Translation
of the
New Testament
(LTNT)
Public domain
ISBN: 978-1-304-93602-8
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing
and honour and glory and power forever and ever!”
(Revelation 5:13)
Joel Cartmell
My Testimony
Hi, my name is Joel Cartmell, and this is my testimony:
For many years I read the Bible for hours every day, but due
to my declining health it became too much. So I decided to go
through the Epistles word for word in order to study the Bible
more in depth. I started going through the Epistles, writing
everything down by hand. Over the years I slowly worked on them
while my health continued to decline. I always had headaches
and my brain was always in a fog. Eventually it got to the point
where I could only comprehend a few words at a time, which
made matters difficult.
I used the King James Version for about a third of the Gospels.
And I used Green’s Hebrew, Greek, and English Interlinear Bible
for the rest of the New Testament. I wrote down the English
words that were under the original Greek. The words are not in
order, so I tried to rearrange them. I used whatever I could get
my hands on: lexicons, commentaries, concordances, Bibles,
Bible dictionaries, and maps.
I also went through the Gospels one more time very quickly.
It took me one month’s time.
Matthew
1 This is the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of
David, the son of Abraham:
2
Abraham fathered Isaac,
Isaac fathered Jacob,
Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,
3
Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez fathered Hezron,
Hezron fathered Aram,
4
Aram fathered Amminadