at a loss to know about whom he was speaking, kept glancing at one
23
another. One of them was reclining in closest proximity to Jesus—one whom Jesus loved.
24
Simon Rock nodded to him to inquire as to whom he referred by his statement. 25 So he leaned
back, turned to face Jesus, and said, “Lord, who is it?”
26
Jesus replied, “The one for whom I shall dip the piece of bread and shall give it to
him.” 27 Thus having dipped it, he gave it to Judas, son of Simon from Kerioth. Right after Judas
took the piece of bread, the adversary entered into him.
Jesus said to him, “What you are going to do—get it over with fast.” 28 None of those
reclining with him knew for what purpose he spoke to him. 29 For some were thinking that
because Judas kept the funds, Jesus ordered him to buy things needed for the festival, or to go to
the poor to give them something. 30 Then after he took the piece of bread, he went out at once
into the night.
After Judas left, Jesus said: Now the time is here for the human one to be glorified,
31

and God has been glorified in him. 32 Moreover, God will glorify him within himself, and
immediately he will glorify him. 33 Children, for just a little longer will I be with you. You will
seek me, but just as I said to the Jews—where I am going you cannot come—I am saying to you
now.
34
A new command I am giving to you to love one another. The model for how you are
to love one another is the way I loved you. 35 By so doing, everyone will know you are my
disciples if you love one another.”
36
Simon Rock said to him, “Lord, where are you going?”
Jesus answered, “Where I am going you will not be able to follow now—but later.”
37
Rock said to him, “Lord, why cannot I follow you now? I will put my life on the line
in your behalf.”
38
Jesus replied, “Will you risk your life for my sake? With full certainty I tell you: The
rooster-call will not sound off until you deny me three times.”
14:1 Do not let your heart become traumatized. Trust in God—trust also in me. 2 In my
father’s home are many accommodations. Were it otherwise, I would have told you. I am on my
way to prepare a place for you. 3 If I go to make a place ready for you, I will return to bring you
to my side that you might share my companionship there. 4 You know the way to my destination.
5
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going. How could we know
the route to get there?”
6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, the life. No one approaches the father
except through me. 7 Had you known me, you would have known my father also. From now on
you know him and you have seen him.”
John 14:8-31 174

8
Philip said to him, “Lord, show us the father and we will be content.” 9 Jesus said to
him, “Philip, have I been for such a long time with you and you have not known me? The person
who has seen me has seen the father. How can you say: Show us the father? 10 Do you not believe
I am in the father and the father is in me? The words I say to you I speak not as originating from
myself, but from the father who remains in me; he is the one who accomplishes his works
through me. 11 Believe in me that I am in the father, and the father is in me. If you cannot believe
on that basis, believe because of these works I do.
12
This is basic truth about which I assure you: The believer in me will carry onward the
works I do, and he will do more numerous works than these because I am going to the father.
13
Whatever you would ask in my name I will do in order that the father might be
glorified in his son. 14 If you ask me anything in keeping with who I am, I will do it.
15
If you love me, follow my orders. 16 Also I will ask the father, and he will give you
another companion to be with you always in the future. 17 I mean the spirit of truth that the world
cannot accept because the world neither sees nor perceives the spirit. You know the spirit,
because he remains beside you and will be in you—that is, 18 I will not desert you so you would
become orphans; I will come to you.
19
Yet in just a little while, the world no longer will see me, but you will see me.
Because I live, you too will live. 20 On that day you will understand that I am in my father, you
are in me, and I am in you.
21
One who has my commands and implements them loves me. One who loves me will
be loved by my father. I too will love him and reveal myself to him.”
22
Judas—not the one from Kerioth—said to him, “Lord, what is going on here that you
are about to manifest yourself to us yet not to the world?”
23
Jesus replied to him, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word. My father will love
him and we will come to him and make our home with him. 24 One who does not love me does
not follow my directives. The message you hear is not mine, but the father’s who sent me.”
25
I have spoken these things to you while remaining at your side. 26 Your companion,
the holy spirit whom my father will send bearing my name will teach you everything and cause
you to remember all I have said to you.
27
Peace is my heritage for you. My own peace I give to you quite unlike the way the
world makes peace. Do not let your heart be perturbed or intimidated. 28 You heard me say to you
that I will leave and return to you. If you loved me, you would rejoice that I am going to the
father because the father is superior to me. 29 Now I have told you before the event that when it
occurs, you might believe.
30
No longer will I have much to say in your presence because the leader of the world is
coming on the scene. He has nothing in me (he can lay claim to as his own). 31 Nevertheless, in
order that the world might know I love the father, I do exactly as the father commanded me to
do.
Arise and let us leave here.
John 15:1-16:4 175

15:1 I am the true grapevine, and my father is the farmer. 2 Every branch associated with me
that does not bear fruit he lops off. Also each fruit-bearing branch he prunes clean so it can
produce a more bountiful crop. 3 You have already been pruned by the message I have spoken to
you.
4
Remain in me and I in you. Just as a branch cannot produce a yield by itself, if it does
not remain in the trunk, so you will be unfruitful unless you remain in me. 5 I have with you a
vine-and-branches relationship. One who remains mutually in me, and I in him, yields much
fruit. Apart from me, you are not able to accomplish anything. 6 If anyone does not remain in me,
he is thrown out like a branch and dries up. Such branches are gathered as fuel for fires and are
burned. 7 If you remain in me and my precepts remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will
become yours. 8 This is the way my father is glorified—by you, my disciples, becoming
prolifically fruitful.
9
Just as the father loved me, I also loved you. Remain in my love. 10 If you keep my
directives, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my father’s orders and remain in his
love. 11 I have spoken these things to you that my joy might be in you, and that your joy might be
at capacity.
12
This is my directive: Love one another just as I loved you. 13 No one has greater love
than the person who would expend his life for his friends. 14 You are my friends if you do what I
command you. 15 I no longer speak of you as slaves because a slave does not comprehend his
master’s strategy. But I have called you friends because all I heard from my father I divulged to
you. 16 You did not choose me, but I chose you and positioned you to go forth and bear fruit that
remains. As a consequence, the father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is the
content of my command to you: Love one another.
18
If the world hates you, understand that it first hated me. 19 If you were the product of
the world, it would like its own. You do not represent the world; on the contrary, I chose you out
of the world. This is why the world detests you. 20 Remember the message I presented to you: A
servant is no greater than his boss. If they have persecuted me, they will persecute you. If they
have kept my message, they will also keep yours. 21 But they will take all sorts of actions against
you because of my name and because they are unacquainted with the one who commissioned me.
22
Had I not come and spoken to them, they would not be implicated in sin. But now
they have no excuse for their sin. 23 One who detests me, also hates my father. 24 Had I not done
among them works such as no one else ever did, they would not have accrued sin. Concurrently,
they have seen and abhorred both me and my father. 25 Their condition therefore fulfills the
statement written in their law: “They hated me without grounds for such.”
26
When your companion arrives, whom I shall send to you from the father, the spirit of
truth who proceeds from the father, he will authenticate me. 27 You also will authenticate me
because you have been with me from the beginning.
16:1 I have spoken these things to you so you will not become disillusioned. 2 They will
excommunicate you. Beyond that, a time is coming when all who kill you will think that in so
doing they are performing a service for God. 3 They will perpetrate such acts because they know
neither the father nor me. 4 But I have apprised you of these matters that when they occur, you
John 16:5-30 176

will remember I foretold them for you. I did not tell you these things from the beginning because
I was with you.
5
Now I am going to the one who commissioned me, and none of you continues to ask
me where I am going. 6 Because I have spoken this way, however, your heart floods with sorrow.
7
Nevertheless, I am stating the truth for you: It is to your advantage that I should leave. For if I
do not depart, your companion will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8
When your companion comes, he will convict the world with regard to sin,
righteousness; and judgment. 9 He will feature: the sin of their not believing in me; 10 and
righteousness, because my going to the father means you will no longer see me around; 11 and
judgment, because the leader of this world has been judged.
12
Many things I have yet to say to you, but you are not able to grasp and retain those
teachings now. 13 When your companion arrives—the spirit of truth—he will direct you in the
way of comprehensive truth. 14 For he will not expound on his own; but he will speak as much as
he will hear, and he will announce to you future events. 15 The spirit will champion me, because
he will take what is mine and expound it to you. Everything the father has is mine. That is the
reason I said he will take what is mine and expound it to you.
16
After a little while you no longer will see me, and once again in a little while you will
17
see me. Therefore, some of his disciples said to one another: What does he mean by this he
spoke to us?—After a little while you will not see me, and again in a little while you will see me,
and I am going away to the father. 18 They kept saying, consequently, what is this “little while”?
We do not know what he is talking about.
19
Jesus knew they were desirous of asking him, and he said to them: You were
discussing among yourselves my statement, “After a little while you will not see me, and again
in a little while you will see me.” 20 This is confirmed that I declare to you: You will weep and
mourn, but the world will be gleeful. You will be depressed, but your sorrow will be replaced by
joy. 21 When a woman goes into labor, she has pain. But after her child is born, she no longer
remembers her distress because of the joy that a human being was born into the world. 22 You
also, therefore, now have pain. But I will see you again, your heart will rejoice, and no one will
take away your joy.
23
In that day you will not ask me for anything. This is a basic truth I declare to you:
Whatever you ask the father to do in my name he will grant to you. 24 Until now you did not ask
for anything in my name. Ask, and you will receive that your joy might be at capacity.
25
I have spoken these things to you in analogies. A time is coming when I will no
longer speak to you analogously, but I will plainly inform you about the father. 26 In that day you
will ask in my name. I am not saying I will ask the father for you. 27 For the father himself loves
you because you have loved me and have believed I came forth from God. 28 For I came from the
father, and I have entered the world. Again, I say, I am leaving the world, and I am proceeding to
my father.
29
His disciples said to him, “See—now you are speaking plainly, not saying anything in
figurative speech. 30 Now we know you know everything, and you do not need anyone to draw
you out with questions to develop your viewpoint. This we believe: You have come from God.”
John 16:31-17:21 177

31
Jesus replied to them, “Do you now believe? 32 Pay attention: A time is coming and
has arrived when you will be scattered each one to his own place, and you will leave me alone.
Yet I am not alone, because the father is with me. 33 I have spoken these things to you in order
that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but be cheerful—I have
conquered the world.”
17:1 After Jesus said these things, he lifted up his gaze toward heaven and said:
Father, my zero hour has come. Glorify your son that your son might glorify
you. 2 This request accords with your having given him authority over all
humanity to give eternal life to all those you gave him. 3 This is eternal
life—the experience of knowing you, the only true God, and the one you
sent—Jesus Christ.
4
I glorified you upon earth by accomplishing completely the work you assigned
me. 5 Father, glorify me now in your presence by my participating in the glory
I had with you before the universe existed.
6
I have manifested your name to human beings you gave me out of the world.
They were yours, and you gave them to me. They have kept your word. 7 Now
they understand that all you gave me originates with you, 8 and that the words
you have given me I have given to them. They received them and knew truly
that I proceeded from you. They also believed that you sent me.
9
I am interceding for them, not for the world, but for the ones you have given
me, because they are yours. 10 All that is mine is yours, and all that is yours is
mine; moreover, I have been glorified among them. 11 No longer will I be in the
world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy father, keep
them in your name, the name you have given to me, so that they may be
one, just as we are.
12
When I was with them, I kept in your name—the name you gave to me—
those you have given me. I kept watch over them, and none became a casualty
except the destructive one, in fulfillment of Scripture.
13
Now I am on my way to you. I speak these things in the world that they might
have my joy replete among themselves. 14 I have given them your word. The
world hated them because they are not the world’s product, just as I am not
produced by the world. 15 I am not asking you to lift them out of the world, but
that you keep them from its evil. 16 They do not represent the world, just as I am
not representative of the world.
17
Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth. 18 In the same manner you sent
me into the world I also sent them into the world. 19 On their behalf I consecrate
myself that they also might be made holy by truth.
20
I do not intercede for these disciples alone, but also for those who believe in
me through their message. 21 I pray that they all might be unified just as you,
father, are in me, and I am in you. May these believers be united in us in order
John 17:22-18:16 178

that the world might believe you sent me. 22 I also have shared with them the
glory you have given to me in order that they may be united just as we are
one—23 I in them, and you in me, that they might be perfected in unity.
This will cause the world to know that you sent me, and that you loved
them just as you loved me.
24
Father, as to your gift to me, I desire that these believers might be with
me where I am that they might see my glory. You have given glory to me
because you loved me before the beginning of the universe.
25
Righteous father, the world did not know you—but I did—and these
believers knew that you commissioned me. 26 I have made known to
them your name, and I will make it known, so that the love with which
you loved me might be in them, and I in them.”
18:1 After Jesus spoke these words, he went out with his disciples across the Kidron valley
to a garden, which he entered with his disciples.
2
Judas who betrayed him also knew the place because Jesus often brought his disciples
3
there. Then Judas took a squad of the temple guard and servants from the executive priests and
from the Pharisees and came there with torches, lanterns, and weapons.
4
Being fully aware of everything coming upon him, Jesus stepped out and said to them,
“Who do you want?”
5
They answered him, “Jesus, the Nazarene.”
He said to them, “I am the man.”
Judas, his betrayer, was standing with them.
6
When Jesus said, “I am the man,” they retreated backward and fell to the ground.
7
Again, therefore, he questioned them, “Who do you want?”
And they said, “Jesus, the Nazarene.”
8
Jesus replied, “I said to you that I am he. If you are seeking me, then let these others
go away.” 9 This occurred in fulfillment of his pronouncement, “I lost none of those you have
given to me.”
10
Then Simon Rock, who had a sword, drew it and slashed at the servant of the high
priest, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.
11
Jesus said to Rock, “Put your sword into its scabbard. As for the cup the father has
given me, should not I surely drink it?”
12
Then the squad, its commander, and the servants of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound
13
him. They brought him first to Annas, for he was father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest
that year, 14 who counseled the Jews that it was expedient for one man to die on behalf of the
people.
15
Simon Rock was following along with Jesus, and another disciple also. That other
disciple was known to the high priest and entered with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard.
16
Rock was standing around at the door outside. That other disciple, known by the high priest,
John 18:17-34 179

went out and spoke to the doorkeeper, and thereby brought Rock in. 17 The maidservant who kept
the door said to Rock, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”
He said, “I am not.”
18
The slaves and servants had taken positions around a charcoal fire they made because
it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Rock had positioned himself right in there with
them and was getting warm.
19
The high priest interrogated Jesus about his disciples and his doctrine. 20 Jesus
answered him, “I have spoken openly out in the world. I taught right along in synagogues and in
the temple where all the Jews congregate. I spoke nothing to be kept as a secret. 21 Why do you
question me? Ask those who heard as to what I said to them. Look in their direction; they know
what I said.”
22
After he had said these things, one of the servants standing near him slapped Jesus
and said, “Is that any way to answer the high priest?”
23
Jesus replied to him, “If I spoke something wrong, indicate what was wrong. If I
spoke on the level, why did you strike me?”
24
Annas sent him bound to Caiaphas, the high priest.
25
While Simon Rock was standing there getting warm, they said to him, “You are not
one of his disciples, are you?”
He denied it, saying, “I am not!”
26
One of the servants of the high priest, a relative of the man whose ear Rock slashed
off, said, “Did not I see you in the garden with him?”
27
Again Rock countered with a denial. Right then, the rooster-call sounded.
28
They brought Jesus from Caiaphas to the praetorium. It was early in the morning.
The Jews did not enter the praetorium because that would defile them, making them unfit to
partake of the Passover.
29
Pilate went out to them and said, “What indictment do you bring against this man?”
30
They answered him, “Were he not a criminal we would not have handed him over to
you.”
31
Pilate said to them, “You take him and judge him according to your law.”
The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to execute anyone.” 32 This transpired in
order to fulfill Jesus’ statement stipulating the means by which he was about to die.
33
Pilate entered again into the praetorium, called Jesus, and said to him, “You are the
king of the Jews, are you?”
34
Jesus answered, “Do you ask on your own initiative, or did others tell you this
concerning me?
John 18:35-19:12 180

35
Pilate replied, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your nation and the executive priests have
handed you over to me. What did you do?”
36
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is apolitical. Were mine a worldly regime, my servants
would have put up a struggle against Jewish control. But my kingdom is not now based here.”
37
Pilate said to him, “Are you not, therefore, a king?”
Jesus replied, “You postulate I am a king. The purpose I was born, the reason I came
into the world is that I might affirm truth. All who come from a truth-orientation listen to my
voice.”
38
Pilate said to him, “What is truth!”
After having said this, he went out again and said to the Jews, “I have found no
criminal offense committed by him. 39 It is your custom that I should release to you one prisoner
at the Passover. Would you like me to release to you the king of the Jews?”
40
They yelled out again, saying, “Not him—but Barabbas!” Barabbas was a
revolutionary.
19:1 Then Pilate took Jesus and subjected him to a beating. 2 The troops also platted a crown
from thorns, plunked it on his head, and dressed him in a purple robe. 3 They kept coming up to
him and jeering, “Hello, king of the Jews!” as they were striking him.
4
Again Pilate went outside and said to them, “Look, I am bringing him out to you that
you might understand I find no offense committed by him.”
5
Then Jesus came outside, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said
to them, “Just look at the man!”
6
When the executive priests and their servants saw him, they yelled, “Crucify!
Crucify!”
Pilate said to them, “You take him, and you crucify him, for I have found him not
guilty.”
7
The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and according to our law he should die
because he identified himself as God’s son.”
8
When Pilate heard this remark, he became more afraid. 9 He again entered the
praetorium and said to Jesus, “Where did you come from?” But Jesus did not give him an
answer.
10
Pilate said to him, “Will you not speak to me? Do you not know that I have authority
to free you and I have authority to crucify you?”
11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over me were it not given to you from
above. That is why the party handing me over to you has greater sin.”
12
From then on Pilate was seeking to free him. But the Jews shouted him down: “If you
free him, you are not Caesar’s friend. Everyone who makes himself king opposes Caesar.”
John 19:13-34 181

13
Therefore, when Pilate heard these statements, he brought Jesus outside, and he sat on
his judicial seat at the stone pavement, called in Aramaic, Gabbatha. 14 It was late morning of the
preparation day before the Passover. He said to the Jews, “Just look at your king!”
15
They yelled, “Get rid of him! Do away with him! Crucify him!”
Pilate said to them, “Should I crucify your king?”
The executive priests answered, “We have no king except Caesar.”
16
Then Pilate gave in to their demand to crucify Jesus. Consequently, they took charge
of Jesus. Carrying his cross, he went out to Skull Site, called in Aramaic, Golgotha. 18 They
17

crucified him there, and two others with him—one on each side, with Jesus on the center cross.
19
Pilate also wrote a placard and placed it on the cross. It stated:
JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS
20
Many of the Jews read this epithet because the site where Jesus was crucified was near
the city, and it was written in Aramaic, Latin, and Greek. 21 The executive priests of the Jews
made an issue over this with Pilate, saying to him, “Do not write THE KING OF THE JEWS, but He
said: I am king of the Jews."
22
But Pilate replied, “What I have written, stands verbatim.”
23
The soldiers who crucified Jesus took his clothing and put it in four piles, each one
taking one. Also there was his tunic. It was seamless, woven from the top throughout. 24 They
said to one another, “Let us not split it but draw lots to see who gets it.” This occurred to fulfill
the Scripture: They divided my clothes among them. And for my garment they drew lots. The
soldiers then did these things.
25
Jesus’ mother, his mother’s sister, and Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary
Magdalene had stationed themselves by the cross of Jesus. 26 When Jesus saw his mother and the
disciple whom he loved standing beside her, he said to his mother, “Lady, look on him as your
27
son.” Then he said to his disciple, “Regard her as your mother.” From that moment on the
disciple took her to his own home.
28
After these events when Jesus knew everything already had been completed, he said in
order to fulfill Scripture, “I thirst.” 29 A container full of diluted vinegary wine was there. Placing
a sponge soaked with wine on a hyssop, they brought it to his mouth.
30
After he took the wine, Jesus exclaimed, “Finished!”
He bowed his head and dismissed his spirit.
31
Because it was the preparation day, the Jews were anxious that bodies not be left on
the crosses on the sabbath, and that sabbath was a grand sabbath. They asked Pilate that his men
would break their legs and that they would be taken down. 32 The soldiers came and broke the
legs of the first man and of the other man who was crucified with him. 33 When they came to
Jesus, having observed that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34 But one of the
soldiers with his spear pierced his side, and immediately blood and lymph drained out.
John 19:35-20:17 182

35
The one who saw this has testified to the fact, and his testimony is true. He also knows
he speaks truly in order that you might believe. 36 For these events happened that the Scripture
might be fulfilled: His bones will not be shattered. 37 And again, another Scripture says, They
will gaze at the one they pierced.
38
After it was all over, Joseph of Arimathaea, a closet-disciple of Jesus on account of
his fear of the Jews, asked Pilate if he might take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him a
permit. Joseph came and took custody of the body of Jesus. 39 Nicodemus, the one who came to
him at night in the beginning of his ministry, also came carrying about 100 Roman pounds of a
mixture of myrrh and aloes. 40 They took the body of Jesus and wrapped it in linen with the
aromatics in the folds according to the normal Jewish custom for burial.
41
Near the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden there was
a new tomb in which no one had been placed. 42 Due to the constraint of its being the Jewish
preparation day and because the tomb was near, they placed Jesus there.
20:1 In the early morning before sunrise on day one of the week, Mary Magdalene arrives at
the tomb and sees the stone rolled back from the tomb. 2 Then, she dashes off and comes to
Simon Rock and the other disciple whom Jesus loved and says to them, “They removed the Lord
from the tomb, and we do not know where they put him.”
3
Then Rock and the other disciple went out to go to the tomb. 4 They were racing—the
two of them together. The other disciple outran Rock and reached the tomb first. 5 Stooping down
he sees the linen shroud lying there, though he did not enter. 6 Then Simon Rock also arrived
following him. He entered the tomb and took note of the linen shroud lying there, 7 and also the
cloth that had been over his head. That cloth was not with the linen shroud but apart, folded up in
one place.
8
Then the other disciple—the one who first arrived at the tomb—also entered. He saw
(the evidence) and believed. 9 For not yet had they understood the Scripture that it was necessary
for him to rise from the dead. 10 Then the disciples returned to their colleagues.
11
Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping. As she wept she bent over toward the
12
tomb. She saw two angels in their brilliance sitting there—one at the head, and one at the foot
where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13 They said to her, “Lady, why are you weeping?”
She replied to them, “They took away my Lord, and I do not know where they put him.”
14
After she said these things, she turns around and sees Jesus standing there, and she did
not recognize him. 15 Jesus said to her, “Lady, why do you weep? For whom are you looking?”
Assuming he was the caretaker of the garden, she says to him, “Sir, if you carried him
off, tell me where you put him, and I will take him.”
16
Jesus said to her, “Mary!"
She turned and says to him in Aramaic, “Rabbouni,” which means teacher.
17
Jesus says to her, “Stop hugging me, for I have not yet ascended to the father. Go to
my brothers, and tell them that I will ascend to my father, and your father—to my God, and your
God.”
John 20:18-21:6 183

18
Mary Magdalene went, announcing to the disciples, “I have seen the Lord,” and she
told what he said to her.
19
Then during the evening of that first day of the week, while the disciples were locked in
behind closed doors on account of their fear of the Jews, Jesus came and positioned himself in
the center. He says to them, “Peace to you.” 20 After saying this, he showed them his hands and
his side. The disciples became elated when they saw the Lord.
21
Then he said to them again, “Peace to you. As the father commissioned me, I also am
sending you.” 22 After saying that, he breathed audibly and said to them, “Receive holy spirit.
23
Whose sins you would forgive, stand forgiven for them; whose sins you retain, remain.”
24
Thomas, the one of the twelve called a twin, was not with them when Jesus came.
25
The other disciples kept telling him, “We have seen the Lord!”
But he said to them, “Unless I see in his hands the holes left by the nails and put my
finger in them, and put my hand in his side, I surely will not believe it.”
26
Eight days later his disciples were inside, and Thomas was with them. Although the
doors were barred, Jesus came and stood in the center of them, and said, “Peace to you.”
27
Then he said to Thomas, “Bring your finger here and examine my hands, and bring
your hand and thrust it into my side. Stop being faithless; be a believer instead.”
28
Thomas responded to him, “You are my Lord and my God!”
29
Jesus said to him, “The basis for your believing was seeing. Blessed are those who
without having seen nevertheless believed.”
30
Jesus did many other miracles in the presence of his disciples, not recorded on this
31
scroll. The data included here have been recorded that you might believe Jesus is the messiah,
God’s son, and that by believing you might have life in his name.
21:1 After these events Jesus revealed himself again to his disciples by Lake Tiberius. This is
how he manifested himself. 2 This group was there: Simon Rock, Thomas the twin, Nathanael
from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples. 3 Simon Rock said to
them, “I am going fishing.”
They responded, “We are coming along with you.” They boarded the boat and set out.
During that night they caught nothing.
4
Already when morning broke Jesus was standing on the shore, yet the disciples did not
recognize him.
5
He said to them, “Boys, you do not have anything to make a meal, do you?”
They replied, “Negative.”
6
He said to them, “Throw your net on the starboard side of the boat, and you will find
them.”
They did that—and were not able to pull it in because of the accumulation of fish.
John 21:7-24 184

7
That disciple whom Jesus loved said to Rock, “It is the Lord!” Then upon hearing it
was the Lord, Simon Rock slipped into his outer garment, for he was stripped, and he jumped
overboard. 8 The other disciples came in the skiff, for it was not far to the shore—only about 100
meters. They were dragging the net loaded with fish.
9
When they reached shore, they saw hot coals and fish lying on them, and bread. 10 Jesus
said to them, “Bring now some of the fish you caught.”
11
Then Simon Rock went over and dragged the net on shore, a net full of 153 large fish.
Although the fish were so numerous, the net did not split.
12
Jesus says to them, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask
him: Who are you? They knew it was the Lord.
13
As host Jesus takes charge, takes the bread and gives it to them, and he does the same
with the fish. 14 Already this was the third time Jesus was revealed to his disciples after he was
raised from the dead.
15
Then during breakfast, Jesus says to Simon Rock, “Simon, son of John, do you love
me more than these?”
He says to him, “Certainly, Lord, you know I love you.”
Jesus says to him, “Nurture my lambs.”
16
Again a second time he said to him, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
He says to him, “Certainly, Lord, you know I love you.”
Jesus says to him, “Tend my sheep.”
17
He says to him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?”
Rock was distressed that he said to him the third time, “Do you love me?” He replied,
“Lord, you know everything. You know I love you.”
Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep. 18 This is a certainty, a truth I declare to you:
When you were a young man, you clothed yourself, and you moved about wherever you wanted.
But when you become old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you, and lead
you where you do not want to go.” 19 He made this statement to indicate by what kind of death he
would glorify God. After this, he said to him, “Follow me.”
20
Rock turned around and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, the one who
reclined closest to him at the dinner and had said, “Lord, who is the one betraying you?” 21 When
Rock glimpsed him, he said to Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”
22
Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, is that any of your business?
You follow me.” 23 The rumor got around to all the brotherhood that this disciple would not die.
Jesus did not tell him he would not die, but “If I want him to remain until I come, what concern
is that of yours?”
24
He is the disciple who testifies about these events and wrote them down. We can
confirm his testimony.
John 21:25 185

25
Moreover, there are many other unrecorded accomplishments of Jesus. Had they been
written down serially, I suppose the world itself would not have room for the scrolls that could
be written.
Acts 1:1-20 186

ACTS

1:1 Theophilus, I presented the first account to document everything Jesus began to do,
including his teaching, 2 up until the time of his ascension. He authoritatively directed his chosen
apostles through the holy spirit. 3 Subsequently to his cross, he presented himself alive, providing
many cogent proofs. Indeed, for 40 days he appeared to them and spoke about aspects of the
kingdom of God.
4
During that interim of fellowship with his apostles, he ordered them not to leave
Jerusalem. Instead, they were directed to wait there for the heavenly father’s promise that Jesus
said you heard from me. 5 It is this: John immersed in water, but you will be immersed in holy
spirit not long from now.
6
Then, as the apostles clustered around him, they kept raising the question: “Lord, is
this the time you will restore sovereignty to Israel?”
7
He replied, “Comprehension of chronologies and calendars is not your privilege; that
is the father’s exclusive prerogative. 8 Nevertheless, you will receive power coming upon you
from the holy spirit. You will be my representatives in Jerusalem, in all Judaea, and Samaria, and
as far as the extremities of the earth.”
9
After he spoke these words—while their eyes were focused on him—he was lifted up,
and a cloud obscured him from their vision.
10
As they stood gazing into the sky as he was going, see the sequel: Two men dressed in
white stood beside them. 11 They said, “Men of Galilee, why have you stationed yourselves here
looking skyward? This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven will come in a manner
comparable to the way you observed him going into heaven.”
12
Then they returned to Jerusalem from Olive Grove Mountain, which is as close to it
as one can travel on a sabbath day. 13 When they entered the city, they went to the dormitory
upstairs where they were staying. The group comprised Rock, John, James, Andrew, Philip,
Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the right-wing patriot, and
Judas son of James. 14 All of these with one purpose were devoting themselves to prayer. In the
group were the women, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, and his brothers.
15
During that time, Rock stood in the center of the brotherhood of about 120, and
spoke:
16
Men, brothers, it was necessary for Scripture to be fulfilled in terms of what was
foretold by the holy spirit speaking through David. This concerns Judas, the one who
became the pathfinder for those arresting Jesus, 17 because Judas has been counted as
one of us and had attained a share in this ministry. 18 He subsequently acquired a tract
of land purchased with the bribe received for his wicked act. After he had fallen head
first, he broke open in his midsection and all his viscera spilled out. 19 This event
became known to all the residents of Jerusalem, with the result that the site is called in
their own language, Akeldama, that is, field of blood. 20 For it has been written in the
scroll of Psalms:
Acts 1:21-2:17 187

Let his homestead be a deserted place,


Let none inhabit it;
And,
Let another take his supervisory position.
21
Therefore, we must do this: Of those men associated with us during the whole time
the Lord Jesus moved in and out among us, 22 from the time of John’s baptism until
Jesus was taken up from us, one of these must be with us as a corroborator of his
resurrection.
23
They identified two: Joseph called Barsabbas and dubbed Justus, and Matthias.
24
They prayed this way: “You, Lord, perceiving the whole situation, reveal which of these two
you chose for this ministry 25 to take the apostolic role vacated by Judas, who went to his own
place.”
26
So they supplied lots for them, and the lot identified Matthias as the one chosen to
augment the eleven apostles.
2:1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together at the same site. 2 Suddenly
from heaven there came the roar of a ferocious wind that filled the whole building where they
were sitting. 3 With them also there appeared a fireball divided into tonguelike projections that
touched down on each one of them. 4 They were all filled with holy spirit and began to speak in
languages other than their own as the spirit enabled their articulation.
5
Devout Jews from every nation under the sky were lodging in Jerusalem. 6 After the
sound of this phenomenon reverberated, a large group of people gathered and became
disconcerted because each one was hearing them speaking his own dialect. 7 Those attracted were
exuberant but bewildered, saying:
Look at this! Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 How do we, each one, hear
the language of our birth? 9 Those listening were: Parthians, Medes, Elamites, residents
of Mesopotamia, Jews who lived in Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10 Phrygia, Pamphylia,
Egypt, and regions of Libya down to Cyrene, and those who had migrated to Rome—
11
Jews and proselytes, people from Crete, and from the Arab lands. We hear them
speaking in our languages about the great acts of God.
12
They all were astounded and at a loss to account for it, saying one to another, “What
could this mean?” 13 Still others wrote them off disparagingly, saying they were intoxicated on
sweet wine.
14
But Rock stood up in formation with the eleven apostles and projecting his voice,
addressed them:
Gentlemen, Jews, and those staying in Jerusalem, one and all, be informed and listen to
my explanation. 15 These people are not intoxicated as you surmised; it is only 9 a.m.
16
Rather, this experience was anticipated by the prophet Joel:
17
This will occur in the last days, says God,
I will pour out my spirit on all humanity.
Acts 2:18-36 188

Your sons and daughters will prophesy;


Your younger men will see visions;
and your senior men will have dreams.
18
In those days even upon my servants of both genders
I will pour my spirit, and they will prophesy.
19
I will provide wonders in the sky above,
and signs on the earth below: blood, fire, and steaming smoke.
20
The sun will blacken and the moon become blood red,
before the arrival of the great and spectacular day of Yahveh.
21
Moreover, it will be that whoever calls on Yahveh’s name will be saved.
22
Gentlemen, Israelis, listen to these declarations:
The man, Jesus of Nazareth, God authenticated for you by miracles, wonders, and signs
done through him among you, just as you, yourselves, know. 23 By the designated
purpose and foreknowledge of God, he was done in by lawless men. By nailing him to
the cross, you killed him. 24 God resurrected him, relieving him of the agonies of death
because it was not possible for death to keep holding on to him. 25 For David said in
reference to him:
I have oriented myself to Yahveh—who is before me in every situation.
He is at my right hand lest I become rattled.
26
This is the reason my heart is joyful and my tongue rejoices.
My flesh will reside in hope on into the future,
27
because you will not abandon my life in a grave,
nor will you permit your holy one to experience decomposition.
28
You made known to me the means of life.
You will fill me with delight in your presence.
29
Gentlemen, brothers, with confidence I can appropriately speak to you about the
patriarch David. He died and was buried, and his tomb is still located among us.
30
Because he was prophetically gifted and knew God had sworn to him that one of his
descendants would sit upon his throne, 31 and because he saw that beforehand, he
spoke concerning the resurrection of Christ:
He was not abandoned in a grave;
Neither did his flesh experience decomposition.
32
God raised up this man, Jesus, and we all are witnesses of that fact. 33 Therefore, being
elevated to God’s right hand, and having received from the father the promised holy
spirit, he poured out this that you see and hear. 34 For David was not taken up to the
heavens, but he said:
Yahveh said to my sovereign,
Sit at my right,
35
until I make your enemies your footrest.
36
Therefore, let all the family of Israel know with assurance that God designated him as
sovereign and messiah—I specify this Jesus whom you crucified.”
Acts 2:37-3:13 189

37
When they heard this, it was as if they were stabbed in the heart. They said to Rock
and the rest of the apostles, “What should we do, gentlemen, brothers?”
38
Rock replied: “Repent and be baptized each one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for
the forgiveness of your sins. You then will receive the holy spirit as a gift. 39 For the promise is
for you, and for your children, and for those far down the line—as many as Yahveh our God
would call.”
40
With many other explanations he filled them in on the details and urged them to be
saved from this devious generation. 41 Those who accepted his message were baptized. On that
day the increase to their group was about 3,000 people. 42 They were devoting themselves to the
apostolic doctrine, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayers.
43
A deep sense of awe impacted everyone. Many wonders and miraculous signs
occurred through the apostles. 44 All the believers were united, holding everything for the use of
all. 45 Properties and possessions were being sold, and they would distribute the proceeds to
everyone according as anyone was in need.
46
On a daily basis they were spending much time purposefully together—in the temple,
and in breaking bread in homes, sharing food gladly and with heartfelt simplicity 47 as they
praised God. They also were gracious toward all the populace. Day by day the Lord was
augmenting this community by integrating into it those being saved.
3:1 Rock and John were on their way up to the temple for the prayer hour at 3 p.m. 2 A man
all his life unable to walk was carried there and was placed daily at the Elegant Entrance, as it
was dubbed, so he might beg for compassionate donations from those entering the temple.
3
When he saw Rock and John about to make their way into the temple, he kept begging
to receive a donation. 4 Rock, having looked him right in the eye, together with John said, “Pay
attention to us.”
5
He was holding their gaze, expecting to receive something from them.
6
Rock said, “Yours truly has no silver or gold, but what I do have, I hereby give to you:
In the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth, walk!”
7
Rock grasped him by the right hand and raised him. Immediately his feet and ankles
became stable. 8 He leaped to a standing position and walked around. With them he entered the
temple—walking, leaping, and praising God.
9
Everybody saw him striding around and offering praise to God. 10 They recognized him
as the one who used to sit at the Elegant Entrance of the temple begging donations. Profoundly
astonished, they were thrilled by what had happened to him.
11
In the colonnade named for Solomon, the restored man was holding on tenaciously to
Rock and John. All the people, wide-eyed and openmouthed, rushed toward them.
12
When Rock perceived the situation, he responded to the people:
Gentlemen, Israelis, why are you astonished by this? Or why do you look intently at us
as though by our own power or godlikeness we have made him walk? 13 The God of
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers glorified his servant, Jesus, whom
Acts 3:14-4:11 190

you handed over and denied in a hearing before Pilate, who decided he should be set
free. 14 You repudiated that holy and righteous man and asked for a murderer to be
released to you. 15 The champion of life you put to death. God raised him from the dead,
and we attest that as witnesses.
16
By faith in his name, this man you are looking at and know is now restored to
functionality. Yes, Jesus’ name, and the faith that connects through him, gave to this
man the wholeness evident to you all.
17
Now, brothers, I know that you did what you did in ignorance, just as was the case
with your leaders. 18 But God, who foretold by the speech of all the prophets the
suffering of his messiah, fulfilled these prophecies in this manner. 19 Change your mind,
therefore, and reverse course that the record of your sins might be expunged, 20 that like
cool breezes in an arid place, seasonal refreshing might come from the presence of
Yahveh, and that he might send to you his preselected messiah—Jesus.
21
Heaven must receive him until the times for the restoration of all God spoke about
through his holy ones, beginning in the age of his prophets. 22 Moses said:
Yahveh your God will establish for you from your brothers a prophet like me.
You will obey every word he speaks to you. 23 Every soul who will not obey that
prophet will be destroyed, removing him out of the community.
24
All the prophets in historical succession from Samuel on, as many as spoke, had
something to announce about these days. 25 The prophets are your family heritage, and
also the covenant God placed in effect with your fathers, saying to Abraham: “And in
your posterity all the families of the earth will be blessed.”
26
For you first, God raised up his servant and commissioned him to bless you by
turning each one of you away from your evil ways.
4:1 As they were speaking to the people, the executive priests along with the temple guard
and the Sadducees intruded upon them. 2 The intruders were all worked up because the apostles
were teaching the people and asserting in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 They forcibly
took them into custody until the next day, for it was already evening.
4
But many of those who heard the message believed, bringing the number of adult male
believers to 5,000.
5
On the next day their leaders, elders, and scholars convened in Jerusalem. 6 Featured
were Annas, the top executive priest, and his associates: Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and as many
as were from the high priest’s family. 7 Having situated the two apostles in the center, they began
interrogating them: “By what power, or under whose auspices did you do this?”
8
Then Rock, full of holy spirit, said to them:
Leaders of the people and senior officials, 9 if today we are being examined in regard to
the good work done on the walking-impaired man, if you want to know the means by
which he was restored, 10 let it be known to you all, and to all Israel, that in the name of
Jesus Christ of Nazareth, the one whom you crucified and God raised from the dead,
this man stands before you physically capacitated—by him. 11 This Jesus, the stone
Acts 4:12-31 191

shoved aside by you builders, has become the keystone of the arch. 12 Salvation
derives from no other source, for in all the realm below heaven, there is no other name
granted the human race for our salvation.
13
When they saw the boldness of Rock and John and perceived they had no higher
education, and were therefore deemed to be uneducated and ignorant, they were surprised, taking
note of the fact that they had been companions of Jesus. 14 Because they were looking right at the
restored man as he stood there among them, they had nothing they could plead in protest.
15
They ordered the men to step out of the sanhedrin hall while they conferred with one
16
another. They said, “What should we do with these men, for it has become general knowledge
that a miraculous sign has occurred through them? This is evident to all who live in Jerusalem,
and we cannot deny it. 17 But lest the news become more widespread among the people, let us
threaten them that they must no longer speak about this name to any human being.”
18
After calling them back in, they commanded them that under no conditions were they
to speak out or teach on the basis of the name of Jesus.
19
But Rock and John responded to them: “If it is right by God’s standard to listen to you
rather than to God, you be the judge. 20 For we cannot afford not to speak about what we have
seen and heard.”
21
After threatening the apostles further, they released them. They had found no grounds
for punishing them that would stand up to public scrutiny because all the people gave God the
acclaim for what had happened. 22 For the man who had experienced this miracle of healing was
over 40 years old.
23
After their release, they went to their own group and related all that the executive
priests and senior officials said to them. 24 When they heard the report, they unanimously began
to lift up their voice to God:
Sovereign, you are the one who created the sky, the earth, the sea, and all their
components. 25 Our ancestor, David your servant, through the holy spirit said:
Why did nations snort arrogantly,
and societies conspire to take futile actions?
26
The kings of the earth assembled.
The leaders gathered with identical resolve—
against Yahveh and against his messiah.
27
For these are the facts: Herod, Pontius Pilate, with the nations and the people of Israel
gathered in this city against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed. 28 They were
intent on doing as much as your hand and will decided beforehand. 29 Therefore, in the
present circumstances, Lord, look upon their threats, and grant to your servants what it
takes to speak your word with persistent boldness. 30 Stretch out your hand to heal and
cause signs and wonders to occur through the name of your holy servant, Jesus.
31
While their requests were being made, the place in which they had assembled was
shaken, and all were filled with holy spirit.
Acts 4:32-5:16 192

They kept right on speaking the word of God with boldness.


32
The large constituency of believers cohered, having one heart and soul. No one said
anything in his belongings was a private holding, but everything was shared within the group.
33
With great power the apostles were confirming the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great
grace was upon all the church. 34 For none among them was (any longer) impoverished. As many
as were owners of lands or buildings sold them and brought the funds from the sale 35 and placed
them at the apostles’ disposal. An amount was given to each of the needy commensurate with
their need.
36
Joseph was dubbed Barnabas by the apostles; his epithet means encourager. A Levite
born on Cyprus, 37 he owned a tract of land, sold it, brought the proceeds, and placed that money
at the disposal of the apostles.
5:1 A man named Ananias, together with his wife, Sapphira, sold a holding in real estate.
2
But he skimmed a portion of the price paid to him. His wife was in on what was going on. He
brought part of the proceeds and turned it over to the apostles.
3
Rock said to him, “Ananias, why did the opponent fill your heart so you would deceive
the holy spirit by pocketing a portion of the property sale? 4 While it remained in your
possession, was it not yours? Once sold, you still had control of the funds. What motivated you
to do this? You did not lie to men but to God.”
5
Upon hearing these words, Ananias slumped over and expired. A wave of dreadful
reverence engulfed all who heard about it. 6 The young assistants got up, wrapped him in a
shroud, took him out, and buried him.
7
After an interval of about three hours, his wife, not knowing what had happened,
8
entered. Rock confronted her, “Tell me, did you sell the property for such and such an
amount?”
“Yes,” she said, “for so much.”
9
Rock said to her, “Why is it that you conspired with your husband to challenge the
spirit of Yahveh? See here: The feet of those who buried your husband are at the doorway; they
also will carry you out.”
10
She immediately toppled over right in front of him and stopped breathing. When the
young assistants entered, they found her dead. They carried her out and buried her alongside her
husband. 11 Deep reverence settled over all the church, and upon all who heard about these
events.
12
Through the hands of the apostles many miraculous signs and wonders occurred
among the people. The apostles were together as a team at Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 As for the
rest of the people, none dared to invade the apostles’ space and they treated them with great
respect.
14
More believers in the Lord were accumulating, consisting of a large number of men
and also women. 15 The momentum was such that they carried the sick out into the streets and
placed them on makeshift beds and pallets so that when Rock came along his shadow might
make contact with some of them. 16 Also a large number of those in the towns surrounding
Acts 5:17-37 193

Jerusalem came into the city, bringing their sick ones and those tormented by unclean spirits.
They were all being healed.
17
The high priest and all his colleagues of the party of the Sadducees reacted. Permeated
with jealousy, 18 they nabbed the apostles and publicly took them into custody.
19
During the night Yahveh’s angel opened the doors of the prison and led them out. He
20
said, “Go, take your stand in the temple, and inform the people all about this life.”
21
After they heard this, they entered the temple at dawn and went right on teaching.
When the high priest and his associates gathered, they summoned the sanhedrin to
convene all the Israeli council of elders. They sent deputies to the prison to bring in the apostles.
22
But when the deputies arrived, they did not find them in the prison. They returned and
23
reported: “We found the prison securely locked and the guards in place at the doors. Once the
doors were opened, we found no one inside.”
24
After the captain of the temple security guards and the executive priests heard these
words, they became exasperated concerning them as to what would eventuate from this whole
incident.
25
At that moment someone arrived and announced to them: “Attention! The men you
put in prison are in the temple. They have taken their stance and are teaching the people.”
26
Then the captain of the security guards went out with his deputies and brought them in
not using force, for they were afraid the people might stone them if they did.
27
After they brought them, the apostles stood in the dock within the sanhedrin. The
top-echelon priest interrogated them: 28 “We commanded you absolutely not to teach in this
name. But—see—you have saturated Jerusalem with your doctrine. Moreover, you want to bring
on us the guilt for the blood of this man.”
29
Rock and the apostles replied,
When it is a matter of obedience to authority, God takes precedence over men. 30 The
God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you did away with by suspending him on a
wooden frame. 31 God exalted him as champion and savior to a position at his right hand
so as to grant Israel repentance and forgiveness of sins. 32 We are representatives of
these matters and so too is the holy spirit God gave to those who are obedient to him.”
33
Those who listened became infuriated and began conniving to assassinate them. 34 But
there stood up a member of the sanhedrin, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a distinguished teacher of
the law among all the people. He ordered the men to be put outside the chamber momentarily.
35
Then he said to the council:
Gentleman, Israelis, you had better watch out for yourselves as to what you are about to
do to these men. 36 For in earlier days Theudas rose up claiming to be somebody. About
400 men joined in with him. He was slain, and all who had been persuaded by him
disbanded; his movement came to nothing. 37 After this Judas the Galilean asserted
himself at the time of the census. He got a following to revolt with him. He also was
killed and all who had been trusting in him were scattered.
Acts 5:38-7:2 194

38
Now as for the present situation, I say to you: Back off from these men and release
them. If this counsel and this activity originates with men, it will collapse. 39 But if it has
its origin in God, you will not be able to bring them down, and you are liable to be
found as those in conflict with God.
40
They were persuaded by him.
After having called the apostles in, they had them whipped. They commanded them not
to speak any more about the name of Jesus, and released them.
41
The apostles consequently left the presence of the sanhedrin rejoicing because they
were counted worthy to experience dishonor in behalf of the name. 42 Every day in the temple,
and in homes, they did not cease to teach and preach the good news—Christ Jesus.
6:1 During that time as disciples were multiplying, a complaint of the Hellenists against the
Hebrews surfaced. The issue was that Hellenistic widows were being overlooked in the daily
distributions.
2
The twelve called a meeting of the community of disciples and said, “It is not proper
for us to discontinue handling the word of God to serve at distribution tables. 3 Brothers,
critically select from among you seven reputable men who are full of (holy) spirit and wisdom,
whom we will appoint to take care of this exigency. 4 As for us, we will continue to concentrate
on prayer and ministry of the word.”
5
This solution satisfied all the community. They selected Stephen—a man full of faith
and holy spirit—Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus a proselyte from
Antioch. 6 They had these men stand before the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on
them.
7
The word of God continued to grow in influence. The number of disciples in Jerusalem
increased enormously, including a large group of priests who were submissive to the faith.
8
Stephen, full of grace and power, did wonders and great miracles among the people.
9
Some opponents from the synagogue called Freedmen, and from the Cyrenians, Alexandrians,
Cilicians, and Asians asserted themselves and were calling Stephen into question. 10 But they
were not able to stand up to the wisdom and spirit by which he was speaking.
11
Then they put some men up to saying, “We have heard him speaking words insulting
to Moses and to God.” 12 They incited the people, the elders, and the scholars so that they rushed
upon him, seized him, and brought him to the sanhedrin. 13 They set up perjured witnesses
saying, “This man does not cease making accusations against this holy place and the law. 14 For
we have heard him saying: This Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and radicalize the
customs Moses instituted for us.”
15
As they stared at Stephen, all those sitting in the sanhedrin saw his face (glowing) like
the face of an angel.
7:1 The leading priest said, “Do these accusations have any foundation?”
2
He replied:
Gentlemen, brothers, and fathers, hear me out.
Acts 7:3-22 195

The glorious God appeared to our father Abraham while in Mesopotamia, before he
settled in Haran. 3 He said to him:
Leave your land and your family and come to the land I will show you.
4
Then, having left the country of the Chaldaeans, he settled in Haran. From there, after
the death of his father, he situated himself in this land in which you now live. 5 But God
did not give him an inheritance in it—not even a square meter. Indeed, he promised to
give it to him for his possession and to his posterity after him, although he was
childless.
6
God spoke this way: that his offspring would be a stranger in a foreign land, and they
would be enslaved there and mistreated for four centuries. 7 And I will judge whatever
nation enslaves them, God said, and after these things, they will go out and serve me in
this place.
8
He gave him a covenant of circumcision. In this manner Abraham fathered Isaac and
circumcised him on the eighth day. Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the twelve
patriarchs.
9
The patriarchs, having become jealous of Joseph, sold him away into Egypt. 10 But
God was with him and delivered him from all his troubles. He gave him acceptance and
skill before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him administrator over Egypt and
over all his house.
11
A famine came upon all Egypt and Canaan, and with it great hardship. Our ancestors
could not find food. 12 When Jacob heard there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers
there first. 13 On the second trip down, Joseph’s identity was disclosed to his brothers.
Joseph introduced his family to Pharaoh.
14
Joseph sent word and summoned to himself Jacob, his father, and all 75 relatives. 15 So
Jacob went down to Egypt. He died there and our patriarchs also. 16 They were removed
to Shechem and placed in the tomb sold for silver to Abraham by the sons of Hamor in
Shechem.
17
When the time for the fulfillment of the promise God confirmed to Abraham began to
roll around, the people had grown into a large population in Egypt. 18 This continued
until such time as another dynasty came to power in which the king did not
acknowledge Joseph. 19 This king exploited our clan by mistreating our fathers, making
them expose their newborns to the elements so that they would not survive.
20
During that time, Moses was born and was prepossessing to God. He had home care at
the family residence for three months. 21 When he was isolated, Pharaoh’s daughter
retrieved the exposed child for herself and brought him up as her son. 22 Moses was
educated in every field of knowledge of the Egyptians. He was quite influential in his
words and works.
Acts 7:23-43 196

23
When he turned 40, it occurred to him to check on his (ethnic) brothers, the
descendants of Israel. 24 Upon observing one of them suffering injustice, he helped him
by avenging the man; he delivered a punishing blow to his Egyptian oppressor. 25 He
assumed his brothers would understand that by his hand God would deliver them. But
they missed the point altogether.
26
On the next day some of them were seen fighting, and he stepped in to break it up and
to restore peace, saying, “Men, you are brothers. Why are you injuring one another?”
27
But the one who started the fight pushed him away, saying, “Who authorized you as a
leader and judge over us? 28 You do not want to kill me the same way you killed the
Egyptian yesterday, do you?”
29
Because of what was said, Moses fled, becoming a fugitive in the land of Midian,
where he fathered two sons.
30
Forty years later in the desert at Sinai Mountain a messenger appeared to him, as a
flame of fire engulfing a thorn-bush. 31 When Moses saw the spectacle, it took him by
surprise. As he came up to analyze it, a voice from Yahveh resounded: 32 “I am the God
of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob." Trembling, he did not dare to
investigate.
33
Yahveh said to him, “Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place on which
you stand is holy ground. 34 I have surely seen the cruel treatment of my people in
Egypt, and I heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come that I
might send you to Egypt.”
35
This was the same Moses whom they denied by their gibe, “Who commissioned you
as leader and judge?” God ordained him as leader and liberator. He commissioned him
with the support of an angel seen by him in the thorn-bush. 36 Moses led the people out,
having done wonders and miraculous signs in the land of Egypt—both in the Red Sea
and in the desert for 40 years.
37
This was the same Moses who said to the descendants of Israel, “God will raise up
for you from among your brothers a prophet like me.”
38
This was the same Moses who was with the community in the desert and with the
angel who spoke to him at Sinai Mountain, and who was with our ancestors—the man
who received a living message to give to us, 39 the one whom our fathers did not want to
obey. On the contrary, they repudiated him; and they returned in their fantasies to
Egypt. 40 They said to Aaron, “Make gods for us who will lead the way for us, because
as for this Moses who brought us out of Egypt, we do not know what has become of
him.”
41
They crafted a young bull in those days and brought sacrifices to their idol, getting
their thrills from what they had handcrafted. 42 But God relented and gave them leeway
to worship astral and planetary bodies, just as it is written in the scroll of the prophets:
It was not to me that you presented slaughtered animals and sacrifices
for 40 years in the desert, family of Israel, was it?
43
But you took up the cult at the tent of Moloch,
Acts 7:44-8:3 197

and that of the star of your god Saturn—


images you crafted so you could bow down to them.
So I will resettle you beyond here in Babylon.
44
There was also the tent of witness in the desert for our ancestors. It was constructed
just as the one who spoke to Moses specified, exactly as Moses had seen the model.
45
Handed down in succession by our ancestors, they brought it with Joshua as they took
possession of the land of the nations, which God drove from the presence of our fathers,
until the epoch of David.
46
David was in God’s good graces, and he asked for the task of finding God a dwelling
place in the family of Jacob. 47 Solomon built a house for him. 48 But the highest (God)
does not dwell in hand-crafted edifices, just as the prophet says:
49
Heaven is my throne; earth is my footrest.
What kind of house will you construct for me? says Yahveh.
Or what place is my place to settle down?
50
Has not my hand made all these things?
51
Having rigid necks and foreskin sheathing your hearts and ears, you continually resist
the holy spirit just as your ancestors did—and you no less than they. 52 Who of the
prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They killed those who announced
beforehand the coming of the righteous one, of whom you now have become betrayers
and murderers—53 you, who received the law as ordinances from angels but do not keep
it.
54
When they heard these words, they were lacerated to their heart, and they grimaced at
him, grinding their teeth.
55
But full of holy spirit, Stephen fixed his gaze toward heaven. He saw God’s glory and
Jesus stationed at God’s right. 56 He exclaimed, “Look! I see open heavens and the human one
standing at God’s right.”
57
Screaming vociferously while placing their hands over their ears, they lunged upon
him as by one impulse. 58 They manhandled him out of the city and began pelting him with rocks.

When they took off their outer garments, the “witnesses” doing the stoning laid their
clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.
59
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”
60
On his knees he called out in a vehement voice, “Lord, do not put this sin on their account!”
After saying this, he fell unconscious.
8:1 Saul was in full agreement with the assassination of Stephen.
On that day a full-scale persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem. Everyone
was scattered to the outlying areas of Judaea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 Godly men took
charge of burying the remains of Stephen. There was much mourning for him.
3
Saul kept devastating the church. Searching house by house, he was dragging out men
and women and confining them in prison.
Acts 8:4-30 198

4
Nevertheless, those who had been dispersed went on their way preaching the message.
5
Philip, for instance, went down to the city of Samaria. He proclaimed the messiah to them.
6
Crowds there were paying attention and giving united consent to what was being spoken by
Philip. They were listening to him and viewing the miraculous signs he was doing. 7 For there
were many cases of people having filthy spirits. As the spirits were expelled they would scream
with a shrill voice. Many who were disabled and incapacitated were being restored. 8 Much joy
was generated in that city.
9
An individual named Simon had previously been around town practicing the occult
and astounding the Samaritan populace. He promoted himself as a great somebody. 10 Everyone
up and down the social scale had deference for him, exclaiming, “He is God’s great power!”
11
They were mesmerized by him for a long time, being amazed by his occult practices.
12
When the Samaritans put their faith in Philip’s preaching about the kingdom of God
and the name of Jesus Christ, they—both men and women—were baptized. 13 Simon, himself,
also believed and was baptized. He was dogging the trail of Philip, and as he saw the signs and
great miracles occurring, he became ecstatic.
14
After the apostles in Jerusalem received the news that Samaria had accepted the word
of God, they sent to them Rock and John. 15 Upon their arrival, they prayed with them that they
might receive holy spirit. 16 For as yet the spirit had not fallen [in power] on any of them. They
had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then as they were placing their hands on
them, they would receive holy spirit.
18
When Simon saw that through the placement of the hands of the apostles the spirit
was given, he brought them money. 19 He said, “Give me also this capability that upon whomever
I place my hands, he will receive holy spirit.”
20
Rock said to him, “May your silver be devoted to destruction along with you because
you supposed you could acquire God’s gift with money. 21 You do not share in part or whole in
this, because your motive is not right in the presence of God. 22 Therefore, repent of this evil of
yours, and be in prayer to the Lord if indeed this scheme of your heart may be forgiven. 23 For I
perceive you are as bitter as bile and bound by unrighteousness.”
24
Simon replied, “You petition the Lord in my behalf that none of the things you
mentioned will overtake me.”
25
Then after the apostles had given extensive testimony and had spoken the word of the
Lord, they returned to Jerusalem. En route they were evangelizing many of the Samaritan towns.
26
A messenger of the Yahveh spoke to Philip: “Get ready, and at noon go down the
desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza.” 27 So he got up and started out.
View the scene: On the road was an Ethiopian, a eunuch who was a court official for
Candace, the queen of the Ethiopians; he was her minister of finance. He had come to worship at
Jerusalem 28 and was returning. As he sat in his chariot he was reading from the prophet Isaiah.
29
The spirit said to Philip, “Go in his direction and make contact with his chariot.”
30
As Philip moved rapidly up beside him, he heard him reading aloud the prophecy of
Isaiah. So he said, “Do you readily understand what you are reading?”
Acts 8:31-9:10 199

31
“How would I be able to unless someone takes me through it?” he replied. He invited
Philip to climb on board and sit with him. 32 The pericope of Scripture he was reading was this:
As a sheep led to slaughter,
And as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
he too did not open his mouth.
33
While they humiliated him, justice for him was eliminated.
Who will narrate his family line,
because his life was taken away from the earth?
34
The eunuch responded to Philip, “Please tell me: About whom does the prophet say
this? Does he refer to himself or to someone else?”
35
Philip, in response, beginning with this passage of Scripture, preached Jesus to him.
36
As they were proceeding down the road, they came to a body of water. The eunuch
said, “Look—water! What hinders my being baptized?” 38 He ordered the chariot to pull over,
and they went down together into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.
39
When they came out of the water, the spirit of Yahveh snatched Philip away. The
eunuch saw him no longer, but he went on his way rejoicing.
40
Philip, on the other hand, was found at Azotus. So he passed through all the (western)
towns, evangelizing until he came to Caesarea.
9:1 While Saul was still venting a threatening policy, including murder, against the disciples
of the Lord, he came to the high priest, 2 requesting documents from him applicable to the
synagogues in Damascus. These stipulated that if anyone of this way was found—both men and
women—he would bring them in fetters to Jerusalem.
3
He traveled until he came close to Damascus. All of a sudden a light from heaven
beamed on him. 4 As he fell to the ground he heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why do
you persecute me?”
5
He said, “Who are you, sovereign?”
The reply came: “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! 6 But stand up, enter the city,
and it will be told you what is necessary for you to do.”
7
Deputies who accompanied him stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no
one.
8
Saul got up from the ground, and although his eyes were open, he could see nothing.
Leading him by the hand, they brought him to Damascus. 9 For three days he did not see
anything, eat anything, or drink anything.
10
In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias, to whom the Lord spoke in a
dream:
“Ananias.”
And he said, “Reporting in, Lord.”
Acts 9:11-33 200

11
The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street and seek out at the house of
Judah a man named Saul of Tarsus. For note this: He is praying. 12 He had a vision of a man
named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him so that he might recover his sight.”
13
Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard reports from many people about this fellow in
terms of many wicked things he did to your holy ones in Jerusalem. 14 Also he has authority here
from the executive priests to shackle all who call upon your name.”
15
The Lord said to him, “Go, because he is my chosen instrument for conveying my
name before the internationals, kings, and descendants of Israel. 16 For I will indicate to him how
much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”
17
So Ananias departed, entered the building, placed his hands on him, and said,
“Brother Saul, the Lord sent me. I refer to Jesus, who appeared to you on the road by which you
came. He sent me that you might see again and be filled with holy spirit.”
18
All at once there fell from his eyes something like scales. He could see again, got
ready, and was baptized. 19 After eating food, his strength was restored.
He was with the disciples in Damascus for a period of time. 20 Immediately, he preached
in the synagogues that Jesus is God’s son. 21 All who heard him were astounded. They kept
saying, “Is not this the Jerusalemean assassin, intent on doing away with those who invoke this
name? Did he not also come here for the purpose of arresting such people that he might bring
them back to the executive priests?”
22
But Saul was increasing more in his intensity, and he was causing consternation to the
Jews who lived in Damascus, by corroborating his claim that this one he preached is the messiah.
23
After a considerable time had elapsed, the Jews conspired to murder him. 24 Their plot
became known to Saul. They were watching the gates of the city day and night so that they might
do away with him. 25 But his disciples brought him out via the wall after dark by lowering him in
a basket.
26
Once back in Jerusalem, he attempted to join in with the disciples. But they all were
afraid of him, not believing he was really a disciple. 27 Yet Barnabas took it upon himself to bring
him to the apostles. He narrated to them how Saul was on the road when he saw the Lord
communicating with him. He also related how in Damascus he spoke out intrepidly in the name
of Jesus.
28
Thus Saul was with them going back and forth in Jerusalem, speaking courageously in
the name of the Lord. 29 He would dialogue and contend also with the Hellenists. But they kept
attempting to assassinate him. 30 When the disciples found out about it, they brought him down to
Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.
31
Consequently, the church experienced peace in all Judaea, Galilee, and Samaria.
Being built up, and proceeding in deep reverence for the Lord, and in the encouragement of the
holy spirit, the church kept being multiplied.
32
The following incident occurred after Rock passed through all the communities on the
way down to the holy people who lived at Lydda. 33 He found there a man named Aeneas, who
for eight years had been lying upon a bedroll because he was paralyzed.
Acts 9:34-10:14 201

34
Rock said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ is healing you. Stand up and make yourself
presentable.”
Immediately he got up. 35 All the residents of Lydda and Sharon knew him. These
people turned to the Lord.
36
In Joppa there was a disciple whose name was Tabitha, meaning gazelle. Her life was
full of good works and ministries of charity. 37 During that time she became sick and died. Her
body was washed and laid out in an upstairs room.
38
Because Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples had heard Rock was there. They sent
two men to him, urging him, “Do not delay to come to us.” 39 Rock got ready and accompanied
them. When he arrived, they led him to the upstairs room. All the widows were present. They
were weeping and displaying undergarments and outer garments Dorcas had made while she was
with them.
40
Rock put everyone out of the room, and dropping to his knees, he prayed. Then he
faced the corpse and said, “Tabitha, get up.”
She opened her eyes, and when she saw Rock, she sat up. 41 After he gave her a hand,
she stood up. Then he called the holy ones and widows and presented her alive.
42
What happened became known throughout all the region of Joppa. Many believed in
the Lord. 43 Rock remained for a good many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.
10:1 In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, the captain of 100 men of the Italian
cohort. 2 A devout man, he with all his household had deep reverence for God. He made many
charitable contributions to the people and kept praying to God in every situation.
3
In a daytime revelation around 3 p.m. he clearly saw a messenger of God coming to
him, saying, “Cornelius.”
4
He gazed fearfully at the messenger and said, “What is it, sovereign?”
He replied, “Your prayers and your compassionate donations ascended as an offering
remembered before God. 5 Now send some men to Joppa to get a certain Simon who goes by the
name, Rock. 6 He is a guest with Simon, a tanner, whose home is at the seashore.
7
After the messenger who spoke to him left, Cornelius called two of his household
servants and a devout soldier attached to his command. 8 Having explained everything to them,
he sent them to Joppa.
9
On the next day while those who were on their way were nearing the city, Rock went
up on the flat roof about noon to pray. 10 He became very hungry and wanted to eat. While they
were preparing the meal, a vision came to him. 11 He saw an opening in the sky and a container
like a large square of sailcloth being let down upon the earth. 12 In it were all kinds of quadrupeds
and reptiles of the earth, and birds of the sky.
13
A voice accosted him, “Get up, Rock, butcher and eat.”
14
Rock replied, “By no means, Lord, because I have never eaten anything common or
unclean.”
Acts 10:15-37 202

15
Again a second time a voice came to him, “For you, what God has purified is not
common.”
16
This happened a third time, and immediately the container was retracted into heaven.
17
As Rock was at a loss within himself to decipher the meaning of the vision, see this:
The men sent by Cornelius had asked about town for the home of Simon, and now they stood at
the entrance. 18 They called out inquiring if Simon, alias Rock, was a guest there.
19
While Rock was wondering about the vision, the spirit of God said, “Take note: Three
men are looking for you. 20 You had better get ready, go downstairs, and go with them. Do not
discriminate against them, because I sent them.”
21
When Rock came to ground level, he said to the men, “Take note, I am the one for
whom you are looking. What is the reason you are here?”
22
They said, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous, God-fearing man whose integrity is
attested by the whole nation of the Jews was instructed by a holy angel to send over for you to
come to his home so he could hear what you have to say.”
23
Rock invited them in as his guests.
On the next day he got ready and went out with them, accompanied by some of the
brothers from Joppa.
24
On the day following they entered Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them. He had
assembled his relatives and close friends.
25
As Rock entered, Cornelius met him, prostrating himself at his feet to revere him. 26
But Rock raised him up saying, “Stand up, I myself am just a man.” 27 As he conversed with him,
he entered and found that many people had assembled.
28
Rock said to them, “You understand how it is taboo for a Jewish male to be associated
with or to visit in the home of a non-Jew. But in my case, God pointed out to me that no man
should be stereotyped common or unclean. 29 Therefore, I came along, raising no objections
when you sent for me. I inquire, therefore, as to what message you sent for me to deliver.”
30
Cornelius said, “Four days ago at 3 p.m., I was praying in my home. Now see this: A
figure stood in front of me in gleaming attire. 31 He said: 'Cornelius, your prayer was heard and
your charitable acts are remembered before God. 32 Send, therefore, to Joppa and call for Simon
called Rock. He is staying as a guest in the home of Simon, a tanner who lives by the seaside.'
33
So at once I sent for you, and you so graciously made your way here. Now, therefore, we all
are here in the presence of God to hear all the Lord commanded you.”
34
Rock began his presentation this way:
I have come to appreciate the truth that God shows no favoritism. 35 But in every nation
one who has deep respect for him and practices righteousness is acceptable to him.
36
God sent his word to the descendants of Israel by preaching the gospel of peace
through Jesus Christ. He is sovereign over everyone. 37 You know what occurred
throughout the whole of the Jewish territories, beginning in Galilee after the baptism
Acts 10:38-11:16 203

proclaimed by John. 38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the powerful holy spirit.
He made the rounds accomplishing beneficial works and healing all those dominated
by the devil, because God was with him. 39 We are witnesses of all he did in the
territories of the Jews and in Jerusalem.
They also assassinated him, having suspended him upon wood. 40 God raised him
on the third day and he was revealed. 41 He did not appear to all the people,
but to witnesses preselected by God, to us who ate and drank with him after his
resurrection from the dead.
42
He commanded us to proclaim to the people and to confirm by our testimony that he
is the one appointed by God as judge of those living and dead. 43 All the prophets
testify that forgiveness of sins is received through his name by all who believe in him.
44
Simultaneously as Rock was still speaking these words, the holy spirit fell on all who
listened to the message. 45 Those from the circumcised faithful who had come along with Rock
were astounded that also on the nations the gift of holy spirit was poured out. 46 For they heard
them speaking in tongues and extolling God.
47
Then Rock responded, “Certainly no one can forbid water baptism for these who
received the holy spirit just as we did.” 48 He ordered them to be baptized in the name of Jesus
Christ. Afterward they asked him to remain for a few days.
11:1 The Jewish apostles and brothers heard that the goyim had received the word of God.
2
When Rock went up to Jerusalem, those who were circumcised made an issue of this with him,
3
asserting, “You entered the precincts of foreskinned men and dined with them.”
4
Therefore, Rock set out for them the whole story right from the beginning:
5
“I was in the town of Joppa. While enraptured in prayer, I saw a vision of a container
descending. It resembled a large square of sailcloth, lowered from heaven right where I was.
6
When I inspected it, I observed quadrupeds of the earth, wild game, reptiles, and birds of the
sky. 7 I also heard a voice saying to me: Get up, Rock, butcher and eat.
8
“But I said: By no means, Lord, because nothing common or unclean ever enters my
mouth.
9
“A second time a voice from heaven responded: What God purified you must not
consider common.
10
“This happened a third time, and again everything was retracted into heaven. 11 The
scene changes: At once three men who were sent from Caesarea to me arrived at the house where
we were. 12 The spirit told me to go with them, and not to have scruples against them. With me
also went six of the brothers, and we entered the man’s home.
13
“He related to us how he had seen an angel standing in his house, saying: Send to
Joppa and bring back Simon dubbed Rock, 14 who will explain matters to you by which you will
be saved and all your household.
15
“After I began to speak, the holy spirit fell on them just as on us at the beginning. 16 I
remembered how the Lord had said: John baptized in water, but you will be baptized in holy
Acts 11:17-12:10 204

spirit. 17 If, therefore, God gave to them the identical gift he gave to us who believed in the Lord
Jesus Christ, who was I to think I could forbid God to do that?”
18
When they heard these things, they ceased opposition and glorified God, saying,
“Therefore, God also permitted the nations repentance leading to life.”
19
Those scattered because of the ordeal caused by Stephen’s martyrdom moved away as
far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, speaking the message exclusively to the Jews. 20 Certain
ones of the Cypriots and Cyrenians who came to Antioch were speaking also to the Greeks the
good news featuring the Lord Jesus. 21 Yahveh’s hand was with them. A large number of them,
having believed, turned to face the Lord.
22
The news about them was heard in the church in Jerusalem. They commissioned
Barnabas to go all the way to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw the grace of God in action, he
rejoiced, and he encouraged everyone to remain purposefully committed to the Lord. 24 He was
sent because he was a man of good character, full of holy spirit and faith. A large group of
people became bonded with the Lord.
25
Barnabas traveled to Tarsus to search out Saul’s whereabouts. 26 Once he found him,
he brought him to Antioch. They were associated with the church for a whole year, teaching a
large congregation. It was in Antioch that disciples were first identified as Christians.
27
In those days prophets from Jerusalem traveled to Antioch. 28 One of them named
Agabus stood up and foretold through the spirit that a great famine was about to spread over all
the Roman empire. It occurred during the reign of Claudius. 29 As for the disciples, they worked
out a plan by which anyone, as he was financially able, would send a contribution as a ministry
to the brothers who lived in Judaea. 30 This they did, sending the aid to the church elders by the
hands of Barnabas and Saul.
12:1 At that time King Herod initiated actions to harm some of the churchmen. 2 With a
sword he assassinated James, the brother of John. 3 When he surmised this pleased the Jews, he
proceeded further by arresting Rock. The season was the feast of flat bread. 4 After Rock’s arrest,
Herod put him in prison in the custody of four four-man squads of soldiers, guarding him around
the clock. His intention was to bring him up before the people after the Passover. 5 Therefore,
Rock was being held in prison, but earnest intercession was offered to God by the church in his
behalf.
6
On the night before Herod was about to bring him out, Rock was sleeping between two
soldiers, bound by two chains; and guards at the door were keeping the prison secure.
7
But look! An angel of Yahveh presented himself. A light shined in the cell. The
messenger tapped Rock on his side and raised him, saying, “Get up quickly.”
The fetters fell away from his wrists. 8 The angel said to him, “Adjust your belted tunic,
and slip on your sandals.” He did that.
Then he said to him, “Put on your outer garment and follow me.”
9
Rock went out of the cell following him, not knowing what was happening. Though
the angelic intervention was real, he thought he was having a dream. 10 They passed through the
first and second prison enclosures and came to the iron gate leading into the city. Of its own
Acts 12:11-13:7 205

accord it opened for them. Passing through, they emerged on First Street. Immediately, the angel
left him.
11
When Rock was fully conscious of what he was doing, he said to himself, “Now I
truly know that Yahveh sent his emissary and rescued me from the hand of Herod and every
anticipation of the Jewish people.” 12 Once he got his bearings, he came to the home of Mary, the
mother of John who is called Mark, where many were meeting and praying.
13
After he had knocked at the exterior gateway, a female servant named Rose
responded. 14 When she recognized Rock’s voice, she became so exuberant she did not open the
gate, but ran inside and announced that Rock was standing at the entrance. 15 Those there said to
her, “You are out of your mind.” But she kept insisting it was this way. They were saying it was
his messenger. 16 Rock, nevertheless, remained there knocking. When they opened up, they saw
him and were elated. 17 He gestured with his hand to them to keep quiet, and he narrated to them
how the Lord brought him out of the prison. He also said, “Report these things to James and the
brothers.” He departed and went elsewhere.
18
At dawn there was not a little commotion among the soldiers as to what had become
19
of Rock. After Herod had searched for him and could not find him, he thoroughly examined
the prison guards. Then he gave orders for them to be executed.
Herod went down from the Jewish area to Caesarea and remained there. 20 He was
furious with the cities of Tyre and Sidon. Unitedly they presented themselves to him. They
persuaded Blastus, the keeper of the king’s bedroom, to represent them so they could ask for
peace, because their food supply came from the king’s holdings. 21 On a holiday Herod, decked
out in his royal apparel and seated on his throne, made an oration to them. 22 The people cheered,
chanting, “It is God’s voice, and not a man’s!”
23
Immediately a messenger of Yahveh struck him down because he did not confess
God’s exclusive glory. He became eaten up by worms and expired.
24
As for the word of God—its effectiveness increased and multiplied.
25
Barnabas and also Saul, who were in Jerusalem, returned after having fulfilled their
charitable ministry. They took along with them John, who is called Mark.
13:1 There were in the church at Antioch prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon, called
Niger, Lucius the Cyrenian, Manaen who was a foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.
2
While they were engaged in ministering to Yahveh and fasting, the holy spirit said, “Appoint
for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3 Then having fasted and
prayed, they laid their hands on them and released them to go.
4
These men, therefore, having been sent out by the holy spirit, went down to Seleucia.
From there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 When they came to Salamis, they proclaimed the word of
God in the Jewish synagogues. And John Mark was their factotum.
6
When they had passed through the whole island as far as Paphos, they found an
occultist, a false prophet of Jewish extraction, whose name was Barjesus. 7 He had ensconced
himself with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intellectual. Sergius Paulus invited Barnabas and
Saul to his place, ardently desiring to hear the word of God.
Acts 13:8-33 206

8
Elymas, the ‘occultist’—that is the meaning of this name—opposed them. He was
seeking to mislead the proconsul away from the faith. 9 But Saul, alias Paul, full of holy spirit,
directed his gaze toward him 10 and said, “You are full of fraud and total treachery, you diabolical
person, you enemy of all that is right. Do you never cease perverting the straight ways of
Yahveh? 11 So now—look! Yahveh’s hand is on you; you will become blind, not seeing the sun
for awhile.”
At once a fog and darkness fell on him. Groping around, he was seeking guides to lead
him by the hand. 12 Then having observed what happened, the proconsul believed. He was
astonished at the teaching about Yahveh.
13
Having sailed from Paphos, Paul’s party came to Perga of Pamphylia. John deserted
them there and returned to Jerusalem. 14 They passed on from Perga and arrived at Pisidian
Antioch. They entered the synagogue on the sabbath day and took their seats. 15 After the reading
of the law and the prophets, the leaders of the synagogue said to them: “Gentlemen, brothers, if
any of you has a message of exhortation for the people, speak your piece.”
16
Paul got up, gestured with his hand, and said,
Gentleman, Israelis, and God-fearing men, listen to this: 17 The God of this people,
Israel, chose our fathers and he aggrandized them during their stay in the land of Egypt.
With an arm stretched high in victory he brought them out of Egypt. 18 For about 40
years he put up with them in the desert. 19 After he had struck down seven nations in the
land of Canaan, he gave them their land as an inheritance 20 for about four and one-half
centuries. Afterward, he provided deliverers until the prophet Samuel. 21 From then on
they asked for a king. God gave them Saul, son of Kish, a man from the tribe of
Benjamin, who was in place for 40 years. 22 God set him aside and elevated David as
their king. Of David he said in a testimonial, I have found David, the son of Jesse, to be
a man who conforms to the contours of my heart—one who will implement all my
decisions. 23 From David’s promised offspring God brought Jesus as savior to Israel.
24
Before Jesus entered the picture, John from the outset of his ministry proclaimed to all
the people of Israel a baptism demonstrating repentance. 25 As John neared the
termination of his course, he would ask: Who do you think I am? I am not the principal
one. But—see this—one is coming after me, and I am not worthy to remove a sandal
from his feet.
26
Gentlemen, brothers, sons of the family of Abraham, and God-fearers among you, the
message of this salvation was sent to us. 27 As for the inhabitants of Jerusalem and their
leaders, they ignored him and the proclamations of the prophets read sabbath by
sabbath. They condemned him and in this way fulfilled the prophecies. 28 Although they
found no grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to execute him. 29 When they
finished doing everything that had been written concerning him, he was lowered from
the cross and placed in a tomb. 30 But God raised him from the dead. 31 He appeared over
a span of many days to those who went up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They
are his representatives to the people.
32
We preach good news to you—the promise given to our ancestors. 33 God has fulfilled
this promise for us, their children, by resurrecting Jesus as also recorded in the
Acts 13:34-50 207

second Psalm:
You are my son;
I have become your father today.
34
Because he raised him from the dead, it would not be possible for him to disintegrate
into dust, just as he said:
I shall transfer to you the holy and faithful features that pertained to David.
35
“Therefore, he says also in another text:
You will not allow your holy one to experience disintegration.
36
For David on the one hand, having served his own generation in accordance with
God’s purpose, fell asleep and was tucked away with his ancestors; he did experience
decomposition. 37 On the other hand, God raised Jesus up without his disintegration.
38
Consequently, let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through Jesus
forgiveness of sins is announced to you—a forgiveness covering all the things from
which, under the law of Moses, there was no clearance from guilt for you. 39 In him
everyone who believes is made righteous.
40
Watch out, therefore lest what was said in the prophets would apply to you:
41
Peer at this, you cynics!
Experience consternation, and be reduced to nothing,
because I shall do a special work in your time,
an accomplishment you certainly would not believe,
even if someone thoroughly explained it to you.
42
As the people were leaving, they were urging the speakers to discuss with them these
issues on the next sabbath. 43 After the synagogue meeting broke up, many of the Jews and
devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them, urging them to continue in
God’s grace.
44
When the sabbath arrived, almost all of the city was assembled to listen to the word of
45
the Lord. Upon seeing the crowds, the Jews were filled with jealousy. They began
contradicting the statements of Paul, while hurling insults at him. 46 Intrepidly, Paul and
Barnabas said: “It was necessary to speak the word of God first to you. Because you disdain it
and do not deem yourselves to be worthy of eternal life, note this, we are turning to the nations.
47
For in such a manner the Lord has commanded us:
I have placed you as a light for the nations,
that you might be useful for salvation as far as the extremity of the earth.
48
When the goyim heard this, they kept rejoicing and honoring the word of God. As
many as had positioned themselves for eternal life believed. 49 The Lord’s message was being
carried all over the region.
50
But the Jews incited the prominent God-fearing gentile women and the influential
citizens of the city. They instigated the persecution of Paul and Barnabas and thrust them out of
their territorial district.
Acts 13:51-14:22 208

51
The two men tapped the dust off their feet against them and went on to Iconium.
52
Even so, the disciples kept being filled with joy and holy spirit.
14:1 The sequel was the same in Iconium when they entered the Jewish synagogue and
spoke. The upshot was that Jews and a very large group of Greeks believed. 2 But the
unpersuaded Jews reacted, ruthlessly distorting the minds of the goyim against the brothers. 3 Yet
for quite some time Paul and Barnabas stayed there speaking out boldly about the Lord, who
corroborated his gracious message by providing through their hands evidential signs and
wonders.
4
The population of the city was split. One group was with the Jews and the other with
the apostles. 5 An attempt by the goyim along with the Jews and their leaders to humiliate and
stone the visitors was in the works. 6 On becoming aware of it, they escaped to the cities of
Lycaonia—Lystra and Derbe, and the surrounding territories. 7 They kept on preaching the good
news there.
8
In Lystra there lived a sedentary man, incapacitated in his feet. He had been like this
from birth and never walked. 9 He listened to Paul speaking. Paul made eye contact with him and
perceived he had faith to be restored. 10 He exclaimed in a loud voice, “Stand up straight on your
feet!”
He leaped up and walked around.
11
When the crowd saw what Paul did, they chanted in the Lycaonian language, “The
gods having taken on human likenesses have come down to us.” 12 They dubbed Barnabas Zeus
and Paul Hermes, because Paul was the dominant speaker.
13
The priest of Zeus, whose shrine was located at the entrance of the city, brought oxen
and garlands to the gateway. Accompanied by crowds, he came with the intention of making a
sacrifice.
14
The missionaries, Barnabas and Paul, upon hearing this, ripped up their clothes and
rushed out into the crowd shouting:
15
Men, why are you doing these things? We are dependent human beings just like you,
preaching that you should turn away from such empty things as these and turn to the
living God. He created heaven, earth, the sea, and all that is in them. 16 In past
generations he allowed all nations to do their own thing. 17 Still he did not leave himself
without evidence of his presence. He did good for you, providing rain from heaven and
fruitful seasons, fulfilling your desires for food and natural joys.
18
Having said all that, they scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them.
19
Jews arrived on the scene from (Pisidian) Antioch and Iconium and won over the
mobs. After stoning Paul, they dragged him outside the city, assuming he was dead. 20 When the
disciples encircled him, he got up and went into the city. On the next day he departed with
Barnabas for Derbe.
21
After they had evangelized in Derbe and had made many disciples, they returned to
Lystra, Iconium, and (Pisidian) Antioch. 22 They strengthened the spiritual life of the disciples,
encouraging them to remain committed to the faith, and assured them that one necessarily goes
through many troubles in entering the kingdom of God.
Acts 14:23-15:16 209

23
In a setting of prayer with fasting, they appointed elders—church by church. These
they presented to the Lord in whom they had trusted.
24
When they had passed through Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 After having
spoken the message in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26 From there they sailed for Antioch,
where originally they had been dedicated to God’s grace for the work they now had completed.
27
Upon their arrival at Antioch, they met with the church and reported all God did
through them, especially how he opened a doorway of faith for the nations. 28 They spent not a
little time there with the disciples.
15:1 Some Jews were coming down to Antioch and teaching the brothers their position:
“Unless you undergo circumcision as prescribed by Moses, you cannot be saved.”
2
Because there was not a little opposition and contention with them by Paul and
Barnabas, the church arranged for Paul, Barnabas, and certain others from them to go up to meet
with the apostles and elders in Jerusalem to deal with this controversy.
3
Then those delegated by the church traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, narrating
the conversion of the nations, causing great joy among all the brothers. 4 Upon their arrival in
Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders. They reported the
many ways God had used them. 5 But some from the sect of the Pharisees who had become
believers stood up and spoke out: “It is necessary to circumcise the goyim and command them to
keep the law of Moses.”
6
The apostles and elders assembled to investigate this issue. 7 After much disputing had
taken place, Rock took the floor and said to them:
Gentlemen, brothers, you are acquainted with the fact that in days long ago God
decided among you that through my mouth the nations would hear the message of the
gospel and believe. 8 God, who knows the hearts of people, certified them by giving
them the holy spirit just as he did to us. 9 Having made their hearts pure by faith, he
made no distinction between us and them.
10
Now, therefore, why would you put God to the test by putting a yoke upon the neck of
the disciples that neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11 On the contrary,
through the grace of our Lord Jesus we believe and as a result are saved; their salvation
is accomplished in the same way.”
12
After the whole group became silent again, they listened to Barnabas and Paul narrate
the miraculous signs and wonders God did through them among the nations.
13
Then after their voices became silent, James responded:
Gentlemen, brothers, listen to what I have to say. 14 Simeon explained how God first
visited the nations so as to acquire people from them for his name. 15 The messages of
the prophets harmonize with this, just as it has been recorded:
16
After these things I will return,
And I will build up again the fallen dynasty of David,
Acts 15:17-38 210

And I will build up again its ruins,


And I will restore it,
17
So that the remainder of the human race might seek Yahveh,
Even all the nations, under the auspices of my name,
Says Yahveh, the one doing these things 18 known from antiquity.
19
Therefore, I go on record in saying that no additional difficulties should be put in the
way of those from the nations who are turning to God. 20 But they should be sent
instructions to have nothing to do with the pollutions of idols, sexual immorality, meats
of strangled animals, and blood. 21 For generations going way back, Moses has had
those in city after city who are proclaiming him in the synagogues regularly on the
sabbath, as his writings are read.
22
Then it seemed to the apostles, elders, and all the church that the right procedure was
to send men chosen among them to go to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas. These were: Judas
called Barsabbas and Silas, men who were leaders among the brothers. 23 By their hands a letter
was composed as follows:
From: the apostles, elders, brothers
To: the brothers among the nations in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia
Greetings!
24
Because we heard that certain ones from among us upset you with words
disturbing your souls—statements not authorized by us—25 it seemed right for
us, having become unanimous on this matter, to send to you selected men with
our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have put their lives on the line for
the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore, we have sent Judas
and Silas with them that they might orally pronounce the same things.
28
For it was considered proper to the holy spirit and by us not to weigh you
down with any obligation except the essentials: 29 to have nothing to do with
idolatry, blood, animals killed by strangulation, and sexual immorality. If you
restrain yourselves from these practices, you will do well.
Be strong!
30
When these men were released, they went down to Antioch, gathered the community,
and shared the letter. 31 Once they read it, the encouragement it afforded caused the recipients to
rejoice. 32 Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, through their message about many
topics encouraged the brothers and strengthened them. 33 After some time had elapsed, they were
released with the brothers’ blessing of peace to return to those who had sent them.
35
Paul and Barnabas remained in Antioch, teaching and preaching along with many
others, the message of the Lord. 36 After some while, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us return now
and visit the brothers in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord to see how they
are doing.” 37 Barnabas was wanting to take along John called Mark. 38 Paul thought he was
Acts 15:39-16:18 211

unreliable because of his deserting them at Pamphylia, and that he should not accompany them
because he could not be counted on for the work. 39 They disagreed on this to such an extent they
split up the itinerary. Barnabas took Mark to sail for Cyprus, 40 but Paul chose Silas and departed,
having been committed to the grace of the Lord by the brothers. He took the route through Syria
and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.
16:1 Paul arrived at Derbe, and then it was on to Lystra. Note this: A disciple was there
named Timothy. He was the son of a Jewish woman of faith and of a Greek father. 2 He had a
good reputation among the brothers in Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted Timothy to accompany
him and took him along. Because of the Jews in those places, he circumcised him, for they all
knew that his father was a Greek.
4
As they made their itinerary through the cities, they transmitted to them the obligation
to keep the decrees decided by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem. 5 In this way the churches
were strengthened in the faith. They were increasing in size on a daily basis.
6
They then passed through Phrygia and the Galatian territory, having been prevented
by the holy spirit from speaking the message in the Roman province of Asia. 7 When they came
to Mysia, they were attempting to proceed into Bithynia, but Jesus’ spirit would not allow them
to do that.
8
After passing by Mysia, they went down to Troas. 9 During the night Paul had a vision.
He saw a Macedonian man standing there and urging him, “Come over to Macedonia; help us!”
10
After his vision, we at once were seeking to depart for Macedonia, inferring that God had
called us to evangelize them.
11
We sailed out from Troas, making a beeline for Samothrace, and on the following day
reached Neapolis.
12
From there we traveled on to the city of Philippi, a city that is a Roman colony in the
first district of Macedonia. We remained in that city for some days.
13
On the sabbath we went outside the gate beside the river, where we supposed the
place of prayer was located. 14 Having sat down, we were speaking to the women coming there.
One of those listening was named Lydia, who sold purple cloth for a living. She was from the
city of Thyatira and was devoted to God. The Lord opened her heart to be impressed by the
things spoken by Paul.
15
When she and her household had been baptized, she made an offer: “If you consider
me to be faithful to the Lord, enter my home and stay there.” She insisted on this for us.
16
While we were going to the place of prayer, a slave girl who had “a python’s spirit”
(for divination) met us. She was providing much profit to her handlers by her oracles. 17 She
would track the trail of Paul and kept on shrieking concerning us: “These men are slaves of the
highest God. They are announcing to us a way of salvation.” 18 For many days she carried on this
way.
Finally, Paul became fed up with this. He turned around and said to the spirit: “I
command you in the name of Jesus Christ to leave her.”
It left her at that time.
Acts 16:19-17:3 212

19
When her handlers realized that their prospect for making money had been eliminated,
they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them to the city market place to stand before the powers
that be. 20 When they brought them before the officials, they said, “These Jewish men are
agitating our city, 21 proclaiming ways that are neither lawful for us to go along with nor to
practice because we are Romans.”
22
The mob also fell in with them against the missionaries. So the officials, having
stripped off the men’s clothes, commanded that they be beaten (with rods). 23 After many blows
had been laid upon them, they threw them into prison, ordering the warden to put them under
heavy security. 24 He, in turn, having received such an order, threw them into the central dungeon
and secured their feet in wood.
25
When the middle of the night arrived, Paul and Silas, while praying, were singing
hymns to God as the prisoners listened in.
26
Suddenly a great earthquake shook the foundations of the prison. At once all the doors
jarred open and all the shackles fell free. 27 The warden awoke. When he saw that the doors of the
prison had been opened, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself, surmising the prisoners
had fled.
28
Paul blurted out in a loud voice, “Do not do anything drastic to yourself for we are all
here.”
29
The warden called for a light, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas.
30
After he led them outside, he said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—both you and your
household as well.” 32 They spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all those in his
household. 33 The warden took them at that hour of the night to a suitable place and washed their
wounds. He and all those with him were baptized on the spot.
34
He brought them back home and set a table before them. Because they had believed in
God, all his household was joyful.
35
When it became day, the officials sent the lictors (who had beaten them), saying to
them, “Release these men.” 36 The warden passed the message on to Paul that the officials had
sent word they were to be released so that departing, they would now go in peace.
37
But Paul said to them, “Having skinned our backs publicly without a trial, although
we are Roman citizens, they threw us into prison, and now are they releasing us secretly? No
way! But instead they must come and escort us out.”
38
The lictors related the message to the officials, who became intimidated when they
heard they were Roman citizens. 39 So they came and apologized to them. As they led the way
out they were asking them to leave the city. 40 On the way from the prison they entered Lydia’s
home. Then after having seen them, they encouraged the brothers and left.
17:1 They took the road through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where
there was a Jewish synagogue. 2 As Paul customarily did, he entered in with them. For three
sabbaths he dialogued with them based on Scripture, 3 opening up the meaning and proving with
Acts 17:4-25 213

texts that the messiah had to suffer and to rise from the dead. He asserted: “The messiah is Jesus
whom I proclaim to you.”
4
Some of them were persuaded and joined a group around Paul and Silas. These
consisted of a large number of God-fearing Greeks, and not a few prominent women.
5
When the Jews became jealous, they rounded up from the market square some
good-for-nothing men, fomenting a mob that began to riot in the city. They surged to Jason’s
house, seeking Paul and Silas, to bring them into the throng. 6 Not finding them, they dragged
Jason and some brothers before the city councilmen, shouting, “Those who drove the world
crazy are now present here. 7 They have been put up as guests by Jason. All oppose practicing the
dictates of Caesar. They say there is another king—Jesus.”
8
Hearing all this agitated the crowd and the city officials. 9 They made Jason and the
rest of the brothers post bond, and they released them.
10
But immediately during the night, the brothers sent away Paul and Silas to Berea, who
upon arrival went to the Jewish synagogue. 11 These people were more conscientious than those
in Thessalonica. They received the message with unrestrained eagerness, daily and critically
examining the biblical texts to determine the authenticity of what they heard. 12 Many of them,
consequently, believed, both among the Greek educated women and not a few men.
13
When the Thessalonian Jews found out that Paul proclaimed the word of God also in
Berea, they made their way there and unsettled and incited the populace.
14
The brothers then at once sent Paul on to go as far as the sea, while Silas and Timothy
remained there. 15 Those escorting Paul brought him to Athens. As they were leaving, they
received Paul’s directive for Silas and Timothy that as soon as possible they should come to him.
16
During the time Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was aroused in him as
he viewed a city dense with idols. 17 Therefore, he would reason with those in the Jewish
synagogue, with the God-fearers, and daily with those he came across in the marketplace.
18
Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers encountered him. “What would this junk
scavenger have to say?” some of them were questioning. Also some surmised he was a
spokesman for foreign deities because he preached Jesus and his resurrection.
19
Having pounced upon him, they escorted him to the Areopagus, saying, “Can we
know what this new doctrine is you are propounding? 20 For you surprised us with things you
brought to our attention. We, therefore, are curious to know what all these things mean.” 21 All
the Athenians and transplants devoted their leisure to nothing other than speaking or hearing the
latest ideology making the rounds.
22
Paul, having taken his stand in the center of the Areopagus, said:
Gentlemen, Athenians, I notice that in every respect you are religiously sensitive. 23 For
as I was passing through, observing your objects of devotion, I found also an altar with
this inscription: FOR THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, that one you offer devotion to,
although you do not know him, is the one I am declaring to you. 24 God, the sovereign of
heaven and earth, who made the universe and everything in it, does not dwell in
hand-crafted temples. 25 Neither can human hands help him out,
Acts 17:26-18:13 214

as if he were deficient in anything. He, himself, is the one who gives to everyone life,
breath, and everything. 26 He made from one person every ethnic component of
humanity to live all over the surface of the earth. He determined the fixed seasons and
the boundaries of their places to live, to set the world up 27 for seeking God—if indeed
one might feel him and find him—even though his being is not far from each one of us.
28
“For in him we live, move, and exist” as also some of your poets have said, “For we
are his family.”
29
Therefore, existing as God’s family, we ought not to suppose the divine to be like
objects made of gold or silver or stone, configured by human art and design. 30 On the
one hand, those epochs of ignorance God overlooked (for judgment). Now he
commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because he has established a day in which
he is going to judge the world by a righteous standard, by the man whom he appointed.
He furnished everyone with trustworthy evidence for this coming event by raising him
from the dead.
32
When they heard about resurrection from the dead, some sneered, and some said, “We
will hear what you have to say on this again.” 33 On that note Paul left their circle. But some men,
clinging to him, believed, among whom are Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, a woman
named Damaris, and several others.
18:1 Afterward, having departed from Athens, Paul came to Corinth. 2 He found a Jew there
named Aquila, who originated in Pontus, having recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla,
because Claudius had ordered the expulsion of all Jews from Rome. Paul came to them, 3 and
because they had the same trade as tentmakers, he remained with them and worked with them.
4
Paul used rational arguments in the synagogue regularly on the sabbath, persuading
Jews and Greeks.
5
When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was urging acceptance of
the message, declaring solemnly to the Jewish people that Jesus is their messiah. 6 Because of
their resistance and slander, Paul shook out his garments in a demonstration against them and
said to them, “The responsibility for spilling your blood is your own. I am innocent in this
regard. From now on I am going to the goyim.”
7
Paul transferred out of there and entered the home of a man named Titius Justus, a
God-fearer, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8 Crispus, the chief elder of the
synagogue, believed in the Lord, along with all his household. Many of the Corinthians, when
they heard, believed and were baptized.
9
In the night the Lord said to Paul through a vision, “Stop being afraid, but speak out
and do not be silent, 10 because I am with you. No one will attack you to harm you, because a
large group of people are to be mine in this city.” 11 He stayed for eighteen months teaching them
the word of God.
12
While Gallio was the proconsul of Achaia, the Jews unitedly ganged up against Paul
and brought him into court, 13 claiming, “This individual seduces men to devote themselves to
God apart from the law.”
Acts 18:14-19:9 215

14
When Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If this were some
crime or sinister fraud, Jews, I would tolerate your allegation. 15 But if there are controversial
issues concerning a message, names, and your law, you yourselves will have to see to them. I do
not desire to be a judge of such matters. 16 He forcibly showed them out the door of the court.
17
All the spectators, grabbing Sosthenes, the [new] chief elder of the synagogue, beat
him up right in front of the courthouse. Gallio made this none of his concerns.
18
Paul remained yet for some while with the brothers. Then having said farewell, he
sailed for Syria. Priscilla and Aquila were with him. He shaved his head at Cenchreae because he
had made a (Nazarite) vow. 19 They arrived at Ephesus, where he left them. Paul entered the
synagogue and began discussions with the Jews. 20 After a considerable time, when they asked
him to remain, he did not nod his consent. 21 But as he spoke his goodbyes, he said, “I will return
again to you, God willing.” Then he put out to sea from Ephesus.
22
When he reached Caesarea, he went up (to Jerusalem) to greet the church, and from
there it was on to Antioch. 23 After spending some time, he went out from Antioch, traveling
successively through the Galatian territory and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.
24
There arrived at Ephesus a highly educated Jew from Alexandria named Apollos. An
expert in the Scriptures, 25 he was inculcating the way of the Lord. Being keenly enthusiastic, he
was speaking and teaching accurately the things pertaining to Jesus, although he knew only
John’s baptism. 26 He began to speak fearlessly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila
heard him, they took him into their confidence, explaining to him a more exact view of the way.
27
Because Apollos was making plans to go over to Achaia, the brothers, encouraging
him in this, wrote a letter of introduction that the disciples there might welcome him. After
arriving in Achaia, he provided much help through featuring grace to those who had believed.
28
For with vigor he kept refuting the Jews publicly, demonstrating through use of the Scriptures
that Jesus is the messiah.
19:1 While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul passed through the hinterland and came down to
Ephesus. He found some disciples there 2 and asked them, “Did you receive holy spirit when you
believed?”
They replied, “No, we did not hear anything about reception of the holy spirit.”
3
He said, “In what were you baptized?”
They responded, “John’s baptism.”
4
Paul said, “John had a baptism for the people featuring repentance, saying it was to
prepare them that they might believe in the one coming after him—Jesus.”
5
When they heard that, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 Then after
Paul placed his hands upon them, the holy spirit came upon them, and they were speaking in
tongues and prophesying. 7 In all about a dozen adult males were involved.
8
After Paul entered the synagogue, he continued to speak freely for about three months,
reasoning with them and persuading them concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But some were
Acts 19:10-29 216

becoming obstinate and would not be convinced. They denounced the way before the
community.
Having withdrawn from them and having separated the disciples with him, Paul
continued on a daily basis to speak in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two
years so that all who lived in the Roman province of Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the
message of the Lord.
11
God was doing extraordinary miracles through the hands of Paul. 12 This led to the
removal of sweat bands and artisan aprons that had touched Paul’s skin to be placed upon the
sick. They were cured of their diseases, and evil spirits were expelled.
13
But also some attempted to do the same, as did Jewish exorcists who were going
around, pronouncing the name of the Lord Jesus over those having evil spirits, saying: “I put you
under the power of the name of Jesus whom Paul proclaims.” 14 Seven sons of Skeva, a Jewish
executive priest, were involved in this. 15 But the evil spirit responded to them: “Jesus I know,
and I am acquainted with Paul, but who are you?” 16 The man infested by the evil spirit jumped
them, and being able to subdue them two at a time, got the best of them. Naked and battered,
they fled from that building.
17
News of this spread to all the Jews and Greeks who lived at Ephesus. Fear fell on
them all, and much was being made of the name of the Lord Jesus.
18
Many of those who believed came confessing and owning up to their practices. 19 An
impressive number of those involved in occult practices collected their books and burned them at
a public bonfire. They estimated the total cost of them and found it to be 50,000 pieces of silver.
20
As the power of the Lord was expressed in such a manner, his word kept growing in
influence and prevailing.
21
Subsequent to these events, Paul resolved that he should make a swing through
Macedonia and Achaia, and proceed on to Jerusalem. He said, “After I get there, I must also see
Rome.” 22 He sent ahead two of those who were serving with him, Timothy and Erastus. Paul
stayed for awhile in [the Roman province] Asia.
23
At that time not a little commotion was aroused concerning the way. 24 For a man by
the name of Demetrius, a silversmith and artisan of silver shrines of Artemis, was producing a lot
of business for the craftsmen. 25 When he had assembled the fabricators of such shrines and their
associates, he said:
Gentlemen, you understand that from this trade we get our wealth. 26 You observe and
hear that not only in Ephesus but in nearly all of Roman Asia this fellow Paul, having
been persuasive, has misled a great crowd of people by saying there are no handcrafted
gods. 27 Not only that, but he poses a danger to us that this part of the business would
come into disrepute. But also there is a danger that the sanctuary of the great goddess,
Artemis, considered worthless, is about to be demolished, as well as her magnificence,
whom all of Asia and the world revere.
28
Upon hearing that, they became enflamed with anger, screaming, “Great is Artemis of
the Ephesians.” 29 The city exploded into confusion. People rushed as by one impulse into the
Acts 19:30-20:9 217

amphitheater, having seized Gaius and Aristarchus, who were Macedonians and traveling
companions with Paul.
30
Paul was planning to go in to the people, but the disciples would not let him. 31 Also
some of the Asian officials who were his friends sent word to him, admonishing him not to give
himself up to the theater.
32
Some were yelling one thing and some another. For the assembly was in an uproar.
Most of the people did not have the faintest idea why they had come together.
33
From the crowd emerged Alexander, who had been thrust forth by the Jews.
Alexander gestured with his hand, wanting to make a defense to the people. 34 When they
recognized that he was a Jew, one chant was voiced from all of them for about two hours,
shouting, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35
After the city secretary had quieted the crowd, he said,
Gentlemen, Ephesians, who of mankind does not know that Ephesus is the
temple-guardian city of the great Artemis and the image of her that fell from heaven?
36
Therefore, while these things are incontestable, it is necessary for you to calm down
and not do anything rash. 37 For you brought these men here who are neither
temple-robbers nor blasphemers against our god.
38
If, on the one hand, Demetrius and the artisans associated with him have a case
against anyone, court days are coming up and there are proconsuls before whom they
can accuse one another. 39 If there is anything further you want, let it be decided in a
legal assembly. 40 For we are at risk of being called into question for today’s hullabaloo,
because there is no reason we can give to account for this disorderly gathering.
After he had said these things, he dismissed the assembly.
20:1 When the disturbance cleared from the air, Paul sent for the disciples and encouraged
them. He embraced them in farewell and left, headed for Macedonia. 2 Paul passed through the
Asian provincial area, encouraging them with much exhortation. Then he came to Greece (i.e.,
Achaia) 3 and was active there for three months.
A plot by the Jews was concocted against him as he was about to sail for Syria. When
this was known, he decided to return through Macedonia.
4
Those who accompanied him were Sopater, son of Pyrrhus, who was a Berean, the
Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, Gaius from Derbe, Timothy, and the Asians, Tychicus
and Trophimus. 5 These men went on ahead and were waiting for us at Troas.
6
We sailed from Philippi after the feast of flat bread, and we came to them in Troas
within five days and remained there for seven days.
7
On the first day of the week as we were gathered to break bread, Paul was instructing
them, being ready to depart on the next day. He went on and on with his message until midnight.
8
There were numerous lanterns in the balcony of the building where we had assembled. 9 A
young man named Eutychus was sitting in the windowsill. He was slumping down in deep sleep
Acts 20:10-31 218

as Paul kept expounding more. Becoming unconscious in sleep, he fell from the third story all
the way down. He was dead when they picked him up.
10
When Paul got down to where he was, he bent over him and having embraced him,
said to the others, “Do not be frantic; his life is in him!”
11
Then Paul got up, broke bread, ate for some while, conversed until morning, and then
departed.
12
They brought along the young person alive, and their encouragement was not what
one could call moderate.
13
After we went in advance to the ship, we sailed to Assos, where we expected to take
Paul on board. He had prearranged for that because he planned to go by land. 14 When he met up
with us at Assos, they took him on board, and we came to Mitylene.
15
From there we sailed away on the following day, reaching a destination across from
Chios. Another day more and we docked at Samos. On the following day we arrived at Miletus.
16
For Paul decided to sail by Ephesus so he would not be delayed in Asia. He shortened the time
to make it possible for him to be in Jerusalem for the day of Pentecost.
17
From Miletus he sent word to Ephesus, calling over the elders of the church. 18 When
they arrived, he said to them:
You are aware of my lifestyle the whole time I was with you since I set foot in Asia,
19
serving as the Lord’s slave with complete humility and tears. You are aware of the
testings that confronted me by the conspiracies of the Jews. 20 Yet I did not in the least
hesitate to declare to you what was beneficial for you, teaching you publicly and in
homes. 21 To Jews and Greeks I testified thoroughly about repentance directed toward
God, and faith placed in our Lord Jesus.
22
Now see this: Bound in my spirit, I am on my way to Jerusalem, not knowing what
circumstances will meet me there. 23 Nevertheless, the holy spirit alerts me in city after
city, telling me that fetters and troubles await me. 24 But I set no stated value on my own
life. My determination is to complete my race and the ministry that I received from the
Lord Jesus, thoroughly certifying the good news of God’s grace.
25
Now also observe this: I know that all of you among whom I came proclaiming the
kingdom will not see my face again. 26 Consequently, I attest to you on today’s date that
I am innocent of the blood of all of you. 27 For I did not hold back on disclosing all of
God’s purpose for you.
28
Be responsible for yourselves and for all the flock among whom the holy spirit placed
you as caretakers to nurture the church of God, which he acquired with the blood of his
own (son). 29 For I know that after my departure rapacious wolves will get in among
you, not going easy on the flock. 30 Furthermore, right from among you individuals will
gain prominence by speaking distortions so as to attract disciples to themselves. 31
Therefore, stand guard, remembering that for three years night and day with tears I did
not cease to warn each one of you.
Acts 20:32-21:16 219

32
So in reference to these matters I now commit you to God and to his gracious
word—to him who is able to build up and to give his inheritance to all those made holy.
33
I hankered for no one’s silver, gold, or wardrobe. 34 You, yourselves, know that these
hands of mine provided for my expenses and those also of my colleagues. 35 I
demonstrated to you that in every instance one must be hard working like this so as to
be able to help those who are weak. Remember the maxim spoken by the Lord Jesus
himself: The blessing of giving is greater than that of receiving.
36
Having said all this, he knelt down with them all and he prayed. 37 Much weeping was
taking place all around. They hugged Paul and kissed him. 38 They were especially grieved by his
word that they could never expect to see his face again. They escorted him to the ship.
21:1 We put out to sea after tearing ourselves away from them. The ship sailed a straight
course so that we arrived at Cos. Then it was on to Rhodes the next day, and from there to
Patara.
2
When we found a ship there making the crossing to Phoenicia, we boarded and sailed.
3
We sighted Cyprus and left it behind on the port side, sailing on to Syria, where we came into
port at Tyre, for the ship was unloading cargo there.
4
We looked up the disciples and remained there seven days. They kept saying to Paul
through the spirit not to travel to Jerusalem. 5 When the time was up, having started out, we
proceeded with all of them, including women and children, who escorted us until we were
outside the city. Everyone knelt on the beach, praying. 6 We then said farewell to one another and
boarded the ship, and they returned to their own homes.
7
After completing the voyage from Tyre, we arrived at Ptolemais. We greeted the
brothers and remained a day with them.
8
On the next day after we shoved off, we came to Caesarea and entered Philip’s home.
An evangelist, he was one of the seven. We stayed with him. 9 He had four unmarried daughters
who prophesied.
10
After we had stayed there quite a few days, a prophet from Judaea named Agabus
came our way. 11 Upon approaching us he took Paul’s belt, bound his own feet and hands, and
said, “This is what the holy spirit says: In this manner the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man
who owns this belt. They also will betray him into the hands of the goyim.” 12 When we heard
these predictions, both we and those in residence urged him not to go up to Jerusalem.
13
Then Paul replied, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not
only to be bound, but to die in Jerusalem in behalf of the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14
Because he could not be persuaded, we became quiescent, having said, “The Lord’s
will—let that occur!”
15
After these days of preparation, we went up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples
from Caesarea went along with us, bringing us to the home of Mnason for hospitality. He was an
early disciple from Cyprus.
Acts 21:17-37 220

17
Upon our arrival in Jerusalem, the brothers cheerfully welcomed us. 18 The next day
Paul went in with us to visit James; all the elders were present. 19 Having greeted them, he
explained in detail what God had done among the nations through his ministry.
20
When they heard this report, they glorified God, and said to him,
You are noticing, brother, how many tens of thousands of Jews there are who have
believed, and all are avid for the law. 21 They were informed concerning you that you
are teaching a departure from Moses to all the Jews who live among the nations, telling
them not to circumcise their children nor to live according to the customs. 22 What,
therefore, will eventuate? They will in all likelihood hear that you have come.
23
Therefore, do this that we say. There are four men under the constraints of a vow.
24
Take them with you, purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses that they
might shave their head. Then all will know that there is nothing to what they have been
informed about you, but you keep the regulations of the law. 25 Concerning those who
have believed among the nations, we wrote them our ruling to keep themselves from
meat offered to an idol, blood, meat killed by strangulation, and sexual immorality.
26
Then Paul took the men on the following day and began to be purified ritually with
them. He was present in the temple to announce the time of the fulfillment of the purification, at
which occasion he would present the offering for each one of them.
27
As the seven days were coming to completion, Jews from the Roman province of
Asia, on seeing him in the temple, incited all the crowd and physically restrained him. 28 They
yelled:
“Men, Israelis, help! This is the man who is teaching everyone everywhere against the
people, the law, and this place. He even brought in Greeks into the temple and contaminated this
holy place.” 29 For earlier they had seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, with Paul in the city; they
presumed that Paul had brought him into the temple.
30
The whole city, now agitated, fomented a mob. They seized Paul and proceeded to
drag him outside the temple; immediately, the temple doors were shut.
31
While they were striving to kill him, a report reached the military tribune of the cohort
that all Jerusalem was pouring into the streets. 32 He immediately took along soldiers with a
centurion and rushed down to them. At sight of the military tribune and soldiers, they ceased
slugging Paul.
33
Then the tribune came up to him, took him into custody, and ordered that he be bound
by two chains. He inquired as to who he might be, and what he had done. 34 Some in the crowd
were calling out one thing and some another. Because he was not able to ascertain the
information with certainty due to the commotion, he gave an order to bring him into the
barracks.
35
When Paul got as far as the steps, he was carried by the soldiers because of the
violence of the crowd. 36 The mob of people was following, shouting, “Get rid of him!” 37 As Paul
was about to be brought into the barracks he said to the tribune, “May I have permission to speak
to you?”
Acts 21:38-22:20 221

And he said, “Do you know the Greek language? 38 Then you are not the Egyptian who
got his start some time ago and led 4,000 dagger-men into the desert, are you?”
39
Paul said, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of a not insignificant city. I
implore you, allow me to speak to the people.”
40
With his permission Paul, as he stood on the steps, gestured with his hand to the
people. After it became mostly quiet, he addressed them in the Aramaic dialect:
22:1 “Gentlemen, brothers, and fathers, listen to my defense to you now.” 2 When they heard
that he addressed them in Aramaic, they paid attention to him with even more quietness. He
went on to say:
3
I am a Jew born in Tarsus in Cilicia, brought up in this city. With Gamaliel as my
mentor I was educated to be a reactionary, conserving the law derived from the
forefathers. I was God’s fanatic just as all of you are today. 4 I persecuted this way even
to the point of putting people to death, binding and handing over for imprisonment both
men and women. 5 The high priest also and all the council will corroborate my story.
From them I received documents addressed to the brothers in Damascus, and I was on
my way there expecting that I also would lead people back in fetters to Jerusalem that
they might be punished.
6
This is what happened to me as I was traveling and came near Damascus. Around noon
suddenly from the sky a brilliant light spotlighted me all around. 7 Having fallen to the
ground, I also heard a voice saying to me: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?”
8
I answered: “Who are you, sovereign?”
He replied, “I am Jesus, the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.” 9 Those who were
with me noticed the light, but they did not hear the one speaking to me.
10
I said: “What shall I do, sovereign?”
The Lord said to me, “Get up, go into Damascus, and there it will be communicated to
you concerning everything you are appointed to do.” 11 Because I was blinded by the
brilliance of that light, I had to be led to Damascus by the hands of my companions.
12
But Ananias, a godly man according to the law, and certified genuine by all the
Jewish residents, 13 came to me. On arrival he said to me: “Brother Saul, receive your
vision again.” At that very moment I was able to see him.
14
Ananias said: “The God of our ancestors planned for you to know his will, see his
righteous one, and listen to the voice of his mouth 15 because you will be his witness to
all humanity of what you have seen and heard. 16 So now why dillydally? Get up,
immerse yourself and wash away your sin by calling upon his name.”
17
When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I became enraptured in a
vision. 18 I saw him saying to me: “Hurry and leave Jerusalem with dispatch because
they will not accept your testimony concerning me.”
19
I said: “Lord, these people know full well that I was imprisoning and whipping
believers in you in one synagogue after another, 20 and that when the blood of your
Acts 22:21-23:6 222

representative, Stephen, was being poured out, I myself was at the scene, was pleased
by it, and took care of the clothes of the ones killing him.”
21
But he said to me: “Go—because I am sending you far away to the nations.”
22
They listened to him until this statement, and then they ranted, “Rid the earth of such
a one as this, for he is not fit to live!” 23 They kept screaming, stripping off their clothes, and
throwing dust into the air.
24
The tribune commanded them to bring Paul into the barracks, saying he should be
examined by giving him a beating to find out the reason they were sounding off in such a manner
against him. 25 But as they stretched him out for fastening the straps, Paul said to the centurion
who was standing there, “If a man is a Roman citizen—and uncondemned—is it legal for you to
whip him?”
26
When the centurion heard this, he went to the tribune with this report: “What should
we do? For this man is a Roman.”
27
So the tribune came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?”
He replied, “Yes.”
28
The tribune answered, “It cost me much money to obtain this citizenship.”
But Paul replied, “I was so born.”
29
Immediately, therefore, those who were about to examine him with a whip backed off
from him, and the tribune became afraid, being aware that Paul was a Roman and that he had
been bound.
30
On the next day because he wanted to know for certain the reason Paul was accused
by the Jews, the tribune loosed him; and he ordered all the executive priests and all the sanhedrin
to come together. After having brought down Paul, he had him stand before them.
23:1 Paul gestured with his hand to the sanhedrin, and said:
“Gentlemen, brothers, I have lived my life as a citizen with a perfectly clear conscience
before God up to this day.”
2
But the high priest, Ananias, ordered those standing beside him to slap him on the
mouth. 3 Then Paul said to him, “God is about to strike you, whitewashed wall (of a tomb) that
you are! Are you sitting in judgment of me according to the law, but in violation of the law you
order me to be hit?”
4
Those standing beside him said, “Do you censure God’s high priest?”
5
Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he is a high priest. For it has been written:
‘Do not say evil things of the leader of your people’.”
6
Because Paul knew that one contingent was composed of Sadducees and the other of
Pharisees, he exclaimed in the sanhedrin, “Gentlemen, brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a
Pharisee. I am on trial concerning hope, and the resurrection of the dead.”
Acts 23:7-27 223

7
By his having said this, antagonism flared up between the Pharisees and Sadducees;
the group was split. 8 For the Sadducees deny a future resurrection, the existence of an angel, or
even a spirit; but the Pharisees hold creedally to all these.
9
So there was a great commotion, and some of the scholars of the Pharisaic party stood
up and were taking up the fight, saying, “We have found nothing evil in this man. So what if a
spirit spoke to him, or an angel!”
10
Because much conflict had been generated, the tribune became apprehensive that Paul
would be torn in two by them. He ordered his squad of soldiers to go down and seize him out of
their encirclement and to bring him into the barracks.
11
The following night the Lord stood by Paul and said, “Keep your chin up, for as you
represented my interests in Jerusalem, in the same manner it is necessary for you to testify in
Rome.”
12
After it became day the Jews hatched a conspiracy involving a vow by which they
invoked a curse on themselves if they permitted themselves to eat or drink before they
assassinated Paul. 13 There were more than 40 conspirators. 14 They came to the executive priests
and elders and said, “By an anathema we placed ourselves under oath to taste nothing until such
time as we execute Paul. 15 Now, therefore, you along with the sanhedrin notify the tribune that
you want him to bring Paul down to you, as you are about to determine more accurately the
matters pertaining to him. But before he gets near, we will lie in ambush to kill him in transit.”
16
The son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush, and came over and entered the
barracks to report it to Paul. 17 Then Paul called in one of the centurions and said, “Bring this
young man to the tribune, for he has something to report to him.”
18
Thus he took him to the tribune and said, “The prisoner Paul called me and requested
I bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 The tribune took his hand and
went back into his private quarters and inquired, “What is this you have to report to me?”
20
He said, “The Jews put a plan together to ask you to bring down Paul tomorrow to the
sanhedrin as if they intended to investigate more accurately something in reference to him. 21
You should not be persuaded by them. For more than 40 men will be waiting to ambush him.
They bound themselves by an oath of anathema neither to eat nor drink until such time as they
have murdered him. Even now they are ready to receive your promise.”
22
Then the tribune released the young man, after he was ordered to tell no one he had
reported these things to him.
23
After calling two of the centurions, the tribune said, “Make 200 soldiers ready so they
might proceed to Caesarea and also 70 horsemen in addition to the 200 spearmen. Departure is at
9 p.m. 24 Provide a horse as Paul’s mount so as to bring him through safely to Felix the governor.
25
He wrote a letter worded this way:
26
Claudius Lysias to his excellency, Procurator Felix, greetings!
27
I rescued this man when I learned he is a Roman. He had been seized by the
Jews and was about to be killed by them when I arrived on the scene with the
Acts 23:28-24:21 224

military. 28 Wanting to know the cause for which they had it in for him, I
brought him down to their sanhedrin. 29 I found their accusations concerned
issues of their law, but there was no accusation worthy of the death penalty or
placing him in fetters. 30 A conspiracy against the man was reported to me as
being in the works, so at once I sent him to you, having promised his accusers
a chance to speak against him in your presence.
31
Consequently, the soldiers, as they had been commanded, picked up Paul and brought
him through the night to Antipatris. 32 On the next day they allowed the horsemen who had come
out with him to return to their barracks. 33 The military party entered Caesarea and turned over
the letter to the governor and presented Paul to him.
34
After he read it, he questioned him as to what province he was from and learned that it
was Cilicia. 35 “I will listen to what you have to say,” he said, “when your accusers get here.” He
gave an order that he be kept in custody in Herod’s praetorium.
24:1 Five days later the high priest, Ananias, traveled with some of the elders and an
attorney, Tertullus, to fill the procurator in on their case against Paul. 2 After Paul was called in,
Tertullus began to accuse him:
Much peace has come about during your administration and reforms have come to this
nation because of your oversight. 3 In every way and in every place we accept you
favorably with profuse thanksgiving, esteemed Felix. 4 So as not to take up any more of
your time, I urge you to listen to our brief presentation, made with your indulgence. 5
For we have found this man to be vermin. He incites factions among all the Jews all
over the Roman empire. He is the ringleader for the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He also
tried to desecrate the temple, so we arrested him. 8 You yourself are able to examine him
concerning all these things to get the facts on the basis of which we condemn him.”
9
Then the Jews reinforced the attack, insisting that these things were just as he said.
10
After the procurator made a go-ahead gesture to him, Paul made his response:
Because for many years you have been a judge familiar with this nation, I cheerfully
defend my actions. 11 You can know that it was not more than twelve days ago I went up
to Jerusalem to worship. 12 They neither found me in the temple disputing with anyone,
nor putting pressure on the crowd—neither in the synagogues nor throughout the city.
13
Neither are they able to substantiate to you the charges concerning which they now
accuse me. 14 Yet I confess this to you: According to the way, which they denominate a
sect, I serve our ancestral God, believing in all that has been written in the law and the
prophets. 15 I have a hope in God they themselves also await—a future resurrection of
the righteous and the unrighteous.
16
Therefore, in this hope I, myself, take pains to maintain a blameless conscience before
God and man in every situation. 17 Making charitable gifts to my nation, I came here
after many years with offerings. 18 In the situation in which they found me in the temple
purified, there was neither a crowd around me nor a commotion. 19 Those who found me
were some Jews from the Roman province of Asia, who should appear before you and
make their accusations if they have anything against me. 20 Or cause those who put me
Acts 24:22-25:12 225

on trial before the sanhedrin to say, themselves, what they found of criminal behavior.
21
Or let them speak about this one outcry that I made while standing among them, “I am
on trial today before you concerning the resurrection of the dead!”
22
Felix put them off in making any judgment, because certainly he understood well the
factors pertinent to the way. He said, “When Lysias the tribune comes down, I will examine the
charges you made against Paul.” 23 He ordered the centurion to keep him in minimum security
and to deny him nothing his own people would supply for him.
24
After some days Felix made a public appearance with Drusilla, his wife who was a
Jewess. Felix sent for Paul and heard him speak concerning faith in Christ Jesus. 25 While Paul
was expatiating concerning righteousness, self-control, and the future judgment, Felix, having
become shaky with fear, responded, “For the time being—go, and when I get time, I will recall
you.”
26
At the same time he was hoping Paul would give him bribes. So frequently he would
send for him and converse with him.
27
After two years elapsed Felix received his successor, Porcius Festus. Desiring to
pocket bribes from the Jews, Felix left Paul behind as a prisoner.
25:1 Then three days after Festus assumed his imperial office in the province he went up to
Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2 The executive priests and leaders of the Jews made accusations to
him against Paul. They also kept urging him, 3 asking as a favor that he would transfer Paul over
to Jerusalem. They were scheming to ambush Paul and murder him along the way. 4
Consequently, Festus replied that he would keep Paul in Caesarea, for which he was about to
depart soon. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “those among you who have it in for the man can come down
and accuse him of any impropriety.”
6
He stayed among them not more than eight or ten more days and then went down to
Caesarea. On the next day as he was seated on his judicial bench he gave an order for Paul to be
brought in. 7 When Paul arrived, the delegation of Jews that had come down from Jerusalem
encircled him. The Jews castigated him with many serious accusations they were unable to
substantiate.
8
Paul defended himself: “I did not violate in any way the Jewish law, the temple, or
Caesar.”
9
But Festus, who wanted to gain favor with the Jews, responded to Paul, “Do you want
to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me relative to these issues?”
10
Paul replied, “I remain standing in Caesar’s court where it is imperative for me to be
judged. I have done nothing wrong against the Jews, as you also know very well. 11 Therefore, if
I have perpetrated something illegal that is worthy of death, I do not beg off from the death
sentence. But if there is nothing to those accusations by which they are accusing me, no one can
give me over as a favor to them. I appeal to Caesar.”
12
Then Festus, having conferred with his legal counselor, replied, “You appealed to
Caesar; to Caesar you will go.”
Acts 25:13-26:5 226

13
After some while elapsed, King Agrippa and Bernice came down to Caesarea to make
a courtesy call on Festus. 14 Because they remained there for quite some while, Festus lay before
the king the case against Paul in these words:
There is a man left here in prison by Felix. 15 When I was in Jerusalem, the executive
priests and elders of the Jews made an accusation against him, asking for a conviction
against him. 16 To them I answered that it is not the procedure for Romans to give over
any man before the one being accused has had an opportunity to meet his accusers face
to face to take the stand in defense of himself against their accusation.
17
Therefore, when the Jews came together here, without delay on the next day, having
sat at my judicial bench, I ordered the man to be brought. 18 As his accusers stood
around him, they presented no accusation I considered to be incriminating. 19 But there
were some controversies about their own superstitions in which they were at variance
with him, and concerning a certain one, Jesus, who had died and whom Paul insisted
was alive.
20
Because I was in doubt as to how these investigations were proceeding, I inquired if
he would be willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged on these issues. 21 But when
Paul appealed to be placed under the emperor’s jurisdiction, I ordered that he be held
until such time as I send him up to Caesar.
22
Agrippa responded to Festus, “I would like to listen to the man myself.”
“Tomorrow,” he said, “you will hear him.”
23
On the next day Agrippa and Bernice came with much ostentation and entered into the
auditorium with the tribunes and the outstanding men of the city. By Festus’ order Paul was
brought in. 24 Festus said:
King Agrippa and all the gentlemen present with us, you are viewing this one
concerning whom all the populace of the Jews importuned me, both in Jerusalem and
here, clamoring that he no longer should live. 25 I have not obtained anything concrete
he committed meriting the death penalty. But when he made an appeal to the emperor, I
decided to send him. 26 Yet I do not have anything certain about him to write to the
sovereign; therefore, I brought him before you all—and especially before you, King
Agrippa—so that on the basis of this investigative hearing I might specify an accusation
27
in writing. For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner and not to indicate
the allegation against him.
26:1 Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak concerning yourself.”
Then Paul, having gestured with his hand, began his defense:
2
In view of all the things of which I have been accused by the Jews, King Agrippa, I
consider myself blessed to make my defense today before you. 3 This is especially so
because you are acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies also;
consequently, I beg you to listen patiently to me now.
4
All the Jews have known my lifestyle from the time I was a young man; my life is
known from the beginning as lived among my nation and in Jerusalem. 5 They knew me
Acts 26:6-24 227

previously if they would testify to it, that according to the strictest sect of our religion I
lived as a Pharisee. 6 But now I stand condemned for the hope that was promised by
God to our ancestors. 7 Oriented to this hope, our twelve tribes serve God earnestly
night and day, King Agrippa, awaiting the fulfillment of this hope—I mean the same
hope for which I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should the possibility be assumed
unbelievable by you that God raises the dead?
9
I myself then thought it mandatory to do many things in opposition to the name of
Jesus of Nazareth—10 deeds which I did in Jerusalem. Many of the holy ones I
incarcerated, receiving from the executive priests authority as per my request to do this;
and I participated in the decision to kill them. 11 Systematically, in all the synagogues I
terrorized them often. I put extreme pressure on them to blaspheme. Furiously enraged
with them, I pursued them also to the cities beyond the borders.
12
On the way to one of those outlying cities, Damascus, I was traveling with authority
and a commission from the executive priests. 13 At high noon as I was on the road, King
Agrippa, I saw a light from heaven brighter than the sun that spotlighted me and my
traveling companions. 14 All of us fell down to the ground. I heard a voice saying to me
in the Hebrew dialect: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard on you to kick
back against the ox goads.”
15
But I said, “Who are you, sovereign?”
The Lord replied, “I am Jesus you are persecuting. 16 But get up and stand on your feet.
For I appeared to you for this reason: to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what
you saw, and what I shall reveal to you. 17 I have selected you out of the people and the
nations to whom I am sending you. 18 You are to open their eyes, to turn them around
from darkness to light, and from being under Satan’s authority to being under God, that
they might receive the forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who are
made holy by faith in me.”
19
Consequently, King Agrippa, I did not become disobedient to the celestial vision.
20
But to those in Damascus first, and also to those in Jerusalem, and in all the lands of
the Jews and the nations, I kept proclaiming repentance and the need to turn around to
face God, and to substantiate repentance with the proper actions.
21
On account of these things the Jews seized me in the temple and were attempting to
brutalize me fatally. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God until this day, I have
stood as a representative before unimportant and important people. I am saying nothing
but what the prophets already said was going to happen, as well as Moses. 23 Those
events were contingent on the suffering of the messiah, and of primary importance—his
being raised from the dead, as a light destined to be proclaimed to the (Jewish) people
and to the nations.”
24
After Paul presented his defense, Festus declared vociferously:
“You are out of your mind, Paul. Too much study of documents has turned you into a
crazy man!”
Acts 26:25-27:13 228

25
Paul replied, “I have not lost touch with reality, esteemed Festus, but I declare
sentences of truth and sagacity. 26 For the king to whom I speak so boldly understands the
situation. I am persuaded that none of these phenomena has escaped his notice. For this faith has
not been implemented in a back room. 27 Do you believe in the prophets, King Agrippa? I know
you do.”
28
But Agrippa said to Paul, “To a small degree, you persuade me to become a
Christian.”
29
Paul replied, “I wish to God that both by a little and by a whole lot I could persuade
not only you but also all who hear me today to become such as I am, except for these shackles.”
30
They all stood up: the king, the governor, Bernice, and their retinue. 31 Having
withdrawn to another room, they were saying to one another, “This man has done nothing
deserving death or imprisonment.”
32
Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could be set free, except that he appealed to
Caesar.”
27:1 As it was decided we would sail to Italy, they handed over Paul and some other
prisoners to a centurion named Julius of the imperial cohort. 2 We boarded a ship from
Adramyttium, about to sail to ports along the (provincial) Asian coast, and we put out to sea.
Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.
3
A day later we put into port at Sidon. Julius dealt humanely with Paul, allowing him to
go to his friends to obtain personal supplies. 4 From there we put to sea and sailed off the
shoreline of Cyprus because the winds were blowing in the wrong direction. 5 Then in the open
sea it was on to Cilicia and Pamphylia. Having tacked, we came down to Myra in Lycia.
6
From there the centurion found an Alexandrian ship bound for Italy and boarded us on
7
it. During many days we sailed slowly and with difficulty, making our way down the Cnidus
peninsula. Because the wind would not permit us to go farther out to sea, we sailed under the lee
of Crete down to Salmone. 8 With difficulty we coasted along Crete and came to a place called
Beautiful Harbors, near the city of Lasaea.
9
After a considerable time passed, the voyage already being dangerous to make—the
Jewish fast day was already past—Paul kept urging them to stay put: 10 “Men, I anticipate that
this voyage is about to be made with disaster and much damage not only to the cargo and ship
but also to our lives.”
11
Nevertheless, the centurion was influenced more by the ship’s navigator and the
ship’s captain than by the statements made by Paul. 12 Because it was an unsuitable harbor for
spending the winter, the majority expressed their advice to set sail from there—if somehow they
would be able to reach Phoenix for wintering in the harbor of Crete, facing southwest and
northwest.
13
Thinking that a south wind blowing gently had confirmed their intention, they
weighed anchor and began sailing close in along Crete.
Acts 27:14-39 229

14
After not long at all, there rushed down from Crete a ferocious wind called Euraquilo.
15
It dragged the ship off course. Not being able to head the bow into the wind, we had to give
way to it so that we were carried along by it.
16
Having run under the protection of a small island called Clauda, we were able with
difficulty to get control of the skiff (in tow), 17 which we lifted up. They used ropes to undergird
the hull. Being afraid lest they drift into the Syrtis Gulf, they lowered the sailing gear, and thus
were being carried along.
18
Because we were being battered severely by the storm, on the next day they were
jettisoning things. 19 On the third day with their own hands they threw overboard the tackle of the
ship. 20 Neither the sun nor the stars appeared for many days. Due to the hurricane’s pressing
down on us overwhelmingly, all remaining hope of our being saved was being abandoned.
21
There was much loss of appetite. Then Paul stood up among them and said, “Oh, men!
It was necessary that you should have listened to me. We should not have sailed from Crete. This
disaster and the damage could have been averted. 22 But now I am advising you to cheer up, for
no one’s life among you will be lost. Nevertheless, the ship will go down. 23 In the night the
messenger of God—whose I am and whom I worshipfully serve—approached me. 24 Here is his
message: “Stop being afraid, Paul; it is imperative that you present yourself to Caesar. Now see
this: God has given you the lives of all those sailing with you.”
25
“Therefore, men, be in good spirits, for I believe in God that things will work out the
way he told me. 26 We must run aground on some island.”
27
As the fourteenth night came, while we were drifting across the Adriatic Sea, in the
middle of the night the sailors thought they were being carried toward some land. 28 Having taken
soundings, they found it to be 20 fathoms. After a brief interval, they again took a sounding and
found it to be 15 fathoms. 29 Being afraid lest we run aground on a rocky coast, they heaved out
four anchors from the stern and wished for dawn to break.
30
Some of the sailors were attempting to abandon ship by letting down the skiff into the
sea, under the pretense of intending to stretch out anchors from the bow.
31
Paul said to the centurion and soldiers, “Unless these sailors remain on board ship,
you will not be able to be rescued. 32 Then the soldiers cut the lines holding the skiff allowing it
to fall away.
33
Until daybreak, Paul was encouraging them all to eat some food: “Today is the
fourteenth day you have been waiting for the storm to end, going without food, taking in nothing.
34
Therefore, I urge you to have some food. For this pertains to your rescue, because not a hair of
your head will be lost.” 35 After saying these things and taking bread, he gave thanks to God
before all of them; and having broken off some, he began to consume it.
36
Everyone became cheerful and they also received food. 37 The shipboard register was
276 people in all. 38 After being satisfied with a meal, all hands were lightening the load on the
ship by jettisoning the grain into the sea.
39
When day dawned, the crew did not recognize the land, and there was a bay they
could perceive that had a beach, to which they planned to run the ship ashore if they could
manage it.
Acts 27:40-28:16 230

40
So they cast off all anchors, allowing the sea to set the course. At the same time they
released the bands holding the rudders, hoisted the foresail to the gale, and were holding a course
for the beach.
41
They struck a sandbar dividing the outer and inner waters, and the ship ran aground.
The prow remained jammed immovably on the sandbar, and the stern was being broken up by
the smashing swells.
42
The soldiers got the notion to kill all prisoners lest anyone escape by swimming away.
43
But the centurion wanted to spare Paul and forbade them to carry out their plan. He ordered
those who could swim to dive in first and make it to land, and the others to grab planks breaking
loose, or to grab on to flotsam from the ship. By these means everyone came safely to shore.
28:1 After the safe landing, they recognized the island was called Malta. 2 The aborigines
offered us hospitality to an uncommon degree. They made a bonfire and brought us all to it
because it was rainy and cold.
3
Paul gathered a full bundle of dead branches and placed it on the fire. The heat caused
a snake to emerge from it, attaching itself to his hand. 4 The islanders saw the creature dangling
from his hand and said to one another, "All told, this man must be a murderer! Although he was
saved from the sea, justice did not permit him to live."
5
Then Paul shook off the snake into the fire and suffered no harm from it.
6
They expected him to become swollen and hot with fever or suddenly to topple over
dead. After a long interval of their waiting and watching—and still nothing unusual had
happened to him—they reversed their decision and said he was a god.
7
In the neighborhood was a property belonging to the island's chieftain, Publius. He
welcomed us and for three days put us up hospitably. 8 The father of Publius had a fever with
associated dysentery that had put him in bed. Paul went in to where he was lying. He prayed,
placed his hands on him, and healed him.
9
After this happened, the rest of the people on the island who had sicknesses kept
coming and were being healed. 10 The people also honored us with many honoraria, and at our
sailing they provided for us the necessary provisions.
11
Three months later, we sailed in a ship that had wintered over at the island. It was
from Alexandria and had the Dioscuri figurehead.
12
After docking at Syracuse, we remained for three days. 13 From there we weighed
anchor and arrived at Rhegium. One day elapsed and a south wind arose; on the second day we
came to Puteoli, 14 where having found brothers we were encouraged by them to remain there
seven days. So in this manner we came to Rome.
15
Once we were there and the brothers heard about our adventures, they came to meet
us as far as the Forum of Appius and Three Taverns. Upon seeing them, Paul gave thanks to God
and became encouraged.
16
When he entered Rome, Paul was permitted to remain by himself with a soldier
guarding him.
Acts 28:17-31 231

17
After three days there, he called together the Jewish leaders. When they assembled, he
said to them:
Gentleman, brothers, I had done nothing anti-Semitic or against the customs of our
forefathers when in Jerusalem I was handed over as a prisoner into the hands of the
Romans. 18 After they examined me, they wanted to release me, because I had done
nothing worthy of capital punishment. 19 But because the Jews were speaking against
me, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, although the nations did not have anything of
which to accuse me. 20 For this reason, therefore, I called you to get acquainted and to
converse with you, for it is actually because of my commitment to Israel's hope that this
chain fastens me.
21
They replied to him, "We have received neither letters from the Jews concerning you,
nor has anyone of the brothers who came here reported or said anything evil about you. 22 We
think it is proper to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect, we know that
everywhere it is denounced."
23
They arranged with him a day, and many came to him at his lodging. He laid
everything out before them, expatiating on the kingdom of God, and appealing to them from the
law of Moses and the prophets concerning Jesus. This went on from dawn until dusk. 24 On the
one hand, they were convinced by the things being said; on the other hand, they disbelieved.
25
They also disagreed with one another.
As they were leaving, Paul made one statement, “So well did the holy spirit say through
Isaiah the prophet in reference to your fathers:
26
Go to this people and say:
You hear and hear, but do not understand at all.
You see and see, but do not perceive at all.
27
For this people's emotions are desensitized.
Their ears have plugs in them obstructing hearing.
Their eyes are shut,
lest they see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts,
and return—that I would heal them.
28
“Therefore, you are served notice that this salvation produced by God has been sent
officially to the nations. They will pay attention.”
29 30
Paul remained for two whole years in his own rented place. He welcomed all who
came to him. 31 With intrepid boldness he kept preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the
truths concerning the Lord Jesus Christ without a hindrance.
Romans 1:1-25 232

ROMANS
1:1 This letter comes from Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle dedicated to
good news from God 2 as promised in antiquity through his prophets in the holy writings. 3 This
gospel features God’s son, whose human lineage is traceable back to David. 4 Jesus Christ, our
Lord, was dynamically authenticated by the spirit of holiness as God’s son by his resurrection
from the dead. 5 Through him we received grace and apostleship to achieve among all the nations
faith-based obedience, as a tribute to his name. 6 As goyim you too have been called by Jesus
Christ. 7 To all of you living in Rome, loved by God as his called, holy people—may grace be
given to you and peace from God, our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
8
At the outset I give thanks to my God through Jesus Christ for all of you because your
faithfulness is reported universally. 9 God, whom I serve devotedly in my spirit in the gospel of
his son, will attest what I am saying, for I mention you continually to him. 10 Always as I pray for
you, I request that somehow at long last by the will of God I would be successful in traveling to
11
you. For my heart is set on seeing you so as to share with you some spiritual contribution
for your establishment. 12 This is what I mean—that when I am among you, we would be
mutually encouraged by the sharing of your faith and mine.
13
I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I often intended to travel to you, but I
have been hindered from doing that right up until now. My intention is that I might be productive
among you just as I have also been among the rest of the nations. 14 I am under obligation to the
Greeks and also to the uncivilized, to those who have developed their minds, and also to the
uneducated. 15 Therefore, as to my intention, I am all set to expound the gospel also among you at
Rome.
16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is God’s salvific power for every
believer—with application first to the Jew and also to the Greek. 17 God’s righteousness is
revealed in the gospel, a righteousness derived through faith and maintained by faith. This
accords with what has been written:
The person who is righteous lives by faith.
18
God’s wrath manifested from heaven is directed against all ungodliness and injustice
of people who suppress the truth in wickedness. 19 The situation is like this: What is knowable
about God is patent among them, for God made it known to them. 20 Dating back to the creation
of the cosmos, his invisible attributes are clearly evident, being perceived in the phenomena of
creation: his eternal power, his being God. As a result, they are inexcusable.
21
While they knew God as God, they neither honored him as deity nor did they express
gratitude to him. But in their rationalizations they became preoccupied with worthlessness, and
in the core of their being understanding dimmed to darkness. 22 Although they asserted their
sophistication, they functioned as fools. 23 They replaced the glory of the immortal God with
another image altogether, that of a perishable human being—and even that of birds, quadrupeds,
and reptiles.
24
Consequently, God remanded them over, with all the lusts of their hearts, to a state of
filth and degradation of their bodies among themselves. 25 They traded away the truth of God’s
Romans 1:26-2:18 233

reality for a false world of unreality. They adored and served what was created instead of the
creator, who is forever praiseworthy! Amen. 26 God, therefore, turned them over to disgusting
appetites. For example, their females substituted unnatural acts in place of natural relations with
the opposite sex. 27 Comparably, their males abandoned the natural order of relations with
females, being inflamed by their cravings for one another—males indulging their obscenity in
males and consequently getting in themselves the compulsory payoff of their perversion.
28
Just as they did not think a concept of God was worthwhile to retain, God remanded
them over to a degraded mentality for perpetrating perversions. 29 They were filled with every
form of injustice, degeneracy, greed, and evil, being full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and
meanness. They hiss 30 and vilify; they are God-haters, insolent, egotistical, boasters, sadists,
disobedient to parents, 31 foolish, covenant-breakers, being incapable of expressing tenderness or
mercy. 32 They understand God’s judgment that those who engage in such practices are worthy of
death, yet not only do they keep on engaging in them, but they also hold in high regard those
who do the same.
2:1 I address every critic now. Here is the reason you, yourself, are inexcusable. When you
condemn another, you condemn yourself as one engaged in the same actions. 2 We know,
however, that in reference to those who do such actions as those just cited, God’s judgment is
objectively applied. 3 You, the person who judges those who do such, all the while committing
comparable acts yourself, do you suppose you will escape divine retribution? 4 Or do you have
contempt for the overflow of his good-naturedness, his forbearance and patience, while ignoring
the fact that God's kindness is meant to coax you toward repentance? 5 In keeping with the
obduracy of your impenitent heart, you are accumulating wrath against yourself to be inflicted in
the time of God’s wrath and the revelation of his righteous judgment. 6 God will requite
everyone according to his deeds.
7
On the one hand, for those who by good work are patiently seeking eternal life, there is
glory, honor, and immortality. 8 On the other hand, for those with selfish ambition who disobey
the truth and commit themselves to injustice—there is rage and fury. 9 Trouble and anguish await
every human soul who persists in evil. The Jews have it coming to them first, but the Greeks also
will get their due. 10 Glory, honor, and peace are in store for everyone who does good, with the
Jews being first in line, but the Greeks also get the same.
11
God is impartial. 12 As many as sinned outside the jurisdiction of the law will perish
beyond the reach of the law. But as many as sinned under the domain of the law will be judged
by the law. 13 For it is not those on familiar terms with the law who will be considered righteous
before God, but those who practice what it requires. 14 When the goyim who do not have the
(Mosaic) law do naturally what is stipulated by the law, these people who lack the law are a law
for themselves. 15 They demonstrate the function of the law to have been written in their
character and to be corroborated by their conscience. In their interpersonal reflections they
accuse one another, or even make excuses for one another. 16 This will all be clarified in the day
when God through Christ Jesus judges the secrets of mankind in accordance with my gospel.
17
If you bear the reputation of being Jewish, you are also ensconced in the law and take
pride in God. 18 You even know his will, and you distinguish moral alternatives, having been
Romans 2:19-3:13 234

instructed by the law. 19 Indeed, you persuaded yourself you are a chaperone for the blind, a light
for those in darkness, 20 an educator of the ignorant, a teacher of the young, one having in the law
the structure of knowledge and truth. 21 You who teach another person, do you not teach
yourself? Do you, the one who proclaims, Do not steal!—steal? 22 Do you, the one who says, Do
not commit adultery!—have affairs? Do you, the one who abhors idols—steal from pagan
temples? 23 As for you who boast about the law, by your transgression of it, you dishonor God. 24
For just as it has been recorded: God’s name, because of you, is slandered among the nations.
25
What benefit is there in circumcision if you do not adhere to the law? If you are
breaking the law, your circumcision amounts to foreskinnedness. 26 Consequently, if a
foreskinned person keeps the moral precepts of the law, is not his foreskinnedness the equivalent
of circumcision? 27 Moreover, the one naturally foreskinned who fulfills the law will judge
you—lawbreaker that you are—even though you have the written document and circumcision.
28
For Jewishness does not derive from externals, and certainly not from the exterior circumcision
of the flesh. 29 Instead, Jewishness is an internal condition; circumcision is of the heart,
performed by the spirit, not by the written document. The commendation of that Jew is not
provided by men but comes from God.
3:1 Therefore, what benefit derives from being Jewish? Or what advantage accrues to the
circumcised? 2 All told, it is a great privilege. At the top of the list is this: The Jews were
entrusted with God’s messages. 3 For what difference does it make if some Jews were unfaithful?
Jewish incredulity could not invalidate the faithfulness of God, could it? 4 Of course not!
God must be true, even if it means calling every human being into question as a
falsifier. There is Scripture which says as much:
That you might be authenticated in your words,
and have the decisive word when you judge.
5
If our depravity affords a backdrop to demonstrate God’s integrity, what can we
conclude from that? God is not unjust when he bears down hard in inflicting his wrath, is he? I
speak strictly from a human perspective. 6 Of course not. Otherwise, how would God judge the
world? 7 If the glory of God’s integrity increased by contrast with my untruthfulness, why am I
any longer condemned as a sinner? 8 The real state of things does not coincide with that for
which we are falsely accused, which certain ones allege we are saying: “We should do evil that
good may result.” The judgment on such people will be well deserved.
9
What, therefore, is the advantage we Jews have? None figures all that much in that the
Jews just like the Greeks were previously incriminated—all of them—as being under the sway of
sin, 10 in accordance with what has been recorded:
No one is righteous—not a single person.
11
No one has understanding.
No one is persistently seeking God.
12
All deviated, being depraved together.
No one is producing goodness—not even one.
13
Their throat is an open grave.
Their tongues are coated with deception.
Romans 3:14-4:8 235

Their lips conceal cobra venom.


14
Their mouth is full of cursing and recriminations.
15
Their feet are fleet to take them to blood baths.
16
Their roads are lined with wreckage and wretchedness.
17
They have not known the path of peace.
18
The fear of God never comes within their outlook.
19
We know that whatever the law says it declares to those who are under its jurisdiction
in order that every mouth might be silenced and that all the world might become answerable to
God. 20 Consequently, performance of actions indicated by the law will not justify any individual
in God’s presence, for the purpose of the law is to identify sin.
21
But now outside the realm of the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed. It has
been attested by the law and the prophets. 22 God’s righteousness is available through faith in
Jesus Christ and is for all believers. No distinction is made, 23 for all sinned and fail to reflect
God’s glory. 24 Believers are declared righteous by his grace, given freely through the redemption
made by Christ Jesus. 25 God designated him as the means of atonement through faith in his
blood, providing proof of God’s righteousness while passing over the backlog of accumulated
26
sins. This points up God’s clemency and demonstrates his righteousness at the present
time, that he might continue to be righteous and to count as righteous the believer in Jesus.
27
Where then is any opportunity for boasting? It has been shut down. Through what
kind of principle could there be boasting? That of accomplishments? Negative. Rather,
justification comes through the principle of faith. 28 For we conclude that a person is justified by
faith apart from legal performances.
29
Or is God only for the Jews? Is he not also the God of the nations? Affirmative; he is
the God of the goyim as well. 30 Because there is only one who is God, he will justify the
circumcised by faith, and the foreskinned through faith. 31 Do we invalidate the law through
faith? Certainly not. But we establish it (in its own realm).
4:1 What shall we say, therefore, about our natural ancestor, Abraham, as to what he
discovered? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a basis for self-approbation, but not
vis-à-vis God. 3 What does the Scripture say about this?
Abraham believed God,
and his faith was credited to him for righteousness.
4
To one who works, his compensation is not attributable to grace but obligation. 5 Yet to
one who does not work, but believes the one making the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited
for righteousness. 6 It also accords with David’s mention of the bliss of the person whom God
credits with righteousness apart from works:
7
Blessed are those whose lawbreaking deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins have been covered.
8
Blessed is a man whom Yahveh never charges with sin.
Romans 4:9-5:10 236

9
Is this blessed man one who is circumcised, or one with a foreskin? For we are saying,
“Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How then was it credited? Was it during
the time he was circumcised, or while he was foreskinned? Answer: not in circumcision, but in
his foreskinned state. 11 Furthermore, Abraham took on circumcision as a sign, a seal of the
faith-righteousness he had in his foreskinned condition, that he might be the patriarch of all the
foreskinned who believe and to whom righteousness is thereby credited. 12 He is also the
patriarch of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised, but also are walking in the
footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham in his foreskinned state.
13
The promise to Abraham or to his posterity that he would inherit the world did not
originate through the law, but through faith-righteousness. 14 For if the heirs inherit because they
are associated with the law, faith is vacated, and the promise is nullified. 15 The law activates
wrath. But where there is no law, neither is there a transgression. 16 The reason the inheritance is
derived from faith is this: that it might be according to grace, that the promise might be firmly in
place for all his posterity, not only to those coming from the law, but also to those with faith
comparable to Abraham’s. He is our corporate father, 17 just as it has been written:
I established you as a patriarch of many nations.
In relation to that promise, Abraham believed God—who gives life to dead people and
calls what as yet has no being into existence. 18 Abraham in a hopeless situation had hope; he
believed in such a manner he became “patriarch of many nations,” just as it had been said: “Thus
and so will be your posterity.”
19
Furthermore, not being deficient in faith, he disregarded the necrobiosis of his own
body, being about one hundred years old, and the necrobiosis of Sarah’s uterus, 20 in favor of
God’s promise. He did not evaluate the situation in unbelief, but empowered by his faith, he
glorified God. 21 He was fully convinced that what God had promised he was also able to do.
22
Consequently, his faith was “credited to him for righteousness.”
23
That it was “credited to him” was not recorded for his sake alone. 24 But that crediting
was also for our sake, to whom it is about to be credited—to those believing in the one having
raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to death on account of our
transgressions, and he was raised for our judicial vindication.
5:1 Therefore, when we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord
Jesus Christ. 2 Through him we have access to this grace in which we stand. We also make much
of the hope featuring God’s glory. 3 Not only that, but we exult in adversities, knowing that
hardship brings about patient perseverance. 4 Perseverance is character-building, and tested
character is conducive to hope. 5 This hope is unabashed, because God’s love is poured into our
hearts through his holy spirit given to us.
6
While we were yet without strength, Christ in due course died for godless people.
7
Indeed, scarcely for a person with a good reputation would anyone die, although perhaps on
behalf of a good person someone would dare to die. 8 God, however, demonstrates his love for us
because while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
9
Therefore, how much more, now that we have been justified by his blood, will we be
spared from wrath through him. 10 For if during the time we were enemies, we were reconciled to
God through the death of his son, how much more, because the relationship has been restored,
Romans 5:11-6:14 237

will we be saved by his life! 11 Not only that, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus
Christ, through whom we now have reconciliation.
12
An extended contrast is therefore evident: Sin entered the world through one man.
Death entered through sin, and as a consequence death permeated all humanity. Through that
man everyone sinned. 13 Sin, indeed, was in the world prior to the law, yet sin is not charged if
there is no law. 14 Nevertheless, death held sway from Adam until Moses, even over those who
did not sin in a transgression comparable to Adam’s. Adam affords a precedent for the one
coming later.
15
But Adam’s transgression does not determine the character of the gracious gift. For if
the transgression of one man caused the death of a multitude, how much more have the grace of
God and his gift in grace abounded in one man, Jesus Christ, for the benefit of multitudes. 16 The
consequence of the giving of the gift is not comparable to the effect of the one man’s sin. For on
the one hand, the judgment derived from one man’s sin resulted in condemnation. On the other
hand, the gracious gift counteracted many transgressions by imparting righteousness. 17 For if by
the sin of the one man, death exercised dominion through one person, how much more will those
who receive the outpouring of grace and the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one
man, Jesus Christ! 18 Therefore, as through one sin condemnation spread to all humanity, through
one righteous act for all humanity, there results a vindication issuing in life. 19 For just as through
the disobedience of one man, multitudes were constituted sinners, in a comparable corporate
manner, through the obedience of one man, multitudes will be constituted righteous.
20
As for the law, it entered tangentially in order to intensify transgression. Where sin
increased, grace increased even more. 21 The purposive outcome was that just as sin dominated
by death, grace comparably would dominate through righteousness, issuing in eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
6:1 Now how should we respond to all this? Should we keep right on sinning in order that
grace might have fuller application? 2 Not at all. How can we who died to sin live in it any
longer? 3 Or are you unaware that as many of us as were immersed in Christ Jesus were
immersed in his death? 4 Therefore, our baptism buried us with him in death. The purpose was
that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the father’s glory, we also should live a new
life. 5 For if we have been bonded with him in conformity to his death, at the opposite extreme
we also will be bonded to his resurrection.
6
We know that our old self was co-crucified with him in order to deactivate the body
expressive of sin so that we might no longer serve sin. 7 One who is dead is judicially absolved
from sin. 8 If we died with Christ, we believe that we also shall co-live with him. 9 We know that
Christ—because he has been raised from the dead—no longer dies. Mortality no longer has a
hold on him. 10 For when he died, he died in relation to sin once; but in that he lives, he lives
continuously related to God. 11 In a comparable manner, consider yourselves, on the one hand, to
be dead to sin, and on the other hand, as living related to God in Christ Jesus.
12
Therefore, do not permit sin to control your mortal body that you should obey its
cravings. 13 Neither should you put your faculties at the disposal of wickedness to be instruments
of sin. But present yourselves to God as one living again after death, and your faculties as
instruments of righteousness for God. 14 Indeed, sin will not control you, for you are not under
law, but grace.
Romans 6:15-7:18 238

15
What then does this add up to? Should we sin because we are not under law, but under
grace? May that never happen! 16 Do you not know that to the one you present yourselves
subserviently in obedience, you are slaves—either to sin that issues in death, or to obedience that
culminates in righteousness?
17
Thanks to God that at a time when you were slaves to sin, you decided in your heart to
submit to that structure of teaching delivered to you. 18 And, set free from sin, you became slaves
to righteousness. 19 I speak using a human analogy because of the weakness of your flesh. For
just as you presented your faculties in slavery to filth and lawlessness with unrestraint, so now
present your faculties as slaves to righteousness for sanctification.
20
Inasmuch as you were slaves to sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What,
therefore, did you get out of what you were doing then—those practices of which you now are
ashamed? The outcome of those actions means death. 22 But now, having become liberated from
sin, you have become slaves to God. The output of your life is holiness, culminating in eternal
life. 23 Whereas sin pays off the sinner with death, God graciously gives eternal life in Christ
Jesus, our Lord.
7:1 Or are you unaware, brothers, for I am speaking with those familiar with the law, that
the law rules a person’s life for as long as he lives? 2 For instance, a woman in marital
submission to a husband is tied down to her living husband by the law. But if her husband dies,
the marital law pertaining to her husband is abrogated. 3 Therefore, during the lifetime of her
husband, if she bonds to another man, she will be tagged an adulteress. But if her husband dies,
she is free from the law. She would not be immoral if she married another man.
4
The upshot, my brothers, is that your relationship with the law is dead on the basis of
the body of Christ, that you might become attached to another, to the one raised from the dead, in
order that we might be fruitful for God. 5 For when we were carnal, sinful drives identified by the
law were operating in our faculties to produce death. 6 But at present we have been released from
the law by experiencing death in reference to that which held us down. This results in our
serving God on a new basis of spirit—not an obsolete document.
7
What then should we conclude? Is the law itself sinful? Of course not! Sin, however, is
not identified except through law. For I would not have been conscious of greed had the law not
said, Do not covet. 8 But sin, getting its impetus from the legal command, instigated in me
rampant greed. Apart from the law, sin is a dead issue. 9 At one time I was living apart from the
law; but when the command came on line, sin revived, 10 and I died. I found out that the
command, meant to conserve life, had a lethal effect. 11 For sin, taking its moment to act from the
command, deluded me, and did me in mortally.
12
The conclusion is that the law itself is sacred; the command is holy, righteous, and
13
good. Did what is good cause my death? Not by any means! But sin, that it might appear to be
sin through the good commandment had a lethal effect on me, and thereby sin became
supersinful. 14 For we know the law is spiritual, yet I am carnal, sold in bondage to sin.
15
What I am to do about it, I do not know. For it is not what I aspire to do that I actually
do, but what I detest. 16 If I do what I do not want to do, I consent that the law is good, 17 and
actually it is no longer I doing it, but sin indwelling me. 18 For I recognize that in my natural self
goodness does not reside. Indeed, the right motive is ready at hand, but the accomplishment of
Romans 7:19-8:24 239

what is good—not so. 19 For it is not my good motive that gets actualized; instead, the evil I did
not want is what I do. 20 If I thus do what is against my wishes, it is no longer I doing it, but the
sin indwelling me. 21 So I find the principle that when I have a good motive, evil is in bed with
me. 22 For I sincerely agree to God’s law at the internal level of motives and values, 23 but I
observe another “law” in my faculties doing battle with my principled mindset and taking me
prisoner in the process. It is sin’s “law” located within my faculties.
24
Miserable wretch that I am—who will deliver me from this death latent in my body?
25
Thanks to God, deliverance comes through Jesus Christ our Lord. Inevitably, if left on my
own, I serve God’s law mentally, but sin’s “law” in my physical self.
8:1 Consequently, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. 2 For the spiritual
principle of life in Christ Jesus liberated you from the law associated with sin and death.
3
Indeed, what the law was unable to accomplish, weakened as it was by dependence on the flesh,
God transcended. By sending his own son in the likeness of flesh controlled by sin and
specifically to deal with sin, God completely judged sin in the flesh, 4 that the law’s demand for
righteousness might be implemented in us who do not live according to the flesh—but
spiritually.
5
Those of fleshly orientation concentrate their attention on the concerns of the flesh, but
those preoccupied spiritually concentrate on concerns of the spirit. 6 Carnal thinking is lethal, but
spiritual thinking means life with peace. 7 The applicable rationale is that the carnal mindset is
antagonistic toward God, for it is insubordinate and cannot be subject to God’s law. 8 Those who
live on the level of the flesh cannot please God. 9 But as for you, you are not carnal, but spiritual,
if indeed God’s spirit indwells you. If anyone does not have Christ’s spirit, he does not belong to
him.
10
If Christ is in you, your body is defunct because of sin, but your spirit is vital because
of righteousness. 11 If the spirit responsible for raising Jesus from the dead is at home in you, the
one having raised Christ from the dead will make your mortal bodies live through his spirit
dwelling in you. 12 Consequently, brothers, our obligation is not to the flesh to live conforming to
the flesh-based life. 13 For if you live that way, you are going to succumb. If in spirit you put to
death bodily affairs, you will live.
14
As many as are led by God’s spirit are God’s sons. 15 It follows that you did not
receive a slave-mentality reverting to fear, but you received a consciousness of adoption in
which we exclaim, Dad, Father. 16 That very spirit confirms in our spirit that we are God’s
children. 17 If we are children, we are also heirs, God’s heirs, coheirs with Christ, if indeed we
suffer together that we also might be glorified together.
18
For I consider contemporary sufferings unworthy of comparison with the glory in
reserve to be revealed to us. 19 Indeed, creation is eagerly awaiting the revelation of God’s sons.
20
Creation was subjected to entropy, not by consent, but on account of the one who subjected it
so as to involve hope, 21 because creation itself, enslaved as it is to deterioration, will be set free
to experience the glorious freedom of God’s offspring. 22 For we know that the entire creation
continues to sigh together and agonize with pain right up until now. 23 Not only all creation, but
we also are affected, we who have the first fruition of the spirit. We sigh among ourselves while
awaiting our adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For in hope we experience
Romans 8:25-9:13 240

salvation. What is seen does not remain the object of hope, for why would one hope for what he
sees? 25 But if we are hoping for what we do not see, we await it patiently.
26
In a comparable manner the spirit also assists us in our finitude. For we do not know
how to articulate our prayers properly, but taking the initiative, the spirit intercedes with
inarticulate sighs. 27 The one who monitors hearts recognizes the spirit’s meaning, because the
spirit directs intercession toward God in behalf of holy people. 28 We know God interacts with
everything in the best interests of those who love him, those called to implement his purpose.
29
Because he foreknew them, he also preplanned for them to conform to the image of his son that
he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 As for those he foresaw, he also called them;
and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.
31
What then is our response to these things? If God is on our side, what does it matter
who is against us? 32 He who surely did not go easy on his own son, but gave him up in behalf of
all of us, how would he not also with him graciously provide everything for us? 33 Who can call
into question God’s chosen ones? God takes up for them. 34 Who would condemn us? Would
Christ who died? Rather, he was raised, stationed at God’s right, and also intercedes for us!
35
What would it take to separate us from Christ’s love? trouble?—calamity?—
persecution?—hunger?—lack of clothing?—danger?—a sword? 36 Just as the record states:
On your account we are under the sentence of death all day long;
we are considered to be sheep awaiting slaughter.
37
Nevertheless, in all these situations we continue to be victorious through the one who
38
loved us. For I am convinced that neither dying, nor living, nor angels, nor potentates, nor
present circumstances, nor future conditions, nor forces, 39 nor what is overhead, nor what is
below, nor any other created entity will be able to separate us from God’s love in Christ Jesus
our Lord.
9:1 I am telling the truth in Christ, and not lying in saying this: My conscience sensitized by
the holy spirit confirms 2 that I have great sorrow and continual grief in my heart. 3 For I was
wishing to become a cursed object myself—apart from Christ—for the sake of my brothers, my
ethnic relatives, 4 Israel’s clan. To them belong the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the
institution of the law, the worship ritual, and the promises. 5 To them belong the patriarchs, and
the human line leading to Christ. May God who is over all be praised on into the ages! Amen.
6
. It is not as though God’s word has become ineffective. For not all the descendants of
Israel are Israel. 7 Neither is Abraham’s seed to be equated with all his children, but “your seed
will be designated in Isaac.” 8 Here is the assessment: The natural progeny are not per se God’s
children; on the contrary, the promised children are the children considered to be his seed. 9 For
this was the promissory message: “In accord with the normal term of pregnancy, I will see to it
that Sarah has a son.”
10
That is not the only evidence: Also Rebecca with Isaac our father from one
impregnation had twins. 11 When they were prenatal, having done nothing good or evil, that
God’s purposeful choice might remain in effect—12not on the basis of their works but his
calling—it was announced to her, “the older one will serve the one younger than he.” 13 This
conforms to that which has been written: “I preferred Jacob over Esau.”
Romans 9:14-32 241

14
What then do we say about this? No unfairness can be attributed to God, can it? Of
course not! 15 For he said to Moses:
I will have mercy on whomever I will,
and I will extend compassion to whomever I extend it.
16
Consequently, it is neither one’s desiring nor striving that makes the difference, but
God’s being merciful. 17 Case in point—the Scripture says with reference to Pharaoh:
For this very purpose I exalted you into prominence
so that I might demonstrate in you my power,
and that in all the earth my name might be proclaimed.
18
He has mercy on someone, therefore, in accordance with his decision; he hardens [the
resistance of] whom he will. 19 You will say to me, therefore, “Why, then, does he any longer
assess blame? For who can stand up to God’s decision?”
20
Contrary to what you think, mere man, who are you to cross-examine God? The
molded object does not say to the one who shaped it—why did you make me this way?—does it?
21
Or does not the potter have the prerogative to make from his batch of clay an extraordinary
vase, or a common pot? 22 If God, while wanting to exhibit his anger and make known his power,
very patiently put up with pottery worthy of his anger and ready for destruction, is not that his
prerogative? 23 Moreover, if God acted to make known the wealth of his glory upon vessels
receiving his mercy and preplanned for glory, is not that his prerogative?
24
With reference to these, he also called us, not only from the Jews, but also from the
25
nations. A confirming quotation from Hosea says:
Those not my people I will call, my people,
and those not loved, loved ones.
26
Also it will be in that place where it was said to them,
You are not my people,
there they will be called, sons of the living God.
27
Isaiah also exclaimed concerning Israel:
Even if the number of Israel’s population is as the sand of the sea,
just the remnant will be saved.
28
For the Lord will consummate his word,
and he will limit what he does on the earth.
29
It is just like Isaiah foretold:
Except the Lord of myriads had left us seed,
we would have become like Sodom,
we would be just like Gomorrah.
30
What, therefore should we conclude? The nations, those who did not pursue
righteousness, have attained righteousness—faith-based righteousness. 31 Israel, who pursued a
law-based righteousness, did not attain it. 32 How does one account for that? It is because their
approach was not that of faith—but works. They stumbled over the boulder that trips one up,
Romans 9:33-10:19 242

33
just as it has been written:
Alert! I place in Zion a boulder that trips—
a stone as a cause of stumbling.
But one who believes in him will not be embarrassed (by falling).
10:1 Brothers, the goodwill of my heart and my petition to God on behalf of the Jewish
people is for their salvation. 2 That they have zeal for God I acknowledge, but it is not based on
knowledge. 3 Unaware of God’s righteousness, and seeking to instantiate their own
righteousness, they do not submit to God’s righteousness. 4 For the terminal point of the law is
Christ, who is the basis of righteousness for all who believe. 5 Indeed, Moses wrote with respect
to the righteousness derived from the law:
The person who practices these things, will live by doing so .
6
But the righteousness obtained by faith speaks like this:
Do not say to yourself, Who will go up to heaven?
—for bringing Christ down.
7
Or, Who will descend into the abyss?
—for bringing Christ up from the dead.
8
On the contrary, what does it say?
The expression is intimately in your mouth and heart.
It is that word expressive of the faith we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth, Lord
Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 One’s
heart believes for righteousness, and one’s mouth confesses for salvation. 11 For the Scripture
says: Everyone who believes in him will not be ashamed of him.
12
There is no distinction between Jews and Greeks in this matter, for the same Lord is
over all, being generous toward all who call upon him:
13
For everyone who would call on the name of the Lord will be saved.
y 14
How, then, will they call on one whom they have not believed?
y How will they believe in one about whom they have not heard?
y How will they hear apart from preaching?
y 15
How will they preach unless commissioned?
Just as it has been written: How lovely to see the feet of those announcing good news!
16
But not everyone complied with the good news. For Isaiah said, Yahveh, who believed what
they heard from us? 17 Therefore, faith derives from hearing the message articulating Christ.
18
But I say: It is not that they did not hear, is it? On the contrary:
To all the earth their sound carried.
To the boundaries of the world establishment their words reverberated.
19
Yet I declare: The story is not that Israel did not know. First, Moses said:
Romans 10:20-11:16 243

I will make you jealous by ethnic nobodies.


By uneducated goyim will I give you consternation.
20
Isaiah boldly asserted:
I was found by those not looking for me.
I was revealed to those not inquiring for me.
21
But to Israel he said:
All day long I extended my arms to disobedient and defiant people.
11:1 Therefore, I say: God has not repudiated his people, has he? Of course not! For I am of
Israel’s clan, from the seed of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not repudiated his
people whom he knew formerly. Or, do you not know what the Scripture says in connection with
Elijah as he interceded to God concerning Israel? Here are his words:
3
Yahveh, they murder your prophets; they demolish your altars.
I am the only one left and they seek to take my life!
But what was the response from God to him? I have reserved for myself 7,000 men
4

who did not bow a knee to Baal.


5
In a similar manner at the present time there exists a remnant according to God's
gracious choice. 6 If it is by grace, it is no longer by works. Were it the other way around, grace
no longer would be grace.
7
What does all this mean? What Israel sought, it did not attain, except for the chosen
ones; the rest became obtuse. 8 This concurs with what has been written:
God put them in a dazed state.
Their eyes do not see;
nor do their ears hear—until this very day.
9
Also David says:
Let their table become a snare and a trap,
a cause for revulsion and for retribution to them.
10
May their eyes dim out so as not to see.
May their back be continually bent over.
11
I say, therefore, it is not that they stumbled so as to fall flat, did they? May that not
be! But in the faltering of their step, salvation came to the nations so as to make the Jews jealous.
12
So if their failure resulted in [spiritual] wealth for the world at large, and their loss of
place turns out to be the enrichment of nations, how much more would their full standing
accomplish?
13
I speak to you, the nations, inasmuch as I am an apostle to the goyim—I commend my
ministry—14 if by any means I might provoke my fellow Jews to jealousy and save some of them.
15
If their ejection means the reconciliation of the world, what would their acceptance
mean but life from the dead? 16 If the original ingredient (i.e., the dollop of sour dough) is pure,
so too is the whole batch of dough. If the root is wholesome, the branches also are wholesome.
Romans 11:17-12:2 244

17
If certain branches were lopped off, and you, a wild olive shoot, became grafted
among them, you became a sharer of the vital juices from the root of the olive tree. 18 Do not
boast of your superiority to the severed branches; and if you do, remember that you do not
support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You, therefore, will say that branches were cut off
that I might be grafted. 20 Well and good. It was their failure to believe that caused them to be
lopped off, and you are positioned where you are by faith. Do not be supercilious about it, but
awed. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you should you fall in
with their example. 22 Observe then the kindness and severity of God. Severity was expressed to
those who fell, but upon you the kindness of God, if you remain in his kindness; otherwise, you
too will be severed.
23
As for the Jews, if they do not remain unbelievers, they will be grafted. God is able to
regraft them. 24 For if you, by nature a shoot from a wild olive tree, experienced an unnatural
graft into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will believing Jews be naturally grafted into
their own olive tree!
25
I do not want anyone, brothers, to misunderstand this mystery, lest you become
conceited. Obduracy of a segment of Israel has occurred until the fullness of the nations becomes
part of the tree. 26 Also in a comparable way, all Israel will be saved, just as it has been written:
The deliverer will come from Zion.
He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.
27
And this covenant of mine will be theirs,
when I take away their sins .
28
From the gospel perspective, on the one hand, they became enemies for your sake.
On the other hand, from the standpoint of selection, they were loved on account of the patriarchs.
29
For God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable. 30 Note the comparison: Once you were
disobedient to God, but now you have received mercy during their disobedience. 31 In a
comparable manner they are disobedient now as you experience being the object of his mercy,
that also they too might become recipients of mercy now. 32 For God closed the net of
disobedience on all that he might have mercy on all.
33
Oh the profound depth of God’s wisdom and knowledge!
How unfathomable his decisions and inscrutable his ways!
34
For who knew Yahveh’s mind?
Or who became an advisor to him?
35
Or who initiated a gift to him expecting reciprocity?
36
For he is the originator, implementer, and owner of all.
To him be glory for ages to come! Amen.
12:1 Through God’s loving embraces, I encourage you, brothers, to present your bodies to
him as a living sacrifice that is holy and pleasing to him. To do this is the reasonable
implementation of your sacred service.
2
Moreover, do not let yourselves be pressured into conforming to this age, but be
transformed with a new way of thinking—a mindset that enables you to set the right value on
God’s will as good, approved, and ultimate.
Romans 12:3-13:3 245

3
For through the grace given to me, I say to all among you not to overrate yourself
beyond what you must. But by an objective analysis think sensibly, taking into consideration
how God apportioned to each person a degree of faithfulness. 4 For while many components
make our one body, all members do not have the same function. 5 Correspondingly, the large
group of us comprise just one body of Christ, consisting of mutual members. 6 As a body we
have a diversity of spiritual gifts resulting from the grace given to us.
If one’s gift is prophecy, he should prophesy according to the analogue of the faith. 7 If
service, he should concentrate on ministering; if teaching, on education; 8 if consoling, on
generating encouragement; if giving, on generosity; if managing, on diligence; if extending
mercy, on doing so with cheerful cordiality.
y 9
Love must be genuine.
y Hate evil; hold on to good.
y 10
With brotherly love for one another develop a tender family bond; introduce one
another with honor.
y 11
Be diligent, not becoming lazy.
y Be enthusiastic, serving the Lord.
y 12
Rejoice in hope.
y Hold steady in trouble.
y Persevere in prayer.
y 13
Share in meeting needs of the holy ones; practice hospitality.
y 14
Bless those persecuting you; indeed, bless—but do not curse.
y 15
Join in with those who rejoice, and weep along with the grieving.
y 16
Regard one another with equality. Do not think in terms of hobnobbing with the
upper class, but associate with humble people. Do not be uppity among
yourselves.
y 17
Repay no one evil, tit for tat. Be preoccupied with doing good things for
everybody. 18 As much as you can, take the initiative to live at peace with
everyone. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, loved ones, but set aside anger. For it has
been written:
Revenge is mine; I will repay, says Yahveh.
20
But if your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
For by so doing you will pile hot coals on his head.
y 21
Do not be defeated by evil, but vanquish evil with good.
13:1 Every person should submit to the governing authorities. No authority exists except that
permitted by God; the authorities have been established by God. 2 Consequently, one who resists
that authority opposes what God instituted, and those in opposition will receive a judgment
against themselves. 3 For officials are not a threat to good behavior—but to evil. Do you want to
Romans 13:4-14:14 246

avoid being frightened by the authority? Do what is good, and you will receive commendation.
4
For such an official functions as God’s servant for you, to bring about good. But if you practice
evil, be afraid, for the officer does not carry a sword merely for show. He functions as God’s
deputy to inflict wrathful vengeance on criminals. 5 Therefore, submission is necessitated not
only because of the heat evildoers take, but because of your conscience.
6
This is the reason you are also obligated to pay taxes. For the authorities are God’s
servants in each instance, attending to this responsibility. 7 Respond to all of them with what you
owe—to the tax bill, with your tax payment; to the toll collection, with your toll; to the one
holding fearful power, with respect; to the one in an honored position, with honor.
8
Be in debt to no individual—except for the obligation to love one another. The person
who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For the prohibitions, do not engage in sexual
immorality, do not murder, do not steal, do not covet, and any other command are summarized
in this imperative: Love your fellow human being as yourself. 10 Love does not perpetrate evil on
one’s associate. Therefore, love fully expresses the ideal contained in the law.
11
We know this about what time it is: The hour has come for you to awaken from sleep,
for now our salvation is nearer than when we began believing. 12 Night is almost over; sunrise is
imminent. Let us throw off, therefore, deeds done in the dark; let us clothe ourselves with beams
of light. 13 Let us live our lives in the decorum of daylight, not in wild parties and intoxications,
not in sex orgies and vices, not in dissension and envy. 14 Instead, dress yourselves in the Lord
Jesus Christ, taking no forethought for gratification of carnal cravings.
14:1 Accept the person whose faith is frail, not hassling him about his scruples. 2 On the one
hand, one believer eats everything, but on the other hand, one whose faith is feeble eats
phytonutrients. 3 The omnivorous should not disrespect the vegetarian, and the one not
consuming flesh-foods should not criticize one who does, for God accepts him. 4 Who authorized
you to judge another’s household servant? He answers only to his own boss and succeeds or fails
with him. His success is assured because his boss can stick up for him.
5
Take another example: There is the person who makes distinctions between days of the
week and another who considers every day of equal importance. Let each one be fully convinced
in his own mind. 6 He who has special regard for the day in question does so for the Lord. Also
the one who eats everything eats it in the Lord, for he offers thanksgiving to God. The one who
abstains (from certain things) does so for the Lord as well; he also offers thanksgiving to God.
7
None of us lives all to himself, and none dies all to himself. 8 For if we continue to live, it is for
the Lord we live; and if we die, we do so oriented to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die,
we belong to the Lord. 9 For to this purpose Christ died and came back to life that he might reign
over the dead and the living. 10 Why do you condemn your brother? And why do you disdain
your brother? Indeed, all of us will present ourselves at God’s judicial seat. 11 For it has been
recorded:
As I live, says Yahveh, every knee will genuflect to me;
and every tongue will make confession to God.
12
Then each of us will answer concerning himself. 13 Therefore, let us no longer
condemn one another. Instead, let us use our critical faculty to make sure we do not put
something detrimental in the way of one’s brother to cause his downfall. 14 For I understand and
Romans 14:15-15:12 247

am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing in itself is contaminating. There is one exception: If
one considers something to be defiling, to that one it is precisely that. 15 For it boils down to this:
If you upset your brother over food, you are no longer relating in love. Do not destroy with your
diet that one for whom Christ died. 16 Let him, therefore, not denounce what to you is good. 17 For
God’s kingdom does not consist of food and beverage, but righteousness, peace, and joy—in an
ambiance of holy spirit. 18 For in this way one serves Christ, pleases God, and gains human
approval.
19
Therefore, let us pursue those actions conducive to peace, as well as those that build
up one another. 20 Do not demolish God’s work on account of food. All food is pure, but it is
wrong to eat a food if it causes the consumer to get a bad conscience. 21 You do well neither to
eat meat, nor to drink wine, nor to ingest anything else that causes your brother to stumble. 22 If
you are one who has faith in these matters, keep it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one
who does not berate himself for any practice he approves. 23 But if one who raises scruples eats,
he is condemned by so doing, because it was not consumed in faith. All that is not done in faith
is sinful.
15:1 Those of us who are strong should take care to compensate for the inadequacies of those
who are weak, rather than to please ourselves. 2 Let each of us be solicitous of the well-being of
the one with whom we associate for the benefit of building up that person. 3 For Christ did not
pamper himself. On the contrary, as it is written:
The insults of those insulting you fell on me.
4
For as many things as were recorded previously were written for our instruction, in
order that through the enduring nature and encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.
5
May God, renowned for patience and encouragement, give to you the ability to regard
one another in the same way Christ Jesus would, 6 that with unanimous acclamation you might
glorify the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7
Consequently, be accepting of one another, just as Christ received you to God’s glory.
8
For I declare that Christ became a servant of those marked by circumcision in behalf of God’s
truth. His task was to confirm the promises owned by the patriarchs, 9 and to be merciful to the
nations for God’s glory, just as it has been recorded:
This is the reason I will confess you internationally,
and I will sing praises featuring your name.
10
And again he stated:
Rejoice, nations, with his people.
11
And again:
Praise Yahveh, all nations,
and magnify him, all peoples.
12
And again Isaiah stated:
The descendant of Jesse will arise to lead nations.
On him the nations will base their hopes.
Romans 15:13-16:5 248

13
May God, who generates hope, fill you with comprehensive joy and peace as a result
of your faith, that you might overflow with hope energized by holy spirit.
14
I myself am confident concerning you, my brothers, that you yourselves also are full
of goodness, having been filled with comprehensive knowledge (of God), being able also to
admonish one another. 15 So all the more boldly, I wrote to you partly to refresh your memory
and because of the grace given me by God, 16 who made me a minister of Christ Jesus to the
nations. At the altar I serve God’s gospel that the offering of the nations might be acceptable,
consecrated by holy spirit.
17
Therefore, I have a basis for glorying in Christ Jesus as concerns the things of God. 18
I will not dare to say anything except what Christ accomplished through me by word and deed to
produce the obedient response of internationals, 19 by the dynamic of miraculous signs and
wonders, by the power of the spirit of God. The result has been that from Jerusalem, making a
radius as far away as Illyricum, I have filled the territory with Christ’s gospel, 20 in such a way as
to realize my ambition of evangelizing where Christ has not been named, so that I might not
build on another man’s foundation. 21 But the case is just as it has been recorded:
Those who had been told nothing about him will perceive.
Those who had not heard will understand.
22
Moreover, I was hindered many times from coming to you. 23 But now no longer
having a location in these territories and because I have been wishing to come your way for
many years, I expect to do so 24 whenever I travel to Spain. For I hope that while passing
through, I might see you and from you to be sent on there, if first I might be partially resupplied
by you.
25
Right now I am traveling to Jerusalem for ministry to the holy ones there. 26 Those at
Macedonia and Achaia, having a sense of community, thought it good to do something for the
impoverished holy ones at Jerusalem. 27 For their good will reached out to them. They actually
are their debtors, for if the nations shared from their spiritual resources, the nations also should
share natural resources as ministry to them. 28 Therefore, after I complete this and certify to them
the delivery of the gift from the nations, I will come to your location on my way to Spain. 29 I
know my coming to you will be with the full blessing of Christ when I do arrive
30
So I encourage you through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love generated by
the spirit, to rally around me with your prayers in my behalf to God, 31 that I might be delivered
from the disbelievers in Judaea, and that my ministry in Jerusalem might be well received among
the holy ones, 32 and that coming to you joyfully by God’s will, I might be refreshed among you.
May the God characterized by peace be with all of you. Amen.
16:1 I introduce to you our sister Phoebe, a deaconess of the church in Cenchreae that you
might welcome her in the Lord as one worthy of acceptance by the holy ones, 2 and that you
would assist her in whatever she might need from you in her task. For she also has been a helper
of many, myself included.
3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my colleagues in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their necks for
my life. Not only do I give thanks for them, but also for all the churches of the nations as well,
5
inclusive of the church that gathers at their house.
Romans 16:6-26 249

Greet Epaenetus, my loved one, who is the first harvest-yield in Christ in Roman Asia.
6
Greet Mary, who has worn herself out many times over for you.
7
Greet Andronicus and Junias my kinsmen and my fellow-prisoners, who have an
outstanding reputation among the apostles, and who also preceded my being in
Christ.
8
Greet Ampliatus, my loved one in the Lord.
9
Greet Urbanus, our colleague in Christ, and Stachys, my loved one.
10
Greet Apelles, who measures up in Christ.
Greet those of the family of Aristobulus.
11
Greet Herodion, my countryman.
Greet those from the family of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa. Both women worked hard in the Lord.
Greet Persis, the lady beloved, who has worked hard for the Lord on many projects.
13
Greet Rufus, a choice man in the Lord, and greet his mother and mine.
14
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers with them.
15
Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the holy ones
with them.
16
Greet one another with holy affection.
All Christ’s churches greet you.
17
I urge you, brothers, to scrutinize the ones causing cliques and tripping people so as to
lose their stance in the doctrine you learned. Keep your distance from them. 18 For such people
are not serving our Lord, Christ, but their own viscera. Through plausible arguments and flattery
they pull the wool over the eyes of the ingenuous.
19
Your commitment is recognized by everyone. Therefore, I rejoice over you and I want
you to be wise in terms of what is good, and unsophisticated in evil. 20 The peaceful God will
crush the opponent under your feet in short order.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21
Timothy, my colleague, greets you, and Luke, Jason, and Sosipater, my countrymen.
22
I, Tertius, the one who inscribed this epistle, send greetings in the Lord.
23
Gaius, my host, and all of the church here greets you.
Erastus, the city treasurer, and brother Quartus greet you.
25
To the one who is able to establish you in conformity to my gospel,
that is, the preaching about Jesus Christ according to the revelation
of the mystery kept secret through the epochs of history, 26 but now is
Romans 16:27 250

revealed through the writings of the prophets at the command of the


eternal God, and now is disclosed for the purpose of commitment
of faith in all the nations—27 to the only God who is wise be glory
through Jesus Christ into the far-flung future. Amen!
1 Corinthians 1:1-27 251

FIRST CORINTHIANS
1:1 This comes from Paul, called to be an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God.
Brother Sosthenes is my penman for this letter 2 to the church at Corinth, to those sanctified in
Christ Jesus and called holy ones, along with all those who voice prayers in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ in every location. Their Lord he is—and ours.
3
Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
4
I give thanks always to my God for you and for the grace of God granted you in Christ
5
Jesus. For you were enriched by him in everything, in every statement and in every perception,
6
even as the message about Christ was confirmed among you. 7 As a result, you are not deficient
in any charismatic gift while you await the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. 8 He will keep
you secure to the end so you will be blameless at the day of our Lord Jesus. 9 God is faithful (to
do this), through whom you were invited into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.
10
I encourage you, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that all of you
speak the same (confession), and that there be no factions among you. May you all be so
developed that you will have the same perspective and the same purpose. 11 My brothers, those
associated with Chloe made known to me your situation in which there are rivalries among you.
12
I say this because each of you talks like this: “I am a Paulian.” “I am an Apollosian.” “I am a
Cephasian.” “I am a Christian.”
13
Is Christ split into such denominations? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Were
you baptized as Paulians? 14 I give thanks that I baptized none of you except Crispus and Gaius,
15
lest anyone say you were baptized in my name. 16 I also baptized the household of Stephanas.
As for the rest, I do not remember if I baptized anyone else. 17 For Christ did not send me to
baptize but to preach the good news, not by slick oratory, lest the cross of Christ be disabled.
18
Indeed, those perishing construe the message featuring the cross to be nonsense. But
to those of us who are being saved the cross is the power of God. 19 For Scripture says:
I will bring down to ruins the wisdom of the intellectuals.
And I will nullify the understanding of the intelligentsia.
20
Where does that leave the intellectual? What ground is left for the scholar? What is
the status of the educated minds of this age? Has not God shown to be ludicrous the wisdom of
the world? 21 Because in God’s wisdom the world did not arrive at knowledge of him through its
wisdom, it pleased God through the ridiculousness of preaching to save believers.
22
The situation sorts out like this: The Jews demand a sign (on which to peg their faith).
The Greeks quest for (philosophical) wisdom. 23 But we preach Christ crucified. To the Jews the
crucified messiah is a boulder in their way, causing stumbling. To pagans, Christ crucified is an
absurdity. 24 But to those called—both Jews and Greeks—Christ is God’s power and God’s
wisdom. 25 Here is what explains that: God’s folly is wiser than men, and God’s weakness is
mightier than men.
26
Brothers, you see how it is in the community of those called. Not many have naturally
gifted intellects. Not many hold worldly power. Not many come from leading families. 27 But
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God chose the world’s naive to embarrass the sophisticated, and he chose the world’s weak to
bring consternation to the strong. 28 God chose the inferior of the world, those valued next to
nothing, even nonexistent things, in order that he might nullify existent entities. 29 He did it this
way that no human being could boast in the presence of God. 30 From God, you are in Christ
Jesus, who became wisdom from God for us, and righteousness—both as holiness and
redemption—31 that it might be just as has been written:
“Let the one boasting congratulate the Lord!”
2:1 Accordingly, when I came to you, brothers, it was not by using rhetorical eloquence or
philosophical wisdom that I continued to proclaim to you God’s mystery. 2 For I decided not to
be an expert among you on anything but this: Jesus, the crucified Christ.
3
In this regard, I came your way in weakness, fearfulness, and with many jitters.
4
My message and preaching did not conform to the norms of persuasive philosophy. On the
contrary, my method depended on God’s spirit, demonstrated in power, as my credentials. 5 This
approach served to base your faith not on human wisdom but on God’s power.
6
We do speak wisdom, however, among those who are mature. But this is not a wisdom
derived from contemporary values. Neither does it come from current leaders who keep being
put out of commission. 7 But what we speak is God’s wisdom veiled in mystery. God
predetermined it before the ages for our glory. 8 None of the leaders associated with this age ever
knew this wisdom. For had they known it, they would never have crucified the glorious leader. 9
But just as the Scripture has stated:
Realities there are an eye did not see,
that an ear did not hear;
that were never conjured up in human imagination—
realities that God prepared for those who love him.
10
To us God revealed them through his spirit. For his spirit analyzes all, even the depths
11
of God. For what on the human scene perceives the depths of human beings, except the human
spirit in the individual? In a comparable manner knowledge of the divine depths is the exclusive
prerogative of the spirit of God.
12
We did not receive the spirit of the world, but the spirit emanating from God. This
reception occurred that we might know the gifts God graciously entrusted to us. 13 The contents
we are speaking about are those not taught by human systems of wisdom, but taught by his spirit
to spiritual people, those who critically discern spiritual values. 14 For an ordinary person does
not receive what God’s spirit presents. Indeed, such presentations are nonsense to that one. Such
a person is unable to grasp these truths because they are spiritually ascertained. 15 But a spiritual
person critiques everything; yet he, himself, is not subject to the critical examination of anyone.
16
For:
Who has known Yahveh’s mind?
Who would draw conclusions for him?
But—the mind of Christ is ours.
3:1 As to my approach, brothers, I was not able to address you as being spiritually mature,
but as fleshly, as infants in Christ. 2 I provided you with milk to drink—not solid food—for you
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were not yet able to handle it. Even now you are not ready for solid food, 3 because you are still
flesh-prone. For where there is envy and strife among you, does it not go without saying that you
are flesh-oriented, living like (fallen) mankind?
4
For instance, when someone says, “I am of Paul’s party,” and another says, “I belong
to Apollos’ party,” are you not acting like ordinary people? 5 Therefore we ask: Who is Apollos?
And who is Paul? We are servants through whom you believed. Each has a ministry in
accordance with what the Lord gave him to do. 6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the
plants to grow. 7 The inference is that neither the one who planted nor the one who watered is to
be credited, but God who grew the crop. 8 One who plants and one who waters are unified in
their task. Yet each one will receive compensation according to his own labor. 9 For we are
colleagues with God. You are God’s farm, God’s building.
10
According to God’s grace given to me as a competent contractor, I laid the
foundation, and another one builds upon it. Let each one be careful how he builds. 11 For only
one legitimate foundation is possible, and that is the one already in place—Jesus Christ. 12
Various materials can be used to build up from the foundation: gold, silver, expensive marble
and the like, woods of various kinds, dried grass, and reeds. 13 The construction of each builder
will become evident eventually. Time will tell what kind of material was used, because a test by
fire will be conducted to reveal it. The quality of each builder’s work will be subjected to
analysis by fire. 14 If anyone’s construction continues to hold up after testing, he will be
rewarded. 15 If the structure one builds burns down, he will suffer the loss, yet he will be rescued
like one who escapes a burning building.
16
Do you not know you are God’s temple with God’s spirit dwelling in you? 17 If
anyone reduces God’s temple to ruins, God will ruin that person. For God’s temple is holy, and
you are his temple.
18
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you considers himself to be
sophisticated in the ideology of this age, let him become foolish as judged by those values, that
indeed he might become wise. 19 For from God’s perspective this world’s wisdom is folly. It is
recorded:
He catches the masterminds in their fraudulence.
20
And again:
Yahveh knows the presuppositions of the intelligentsia to be vacuous.
21
The logical conclusion is evident: No one should dote on men. For everything is
22
yours, whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas—or the world, life or death, or what is present or
future. All belong to you. 23 You belong to Christ, and Christ to God.
4:1 Let an individual consider us in this manner: We are Christ’s servants and managers of
God’s mysteries. 2 Now ultimately, faithfulness is expected of any leader. 3 For me it is a matter
of indifference if I am evaluated by you or have a day of human judgment. But neither do I
evaluate myself. 4 For though I know nothing against myself, that in itself does not exonerate me.
The Lord is the one who evaluates me. 5 Consequently, do not prejudge anything before the time
of the Lord’s arrival. He will bring to light obscure secrets and expose heart motives. Also at that
time there will be commendation for each one from God.
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6
These things, brothers, I applied to myself and Apollos analogously for your benefit
that you might learn not to puff up one minister and put down another. (The “not” in that
statement was inserted above the line of written text [in the Greek manuscript being copied].)
7
For who evaluates you as an individual? And what do you have that you did not
receive? If you received what you have, why do you boast as if you had not been a recipient?
8
Already you have been satisfied fully. Already you are rich. You reign as kings apart from us.
Would that indeed it were possible for you so to reign that we could reign along with you!
9
For it seems to me God has exhibited us apostles, like those brought out last in the
arena, those condemned to die; we have become theater for the world, angels, and men.
10
• We are foolish for the sake of Christ, but you are deemed smart in Christ.
• We are weak, but you are strong.
• You are recognized with distinction, but we are dishonored.
11
• Up to this very moment we experience hunger and thirst, clothing deprivation,
rough treatment, and are homeless.
12
• We labor, working with our own hands.
• When we are cursed, we bless.
• When we are persecuted, we endure.
13
• Although insulted, we speak encouragements.
• We have become the dirty dishwater of the world, everybody’s plate-scrapings,
until this very moment.
14
I do not write these things to you to make you feel ashamed, but I admonish you as
my children whom I love. 15 If you have 10,000 instructors in Christ, you do not have many
fathers. For in Christ Jesus through the gospel, I became your father. 16 Therefore, I encourage
you to model yourself after me.
17
For this purpose I sent to you Timothy, my much loved “child,” who is faithful in the
Lord. He will refresh your memory of my ways in Christ in a manner comparable to my teaching
everywhere in all the churches.
18
As if I were not coming to you, certain ones acquired an enormous ego. 19 But I shall
come to you soon if the Lord wills it. Then I shall get to know not the statements of those with
inflated self-esteem, but their power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not produced by talk, but by
power. 21 What do you wish? Should I come to you all set to administer a spanking to you, or in
spiritual love expressed in an easygoing manner?
5:1 It is being heard all over that there is flagrant sexual misconduct among you such as not
even practiced by the goyim, in which a man has become sexually intimate with the wife of his
father. 2 How is it you are conceited about this, rather than being in mourning to the point of
removing the offender from your circle?
3
Although I am physically absent, my spirit nevertheless being present, here is my stand
on this: As thus present, I have already passed judgment on this matter. 4 In the name of the Lord
Jesus, as my spirit is assembled with you, together with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 you are to
turn over such a one to the opponent for the disintegration of his flesh in order that his spirit
might be saved in the day of the Lord.
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6
Your braggadocio in this matter is not good. Do you not know that a pinch of yeast
conditions the whole batch of dough? 7 Clean out every trace of the old yeast in order that you
might be a new batch of dough, altogether unraised. For our Passover—Christ—has been
sacrificed. 8 Consequently, let us celebrate, not using the old yeast, nor the yeast of evil and
wickedness, but using the flat bread of moral purity and truth.
9
I wrote to you in a letter not to hang out with sexual sinners. 10 I did not mean that you
should not associate at all with the profligate of this world, or with the covetous, extortioners, or
idolaters, because to do that you would have to go out of the world.
11
Now I write to you not to associate with anyone who bears the name of a brother who
is a sexual sinner, or a covetous person, or idolater, or one who uses abusive language, or
drunkard, or swindler. Do not have any companionship with the likes of them. 12 What obligation
do I have to judge those on the outside? Are you not rather obligated to judge those on the
inside? 13 But God will judge those on the outside. “Drive out their evil from you.”
6:1 Does anyone of you having a serious complaint against another among you dare to take
it to be adjudicated before the unrighteous, and not before the holy ones? 2 Or do you not know
that the holy ones will judge the world? If the world is to be judged by you, are you not fit to
decide the least cases? 3 Do you not know that we will judge angels, how much more those
matters pertaining to daily life?
4
Therefore, if you have a legal issue relating to mundane matters, sit before the least
esteemed in the church to air the complaint. 5 I say this to your shame: Has it come to this that
there is not one wise person among you who is competent to render a decision within the
community of brothers? 6 But brother goes to court against brother, and that before unbelievers.
7
Already, therefore, you are decisively defeated, because you have judgments rendered
against one another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be deprived of something
rightfully yours? 8 But you do wrong and deprive others, and this you do to your brothers.
9
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit God’s kingdom? Do not be
fooled in this: Neither sexually immoral persons, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor submissive
homosexual partners, nor dominant homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor grasping people, nor those
who get intoxicated, nor those who cuss people out, nor swindlers will inherit God’s kingdom.
11
And some of you used to be those kinds of people. But—you were washed! But—you were
made holy! But—you were declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the
spirit of our God.
12
“All things are lawful for me,” but all things are not beneficial. “All things are lawful
to me,” but I will not be controlled by anything. 13 “Foods are for the stomach and the stomach
for foods,” yet God will do away with both the one and the other.
One’s body is not meant for sexual sin, but for the Lord—and the Lord for the body.
14
God is the one who raised the Lord (from the dead), and he will raise us up through his power.
15
Do you not know that your bodies are components of Christ? Having taken the components of
Christ, shall I make them components of a prostitute? May it never be! 16 You know, do you not,
that one joined to a prostitute is one body with her? For he says, “The two will be one flesh.”
17
But one bonded with the Lord is one spirit with him.
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18
Flee from sexual sin. Every sin one commits is nonsomatic. Yet one who participates
in sexual sin, sins against his own body.
19
Or is it possible you do not know your own body is a temple of the God-given holy
spirit in you, and you do not belong to yourselves? 20 Purchased at a price, you, therefore, must
glorify God in your body.
7:1 Now let me deal with the issues you mentioned in writing to me.
It is good for a man not to touch a woman sensually. 2 Yet because of the possibility of
sexual sin, let each man have his own wife, and each woman her own husband. 3 Let the husband
fulfill his sexual obligation to his wife, and the wife hers to her husband. 4 The wife does not
have control over her own body, but her husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have
control over his own body, but his wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another of intimacy, unless
perhaps by mutual consent for a specified time in order that you might devote yourselves to
prayer. Then return to your normal relations lest the opponent tempt you to lose self-control.
6
What follows I say by permission, not as a binding rule. 7 I wish everyone could be
single as I am myself, but each person has his own gift from God. One has one lifestyle, and for
someone else another lifestyle is appropriate. 8 I say to the unmarried and widows that it is good
for them if they remain as I am. 9 If their personality will not bear that restraint, let them get
married. For it is better to marry than to be obsessed about it.
10
I give these orders to the married—not I, but the Lord: Let a wife not separate from
her husband. 11 But if she does, let her remain unmarried or else be reconciled to her husband. A
husband must not divorce his wife.
12
I say to the rest of you on my own—not from the Lord: If a brother has an unbelieving
wife and she is content to make a home with him, let him not divorce her. 13 And if any wife has
an unbelieving husband and he is content to live with her, she should not divorce him. 14 For the
unbelieving husband is sanctified (as far as the marriage goes) by the wife. Also the unbelieving
wife is sanctified by the believing brother, her husband. If it did not work this way, your children
would be considered tainted, but as it is, they have a holy legitimacy.
15
If the unbeliever departs, let that one go. A brother or sister is not bound to them in
such circumstances. God called us to have a peaceful life. 16 For how do you know, wife, if you
will rescue your husband? Or, how do you know, husband, if you will rescue your wife?
17
Whether that happens, let each person live according to the Lord’s gift, and according
to God’s call. In the same manner I give these orders in all the churches. 18 Was any circumcised
man called? He should not try to reverse his circumcision. Was any foreskinned man called? He
should not get circumcised. 19 Whether one is circumcised or foreskinned is of no consequence,
but keeping God’s commands is what matters.
20
Let each person remain in the role in which he was called. 21 Were you called while
serving as a slave? Do not let it bother you. But if you can become free, it is preferable to use the
opportunity. 22 For here is how the principle works: In the Lord one called as a slave is the Lord’s
free person. Likewise, the one who was free when called is a slave of Christ. 23 You were
purchased with a price. Do not become slaves of men. 24 In the role in which you were called,
brothers, let each one remain before God.
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25
Now to answer your question about virgins: I do not have a command from the Lord,
but I give my opinion as one who received mercy from the Lord so as to be faithful. 26 Therefore,
I consider it to be good that a person live as a single because of the contemporary pressure. 27 Are
you bound to a wife? Do not look for a way to be detached from her. Are you released from a
wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you do get married, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries,
she has not sinned. But those who do will have trouble characteristic of finite bodily existence,
and I am trying to spare you that. 29 This is what I mean, brothers: Time is restricted.
Finally, those having wives should be as though they did not have them; 30 those
weeping, as though they were not weeping; those floating on clouds of joy, as though they were
not in bliss; those buying things as though not possessing them; 31 those utilizing the world, as
not consuming it. This world-system is passing away.
32
I want you to be free from distresses. The unmarried person is concerned about the
things of the Lord as to how to please the Lord. 33 But the married person is concerned about the
things of the world—how to please one’s wife—34 and has divided attention. The unmarried
woman and the virgin are concerned about the things of the Lord so that she might be holy in
body and spirit. On the other hand, the married woman is concerned about the things of the
world involved in pleasing her husband. 35 I say this to your own advantage, and not to throw a
lasso around you, but that you might be set up in good form and in good position with respect to
the Lord—without distraction.
36
If anyone thinks his relationship to his virgin is not in good form, if she is past her
prime and the relationship ought to be such and such, let him do what he desires—he has not
sinned—let them marry. 37 He who has taken a firm stand in his heart, not being under any kind
of pressure, and having control over his own will, having decided in his heart to retain his virgin,
does well. 38 The upshot is this: The father who marries off his virgin does well, and he who does
not provide her marriage does better.
39
A wife is bound by marriage for as long a time as her husband is living. If he falls
asleep (in death), she is free to marry whomever she desires as long as that someone is in the
Lord. 40 But she will be blessed more if she remains single according to my point of view, and I
think I have God’s spirit.
8:1 Now let me deal with foods prepared for idols:
We know we all have “knowledge.” Knowledge inflates, but love builds. 2 If anyone
presumes to know anything, he has not yet known the prerequisite for knowing. 3 But if anyone
loves God, this person is known by him.
4
Therefore, concerning the eating of idol sacrifices, we know that an idol standing in
the world is nothing, and there is absolutely only one God. 5 Indeed, there are many so-called
gods—whether in the sky or on the earth. Even as there are many gods and many lords around,
6
but for us there is only one God. He is the father from whom everything originated, and we are
for him. Moreover, there is one lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things originated, inclusive
of us through him.
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7
But knowledge is not possessed by everyone. There are some who until now, being
familiar with the practice, eat the food originally offered to an idol as a sacrifice. Because their
conscience is weak, it becomes contaminated. 8 But food will not provide us standing with God.
Neither if we refrain from eating, will we be worse off, nor if we eat, will we be better off. 9 But
watch out lest this right of yours would become a hindrance to the weak. 10 For if anyone sees
one of you who has knowledge dining at an idol shrine, will not his weak conscience be fortified
to eat the idol sacrifices? 11 For in this case the weak person becomes fatally injured by your
knowledge—even a brother on whose behalf Christ died. 12 By sinning against the brothers and
battering their weak conscience in such a manner you are sinning against Christ. 13 For this
reason, if food causes my brother to trip and fall, I certainly will not eat meat forever after, lest I
cause my brother to lose out.
9:1 Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not my
work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, I certainly am to you. For you are the
evidence of my apostolic credentials in the Lord.
3
My defense to those criticizing me is this: 4 We are not to be denied the right to eat and
drink, are we? 5 We are not to be denied the right to have the companionship of a sister as a wife
as do the rest of the apostles, the natural brothers of the Lord, and Cephas, are we? 6 Or is it only
Paul and Barnabas who are excluded from the right not to work a secular job? 7 Who at any time
serves in the military and has to pay his own expenses? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat
its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not consume some of the milk of the flock?
8
It is not that I am saying these things merely as human values, is it? Does not the law
also state these principles? 9 For in the law of Moses it has been written: Do not muzzle an ox
that is treading out the grain. It is not oxen God cares about, is it? 10 Is it not surely on our
account that he says it? For our sake it has been written that of necessity the one plowing plows
in hope of harvest, and the one who threshes does so in expectation of sharing in the crop. 11 If
we have sown spiritual things among you, is it something great that we should reap natural
things from you? 12 If others have a right to share from you, do not we have that right even more?
But we did not cash in on this right. Instead, we put up with everything so we might not
cause any hindrance to the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who work in the
sacred precincts eat from the offerings made there? That is, those tending the sacrificial altar get
their share of what is placed on the altar. 14 In a comparable manner the Lord organized his work
so that those who preach the gospel should have their living from the gospel.
15
But in my case, I have not made use of these provisions. Nor did I write these things
so that I might now start being remunerated. For I would rather die (of lack of necessities) than
that anyone should reduce to nothing my basis for boasting. 16 For if I preach the gospel, it is
inappropriate for me to boast about that. Indeed, a compulsion weighs upon me to do that. How
horrible it would be for me were I not to preach the gospel! 17 If I preach willingly, I have a
reward coming. But if I do it unwillingly, it would be because of the responsibility entrusted to
me. 18 Therefore, what is the reward for me? It is that I might preach without financial support for
my gospel ministry. I shall present the gospel so as not to make use of my rights in the gospel.
19
For although I am independent of all people, I made myself a servant to all that I
might win even more. 20 I have become to the Jews as one who is a Jew that I might win Jews.
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To those under the law, I became as one under the law—not being myself under the law—that I
might win those under the law. 21 To those without the law, I became as one without the
influence of the law—not being lawless as far as God is concerned, but subject to Christ’s
“law”—that I might win those outside the realm of the law. 22 I became to the weak as one who
was weak that I might win the weak. To all I have become everything needed in order that by all
means I would be able to rescue some of them. 23 I do all this for the sake of the gospel that I
might become teamed up with it in every respect.
24
You know, do you not, that in the sport of track all the runners race, but only one
receives the prize? With the same determination in mind, run so that you might be awarded.
25
Every serious athletic contender practices self-control in every aspect of his life. They do it in
order to receive a garland that will wither. Ours will be one that will not wilt. 26 In this manner I
run, but not like the runner who is unsure of where he is headed.
In a comparable way, I box—not like one shadow boxing. 27 But I punch out my body
and bring it under control, lest somehow, having preached to others, I myself should become
disqualified.
10:1 Now I do not want you to fail to comprehend, brothers, that all our fathers were under
the cloud, and all passed through the (Red) Sea. 2 Yes, all were identified with Moses by being
“baptized” in the cloud and in the sea. 3 Indeed, all ate the same spiritual food. 4 Yes, all drank the
same spiritual drink. For they were drinking from the spiritual rock that followed them; that rock
was Christ.
5
But with many of them God was not pleased, for they were laid low in the desert.
6
These experiences of theirs have become analogies for us to the intent that unlike them, we
should not hanker after evil things with intense cravings. 7 Neither become idolaters as some of
them became. The Scripture gives this account: “The people sat down to eat and drink, and
they got up to frolic.” 8 Neither should we commit sexual sin as did some of them, and in one
day 23,000 fell dead. 9 Nor should we try the patience of the anointed one as some did, and they
were destroyed by snakes. 10 Nor be complainers as were some of them, and they were destroyed
by the terminator.
11
These things happened to them to be exemplary consequences of behavior; they were
recorded for our admonition—for us who have arrived at the end-times of the ages.
12
Consequently, let the one who feels sure of himself see to it that he does not fall.
13
No testing has taken hold of you but what is commonplace for human beings. God is
faithful; he will not permit you to be tested above what you are able to withstand. But
simultaneously with the test, he will open a way of relief that you may be able to endure it.
14
Therefore, my loved ones, make fast tracks away from idolatry. 15 As to sensible
people I speak; evaluate what I say. 16 We have a cup of blessing with which we bless one
another. Is not the cup a participation in the blood of Christ? Is not the bread we break a
participation in the body of Christ? 17 Because there is only one bread, we who are many are one
body, for we all share one bread.
18
Look at ethnic Israel. Are not those who eat the sacrifices participating in the
sacrificial altar? 19 What, then, do I mean? Am I saying that an idol sacrifice is anything, or that
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an idol is anything? 20 On the contrary, what they sacrifice they offer to demons, and not to God.
I do not want you to be in community with demons. 21 You are not able to drink both the cup of
the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot share the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
22
Or would we cause the Lord to be jealous? We are not stronger than he, are we?
23
“All things are lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “All things are lawful,” but
not everything is uplifting. 24 Let no one look out only for himself, but let him be concerned for
the other person. 25 Eat what is sold in the marketplace without any scruples of conscience.
26
For “the earth and its fullness belong to Yahveh.”
27
If any unbeliever invites you to a meal and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is
placed before you without any conscientious considerations. 28 But if anyone should say, “This is
sacred food,” do not eat it, because of that one who made the statement, and because of
conscience. 29 I say, “conscience"—not yours, but that of the other party. For why should my
freedom be judged by another’s conscience? 30 If I partake with gratitude, why am I slandered for
eating something for which I give thanks?
31
Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything to God’s glory. 32 Be
blameless in regard to the Jews, the Greeks, and God’s church. 33 Do just as I do in this regard: I
please everyone in everything, not seeking my own advantage, but seeking to benefit many that
they might be saved.
11:1 Copy me just as I copy Christ.
2
I commend you because you remember my teachings, and just as I have furnished you
the traditions (of the faith) you hold securely to them.
3
I want you to know that the leader [i.e., 'head’] of every husband is Christ, and the
leader of a wife is her husband, and the leader of Christ is God.
4
Every grown male who prays or prophesies with a head-covering dishonors his leader.
5
Every woman praying or prophesying without a head-covering dishonors her leader. It is
exactly as if she had shaved all her hair. 6 For if a woman is not head-covered, her hair should be
cut off. If it is a shame for a woman to have her head sheared or shaved, she must have a
head-covering.
7
On the one hand, a man ought not to cover his head, because he is the image and glory
of God. On the other hand, the woman is the glory of man. 8 For man did not originate from
woman, but woman from man. 9 Nor was man created for the sake of woman, but woman for the
sake of man. 10 This is the reason a woman ought to have a symbol visible on her head that she is
under authority—because of the angels.
11
Nevertheless, neither is woman independent of man, nor man independent of woman
in the Lord. 12 For just as woman is from man (originally), man is also generated through woman.
But all are from God.
13
You decide for yourselves: Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with no covering
on her head? 14 Is it not that nature itself teaches you that if a man has shoulder-length hair, it is
dishonoring to him, 15 but if a woman has long hair it is her glory? This is because long hair is
1 Corinthians 11:16-12:10 261

given in place of a head cover. 16 If anyone intends to argue for a different position, we have no
such practice; neither do the churches of God.
17
In ordering what follows I do not commend you, because your meetings do not turn
out for the better, but worse. 18 First of all, I hear that when you gather as a church there are splits
among you, and I believe that to some degree. 19 Distinctions must be made among you so that
those of you who have passed the test might become apparent.
20
When you gather at the same place, it is not to eat the Lord’s supper. 21 For each one
brings forth his own supper to be eaten. On the one hand, some are (left) hungry; and on the
other hand, some get intoxicated. 22 Do you not have homes for eating and drinking? Or is it that
you treat with contempt the church of God, and put to shame those not having food? What
should I say to you? Should I commend you? I do not commend you on this.
23
For I obtained from the Lord that which I also communicated to you: The Lord Jesus
on that night in which he was betrayed, took (flat) bread (in his hands). 24 Having offered
thanksgiving, he broke it, and said: “This is my body—presented in your place. Do this to
remember me.” 25 In a similar manner, he also took the cup after the meal was over, saying,
“This cup is the new covenant sealed by my blood. As often as you drink this, it will be in
remembrance of me.” 26 For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup you proclaim the
Lord’s death until he arrives on the scene.
27
As a result whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy
manner will be guilty of desecrating the body and blood of the Lord. 28 So let a person examine
himself as to his manner of partaking and then let him eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29
For the one eating and drinking who does not recognize the body eats and drinks judgment to
himself. 30 This is the very reason there are many weak and sick among you, as well as a
considerable number who are sleeping the sleep of death.
31
But if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 When we are being
judged, we are being disciplined by the Lord, lest we should be condemned with the world.
33
Consequently, my brothers, when you gather to eat, wait for one another. 34 If anyone
is hungry, let him eat at home, lest your convocation become an occasion for condemnation. The
rest of these things I will set straight when I come.
12:1 Now, brothers, I do not want you to be unenlightened about spiritual manifestations.
2
You know that when you were pagans you were being led astray by idols—mute though they
are. 3 Therefore, I inform you that no person who is speaking by God’s spirit says a curse on
Jesus. Nor can anyone say, Lord Jesus, except in the realm of holy spirit.
4
There are varieties of spiritual gifts given by the same spirit. 5 There are varieties of
ministries given by the same Lord. 6 There are varieties of operations, but the same God, who
accomplishes everything in everyone. 7 A manifestation of God’s spirit is granted each one to
confer a benefit.
8
For instance: A verbalization of wisdom is given to one through the spirit. To another a
verbalization of knowledge is accorded by the same spirit. 9 To a different one, faith—by the
same spirit. To someone else charismata of healings are given by the one spirit. 10 To another,
1 Corinthians 12:11-13:6 262

the working of miracles. To another, prophecy. Another has critical analysis of spirits. Another
manifests kinds of languages, and to another the translation of tongues.
11
All these gifts operate by the one identical spirit, distributing to each one individually
as per his discretion. 12 There is a parallel between one body with many components and the one
body of Christ, of which many components constitute his one body. 13 For by one spirit we all
were submersed into one body, whoever we were: Jews, Greeks, slaves, free men. All of us were
provided one spirit to drink.
14
For the human body does not have only one component, but many. 15 Were a foot to
say, “Because I am not a hand, I am not part of the body,” does that actually mean it is detached
from the body? 16 Were an ear to say, “Because I am not an eye, I am not part of the body,” does
that actually mean it is detached from the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, how would the
body hear? If the body were all ears, how would it detect odors?
18
Now God placed each member in the body just as he desired. 19 If everyone were the
same component, what kind of body would that be? 20 Now there are many components but only
one body. 21 So an eye cannot say to a hand, “I have no need of you.” Nor again can the head say
to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 But all the more, those components of the body that seem
to be dependent are indispensable. 23 To those parts of the body that we think are of less honor
we accord more honor. Also our unpresentable components we dignify more. 24 Our presentable
parts do not need such. Yet God blended the body, giving greater honor to the inferior
component, 25 lest there be a division. Instead of division, all the members have mutual care for
one another. 26 If one component suffers, all members suffer. If one component is congratulated,
all members rejoice.
27
You are the body of Christ, consisting of differentiated components. 28 God placed in
the church first: apostles; second: prophets; third: teachers; then: workers of miracles; then:
those with gifts of healings; helpers; administrators; speakers in kinds of languages.
29
Not all are apostles, are they? Not all are prophets, are they? Not all are teachers, are
they? Not all are miracle workers, are they? 30 Not all have gifts of healings, do they? Not all
speak in (kinds of) languages, do they? Not all translate, do they? 31 But keep seeking the greater
spiritual gifts.
Yet I shall point out to you a way beyond all comparison.
13:1 If I speak in human languages, and those of angels, but have no love, I have become a
reverberating gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I possess a prophetic gift so as to comprehend every
mystery and all knowledge, and if I have maximum, mountain-moving faith, but have no love, I
am nothing. 3 If I dole out all my possessions, even if I hand over my body (to be a slave) that I
might boast, but have no love, my personal worth comes to zero.
4
Love is patient and gracious.
Love is not envious, braggadocian, or egotistical.
5
Nor is love discourteous, self-centered, touchy.
Love neither conjures up evil,
6
nor derives pleasure from things that are wrong.
Love rejoices in the truth.
1 Corinthians 13:7-14:15 263

7
Love is supportive in every situation,
believes all, hopes all, and endures all.
8
Love never comes to an end.
As for prophecies, the time will arrive when they will no longer be utilized. As for
tongues, they will become still. As for knowledge, it will be set aside. 9 For our knowledge is
incomplete, and so, too, our prophesying. 10 When the perfect state arrives, that which is
incomplete will be retired.
11
When I was a little child I spoke childishly, I thought childishly, I reasoned childishly.
When I became an adult, I set aside the immature ways of childhood.
12
At present we see an indistinct image such as that obtained by looking into a (polished
brass) mirror, but then we shall see face to face. 13 Now my knowledge is incomplete, but then I
shall fully comprehend just as also I was fully known.
Faith, hope, and love are lasting. Of these three, love is the grandest.
14:1 Go after love. Seek spiritual manifestations, and of these seek primarily to prophesy.
2
For one speaking in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. No one understands him; he
speaks mysteries by the spirit. 3 But one prophesying speaks to people to improve them with
something constructive, to encourage them, and to cheer them on. 4 One who speaks in a tongue
improves himself. One who prophesies enhances the church.
5
I want all of you to continue to speak in tongues. But even more, I want you to
prophesy. Greater is the contribution of the one prophesying than that of the one speaking in
languages, unless he translates that the church might receive something constructive.
6
But now, brothers, if I come to you just speaking in tongues, how will I benefit you?
Unless I speak to you either by a revelation, or by a segment of knowledge, or by a prophecy, or
by a teaching, how will you benefit?
7
The same principle is exemplified in inanimate instruments that make sounds—like a
(primitive) clarinet or a stringed instrument. If a distinction in notes was not made, how would a
woodwind’s tune, or a harp’s melody, be recognizable? 8 For if the trumpet sounds off with an
unclear signal, who will prepare for battle? 9 Your situation if you speak in tongues (in a
meeting) is comparable. Unless you provide an intelligible message, how will anyone know what
is being said? You will be to the one who hears you as those who soliloquize.
10
So many kinds of languages are spoken in the world as a whole, and none is irrational.
11
If, therefore, I do not grasp the speaker’s meaning, I shall be as a foreigner as far as the one
speaking is concerned, and the one speaking will be foreign to me. 12 The same principle is valid
in your case. Because you are eager for spiritual manifestations, seek to build up the church.
13
Therefore, one who speaks in a language must pray for ability to translate.
14
If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays. My intellect does not register the meaning.
15
What, then, are my possibilities?
I will pray in the spirit;
but also I will pray with my conscious mind.
I will sing in the spirit;
1 Corinthians 14:16-38 264

but also I will sing with my conscious mind.


16
Take this situation: If you offer praise in the spirit, how will the one who fits the role
of a novice say, “amen,” to your thanksgiving? He would find himself in the position of not
knowing what you are saying. 17 Indeed, you are giving thanks well, but the other person is not
improved by it.
18
I give thanks to God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in church I
would rather speak five words with my intellect engaged—that I might catechize others—than
10,000 words in (another) language.
20
Brothers, do not continue to be childish in your reasoning. Rather, let your immaturity
be in evil. Grow up into mature thinking.
21
In the law it has been written:
In other languages and in other dialects I shall speak to this people.
Yet they will not listen to me in this mode, says Yahveh.
22
So here we have it: Languages are a sign—not to believers—but to the unbelieving.
Prophecy is not for unbelievers but for believers.
23
If, then, the whole church is gathered at one time and everybody speaks in tongues,
and the uninitiated and unbelievers attend, will they not say you are deranged? 24 But if all
prophesy, and any unbeliever or uninitiated person enters, he will be convicted by all. He will be
judged by all. 25 The secrets of his heart will be manifested. In this manner, prostrating himself,
he will pray to God, exclaiming, “God is surely among you!”
26
How does this apply, therefore, brothers? When you gather each one has something to
present—a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, an utterance in tongues, a translation. Let everything
be for edification.
27
If anyone speaks in a tongue, it should occur only twice, or not more than three times,
and each instance of these by turns must have someone translating. 28 If no translator is available,
let the individual keep silent in church. Let his speech be subvocal to himself and to God.
29
Let the prophets speak two or three times, and let the others evaluate what they say.
30
While one prophet is speaking, if something is revealed to another seated prophet, let the first
one cease to speak. 31 For you all may prophesy—one by one—in order that everyone might learn
and that all might be encouraged. 32 Indeed, the spirits of the prophets are under control of the
prophets. 33 For God does not generate disorder—but peace.
As in all the congregations of the holy ones, 34 women should keep quiet in the
churches, for they are not permitted to talk out loud, but to be submissive just as the law says. 35
If they want to find out anything, let them ask their own husbands at home. For it is a shame for
a woman to speak out (across the aisle) in church.
36
Did the word of God either originate from you, or to you alone did it reach? 37 If
anyone considers himself to be a prophet or a spiritual person, let him acknowledge what I wrote
to you is a command of the Lord. 38 If anyone continues to ignore this, he is to be shunned.
1 Corinthians 14:39-15:25 265

39
As a result, my brothers, seek to prophesy, and do not prohibit speaking in tongues.
40
Let all be done with propriety and order.
15:1 I direct your attention, brothers, to the gospel I preached to you. You received it and
took your position in it. 2 You also are saved through this message of good news I preached to
you, provided you maintain a firm hold on it. Otherwise, your placing faith in the gospel would
be unavailing.
3
For I transmitted to you in earlier times that which I also received:
• Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures.
4
• He was buried.
• He was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.
5
• He also was seen by Cephas; then by the twelve.
6
• Thereafter, he was seen by over 500 brothers at once. Most of these are still living,
but some fell asleep.
7
• Then he appeared to James after all the apostles.
8
• Last of all, as to one with an off-schedule birth, he appeared also to me.
9
For I am the least of the apostles, one not worthy to be called an apostle because I
persecuted God’s church. 10 Yet by the grace of God I am what I am. Moreover, his grace was not
wasted on me. But more than all the apostles I exerted myself in wearisome labor. The credit is
not mine but redounds to the grace of God with me. 11 Therefore, it matters not whether I was
instrumental or they. In this manner we continue to preach, and in response you believed.
12
If Christ is preached as raised from the dead, how do certain ones among you declare
there is no resurrection from the dead? 13 If there is no resurrection from the dead, neither has
Christ been raised. 14 But if, indeed, Christ has not been raised, then our proclamation is to no
purpose, and your faith is emptied of meaning. 15 Instead, we would be found to be false
witnesses about God, because we testified against God that he resurrected Christ, whom he did
not raise if—as the assumption goes—the dead are not raised. 16 If, indeed, dead are not raised,
neither has Christ been raised.
17
If Christ has not been resurrected, your faith leads nowhere; you are still in your sins.
18
Then, too, those who are sleeping in Christ perished. 19 If we have placed our hope in Christ
only so far as this life is concerned, we are more to be pitied than all other people.
20
Now, back to reality: Christ has been raised from the dead as the prototype of those
sleeping. 21 Because death was through a man, resurrection from the dead also was through a
man. 22 For just as in the lineage of Adam all die, in a comparable manner everyone in the lineage
of Christ will be made alive. 23 It works this way: Each one will be raised in his own
order—Christ, the prototype; then those who are of his line at the time of his return.
24
Then comes the consummation, when Christ will turn over the kingdom to Father
God, after vacating the administration of every sovereign, every authority, and power. 25 For
1 Corinthians 15:26-52 266

Christ must reign until he achieves unconditional surrender of all his enemies. 26 The last enemy
to be overpowered is death. 27 For “he subjected everything under his dominion.” When it is said
that all things have been subjected, it is evident the exception to this is the one having subjected
everything to him. 28 When all things are actually under his control, then the son himself will be
subject to the one having subjected all things to him—that God might be all in all.
29
For what reason are persons baptized in proxy for those who are dead if, absolutely,
the dead are not raised? Why then are they baptized in their behalf?
30
Why also do we risk danger every hour? 31 I die, as it were, on a daily basis; I make
that affirmation of experience on the basis of your being my object of pride, which I have in
Christ Jesus our Lord. 32 If in human encounter I fought wild beasts in Ephesus, what good does
it do me? If the dead are not raised, “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be
taken in by that quip. “Bad companions corrupt reputable standards.” 34 Be serious about what is
right, and do not sin. For certain ones are functionally ignorant of God, and I say that to your
shame.
35
But someone will say, “How are the dead raised? In what kind of body will they
arrive?”
36
Ignoramus, what you plant does not germinate unless it dies, does it? 37 What you
plant does not have the body that it will become; rather, you sow a naked kernel—perhaps of
wheat or of some of the other grains. 38 God gives to it a body just as he pleases, and each of the
seeds has its own structure.
39
Not all flesh is identical. Rather, there is one kind characteristic of humans, another of
animals, another of birds, and another of fish. 40 Also there are heavenly bodies and earthly
bodies. But the glory of the heavenly bodies and that of the earthly bodies is quite different.
41
The sun has one kind of glory, the moon another, and the stars have yet another glory. No two
stars have the same glory.
42
Such differences as these will show up in the resurrection of the dead. A body is
planted in the earth in a deteriorated state; it is raised in an incorruptible state. 43 Planted lacking
honor, it is raised in glory. Planted in weakness, it is raised in power. 44 Planted as a natural body,
it is raised as a spiritual body.
As surely as there is a natural body, there is a spiritual body. 45 This is substantiated also
by the Scripture: “The first man, Adam, came into existence as a living soul.” The last Adam
came as a life-producing spirit. 46 But the spiritual (body) was not first. The natural was first, and
then came the spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth's elements. The second man was of
heavenly origination.
48
Made in the pattern of the earthy one are those who are also earthy. Modeled after the
heavenly one are those who are heaven-oriented. 49 Just as we wore the image of the earthling,
we also will wear the heavenly image.
50
This is what I am saying, brothers: Flesh and blood, per se, cannot acquire God's
kingdom. Nor can what deteriorates obtain immortality. 51 See the picture as I tell you a mystery:
We shall not all sleep (in death), but we shall all be transformed. 52 It will happen in a
nano-second, in the wink of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will give a blast, the dead
1 Corinthians 15:26-52 267

will be raised in bodies that do not deteriorate, and we will be transformed. 53 For it must be that
this perishable body will be clothed with imperishability and this mortal with immortality. 54
When this disintegrating one is clothed with incorruptibility, and this mortal with immortality,
then the written word will be actualized:
Death is consumed by victory!
55
Where, death, is your victory?
Where, death, is your sting?
56
Sin is the sting of death, and the potency of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God who
gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!
58
Consequently, brothers, my loved ones, become stalwarts who will not move from
position. Always be productive in the Lord’s work, being assured that your labor in the Lord is
not wasted.
16:1 Now for a word about offerings for the holy ones in need. Just as I set up a system for
the churches in Galatia, you too should follow that guideline. 2 Each one on the first day of the
week should set aside a contribution from his prosperity to form a fund so that no collections
occur when I get there. 3 Upon arrival, I will send papers with whomever you approve to
transport your kindhearted offering to Jerusalem. 4 If it seems right also for me to go, they will
travel with me.
5
I shall come to you when I pass through Macedonia, for I am going there. 6 With you,
quite possibly, I will stay a while, or even spend the winter, in order that you might send me
forth wherever I go. 7 I do not want to drop in on you now in passing, for I hope to remain with
you for some time, if the Lord lets me. 8 I shall stay in Ephesus until Pentecost. 9 For a great and
challenging door has opened for me here; yet there are many who oppose me.
10
If Timothy comes, see to it that his stay with you is without intimidating tension. For
he accomplishes the Lord’s work just as I do. 11 Therefore, do not let anyone look down on him.
Send him forth in peace that he may come to me. For I am expecting him with the brothers.
12
Now concerning brother Apollos: I often encouraged him to come to you with the
brothers. All told, it simply was his decision not to come right now. He will come when the time
is right.
13
Be alert! Stand in the faith! Be brave! Be strong!
14
Let love characterize all of you!
15
I am encouraging you, brothers. You know the family of Stephanas, because they are
the first crop harvested in Achaia, and they put themselves in a position for service to the holy
ones. 16 So I encourage you to submit yourselves to such ministering people as these, and to
every such colleague and coworker.
17
I am rejoicing over the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus, because these
men made up for your lack of communication. 18 For they refreshed my spirit and yours. Grant
recognition, therefore, to such men as these.
1 Corinthians 16:19-24 268

19
The churches of Asia send their regards to you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you many
times and the church that meets in their home send their greetings to you in the Lord. 20 All the
brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss.
21
This is my greeting inscribed by the hand of Paul.
22
If anyone does not love the Lord, let that one be doomed.
Lord, come!
23
The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you!
24
My love is with all of you in Christ Jesus.
2 Corinthians 1:1-22 269

SECOND CORINTHIANS
1:1 This letter comes from Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus, ordained by God’s will. Brother
Timothy joins me in writing to God’s church at Corinth, including all the holy ones in all of
Achaia. 2 May grace and peace be yours from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
3
May the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised! God, the originator of
mercies and of comprehensive encouragement, 4 consoled us in all of our trouble that we might
be able to encourage those undergoing every distress. We do this by drawing on the solace that
came to us when we ourselves were consoled by God. 5 In proportion as the sufferings of Christ
multiply in us, our encouragement through Christ comparably increases. 6 If we are hard-pressed
by trouble, it is in behalf of your reassurance and salvation. If we are consoled, it is for your
encouragement that produces endurance as you participate in the same sufferings we also
experience. 7 Thus our hope concerning you is indefatigable, knowing that as you are partners
with me in the sufferings, there is commensurate encouragement for you.
8
For we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about our ordeal in Roman Asia.
To the greatest extreme, even beyond our strength, we were put under immense pressure. It was
such that we had serious doubts we would live through it. 9 But as far as we ourselves were
concerned, we had received the verdict of death, lest we should be relying on ourselves rather
than on the God who raises the dead. 10 He rescued us from so terrible a death. The one in whom
we hope will deliver us in the future 11 as you work together with us by praying for us. As prayer
arises from many people in our behalf, the gracious answer will eventuate in thanksgiving by
many people in our behalf as well.
12
This is our pride, reflecting the testimony of our conscience, that in generosity and
godly sincerity we interact in the world, not by carnal sophistication, but by the grace of God,
and especially so in relating to you. 13 For we are not writing other principles to you that differ
from those you are now reading or from those you also know well. And I hope that you will
understand them fully. 14 Just as also you knew us to some degree, know that we are proud of
you; even so you will be our pride on the day of the Lord Jesus.
15
Confident of this, I previously made up my mind to come to you in order that you
might have a second benefit. 16 Passing through your area, I would expect to make a side trip into
Macedonia before returning to you, to be sent forth by you to Judaea. 17 Do you think that my
planning to make this trip was an instance of fickleness on my part? Or do I plan things,
therefore, merely by carnal considerations, talking out of both sides of my mouth at the same
time?
18
But God is faithful to substantiate the fact our message to you is not (philosophically)
dialectical. 19 For God’s son, Jesus Christ, was proclaimed among you by us—by me, by Silvanus
and Timothy—not dialectically with contradictory assertions, but as an affirmation in him. 20 For
as many as are God’s promises, they are affirmative in Christ. Therefore, through him a glorious
amen to God resonates through us. 21 God is the one who affirms us with you in Christ; and he
anointed us. 22 He also set his seal on us as a deposit-guarantee by putting his spirit in our hearts.
2 Corinthians 1:23-3:10 270

23
I invoke God as witness to the motives of my soul that it was to take pressure off of
you that I have not yet come to Corinth. 24 We do not make a power play over your faith. Rather,
we are coworkers concerned for your joy. By faith you have stood and will continue to stand.
2:1 Indeed, I made up my mind not to come to you again in grief. 2 For if I grieve you, who
is left to cheer me up, except the one saddened by me? 3 Thus I wrote to you with reference to
this matter that at my arrival I might not be grieved by the very ones needed to make me rejoice.
I have no doubts about it; you—all of you—are my joy. 4 For out of much anguish and heaviness
of heart I wrote to you through many tears, not with the intent of causing you sorrow, but that
you might know my overflowing love toward you.
5
If anyone has offended someone, it is not me he offended, except partially, for I do not
want to be too severe on all of you. 6 That penalty imposed by the group was enough for such a
one. 7 To balance things, your resultant action should consist of being gracious and encouraging
to him, so as to avoid his being engulfed in greater grief. 8 Therefore, I call on you to affirm him
with love. 9 For also I wrote to you with this purpose in mind that I might know whether in every
matter you pass the test of obedience. 10 To one whom you graciously forgive anything, so do I.
For indeed, with reference to that matter, I have graciously forgiven. If I have so forgiven, it is
because of you in Christ’s presence I have done so, 11 lest we be exploited by the opponent; we
are not unaware of his machinations.
12
When I came to Troas with the gospel of Christ, a door was opened for me in the
Lord. 13 I did not have rest in my spirit due to my not finding Titus, my brother. Rather than
staying on, I said good-bye to them and departed for Macedonia.
14
Gratitude arises to God for leading us always in triumphal procession in Christ, and
for wafting through us the fragrant knowledge of him in every place, 15 because we exude to God
an aroma of Christ, sensed among both the saved and the perishing. 16 On the one hand, to those
perishing it has a morbid odor, a premonition of death. On the other hand, to those experiencing
life it has a vital aroma. Who can handle these responsibilities? 17 We are not like those many
who unscrupulously huckster the word of God. But with pure motives as agents from God, in
Christ we speak in the presence of God.
3:1 Are we beginning again to promote ourselves? Alternatively, we do not need, as do
certain ones, letters of recommendation either to you or from you, do we? 2 You, yourselves,
constitute our endorsement, written on our hearts, recognized and read by everyone. 3 It is
demonstrable that you serve to attest us as a document written by Christ, one not written with ink
but with the spirit of the living God, not on stone tablets, but on the muscular panels of hearts.
4
Such confidence as this we have through Christ in relation to God. 5 We are not
self-sufficient so as to think anything originates from ourselves. But our adequacy derives from
God, 6 who also makes us capable ministers of a new covenant—not one alphabet-based, but
spirit-based. For the written symbol puts an end to life, but the spirit produces life.
7
If the ministry involving death, codified as it was in letters carved in stone, had its
genesis in glory such that the descendants of Israel could not gaze on Moses’ face because of its
transitory resplendence, 8 how could the spirit’s ministry not exceed that in glory? 9 For if the
ministry of condemnation had glory, how much more will the ministry of righteousness abound
with glory! 10 That which had been glorious in this partial respect is not as glorious when
2 Corinthians 3:11-4:18 271

compared with the extraordinary glory now present. 11 For if that which was canceled was
instituted with glory, how much more infused with glory is that which is permanent!
12
Therefore, because we have such a hope, let us confidently make the most of it. 13 Our
situation is not like that of Moses who used to place a veil over his face that the descendants of
Israel might not gawk at the final fading away of his glory. 14 But their minds were stuck in the
closed position. For right up to the present day when the old covenant is read, the same veil
remains in place; it is not lifted because it takes Christ to remove it. 15 For them, however, right
up until today whenever Moses’ writings are read, their hearts are veiled. 16 Whenever there is a
turning to the Lord, that veil is lifted.
17
The Lord is the spirit. The presence of the spirit of the Lord means freedom. 18 We all,
barefaced, and gazing as in a mirror at the Lord’s glory, are changed into his same image
incrementally from one degree of glory to another. We are transformed by the Lord, who is
spirit.
4:1 Because of this, we have this ministry just as we were shown mercy, and we do not tire
of doing what we do. 2 But we repudiate the things hidden because of their shame. We do not
operate using subterfuge, nor do we falsely represent the word of God. But with the openness
characteristic of the truth, we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience vis-à-vis God.
3
If our gospel is concealed, its concealment occurs in those perishing. 4 In their case, the
god of this age blinded the intellects of unbelievers so as not to perceive the illumination in the
gospel—the glory of Christ—who is God’s image.
5
We do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord. As for us, we are your servants,
ministering on the basis of Jesus’ appointment. 6 God, the one who exclaimed, “Light shine out
of darkness!” caused light to shine in our hearts to illuminate us with the knowledge of the glory
of God, radiant on the face of Jesus Christ.
7
We have this treasure in earthenware containers that the excellence of the power might
be recognized as coming from God, not from ourselves. 8 In everything we are under tremendous
pressure, but not stressed to the point of being out of commission; we are disturbed, but not
despairing; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; toppled, but not ruined. 10 Always we carry around
in our body the death of Jesus that the life of Jesus also might be manifested in our body.
11
Perpetually, we who live are handed over to death for Jesus’ sake, in order that Jesus’ life
might be palpable in our mortal flesh. 12 The upshot is that death is operative in us, and life
among you.
13
We have the same attitude of faith as expressed in what has been written: “I believed;
therefore, I spoke.” We too believe; therefore, we also continue to speak. 14 We know that the
one who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and he will present us with you.
15
For all things are for your sake, that grace abounding through many people might cause
thanksgiving to multiply for the glory of God.
16
Therefore, we do not get exhausted. On the contrary, if our external being is
disintegrating, our inner self, in contrast, is being renewed day after day. 17 For our momentarily
insignificant trouble accomplishes in us, beyond all measurability and proportion, an eternal
concentration of glory. 18 We focus attention not on visible phenomena, but on things unseen. For
visible objects exist for the time being, but invisible realities are eternal.
2 Corinthians 5:1-6:2 272

5:1 We know that if our earthly tent-home is taken down, we have a permanent structure
from God that is not hand-crafted—one that is eternal in the heavens. 2 Also in this regard, we at
present keep sighing, longing to put on our permanent status, having a celestial nature. 3 And if
we become undressed (of bodily enclosure), we shall not be found naked. 4 Moreover, those of us
in the human tent are groaning under the pressure weighing upon us. In this case it is not that we
want to divest ourselves of this home. Rather, we want to be re-outfitted, that mortality might be
consumed by vitality. 5 The one who prepared us for this very experience is God, who gave to us
the first installment of his spirit to certify his intentions.
6
Be confident all the while, therefore, knowing that when we are at home in the body,
we are away from home, in terms of the Lord. 7 For it is through faith that we live our lives, not
through what is visible. 8 We are confident of the future, preferring to be away from the
body-housing and to be at home with the Lord.
9
Therefore, we aspire to be pleasing to him whether at home or away from home. 10 For
it is imperative for all of us to stand for inspection before the judicial throne of Christ, that each
person might be compensated for deeds done through the body—whether such are wholesome or
wicked. 11 Therefore, because we know how fear-inspiring the Lord is, we persuade men about
this.
To God we are exposed, and to your consciences also I hope we are transparent. 12 We
are not commending ourselves to you again, but we are giving you an opportunity to be
commendatory of us, in order that you might make a case before those boasting in appearances
rather than in one's heart condition. 13 For if we are unbalanced, our tilt is toward God. If we are
levelheaded, it is for your benefit.
14
Indeed, the love of Christ fascinates us. We infer that because one died in behalf of
all, that all, therefore, succumbed. 15 Moreover, he died for all in order that those who live (as a
result) might no longer live self-centered existences, but have a life dedicated to the one who for
them died and rose again.
16
What this means for us is that from now on we do not know anyone according to vital
statistics. Even if we have known Christ in person, now however, no longer do we experience
him that way. 17 Consequently, if anyone is in Christ, that person is a new creation. The old
aspects passed away. Now observe: A new creation has come into being, 18 all aspects of which
originate from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ.
God also gave us the ministry of reconciliation. 19 This was the process: God was in
Christ reconciling the world to himself, not counting their transgressions against them, and
placing among us the message about reconciliation. 20 Therefore, as ambassadors we represent
Christ by the urging of God through us. We implore you for Christ: Be reconciled to God. 21 He
who did not know sin by experience made himself a sin-offering for us so that by him we might
become right with God.
6:1 Because we are colleagues, we encourage you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
2
For he says:
I heard you in a timely fashion.
I helped you on a day of deliverance.
Observe! The time is just right—now.
2 Corinthians 6:3-17 273

Observe! The day of rescue is here.


3
Do nothing that trips up anyone in any way, lest your service be found unacceptable.
4
But in everything demonstrate yourselves to be God's servants by having much patience:
in troubling situations,
in times of necessity,
in calamities,
5
in beatings,
in imprisonments,
in mob violence,
in hard labors,
in deprivations of sleep,
in fastings;
6
by purity,
by knowledge,
by prolonged endurance,
by kindness,
by holy spirit,
by genuine love,
7
by truthful speech,
by God’s power,
through using the weapons of righteousness for offense and defense,
8
through glory and dishonor,
through defamation and commendation;
as deceivers, yet honest people,
9
as ignoramuses, yet knowledgeable,
as dying out, yet look—we live—
as being punished, but not put to death,
10
as being grieved continually, but rejoicing,
as poor, but making many wealthy,
as holding nothing, yet having everything.
11
Our communications with you are straightforward, Corinthians, with our heart wide
12
open. Limitations are not set on you by us, but constrictions are caused by your own deep
feelings. 13 In the same reciprocal manner—I speak as to children—you also should be candid.
14
Do not be mismatched with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness and
lawlessness? 15 Or what compatibility does light have with darkness? What harmony is there
between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? 16
What rapport does God’s temple have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God, just as
God said,
I shall dwell in them and move among them.
I shall be their God,
and they will be my people.
17
Consequently: Separate from being among them.
2 Corinthians 6:18-8:2 274

Distance yourselves, says Yahveh.


Do not touch filth,
and I shall take you in,
18
and I shall be as a father to you.
You will be to me as sons and daughters,
says Yahveh omnipotent.
7:1 Because we have these promises, loved ones, let us cleanse ourselves from every
contamination of flesh and spirit. In fear of God completely instantiate holiness.
2
Make room for us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of
3
no one. I do not speak for purposes of condemnation. For I stated earlier that you are in our
hearts, making us as close as those who faced death together and live on together. 4 On my part I
have much confidence in you; I do much boasting about you. I am filled with encouragement. I
am overflowing with joy in spite of all our trouble.
5
For even when we came to Macedonia there was no letup on our flesh. Instead, there
were those exerting pressure in every direction. There were battles outside, fears inside. 6 But
God, the companion of the humble, encouraged us by the arrival of Titus. 7 Not only was his
coming an encouragement, but also what he shared with us about you, reporting to us your
yearning, your grieving, and your solicitude concerning me. This made me rejoice all the more.
8
Even if my letter pained you, I do not regret having sent it. Even if I did feel anguish at
the time, for I understand that although that letter brought you grief when you received it, 9 I now
rejoice—not because you were made sorrowful, but that you were grieved enough to repent. For
your sorrow was directed toward God, so that in no way would you sustain injury from us. 10 For
the grief that is God-oriented produces repentance, leading to salvation—not to be regretted. But
the world’s grief exerts a lethal effect.
11
See this same principle applied in connection with godly sorrow as to how much
earnestness it produced in you. The stark antithesis to this kind of sorrow is: excuse-making,
resentment, fear, obsession, agitation, revenge. You demonstrated yourselves to be pure of the
practice of all of these.
12
Therefore, although I wrote to you in reference to the one who did wrong, it was not
merely about him, or for the sake of the one who was wronged. But it was that your earnestness
on our behalf, as it reflects on you, might be manifested in the presence of God. 13 Because that
was achieved, we have been consoled.
Beyond our being encouraged in this manner, we rejoiced enthusiastically to an even
greater degree over Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed from contact with all of you. 14 I
was not embarrassed about anything I had boasted to him concerning you. But everything we
had said in reference to you was true, just as we had boasted accurately in Titus’ presence. 15 His
deepest feelings toward you were all the more evident as he recalled your collective submission,
as with quavering trepidation you welcomed him. 16 I am glad to have confidence in you about
everything.
8:1 We made known to you, brothers, God’s grace given within the churches in Macedonia.
2
In spite of hard times that severely tested them, their joy was abundant. Even within their depth
2 Corinthians 8:3-9:4 275

of poverty, their wealth of generosity overflowed. 3 According as they were able—I certify
this—and beyond what they were able, they gave spontaneously. 4 With much urging they
begged us to allow their gracious participation in the ministry to the holy ones. 5 Having
exceeded our hopes, they first gave themselves to the Lord, and to us also as per God’s will.
6
In regard to this issue, we urged Titus to complete among you what he had already
begun relative to this grace expressed in giving. 7 Nevertheless, just as you excel in everything—
in faith, and reason, and knowledge, and in all responsiveness, and in the love from us reflected
in you, so in this gracious project you also should excel. 8 I do not say this as a command, but
motivated through the eagerness of others to give, I also would test the sincerity of your love.
9
For you know the gracious character of our Lord Jesus Christ, who on your account
was very poor, although he was wealthy, so that by his impoverishment you might become rich.
10
I will give advice in this matter for your advantage. You not only decided to do this,
but also wanted to begin previously last year. 11 Now complete what you also started out to do, so
that just as eagerness was there to desire to do it, in the same manner may the decision to follow
through with it impel you to use what you have. 12 For if motivated to give, whatever one has is
acceptable—not what he does not have.
13
My intention was not to make it easy on others and to put pressure on you by
suggesting this, but that everything might even out. 14 At the present time your abundance would
make up for their deficiency, and their abundance could make up for your deficiency, so that
everything might be equalized. 15 This accords with what has been written:
The one who has much did not have too much.
The one who has little did not have too little.
16
Thanks to God who put in Titus’ heart the same earnestness as it relates to you. 17 He
received encouragement, and being all the more eager, he went out to you of his own accord.
18
We sent along with him commendation in the gospel for this brother who is recognized in all
the churches. 19 Not only that, but he was appointed by the churches to be our traveling
companion for this gracious donation. This ministry by us together with him in carrying out our
ready response promotes the glory of the Lord. 20 By keeping our distance, we are taking
precautions so that no one would blame us for the way we handle this large contribution. 21 For
we are taking into consideration the best appearances, not only before the Lord but before men.
22
We are sending to them our brother who we approved in many ways many times over.
He is eager to go and now is much more zealous, having much confidence in you. 23 Whether we
are speaking about Titus, my partner and your colleague, or our brothers, they are envoys of the
churches for Christ’s glory. 24 Therefore, they demonstrate the proof of your love and our
boasting to them concerning you in full view of the churches.
9:1 Now concerning the assistance for the holy ones, it is superfluous for me to write to
you. 2 For I know your willingness, for which I commended you to the Macedonians, telling
them that Achaia was ready to give last year. Your eagerness motivated the majority of them.
3
I sent the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter might not be
unsubstantiated, that just as I was saying you would do, you actually were prepared to do. 4 We
would be embarrassed if Macedonians were to come with me and find you unprepared; so I do
2 Corinthians 9:5-10:11 276

not want to say you are ready without this confirmation. 5 I, therefore, considered it necessary to
urge the brothers to go forth to you and to organize beforehand your blessing previously
promised, that this might be ready as a blessing, and not a cause of coercion. 6 Think it over: One
who plants meagerly will harvest a meager crop. One who plants copiously will harvest a
copious crop.
7
Each one should respond according to the decision of his heart—not from anguish or
from duress, for God loves a cheerful donor. 8 God can make comprehensive grace overflow in
you that in everything you might have a full sufficiency all the time, so that you might be prolific
in every good work. 9 There is a scriptural basis for this:
He was generous; he gave to the poor.
His integrity remains forever.
10
The supplier of seed to the sower—and bread as food—will multiply the supply of your seed;
and he will cause an increase in what your integrity produces.
11
We are enriched in everything for continuing the consummate generosity he produces
through us, resulting in thanksgiving to God. 12 This enrichment accrues because this offering of
service not only is supplying necessities for the holy ones, but also it keeps multiplying much
thanksgiving to God. 13 Through the worthiness of this ministry, you are glorifying God by your
submission that affirms the gospel of Christ, and by the generosity of your sharing with them and
with everyone.
14
Moreover, in their prayer for you they are earnestly desiring the superlative grace of
God to be upon you.
15
Thanks to God for his ineffable gift!
10:1 I, Paul, appeal to you in reference to myself in terms of the considerateness and
courtesy of Christ. When among you, my image is that of one humbly reserved, but when away,
it is as of one intrepidly resolute toward you. 2 Please take note, I am contemplating expressing
my blunt boldness of confidence as when not present and to dare to bring it boldly to bear upon
some who opine that we have a flesh-oriented lifestyle. 3 For although we are living naturally, we
do not fight naturally. 4 Our militant weapons are not ordinary, but dynamic in God for
demolishing fortresses, destroying arguments 5 and every high tower erected in opposition to
knowledge of God, and bringing into line every thought in subjection to Christ. 6 These weapons
are poised to crack down also on all disobedience until such time as your obedience is in full
compliance.
7
Face up to the situation. If anyone considers himself to be a Christian, let him realize
objectively that just as he belongs to Christ, so do we. 8 For if I get more exuberant in making
something of our authority the Lord gave for building you up—not for dismantling you—I shall
not be embarrassed in doing that. 9 My only hesitation is that I not seem to frighten you by my
letters. 10 “His letters,” it is said, “are heavy and hard-hitting, but his personal presence was
weak, and his message has been disdained.” 11 Let such a person of that opinion consider this:
Just as we are in the message of the letters written while absent, also count on us to be when we
make
2 Corinthians 10:12-11:18 277

a personal appearance and go into action.


12
For we would not dare to analyze and compare ourselves to certain ones who
rhapsodize about themselves as do these people who are all taken up with themselves. They
measure themselves by themselves. They do not understand that they are merely comparing
themselves to themselves.
13
We shall not boast excessively, but conservatively, as God distributed to us our
portion that resulted in our coming into contact with you. 14 For we are not overextending
ourselves in reaching for you; for we reached until we touched you with the gospel of Christ.
15
We are not boasting beyond the limits—in the works of others. But we have hope that your
faith will be increased and maximized in abundance according to our standard.
16
We hope to preach the good news in the lands beyond you, so as not to boast in
another’s sphere of accomplishments. 17 “Let the one who brags, make his boast in the Lord.”
18
For it is not one who commends himself that is approved, but he to whom the Lord gives
recognition.
11:1 Would that you were putting up with me a little to indulge in some foolishness, but at
least you are tolerating me. 2 For I am jealous over you with God’s jealousy. I brought about your
engagement as a pure virgin to one man—to be the partner of Christ. 3 I am apprehensive lest
somehow, comparable to the serpent’s deluding Eve by his deceit, he might corrupt your
concepts away from your simplicity and purity in Christ.
4
For example, if an interloper drops in and proclaims another Jesus in contrast to Jesus
we preached, or if you take on a different spirit from what you received, or a different gospel
from the good news you accepted, you take it all in stride quite well.
5
I consider myself to be deficient in no way from such super missionaries. 6 If I am
unskilled in rhetoric—but not in knowledge—it is in all those ways that they show off with
reference to all their dealings with you. 7 I made myself the equivalent of a sin offering,
humbling myself that you might be exalted, because—without compensation—I preached to you
the good news from God. 8 I plundered other churches, receiving expenses to support my
9
ministry to you. Even when I was present with you and was in need, I did not become a
burden on anyone. For brothers coming from Macedonia provided resources to supply my need.
In every situation I kept myself from being a burden to you, and I shall continue to do so.
10
Truthfulness characteristic of Christ is mine in saying that my boasting will not be
frustrated in the districts of Achaia. 11 Why do I say that? Is it that I do not love you? God knows
the answer. 12 That which I am doing I shall continue to do in order to cut out the pretext of those
wanting a basis for accusation. As a result their true colors will be found out in the matter in
which they boast, just as also our character will be revealed. 13 For such persons are false
representatives, treacherous manipulators, masquerading as emissaries of Christ. 14 This is not
surprising, for Satan disguises himself as a messenger of light. 15 It is no big deal, therefore, if his
assistants masquerade as ministers of righteousness. Their final state will be determined by their
works.
16
Again I have this to say lest anyone take me to be a fool. Even if I am not thought to
be foolish, receive me as such that I might do a little boasting. 17 What I now have to say is not
by the Lord’s directive, but as it were in foolishness—the basis of my boasting. 18 Because many
2 Corinthians 11:19-12:10 278

are bragging at the natural level, I also shall boast. 19 For you cheerfully put up with foolish
people, being sophisticated yourselves. 20 If anyone makes slaves of you, you tolerate it. If
anyone consumes you, if anyone takes advantage of you, if anyone struts as a celebrity before
you, if anyone in your face slaps you around, you take it!
21
I speak being aware of the dishonor accorded us by those contending we are
insignificant. In whatever way anyone is brash—I say it foolhardily—I also am audacious. 22 Are
they Hebrews? I am too. Are they Israelis? I am too. Are they Abraham’s progeny? I am too. 23
Are they Christ’s servants? I speak like one who is non compos mentis. I am what they claim and
more—with more jobs accomplished, with more imprisonments, with a surplus of beatings,
experiencing mortifications often. 24 From Jews I took five beatings of 39 stripes each. 25 Three
times I was caned. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked, having spent all night and
a day in deep water. 26 I have made many trips—in dangers from rivers, in dangers from thieves,
in dangers from ethnic kin, in dangers from foreigners, in urban dangers, in dangers of an
isolated place, in dangers on the sea, in dangers from fake brothers, 27 in hard labor and struggle,
in many deprivations of sleep, in hunger and thirst, in many fastings, in cold weather and
clothing deprivation.
28
Apart from these externals, the pressure of taking care of all the churches has daily
been upon me. 29 Who is in a weakened condition, and I am not enervated? Who is shamefully
upended, and I am not chagrined?
30
If I am compelled to boast, I shall boast about aspects of my weakness. 31 The God and
father of our Lord Jesus, who is forever acclaimed, knows I am not lying. 32 In Damascus the
ethnarch of King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus for the purpose of arresting me.
33
Through an aperture in the wall, I was lowered in a basket, and I escaped his hands.
12:1 Because boasting, however inadvisable, is necessary, I shall focus on visions and
revelations from the Lord. 2 I know a person in Christ whose experience 14 years ago may have
been in his body or apart from it, a detail unknown to me, but not to God. That man was snatched
away the third heaven. 3 I know such a human being, but not whether such an experience was
somatic or non-somatic—God knows. 4 He was transported to paradise. He heard words too
sacred to be permissible for a person to utter. 5 About such a one I shall boast, but about myself I
shall not brag, except in terms of my weaknesses.
6
For were I wanting to boast, I would not be foolish about it, because I would speak
based on facts. But I shall refrain, lest anyone credit me for something above what he sees me do
or hears from me. 7 That restraint extends to my excess of revelations as well.
Consequently, lest I would become inflated, a “thorn in my flesh” was provided me, a
satanic agent to torment me, lest I become egotistical. 8 In this regard I implored the Lord three
times that he would remove it from me. 9 He said to me:
My grace is enough for you.
` My power reaches its intensity in your weakness.
All the more gladly, therefore, I will boast of my weaknesses in order that Christ’s
power might settle down on me. 10 Therefore, I accept cheerfully weaknesses, humiliations,
pressures on me, persecutions, and difficulties—for the sake of Christ. For when weakened, then
I am empowered.
2 Corinthians 12:11-13:10 279

11
I have become foolish; you compelled me. For I ought to be commended by you,
because I lacked nothing the super missionaries have, even if I am nothing. 12 For instance, the
supernatural attestations of an apostle were produced among you with complete composure—
signs, wonders, and miracles.
13
In what sense then are you worse off than the rest of the churches, except that I myself
did not draw my support from you. Be merciful to me for this injustice.
14
Note this is the third time I have been ready to come to you, and when I do I shall not
be a financial burden on you. For I do not want what belongs to you, but you! For children ought
not to stockpile things for parents, but parents should do that for children.
15
I most cheerfully will spend, making myself expendable in behalf of your lives, even
if the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 16 Let it be that way; I did not weight you
down. But being clever, did I con you, using deceit? 17 Neither did anyone I sent to you take
advantage of you, did he? 18 I urged Titus to come and sent him together with a brother. It is not
that Titus exploited you in anything, is it? Did we not travel with him in spirit? Was it not in the
same footsteps?
19
Do you think that for a long time we are defending ourselves to you? In the presence
of God, we speak in Christ. Everything, loved ones, is done for your enhancement.
20
I am apprehensive lest when I arrive, I will find you not such as I desire, and I will be
found by you not such as you would like me to be. The conditions I fear finding are: strife, envy,
raging tempers, episodes of selfishness, defamations, secret slanderings, ego-inflations,
disorders.
21
By my not coming again to you my God would humiliate me, and I would mourn
many times over for those who have previously sinned but did not repent of the uncleanness,
adultery, and sensuality that they practice.
13:1 This is the third time I am coming to you. “By the testimony of two or three witnesses
every fact will be established.” 2 I have said previously and I restate now being absent as I did
when I was present the second time: I say to those who sinned earlier and to all the rest, that if I
make a return trip I shall not spare such people. 3 I shall do this because you seek proof of Christ
speaking in me. For you, he is not weak, but he is dynamic among you. 4 For he was crucified in
weakness; but he lives by God’s power. And, indeed, we are weak in him, but we shall live with
him by God’s power operating for your benefit.
5
Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Or is it that you
do not know for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you fail the test? 6 I hope you
know that we are not disqualified. 7 We intercede to God that you would do nothing evil, not just
that we might appear to be approved, but that you might do what is good, even if we might be
deemed as failures. 8 For we cannot do anything against truth, but only on behalf of truth. 9 We
rejoice when we are weak and you are dynamic. We also pray for your maturation. 10 This is the
reason I write these things while absent, so that when I do get there, I shall not have to be
heavy-handed in using the authority with which the Lord endowed me. It is intended for
construction, not destruction.
2 Corinthians 13:11-13 280

11
Finally, brothers, rejoice, be prepared, be encouraged, think unanimously, be at peace,
and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another by a holy kiss.
All the holy ones greet you.
13
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s love, and the sharing of the holy spirit be
with all of you.
Galatians 1:1-2:2 281

GALATIANS

1:1 This letter comes from Paul, an apostle who neither represents men, nor was
commissioned by human authority, but by Jesus Christ and Father God, who raised him from the
dead. 2 All my brothers also join me in saying to the churches of Galatia:
3
May grace be with you and peace from God our father and the Lord Jesus Christ,
4
who gave himself for our sins that he might rescue us from the present evil age,
in accordance with the will of God our father. 5 To him the glory belongs for unending
ages! Amen.
6
I am astounded that so quickly you are withdrawing yourselves from the one who
graciously called you and you are shifting your allegiance to a deviant “gospel,” 7 that is not
equivalent. This repositioning occurred because of certain ones who have been agitating you.
They want to redesign the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or a messenger from heaven
preached a different gospel than that which we proclaimed to you, let that one be consigned to
destruction. 9 As we have already stated, I now repeat: If anyone preaches to you a gospel that
differs from the one you accepted, let him be anathematized.
10
Now then, do I strive to receive recognition from men—or God? Or am I bent on
pleasing men? Were I yet pleasing people, I would not be a slave of Christ. 11 Indeed, I inform
you, brothers, the gospel I preach was not one fabricated by a human being. 12 For neither did I
obtain it from a human source, nor was it so taught to me. Instead, it is mine through revelation
of Jesus Christ.
13
For you heard of my career when I was a devotee of Judaism, how I used to hunt
down the church of God relentlessly and was destroying it. 14 A fanatic for the traditions of my
ancestors, I was advancing up the ladder in Judaism beyond many of my Jewish contemporaries.
15
When it pleased God, who set me on a course from my mother’s womb and called me
through his grace, 16 to reveal his son in me that I might preach him among the nations, right
away I had no consultation with flesh and blood. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to confer with
those who were apostles before my time. But I departed to Arabia, and returned again to
18
Damascus. Then, three years later, I went up to Jerusalem to become acquainted with Rock
and stayed with him 15 days. 19 None of the other apostles did I see, except James, the Lord’s
brother. 20 As to these statements I am writing to you, they are out in the open before God,
because I do not deceive.
21
Afterward, I went to the territories of Syria and Cilicia. 22 I made no appearances in
the Christian churches in the southern province of Israel. 23 Only did they hear, “The one who
once persecuted us, now preaches the faith he formerly was devastating.” Moreover, they were
glorifying God on account of how he handled me.
2:1 Later by 14 years, I again traveled to Jerusalem, accompanied by Barnabas and Titus.
2
I made that visit as a result of revelation. Before those who seemed to be the leadership I
privately elaborated on the gospel I preach among the nations, lest somehow my running the race
Galatians 2:3-3:4 282

now or earlier were pointless. 3 But they did not compel Titus, my associate, to be circumcised
although he was a Greek.
4
There were fake-brother operatives who inserted themselves surreptitiously among us
to scrutinize our freedom in Christ Jesus so as to gain control over us. 5 Not for a moment did we
acquiesce, that the truth of the gospel might remain permanently for you.
6
From those who seemed to be special—what standing they had makes no difference to
me; God does not take people at face value—there was nothing in which the putative leaders
differed from me. 7 On the contrary, they officially recognized me as being entrusted with the
gospel for the foreskinned, just as Rock had been for the circumcised. 8 Indeed, the one who
produced results by Rock, who was commissioned to the circumcised, worked also in me for
reaching the goyim (i.e., nations).
9
In recognition of the grace given to me, James, Cephas [i.e., Rock], and John—the
ones who appeared to be pillars—shook partners’ hands in fellowship with me and Barnabas on
the understanding we would work with the goyim, and they with the circumcised. 10 They only
exhorted us to remember their poor people, which also was the specific task I was diligent to do.
11
When Cephas came to Antioch, I confronted him face to face because he deserved
12
censure. For before the visit of a delegation sent by James, he regularly ate with the goyim, but
upon their arrival, he withdrew and separated from them, intimidated by what those from the
circumcised would think of him. 13 The rest of the Jews joined in the pretense with him. As a
consequence Barnabas also was drawn into complicity with them in their hypocrisy.
14
Nevertheless, when I saw they were inconsistent in applying the truth of the gospel, I said to
Cephas in the presence of them all: If you, Jew that you are, live like internationals and not as a
Jew, how can you compel internationals to live the Jewish life-style? 15 Not the internationals,
but we who are ethnic Jews are the culprits in this.
16
We know that a person is not declared righteous by doing what the law requires if he
does not have faith in Jesus Christ. We believed in Christ Jesus that we might be declared
righteous by our faith in Christ—not by performing the works required by the law, because none
of the human race will be justified by deeds required by the law.
17
If while we seek to be declared righteous in Christ, we are found out also to be
sinners, is Christ then a facilitator of sin? Of course not! 18 For if I reconstruct the things I
destroyed, I expose myself for what I am—a transgressor.
19
For through law I died to law that I might live for God. I have been co-crucified with
20
Christ. No longer do I live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live as a human being, I live
by faith in God’s son, who cherished me and substituted himself in my behalf.
21
I do not cancel out God’s grace. For if righteousness were derived through the law,
then Christ’s death was superfluous.
3:1 O unaware Galatians, who has cast their spell over you, even you, before whose vision
Jesus Christ has been publicly placarded as crucified? 2 Respond to this one question I would
ascertain from you: Did you receive the spirit by performing the deeds of the law, or by faith in
what you heard? 3 Are you so irresponsible that although you began by the spirit, you will now
finish up by human strength? 4 Did you suffer so many hardships for nothing? Was it really
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all in vain? 5 Did, then, the one who abundantly supplied to you the spirit and who worked
miracles among you do such on the basis of implementations of the law, or by faith in what you
heard?
6
Abraham is a model of one who believed God. His faith was accredited as his
righteousness. 7 Know this, therefore, that those having faith are Abraham’s descendants.
8
Scripture, having foreseen that God would count the goyim righteous on the basis of their faith,
proclaimed good news to Abraham back in that day:
All nations will be blessed through you.
9
Believers as a result are being blessed in conjunction with Abraham’s faith.
10
As many as are from the legal-works tradition live under a curse. For it has been
written:
Cursed is everyone who in practice does not conform to all the stipulations
written in the legal book.
11
Moreover, it is evident that by law no one is justified before God because:
The righteous person will live by faith.
12
But the law is not faith-based; rather:
The one who practices these things will live by so doing.
13
Christ redeemed us from the law’s curse, having become a cursed one in our place,
because it is written:
Cursed is everyone suspended on wood.
14
This redemption from the curse occurred that Abraham’s blessing might be on the
nations in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promised spirit through faith.
15
Brothers, I use a human analogy. The comparison of which we speak is to a person’s
(legal) will. Once that will has been validated, no one can nullify it or augment it. 16 Promises
were made to Abraham and to his “seed.” God did not say: And to your seeds, as applicable to
many, but as specifying one, “And to your seed”—who is Christ. 17 I declare this: By God’s
initiative his covenantal will was affirmed in that former period. The law that came on the scene
430 years later did not overrule to invalidate the promise. 18 For if the inheritance were derived
from law, it could no longer be from promise. God expressed his grace to Abraham by the
promise he made to him.
19
What, therefore, is the purpose of the law? The law was interjected because of
transgressions until the promised “seed” would come. Its command structure was implemented
through messengers, acting as a mediating agent. 20 But the intermediary is not all by himself.
Yet God is one. 21 Does the law abrogate God’s promises? Of course not! For if a law had been
given that could produce life, righteousness would have been derived that way from law.
22
Scripture, however, confined everything under the sin-category that the promise might be
awarded to believers on the basis of faith in Jesus Christ.
Galatians 3:23-4:24 284

23
Before this faith arrived, we were guarded by law, being walled in while awaiting the
time such faith would be unveiled. 24 As a result, the law functioned as our tutoring guardian in
preparation for Christ, that we might be accounted righteous by faith. 25 Because this faith has
come into its own, we no longer are under a tutor.
26
For you are all God’s sons through faith in Christ Jesus. 27 As many of you as were
submersed into Christ wear Christ. 28 Of those in Christ, none is a Jew nor a Greek, none a slave
nor a free person, none a male and none a female. For all of you are of one identity in Christ
Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, his promised heirs.
4:1 I declare to you that as long as the heir is a minor, he is no better off than a slave,
although he is the owner of all the estate. 2 But he is under guardians and supervisors until the
date set by his father. 3 Our situation was comparable. During the time we were immature and
under the operating principles of the world, we were enslaved.
4
When, indeed, the set time of maturity arrived, God sent his son, born of a woman and
subjected to the legal system. 5 He did this in order to redeem those under the law that we might
be adopted by him. 6 Because you are sons, God sent the spirit of his son into our hearts, causing
us to exclaim, “Dad! Father!” 7 So now your status is no longer slave, but son. If you are a son,
you are also an heir through the provision of God.
8
By contrast, during the days when you were unacquainted with God, you were
enslaved to natural phenomena that are not real deities. 9 But now that you know God, or to say it
more accurately, you are known by God, how is it you yearn to return once again to effete,
worthless, worldly principles and to submit to their control once again? 10 You scrupulously
observe designated days, months, seasons, and years. 11 I am alarmed about you lest my labors in
your behalf somehow have all been wasted.
12
Put yourselves in my place—I plead with you—because indeed I have put myself in
your place, brothers. You have not wronged me personally. 13 You know that in the beginning of
our relationship when I evangelized you, I did so while being physically debilitated. 14 You stood
the test of my physical problem without looking down on me or spitting (on the ground as I
passed by). But you welcomed me as God’s messenger, just as you did Christ Jesus. 15 Where,
therefore, has such a blessed attitude as yours evaporated? For I assert to you that you would
have dug out your eyes, were that possible, and would have given them to me.
16
Did it turn out that I have become your enemy by being truthful with you? 17 Certain
ones are cultivating your interest, but not for your good they do so. They want to corral you so as
to promote their own advantage. 18 Now it is fine for you to be always eager for whatever is
good, and I do not mean just when I am present with you.
19
My children, I am experiencing labor pains for you again until such time as Christ is
formed in you. 20 I have been wishing I could be present with you at once so I could change my
tone, because I am so disturbed over you.
21
Tell me, those of you who want to be under the law, do you not pay attention to what
the law says? 22 For the record is explicit: Abraham had two sons. One came from a slave and
one came from a free woman. 23 The contrast is plain: On the one hand, the son born from the
slave was generated by natural means, but the son born of the free woman came by a promise. 24
There
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is an allegory here. These two women represent two covenants. One derives from Mt. Sinai; it is
the covenant generated while in slavery, the one represented by Hagar. 25 Hagar symbolizes Sinai
Mountain in Arabia. It is analogous to the present mother city of Jerusalem, which is in slavery
with her children. 26 But there is a city of the free, the celestial Jerusalem—that is our mother.
27
For the scriptural record states:
Barren woman, who has not carried a child—be glad!
You who have had no labor pains, break your silence and shout,
because many more are the children of the desolate woman,
than of the woman who has a husband.
28
You, brothers, as per Isaac, are promise-children. 29 But just as at that time the one
born naturally persecuted the one born by the spirit, so it is currently. 30 Yet what does Scripture
say?
Expel the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman will not
inherit along with the son of the free woman.
31
Brothers, this is the way it is: We are not slave-born children, but children of a
free-born woman.
5:1 Christ set us free to assure our freedom. Consequently, stand free, and never again stick
your neck into an enslaving yoke.
2
Understand this: I, Paul, declare to you that if you have yourself circumcised, Christ
will be useless to you. 3 I assert again to every circumcised person that performance of the whole
law is obligatory.
4
You who are being justified by law have invalidated what you received from Christ;
you forfeited grace. 5 For in spirit we earnestly wait in hope of righteousness from faith. 6 In
Christ Jesus neither circumcision amounts to anything nor foreskinnedness. On the contrary,
what matters is faith functioning through love.
7
You were running your race well. Who cut you off so as to prevent your believing
truth? This persuasion did not originate with the one who called you. 9 A little yeast conditions
8

the whole batch of dough.


10
I am confident about you in the Lord that you will set your mind on nothing else (but
the truth) and that judgment will bear down on the party who stirs you up, whoever that may be.
11
Take my own case, brothers. Were I still advocating circumcision, why would I yet be
persecuted? I, indeed, would have nullified the scandal of his cross.
12
Would that those who are upsetting you would also cut off themselves from you.
13
For you, brothers, were called to be free. The only restriction is that you not take freedom as an
opportunity to express the flesh, but through love minister to one another. 14 All the law in this
regard is recapitulated in one principle: Love your associate as yourself.
15
If you chew up and consume one another, watch out lest you be turned into waste by
one another. 16 So I declare: Live a spiritual life, and you will not gratify your carnal compulsion.
17
For the flesh competes against the spirit in that for which it yearns, and the spirit against the
Galatians 5:18-6:2 286

flesh. For the flesh and the spirit are in opposition to one another, keeping you from expressing
the opposite impulse, according to your desire.
18
If you are spirit-led, you are not under the law.
19
Here is what is meant by expressions of the flesh:
x sex outside of marriage,
x lewd uncleanness,
x sensuality,
x 20 idolatry,
x doing drugs,
x hostilities,
x strife,
x envy,
x hotheadedness,
x contentiousness,
x dissensions,
x cliques,
x 21
spite,
x drinking binges,
x excessive feasting,
x and comparable things I mentioned to you before.
Just as I said previously: Those who practice such will not inherit God’s kingdom.
22
But the spirit-grown fruit consists of:
™ love,
™ joy,
™ peace,
™ patience,
™ kindness,
™ goodness,
™ faithfulness,
™ 23 gentleness,
™ self-control.
No law applies against such fruit. 24 Those who belong to Christ crucified the flesh with
its passions and lusts.
25
If we live by means of the spirit, let our conduct also be by the spirit.
26
Let us not be boasters, provoking one another, envying one another.
6:1 Brothers, if any person is overtaken in any moral failure, you who are spiritual are to
restore such a one in a gentle spirit. Consider what it would be like were you the one who had
been tempted.
2
Bear the burdens of one another, and by so doing you will implement Christ’s “law.”
Galatians 6:3-18 287

3
Indeed, if anyone considers himself to be somebody, although he is not, he deceives
himself.
4
Let each person evaluate his own work. Then he can be proud of what he alone has
done and not of another person’s work. 5 For each one must take responsibility for himself.
6
Let the one who is taught the word share all goods with the one who teaches.
7
Do not be deceived. One never makes a fool of God. For whatever a person sows is
what he reaps. 8 One who sows for his own carnal nature will from his flesh reap corruption. But
one who sows for the spirit will from the spirit reap eternal life. 9 Let not those who do good
become discouraged, for at its own proper time we shall reap a harvest if we do not let up.
10
Consequently, as we have opportunity, let us work for the good of everyone—especially for
those of the family of faith.
11
Note the large size of my lettering, written with my own hand.
12
As many as want to feature the flesh force you to be circumcised. The only motivation
for this is that they might not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Even the circumcisers
themselves do not keep the law, but they want you to be circumcised that they might boast about
your flesh.
14
As for me, may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus
Christ. Through the cross the world and I are mutually crucified as far as each relates to the
other.
15
For neither circumcision amounts to anything, nor foreskinnedness—but a new
creation is what counts! 16 To as many as advance this standard, may peace be upon them, and
compassion, even upon God’s “Israel.”
17
Finally, let no one cause me problems. For I bear on my body the distinguishing
marks of Jesus.
18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers. Amen.
Ephesians 1:1-2:4 288

EPHESIANS

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, writes this for the holy ones (in Ephesus)
and the faithful ones in Christ Jesus.
2
May grace and peace be yours from God, our father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
3
May God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, be praised for having blessed us with
every spiritual blessing situated in the heavenly realms in Christ.
4
This means that God chose us in Christ before founding the universe that we would be
holy and blameless in his presence. In love 5 he predestined us through Jesus Christ for adoption
as his own, according to the good intent of his will. 6 He has done so in commendation of his
glorious grace, given us in his loved one, 7 in whom we have redemption through his blood, the
forgiveness of transgressions, as a consequence of the wealth of his grace 8 lavished on us.
In comprehensive wisdom and understanding, 9 God divulged to us the mystery of his
will, expressing his good purpose that he projected in Christ 10 for the planned climax of the
historical epochs. This means the subordinating of everything in the heavens and on earth under
Christ. 11 Indeed, in Christ we obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the
purpose of the one who works out everything by consulting his own will, 12 that we might be a
tribute to his glory, those of us who have already set our hopes on Christ. 13 You also believed in
him, after having heard the message of truth, the gospel about your salvation. When you
believed, you were marked with the owner’s seal, the promised holy spirit, 14 which is the
guarantee of our inheritance until full possession is attained—to the praise of his glory.
15
This is the reason that after hearing of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for
all the holy ones, 16 I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I
pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, glorious father that he is, would give you spiritual
wisdom and revelation in knowledge of him, 18 bringing light to the visual faculties of your heart,
causing you to comprehend:
x the hope implicit in his calling,
x the wealth of his glorious inheritance among the holy ones,
x 19 and the extraordinary greatness of his power for us believers,
according to the release of his dynamic energy.
20
He utilized this power when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right
hand in the heavens—21 far above every leader, authority, power, dominion, and every name
accorded recognition, not only in this age but as well in the age that is on the way. 22 He
subjugated all under the dominion of Christ and gave him the position as head over everything in
the church, 23 his body, the totality of the one who comprises the whole in every dimension.
2:1 While lifeless in your transgressions and sins, 2 you then roamed around conformed to
this contemporary world, controlled by the leader whose hegemony operates in the atmospheric
realm, the spirit now active in rebellious people. 3 With them we also were all involved then,
giving expression to the cravings of our carnality, the impulses of our flesh and moods. As
offspring, we—just like the rest of humanity—deserved wrath. 4 But God,
Ephesians 2:5-3:11 289

magnificent in mercy, multiplied his love to us. He loved us in this way: 5 While we were dead in
transgressions, he co-resurrected us with Christ, for by grace you are saved. 6 He co-raised and
co-seated us in the heavens in Christ Jesus. 7 God did this to demonstrate in the future ages the
superlative abundance of his grace, expressed in compassion upon us in Christ Jesus.
8
For by grace you are saved through faith. This salvation is not self-achieved; it is
God’s gift, 9 independent of accomplishments, lest anyone brag on himself. 10 For we are his
work, created in Christ Jesus for good works, in which God prearranged to keep us involved.
11
Therefore, remember that previously you were ethnically the goyim, dubbed
foreskinned by the clan with handcrafted, physical circumcision. 12 At that time you were
unattached to Christ, alienated from the community of Israel, and outsiders in terms of the
covenants involving the promise. Your existence was hopeless; you were without God in the
world. 13 But now, in Christ Jesus, you who formerly were far out have become close in by
means of the blood of Christ.
14
For Christ himself is our peace; he merged both groups into one. He dismantled the
obstructive barrier between them—i.e., the hostility. In his physical being 15 he accomplished
this, having done away with the law consisting of mandates expressed in ordinances. His purpose
was to create in himself one new person of these two entities, thereby achieving peace, 16 and to
reconcile both parties to God in one body through his cross, extinguishing in himself their
hostility. 17 When he came, he proclaimed the good news of peace to you, the far out ones, and
peace to those close in 18 because, through him, we both have access in one spirit to the father.
19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners—outsiders—but fellow-citizens among
the holy ones and members of God’s family, 20 structured on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, having Christ Jesus, himself, as the cornerstone. 21 All the superstructure coalesces in
him to rise as a holy temple constructed by the Lord, 22 in whom you also are co-constructed in
spirit to become God’s home.
3:1 For the sake of this process, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ in behalf of you, the
nations. Inasmuch as you heard, the plan of God’s grace was given to me for you 3 The mystery
2

was divulged to me by revelation, just as previously I wrote briefly about it, 4 so that having read
this, you are able to gain insight into my understanding of the mystery of Christ.
5
That mystery was not made known to other generations of humanity, as
contemporarily it was revealed in the spirit to his holy apostles and prophets. 6 It means that
through the gospel the nations are coheirs, co-members of his body, and co-participants in that
which was promised in Christ Jesus.
7
By God’s gracious gift to me, dynamically working internally, I became a minister of
the gospel. 8 To me, the least of all holy ones, this grace was given that I should announce good
news to the nations—the incalculable wealth of Christ—9 and illuminate the content of the
mystery that throughout the millennia was concealed in God, who originated all.
10
The plan was to make known now to the rulers and authorities in the highest realms
—through his church—the multiplex wisdom of God 11 implicit in his designing the ages around
Ephesians 3:12-4:20 290

Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 In him we have boldness and a right of access to God with assurance
through the faith focused on Christ. 13 Therefore, I ask you not to get discouraged over the
troubles I encounter in your behalf; they are your glory.
14
This affords me the reason to bow my knees to the father, 15 the one from whom the
standard for all fatherhood in heaven and earth is defined. 16 I pray that in proportion to the
wealth of his glory he would fortify you with strength through his spirit in your innermost self, 17
that Christ would dwell in your hearts through faith as you are rooted and based securely in love.
18
I pray that you, along with all the holy ones, might be enabled to take in fully Christ’s love in
its breadth and length, its high and deep dimensions, 19 so as to know by experience that which
surpasses knowledge that you might be filled completely with God.
20
To the one who can accomplish superabundantly beyond what we ask or imagine—in
line with his power exerted in us—21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus in every
successive epoch of the ages. Amen.
4:1 I, therefore, the prisoner, encourage you in the Lord to go about living in a style worthy
of the seriousness of your calling. 2 This means relating to one another with genuine humility,
with gentle kindness, and with patience. Put up with one another in love. 3 Be eager to preserve
spiritual unity, with peace as the bond. 4 There is one body, and one spirit, just as also you were
certainly called to one hope, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and father of all, who
is over all, operative through all, and in all.
7
To each one of us grace was given as a distributed gift from Christ. 8 To reference that,
he says:
When he ascended to the high elevation,
he took captives of war of war;
he gave gifts to his people.
What does he ascended imply? What else—but that he had also descended to the lower
9

levels of earth. 10 He who descended is the one who ascended far above all the heavens that he
might fill all. 11 Moreover, he himself gave these gifts: apostles, prophets, evangelizers, and
pastoral teachers. 12 These gifts are for equipping the holy ones for the work of serving, for
building the body of Christ 13 until we all attain the unity of the faith and the knowledge of God’s
son so as to reach the maturity comparable to the complete stature of Christ.
14
This means we would no longer be immature, tossed as by waves and thrown off
course by every doctrinal wind, by clever men who manipulate people into error by using
deceitful intrigue. 15 By telling the truth in love, let us mature in Christ in every respect. He is the
head 16 from whom all the body coheres and consolidates by every supporting connection,
according to the complementary function of each member, causing growth of the body, building
itself up by love.
17
Therefore, I declare, going on record in the Lord as to what I now say: No longer
should you move about through life in conformity to the futility of the nations in their mental
outlook. 18 Their understanding has dimmed into darkness. They are alienated from the life
derived from God because of their ignorance and insensitivity of heart. 19 Obdurate, they give
themselves over to sensuality, to participate greedily in every filthy act. 20 You did not learn
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Christ as being like that, 21 inasmuch as you heard about him and were taught in him even as
truth is in Jesus.
22
Strip off the old self that characterized your former life-style, corrupted as it is by
deceitful impulses. 23 Be renewed in spiritual outlook, 24 and clothe yourself with the new self,
created in conformity to God in righteousness and holy truth.
25
Therefore, disrobe deception from yourselves. Each person should speak truth with
his associate because of our mutual relationship.
26
Get angry—but do not sin. Let not the sun set upon an angry mood, 27 nor give the
devil any zone to operate.
28
A thief must no longer steal. Rather, let him work manually to produce something
worthwhile that he might have goods to share with someone in need.
29
Let no unwholesome word emanate from your mouth. But speak what is good, as
needed for edification, to provide grace for those listening.
30
Do not grieve the holy spirit of God with which you were sealed, awaiting the day the
owner comes to claim you.
31
Discard all animosity, rage, tantrums, wailing, and telling people off—along with
every evil.
32
Be kind to one another. Be tenderhearted. Be generous to others just as also God in
Christ was gracious to you.
5:1 Therefore, as his dearly loved children model yourselves after God. 2 Live your life in
love, even as Christ loved us and surrendered himself for us as an offering and sacrifice of a
fragrant aroma to God.
3
But do not let sexual sin—in all its forms of filthiness or insatiability—be identified
among you, because such does not fit the standard for holy people. 4 Cut out obscenities, foolish
talk, and scurrilous jesting, none of which is right. Instead, be characterized by thanksgiving.
5
For you have known and you can be certain that every adulterer, every sexually dirty person,
every insatiable sensualist—the equivalent of an idolater—has no inheritance in the kingdom of
Christ and God. 6 Let no one deceive you with weasel words. Such practices incur God’s wrath
upon those who are disobedient. 7 Therefore, do not join in with the likes of such people.
8
Once you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Conduct yourselves as the
progeny whose parentage is light, 9 for light has the effect of producing comprehensive goodness,
integrity, and truth. 10 Examine and approve that which is pleasing to the Lord, 11 and do not take
part in unproductive activities of darkness; rather, censure them. 12 For it is shameful even to
mention their practices done in secret. 13 But all things tested under light are revealed for what
they are. 14 For all that reveals is light. Therefore, he says: Get up, sleeper; rise from the dead.
Christ will beam light on you.
15
Consequently, see that you live carefully, not as fools, but as wise. 16 Be in the market
to buy up time, because the days are evil. 17 For that reason, do not be ignorant, but understand
the Lord’s will.
Ephesians 5:18-6:12 292

18
Also do not get intoxicated with wine in drinking binges, but continue to be filled
spiritually, 19 vocalizing among yourselves with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and
melodizing in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for everything in the name of our
Lord Jesus Christ to Father God.
21
Submit yourselves to one another in profound respect for Christ. 22 Wives should
submit to their own husband as to the Lord, 23 because a husband is leader of his wife just as
Christ is head of his church; he is the savior of the body. 24 But as the church is submitted to
Christ, in the same manner wives should submit to their husband in everything.
25
Husbands, love your wife just as Christ loved the church and expended his life for her
26
that he might sanctify her, having purified her by the water-ablution of his word, 27 so he could
present to himself a glorious church, not having stain or wrinkle or anything similar, but that she
might be holy and blameless. 28 In this manner husbands should love their wives as they do
themselves, as their own body. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no one ever hated his
own flesh; but he nourishes it with tender loving care, just as also Christ cherishes the church
30
because we are components of his body.
31
In this regard, a man will leave his father and mother
and bond with his wife,
and the two will be one flesh.
32
The mystery involved in this relationship is great. I mean that of Christ and his
33
church. Yet it applies also to you, the married: Each husband must love his own wife as
himself, and his wife must profoundly respect her husband.
6:1 Children, obey your parents for this is right.
2
Honor your father and mother—
the first command with an associated promise,
3
in order that life might go well for you,
and that you might live long on the earth.
4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children, but carefully raise them with discipline and
understanding of the Lord.
5
Slaves, obey your human masters with deepest respect and sincerity in your heart as
you would relate to Christ. 6 Do not serve just when you are being observed and just to please
men; but as Christ’s slaves do God’s will with your whole self, 7 with good will, slaving away as
for the Lord, and not for men. 8 Know this that if anyone does anything good, he will be
compensated for it from the Lord, whether he is slave or free.
9
Bosses, as to how you treat those working for you, cease using threats, knowing that
their Lord and yours is in the heavens, and there is no favoritism with him.
10
Finally, be strengthened in the Lord by his mighty power. 11 Suit up with God’s battle
gear so you can stand up to the devil’s stratagems. 12 Our struggle is not with flesh and blood, but
with the leaders, authorities, and world rulers of this darkness, the evil spiritual forces in the
skies.
Ephesians 6:13-24 293

13
For this reason, suit up in the panoply provided by God so as to be able to stand on the
battle line in the evil time, and having utilized everything, to keep standing.
14
Take your stance, therefore, with your waist belted by truth, and your chest encased in
the breast-protector of righteousness. 15 Position your feet on the solid ground of the peace-giving
gospel.
16
In every situation take along the faith-shield, by which you will be able to fend off the
incendiary arrows of the evil one.
17
Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit—God’s word.
18
Through using all forms of prayer and petition, in every situation remain prayerful in
spirit. Keep alert spiritually, pressing on with perseverance in prayer for all the holy ones. 19 Pray
also for me that proclamation might be given to me by his opening my mouth with boldness to
divulge the mystery of the gospel, 20 on whose behalf I am an ambassador, as evidenced by my
“chain,” that in representing him I might speak out freely as I should.
21
In order that also you might know how things are going with me as to what I am
doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known
everything to you. 22 I sent him to you for this reason that you might know our news and that he
might encourage your hearts.
23
Peace be with the brothers and love permeated with faith, from Father God and Lord
Jesus Christ.
24
May grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with imperishable love.
Philippians 1:1-25 294

PHILIPPIANS

1:1 Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus, send this letter to all the holy ones in Christ
Jesus, including overseers and deacons, in Philippi. 2 May grace and peace be yours from God
our father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
3
I express gratitude to my God whenever I remember you. 4 Always, in every prayer of
mine offered for all of you, I joyfully recall 5 your participation in the gospel from the first day
until now.
6
I am confident of this certainty that he who began his excellent work in you will work
on to completion, until Christ Jesus’ day arrives. 7 For me to think this way about all of you is
entirely proper because I have you as my sweetheart. During my imprisonment and in my
defense and validation of the gospel, all of you have been partners in grace with me. 8 God is my
witness as to how deeply I miss you all with Christ Jesus’ depth of feelings.
9
That for which I am praying is this:
y May your love abound even more and more in knowledge and comprehensive insight
10
in order to develop your critical faculties to discern the realities of lasting value.
y May you have pure motives and blameless living in anticipation of the day of Christ.
y 11
May you be filled with the fruit of righteousness produced through Jesus
Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
12
I want you to know, brothers, that the events involving me, however ironically,
occurred to advance the gospel. 13 The news that my imprisonment came about because of my
association with Christ has spread throughout the Roman headquarters and to all the rest of the
interested parties. 14 Moreover, many of the brothers in the Lord, now having become all the
more motivated by my manacles, fearlessly dare to speak the message. 15 On one hand, there are
certain ones, motivated by spite and strife, 16 and on the other hand, others preach Christ with
good intentions, motivated by love, knowing I am set to defend the gospel. 17 Those proclaiming
Christ from selfish ambition, not having pure motives, suppose they will exacerbate the hardship
of my imprisonment.
18
What do I make of all this? Only this, that in every way—whether by pretext or true
motivation—Christ is proclaimed. That makes me joyful!
Nevertheless, I shall keep right on rejoicing, 19 for I know that through your prayers and
the support of the spirit of Jesus Christ the result will be my deliverance. 20 My earnest and
hopeful expectation is that in no case shall I be ashamed, but with thoroughgoing intrepidity,
now as always, Christ will be held in high honor in my body, whether by my living or dying.
21
For my life consists of Christ, and death would be to my advantage.
22
But continuation of my natural life would mean productivity in my work. Therefore, I
am in a quandary. 23 I am mutually attracted, having a strong desire to graduate to be with
Christ—a much better option. 24 But to remain here in my physical state is what you need even
more. 25 I am certain about it: I know I shall stay on and remain present for all of you, for your
Philippians 1:26-2:15 295

progress and the joy arising from your faith. 26 Your taking much pride in Christ Jesus as a result
of my ministry is anticipated when once again I am present with you.
27
Your exclusive concern should be to live as citizens worthy of the gospel of Christ.
Do this in order that whether I come and see you or remain away, I will hear concerning you:
y that you stand unanimously in one spirit, like one person, contending for the gospel
faith;
y 28
and that you are not intimidated in anything by your opponents.
Your poise forebodes their destruction, but it signifies your salvation that comes from
God. 29 For in Christ’s behalf you are privileged not only to place your faith in him, but also to
suffer for him, 30 experiencing the same struggle you observed in my life, and hear that I
experience now.
2:1 Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, if any incentive in love, if there is
any sharing of spirit, if any tender emotions and compassion are yours, 2 make my joy complete
by harmonizing your thinking. Have the same love for each other as companions who think
unanimously. 3 Do nothing motivated by getting one up over others, or by grandstanding; but
with an attitude of humility consider one another more advanced than yourselves. 4 Each one
should not be obsessed with his own interests, but get involved with the concerns of others.
5
Assume among yourselves the attitude characterizing Christ Jesus:
6
Who, possessing God’s image,
did not consider equality with God a right to be clutched.
7
Instead, he surrendered his rights,
taking on a slave’s role as his human identity.
8
In view of his human status he humbled himself,
becoming submissive even to death—death on a cross at that!
9
Consequently, God exalted him superlatively,
graciously granting him the title that transcends every honorific.
10
He did this that in deference to the name, Jesus,
every knee would flex, from realms heavenly, earthly, subterranean,
11
and every tongue would voice the acclamation:
Kvrios Y—soûs Christòs [“Lord Jesus Christ!”],
to the glory of Father God.
12
As a result of all this, my loved ones, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my
presence but now much more in my absence, keep it up. That is, with reverential awe and
conscientiousness to a fault, work through your salvation. 13 After all, God is actualizing your
motivation to carry out whatever is pleasing to himself.
14
Do everything without grumbling or talking back, 15 so you might be blameless and
innocent, God’s faultless children within a dishonest, depraved generation—among whom you
shine as stars in the universe.
Philippians 2:16-3:13 296

16
Hold on securely to the message of life. By so doing, you will bring me gratification
on Christ’s day that I did not run my race in vain, nor did I expend myself in hard work for
nothing. 17 But if I am offered like a drink offering poured on the sacrifice in ministering to your
faith, I am elated, and I rejoice with all of you. 18 You, too, should rejoice about this in a
confluence of your rejoicing with mine.
19
I am hoping in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon that I too might be cheered
by knowing how you are doing. 20 I have no one of equal character, who genuinely is concerned
about what pertains to you. 21 For all are preoccupied with matters pertaining to themselves—not
those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know Timothy’s track record that by my side in a father-son
relationship he has served the gospel. 23 Accordingly, I hope to send him as soon as I can see how
things will turn out for me—right after that. 24 But I am confident in the Lord that also I, myself,
shall be coming soon.
25
I considered it urgent to send to you our brother, Epaphroditus, my colleague and
fellow soldier. He is your emissary who took care of my maintenance. 26 Homesick for all of you,
he was anxious to return, because you heard he had been sick. 27 He indeed was ill, close to
death, but God was merciful to him—and not to him alone, but to me lest I have multiple
sorrows.
28
All the more speedily, therefore, I sent him that when you see him again you might
rejoice, and my mind might be at ease. 29 Welcome him, then, in the Lord with deep joy; and
esteem such men of his caliber with full honor. 30 He is worthy because for the sake of the work
of Christ he almost died. He risked his life that he might make up for what was lacking in your
ministry to me.
3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord! To write to you repetitiously like this is not a
chore for me, and it does serve as a safeguard for you.
2
Beware of dogs. Beware of troublemakers. Beware of mutilators. 3 For we are the
circumcision, we who worship in the spirit of God, take pride in Christ Jesus, and put no
confidence in flesh, 4 even though I have a basis for such carnal confidence. If anyone else thinks
he has grounds for pride based on the flesh, I can do him one better. 5 I was circumcised on my
eighth day. I am a descendant of the clan of Israel, from the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew from
Hebrew stock. As to the law, I was a Pharisee. 6 As to zeal, I was a persecutor of the church. As
to the righteousness that the law represents, I was blameless.
7
Yet whatever factors were merits for me—these I write off as forfeitures for Christ.
8
Indeed, acting as a contrarian, I deem all these to be worthless in view of the superiority of
knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord. On his account I forfeited everything. I consider all such to be
waste products in order that I might gain Christ 9 and be identified with him, as one not having
my own law-based righteousness, but that derived through faith in Christ—the righteousness
issuing from God and founded on faith. 10 My purpose is to know him, his resurrection power,
and the sharing of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, 11 if somehow I might attain the
resurrection from the dead.
12
It is not that I have already obtained this, or that I have already been perfected. But I
am intent on securing that for which Christ made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider
myself to have made it across the finish line. But forgetting what is past, and straining forward to
Philippians 3:14-4:15 297

what is ahead, I concentrate on one objective: 14 I lean toward the goal for the prize associated
with God’s call to the realm above in Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, all those who are mature should
be thinking this way. If you imagine anything otherwise, God will reveal this outlook to you. 16
Nevertheless, in respect to whatever pace we have set, let us keep it stride for stride.
17
Become emulators of me, brothers, and note those who live in this manner, just as you
have us as a model. 18 There are many of whom I have spoken to you often, and now do so
weeping, who are enemies of the cross of Christ:
19
Their destiny? . . . . . . destruction!
Their god? . . . . . . . . their viscera!
Their glory? . . . . . . . their shame!
Their obsession? . . . . earthly things!
20
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also await a savior, the Lord Jesus
21
Christ. He will exchange the molecules of our inferior body to match those of his glorious
body. This he will accomplish through the energy by which he is able to subjugate everything to
himself.
4:1 Consequently, brothers, my loved ones—whom I miss dearly—my delight and crown,
stand pat in the Lord, dear ones, as follows:
2
I urge Euodia and I urge Syntyche to merge their thinking in the Lord. 3 Indeed, I also
ask you, my sincere yoke-partner, assist those women who worked strenuously in the gospel
with me, with Clement, and with the rest of my colleagues whose names are in the Book of Life.
4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again, I repeat: Keep rejoicing. 5 Let your unflappable
reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6 Do not let yourself get all worked up
about anything, but in everything by explicit prayer, with thanksgiving, make your requests
known to God. 7 In doing so, God’s peace—that transcends every rationalization—will keep your
hearts and minds secure in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brothers, concentrate attention on whatever is true, as many realities as are
sublime, as much as is righteous, all that is pure, as many actions as promote friendship,
whatever is reputable. Use as your criterion whatever is virtuous, whatever is commendable.
9
Furthermore, put into practice those practices you learned and received from me—
activities you heard and saw me doing—and God's ambient peace will be with you!
10
I rejoice in the Lord greatly that now at last your thoughts for me bloomed into
fruition. In this manner you were thinking about me all along and had no opportunity to act. 11 It
is not that I am speaking from a standpoint of need, for I learned to be content in any situation.
12
I know how to live very simply, and I know what it is to be fully supplied. In everything and in
all situations, I have had my initiation. Consequently, I know what it is to be completely
satisfied, and what it is to be famished, to have an abundance, and not to have enough. 13 I am
able to handle every situation through the one who empowers me.
14
Nevertheless, you did such a fine thing in identifying with me in my time of trouble.
15
You Philippians also know that when this area began to be evangelized, when I set out
from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving—except you
Philippians 4:16-23 298

alone. 16 For instance, when I was in Thessalonica, both once and twice you sent the wherewithal
to supply my necessities. 17 I am not primarily interested in the gift, but I am mainly concerned in
seeing fruitfulness increase in your account.
18
I have everything and I am well cared for. I have been completely restocked, having
received from Epaphroditus the supplies you sent. The scent of this is a sweet fragrance, a
splendid sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 My God will supply everything you need out of his wealth
in glory in Christ Jesus. 20 To God our father be glory for endless ages! Amen.
21
Greet every holy one in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All
the holy ones greet you, especially those associated with Caesar’s household.
23
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Colossians 1:1-23 299

COLOSSIANS

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and our brother, Timothy, 2 send this
letter to the holy and faithful brothers in Christ at Colosse. May grace be yours and peace from
God our father.
3
Always praying for you, we express our gratitude for you to God, the father of our
Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all the holy ones.
5
Your destiny in the heavens is based on the hope that previously got your attention, the message
of truth, the gospel 6 now present among you. Likewise, the gospel is bearing fruit universally
and growing in acceptance, even as it did among you from the day of your hearing the truth and
experiencing the grace of God. 7 Accordingly, you learned this good news from Epaphras, our
cherished colleague, who is a faithful servant of Christ on your behalf. 8 Epaphras also informed
us of your love in the sphere of the spirit.
9
This is the reason we also, from the day we heard about you, do not cease praying for
you, asking that you might be fully cognizant of his will with all-inclusive wisdom and spiritual
understanding. 10 We pray that you would live a life worthy of the Lord—one that completely
pleases him by doing every good work, bearing fruit, and growing in knowledge of God. 11 May
you be fully empowered, strengthened with his intense glory, that you might have endless
patience and endurance, with joy 12 giving thanks to the father, who conditions you to participate
in the light-filled destiny of the holy ones.
13
God delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of
his cherished son.
y 14
In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
y 15
He is the image of the invisible God.
y He is the prototype of all creation, 16 because for him everything in the
heavens and on earth was created, both phenomena and noumena, whether
thrones, dominions, administrations, or authorities. All were created through
him and for him.
y 17
He takes precedence over everything, and everything coheres in him.
y 18
He is the head of the body, the church, of which he is leader as prototype from
among the dead in order that he might be preeminent in everything, 19 because God
was well pleased to locate all comprehensiveness in him.
y 20
Through Christ, God would reconcile to himself all things, whether they were
upon the earth or in the heavens, achieving peace through the blood of his cross.
21
Also, formerly, by your evil activities you were estranged and antagonistic in mindset.
22
But now he has made reconciliation for you in his physical body, through death, to
present you holy, blameless, and irreproachable before him. 23 This state is conditioned upon
your
Colossians 1:24-2:17 300

remaining in the faith, solidly based and rooted, and not shifting your center of gravity from the
gospel hope that you obeyed, the good news proclaimed in all creation under heaven, of which I,
Paul, became a servant.
24
I rejoice now in my sufferings in your behalf. I am making up in my physical being
for the missing adversities of Christ in behalf of his body, the church. 25 I became a servant of his
church in line with the responsibility God delegated to me—that I might fully proclaim the
message of God to you. 26 I refer here to the mystery hidden for epochs and generations, but
divulged now to his holy people, 27 to whom God desires to reveal the glorious wealth of this
mystery among the nations, namely: Christ internalized in you—the hope of glory.
28
We proclaim Christ, admonishing every human being and teaching everyone with
comprehensive wisdom, that we might present everyone perfect in Christ. 29 To reach this
objective, I labor, striving for this with his dynamic energy operating internally in me.
2:1 Indeed, I want you to be aware of how deeply I have been concerned for you, as well as
for those in Laodicea, and for all who have not seen me personally. 2 My deep desire is that their
hearts might be encouraged, unified by love, and brought into all the full assurance of intimate
knowledge of the mystery of God, i.e., Christ, 3 in whom are concealed all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.
4
I am saying this to you in order that no one by a smooth spiel might deceitfully get the
best of you. 5 For although physically absent, I am nevertheless with you in spirit, rejoicing and
noting your orderliness and the stability of your faith in Christ.
6
Therefore, just as you received Christ Jesus, the Lord, live your life in him. 7 Be deeply
rooted in him, built up in him, and fortified in the faith just as you were taught, while continually
offering thanks.
8
Be wary lest anyone captivate you by philosophy and hollow deceit—as in the
tradition of the humanists—geared as it is to worldly principles, and not Christ. 9 For in his
physical being resides all the fullness of the divine being. 10 You also participate in his
comprehensiveness, in him who is supreme over every ruling power and authority.
11
In Christ you also were circumcised—not in the ordinary way, but by the excision of
your physical body; this was the “circumcision” Christ did. 12 In baptism you were co-buried
with him; you also were co-resurrected with him through faith in the act of God, who raised him
from the dead.
13
Moreover, while you were dead in transgressions and the foreskinnedness of your
flesh, he made you alive in association with Christ. Having forgiven us of all transgressions, 14 he
canceled the incriminating written record that held the decrees against us; he took that record out
of contention, having nailed it to the cross. 15 He stripped away the power of domains and
authorities and disgraced them publicly as captives on parade, triumphing over them by his
cross. 16 Therefore, do not let anyone put you under condemnation concerning food and drink, or
in regard to a festival, new-moon observances, or sabbaths, 17 which were shadows of what was
anticipated; the substance is Christ.
Colossians 2:18-3:18 301

18
By delving into visions he has seen, let no one put something over on you, wanting to
manipulate you into asceticism and adoration of angels. An egotist inflated without reason by his
carnal mind, 19 he does not hold allegiance to the head. From the head all the body, through
connecting ligaments and tendons, supported and united, grows with a God-given development.
20
On the condition that you died with Christ to worldly principles, why—as though you
were still living in a worldly mode—do you subject yourself to sanctions? 21 “You must not come
into contact with . . . You must not taste . . . You must not touch.” 22 All the substances alluded to
here disintegrate during the process of consumption. Sanctions derive from the mandates and
dogmas of men. 23 They are couched in the form of wisdom-terminology as do-it-yourself
religion, and relate to ascetic practices with harsh treatment of the body. But asceticism has no
value to restrain the indulgence of the flesh.
3:1 Therefore, because you were co-resurrected with Christ, seek the realities of the realm
above, where Christ is seated at God’s right. 2 Muse on what is above, not on earthly matters.
3
For, indeed, you died, and your life has been hidden away with Christ in God. 4 When Christ,
your life, is manifested, you too will then be exhibited with him in glory.
5
Mortify, therefore, the aspects of an earthbound existence: adultery, uncleanness,
craving, evil fantasies, and greed—which is idolatry. 6 Because of these practices, God’s wrath
comes on those who are disobedient. 7 In such you also used to participate when you lived that
lifestyle. 8 But now, divest yourselves also of all these: hot temper, rage, maliciousness, slander,
and obscene language exiting your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another. Disrobe yourselves of the
old self with his habits.
10
Robe with the new self, renewed intellectually to conform to the image of the creator.
11
His image does not subsist in categories such as: Greek and Jewish, circumcised and
foreskinned, uncivilized and Scythian, slave and free; but Christ is all and in all.
12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and cherished, dress yourself with tender
emotions of compassion, goodness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Put up with one
another, and forgive one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord was
gracious to you, likewise you should be gracious. 14 Over all of these virtues, put in place the
sash of perfection—love.
15
Let the peace of Christ decide issues in your hearts. Indeed, you were called to be one
peaceful body.
Also be habitually thankful.
16
Let the word of Christ inhere in you profusely in comprehensive wisdom, as you teach
and admonish one another.
Utilize psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to God.
17
Whatever your words or work, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, offering thanks to
God the father through him.
18
Wives, be submissive to your husband, as is your duty in the Lord.
Colossians 3:19-4:18 302

19
Husbands, love your wife, and do not be resentful toward her.
20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for doing this pleases the Lord well.
21
Fathers, do not exasperate your children lest they lose heart.
22
Slaves, in everything obey your human masters, not just by obliging when you are
being watched; but put your heart into your service with dedicated sincerity, fearing the Lord.
23
Whatever you do, put yourself into your work as for the Lord—and not for men—24 knowing
that from the Lord you will receive the compensation of your inheritance, for Christ is the master
you serve. 25 As for the one who does what is unrighteous, he will appropriately get what is
coming to him, and that without partiality.
4:1 Masters, deal with your servants in a right and fair manner, knowing you also have a
master in heaven.
2
Persist in praying, keeping on alert in prayer with thanksgiving. 3 Pray at the same time
also for us that God might open for us a verbal door to declare the mystery of Christ, because of
which I have been put in prison. 4 Pray that I might make the message clear in the way I must
speak.
5
Go about living prudently in relationship to outsiders, valuing the opportunity you
6
have. Your speech should always be gracious, seasoned with salt, that you might know how to
respond to each individual.
7
Tychicus will fill you in on all that is happening to me. He is a cherished brother,
faithful servant, and colleague in the Lord. 8 I sent him to you for this very reason that you might
know our situation and that he might encourage your hearts. 9 With him comes Onesimus, a
faithful and cherished brother from your group. They will make known to you all that is going on
here.
10
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, sends greetings to you, as also does Mark, the cousin
of Barnabas. Concerning Mark, you received directions to welcome him if he comes to you.
11
Also Jesus, dubbed Justus, greets you. From the circumcision these men are my only
colleagues in the kingdom of God; they became a consolation to me.
12
From your group, Epaphras, Christ’s slave, sends greetings. He is always pouring out
his soul in prayers in your behalf that you might stand with maturity, fully convinced in every
aspect of the will of God. 13 For I testify about him that he has done much strenuous labor for
you, and for those in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
14
Luke, the cherished physician, greets you, as does Demas.
15
Greet the brothers in Laodicea, and Nympha with the church that meets at her home.
16
After this letter is read in your presence, make sure it is read in the Laodicean church,
and that the letter obtained from Laodicea is read by you.
17
Say to Archippus: See to it that you fulfill the ministry you received in the Lord!
18
This greeting is signed in my own handwriting: Paul.
Remember my chains. Grace be with you!
1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:11 303

FIRST THESSALONIANS

1:1 This letter comes from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church that is in Father God
and the Lord Jesus Christ at Thessalonica. May grace be with you, and peace.
2
We are continually giving thanks to God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers
unfailingly. 3 We remember what your faith accomplished, your work motivated by love, and the
durability of your hope, focused on our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of God, our father.
4
Brothers cherished by God, we recall how you were selected. 5 Our good news did not
come to you as just so many words, but in power, in holy spirit, and with much certainty. You
know full well how we conducted ourselves among you, and were there for you.
6
You also modeled yourselves after our example and that of the Lord, receiving the
message amid much trouble, along with joy derived from the holy spirit. 7 The upshot was that
you became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you the Lord’s word
resonated not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place news about your faith in
God reached. The outcome was such that it was not necessary for us to say anything. 9 For those
around us report the nature of our introduction among you, and how you turned around, turning
away from idols toward God, to serve the living, true God 10 and to await his son from heaven,
the one whom he raised from the dead—Jesus—who rescues us from future wrath.
2:1 Indeed, brothers, you yourselves know that our introduction to you was not a lost cause.
2
On the contrary, although we had suffered already and had been treated disgracefully in
Philippi, just as you know, we were fortified with boldness by our God to speak to you God’s
good news, while undergoing an intense struggle.
3
Our appeal to you was not based on falsehood, or filth, or fraud. 4 Rather, just as we
passed the test of God’s approval to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak. Our
concern was:
y not to please men, but God, who evaluates our hearts;
y 5 never to use a word of flattery—just as you know;
y nor to operate with covert greed—God is witness to this;
y 6 nor to seek glory from men—neither from you, nor from others,
7
when we could have thrown our weight around as the apostles of Christ.
But we became low-key among you as if we were a nursing mother taking care of her
own children. 8 Our caring disposition toward you was such that we were well pleased to share
with you not only good news from God, but our own selves as well; consequently, you became
loved ones in our family.
9
Remember, brothers, our hard work and sweat, laboring night and day among you. We
worked in order that we might not make financial demands on any of you as we preached to you
God’s good news. 10 You and God are witnesses of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly
we lived among you, the believing community. 11 You know so well that we treated each of you
1 Thessalonians 2:12-4:4 304

as a father treats his children, 12 exhorting you, consoling you, and imploring you to live worthy
of God, who called you to his kingdom and glory.
13
For this reason we also give thanks to God continually, because when you heard and
received the message from us, you welcomed it from God not as a humanly contrived message,
but for what it truly is—God’s word, the message of him who works in you, the believing
community. 14 You, brothers, became reflections of the churches of God in Judaea in Christ Jesus
because of the same things you suffered from your own countrymen, just as they did from the
Jews, 15 who also assassinated the Lord Jesus, and the prophets. They persecuted us; they do not
please God, and they are hostile to all men 16 by hindering us from speaking to the goyim that
they might be saved. Always sinning to their limits, they will find at the consummation that
wrath preceded them there.
17
We, brothers, being separated from you for a short time in person but not in heart, all
the more fervently endeavor with intense desire to see your face. 18 In this regard we wished to
come to you several times—I refer to myself, Paul—but the opponent interfered.
19
For who is our hope, or joy, or winner’s wreath—if not you before our Lord Jesus at
the time of his coming? 20 You, indeed, are our glory and joy.
3:1 Therefore, because we could no longer bear not to have news of you, we decided to be
left in Athens alone, 2 and accordingly sent Timothy, our brother and colleague of God in the
gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in regard to your faith, 3 that nothing might
disturb you as you experience these troubles. For you, yourselves, know that we are positioned
for this situation. 4 For when we were with you, we were foretelling to you that trouble was on
the way—just as it also happened—and you know about it. 5 That is the reason that I also, no
longer being able to suppress my feelings, sent to know the condition of your faith, lest somehow
the tempter put you through a test, and our work would become futile.
6
Just now Timothy has come to us from you. He announced to us the good news of your
faith, your love, and your good memory of us always. He reported you are longing to see us, just
as we also long for you. 7 We are encouraged by all this, brothers. Our encouragement comes
through your faith that offsets every distress and trouble on our part. 8 We live now, conditioned
by your standing steady in the Lord. 9 What thanksgiving we are able to render to God
concerning you! With comprehensive joy we rejoice over you in the presence of our God.
10
Night and day we ardently request to see your face and to put the finishing touches on what is
lacking in your faith. 11 May God himself, our father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
12
May the Lord increase to full and running over your love for one another and for
everyone, just as we love you. 13 May he establish your hearts accusation-free in sanctification
before God our father, in readiness for the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.
Amen.
4:1 In conclusion, therefore, brothers, we request of you and encourage you in the Lord
Jesus that just as you received from us the truths about how one must live and how to please God
—as you are now doing—that you keep this up all the more.
2
For you know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus. 3 God’s will for
you is your sanctification, your abstention from sexual sin. 4 Each one of you must know how to
1 Thessalonians 4:5-5:13 305

control one’s own physique in holiness and honor. 5 Do not give in to lustful craving, the trait
that characterizes the nations who do not know God. 6 No one should overstep the boundaries
and cheat his brother in this regard, because the avenger is Yahveh in all such sexual violations,
just as we mentioned earlier and solemnly declared to you. 7 For God’s call to us is not associated
with a venue of filthiness, but holiness. 8 For that reason the one who rejects this does not spurn
man, but God, who gives his holy spirit to us.
9
Concerning brotherly love, you do not need me to write precepts for you. Indeed, you
are taught by God to love one another. 10 For also you are doing just that with respect to all the
brothers in all of Macedonia. We encourage you, brothers, to excel in love all the more.
11
Also aspire to live serenely, to take responsibility for your own livelihood, to work
with your hands in accordance with our instructions to you, 12 in order that you might live
respectably vis à vis those who are outsiders, and that you might need nothing.
13
We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who have fallen
asleep, lest you grieve like the rest of hopeless humanity. 14 For if we believe Jesus died and rose,
in the same manner God through Jesus will bring those sleeping (in death) with him.
15
We declare this to you by the word of the Lord: We who live and remain here until
the arrival of the Lord will not precede those who sleep. 16 For the Lord, himself, with a
commanding signal, an archangel’s shout, and God’s trumpet will descend from heaven; and the
dead in Christ will be resurrected first. 17 Then we who are alive and remaining, together with
them, will be taken away in clouds to meet the Lord in the atmosphere. And from then on we
always shall be with the Lord. 18 Respond by encouraging one another with these specifics.
5:1 About chronologies and event-schedules, brothers, you do not need me to write to you.
2
For you, yourselves, know perfectly well that as a thief arrives at night so will be the arrival of
the day of the Lord. 3 When people say, “Peace and security,” then—all of a sudden—disaster
will strike them comparable to birth pains coming on a woman in labor, from which they will in
no way escape.
4
But as for you, brothers, you are not in darkness that the day would overtake you like a
5
thief. All of you are enlightened, daytime people, not night people, oriented to darkness.
6
Therefore, let us not give in to sleep as does the rest of humanity, but let us stand alert
and think clearly. 7 For those who sleep do so at night, and those who get intoxicated drink at
night. 8 Because we are daylight oriented, let us think objectively, having equipped ourselves
with the chest armor of faith and love, and the helmet of salvific hope.
9
For God has not set us up for wrath, but for obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus
10
Christ. He died in our behalf so that whether we remain awake, or whether we sleep, we might
live together with him. 11 Therefore, encourage one another and build up one another toward
unity, just as you are doing.
12
We ask you, brothers, to recognize those who labor among you, who take
responsibility for you in the Lord and admonish you. 13 Consider them with love to be on the
highest level on account of their work. Be at peace among yourselves.
1 Thessalonians 5:14-28 306

14
We exhort you, brothers,
x Warn those who get out of line.
x Cheer up the discouraged.
x Pay attention to the needs of those who are weak.
x Be patient with everyone.
x 15
See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is
good for one another, and for everyone.
x 16
Rejoice always.
x 17
Pray without giving up.
x 18
Give thanks in every situation, for this response is God’s will in Christ Jesus for
you.
x 19
Do not extinguish the spirit.
x 20
Do not disparage prophecies, and 21 test everything, retaining what is good.
x 22
Abstain from every form of wickedness.
23
May God himself, whose nature is peace, sanctify you thoroughly, and may he keep
all of you completely blameless in spirit, soul, and body, in anticipation of the coming of our
Lord Jesus Christ. 24 He who calls you is trustworthy; he will accomplish this.
25
Brothers, pray for us.
26
Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.
27
I place on you the responsibility in the Lord to read this letter to all the brothers.
28
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.
2 Thessalonians 1:1-2:11 307

SECOND THESSALONIANS
1:1 This letter comes from Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy to the church at Thessalonica that is
in God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
2
May grace and peace be with you from Father God, and the Lord Jesus Christ.
3
We always owe a debt of gratitude to God for you, brothers, as is deserved in view of
the magnificent growth of your faith and the increase of love everyone has for one another
among your whole community. 4 Consequently, we ourselves commend you among all God’s
churches for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and troubles you endure. 5 These
afford proof of God’s righteous evaluation that you are worthy of the kingdom of God, on whose
behalf you are suffering. 6 Accordingly, even if it is right for God to repay trouble to those who
are making trouble for you, 7 he will provide relief to you who are being harassed, along with
us—at the revelation of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his entourage of powerful angels. 8 By
raging fire, God will render retribution on those who do not acknowledge his deity, and on those
in noncompliance with the gospel of our Lord Jesus. 9 As a result of the presence of the Lord and
his dynamic glory, they will pay the penalty of permanent destruction.
10
This will occur when he comes to be glorified among his holy ones and to be
wondrously admired among all believers. Because you trusted our testimony, you will participate
on that day. 11 In this regard we always keep praying that you might be worthy of our God’s
calling and be saturated with every desirable expression of goodness and the dynamic activity of
faith. 12 We pray that the name of our Lord Jesus might be glorified among you, and that you
might be glorified in him according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2:1 Brothers, as to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our assembling with him, we
2
ask you not to let your equilibrium be suddenly thrown out of kilter. Do not become
apprehensive, neither through a spiritual manifestation, nor through a message, nor through a
letter pretending to be ours, alleging that the day of the Lord has become imminent. 3 Let no one
deceive you in any way about this. Here is the reason: The apostasy must occur prior to his
coming, and the man who operates without legal restraint must be showcased—the destructive
one, 4 he who defies (God) and aggrandizes himself over every deity or shrine. Consequently, he
sets himself up in God’s temple, asserting that he is God. 5 You remember that while I was yet
with you, I used to speak to you about these matters, do you not? 6 And now, you know what
restrains him until his time to be revealed comes.
7
Indeed, the mystery of lawlessness is already in operation. That which now keeps him
in check will do so only until the time that entity becomes evicted. 8 Then the man unrestrained
by the law will be disclosed, the one whom the Lord Jesus will do away with by the spirit from
his mouth. The Lord will put him out of commission by his phenomenal arrival.
9
Energized by Satan, the lawless man will come with full dynamics, using fake signs
and wonders. 10 He will utilize every nefarious deception on those who are self-destructing by not
accepting the love of truth indispensable to their being saved. 11 God for that reason will send
2 Thessalonians 2:12-3:18 308

them a deluding influence that they might believe in sham, 12 that all who do not believe the
truth, but are pleased with wickedness, might be judged.
13
We ought ever to give thanks to God for you, brothers cherished by the Lord, because
God chose you as firstfruit for salvation characterized by holiness of spirit and truth-based faith.
14
For God thus called you through our gospel to possess glory from our Lord Jesus Christ.
15
Therefore, brothers, take your stand and hold on to the traditions you were taught, whether
through a message or letter from us.
16
May our Lord Jesus Christ, himself, and God our father, who loved us and gave us
eternal encouragement and hope permeated with goodness, 17 encourage your hearts with grace
and strengthen you for every activity and good word.
3:1 In conclusion, brothers, keep praying for us that the message of the Lord might make
headway quickly and be honored, as indeed it was with you. 2 Also pray that we may be
delivered from erratic and evil men. For all do not have faith.
3
The Lord is faithful. He will strengthen you and keep you from evil. 4 We trust in the
Lord that those principles we ordered you to follow, which you are practicing, you will continue
to implement. 5 May the Lord guide your hearts in the love of God and the patience of Christ.
6
We direct you, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every
brother who lives irresponsibly, not conserving the tradition received from us. 7 For you,
yourselves, know how imperative it is to copy us, because we did not have a freewheeling
lifestyle among you, 8 nor did we eat food gratis from anyone. On the contrary, with labor and
exertion night and day, we kept working so as not be a burden on any of you. 9 It is not that we
do not have the authority to do otherwise, but we did so in order to provide ourselves as a
personal example for you to follow. 10 Also when we were with you, we set down this rule for
you: If anyone is not willing to work, neither should he eat. 11 For we hear that some among you
are living irresponsibly, not working, but acting as busybodies. 12 We command such as these and
appeal to them in the Lord Jesus Christ, that by working serenely they would consume their own
food.
13
As for you, brothers, do not get tired of doing good works.
14
If anyone will not heed our message as conveyed through this letter, stigmatize that
one, and do not associate with him, in order that he may sense his shame. 15 Do not consider him
to be an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
16
May the peaceful Lord, himself, give you peace through every situation, in every way.
May the Lord be with all of you.
17
This greeting in my signature, Paul, is a sign of authenticity, identifying me in
every letter by my handwriting.
18
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you.
1 Timothy 1:1-2:4 309

FIRST TIMOTHY

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the authority of God, our savior, and Christ Jesus,
our hope, directs this letter 2 to Timothy, a loyal son in the faith. May grace, compassion, and
peace from Father God and Christ Jesus our Lord be yours.
3
I previously requested you to remain in Ephesus while I am traveling to Macedonia.
Your task is as follows: Command those involved not to teach heresies, 4 nor to have anything to
do with myths and interminable genealogies that induce speculative quests rather than present
God’s master plan based on faith. 5 The objectives of the command are love flowing from a pure
heart, a good conscience, and genuine faith. 6 Having lost their way, certain ones wandered away
into worthless patter, 7 hankering to be teachers of legalism, neither understanding what they
enunciate, nor those subjects about which they pontificate.
8
We know the law is good if used the way it was meant to be used. 9 Comprehend this:
Law is not laid down for righteous people, but for lawless ones—rebels, godless people and
sinners, unholy and profane people, those who mortally strike down their father and who do
away with their mother, murderers, 10 sexually immoral people, homosexuals, kidnappers, liars,
those who break their oath—and those who practice whatever else is contrary to wholesome
teaching 11 as ascertained by the gospel of the glory of the praiseworthy God, the gospel
entrusted to me.
12
I have received grace in the one who empowered me, Christ Jesus our Lord, because
he considered me trustworthy, putting me into ministry. 13 In an earlier stage of my life, I was a
blasphemer, a persecutor, an arrogant man, but I was accorded mercy because what I did was
done in ignorance resultant from unbelief. 14 But the grace of our Lord superabounded, along
with faithfulness, and love in Christ Jesus.
15
Trustworthy is this statement and deserving of complete allegiance: Christ Jesus came
into the world to save sinners—of whom I was the worst. 16 But for this reason I received mercy
that Christ Jesus might demonstrate his comprehensive patience first in me, making me a
prototype of those who in the future would believe in him to obtain eternal life.
17
To the sovereign of the ages who is imperishable, invisible, the only God, be honor
and glory into the infinite future. Amen!
18
To you, my protégé, Timothy, I am personally issuing this strict order in conformity
with the initial prophecies pertaining to you. Strive to implement them, fight the virtuous battle,
19
hold on to faith and a good conscience. When some men jettisoned faith, they experienced
shipwreck. 20 In particular, I refer to Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I handed over to the
opponent that consequently they might be disciplined so as not to blaspheme.
2:1 As of prime importance, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings
be made in behalf of all men, 2 for kings and all officials, that we might lead a tranquil and serene
life in complete godly living and dignity. 3 This is a good practice and pleases our savior God,
4
who wants all human beings to be saved and to enter the knowledge of truth.
1 Timothy 2:5-3:16 310

5
For there is one God, and one mediator between God and man—a human being, Christ
6
Jesus. He gave himself as the ransom for all humanity; the confirmation of this came in its own
times. 7 To give this testimony, I was appointed a messenger and apostle—I speak truthfully
without prevarication—a teacher of nations in matters of faith and truth.
8
I insist, therefore, that men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without being in a
huff and contentious.
9
Women, likewise, must be respectable, modest, and moderate in appearance, not
dressing with elaborate hairstyles and adorning themselves with gold or pearls, or with a very
expensive garment. 10 Rather, for a woman professing to revere God, good works should be the
basis of her attractiveness.
11
Let a woman calmly learn with a completely submissive attitude. 12 I neither allow a
woman to teach nor to exercise control over a man, but I insist on her remaining silent in such
genderal situations. 13 For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14 Moreover, Adam was not the one
deceived; but the woman, being deluded, asserted herself in transgression. 15 However, a
woman’s prestige will be saved through her role in childbearing, conditional on the women
remaining in faith, love, and holiness combined with wisdom.
3:1 This principle is trustworthy: If anyone aspires to become an overseer, he desires a good
responsibility. 2 To qualify, an overseer must be beyond reproach, a one-woman man, serious,
self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, competent to teach, 3 not addicted to wine, not violent but
gentle, not contentious, not avaricious, 4 one who manages his own home well, having his
children under control and completely respectable. 5 If anyone does not know how to manage his
own household, how would he be able to take care of God’s church? 6 He should not be a recent
convert, lest becoming conceited, he would fall into condemnation by the accuser. 7 He
necessarily also must have a good reputation with outsiders, lest he fall into disgrace in a trap set
by the devil.
8
Deacons likewise must have good character, not telling one thing to one party and
something else to another, not being addicted to much wine, not greedy for wealth, 9 retaining the
mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. 10 Let deacon candidates be tested by examination first,
and then let those who are irreproachable serve. 11 By the same standard, their wives must be of
good character, not accusers, free from addictions so as to think clearly, being faithful in
everything.
12
Deacons must be one-woman men, able to manage children excellently as well as
their own households. 13 For deacons who serve meritoriously achieve good recognition for
themselves and much boldness in representing faith in Christ Jesus.
14
I am writing these things to you in hopes of coming to you soon. 15 If there is a delay,
you will know how one must function in God’s house, the church of the living God, the pillar
and mainstay of truth.
16
Undeniably, the mystery intrinsic to the holy life is tremendous:
He was manifested in flesh.
He was authenticated in spirit.
1 Timothy 4:1-5:11 311

He was watched over by angels.


He was proclaimed among the nations.
He was trusted in the world.
He was accepted above in glory.
4:1 The spirit states explicitly that in future times some will withdraw from the faith, and
become involved with deceiving spirits and doctrines derived from demons. 2 Influenced by the
underhanded tactics of liars, their own conscience having been cauterized, 3 they prohibit
marriage, and certain foods—foods God created to be consumable with thanksgiving by the
faithful who understand the truth. 4 Everything God made is good, and none, if received
thankfully, is proscribed. 5 For each one is purified through God’s word and prayer.
6
If you inculcate these teachings to the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ
Jesus. You will be a servant nourished on the themes of the faith—the wholesome teaching you
have followed closely. 7 Keep your distance from profane and sentimental myths, but exert
yourself to develop a godly life. 8 Bodily training is beneficial to a little degree, but a holy life
benefits everything, promising life in the present as well as the future.
9
Trustworthy is this thesis, meriting total acceptance, 10 and in support of which we
labor and spare no agonizing effort: We have hoped in the living God, who is savior of all
humanity, especially of believers.
11
Command and teach these principles. 12 Let no one look down on you because of your
youthfulness, but exemplify the believers’ character in speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity.
13
Until I arrive spend time in (public) reading, encouragement, and teaching. 14 Do not be
negligent of your spiritual gift accorded you through prophecy, accompanied by the presbytery’s
laying their hands on you. 15 Carefully think through these matters, and put yourself fully into
them that your progress might be evident to everyone. 16 Give attention to yourself and to
teaching. Keep committed to these, for in so doing you will preserve both yourself and those
who listen to you.
5:1 Do not severely censure an older man, but appeal to him as one would a father, and
younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters—in total purity.
3
Honor (with support) the widows certified as widows. 4 Exclude a widow who has
children or grandchildren; let her relatives learn first to fill their holy obligation to their own
household by returning a recompense to their own parents, for this is acceptable in God’s
presence. 5 Here is what makes a widow qualify (for church support): Such a widow is one who
is all alone, whose hope rests on God; she perseveres with petitions and prayers night and day. 6
But one living a self-indulgent life of pleasure is defunct. 7 Command these principles that all
concerned might be above reproach. 8 If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially
those of his family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 To be registered, a
widow must be at least 60 years old, having been a one-man woman, 10 attested by good works.
This means she has raised children, welcomed strangers with hospitality, washed the feet of the
holy ones, assisted those in distress, and followed through with every good work.
11
Exclude from registration younger widows, for eventually their desire for the
pleasures of married life will alienate them from the commitment to Christ expected of certified
widows,
1 Timothy 5:12-6:10 312

12
incurring condemnation by annulling their first faith as widows. 13 Simultaneously, while they
are not working, they will learn to run around the neighborhood, not just as idle women, but also
as gossips and busybodies, saying things they should not.
14
Therefore, I want the younger widows to marry, to bear children, to be homemakers,
providing no opportunity whatever to the adversary to make a point of accusation. 15 For already
certain ones have veered out of line to follow the opponent.
16
If any believing woman has widows in the family, let her assist them. This way the
church will not be burdened and will be free to take care of the certified widows.
17
Elders who take care of their responsibilities well deserve double honor, especially
those who work in the word and teaching. 18 For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while
it is threshing grain,” and the worker deserves his compensation.
19
Do not accept an accusation against an elder unless there are two or three witnesses to
substantiate it. 20 Correct those who sin in the presence of all of them, to instill fear in the rest.
21
I lay the responsibility on you before God, Christ Jesus, and his chosen angels. You
must conserve these principles without prejudice, doing nothing influenced by favoritism.
22
Lay hands on no one hurriedly; neither be a party to sins of others. Keep yourself
pure.
23
No longer drink only water, but use a little wine (in it) for the sake of your stomach
and your frequent sicknesses.
24
The sins of some people are evident, preceding them to judgment; and for some, there
are sins that follow them there. 25 Likewise, good works also are evident, and those that are
otherwise cannot be concealed.
6:1 As many as bear the yoke of slavery should consider their masters worthy of full honor
in order that God’s name and the teaching about him not be denounced. 2 Let those having
believing masters not frown on them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them
because they are believers, even loved ones, who are the recipients of the good service
performed.
Teach these principles and encourage acceptance of them. 3 If anyone inculcates
heterodoxy and does not assent to wholesome words pertaining to our Lord Jesus Christ and the
teaching about godliness, 4 he is absurdly proud, understanding nothing. He has a sick
preoccupation with speculations and logomachies. From such as these derive strife, quarrels,
insults, wicked suspicions, 5 and continual friction generated in the mind of depraved men,
depriving them of the truth, while equating successful fundraising with godliness.
6
Godliness with contentment is a great asset. 7 For we brought nothing into the world;
nor can we carry anything out. 8 If we have food and coverings (i.e., clothes [and shelter]), we
will be content with these. 9 Those people yearning to be rich fall into temptation—a trap—and
into many irrational and injurious lusts that drag men down into disintegration and ruin. 10 For
the love of money is a root from which all evils develop. Some, setting their heart on money,
wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves all around with multiple pangs.
1 Timothy 6:11-21 313

11
But you, dear man of God, must flee from these and pursue the righteous life:
godliness, fidelity, love, patience, gentleness. 12 Contend in the noble conflict on the side of faith.
Take possession of eternal life—to which you were called, and about which you affirmed the
good profession in the presence of many witnesses.
13
I admonish you in the presence of God, who gives life to all living things, and Christ
Jesus, who made his illustrious profession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep his command
flawlessly and irreproachably until the appearance of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 That event, having
its own timetables, will reveal the one who is the sublime and only supreme power, the king of
kings and lord of lords, 16 the only one having immortality, the one who dwells in
unapproachable light—whom no human being has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and
power eternally! Amen.
17
Command the wealthy in this present age not to be supercilious, nor to set their hopes
upon insecure wealth, but upon God who richly makes available all things for us for enjoyment
of doing good works. 18 Command them to be rich in good works, to be generous, sharing,
19
amassing for themselves a treasure with good security for the future, that they really might take
possession of life.
20
O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you! Turn away from profane, foolish
chatter and contradictions falsely called science, 21 in affirming such, some have deviated from
the faith.
Grace be with you.
2 Timothy 1:1-2:5 314

SECOND TIMOTHY

1:1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will and in accord with the promise of
life in Christ Jesus, 2 addresses this letter to Timothy, my beloved protégé. May grace,
compassion, and peace be with you from Father God and Christ Jesus our Lord.
3
I have gratitude for you to God, whom I am serving with a clear conscience as far back
as my descent from my ancestors. My remembrance of you in my prayers night and day is
unceasing. 4 After remembering your tears, my strong desire is to see you that our joy might be
complete.
5
I am reminded of your genuine faith that lived first in your grandmother, Lois, and
your mother, Eunice; and I am persuaded that faith is also in you. 6 For that reason I am
reminding you to stoke the fire of God’s spiritual gift that has been in you since the laying on of
my hands. 7 For God did not give us a spirit that is craven, but dynamic, loving, and controlled
by wisdom.
8
Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner, but
accept your share of suffering for the gospel as God enables us. 9 God, our savior, called us with
a holy calling, not on the basis of our works, but in line with his own purpose and grace, given to
us in Christ Jesus before time began. 10 His purpose was divulged at the present time through the
appearing of our savior, Christ Jesus, who nullified death and through the gospel shined light to
illuminate life and immortality. 11 For this evangelical task I was appointed a preacher, apostle,
and teacher; 12 and on account of the gospel I am suffering consequences. But I am not ashamed
of this, for I know the one in whom I have placed my faith. I am also persuaded he is capable of
keeping what I committed to him all the way to that future day.
13
Use as your model these salubrious statements you heard from me, based as they are
on faith and love in Christ Jesus. 14 Conserve this good heritage through his holy spirit indwelling
us.
15
You are to know this: All those men with me in (Roman) Asia, inclusive of Phygelus
and Hermogenes, deserted me. 16 May the Lord be compassionate to the family of Onesiphorus,
because he often refreshed me. He was not ashamed of my chain; 17 on the contrary, when he
reached Rome, he quickly looked me up and found me. 18 May the Lord grant that he will find
the Lord’s compassion on that future day. You are very well familiar with Onesiphorus’ many
services performed in Ephesus.
2:1 Therefore, my protégé, be empowered in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 Commit
those teachings you often heard from me to faithful men who also are capable of teaching others.
3
Accept as a good soldier of Christ Jesus your share of rough conditions. 4 No soldier
entangles himself in the pursuits of life in order that he might please the one who called him into
the military.
5
If anyone competes in an athletic contest, he is not crowned a winner unless he
competes by the rules.
2 Timothy 2:6-3:2 315

6
The hardworking farmer must be the first to partake of the produce of his farm. 7 Think
through what I am saying, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.
8
Keep thinking about Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, and having descended from
David, according to my gospel. 9 In the gospel I suffer hardship to the extent of manacles as if I
were an evildoer—but God’s word is not bound! 10 For this reason I endure all for the sake of the
chosen ones, that they might experience salvation in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
11
Trustworthy is the declaration:
If indeed we co-died, we also shall co-live.
12
If we endure, we also shall co-reign.
If we disown him, he also will disown us.
13
If we do not believe, he remains faithful;
for he is unable to deny himself.
14
Remember these principles. Solemnly declare them in the presence of God.
Do not clash over semantics. Logomachies provide nothing useful and overwhelm
hearers.
15
Spare no effort to present yourself approved by God, an unashamed worker,
expounding straightforwardly the message of truth.
16
Stand aside from irreverent, foolish talk, for it will expand into more ungodliness.
17
Their message will spread like gangrene. Hymenaeus and Philetus are a case in point: 18 They
deviated from the way of truth by saying the resurrection has already occurred, and they are
overturning the faith of some.
19
Nevertheless, God’s foundation has stood firmly in place, having this inscription,
Yahveh knows those who are his;
and,
All who identify with Yahveh’s name must have nothing to do with unrighteousness.
20
In a mansion there are not only gold and silver containers but also those made of
wood and baked clay. On one hand, some are regarded with honor; on the other hand, there are
those deemed dishonorable. 21 Therefore, if anyone would cleanse himself from the receptacle’s
shameful contents, he will be an honorable vessel—sanctified, useful for the master, ready for
every good service.
22
Escape from youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace in the
company of those who call to the Lord out of pure hearts.
23
Disallow foolish and undisciplined questions, knowing they generate disputes. 24 A
servant of the Lord must not be contentious, but must be considerate of all, skillful as a teacher,
and patient. 25 With gentleness he must instruct those who are in opposition, to see whether God
would grant them repentance so as to understand truth, and to see whether they would come to
their senses 26 and so escape the devil’s entrapment; for once they are captured by him, he would
impose his will on them.
3:1 Understand that in the final epoch stressful times will set in. 2 For human beings will be
self-serving, money-loving, braggarts, arrogant, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, ingrates,
2 Timothy 3:3-4:13 316

unholy, 3 hardhearted, irreconcilable, slanderers, violent, vicious, abhorrent of goodness,


4
traitors, reckless, conceited, pleasure-lovers rather than lovers of God, 5 having a facade of
godliness while denying its power. Keep away from these people.
6
For among these types are those who sneak into houses and captivate inferior women,
overwhelmed with sins, and driven by multiple lusts. 7 These women are always “learning,” but
never able to arrive at knowledge of truth. 8 Jannes and Jambres who opposed Moses operated in
a comparable manner. Likewise, there are those who resist the truth, people depraved in
thinking, and disqualified in regard to the faith. 9 But they will not advance very far. For their
folly is evident to all, as well as what became of them.
10
You faithfully kept up with my teaching, lifestyle, motivation, faith, patience, love,
and endurance 11 through the persecutions and sufferings I underwent in Antioch, Iconium, and
Lystra. I endured through these persecutions, and the Lord delivered me from all of them. 12 All
those desiring to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13 Evil men and charlatans
will get worse, deceiving and being deluded themselves.
14
As for you, remain in the truths you learned and of which you have been convinced,
knowing from whom you learned them. 15 From childhood you have known the sacred Scriptures,
the writings empowered to convey wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 God's
breath permeates all Scripture making it valuable for doctrine, for censure, for correction, and for
discipline in righteousness. 17 Its purpose is that the man of God might be fully qualified,
equipped for every good work.
4:1 In the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who in the future will judge the living and the
deceased, and in view of his appearing and kingdom, 2 I solemnly lay on you the responsibility to
preach the word. Keep at it in opportune times and in untimely situations. Convince—to the
point of conviction—censure, and encourage. Do this with full patience and teach doctrine. 3 For
the time will come when they will not listen willingly to wholesome doctrine, but they will line
up for themselves teachers who will pander to their personal prejudices, tickling their ear. 4
Moreover, they will turn their ear away from the truth and become fascinated with myths.
5
As for you, be in full possession of your faculties in every situation. Bear up under
hardship. Carry on the work of an evangelizer. Accomplish your ministry fully.
6
For already I am poured out like a drink offering, and the time for me to weigh anchor
is imminent. 7 I have competed in the noble struggle. I have completed the race. I have kept the
faith. 8 Finally, there awaits me the wreath of righteousness that the Lord will grant me on that
day. He is the righteous judge who has such a wreath not only for me, but also for all those who
love his appearing.
9
Do your best to come to me quickly. 10 For Demas, in love with the present age, walked
out on me and headed for Thessalonica. Crescens went to Galatia, Titus to Dalmatia. 11 Luke is
the only one with me. Take Mark and bring him with yourself, for he is useful to me for
ministry. 12 I sent Tychicus to Ephesus.
13
When you come, bring the cloak I left behind with Carpus in Troas, and the scrolls,
especially the vellum codices.
2 Timothy 4:14-22 317

14
Alexander, the metallurgist, did many evil things to me; the Lord will repay him
according to his actions. 15 Be on your guard against him for he severely opposed our words.
16
In my first defense no one rallied to me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be put
on record against them. 17 Yet the Lord stood by me and empowered me in order that through me
the proclamation might be made in full and that all the goyim might hear. I was delivered out of
the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and he will save me for his
heavenly kingdom. To him be glory into the endless ages! Amen.
19
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20
Erastus remains in Corinth. I left Trophimus sick in Miletus.
21
Do your best to come before winter.
Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers greet you.
22
May the Lord be with your spirit.
Grace be with you.
Titus 1:1-2:8 318

Titus
1:1 This letter from Paul, God’s slave, an apostle of Jesus Christ, features the faith of God’s
chosen ones and knowledge of truth as it relates to godliness, 2 based on the hope of eternal life,
that God who does not lie promised prior to recorded history. 3 He revealed his message at
special times by proclamation. I was entrusted with that task by the command of our savior God.
4
This letter is for Titus, my genuine protégé in the shared faith.
Grace and peace to you from Father God and Christ Jesus, our savior.
5
I left you in Crete for the purpose of setting in order matters that needed resolution and
to appoint elders city by city, just as I directed. 6 A man qualifies to be an elder if he is above
reproach, a one-woman man, having faithful children not accused of being incorrigible or
undisciplined. 7 An overseer, as God’s manager, must be blameless—not self-centered, not
quick-tempered, not addicted to alcoholic beverages, not belligerent, not greedy for money.
8
Instead, he must be hospitable to strangers, committed to doing good, reasonable, righteous,
devout, self-controlled, 9 devoting himself to the doctrine derived from the trustworthy teaching,
that he might be capable of encouraging others in wholesome teaching and also be able to
convict the opponents.
10
For out there are many scoundrels, worthless windbags, and deceivers—especially
among those known as the circumcision. 11 They need to be silenced, because they upset whole
households by teaching—for the sake of fraudulent gain—things they ought not to teach. 12 A
certain one of them, a prophet from their own group, said: “Cretans are ever liars, bad brutes,
lazy gluttons.” 13 This report is valid. For that reason rebuke them severely that they might be
wholesome in the faith.
14
Do not have anything to do with Jewish myths and impositions of men who reject the
15
truth. Everything is clean to those who are clean, yet to the polluted and faithless nothing is
clean. Rather, defilement affects both their mind and conscience. 16 They profess to know God,
but by their deeds they deny him; they are detestable, disobedient, and disqualified for every
good work.
2:1 As for you, make those assertions that conform to wholesome teaching.
2
Elders must be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled—wholesomely correct in
faith, love, and patience.
3
Likewise, senior women must have a demeanor characterized by holy reverence. They
must not be slanderers, nor enslaved to much wine, but teachers of what is good 4 for training
young wives in self-control, to be husband-loving, children-loving, 5 self-disciplined, chaste,
good homemakers, submissive to their own husband, so that God’s word might not be defamed.
6
Urge the younger men, likewise, to be self-controlled.
7
In everything present yourself as a model of good accomplishments: in teaching,
incorruptibility, seriousness, 8salutary speech that is above criticism—in order that an opponent
might be abashed, not having anything negative to say concerning us.
Titus 2:9-3:15 319

9
Let servants be submitted to their own bosses in everything so as to please, rather than
to talk back. 10 They must not embezzle, but with full faith demonstrate goodness in order that the
teaching of our savior God might be embellished in everything they do.
11
For the salvific grace of God was revealed to all humanity. 12 His grace educates us to
renounce ungodliness and worldly cravings, that under the control of wisdom we might live a
righteous and godly life during the present age 13 and wait for the realization of the blissful hope
of the manifestation of the glory of the magnificent God and our savior Jesus Christ.
14
Jesus gave himself for us in order that he might redeem us from all wickedness, and
that he might purify for himself a special people eager to engage in doing good.
15
Proclaim these truths, encourage, and correct with full responsibility. Let no one
evade your supervision.
3:1 Remind the church to submit to leaders, to obey authorities, and to be prepared to
accomplish every good work. 2 Insult no one. Be nonbelligerent, forbearing, demonstrating full
courtesy toward all humanity. 3 For at one time we too lacked understanding. We were
disobedient, deceived, enthralled by lusts and various forms of self-indulgence, being detestable,
moving about in evil and corruption, while hating one another.
4
Then our savior-God's kindhearted generosity and love for humanity appeared on the
5
scene. He saved us by his mercy, not on the basis of deeds done by us in righteousness but
through the washing associated with rebirth and re-creation by holy spirit. 6 He poured his spirit
upon us profusely through Jesus Christ, our savior. 7 This was done that being justified by his
grace we might become heirs to the hope of eternal life.
8
This is a trustworthy declaration, and I want you to insist on these principles: Those
who have believed in God must think through how they can do good works and take the
initiative to follow through with them. These consist of activities that are good and useful to
people.
9
Avoid foolish questions, genealogies, conflicts of strife, and legal controversies, for
they are without benefit and futile. 10 After providing a first and second warning to a heretical
person, expel him, 11 knowing that such a person, perverted and sinning, is self-condemned.
12
When I send to you Artemas or Tychicus, make every effort to come to me in
Nicapolis, for I have determined to spend the winter there.
13
Speedily send on their way Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, seeing to it that they lack
nothing. 14 Let our people learn also to involve themselves in doing good works for meeting
exigent needs, so they will not be unproductive.
15
All those who are with me greet you.
Greet those who love us in the faith.
Grace be with all of you.
Philemon 1-25 320

Philemon
1
This letter comes from Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and brother Timothy to our
loved colleague, Philemon, 2 and to sister Apphia, to our fellow soldier Archippus, and to the
church that meets at your home.
3
Grace to you all, and peace from God our father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
4
I give thanks to my God always as I mention you in my prayers. 5 I am hearing about
your love and faith you have expressed toward the Lord Jesus and toward all the holy ones.
6
I hear how the sharing of your faith has potential to produce among you knowledge of
everything good in Christ. 7 For I have much joy and encouragement flowing from your love
because the compassionate responses of the holy ones are refreshed by you, brother.
8
Consequently, I have much boldness in Christ to direct you to meet your obligation. 9
But rather than do that, I encourage you to do what I am about to mention because of love. Such
a one as I am, Paul, an old man now, and a prisoner of Christ Jesus—10 I appeal to you in behalf
of my “child” whom I fathered while bound as a prisoner. I speak of Onesimus, 11 who once was
useless to you, but now both to you and to me, he (just as his name means) is useful.
12
I sent him to you, though he is like my vital organs. 13 I was deliberating on holding on
to him for myself in order that in your stead he might be of service to me as a prisoner of the
gospel. 14 But apart from your consent I did not want to do anything, that the good you would
minister to me might not be compulsory, but voluntary.
15
Perhaps this is the reason he was separated from you for a short time that you might
have him back forever. 16 He returns no longer as a slave, but more than a slave, a beloved
brother, especially to me. How much more should he be to you, both in the ordinary situation
and in the Lord!
17
If then you have a common bond with me, receive him as you would me. 18 If he has
wronged you in any way, or if he owes you anything, charge it to me. 19 I Paul, wrote this
with my own handwriting—I will repay. Of course, I do not mention to you that also you
owe yourself to me.
20
Yes, brother, may I be favored to benefit from you in the Lord in this. Refresh my
deep emotions in Christ. 21 Being confident of your compliance, I wrote to you, knowing that in
what you do, you also will exceed what I suggest.
22
So then prepare for me guest lodging, because I hope that through your prayers I shall
be given to you.
23
Those who send along their greetings to you are: Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in
Christ Jesus, 24 Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, Luke—my colleagues.
25
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.
Hebrews 1:1-14 321

HEBREWS
1:1 In multiple segments and numerous ways God spoke in ancient times by the prophets
to our ancestors. 2 At the culmination of these events, he spoke to us by a son, whom he
designated heir of everything. Around him he also formulated the epochs. 3 He radiates God’s
glory as a precise copy of his nature and maintains everything by his dynamic word. After
having accomplished purification of sins, he sat down in the position of honor next to the
majesty in the heavenly realms. 4 He became much superior to angels, inasmuch as he rightfully
has title to a name that exceeds theirs in magnificence.
5
For to which of the angels did God ever say?
You are my son!
Today I became your father.
And again, I shall be his father,
And he will be my son.
6
And again, when he brought his firstborn into the population:
All God’s angels must revere him.
7
On one hand, he says, descriptive of the angels:
He makes his messengers winds,
And his servants a blazing fire.
8
On the other hand, in reference to his son, he says,
Your throne is that (established) by God, onward into the ages.
Your royal scepter represents integrity.
9
You loved righteousness and abhorred lawlessness;
For this reason God, your God, anointed you,
distinguishing you from your companions—with a joyous anointing.
10
Moreover: You, right at the beginning, Yahveh, established the earth.
The heavens are constructions of your hands.
11
They will disintegrate, but you remain.
With age they all will wear out like clothing.
12
Like a robe you will crumple them up.
And like a garment they will be changed.
Yet you are the same,
Your years do not expire.
13
To which of the angels did he ever say the following?
Be seated on my right.
Stay there until I place your enemies as your footrest.
14
Are they all not ministering spirits, commissioned to serve those about to gain
possession of salvation?
Hebrews 2:1-3:4 322

2:1 Here is the reason we should pay more attention to what we have heard, lest we drift
2
away. If the message enunciated through angels was confirmed and every aberration and
disobedience received righteous retribution, 3 how shall we escape the consequences if we are
careless about such tremendous salvation? It began to be articulated by the Lord and then was
confirmed to us by those who heard him. 4 This message was corroborated by God with signs,
wonders, various kinds of miracles, and distributions of holy spirit according to his discretion.
5
For the world at large that was about to emerge, concerning which we speak, he did
not subjugate under angels. 6 But someone, somewhere, solemnly stated:
What is man that you remember him,
or a human being that you visit him?
7
You positioned him to rank a little less than the angels.
With glory and honor you crowned him.
8
You subjected all things under his feet.
In the assertion about the subjection of all things, nothing is exempted from subjection
to man. At present we do not yet see everything under human control. 9 But what we do observe
is Jesus, although crowned with glory and honor, having a rank a little less than angels for the
purpose of suffering death, that he, by the grace of God, might experience death in behalf of
everyone.
10
For it was appropriate for him on account of whom all things subsist, and through
whom all things exist, in order to lead many sons into glory, to perfect through suffering the
champion of their salvation. 11 For, indeed, he who makes holy and those made holy are all from
one (God). This explains why he is not ashamed to identify with them as brothers 12 saying:
I shall proclaim your name to my brothers.
Within the congregation I shall sing hymns to you.
13
And again: I shall be (one of those) persuaded by him.
And once more: Look at me and the children God gave me.
14
Because, therefore, children share flesh and blood, he, himself, also in comparable
manner shared in these. He did this that through death he might nullify the one holding the
power of death, i.e., the devil. 15 Also he did this for as many as were held under lifelong
bondage to thanatophobia—that he might release them. 16 For surely he is not all taken up with
angels, but his concern is for the posterity of Abraham.
17
He was obligated, therefore, to become identified in every way with his brothers that
he might be a compassionate and faithful high priest in ministries to God, to make amends for
the sins of the people. 18 For by undergoing, himself, the ordeal of being put to the test, he is able
to help those being tested.
3:1 Therefore, holy brothers, partners sharing a call from heaven, consider the envoy and
high priest featured in our confession—Jesus. 2 He was faithful to the one who assigned him the
responsibility, just as Moses also was faithful in God's family. 3 For Jesus is deemed worthy of
more glory than Moses, just as the one who constructs and furnishes a dwelling has more honor
than the dwelling. 4 For every building has a builder, and God is the one who constructed and
furnished everything.
Hebrews 3:5-4:6 323

5
Moses, on one hand, was faithful as a servant in all of God’s family to attest principles
that would be enunciated. 6 Christ, by contrast, functions as a son over God’s family. We are that
family if we courageously hold on to our praiseworthy hope.
7
Therefore, just as the holy spirit says:
Today, if you hear his voice,
8
do not make your hearts sclerotic,
as hearts were during the rebellion,
in the testing time in the desert.
9
There your fathers engaged me in a contest for proof,
and they saw my works 10 for 40 years.
Therefore, I was indignant with this generation.
I said, “Always, their heart strays;
they have not known my ways.”
11
As I swore in my wrath,
They never will enter my restful state.
12
Watch out, brothers, lest an evil heart devoid of faith be in any of you, causing you to
desert the living God. 13 But exhort one another on a daily basis, as long as today is in effect, lest
anyone among you, by the seduction of sin, become recalcitrant. 14 For we become partakers of
Christ if we hold firm our initial ground of confidence until the end. 15 This is implicit in the
quotation:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not make your hearts sclerotic as they were in the rebellion.
16
For who are the hearers who rebelled? Were they not all those who made the exodus
out of Egypt through Moses’ leadership? 17 With whom was God indignant for 40 years? Were
they not those who sinned, whose corpses fell in the desert? 18 To whom did he swear they would
not enter into his state of rest, except those who disobeyed? 19 We perceive they were unable to
enter because of disbelief.
4:1 Let us be apprehensive, therefore, lest any of you, by ignoring a promise of entering
into his restful state, apparently come up short of realization. 2 For just as they were, we, too,
have been recipients of good news. But the message heard was of no benefit to them because it
was not permeated with the response of faith in those who heard it. 3 For we believers enter into
tranquillity, just as he has said:
As I swore in my wrath,
They will never enter my restful state.
Although his works were operational at the founding of the cosmos, 4 he stated
somewhere concerning the seventh day:
God also ceased on the seventh day from all his works;
5
and again in this regard:
They will never enter into my tranquillity.
6
Therefore, because entry into this state of rest is reserved for certain ones, and the first
hearers of the good news did not experience it because of their disobedience, it remains an open
Hebrews 4:7-5:13 324

promise. 7 Again, a certain day, after so much time, was designated by David as today, replicating
what was said before:
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not make your hearts sclerotic.
8
For if in the interim Joshua had caused them to enter a state of rest, David would not
have alluded to another day after that era. 9 Accordingly, a rest analogous to the sabbath is the
heritage of God’s people. 10 For he who enters into God’s restful state also, himself, rests from
his works, just as God ceased from his. 11 Let us be intent on entering that rest, lest anyone miss
out by falling into the same pattern of disobedience.
12
For God’s word is vital, effective, and sharper than every double-edged sword. It
penetrates to lay open soul, spirit, bone joints, and marrow. It also critiques the motives and
rationalizations of one’s heart. 13 There is not a creature concealed from his presence; all are
naked and susceptible to scrutiny by the eyes of the one whose word is meant for us.
14
Therefore, because we have a magnificent high priest who passed through the
heavens—Jesus, God’s son—let us hold on to our confession (of faith). 15 For we do not have a
high priest incapable of empathizing with our weaknesses. He was tested in every respect
comparably as we are, yet he remained sinless. 16 Therefore, let us come with courage to the
throne of grace in order to receive mercy and find grace at the right time to help us.
5:1 For every high priest inducted into office from humanity has been appointed to serve on
behalf of mankind in matters that pertain to God, that he might offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2
He is able to deal gently with ignorant and deluded people because he, himself, also is beset by
weakness. 3 Due to such, he must make offerings for his own sins just as he does for the people.
4
A person does not seize the honor of the office for himself; on the contrary, he must be called
by God as was Aaron. 5 In the same manner also the messiah did not promote himself to become
high priest, but the office was conferred on him by the one who spoke to him:
You are my son!
Today, I became your father.
6
It is the same also in another place where he says:
You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
7
Messiah during the days of his physical life offered prayers and supplications to the
one who was able to rescue him from death, and he did so with intense outcries and tears. He
received a hearing because of his godliness.
8
Although a son, he learned the discipline of obedience from his experiences of
suffering. 9 Once perfected, he became—for all who take orders from him—the agent responsible
for eternal salvation, 10 the one invested by God with the title, high priest in the order of
Melchizedek.
11
Concerning this truth much can be said—and hard to express because you have
become lackadaisical about listening. 12 Whereas due to the length of time elapsed you ought to
be ready as teachers, you once again need someone to teach you the initial principles of God’s
messages. You need milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who imbibes milk is not able to
Hebrews 5:14-7:6 325

assimilate the message of righteousness because he is an infant. 14 Solid food is for developed
souls, for those established, having their faculties trained for discriminating good and also evil.
6:1 Therefore, moving on beyond the beginning of the message of Christ, let us progress to
maturity—not laying again a foundation of repentance from lifeless works, and of faith in God,
2
of teaching about baptisms, laying on of hands, resurrection from the dead, and judgment that
has an eternal consequence. 3 God permitting, we will do this.
4
For those who were once enlightened, having experienced the heavenly gift, having
become recipients of holy spirit, 5 and having enjoyed the good word of God and miraculous
powers of the future age, 6 if they fall away, it becomes impossible to renew them again with
repentance, because they by themselves are recrucifying God’s son and openly holding him up to
contempt. 7 For farmland that soaks up rain that frequently falls upon it produces edible
vegetation for those for whom it is cultivated, receiving blessing from God. 8 But if the land
yields thorns and weeds, it is unfit, almost cursed, and ultimately must be burned over.
9
Yet in your case, loved ones, I am persuaded of better salvific results for you, even if
we speak this way. 10 For God is not unjust to forget the work and love you demonstrated for his
name, in your having served the holy ones and in your continuing to serve. 11 We ardently desire
each of you to demonstrate the same earnestness with full assurance of hope until the end. 12 Lest
you become apathetic, be emulators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
13
For when God made a promise to Abraham, because he had no one greater in whose
name to make an oath, he swore by himself 14 as follows:
I surely shall bless you superbly.
And I surely shall multiply you greatly.
15
Accordingly, having been patient, Abraham obtained this promise. 16 For human
beings swear by something greater than themselves. Every legal guarantee subject to dispute
among men is concluded by a confirming oath. 17 In this case, wanting to be all the more
convincing to the heirs of the promise of the irrevocability of his will, God guaranteed it by an
oath. 18 This he did that through two immutable factors—the second of which is the impossibility
for God to lie. He did this that we who flee for refuge by taking hold of the hope stretching out
before us might have enormous encouragement. 19 This hope we hold on to as a firm and reliable
anchor secured inside the veil. 20 As forerunner Jesus entered there on our behalf, having become
high priest forever in accord with the Melchizedekean order.
7:1 For this Melchizedek was king of Salem, priest of the highest God, the man who met
Abraham returning from the conquest of the kings and blessed him. 2 To him Abraham
distributed a tithe of all the plunder, to him whose first title means, ‘King [Melchi] of
righteousness [sedek], and the second, “King of Salem,” i.e., ‘King of peace’. 3 Melchizedek was
a priest without (recorded) father, mother, or genealogy, having neither a birthday (record) nor
an obituary. He was portraying God’s son, who remains a priest perpetually.
4
Consider how distinguished was this man to whom Abraham, the patriarch, gave a
tithe of the plunder. 5 Also consider those, on the one hand, who were descendants of Levi and
who received the priesthood from him. They had a legal mandate to require a tithe from the
people, i.e., their brothers, although they had come out of the reproductive organs of Abraham.
6
On the other hand, the man who had no genealogy in the Levitical tribe received a
Hebrews 7:7-8:2 326

tithe from Abraham. Melchizedek also blessed Abraham, who held the promises. 7 There is no
question but that the person of lesser standing is blessed by the superior one.
8
In this situation, mortal men receive tithes. In contrast, the record indicates that he
continues to live. 9 To approach this from another angle, Levi, the receiver of the tithe, tithed
through Abraham, 10 for he was yet in the genitals of his ancestor when Melchizedek met up with
him.
11
Therefore, were perfection realized through the Levitical priesthood the people
received under the law, why would he say it was imperative for a different priest to arise
according to the Melchizedekean order, a priest not from the Aaronic order? 12 Answer: When
there is a replacement of the priesthood, a change in the law has necessarily occurred.
13
In reference to the one about whom these things are said, it must be noted that he is
associated with a different tribe, from which no one attends to the sacrificial altar. 14 For it is
obvious our Lord descended from Judah, a tribe about which Moses said nothing concerning
priests. 15 Even more evident is the fact that if a different priest arises in the mold of
Melchizedek, 16 he has not become inducted on the basis of a physical stipulation of law, but by
the dynamic of an indestructible life. 17 For it was solemnly stated:
You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.
18
Cancellation of the former legal structure transpired because of the mentioned
weakness and futility associated with it. 19 The law, in fact, perfects nothing. But there is the
introduction of a better hope through which we actually become close to God.
20
Furthermore, he who is superior was not made so in the absence of an oath. Indeed,
there are those who became priests without benefit of an oath authorizing their induction. 21 But
the superior priest was certified with an oath as evidenced by what was said to him:
Yahveh made an oath.
And he will not change it:
“You are a priest forever.”
22
Accordingly, Jesus has become the guarantor of a much better covenant. 23 The
majority of priests received their positions because death prevented their predecessors from
staying on duty. 24 But because Jesus remains forever, he holds tenure in the priesthood not
subject to replacement. 25 For this reason, Jesus is able to save for all time those coming to God
through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. 26 For such a high priest was just
right for us. He is holy, free from evil, pure, separate from sinners, and raised high above the
heavens.
27
Jesus does not have a daily need—comparable to that of the high priests—to offer up
sacrifices first for his own sins, and then for those of the people. For this one thing he did: He
offered up himself once for all time. 28 Indeed, the law ordains men having weakness as high
priests. But the message coming after the law, established by oath-certification, ordains a son
who has been perfected forever.
8:1 In recapitulation of what has been said, we have such a high priest as this. He sat down
in the position of honor at the majesty’s throne in the heavens, 2 to implement service of the holy
ministries belonging to the authentic sanctuary set up by Yahveh, not man.
Hebrews 8:3-9:8 327

3
Indeed, every high priest was commissioned to offer gifts and sacrifices. In this role he
must have something to offer. 4 Therefore, were Jesus on the earth, he would not be a priest,
because those priests offer gifts in accordance with the law, 5 gifts that serve as analogues and
adumbrations of heavenly ministries as were authenticated by revelation to Moses. As he was
about to construct the sanctuary, God said, See to it that you build everything according to the
specifications explained to you on the mountain.
6
Jesus has now attained a superior ministry. He has this superiority inasmuch as he is
mediator of a covenant established upon better promises. 7 For had that first covenant been
faultless, the prospect of a second one would not have been considered. 8 After having censured
the Israelis, God said [through Jeremiah]:
Take note! The time will come, says Yahveh,
that I will institute a new covenant for the family of Israel,
and for the family of Judah.
9
It will be dissimilar to the covenant I made with their ancestors,
at the time of my taking them by the hand to lead them out of Egypt.
For they did not remain in my covenant,
and I did not pay attention to them, says Yahveh.
10
For this is the covenant I will decree for the family of Israel,
after that period of time, says Yahveh:
I am going to put my laws in their mind,
and I will write them upon their heart.
I shall be their God,
and they will be my people.
11
They will never teach one another interpersonally,
as well as brother to brother, by saying, “Know Yahveh!”
For all will know me,
from the least to the greatest of them,
12
because toward their wrongdoings I shall be merciful,
and their sins I shall no longer remember.
In that he said, new, he has antiquated the first covenant. That which is being
13

superseded so as to become obsolete is near extinction.


9:1 The first covenant, therefore, used to have worship rituals coordinated with the
sanctuary in the world. 2 The first-chamber tent, constructed and furnished with lampstand, a
table and a presentation of loaves of bread, was called, holy precincts. 3 Behind the second
curtain there was an attached tent called, holiest precincts. 4 Associated with it was the gold altar
of incense and the chest of the covenant, also encased with gold. It contained a gold jar holding
manna, the rod of Aaron that sprouted leaves, and the tablets of the covenant. 5 Above it, glorious
cherubim secluded the mercy seat. About these components it is not now my purpose to
comment in detail.
6
These furnishings having been set up in this manner, the priests continually enter the
first-chamber tent, performing their ministries there. 7 But into the second chamber only the high
priest entered once annually. He did not go in without blood that he offered in behalf of himself
and the people for their transgressions done in ignorance. 8 The holy spirit was indicating by this
Hebrews 9:9-10:2 328

that access into the holiest still had not been revealed while the original tent-sanctuary was
functioning.
9
That first sanctuary provides an analogy for the present time. Gifts and sacrifices are
offered, although they are not able to completely restore a worshiper’s conscience. 10 These alone
consisted of food-offerings, drink-offerings, and use of various kinds of ablutions—sacred
physical ceremonies imposed until a future reorganization.
11
But Christ presented himself as high priest of the good things available through the
greater and more exquisite sanctuary that is not hand-constructed, and not a part of this creation.
12
Not with blood from goats and calves, but with his own blood he entered once for all this holy
sanctuary after having obtained eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and calves and
sprinkling of heifer ashes sanctifies those ceremonially unclean, producing purity of the flesh,
14
by how much more does the blood of Christ, who through the eternal spirit offered himself
unblemished to God, purify our conscience from defunct deeds to serve the living God!
15
Because of this, he is the mediator of a new covenant, instituted by his experiencing
death as the means of redemption from transgressions committed under the first covenant, that
those called might receive the promised eternal inheritance. 16 For a testamentary will to be
discharged, the death of the testator must occur. 17 A will is only valid after people are dead
because one's will never could be probated while the testator remains alive. 18 For that reason,
neither was the first covenant dedicated apart from use of blood. 19 After every commandment
pertaining to the law was pronounced by Moses for all the people, he took the blood of calves
mixed with water, and using scarlet wool and hyssop, he sprinkled the scroll itself and all the
people. 20 He exclaimed: This is the blood of the covenant God ordained for you.
21
He likewise sprinkled with blood both the tent-sanctuary and all the implements of
22
service. Indeed, almost everything is purified by blood as per the law; and apart from release of
blood, forgiveness does not occur.
23
Therefore because it was imperative that the patterns in heaven of the realities
themselves had to be purified by sacrifices superior to these. 24 For Christ did not enter the holy
places of the hand-crafted sanctuary, a representation of the true precincts, but he entered heaven
itself, now to appear in God’s presence on our behalf.
25
He is not there to offer himself often; nor would he, like the high priest, enter into the
holiest place annually with blood belonging to another. 26 In that scenario it would have been
necessary for him to suffer many times from the creation of the world. But now once for all time
at the culmination of the ages, he has appeared for the removal of sin through sacrifice of
himself. 27 Just as human beings, however many, are destined to die once—and after that comes
judgment—28 in a comparable manner Christ was sacrificed once to remove sins of the
multitude. He will appear a second time not in relation to sin, but for salvation for those who are
eagerly awaiting him.
10:1 For the law adumbrates future good things, not indicating the actual image of those
realities. Year in and year out these same sacrifices are continually being offered, although they
are never able to perfect those presenting them. 2 Would they not cease to be offered if the
Hebrews 10:3-25 329

worshipers, once cleansed, had no more consciousness of sins? 3 The opposite being true, those
offerings serve as acknowledgment of sins year after year. 4 For blood from bulls and goats is
incapable of removing sins.
5
Therefore, upon entering the world, he says:
Sacrifice and offering are not what you desire,
but a body you created for me.
6
Whole burnt offerings and sacrifices for sins are not what please you.
7
Then I exclaimed,
Observe! I have come.
In the documenting scroll it was written about me:
I am here, God, to do your will.
8
This quotation is saying of God: You neither desire nor are pleased with sacrifices,
offerings, and holocausts for sins, which sacrifices people offer according to the law. 9 Then he
has stated: See! I am here to do your will.
He removes the first setup in order to establish the second. 10 By means of his will, we
have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all time!
11
Moreover, every priest has stood in daily ministry, offering the same form of
sacrifices frequently, even though those sacrifices are not able to remove sins. 12 But Jesus, after
presenting one sacrifice for sins for all time, sat down at the honored position next to God. 13 As
for the future, he is waiting until his enemies would be placed as the footrest for his feet. 14 By
his one offering he has perfected for all time those who are sanctified.
15
The spirit that is holy confirms this to us, for afterward the statement follows:
16
This is the covenant I will make with them after those days, says Yahveh.
I shall put my laws upon their hearts,
and I shall inscribe them upon their minds.
17
Both their sins and their law-breaking I shall no longer remember.
18
Where there is forgiveness of such transgressions, no longer is an offering made for
sins.
19
Therefore, brothers, we have confidence to enter the holiest place by Jesus’ blood.
20
He has consecrated for us this way of access that is new, characterized by life, and proceeding
through the curtain—his flesh.
21
We also have in him a great priest over God’s family. 22 So let us come to him with
true hearts in full certainty of faith, having hearts sprinkled from a bad conscience, and one’s
body washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold on to our confession of hope without vacillating, for
the one who promised is faithful.
24
Let us keep contemplating how to motivate one another to love and good works,
25
while not abandoning the assembling of yourselves together, as is customary for some, but
keep encouraging one another, and so much the more as you perceive the day [of the Lord]
approaching.
Hebrews 10:26-11:6 330

26
For those of us who deliberately continue to sin, after having received knowledge of
the truth, there remains no longer a sacrifice for sin. 27 Instead, the stubborn sinner has looming
in his future a terrifying prospect of judgment and raging fire that is going to consume the
adversaries.
28
On the basis of two or three witnesses to the fact, anyone who rejected Moses’ law
would die without pity. 29 How much worse punishment do you suppose one deserves who
trampled on God’s son, regarded the covenantal blood by which he was sanctified as common,
and insulted the gracious spirit? 30 For we know what has been said:
Punishment is mine to inflict;
I shall settle accounts.
And again,
Yahveh will judge his people.
31
To fall into the hands of the living God is terrifying.
32
Remember the former times in which, after your enlightenment, you stood firm in a
protracted struggle involving sufferings. 33 This meant incoming insults and pressures on you as
you were publicly derided. This also became the occasion for your becoming partners with those
treated that same way. 34 You had compassion on the prisoners; you accepted the confiscation of
your goods with joy, realizing you have a better possession that remains for yourselves.
35
Therefore, do not throw away your bold confidence. It holds in store a tremendous
36
reward. For after having done God’s will, you need patience through the interim until you
receive the promise.
37
For yet there is only a very little time
until the one who is coming will come and without delay.
38
But my righteous person will live by faith.
And if he shrinks back,
my soul will not be pleased with him.
39
We are not the type to backslide into destruction. But faith characterizes us, resulting
in soul-preservation.
11:1 Faith assures one of the substance of hope, providing verification of invisible realities.
2
Faith was the basis on which people of antiquity were commended.
3
By faith, we understand that God’s efficacious word created the temporal continuum.
The visible universe did not originate from phenomena.
4
By faith, Abel offered to God a sacrifice superior to that offered by Cain. Through it
Abel was attested as being righteous, with God testifying concerning his offered gifts. Although
he died, he through his expressed faith continues to speak.
Enoch, on account of his faith, was transported away so as to escape death: He was
5

not found because God transferred him. For before this transition, Enoch had been attested as
being well pleasing to God.
6
Without faith one cannot please God. To approach God, it is imperative to believe in
God’s being, and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.
Hebrews 11:7-29 331

7
In a state of faith Noah was notified concerning events not yet apparent. Taking this
revelation seriously, he constructed an ark for rescuing his family. By his faith he condemned the
world and became an heir of the righteousness based on faith.
8
By faith, Abraham, when called, obeyed to go out to a place he would receive in the
future as an inheritance; he departed not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith, he settled in a
promised land as a stranger dwelling in tents. With him were Isaac and Jacob, who were coheirs
of the same promise. 10 Indeed, he was anticipating a well founded city, whose architect and
developer was God.
11
By faith even Sarah herself, barren and postmenopausal, received reproductive
strength to process seed because she considered him faithful who promised. 12 Therefore, from
one man, even from him whose seed had been necrotic, descendants were fathered. His posterity
became as profuse as the stars of heaven and as innumerable as sand on the seashore.
13
These people all died in faith without receiving the outcome of the promises, but
remotely they envisioned and welcomed these promises, having conceded they were strangers
and sojourners living on the land. 14 People admitting such make it clear they are seeking a
homeland. 15 Had they been fixated upon that land they left behind, they would have found an
occasion to return to it. 16 But as a matter of fact, they were aspiring to have a better location, that
is, a celestial homeland. Therefore, God is not chagrined to be referred to as their God, for he
prepared a city for them.
17
By faith, Abraham when he was tested, offered Isaac. Abraham, the one who had
received the promises, offered his unique son, 18 even though it had been said to him: Your seed
will be identified in Isaac. 19 He inferred that God was capable of raising Isaac from the dead,
from which, by analogy, he did get him back.
20
By faith, Isaac, anticipating the future, blessed Jacob and Esau.
21
By faith, Jacob in his dying moments blessed each of the sons of Joseph, and in doing
so: He bowed respectfully, leaning on the top of his staff.
22
By faith, Joseph as he came to the end of life anticipated the exodus of the Israeli clan
and gave orders concerning what should be done with his bones.
23
By faith, newborn Moses was concealed for three months by his parents, because they
perceived he was an extraordinary child, and they did not fear the edict of the king.
24
By faith, Moses, the adult, refused to be identified as a son of the pharaoh’s daughter.
25
Rather, he preferred to be maltreated with God’s people over having transitory enjoyment of
sin. 26 He considered the stigma of being the anointed as greater wealth than having Egypt’s
treasures. For he looked far away to the reward.
27
By faith, Moses left Egypt, not intimidated by the anger of the king, for he held to his
course as one who peers at invisible reality.
28
By faith, Moses instituted the Passover with the sprinkling of blood, lest the
terminator touch their firstborns lethally.
29
By faith, the people passed through the Red Sea on firm ground, which the Egyptians
also tried to do; they were inundated.
Hebrews 11:30-12:13 332

30
By faith, the walls of Jericho, after having been encircled for seven days, fell.
31
By faith, Rahab, the prostitute, did not perish together with the defiant inhabitants,
because she received the secret agents in peace.
32
What more shall I say? Time is running out for me to relate the history of Gideon,
Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets. 33 These men through faith
conquered kingdoms, practiced righteousness, availed themselves of promises, shut the mouths
of lions, 34 extinguished the force of fire, escaped being wasted by sword, were empowered while
in weakness, became heroes in armed conflict, put hostile armies to rout. 35 Women received the
resuscitation of their dead. Other people were tortured, not giving in to release that they might be
positioned for a better resurrection. 36 Still others experienced a trial of jeers and beatings and
even manacles and prison. 37 They were pelted with stones, sawed in two, and murdered with a
dagger. They roamed in sheepskins, in goatskins; they were deprived of necessities, oppressed
and tormented. 38 The world was not worthy of their presence, yet they wandered in deserts and
mountains, living in caves and clefts in the earth.
39
All of these, although recognized for their faith, did not receive the promise of God.
40
Something better was foreseen for us, and that meant they would not be perfected apart from
us.
12:1 For that very reason we, too, having so many witnesses enveloping us like a cloud,
ought to lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that would easily entangle us. Let us run the
race that stretches out ahead of us with endurance. 2 Focus on the originator and consummator of
the faith—Jesus. He, anticipating the joy that would be his, endured a cross, condescending to its
shame, and was seated on the right side of God’s throne.
3
Indeed, consider the one who withstood such hostility of sinners against himself, lest
you get soul-fatigue and drop out. 4 You in your struggle against sin have not yet resisted to the
point of your bloodshed.
5
Moreover, have you forgotten the exhortation in which he addresses you as sons?
My son, do not disparage Yahveh’s discipline;
neither lose heart under his correction.
6
For Yahveh disciplines each person he loves;
he chastises every son whom he accepts.
7
Endure discipline, for it indicates God is treating you as sons. What son is there whom
his father does not discipline? 8 If you are exempt from correction in which all share, then you
are illegitimate, not sons. 9 Furthermore, our natural fathers were disciplinarians, and we were
respecting them. Should we not all that much more be in subjection to the father of spirits and
thrive? 10 For on one hand, fathers were disciplining us for a short period as per their values. On
the other hand, God disciplines us for our benefit that we might be able to share his moral purity.
11
All discipline at the moment of application does not seem to be exhilarating, but distressing.
Yet later on, to those having undergone its rigors, it yields a serene result—righteousness.
12
Therefore, raise up drooping hands and buckling knees. 13 Make straight paths for your
feet, lest the lame stumble off; rather may they be restored.
Hebrews 12:14-13:6 333

14
Pursue peace with everyone, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord.
15
All of you keep a careful watch,
y lest anyone miss out on the grace of God;
y lest any root of resentment take hold to cause trouble and taint many;
y 16 lest anyone be sexually degenerate, or worldly like Esau, who in exchange for a
single meal dismissed his rights as the firstborn. 17 Know also that when
afterward he yearned to take possession of the blessing, he was disqualified. For
he found no opportunity to undo his decision by repentance, though he was
moved to tears in his supplications.
18
For you have not encountered a tangible phenomenon and a blazing conflagration, a
dark, dense cloud, deep darkness, a whirlwind, 19 trumpet fanfare, and booming words so intense
the hearers begged that no message be transmitted to them. 20 For they were not even carrying out
what had been commanded: And should a beast touch the mountain, it is to be stoned to death.
21
So awesome was the phenomenon, Moses exclaimed, I am terrified and trembling!
22
By contrast, you have approached Mount Zion, city of the living God, celestial
Jerusalem, and myriads of angels at festival time, 23 and an assembly of firstborns documented in
heaven, and God the judge of all, and the spirits of righteous people having been perfected,
24
and Jesus, mediator of a new covenant, and his sprinkled blood that speaks of something better
than that of Abel.
25
See to it that you do not refuse the one speaking. For if those who refused to heed the
revelator upon earth did not get away with it, how much more severe will it be for us should we
repudiate the one speaking from heaven! 26 At that ancient time the reverberations shook the
ground, but now it has been promised: Yet once for all time will I shake not only the earth but
also the sky.
27
But the phrase, Yet once for all time, makes clear the removal of shakable things as a
fait accompli, so that unshakable things might remain. 28 Therefore, let us be grateful for
receiving an unshakable kingdom through which let us minister in a manner that pleases God
well with reverent awe and profound respect. 29 For our God is a fire that annihilates.
13:1 Let brotherly love be continuous.
2
Do not neglect caring for strangers, for by hospitality certain ones, without being
aware, entertained angels as guests.
3
Be mindful of prisoners as if you were bound with them, and keep in mind those being
abused, as if they were components of your body.
4
Marriage is honorable in all and marital intimacy is pure, yet sex abusers and
adulterers God will judge.
5
Let your lifestyle be free from love of money, being content with what you have. For
he has stated:
I will never walk out on you.
I will never abandon you!
6
Consequently, we say confidently:
Hebrews 13:7-21 334

Yahveh helps me,


I shall not be afraid.
What can a human being do to me?
7
Keep in remembrance your leaders, those who spoke to you God’s word. Observing
carefully the outcome of their conduct, emulate their faith—8 Jesus Christ, the same today as he
was in history and will be forever.
9
Do not get carried away with the various kinds of exotic teachings. For it is good for
one’s heart to be firmly set in grace, not in foods that do not benefit those who advocate them.
10
We have an altar from which those worshiping at the tabernacle are not authorized to eat. 11 For
them the blood of animals is brought as a sin offering into the holiest place by the high priest,
and carcasses are cremated outside the camp. 12 Therefore, Jesus also, that he might sanctify the
people through his own blood, suffered outside the city gate. 13 For that reason, let us go out to
him, outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. 14 For we have no permanent city here, but we are
seeking one that is in the making.
15
Through Jesus let us offer up in every situation a sacrifice of praise to God, that is,
the product of one’s lips confessing the worth of his name. 16 Do not neglect doing good and
generously sharing. Such sacrifices are well pleasing to God.
17
Follow your leaders and be submissive, for these men are keeping watch over your
lives as those responsible to give an account for you. They would do so with joy, not with
sighing, for that would be a discredit to you.
18
Pray for us. We are persuaded we have a good conscience, desiring in everything to
conduct ourselves commendably. 19 Even more, I exhort you to pray that I might be restored to
you quickly.
20
May God, the source of peace, who brought up from the dead the great
shepherd of the sheep, our Lord Jesus, on the basis of the blood of the eternal
covenant 21 make you complete in everything good to do his will, accomplishing
in us what pleases him fully, through Jesus Christ—to whom be glory
throughout the ages! Amen.
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22
I encourage you, brothers, to listen willingly to this hortatory message, for with
brevity I wrote to you. 23 You know that our brother Timothy has been released. With him, if he
comes soon, I will see you.
24
Greet all your leaders and all the holy ones. Those from Italy greet you.
25
May grace be with all of you.
James 1:1-25 336

JAMES

1:1 From James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, this message comes to the
twelve tribes of the diaspora. Rejoice!
2
Consider it joy all the way, my brothers, when you are faced with tests of various
kinds, knowing that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Let perseverance have its
3

full effect that you might be mature in every respect, coming up short in nothing.
5
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him request it from God, who gives generously to all,
not being one to censure the suppliant for asking—and it will be given to him. 6 Let him ask in
faith, not vacillating at all. For an indecisive person resembles the wind-swept surf of the sea,
tossing up and down. 7 Let not such a person presume he will receive anything from the Lord.
8
One who is irresolute is unstable in all his ways.
9
Let the poor brother make much of his high position, 10 and the rich of his finitude,
because like a blossom he will drop off. 11 For after dawn the heat from the sun desiccated the
plant so that its flower fell off, ruining its beautiful appearance. In the same way also the rich in
his pursuits will fade away.
12
Blessed is the man who holds up under testing, for after he has been approved, he will
receive the crown of life God promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one blame his
temptation on God. For God is incapable of being tempted by evils, and he, himself, tempts no
14
one. Stimulated and enticed by one's own strong desires, each person encounters
15
temptation. Then after lust conceives, sin develops in embryo, and when sin has come full
term, gives birth to death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.
17
Every good and complete gift is from above, emanating from the originator of the
lights, with whom there is neither light-variation, nor oscillation into darkness.
18
According to his purpose, he generated us by the message of truth that we might be a
prototype of his creatures.
19
Have experiential understanding of the following principles, my beloved brothers: Let
every person be eager to listen, hesitant to speak, slow to get angry. 20 For human anger does not
put into effect the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, laying aside every defilement and evil
excess, accept with humble gentleness the implanted message that is able to save your souls.
22
Be implementers of God’s word, not merely listeners, deceiving yourselves. 23 For if
anyone hears his message without putting it into practice, he resembles a man contemplating in a
mirror the physiognomy with which he was born. 24 He stares at himself and leaves, and
immediately he forgets what he looked like. 25 But one who reverently looked into the perfect law
of freedom and remained committed to it—not becoming a forgetful hearer, but one who
acts—is one who will be blessed in his practice of it.
James 1:26-2:23 337

26
If anyone deems himself to be devout, all the while not holding in check his tongue
but deceiving his inner self, his religious devotion is futile. 27 Pure, uncontaminated devotion
derived from Father God consists of this:
x looking out for orphans and widows, caring for them in their distress;
x keeping oneself unstained from the world.
2:1 My brothers, as you hold to the faith focused on our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do so
without showing favoritism. 2 If a person wearing a gold ring and a garment having a high sheen
enters your gathering, and if also a poor man wearing shabby clothes enters, 3 would you notice
the one wearing lustrous attire and say, “You sit here in this good seat,” and say to the poor man,
“You stand over there, or sit on my footrest”? 4 In doing such have you not been practicing
discrimination among yourselves? Have you not become critics with wrong criteria?
5
Listen, my beloved brothers. Did God not select poor people of the world wealthy in
faith to be heirs of the kingdom promised to those who love him? 6 But you dishonored the poor.
Do not the rich throw their weight around against you and summon you into law courts? 7 Do
they not slander the good name under whose auspices you belong?
8
If, nevertheless, you fulfill sovereign law as Scripture says, “Love your associate as
yourself,” you are doing commendably. 9 If you discriminate by favoritism, you are doing wrong
and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles
into sin, violating only one article, has become guilty of it all. 11 Having stated, “Do not commit
adultery,” it also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not have affairs but murder someone, you
have become a transgressor of the law.
12
In such a manner speak and act with similar motivation as those who are going to be
evaluated by the law of freedom. 13 For judgment will be merciless on one who does not practice
mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
14
What is the value, my brothers, of anyone’s assertion that he has faith, but who is
without works to authenticate it? His faith is not able to save him, is it? 15 If a brother or sister is
bare of clothing and lacking daily food, 16 and anyone of you would say to them, “Go away in
peace; may you be kept warm and nourished,” but you do not give them the wherewithal to take
care of bodily necessities, what is the value in that? 17 As per this illustration, faith devoid of
works, is defunct.
18
But someone will assert: “You have faith and I have works. Show me your faith apart
from works. I will demonstrate to you my faith expressed in my works. 19 You believe God is
one; you do well. Demons also believe that and are terrified.”
20
Empty-handed person, do you want to know that faith apart from works is feckless?
21
Was not Abraham, our ancestor, justified by works in offering Isaac, his son, on the altar?
22
You observe in this that faith was synergistic with his works, and as a result of works
Abraham’s faith was perfected. 23 So Scripture was fulfilled, saying:
Abraham believed God.
His believing was credited to him as righteousness.
James 2:24-4:3 338

Abraham was called God’s friend. 24 You see that by works a person is considered to be
righteous—not by solitary faith.
25
Likewise, was not Rahab, the prostitute, justified by works, by her reception of the
messengers and by her releasing them to escape by a different way?
26
For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead.
3:1 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we who are
teachers will receive more intense scrutiny. 2 For in many ways we all make mistakes. If anyone
does not err in what he says, he is a mature adult capable of controlling his whole body.
3
If you notice, we put bridle-bits in the mouths of horses to coax them to go our way,
and by such means we control their whole body. 4 Note this principle is applicable also to large
sailing ships. When they are driven along by strong winds, their course is determined by a
comparatively minor component, the rudder, whose direction is controlled by the desire of the
helmsman. 5 In a comparable manner one’s tongue is a small component, but it boasts of great
accomplishments.
Contemplate how a small spark sets ablaze a large thicket. 6 The tongue acts as a fire, a
world of wickedness taking charge of all human components, contaminating the whole body, and
engulfing in flames the whole of human experience with a fire ignited by hell.
7
All the natural realm of wild animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures are being tamed
and have been tamed in nature by a human being. 8 But none can tame the tongue. An
uncontrollable evil, it is permeated with lethal poison. 9 With it we bless the sovereign father, and
with it we curse human beings originated in the likeness of God.
10
From the same mouth issue blessing and cursing. My brothers, it ought not to be that
11
way. A spring does not gush forth through the same orifice with both tasty water and bitter
water, does it? 12 Nor, my brothers, can a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine, figs. Brackish
water cannot be made into potable water, can it?
13
Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him demonstrate within a good
lifestyle works done with gentleness of wisdom. 14 If you have jealous resentment and selfish
ambition in your heart, do not boast and make false statements against the truth. 15 These kinds of
actions are not expressing the wisdom that comes down from above. On the contrary, what is
expressed is earthbound, worldly, and diabolical. 16 For where there is envy and ambition,
disorder also exists there, along with every evil practice.
17
But wisdom from above is first of all pure, and then peace-producing, considerate,
cooperative, full of compassion and good fruits, impartial, honest. 18 Righteous living in peace is
a crop that was planted by peacemakers.
4:1 What causes conflicts and contentions among you? Does not the tension on both sides
originate from your lusts in conflict among your members? 2 You want something badly, but you
do not have it. You kill and covet, and still you are unable to get what you want. You fight and
battle it out, and you do not have what you are after because you do not make a request. 3 You
ask, but do not receive, because you make your request from wrong motivation, that you might
squander it on your pleasures.
James 4:4-5:11 339

4
Adulteresses, do you not know that infatuation with the world means antipathy toward
God? Therefore, whoever wants to be popular with the world is setting himself up as God's
enemy. 5 Or do you suppose that for no purpose Scripture says that the spirit that settled in us has
jealous longings? 6 But in greater measure does he give grace. Therefore, he says:
God resists the arrogant,
But he gives grace to the humble.
7
Therefore, be submissive to God. Stand up to the devil and he will flee from you.
8
Come close to God and he will come close to you.
Clean your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, skeptics. 9 Lament, grieve, and weep.
Let your laughter shift into sobs, and your hilarity into a mood of shame. 10 Humble yourselves in
the presence of Yahveh, and he will exalt you.
11
Do not belittle one another, brothers. The one disparaging a brother or judging his
brother traduces the law, making it the defendant. If you judge the law, you are a judge, not one
who practices it. 12 There is one lawmaker and judge—the one who is able to save and to destroy.
Who are you to be the one judging your associate?
13
Now just a moment, those of you who say, “Today or tomorrow we shall travel to a
specified city and establish ourselves there for a year, carry on business, and make money.” 14 As
for whoever is making such a statement, you do not understand the future as to what is ahead in
your life. For your life like a mist appears momentarily and subsequently disappears. 15 Instead,
you are to say, “If the Lord is willing and we live, we shall do this or that.” 16 But now with
pretensions you are boasting; all such bragging is wrong. 17 Therefore, for one knowing but not
doing what is right, for him it is a sin.
5:1 Now take notice, rich people. Weep, moaning aloud concerning your anticipated
miseries, 2 when your wealth has disintegrated and your clothing has become moth-eaten, 3 your
gold (is gone), and your silver has tarnished. Their disintegration will be evidence to you, and
your flesh will be consumed as by fire, along with what you amassed in your final days. 4 See
this: The pay of the laborers who reaped your fields, pay you withheld from them, is crying out;
and the groans of your harvesters have entered the ears of Yahveh, commander of armies. 5 You
lived a life of self-indulgence in luxury on the earth. You fed yourself to your heart’s content in
the day of slaughter. 6 You condemned and killed the righteous though he did not oppose you.
7
Patiently persevere, therefore, brothers, until the arrival of the Lord. Take your cue
from the farmer who waits for the valuable produce of the earth, being patient until it receives
the rains of fall and spring. 8 Be persevering; strengthen your resolve because the coming of the
Lord is near.
9
Cease complaining against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned. Come to
attention! The judge has taken his stand at the doors.
10
Brothers, as an example of ability to suffer hardship, contemplate the patience of the
prophets who spoke in Yahveh’s name. 11 Note this well: We consider those who endured to be
blessed.
James 5:12-20 340

You are familiar with the patience of Job and the Lord's conclusion for his case, for the
Lord is compassionate and consoling.
12
A top concern, my brothers, is that you not make a practice of swearing—whether
your oath is made with the backing of heaven, earth, or anything else. Let your “yes” mean yes,
and your “no” mean no, lest you fall under condemnation.
13
If any of you suffers distress, let him pray.
If anyone is cheerful, let him sing.
14
If anyone among you is sick, let him call to the elders of the church, and let them pray
with him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 The prayer expressive of faith will
restore the ill person by the Lord’s raising him up. Also if he has committed sins, he will be
forgiven. 16 Therefore, confess sins to one another and pray in behalf of one another in order that
you might be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is effective to do a whole lot of good.
17
Elijah was a person with finitude comparable to our own, and he prayed it would not
rain. The result was that for three years and six months there was no rain on the ground. 18 Once
again he prayed. The sky provided rain, and the earth brought forth its fruition.
19
My brothers, if anyone among you wanders away from the truth and someone turns
him back around in the right direction, 20 let him know that the one responsible for converting a
sinner from his erroneous way will save his soul from death and cover a heap of sins.
1 Rock 1:1-22 341

FIRST ROCK
1:1 Rock, an apostle of Jesus Christ, writes this letter to the choice transplants of the
diaspora living in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, [Roman] Asia, and Bithynia, 2 selected according
to Father God’s foreknowledge, those who experienced sanctification of spirit on the basis of
obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. May grace be yours and peace be
multiplied to you.
3
Praise to God, the father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who in the multiplicity of his mercy
regenerated us. As a consequence, we have a hope that lives on, opened for us through the
resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 4 Such hope anticipates an inheritance incapable of
disintegrating. This indestructible and permanent inheritance is reserved in heaven for you 5 who
are kept by God’s power through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the finale.
6
Keep rejoicing in God, although for a short duration now it is necessary for you to
suffer in various tests. 7 These occur that the genuineness of your faith, of greater value than gold
that melts when subjected to fire, might be found to merit praise, glory, and honor at the
revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Although you have not seen him, you love him. Without seeing him
now, yet believing, you continue to rejoice with ineffable joy compounded with glory, 9 while
obtaining the consummation of your faith—salvation for your souls.
10
The prophets researched and intently contemplated this salvation. Those who
prophesied of the grace in store for us 11 kept perusing their prophecies to ascertain to whom, or
to what period of time, the spirit of Christ in them articulated in reference to what was foretold
of Christ’s sufferings and subsequent glories. 12 To them it was revealed that these prophecies
were not for themselves, but for you. They touched on events now being declared to you through
those having preached the gospel to you in the holy spirit sent from heaven. Such events angels
yearn to investigate.
13
Therefore, because you purposefully decided to think objectively with complete
seriousness, you placed your hope in the grace brought to you in the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14
As obedient children do not let yourselves be warped into the shape of your bygone
ignorance, expressed in your cravings. 15 But in accord with the holiness of the one who called
you, be holy, yourselves, in all your lifestyle. 16 To this purpose it has been written:
All of you be holy, because I am holy.
17
If you continue to call on the father who shows no favoritism and critiques each
activity, you must live out the time of your exile in deep reverence, 18 realizing that not with
destructibles—silver or gold—were you freed from your inherited lifestyle of futility. 19 But you
were redeemed with precious blood from a perfect, unblemished lamb, i.e., Christ. 20 He was
foreknown before the foundation of the world, but manifested in the final ages for your sake.
21
Through him you are faithful to God who raised him from the dead and glorified him. Your
resulting faith and hope are God-oriented.
22
Because your souls have been purified by obeying the truth, have sincere love for the
brotherhood. Love one another from pure hearts earnestly.
1 Rock 1:23-2:16 342

23
You have been born again, not from deteriorating but imperishable seed, the living,
permanent word of God. 24 As stated:
All flesh is like field grass,
And all its glory resembles a wild flower.
The verdant foliage withered,
And its flowering fell away.
25
But Yahveh’s word remains forever.
This statement refers to the word preached as the evangel to you.
2:1 Therefore, discard every evil: all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all defamation. 2 Like
newborns crave the intellectually pure milk that by it you might grow up in a saved state.
3
If you experienced that the Lord is gracious, 4 come to him as to a living stone, deemed
misshaped by mankind, but preferred, preeminent by God. 5 Moreover, you, yourselves, as living
stones are being constructed into a spiritual structure, a holy priesthood to offer spiritual
sacrifices suitable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore, this text is included in Scripture:
Observe this: I am positioning a stone in Zion,
A select, first-rate keystone.
And the one who believes in him will never be ashamed.
7
Therefore, to you, the believers, he is valued, but for the unbelieving he is:
A stone the masons disqualified.
This stone has become the keystone of the arch.
8
And:
A stone people stumble over,
A rock of scandal.
Those mentioned in this quotation are the disobedient who positioned themselves to
stumble. 9 By contrast, you are a chosen family, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people
known as God’s possession, in order that you might proclaim the miraculous exploits of the one
having called you out of darkness into the splendor of his light.
10
Those who once were not a people,
now, by contrast, are God’s people.
Those who were not recipients of mercy,
now are the objects of mercy.
11
Loved ones, strangers and temporary residents that you are, I exhort you to abstain
from actualizing carnal desires that make assaults on your soul. 12 Live a wholesome life among
the pagans so that in the areas they would condemn you as troublemakers, upon observing your
good works on the day of inspection, they will confess to God.
13
Submit yourself to every humanly instituted authority because of the Lord, whether to
a king as one having authority, 14 or to governors, as those commissioned to render justice on
criminals and to affirm with praise those who accomplish good. 15 This manner of submission by
those who are doing the right things expresses God’s will; it is the way to silence the ignorant
accusations of foolish people. 16 Being free, do not use freedom as a front for hiding evil, but:
1 Rock 2:17-3:10 343

Live as God’s slaves.


17
Respect everyone.
Love the brotherhood.
Revere God.
Honor the king.
18
Household servants must submit with full respect for their masters, not only to those
who are good and considerate, but also to those who are scoundrels. 19 This is what grace entails:
If anyone remains conscious of God when suffering undeservedly, he bears up under pain.
20
On the other hand, what kind of favorable impression is made if having done something wrong,
you endure patiently a consequential flogging? But if you are doing good works and suffer as a
consequence, and yet endure it patiently, this is a situation getting God’s appreciation.
21
To such experiences as this were you called, because Christ also suffered on your
behalf, leaving behind a model that you might follow in his footsteps.
22
He did not sin; neither was deceit found in his mouth.
23
When he was verbally abused, he did not curse back. When he suffered, he did not
utter threats, but committed himself to the one who judges with justice.
24
Christ, himself, carried our sins away in his body on the tree, in order that we, having
nothing more to do with sins, might live subjected to righteousness. By his lash-whelps you were
healed. 25 For you were like straying sheep, but are returned now to the shepherd and protector of
your souls.
3:1 Wives, in a comparable manner be submitted to your own husband. In that way
husbands who do not obey the message, even without the message, will be won over by the
wives’ way of living, 2 when they observe with trepidation your holy lifestyle.
3
Wives must not be preoccupied with external adornment of braided hair interlaced
with gold ornamentation, or wearing ostentatious finery. 4 But the concern of wives must be with
one's heart-concealed self, with having a gentle and serene disposition that never wears out and
in God’s presence is highly valued. 5 For also in a comparable manner in ancient times the holy
women whose hope was in God would beautify themselves, submitting to their own husbands.
6
Sarah was an example; she deferred to Abraham, calling him, leader. You became her children
by doing what is good and not being intimidated by anything.
7
Husbands, likewise, form a home with the understanding that your feminine
counterpart is the weaker vessel. Accord honor to her as together you possess the precious gift of
life, so that nothing will interfere with your prayers.
8
Finally, let the attitude of all of you be harmonious. Be mutually tenderhearted. Be
loving as brothers. Be compassionate and humble in attitude, 9 not repaying evil deed for evil,
nor abusive language for cursing. But bless people, because this is your calling that you might
possess blessing.
10
For the one desiring to enjoy life,
and to experience good days,
Let him restrain his tongue from evil,
and his lips so as not to speak deceit.
1 Rock 3:11-4:9 344

11
Let him disengage from evil and accomplish good.
Let him seek and pursue peace.
12
For Yahveh’s eyes are on righteous people,
and his ears are oriented to their prayer.
Yahveh scowls at those doing evil deeds.
13
Who is going to harm you if you are eagerly applying yourself in doing good?
14
Nevertheless, should you suffer on account of doing what is right, you will be blessed. Do not
fear the evildoers’ scary tactics nor let them upset you.
15
All of you treat Christ in your hearts with holy awe as the leader.
Always be ready to thoughtfully reply to all who question you for the reason behind
your hope. 16 But do so with gentleness and deep reverence, on the basis of a good conscience, so
that in reference to that which you are being condemned, those who would disparage your good
lifestyle in Christ might become ashamed.
17
Better to suffer for doing good, if God’s will is that you suffer, than to suffer for doing
18
evil. That was the case with Christ, who once suffered for sin, a righteous person in behalf of
unrighteous people that he might bring you to God. Christ, having been put to death in his flesh,
was resurrected by spirit.
19
Also it was in spirit that antecedently he had gone and preached to imprisoned spirits.
20
They were the disobedient contemporaries of Noah living in the time when God’s patience was
waiting while Noah was constructing an ark, in which a few, eight people in all, were rescued by
passing through water. 21 That experience also now provides you an analogy of rescue by
baptism—not the bathing off of filth from flesh, but a good conscience responding to God on the
basis of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. 22 He has gone to the right hand of God in heaven, where
angels, authorities, and powers are subordinated to him.
4:1 Therefore, because Christ suffered physically, you too must make the same mindset
your own because one who suffered physically has ceased sinning. 2 Adjust yourselves to
function no longer in response to human cravings, but to God’s will, as you live out the
remainder of your physical existence. 3 For you spent enough time actualizing the practices of
paganism in a lifestyle of sensuality, lusts, wine guzzlings, orgies, drinking binges, and abhorrent
idolatries—4 in which pagans indulge themselves. They insult you for not running with them in
the same surfeit of dissipation. 5 They will have to answer for this to the one ready to judge the
living and the dead. 6 For in anticipation of this, the good news was preached to those who are
dead, that on one hand, they might be judged as men in the physical realm, and on the other
hand, that they might live God’s way in the spiritual realm.
7
The culmination of everything is near. Thus be sensible and serious about prayers.
8
Your first priority must be to have constant love for one another, because love covers
over a plethora of wrongs.
9
Be hospitable to one another without complaining.
1 Rock 4:10-5:14 345

10
Just as everyone received a gift, put it into service as good utilizers of the multifaceted
grace of God. 11 If anyone speaks, let it be as conforming to God’s words. If anyone serves, let it
be with the energy God supplies, that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom be glory and power on into the multiple ages. Amen!
12
Loved ones, do not let it surprise you when you encounter a fiery ordeal as though
something strange is happening to you. 13 But insofar as you share in Christ’s sufferings be glad,
in order that also you might rejoice with ecstasy at the revelation of his glory. 14 If you are
denounced for your association with Christ’s name, you are blessed because the spirit of God
and his glory rests upon you.
15
Let none of you suffer for being a murderer, a thief, a criminal, or an agitator. 16 But if
you suffer for being a Christian, do not be ashamed of that. Let a Christian glorify God for being
identified with this name 17 because the time has arrived to begin judgment in God’s household.
Yet if we are first up, what will be its outcome for those who disobey God’s gospel? 18 Moreover:
If the righteous person is just barely rescued,
what will become of the ungodly person and the sinner?
19
Consequently, those suffering in conformity to God’s will should commit their lives
to the faithful creator, while continuing to do what is good.
5:1 Therefore, I encourage the elders among you—as a fellow-presbyter and witness of
messiah’s sufferings, as one who is also a sharer in his glory about to be revealed—2 to shepherd
God’s flock among you, not out of coercion, but willingly, in deference to God. Do not serve
greedily for gain, but eagerly, 3 not domineering those in your care, but become models for the
flock. 4 When the supreme shepherd comes into view, you will receive from him an unfading,
glorious winner’s wreath.
5
Likewise, younger men, be submissive to senior men. All of you, with regard for one
another, tie on the workman’s apron of humility, because:
God resists arrogant people,
But he gives grace to the humble.
6
Hence, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, that he might exalt you at the
proper time. 7 Heave all your anxious concerns upon him, because he cares about you.
8
Be in full possession of your mental faculties, and stay alert. Your accusing opponent,
the devil, like a roaring lion, prowls in search of something to devour. 9 Stand up to him
intrepidly in faith, knowing the same sufferings that are in the world are experienced by your
brotherhood. 10 But the God of comprehensive grace, who called you for his eternal glory in
Christ, after you have suffered a short duration, will himself complete you, stabilize you,
strengthen you, and establish you. 11 To him be the power on into the ages. Amen!
12
Through Silvanus, your faithful brother as I consider him to be, I wrote to you briefly,
exhorting and expounding upon this true grace of God in which you must stand. 13 The co-select
group in Babylon and Mark, my son, greet you. 14 Greet one another with a loving kiss.
Peace to you, to everyone in Christ.
2 Rock 1:1-20 346

SECOND ROCK
1:1 From Simon Rock, a slave and an apostle of Jesus Christ, this letter comes to those
having obtained faith comparable to ours—faith founded on the righteousness of our God and
(our) savior, Jesus Christ. 2 May grace be yours and peace be pervasive in your experience of
God and of Jesus, our Lord.
3
The effect on us is that all pertaining to his divine capability, the components of life
and godliness, have been granted through knowing well the one who called us to participate in
his own glory and virtue. 4 On his part, he has given to us exquisite, magnificent promises that
you, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by craving, might become sharers in the
divine nature.
5
Moreover, for this same objective exert every effort to furnish your faith with:
x virtue, and with virtue
x knowledge, 6 and with knowledge
x self-control, and with self-control
x perseverance, and with perseverance
x godliness, 7 and with godliness
x cordiality, and with cordiality
x love.
8
For if you possess these in increasing abundance, they will condition you to be neither
ineffective nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 The one devoid of these
has myopia so acute as to be blind, having lost sight of his cleansing from old sins. 10 Brothers,
consequently, rather be eager to confirm your calling from God, and your selection. Those
exercising these character traits will nevermore stumble. 11 For by these there will be a lavish
outfitting of you for your entrance into the eternal kingdom of our leader and savior, Jesus
Christ.
12
Therefore, I intend to remind you always about these, although you continue to be
knowledgeable and have been strengthened in the truth you possess. 13 Yet as long as I am in this
tent, I consider it right to rouse your memory of such. 14 I am aware that soon the folding away of
my tent will occur, just as also our Lord Jesus Christ informed me. 15 But I shall make every
effort to feature these truths on each occasion with you so that after my exodus, you will
remember them.
16
For our message, when we informed you of the Lord Jesus Christ, his power and
presence, was not based upon ingeniously contrived myths. Counter to such, we were on-site
witnesses of his grand sublimity. 17 He received from Father God honor and glory as a voice was
projected to him uniquely from the majestic glory: “This is my son, my loved one, who delighted
me.” 18 We heard this voice from heaven as it was being conveyed, while we were with him on
the holy mountain.
19
Moreover, we have a prophetic pronouncement providing more confirmation. You
will do well to pay attention to it as you would to a lamp shining in a dismal place until dawn,
and the morning star arises in your hearts. 20 Understand this first principle: None of the
22 Rock 1:21-2:21 347

prophetic writings originated out of the writer’s own creative imagination. 21 For not by human
initiative was prophecy brought into being historically, but men spoke from God, impelled by
holy spirit.
2:1 False prophets also came on the scene among the people, just as also there will be false
teachers among you, who will smuggle in subversive heresies. They deny the master who bought
them, bringing upon themselves swift ruination. 2 Many will be taken in by their sensual
practices. On their account, the way of truth will be denounced. 3 To satisfy their greed they will
exploit you with ideas they have fabricated. Judgment on such people will not hold off for long;
their destruction will not remain in abeyance.
4
For surely God did not go easy on the angels who sinned, but having confined them to
pits of darkness in Tartarus, he committed them to damnation. 5 Also he did not spare the ancient
world except for eight people. The eighth, Noah, was a preacher of righteousness, whom he
protected from the deluge inflicted on a godless world. 6 Also the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah,
God condemned to experience the catastrophe that reduced them to ashes. He made them poster
cities, depicting what will happen to those who have lived a godless life. 7 He rescued righteous
Lot, a man who was harassed by the conduct of morally corrupt men who lived for lust. 8 As this
righteous man looked on the scene and listened in to what was going on among them day after
day, his upright soul was tormented by their perverted activities.
9
Yahveh has known all along how to rescue the godly out of temptation and to reserve
the ungodly for punishment on judgment day. 10 Especially is this applicable to those who
corruptly and voluptuously hanker after flesh, and those who despise law-and-order. Audacious
and arrogant, they do not quaver to denounce glorious ones; 11 whereas angels whose strength
and power are greater than theirs do not—in the presence of Yahveh—bring against them
abusive condemnation. 12 But these people, like irrational animals, born in the natural order for
capture and disposal, defame those of whom they are ignorant. They too will be disposed of in
their corruption.
13
By defrauding people they acquire dishonest income, and consider indulgence in
sensual gratification the way to spend their time. Spots and stains that they are, they revel in their
deceitful ways while feasting with you. 14 They have eyes full of looks typical of an adulteress
and unceasing sins. They entrap unstable people. Their heart is galvanized by greed like
disowned children. 15 Abandoning a straight course, they wandered away to follow the way of
Balaam son of Bosor [i.e., Beor], who was attracted to income from doing what was not right.
16
But he got the rebuke deserved for his own wrongdoing. A speechless donkey, articulating in a
human voice, spoke so as to impede the prophet’s irrational behavior.
17
These people are waterless springs; they are a stormy, swirling fog, for whom the
gloom of darkness has been reserved. 18 Orating grandiose bombast that amounts to nothing, they
through carnal cravings of the flesh lure those who barely have escaped the delusion that was
once their lifestyle. 19 While promising freedom to adherents, they, themselves, are slaves to
depravity. For by whom one has been overpowered, his slave you are. 20 If having escaped the
defilements of the world by knowing our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, should they become
involved in these again, they are defeated; their final state is worse than the former. 21 For it
would have been better for them not to have comprehended the way of righteousness, than
2 Rock 2:22-3:18 348

having understood it, to turn their back on the holy command entrusted to them. 22 Their
experience recalls the truth of the proverb:
A dog returned to his own vomit.
and
A washed sow returned to wallowing in slime.
3:1 Already, loved ones, this is the second letter I wrote to you. By these I am arousing your
memory to unconfused recollections, 2 reminding you of the words previously enunciated by the
holy prophets and your apostles as a command of our leader and savior. 3 Be aware of this as
primary: In the latter epoch scoffers motivated by their own carnal compulsions will come
forward with sneers, 4 saying, “Where is his promised coming? For from the time our ancestors
rested in peace, everything remains just as it was from the origin of creation.” 5 It escapes the
comprehension of those wanting to raise this question that in primeval times the heavens were
established and earth rose out of and through water by the word of God. 6 By waters the world
extant at that time was devastated by an inundation. 7 The present heavens and earth by the same
word are reserved for destruction by fire on the day of judgment and destruction of godless men.
8
You must not lose sight of this one fact, loved ones: From Yahveh’s perspective, one
day is equivalent to a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day. 9 Yahveh is not
hesitant, as some people count negligence, to make good on his promise, but he is patient with
you, not wanting anyone to perish. He rather wants everyone to have an opportunity to repent.
10
But Yahveh’s day will arrive unexpectedly as a thief. At that time the heavens will pass away
with loud reverberations, and the basic elements will disintegrate by intense heat. The earth and
the works constructed on it will be exposed to this.
11
Because all of these are to be destroyed in this way, what kind of people should you
be in holy lifestyle and godliness, 12 as you await and strive to be prepared for the arrival of
God’s day? During that time the heavens will be destroyed in a conflagration, and the basic
elements will be subjected to meltdown heat. 13 According to his promise, we expect new
heavens and a new earth, occupied by righteousness.
14
Therefore, loved ones, as you wait for these events to transpire, make every effort to
be found in him indefectible and blameless, in a state of peace. 15 Moreover, in all this consider
the patience of our Lord pertaining to salvation. This salvation is in accord with what our
beloved brother Paul also wrote to you through the wisdom given to him. 16 He in all his epistles
speaks in them concerning these subjects. In them there are some statements difficult to
understand that the untaught and unstable distort, as they also do to the rest of the Scriptures—to
their own ruin.
17
You, therefore, loved ones, because you know what to expect, guard yourselves, lest
being carried away by the deception of corrupt men, you become dislodged from your own firm
footing. 18 But keep growing in grace and knowledge of our leader and savior, Jesus Christ. To
him be glory both now and on into the eternal day! Amen.
1 John 1:1-2:11 349

FIRST JOHN
1:1 What dates back to the origins, what we have heard, what we have observed with our
eyes, what we have viewed and our hands touched in respect to the word, the source of life, is
what we proclaim. 2 Life was revealed. We have seen, certify, and announce to you the life that is
eternal, belonging to the father and revealed to us. 3 That which we have seen and heard we
report to you also in order that you might share the experience with us. Our fellowship is with
the father and with his son, Jesus Christ. 4 We put these facts in writing that our joy might be
compounded.
5
Here is the report we heard from him and declare to you:
God is light. In him there is not a modicum of darkness.
6
If we say we have cordial relations with him while trudging around in the darkness, we
are deceiving ourselves and not instantiating the truth.
7
If we move about in light, the light of his ambiance, we have friendly relations with
one another and the blood of Jesus, his son, purifies us from all sin.
8
If we say that we have no sin (on our life-record), we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. 9 If we make a confession of our sins, he is faithful and righteous to handle that by
forgiving our sins and purifying us from all wrongdoing. 10 If we protest that we have never
sinned, we make him out to be a liar, and his word is not internalized in us.
2:1 My children, I am writing these precepts to you so you might never sin. If anyone does
sin, we have an intercessor with the father, Jesus Christ, who is righteous. 2 He is the sacrificial
covering for our sins, and not ours only, but for the sins of the whole world.
3
By this criterion we have intelligent assurance that we know him—if we keep his
commands. 4 The person who says that he knows him yet does not keep his commands is a liar;
truth is not in him.
5
God’s love is truly perfected in whoever keeps God’s word; by that criterion we know
we are in him. 6 One who makes the claim of continuing in him ought to live in conformity to his
conduct.
7
Loved ones, what I set down in writing for you is not a new command, but an old one
in your possession from the beginning. What I mean by the old command is the message you
have heard.
8
Again, let me put it this way: I am writing to you a new command featuring that which
is true in him and among you, because the darkness is dissipating. Already the true light is
shining.
9
The one who claims to be in the light while hating his brother continues in the
darkness all the while.
10
One who loves his brother remains in the light and free from causing others to fall.
11
He who hates his brother exists in darkness. He gropes in the dark and knows not
where he is headed because the darkness makes his eyes useless.
1 John 2:12-3:1 350

y 12
I write to you, children, for your sins have been forgiven on the basis of his name.
y 13
I write to you, fathers, because you have known the one who is from the beginning.
y I write to you, young men, because you have overcome evil.
y 14
I wrote to you, young ones, because you know the father.
y I wrote to you, fathers, because you have known the one who is from the beginning.
y I wrote to you, young men, because you are strong, the word of God remains in
you, and you have overcome evil.
15
Do not be in love with the world, nor with worldly values. If anyone is in love with
the world, the father’s love is not in him. 16 Here is the reason: Everything in the world—the
biological drives, the psychological yearning to see (i.e., experience) everything, and pride in
one’s level of living—does not originate with the father, but derives from the world. 17 Moreover,
the world is passing away along with its strong attraction, but one who does the will of God
remains forever.
18
Young people, it is very late, and just as you heard that anti-Christ is coming,
evidence indicates that now many anti-Christs have arrived. That is how we know it is very late.
19
These anti-Christs left us but were not representative of us. For had they been our kind, they
would have remained with us. But that their true identity, one and all, might be revealed as being
dissimilar to us, they departed.
20
You have an anointing from the holy one, and all of you have (holy) knowledge. 21 I
did not write to you because you did not know the truth, but because you understand it. You
know that no falsehood has its source in truth. 22 Who is a liar such as the one to whom I am
referring? Such a person denies Jesus is the anointed. Taking the anti-Christ position, he denies
the father and his son. 23 Anyone who denies the son does not have the father. One who confesses
the son has the father too.
24
As for you, let what you heard originally remain with you. If this truth you heard from
the beginning remains in you, you also will remain in the son and in the father.
25
This is his promise he himself promised to us: life eternal!
26
I wrote these things to you about those who would cause you to stray away. 27 As for
you, the anointing you received from him remains in you. You are not dependent on someone to
teach you. But his anointing teaches you about everything from a true, nonfictional perspective.
Remain in him, and do just as he taught you.
28
Now, children, continue to remain in him in order that whenever he is manifested we
might have confidence and not turn away in shame from him at the time of his coming.
29
If we know he is right, we know that everyone who does what is right has been
fathered by him.
3:1 Perceive what remarkable love the father has given to us for us to be called God’s
children—and that we are! The reason the world does not recognize us is because it did not
1 John 3:2-4:1 351

recognize him. 2 Loved ones, we are right now God’s children. Our future state has not yet
become manifested. We do know that whenever he is revealed, we shall be like him because we
shall see him exactly as he is. 3 Everyone who has this hope focused on him purifies himself
exactly as he is pure.
4
All who practice sin are also implicated in lawlessness; sin violates the law.
5
You know he was revealed to remove sins. In him there is no sin. 6 Everyone who
remains in him does not sin. Everyone who continues to sin has neither seen him nor known him.
7
Children, let no one deceive you. One who practices righteousness is righteous, just as
he is righteous. 8 One who continues to commit sin represents the devil, because from the
beginning the devil continues to sin. The reason for the revelation of God’s son was to terminate
the devil’s deeds.
9
Everyone fathered by God does not continue to sin. Because God’s seed of heredity
remains in him, he cannot go on sinning. He has descended from God. 10 Here is how to
differentiate God’s children from the devil’s children: Everyone who does not practice
righteousness and love his brother is not a descendant of God.
11
This is the message you heard from the beginning: We must love one another. 12 We
must not be like Cain, who representing the evil one, took his brother’s life. What was his motive
in murdering him? He did so because his own deeds were evil, and his brother’s were righteous.
13
Stop being perplexed, brothers, if the world detests you. 14 We know that we have
migrated from the realm of death into life because we love the brothers. One who does not love
remains in a state of death. 15 Everyone who hates his brother is an assassin; and you know that
no assassin has eternal life remaining within him.
16
Here is the basis on which we know the nature of love: He on our behalf placed his
life on the line; and we ought to place our lives on the line for the brothers. 17 Take, for example,
anyone who has the resources for living in the world and who observes his brother in need. If he
locks him out of his compassion, how does God’s love remain in him?
18
Children, let us not love verbally by a lot of talk, but love by action and truth. 19 By
doing this we shall know we have descended from truth, and before him we will assure our heart,
20
because if our heart would be accusatory, God is greater than our heart; he knows everything.
21
Loved ones, if our heart does not condemn us, we have boldness before God. 22 And
whatever we ask, we receive from him because we comply with his commands and in his
presence we do what he considers pleasing.
23
This is his command: We must believe in the name of his son, Jesus Christ, and love
one another the way he commanded us.
24
One who keeps his commands remains in him, and he in the obedient one. Here is
how we know he remains in us—by the spirit he gave us.
4:1 Loved ones, do not trust every spirit, but test the spirits to determine their derivation.
Does the spirit in question come from God? Such an analysis is necessary because many false
prophets are at large in the world.
1 John 4:2-5:3 352

2
Here is how we ascertain the spirit of God. Every spirit from God will affirm the
humanity of Jesus Christ. 3 Every spirit that does not affirm Jesus is not from God. This is the
anti-Christ spirit that you heard was anticipated; now it is already here in the world. Loved ones,
do not trust every spirit, but test the spirits to determine their derivation. Does the spirit in
question come from God? Such an analysis is necessary because many false prophets are at large
in the world.
2
Here is how we ascertain the spirit of God. Every spirit from God will affirm the
humanity of Jesus Christ. 3 Every spirit that does not affirm Jesus is not from God. This is the
anti-Christ spirit that you heard was anticipated; now it is already here in the world.
4
You are from God, children, and you have overcome the anti-Christs, because greater
is the one who is in you than the one in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore, they
speak from the world’s standpoint, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God. One who
knows God listens to us. One who is not derived from God does not agree with us. This explains
how we differentiate intelligently between the spirit of truth and the spirit of deception.
7
Loved ones, let us love one another, because love derives from God. Moreover, all
who love have been fathered by God and know God. 8 The one who does not love does not know
God, because God is love.
9
God’s love is manifested among us in this way: God sent his unique son into the world
that we might live through him. 10 Love was expressed in this. It is not that we initiated love
toward God, but that he loved us and sent his son as an atoning sacrifice to cover our sins.
11
Loved ones, because God loved us as he did, we likewise ought to love one another.
12
No one has ever eyeballed God.
If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love is perfected in us. 13 Here is how
we know we remain in God and he in us: He has shared his spirit with us.
14
We have seen the son and certify that the father commissioned him as savior of the
15
world. Whoever confesses that Jesus is God’s son has God remaining in him; and he continues
to be in God. 16 We know and believe in God’s love that he has (placed) in us.
God is love. One who continues in love remains in God, and God continues to be in
17
him. By this process love is perfected within us so that we will have boldness on the day of
judgment. For comparable to his experience is ours also in this world.
18
Fear is not a component of love. But complete love expels fear because fear has
affinity with punishment. One who is afraid is not perfected in love.
19
We love, because he first loved us. 20 If anyone says, “I love God” yet hates his
brother, he is a deceiver. For the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot
love God whom he has not seen. 21 This is the command we have from him: One who loves God
must also love his brother.
5:1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been fathered by God. Everyone who
loves the one who generated also loves one fathered by him. 2 By this process we know we love
the children of God—by loving God and implementing his commands. 3 For this is what love for
God means: We comply with his commands, and that is not difficult.
11 John 5:4-21 353

4
The reason supporting this is that everyone fathered by God conquers the world. This
is the basis of victory that is world-conquering—our faith. 5 Who is victorious over the world?
Only the person who believes that Jesus is God’s son.
6
This one, Jesus Christ, came through water and blood—not by water alone, but by
water and blood. God's spirit certifies this, because the spirit is truth. 7 There are three certifiers:
8
the spirit, the water, and the blood. These three coalesce into one certification.
9
If we receive the testimony of human beings, God’s testimony is superior because God
has certified the data in testimony concerning his son. 10 The person who believes in God’s son
has God's testimony internalized. The nonbeliever in God has made himself into a falsifier
because he has not believed in the certified testimony of God concerning his son. 11 So this is the
testimony: God gave us life everlasting. This life is in his son. 12 The one who has the son has
life. The one who does not have God’s son does not have life.
13
I wrote these things to you in order that you might know you have life forever, that
which is afforded those who believe in the name of God’s son.
14
This is the kind of confidence we have in his presence: If we ask anything in keeping
with his will, he listens to us. 15 If we know he hears us with reference to whatever we ask, we
know we have the things requested from him.
16
If anyone observes his brother committing a sin that is not a mortal sin, he will ask
(mercy for him) and God will give him life; this pertains to those whose sin is not mortal. There
is a mortal sin. In the case of a mortal sin, I say he should not make a request. 17 All evildoing is
sin, and there is sin that is not mortal.
18
We know that all who have been fathered by God do not continue to sin. On the
contrary, the God-generated person keeps himself, and the evil one does not touch him.
19
We know we are from God and the whole world is situated in evil.
20
We know God’s son has come, and he has given to us understanding that we might
know the true God. We are in the true one by being in his son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God
and eternal life.
21
Children, guard yourselves from idols.
2 John 1-13 354

SECOND JOHN
1
This letter comes from the senior [surviving apostle] to a chosen lady and her children.
I love all of you truly. I not only love you, but also all of those who understand the truth, 2
because the truth remains in us and will be with us always. 3 With us there will be grace, mercy,
and peace, expressed in truth and love, from Father God and from Jesus Christ, his son.
4
I am especially glad I have found your children living in truth, according to the
father’s received command.
5
Now I have a request to make of you, lady. I am not writing a new directive to you, but
the one we have had right along from the beginning: We should love one another.
6
This is what love means—that we live in conformity to his commands. His command
is this: Live according to what you heard from the beginning 7 because many deceivers are out
there in the world. They do not acknowledge Jesus Christ came as a human being. Such a one is
a deceiver, an anti-Christ.
8
Watch out for yourselves lest you lose what we worked to see you have. But watch
that you might receive a full reward.
9
Everyone who leads on his own and does not remain in the doctrine of Christ does not
have God. The one who remains in the teaching has the father and his son. 10 If anyone comes
your way and does not bring this doctrine, neither receive him into your home, nor greet him
cordially. 11 The one who says to him, “Have a good day!” shares in his evil projects.
12
Although having many things to write to you, I do not think it best to do so with
papyrus and ink. But I hope to be with you and speak face to face in order that our joy might be
full.
13
The children of your chosen sister greet you.
3 John 1-15 355

THIRD JOHN
1
The senior [surviving apostle] to our loved one, Gaius, whom I love truly.
2
Cherished one, I pray that in all respects you are making good progress and that you
are in good health, comparable to your spiritual prosperity. 3 For I rejoice very much in the
coming of brothers who testified about you in regard to the truth, just as you conduct your life in
truth. 4 For I have no greater joy than hearing that my children are living in the truth, as these
reports indicate.
5
Loved one, whatever your work, do it faithfully for the brothers and also for strangers.
6
With love, the brothers testified of you in the presence of the congregation. You would do well
by them to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. 7 For in behalf of the name, they
went out, taking nothing from pagans. 8 We, therefore, ought to support such representatives in
order that we might become colleagues in the truth.
9
I wrote something to the church. But the one who loves to be dominant among them,
Diotrephes, does not accept our authority. 10 For this reason if I come, I will remind him of his
deeds that are accompanied by despicable words in making accusations against us. As if these
offenses were not enough, he does not welcome the (ministerial) brothers, forbids those wanting
to do this, and expels them from the church.
11
Loved one, do not follow evil as your model, but goodness. One who does good is
from God. One who does evil has not seen God.
12
Demetrius has been certified by all and by the truth itself. We also affirm him, and
you know our declaration is true.
13
I had in mind writing to you about many things, but I did not want to write to you
with pen and ink. 14 I hope to see you shortly and then we shall speak face to face.
15
Peace to you.
Your friends greet you. Greet the friends on your end by name.
Jude 1-19 356

JUDE
1
This message comes from Judah (i.e., Jude) a slave of Jesus Christ, and brother of
Jacob (i.e., James), to those beloved by Father God and Jesus Christ, those who have been called
and preserved. 2 May compassionate faithfulness be yours—with peace and love multiplied to
you.
3
Loved ones, I was quite eager to write to you concerning our shared salvation. I am
constrained to write this, urging you to contend for the faith once for all time granted to the holy
ones. 4 For some men have slipped in surreptitiously. Long ago these ungodly men were written
about as to the judgment suitable for them. They are notorious for distorting our God’s grace into
immorality, and for denying both the only sovereign, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
5
Although you are aware of all these incidents, I want to remind you that even though
Yahveh once rescued the people out of the land of Egypt, later on he destroyed those who did
not believe. 6 Also the angels who did not keep their original order but left their own domain, he
has reserved for the great judgment day. They are held in permanent confinements under
conditions of darkness. 7 As for Sodom and Gomorrah, and the towns around them, they in a
similar manner engaged in sexual immorality, going after unfamiliar flesh. They lie exposed as
an example, demonstrating what it means to undergo punishment by fire with an eternal effect.
8
Likewise, in spite of all this history, these men continually fantasize about flesh; and
on the other hand, they cast aspersions on authority by rejecting and insulting the glorious ones.
9
But Michael, the archangel, when he took issue with the devil over Moses’ body, did not dare
to inflict a scathing judgment. Rather, he said, “Yahveh rebukes you!” 10 But these people
castigate many things of which they are ignorant. What they do understand naturally like
irrational animals are the things that make waste of them.
11
Anguish awaits them, because they were traveling the road of Cain. They were going
on in Balaam’s deception and devoting themselves to his payoff. And in the rebellion of Korah,
as it were, they perished.
12
These people, carousing fearlessly while taking care of themselves, are blotches (as of
spilled food) at your love-feasts. They are waterless clouds swept along by winds; trees of late
autumn having no fruit, twice dead, and extirpated; 13 wild waves of the sea, spewing the foam of
their shame; spent shooting stars for whom the gloom of darkness is reserved forever.
14
Enoch, listed as seventh after Adam, prophesied also about such people, saying, “See
this: Yahveh came with myriads of his holy (angels) 15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict
every person of all ungodly activities common to their pagan lifestyle, and of all the obstinate
things ungodly sinners spoke against him. 16 These people are grumblers, complaining even as
they pursue their ambitions; and their mouth boasts pompously, while utilizing flattery to their
advantage.
17
But as for you, loved ones, recall the teachings spoken beforehand by the apostles of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They used to say to you: “In the final epoch there will be freethinkers
motivated by their godless cravings. 19 They are schismatics, sensualists, without (holy) spirit.”
Jude 20-25 357

20
But you, loved ones, developing yourselves in your most holy faith, continue to pray
in the holy spirit. 21 Keep yourselves in God’s love, while you eagerly await the compassionate
faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ that means eternal life.
22
Be merciful to those who cannot make up their mind 23 and rescue them, grabbing
them out of fire. Be merciful to those who are afraid, all the while abhorring the garment spotted
by the flesh.
24
To the one who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you in his
glorious presence blameless and rejoicing, 25 to the only God, our savior
through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, power, and authority—
stretching from before history, to the present time, and throughout the future
ages. Amen.
Revelation 1:1-16 358

REVELATION
1:1 This is the revelation of Jesus Christ God gave to him to reveal to his servants events
that must begin to transpire in the near future. He indicated such by sending his messenger to his
servant John, 2 who asserted the word of God and the declaration about Jesus Christ. This record
covers the extent of John’s vision. 3 Blessed is the reader who listens to the prophetic messages
and keeps in line with their contents, for the special time is near.
4
This record made by John is for the seven churches in the Roman province of Asia.
Grace to you and peace from the one whose being encompasses the present, past, and
future, and from the seven spirits situated in front of his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ—reliable
spokesman, prototype from the dead, and sovereign over the kings of earth.
This writing is dedicated to the one who loves us and who by his blood freed us from
our sins. 6 He also constituted us as a kingdom composed of priests belonging to God, his father.
To him be glory and power throughout the ages to come! Amen.
7
See this: He is going to arrive surrounded by clouds.
Every eye, including the eyes of those who pierced him, will focus on him.
Every people group of the earth will mourn on his account.
Yes, amen!
8
I am the alpha and the omega, says Yahveh God, the one whose present being
encompasses both the past and the future, the omnipotent one.
9
I, John, your brother and partner in experiencing harassment, a kingdom, and patient
endurance in Jesus, was marooned on Patmos Island on account of the word of God and my
testimony about Jesus.
10
I became present in spirit on the day belonging to the Lord. Behind me I heard a
majestic voice resonating like a trumpet 11 saying:
“Document what you observe in a book and send it to the seven churches—
to Ephesus,
to Smyrna,
to Pergamum,
to Thyatira,
to Sardis,
to Philadelphia,
and to Laodicea.”
12
I turned around to investigate the source of the voice speaking with me. Once
repositioned, I gazed at seven gold candelabra. 13 Surrounded by the candelabra, stood one like a
human being. He was clothed with a robe to his feet, and had a wide gold sash encircling his
chest. 14 The hair of his head was white, of a texture of wool, as white as snow. His eyes were
like flaming fire. 15 His feet were like an alloy of fine bronze that had been refined in a crucible.
His voice reverberated like the sound of a mighty waterfall. 16 In his right hand he held seven
Revelation 1:17-2:13 359

stars. A sharp double-edged sword was proceeding from his mouth. His radiance resembled the
sun at its brightest.
17
When I saw him, I fell as if dead at his feet. He then placed his right hand upon me and
said: Stop being afraid. I am the first and the last, 18 the living one. I was dead—and observe—I
am alive forever! I have the keys controlling death and the grave. 19 Therefore, write down what
you saw—the events now occurring, and the events forthcoming.
20
The mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold
candelabra is resolved as follows: The seven stars are messengers associated with the seven
churches, and the candelabra are the seven churches.
2:1 To the messenger of the church in Ephesus write—
The one who holds the seven stars in his right hand and moves about in the center of the
seven gold candelabra has this to say: 2 I know your works, your difficult struggle, and your
endurance. I know you cannot tolerate evil men, and you tested those who claim to be
apostles—and are not—those whom you found to be deceivers. 3 You have patience, and you
endured on account of my name, and you did not wear down in so doing.
4
But I am down on you because you have forsaken your original love. 5 Remember,
therefore, the state from which you have fallen. Repent and do your original works again. If you
do not make the correction, I will come to you and will remove your candelabrum from its
place—unless you repent.
6
But you have this in your favor that you detest, as I do, the activities of the
Nicolaitans.
7
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the churches.
To one who conquers I will give access to eat from the tree of life in God’s garden (i.e.,
paradise).
8
To the messenger of the church in Smyrna write—
The one who is the first and the last, he who was dead and came to life again, has this to
9
say: I am aware of your distress and poverty, but you are wealthy. I am aware of the slander of
those who profess to be Jews, but are not really; they are members of Satan’s synagogue. 10 Fear
none of the sufferings you are about to experience. Get this picture: The adversary is about to
throw some of you into prison in order that you might be tested. You will experience an ordeal
for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will supply you with the crown of life.
11
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the
churches.
One who conquers will not be harmed by the second death.
12
To the messenger of the church at Pergamum write—
The one with the sharp, double-edged sword has this to say: 13 I know where you live,
the location of Satan’s throne. You are holding on to my name, and you did not deny faith in me
in the days of Antipas, my faithful martyr, who was killed beside you, where Satan resides.
Revelation 2:14-3:4 360

14
But I am down on you somewhat because you have there adherents of the doctrine of
Balaam, who taught Balak to throw an obstacle in the way of Israel’s descendants, namely, to
consume sacrifices offered to idols, and to engage in sexual immorality. 15 In a similar manner
you also have those who adhere to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore, repent. If you
refuse, I will come to you swiftly, and I will attack the culprits with the sword emerging from my
mouth.
17
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the
churches.
To one who conquers, I will give concealed manna, and I will give him a white stone.
Upon that stone a new name has been engraved that no one knows except the recipient.
18
To the messenger of the church at Thyatira write—
God’s son, whose eyes are like flaming fire and whose feet are like an alloy of fine
bronze has this to say: 19 I know your works, love, faith, service, your endurance, and the fact that
your recent works are more plentiful than your first ones.
20
But I am down on you because of your tolerance for that woman Jezebel who calls
herself a prophet. She teaches and misleads my servants to be immoral sexually and to eat food
dedicated to idols. 21 I gave her an opportunity to repent, but she does not want to repent of her
sexual sin. 22 Watch this: I will throw her into bed and her adulterers with her, who will be under
great duress unless they repent of involvement with her activities. 23 I will subject her children to
death. All the churches will know that I am the one who inspects motives and hearts. I will
reciprocate to each of you according to your works.
24
I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, as many as do not hold to this doctrine, who have
not experienced “the depths of Satan” as they say, I will not impose on you an additional burden.
25
However, grasp securely what you have until I come.
26
To the one who conquers and keeps doing my works until the end I will give authority
over the nations. 27 He will shepherd them with an iron rod such as used to smash pottery vessels,
28
just as I received authority from my father. I shall also give the morning star to him.
29
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the
churches.
3:1 To the messenger of the church at Sardis write—
The one who holds the seven spirits of God and the seven stars has this to say: I know
your activities. You have a reputation of being alive, but you are dead. 2 Go on the alert, and
strengthen what remains that is about to die, for I have not found your works to meet the full
standards before my God. 3 Therefore, remember how you once received and obeyed me.
Continue to hold to that course, and repent of your digression. If you do not watch out, I will
come like a thief, and you certainly will not know at what hour I would surprise you.
4
But you have a few people in Sardis who have not soiled their clothing. They will walk
with me dressed in white, because they are worthy.
Revelation 3:5-22 361

5
I will thus dress the one who conquers in white garments. I surely will not erase his
name from the life-book. I will also confess his name before my father and his angels.
6
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the churches.
7
To the messenger of the church at Philadelphia write—
The holy and true one, he who has David’s key, who opens and no one locks, and who
locks and no one opens, has this to say:
8
I know your activities. Observe the scene: I have put before you an open door, so that
no one can impose a lockout of you. Because you have a little power, you have kept my word
and did not deny my name—9 see this—I would put at your disposal those from the synagogue of
Satan who call themselves Jews but are not; they are lying. See: I will make them come and bow
down before your feet, and they will know that I loved you 10 because you kept my enduring
word. I also will keep you from the time of trial that is about to come over the entire Roman
empire to test the inhabitants of the earth.
11
I am coming without delay. Hold on to what you have in order that no one will be able
to take your crown.
12
I will make one who is victorious a pillar in my God’s temple, and he will never
depart. Also I will write upon him the name of my God, the name of the city of my God—the
new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God—and my new name.
13
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the
churches.
14
To the messenger of the church at Laodicea write—
The one who is the confirmation, the faithful and true representative, the leader of
God’s creation, has this to say: 15 I know your activities to be neither cold nor hot. I wish you
were one or the other. 16 Therefore, because you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold, I am about
to spurt you out of my mouth.
17
You say, “I am wealthy, indeed, rich and in need of nothing,” but you do not know
you are wretched, pitiable, poor, blind, and naked. 18 I counsel you to purchase from me gold
refined by fire that indeed you might be rich; and white robes that you might be clothed, so that
the shame of your nakedness would not be uncovered, and an eye solution to treat your eyes that
you might see. 19 As many as I love I correct and discipline; so be eager to repent.
20
Pay attention: I have taken my position at the door, and I am knocking. If anyone
hears my voice and opens the door, I will enter for fellowship with him and for dining with him
and he with me.
21
To the one who conquers I will give a seat with me on my throne, just as I also
conquered and took a seat with my father on his throne.
22
One who has capacity to hear should listen to what the spirit is saying to the
churches.
Revelation 4:1-5:9 362

4:1 Here is what I saw after these visions: Look! A door opened in heaven, and the former
voice I had heard resonating like a trumpet was speaking with me: “Come up here, and I will
point out to you the events that must happen later.”
2
Immediately I was in the spiritual realm, and I saw a throne situated in heaven, replete
with its occupant. 3 The one seated there had the look of a jasper and carnelian stone. An
emerald-colored halo arched the throne.
4
Around the throne, 24 thrones were arranged on which 24 senior men were seated.
Clothed in white robes, they had gold crowns on their heads.
5
From the throne lightning proceeded and peals of thunder reverberated. Seven torches
of fire were burning in the vicinity of the throne; they are the seven spirits of God. 6 In front of
the throne was a pool as transparent as crystal.
In the central arc before the throne there were four animate creatures full of
circumferential eyes. 7 The first of these was like a lion, the second like a young steer, the third
had a human physiognomy, and the fourth was like an eagle in flight. 8 All four animate creatures
had six wings extended circumferentially, and they were full of eyes inside. They did not cease
exclaiming day and night:
Holy, holy, holy—is Yahveh, the almighty God,
The one whose being encompasses the past, present, and future.
9
When the animate creatures give glory, honor, and thanksgiving to the one seated on
the throne, the one who lives forever and ever, 10 the 24 senior men fall prostrate before the one
seated on the throne and worship the one who lives eternally. They present their crowns before
the throne exclaiming:
11
You are worthy, Yahveh, our God,
to receive glory, honor, and power,
because you created everything;
By your will they were [conceived] and created.
5:1 Moreover, I saw this: To the right of the one sitting on the throne there was a document
written on both sides and sealed with seven seals. 2 I also observed a mighty messenger
declaiming in a stentorian voice: “Who is worthy to open this scroll and to break its seals?”
3
No one in heaven, earth, or the subterranean realm was qualified to open the document
or to inspect it. 4 I was weeping much because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to
look it over. 5 One of the senior men said to me, “Cease weeping. Look! The lion of the tribe of
Judah, the root of David, has conquered, qualifying him to open the scroll of seven seals.”
6
I also saw stationed there in the center between the throne, the four animate creatures,
and the senior men, a lamb that had been slaughtered. It had seven horns and seven eyes; these
are the spirits of God sent into all the earth.
7
The lamb came and took the document from its position at the right side of the one
seated on the throne. 8 When he took the document, the four animate creatures and the 24 senior
men prostrated themselves before the lamb. Each had a harp and a gold bowl full of incense
representing the prayers of the holy ones. 9 They sang a new song:
Revelation 5:10-6:10 363

Worthy you are to take the scroll


and to open its seals,
because you were slain.
And for God you purchased by your blood
those from every tribe, tongue, people, and ethnicity.
10
You established them for our God,
as a kingdom populated by priests.
And they will rule over the earth.
11
I also saw and heard the sound of many angels around the throne, the animate
creatures, and the senior men. Their number was myriads upon myriads, and thousands of
thousands. 12 They exclaimed with a loud voice:
Worthy is the lamb who was slain,
to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, and honor—glory, and praise.
13
Every creature that was in heaven, upon the earth, under the earth, and on the sea and
the creatures in them—I heard them all saying:
To the one seated on the throne and to the lamb,
may there be praise, honor, glory, and power on into the ages forever.
14
The four animate creatures also were saying, Amen. The senior men prostrated
themselves and worshiped.
6:1 I watched the scene as the lamb opened seal one of the seven. I also heard one of the
four animate creatures saying in a thunderous voice: “Appear!” 2 Behold, I observed a white
horse. The one seated on it was armed with a bow, and a crown was given to him. He rode out as
a conqueror with the task of conquering.
3
When he opened seal two, I heard the second animate creature say, “Appear!”
4
Another horse rode out, red in color, and to the one seated on it was given the means to remove
peace from the earth so people would slaughter one another. A gigantic sword was given to him.
5
When he opened seal three, I heard the third animate creature say, “Appear!" View
what I saw: There was a black horse, and the one seated on it had a scale in his hand. 6 I heard a
voice among the four animate creatures saying, “A daily ration of wheat for a denarius and three
rations of barley for a denarius—and the price of olive oil and wine would not be unjust.”
7
When he opened seal four, I heard the voice of the fourth animate creature saying,
“Appear!" 8 This is what I saw—a pale horse. The name of the one seated on the horse was
death, and the grave was following in tandem with him. Authority was given to them over
one-quarter of the earth to kill by sword, famine, fatal illness, and wild beasts upon the earth.
9
When he opened seal five, I saw, ranged on a temple tier below the altar, souls slain on
account of the word of God and their testimony. 10 They called out in a loud voice:
How much longer will it be, holy and true master? Will you not judge earth’s
inhabitants and avenge the spilling of our blood?
Revelation 6:11-7:10 364

11
They were each given a white robe, and were told to rest for a little while, until their
ranks had been completed by their fellow servants and their brothers who were about to be killed
just as they had been.
12
I saw seal six being opened.
y A great earthquake occurred.
y The sun turned goatskin black and the full moon blood red.
y13
Astral objects of the sky fell earthward like unripe fruit shaken from a fig tree by
a high wind.
y The sky disappeared as if rolled up like a scroll.
14

y Every mountain and island was dislocated.


15
The kings of the earth, civil officials, military commanders, wealthy men, powerful
men, all the slaves and free citizens hid themselves in caves and in rocks of the mountains.
16
They said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall over us; hide us from the face of the one sitting on
the throne and from the anger of the lamb, 17 because the great day of their wrath has come. Who
can withstand it?”
7:1 After this I saw four angels standing at the four compass points of the earth, restraining
the four winds of the earth to keep the wind from blowing on the earth, the sea, and every tree.
2
I also saw another angel rising up from the east, having the seal of the living God. He
shouted in a loud voice to the four angels to whom orders were given to injure the earth and sea:
3
“Do not harm the earth, sea, and trees until we seal the servants of our God on their foreheads.”
4
I heard the number of those having been sealed. From all the tribes of Israel’s
descendants the number sealed was 144,000:
5
from the tribe of Judah 12,000 sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben 12,000,
from the tribe of Gad 12,000,
6
from the tribe of Asher 12,000,
from the tribe of Naphtali 12,000,
from the tribe of Manasseh 12,000,
7
from the tribe of Simeon 12,000,
from the tribe of Levi 12,000,
from the tribe of Issachar 12,000,
8
from the tribe of Zebulun 12,000,
from the tribe of Joseph 12,000,
from the tribe of Benjamin 12,000 sealed.
9
After these scenes I saw—look at them—a great crowd whose number no one can
count from all nations, tribes, peoples, and languages. Standing before the throne and before the
lamb, they were clothed in white robes and were holding palm fronds in their hands. 10 They
chanted with a great roar: “Salvation is attributable to our God who sits upon the throne, and to
the lamb.”
Revelation 7:11-8:13 365

11
All the angels had taken a stand around the throne along with the senior men and the
four animate creatures. They prostrated themselves before the throne and worshiped God,
12
exclaiming: “Amen! Praise, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, and honor, power, and might, be to
our God forevermore! Amen.
13
One of the senior men responded to me: “Who are these clothed in white robes, and
where did they originate?”
14
I said to him, “My good sir, you know the answer to that.”
He said to me, “These are those emerging from great trouble. They washed their robes
and made them white in the blood of the lamb. 15 Consequently, they are before God’s throne.
They worship him day and night in his temple. He who is seated on the throne will dwell with
them. 16 They will neither get hungry nor thirsty anymore, nor will the heat of the sun fall on
them, nor anything scorch them, 17 because the lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd
them, leading them to living springs of water. God also will wipe away every tear from their
eyes.”
8:1 When the lamb opened seal seven, there was silence in heaven for half an hour.
2
I saw the seven angels who stood before the throne of God. They were given seven
trumpets.
3
Another angel having a gold censer came and took his place by the altar. A great
quantity of incense was given to him to put with the prayers of all the holy ones on the gold altar
before the throne. 4 When placed there by the hand of the angel, the aroma of the incense mingled
with the prayers of the holy ones and ascended before God. 5 The angel took the censer, filled it
with fire from the altar, and threw it upon the earth. Thunders reverberated with lightnings and
an earthquake.
6
The seven angels each with a trumpet lined up to sound off.
7
The first angel caused his trumpet to resound. Hail and fire mingled with blood was
thrown upon the earth. A third of the earth was seared, a third of the trees was consumed, and all
the green vegetation was burned off.
8
The second angel made a trumpet blast. What appeared as a tremendous mountain, a
blazing mass, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea became blood red, 9 killing a third of
the sea life and devastating a third of the ships.
10
The third angel sounded a trumpet fanfare. A great star dubbed Bitterness, falling like
a burning torch from the sky, descended on a third of the rivers and water supplies. 11 Because
33% of the waters became bitter, many human beings died from the caustic waters.
12
The fourth angel gave his trumpet blast that struck one third of the sun, one third of
the moon, and one third of the stars; so that one third of each did not appear day or night.
13
I saw and heard one vulture flying high in the upper atmosphere and saying with a
loud cry:
Revelation 9:1-10:2 366

Horrors, horrors, horrors in store for the inhabitants of the earth—because of


the rest of the trumpet blasts to be made by the three angels who are about to
sound off.
9:1 The fifth angel flourished his trumpet. I saw an asteroid that fell from space to the earth.
To the angel was given the key to the bottomless abyss, 2 and he opened it. Smoke from it
belched up like smoke being emitted from a great furnace. The sun and the atmosphere were
obscured by the smoke billowing from the shaft.
3
Out of the smoke came locusts on the earth. They were accorded power comparable to
that of terrestrial scorpions. 4 They were told not to harm the meadows of the earth nor any of the
vegetation, nor any tree. Rather, they were to go for human beings who did not have God’s seal
on their foreheads. 5 A restriction was placed on them not to kill mankind, but to harass them for
five months. For a person, their torment is comparable to the sting of a scorpion. 6 In those times
people will seek death, and for sure they will not find it. They will yearn to die, but death will
elude them.
7
The images of the locusts resembled horses prepared for battle. On their heads were
what seemed to be gold crowns, and they had human faces. 8 They had long hair like that of
women, and their teeth like those of lions. 9 Their chest areas appeared to be covered with iron
scales. The din made by their wings was as that of many war chariots galloping into battle.
10
They had stinger tails like scorpions with power in them to harm men for five months. 11 They
had a king over them, the angel of the abyss, whose name in Aramaic is Abaddon, and in Greek
it means destroyer.
12
Horror one passed off the scene. Observe: there are yet two horrors to come.
13
The sixth angel sounded off. I heard one voice coming from the four horns of the gold
altar before God 14 as it spoke to the sixth angel who had the trumpet:
“Loose the four angels bound over the great river Euphrates.”
15
These four angels were released. They had been prepared for that hour, day, month,
and year, that they might slay a third of humanity. 16 The number of the warriors on horseback as
I heard them to be was 20,000 myriads. 17 Here is a description of how I saw the horses in the
vision and those riding upon them. They had fiery chests like a blue and yellow flame. The heads
of the horses were like lion heads. From their mouths spewed fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18 By these
three lethal agents a third of humanity was killed—by the fire, the smoke, and the sulfur
disgorged from their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses was in their mouth and tails. Their
tails were like snakes, having a serpent’s head at the end to inflict harm.
20
The remainder of humanity, those who had not been killed by these calamities, did not
repent of the works of their hands. That would have meant a cessation of their worshiping
demons—idols of gold and silver, brass, stone, and wood, which cannot see, hear, or move
about. 21 Neither did they repent of their murders, their sorceries with drugs, their immoral sexual
acts, and their thefts.
10:1 I saw another powerful angel descending from the sky while enveloped by a cloud. A
colorful halo surrounded his head. His face was brilliant like the sun and his legs like columns of
fire. 2 In his hand he was holding a small book that was open.
Revelation 10:3-11:10 367

Having planted his right foot on the sea, and his left foot on the land, 3 he called out in a
booming voice like that of a lion roaring. When he sounded off, there were seven claps of
thunder. 4 After the seven thunderous reverberations, I was about to write down the contents, but
I heard a voice from the sky saying:
“Seal away what the seven thunders pealed forth; do not record these.”
5
The angel whom I saw standing on the sea and land lifted his right hand toward heaven
6
and swore by the one who lives forever and ever, the one who created the sky and its contents,
the earth and the phenomena on it, the sea and its creatures:
“There is to be no more delay. 7 On the contrary, at the time when the seventh angel
sounds off—and the sound of his trumpet is imminent—God’s mystery was culminated in
accordance with his good news announced by his servants, the prophets.”
8
Again I heard the voice from the sky speaking to me, “Go, take the open book that is
in the grasp of the angel standing on the sea and earth.”
9
I went over to the angel and said, “Give me the little book.”
He said to me, “Take it; eat it. Bitter will it be in your digestive canal, but sweet as
honey in your mouth.”
10
Thus I received the little book from the hand of the angel and consumed it. In my
mouth it was as sweet as honey, but when I swallowed it, my digestive canal became bitter.
11
The messengers said to me, “You must prophesy again before peoples, nations,
language groups, and many kings.”
11:1 A cane was given to me comparable to a surveyor’s rod and I was told: Get busy and
measure God’s temple, including the altar, and count the worshipers in the temple. 2 Exclude
from measurement the outer courtyard of the temple, because it was given to the nations. They
will trample the holy city for forty-two months.
3
I will put my two witnesses there, and they will prophesy, dressed in sackcloth for
1,260 days. 4 These are the two olive trees and the two candelabra positioned in front of the Lord
of the earth. 5 If anyone wants to harm them, fire coming from their mouth will consume their
enemies. Necessarily, such a one who would harm them must be killed himself. 6 These two have
authority to shut the sky so that no rain would fall during the days of their prophecy. They have
authority to turn the water sources into blood and to strike the land with every kind of calamity
as often as they desire.
7
When they complete their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the abyss will attack
them, overcome them, and slay them. 8 Their corpses will lie on the square of the great city,
spiritually called Sodom and Egypt, where their Lord was crucified. 9 Their corpses will be
viewed for three and a half days by those from people groups, tribes, language groups, and
nations. It will not be permitted for their corpses to be entombed.
10
The inhabitants of the land will rejoice over them, celebrate, and send presents to one
another, because these two prophets made it rough on the inhabitants of the earth.
Revelation 11:11-12:9 368

11
After three days and a half, a breath of life from God entered into them, and they
stood to their feet. Great fear affected all those who saw them.
12
Then they heard a mighty voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” They
went up to heaven in a cloud as their enemies eyed them. 13 At that moment there was a great
earthquake, and ten percent of the city crumbled. Casualties of those killed in the earthquake
numbered 7,000. The remainder of the people became fearful and confessed to the God of
heaven.”
14
The second horror passed. Observe: The third horror immediately arrives.
15
The seventh angel gave a trumpet blast. Magnificent voices rang out in the celestial
realm:
The universal kingdom of our sovereign and his messiah has come.
He will reign for unending ages!
16
The 24 senior men seated on their thrones before God prostrated themselves and
worshiped God 17 in these words:
We give thanks to you,
Yahveh, God almighty, the one who is and was,
because you asserted your great power and reigned.
18
The nations became enraged.
Your anger came,
and the special time for the dead to be judged,
and the time to reward your servants, the prophets,
and the holy ones, those who fear your name—small and great—
and to destroy those who corrupt the earth.
19
God’s temple was opened in heaven, and the ark of his covenant was seen in his
temple. Lightnings occurred and rumbles, thunderings, an earthquake, and a heavy hailstorm.
12:1 A great sign appeared in the sky—a woman encircled by the sun as a backdrop with the
moon under her feet. On her head she wore a crown containing twelve stars. 2 Pregnant, she
screamed with birth pangs in the pains of full labor.
3
Another sign appeared in the sky. View this: A colossal fiery dragon of seven heads
and ten horns, having seven royal crowns upon its heads. 4 Its tail swept down a third of the stars
of the sky and threw them toward the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about
to give birth so that when her child was born, it might devour it.
5
She gave birth to a male child who was destined to rule all the nations with an iron rod.
Her child was caught up to God, to his throne. 6 And the woman fled to the desert, where God
had prepared a place for her in order that she might be taken care of 1,260 days.
7
A battle occurred in the sky. Michael and his angels were fighting with the dragon.
The dragon and his angels made war 8 but he was not able to prevail; neither was a place found
for them in the sky. 9 The colossal dragon, the ancient serpent, the one called devil and Satan, the
one who deceives the whole populated earth was expelled. He was thrown to the earth, and his
angels were thrown down with him.
Revelation 12:10-13:10 369

10
I heard a booming voice in the sky saying:
Salvation, power, the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of his messiah have now arrived,
because the accuser of our brothers was expelled,
the one who accuses them day and night before our God.
11
These brothers conquered him through the lamb’s blood,
and through the message of their testimony.
They did not love their lives—right up to the point of their death.
12
Because of this, let the heavens be joyful,
and those who dwell in them.
Horrors for the earth and sea,
because the adversary descended to you infuriated,
knowing he has only a short season to operate.
13
When the dragon realized he was thrown to the earth, he persecuted the woman who
gave birth to the male child.
14
Two wings as of a great eagle were given to the woman that she might fly to the
desert to her place, where she is sustained for three and a half years away from the presence of
the serpent.
15
Then the serpent spewed a riverine spate of water out of his mouth in the direction of
the woman in order to sweep her away with flood waters. 16 But the earth came to the woman’s
aid. The earth opened its mouth and drank up the river that gushed from the dragon’s mouth.
17
The dragon was hostile toward the woman and left to engage in battle with the rest of
her descendants who keep God’s commands and hold to the testimony about Jesus. 18 He
stationed himself on the seashore.
13:1 I saw, emerging from the sea, a beast having ten horns and seven heads. Upon his horns
were ten royal crowns. Also on his heads were blasphemous epithets. 2 The beast I saw
resembled a leopard; his feet were like those of a bear; his mouth like that of a lion.
The dragon gave him his power, his throne, and great authority. 3 One of his heads was
mortally wounded, but his mortal wound healed. All the earth went wild with wonder over the
beast. 4 They worshiped the dragon because he had given the power to the beast. Also they
worshiped the beast, saying: “Who is like the beast, and who can fight with him?”
5
Eloquence was given to the beast to make outrageous pronouncements and to utter
blasphemies. Power to perform for forty-two months was granted him. 6 He opened his mouth to
blaspheme God—to blaspheme his name, his dwelling, and those who live in heaven. 7 Power
was given to him to attack the holy ones and to overcome them. Also power was granted to him
over every tribe, people, language group, and nation. 8 All the inhabitants of the earth worshiped
him, that is, every person whose name was not written in the life-book belonging to the lamb
slain from the foundation of the universe.
9
If anyone has ears, he should listen.
10
If anyone is headed for captivity, he will be captured.
If anyone is to be slain by sword, he will be slain.
Revelation 13:11-14:11 370

Here the situation calls for the endurance and faithfulness of the holy ones.
11
I saw another beast emerge from the earth, having two horns like a ram. He spoke like
a dragon 12 and exercised all the power of the first beast in the presence of that beast. He caused
the earth with its inhabitants to worship the first beast, the one that had been restored from his
mortal wound. 13 He performed great signs, making fire descend from the sky to earth, before a
human audience. 14 He deceived the inhabitants of the earth through the signs granted him to
perform before the beast. He told the inhabitants of the earth to make a sculptured likeness of the
beast who had been wounded by the sword and who survived. 15 He was granted power to give
breath to the idol of the beast so that the beast’s image might speak and act.
As many people as would not worship the beast’s image would be killed. 16 Everyone
did the obeisance—the small and great, rich and poor, free and slaves—so that they would be
given an insignia on their right hand or on their forehead. 17 Without that mark none would be
able to buy or sell. For such, the insignia of the beast’s name or the number representing his
name was requisite. 18 Here is the solution to that cipher: Let one who can reason figure out the
beast’s number. It is a man’s number: 666.
14:1 Here is what I saw. Look: The lamb was standing on Mount Zion, and with him
144,000 who had his name and his father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 I heard a sound
from heaven reverberating like a thundering waterfall; it resonated like harpists playing their
harps. 3 They sang a new song before the throne, before the four animate creatures and the senior
men. None was able to learn the song except the 144,000 redeemed from the earth. 4 Not defiled
with women, they are chaste men who follow the lamb wherever he leads. They were redeemed
from among humanity as firstfruits dedicated to God and the lamb. 5 No falsehood is found in
their mouth; they are blameless.
6
I saw another angel soaring in mid-sky. His task was to announce the good news of
the eternal gospel to those inhabiting the earth—to every nation, tribe, language group, and
people. 7 He exclaimed in a loud voice:
Fear God and confess to him because the hour of his judgment has arrived.
Worship the creator of heaven, earth, the sea and springs of water.
8
A second angel followed, saying:
It fell. Babylon the great fell, the city from which all nations have drunk the
wine of her passionate immorality.
9
A third angel followed them exclaiming in a stentorian voice:
If anyone worships the beast and his image, taking his insignia on one’s
forehead or hand, 10 he will drink of the wine of God’s heated fury, prepared
undiluted in the crucible of his anger. Such a one will be subjected to the
torment of sulfuric fire before the holy angels and before the lamb. 11 The
smoke of their torment ascends forever. Those who worship the beast and his
image and anyone who receives the insignia of his name will have no rest day
or night.
Revelation 14:12-15:6 371

12
Here is the secret of the endurance of the holy ones: They keep God’s commands and
the faith placed in Jesus.
13
I heard a voice from heaven saying:
Write this: Blessed are those who die in the Lord from now on. Indeed, the
spirit says they will rest from their hard work, for their works will follow them.
14
Here is what I saw. Look: a white cloud. Seated on the cloud was one like a human
figure. He had on his head a gold crown and in his hand a sharp scythe.
15
Another angel came out of the temple and shouted in a mighty voice to the one seated
on the cloud:
Wield your scythe and reap, because the time for harvesting has come. The
earth is ripe for harvest.
16
The one seated on the cloud wielded his scythe on the earth and harvested the earth.
17
Another angel emerged from the temple in heaven, and he also had a sharp scythe.
18
Still another angel departed from the altar having power over fire. He boomed out in a loud
voice to the (second) angel having a sharp scythe:
Wield your sharp blade and gather the bunches of grapes from the grapevine of
the earth because they are ripe.
19
The angel wielded his implement on earth and he gathered the fruit from the
grapevine of the earth. He dumped it into the vat of the fury of the great God. 20 That vat was
trampled outside the city. Blood from the vat reached the bridles of the horses for a distance of
1,600 stadia [i.e., 296,000 meters].
15:1 I saw another great, awe-inspiring sign in heaven. There were seven angels who had the
seven last calamities by which the expression of God’s anger would be culminated.
2
I also saw what looked like a crystal sea mingled with fire, and those who were
victorious during the conflict with the beast, his image, and the number of his name. The victors
stood on the transparent sea holding God’s harps. 3 They sang the song of Moses, God’s servant,
and the song of the lamb, in these lyrics:
Your works are tremendous and wonderful, Yahveh, God almighty.
Your ways are right and true, king of the nations.
4
Who would not revere you, Yahveh,
and glorify your name?—
because your holiness is exclusive,
because all the nations will come and worship in your presence,
because your righteous deeds were revealed!
5
After these events I saw that the sanctuary, the tabernacle of testimony, in heaven was
6
open. Seven angels, having the seven calamities, departed from the sanctuary. They were
clothed in pure, shining linen, and had gold sashes draped across their chests.
Revelation 15:7-16:17 372

7
One of the four animate creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls full of the
anger of God who lives forevermore. 8 The sanctuary became permeated with a cloud of God’s
glory and his power. No one was able to enter the sanctuary until the seven calamities of the
seven angels were completed.
16:1 I heard a voice resounding out of the sanctuary, directed to the seven angels: “Proceed
and pour the seven bowls of God’s anger on the earth!”
2
The first departed and dumped his bowl on the earth. As a result, painful festering
abscesses came upon people who have the insignia of the beast and worship his image.
3
The second angel dumped his bowl in the sea. It became blood red with death, and
every form of sea life died.
4
The third angel dumped his bowl on the rivers and sources of water. They also became
blood red. 5 I heard the angel in charge of hydrology say:
Righteous are you, the one who continues to be—past and present—the holy one,
because you rendered these judgments.
6
Men poured out the blood of holy ones and prophets.
Now “blood” is given to them to drink.
This is just what they deserve.
7
I heard a response from the altar area saying:
Indeed, Yahveh, God almighty,
True and righteous are your judgments.
8
The fourth angel dumped his bowl upon the sun, which was given the task of scorching
people with heat. 9 Human beings became superheated to a great degree. They blasphemed the
name of the God who has authority over all these calamities. But they did not repent by making
confession to him.
10
The fifth angel dumped his bowl on the beast’s throne. His kingdom became dark, and
those associated with him chewed their tongues in excruciation. 11 They blasphemed the God of
heaven for their pains and abscesses. But they did not repent of their deeds.
12
The sixth angel dumped his bowl on the great river, the Euphrates. Its water
evaporated in order to prepare the way for the kings from the east.
13
I saw disgorging from the mouth of the dragon, and from the mouth of the beast, and
from the mouth of the false prophet three filthy spirits that looked like frogs. 14 For they were the
demonic spirits that performed signs. They spread out to the kings of all the inhabited world to
lead them into the battle of almighty God’s great day of war.
15
Look out! I am coming as does a thief. Blessed is the one who watches and keeps his
clothes on, lest he parade around naked, and his shame be seen by onlookers.
16
God will gather the kings for battle at the place called in Aramaic, Armageddon.
17
The seventh angel dumped his bowl on the atmosphere. A booming voice rang out
from the sanctuary from his throne, exclaiming, “Done!”
Revelation 16:18-17:18 373

18
Then lightnings flashed, followed by rumbles, thunders, and a tremendous earthquake.
Never during the time mankind has been on the earth was there an earthquake with tremors so
severe as this one. 19 The great city became split into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell.
The great Babylon was remembered before God so as to give her the cup of wine filled with the
fury of his anger. 20 Every island receded and mountains were not found. 21 Great hailstones
weighing about 40 kilograms came down from the sky upon humanity. Human beings
blasphemed God because of the calamity caused by the hail. It was an extremely great
catastrophe.
17:1 One of the seven angels holding the seven bowls came and spoke with me, “Come, I
will show you the judgment of the great whore who sits upon many waters. 2 The kings of the
earth committed adultery with her, and the inhabitants of the earth got drunk on the wine of her
adultery.”
3
He brought me in spirit out into a desert. I saw a woman sitting upon a crimson beast
full of blasphemous names. The monster had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was attired
in purple and crimson, and she was decked out in gold, precious stone, and pearls. In her hand
she held a gold cup full of the detestable practices and of her adultery. 5 On her forehead a name
had been written: Mystery—the great Babylon, mother of the sexually dissolute and of the
detestable things of the earth.
6
I saw the woman after she had become intoxicated on the blood of the holy ones and
on the blood of Jesus’ representatives. I was astounded with great anguish as I looked at her.
7
The angel said to me, “Why are you astonished? I will elucidate to you the mystery of
the woman and of the beast with seven heads and ten horns, which carries her. 8 The beast you
saw existed, is not extant, and is about to ascend from the abyss to go to destruction. The
inhabitants of the earth whose names are not inscribed in the life-book extant from the
foundation of the world, will be astonished as they see the beast that existed, (then) does not
exist, and is about to be at large. 9 Here is the solution: The seven heads are seven hills at the
location where the woman is sitting. There are seven kings. 10 Five fell, one is in power, and the
other has not yet come. When he arrives in a short while, it will be necessary for him to remain.
11
“The beast that existed, and is not (active), is himself an eighth. But he is from the
line of the seven and is headed for destruction. 12 The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have
not yet received a kingdom, but they will receive authority as kings for one hour after the beast
arrives. 13 These kings with one consent will grant their power and authority to the beast.
14
These kings will fight with the lamb, and the lamb will conquer them because he is
the supreme Lord and sovereign over kings. With him are the called, chosen, and faithful.
15
He said to me, “The waters you noticed on which the whore is sitting are peoples,
throngs, nations, and language groups. 16 The ten horns you saw and the beast hate the whore;
they make her desolate and naked. They cannibalize her flesh and consume her in fire. 17 For God
gave to their hearts the inclination to do his purpose unitedly, and to give their kingdom to
the beast until the words of God will be completed. 18 The woman you saw is the great city that
has dominion over the kings of earth.”
Revelation 18:1-13 374

18:1 After these events I saw another angel of great power descending from heaven. The
earth became illuminated by his glory. 2 He exclaimed in a forceful voice:
It fell!
Babylon, the megalopolis, fell.
It became the haunt of demons,
the prison of every polluted spirit,
the cage of every dirty bird,
the dungeon for every filthy and detested beast,
3
because all the nations drank from the passionate wine of her prostitution.
Kings of the earth got in bed with her.
Merchants of the earth enriched themselves with the power of her luxury.
4
I heard another voice from heaven:
Come out of her, my people,
lest you compromise with her sins,
lest you receive a share of her calamities.
5
Because her sins accumulated as high as heaven,
God remembered her crimes.
6
Pay back to her as she also dished out.
Give her for her deeds a double dose of her own medicine.
In the mortar in which she mixed a potion,
mix for her a double batch.
7
As much as she glorified herself and luxuriated,
give to her commensurate pain and grief,
because in her heart she said,
“I am seated as a queen, not a widow;
never did I experience mourning.”
8
Therefore, her calamities will assail her in one day:
Death, mourning, and hunger;
By fire she will be devastated,
because Yahveh God who condemned her is mighty!
9
The kings of the earth, those who went to bed with her and lived in sensuality with her,
will cry and lament over her when they see the smoke of her conflagration. 10 Having stood far
away because fearful of her devastation, they will say:
Horrors! Horrors for the megalopolis,
Babylon, the strong city.
In one hour your judgment has come!
11
The merchants of the earth blubber and agonize over her, because no one any longer
buys their merchandise: 12 cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linen, purple
cloth, silk cloth, and scarlet; every kind of tree including citron, every article of ivory, every
article from expensive woods; and copper, iron, and marble; 13 and cinnamon, spice, incense,
perfume, and frankincense; wine, olive oil, fine flour, and grain; cattle, sheep, horses, and
carriages; and the bodies and souls of human beings.
Revelation 18:14-24 375

14
When you obtained what you craved,
it departed from you.
All your elegant luxuries are wiped out.
No longer will they find these splendors.
15
Their merchants who have sold these things will stand far away in their fear of the
devastation she will take; they will shed tears and sob, 16 saying:
Horrors! Horrors for the megalopolis,
clothed in fine linen, purple, and scarlet,
decorated in gold, precious stones, and pearls!
17
It is because such wealth was devastated in one hour.
Every ship captain, everyone who sails somewhere, the deck hands, and as many as
have their occupation based on the sea will stand far off 18 and scream out when they witness the
smoke of her conflagration: “What city is like this great city?” 19 They will throw dust on their
heads, and bellow out while bawling and grieving:
Horrors! Horrors for the megalopolis,
by whom all ship owners became rich,
supported by her good prices!
It is because in one hour it was devastated.
20
Celebrate over her, heaven,
holy ones, apostles, and prophets,
because God exacted in your behalf a verdict against her.
21
A mighty angel picked up a boulder comparable to a great millstone and he tossed it
into the sea, and said:
Babylon, the megalopolis, will be seen as the site of sudden violence.
Surely it will not be found anymore.
22
Sonatas by harpists, musicians, flutists, and trumpeters
surely will not be heard among you anymore.
Every skilled worker and every craft
surely will not be found among you anymore.
The noise of a mill operating
surely will not be heard among you anymore.
23
The light of a lamp
surely will not shine among you anymore.
The cooing of a bridegroom and a bride
surely will not be heard among you anymore.
Your merchants were the celebrities of the earth.
By your magic all the nations were deceived.
24
In her was found the blood of prophets and holy ones,
and that of all those slaughtered upon the earth.
Revelation 19:1-14 376

19:1 After these events, I heard the tremendous sound of a great throng in heaven chanting:
Hallelujah!
Salvation, glory, and power belong to our God,
2
because his judgments are true and righteous.
He judged the whore of great influence,
who corrupted the earth by her prostitution.
He avenged the blood of his servants drawn by her hand.
3
A second time they exclaimed:
Hallelujah!
Her smoke will arise ever and ever so long.
4
The 24 senior men and the four animate creatures prostrated themselves in worship to
God who is seated on the throne, and voiced these words:
Amen! Hallelujah!
5
A voice from the throne came:
Praise our God, all his servants
and those who revere him, both small and great.
6
I heard a roar reverberating like that of a tremendous crowd, like a waterfall, like
heavy thunder:
Hallelujah!
—because Yahveh, God almighty, reigned.
7
Let us rejoice and be exultant!
Let us give him glory,
because the marriage of the lamb is here,
and his wife made herself ready.
8
The gown given her was made of brilliant, clean, white linen.
This linen represents the holy ones’ righteous activities.
9
He said to me, “Write: Blessed are those invited to the lamb’s marriage banquet.”
He also said to me, “These are true words of God.”
10
I fell before his feet to revere him. But to me he responded, “Make sure you do not do
that. I am a colleague of yours and of your brothers who have Jesus’ testimony. Venerate God.
For the testimony focused on Jesus is the gist of prophecy.”
11
I saw heaven opened. Look: A white horse. The one who rides it has the appellation,
Faithful and True. With justice he judges and conducts war. 12 His eyes glow like fire. Upon his
head are many diadems, bearing a name written that no one but he himself understands. 13 He
wears a garment dipped in blood. His name is the word of God.
14
The armies of heaven, clothed with pure white linen, follow with him on white horses.
Revelation 19:15-20:12 377

15
From his mouth he projects a sharp sword poised to strike the nations. He also will
rule them with an iron rod. His task will be to tread the wine press of the furious anger of
almighty God. 16 On his clothing and upon his thigh his title is inscribed: Supreme Sovereign,
Universal Lord.
17
I saw an angel standing in the sun. He shouted in a booming voice to every bird flying
in the middle atmosphere: “Come, assemble for God’s great feed, 18 that you might consume the
flesh of kings, of high-ranking military officers, of powerful men, and of horses and their
mounts, and of all free men and slaves, the insignificant and the influential.”
19
I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their soldiers standing in ranks for war
with the one seated on the white horse and his soldiers. 20 The horsemen took the beast into
custody along with the false prophet accompanying him, who as his advance man did signs by
which he deceived those receiving the insignia of the beast and the worshipers of the beast’s
image. The two of them were thrown alive into the burning lake of sulfuric fire. 21 The remaining
ones were killed by the sword proceeding from the mouth of the one seated on the horse. All the
birds became gorged with their flesh.
20:1 I saw an angel descending from heaven. He had the key to the abyss and a huge chain
held in his hand. 2 He seized the dragon, the ancient serpent, that is, the devil—Satan—and
bound him for 1,000 years. 3 The angel threw him into the abyss, locked it, and sealed it over him
so that he might not deceive the nations anymore until the 1,000 years ended. After that, it is
necessary that he be released for a little while.
4
I saw thrones and those who sat upon them, who were given jurisdiction.
I also saw those beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus with reference to the
word of God. They had neither worshiped the beast nor his image, nor had they taken his
insignia on their forehead and upon their hand. They lived and reigned with Christ for 1,000
years. 5 The rest of the dead did not live until the 1,000 years were terminated. This resurrection
was the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is the person who participates in the first
resurrection. Upon such people the second death does not have any effect. But they will be
priests of God and Christ, and they will reign with him 1,000 years.
7
When the 1,000 years are up, Satan will be loosed from his prison. 8 He will then come
out to deceive the nations located all across the four points of the compass. He will assemble
Gog and Magog for battle. The number gathered is comparable to the sand of the sea. 9 They
went up the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the holy ones and the beloved city.
But fire came down from the sky and consumed them.
10
The devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of sulfuric fire where the
beast and the false prophet were. They will be tormented day and night forever.
11
I saw a great white throne and the one who was seated upon it. From his presence
earth and sky receded, but there was nowhere for them to go.
12
I saw the dead, the famous and the unknown, standing before the throne as books
were opened. Also another book was opened, the book that registers those who live. The dead
were judged from the data recorded in the books according to what each one had done.
Revelation 20:13-21:20 378

13
The sea provided the dead in it. Death and the grave gave up the dead in them. They
were judged—each one—according to their deeds.
14
Death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire; this is the second death: the
lake of fire. 15 If anyone’s name was not found recorded in the life-book, he was thrown into the
lake of fire (i.e., active volcano).
21:1 I saw a new celestial realm and a new earth. For the first sky and the first earth passed
off the scene, and the sea no longer existed.
2
I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, descending from heaven from God. She was
prepared like a bride who fully made herself attractive for her husband.
3
I heard a booming voice from the throne, “Now see this: God’s home is with
humanity. He will dwell with them. They will be his people, and he will be with them as their
God. 4 He will dry every tear from their eyes. Death will not be anymore. Neither will there be
sorrow, sobbing, or suffering. These former conditions passed off the scene.”
5
The one who was sitting on the throne said, “Observe: I am making everything new.”
He went on to say: “Write it down, because these words are dependable and accurate.”
6
He said to me, “These have happened. I am the alpha and omega—the beginning and
the end. To one who is thirsty I will freely give access to the spring of the water of life. 7 The one
who conquers will inherit these. I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the fearful, the
faithless, the detestable, and murderers, and sexually promiscuous, and occultists, and idolaters,
and all liars will take their turn in the burning lake of sulfuric fire—the second death.”
9
One of the seven angels who have the seven bowls full of the seven last calamities
came and spoke with me. He said, “Come, I will show you the bride, the lamb’s wife.” 10 He
brought me in spirit to a great, high mountain. He pointed out to me the holy city Jerusalem,
descending from God out of heaven, 11 radiant with the glory of God. Her radiance is like that of
an extremely expensive stone that shimmers brilliantly like quartz. 12 The city has a great, high
wall with twelve gates, and upon the gates are twelve angels. The names inscribed on the twelve
gates are those of the twelve tribes of the descendants of Israel. 13 There are three gates on each
side—on the east, north, south, and west. 14 The city wall has twelve foundations. On them are
inscribed the names of the lamb’s twelve apostles.
15
The one who spoke with me had a gold measuring rod. His task was to measure the
city, its gates, and its wall. 16 The city is square, its length being comparable to its width. He
measured the city with his rod to be 12,000 lengths [i.e., stadia]. The length, width, and height
are the same.
17
He measured its wall at 144 cubits according to human measurements, which is what
the angel used. 18 The material of the wall was like quartz. The city itself was pure gold, like
transparent crystal. 19 The foundations of the walls of the city were all made of attractive precious
stones. The first foundation stone was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, chalcedony; the
fourth, emerald; 20 the fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, carnelian; the seventh, yellow topaz; the eighth,
beryl; the ninth, topaz; the tenth, chrysoprase; the eleventh, jacinth; the twelfth, amethyst.
Revelation 21:21-22:17 379

21
The twelve gates were twelve pearls; each one of the gates was made from one pearl.
The streets of the city were pure gold, resembling transparent crystal.
22
I did not see a temple in it, for the Lord God almighty is the temple, and so is the
23
lamb. The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it.
Its light source is also the lamb. 24 The nations walk about in its light, and the kings of the earth
bring their glory to the city. 25 Its gates never close during the day, for there is no night there. 26
The nations will bring their glory and honor into it. 27 But there surely will not enter it any that
are vulgar, detestable, or false. Only those recorded in the lamb’s book of the living will enter.
22:1 He showed me a river flowing with the water of life, as clear as crystal. It poured forth
from the throne of God and the lamb. 2 In the center of the concourse of the river and on either
bank of it there was a tree of life. The fruits yielded were twelve, making fruit each month. The
leaves of the tree were for the healing restoration of the nations. 3 Nothing cursed by God will
ever be in the city.
The throne of God and the lamb will be in it. His servants will worship him. 4 They will
see his appearance, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will not be night anymore,
nor will they need the light of a lamp and the light of the sun, because Yahveh God will
illuminate them. They will reign on in the ages of eternity.
6
He said to me, “These words are dependable and true. The Lord God of the spirits of
the prophets sent his messenger to indicate to his servants what events must happen soon. 7 Look:
I am coming soon. Blessed will be the person who keeps the messages of the prophecy recorded
in this book.”
8
I, John, am the one hearing and viewing these events. When I heard and saw them, I
prostrated myself in obeisance at the feet of the messenger who showed them to me.
9
He said to me, “See to it that you not do it. I am your colleague, one of your brothers
from the family of the prophets and those who keep the words of this book. Offer worship to
God.”
10
He said to me, “Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the season is
11
near. Let the unrighteous one be unrighteous still; and the filthy person be filthy still; and the
righteous person do what is right still; and let the person who is holy be sanctified still.
12
“Note this: I am coming soon, and my reward is with me to settle up with each one
appropriately as to his work. 13 I am the alpha and omega, the first and last, the beginning and
end.
14
“Blessed are those who wash their robes that they might be permitted access to the
tree of life and to enter the gates of the city. 15 Excluded are undomesticated dogs, druggies, the
sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who values and practices lying.
16
“I, Jesus, sent my messenger to communicate these things to you concerning the
churches. I am the descendant and offshoot of David, the brilliant morning star.
17
The spirit and the bride say, “Come!”
Let the one who hears also say, “Come!”
Revelation 22:18-21 380

Let the one who is thirsty, the one who wants to receive freely the water of life, come.
18
I certify to all who hear the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to
these events, God will extend upon him the calamities recorded in this book. 19 If anyone
removes any of the messages of this book of prophecy, God will remove his participation at the
tree of life and from the holy city, as spelled out in this book.
20
He who certifies these things says: “Yes, I am coming soon.”
21
Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all of you.

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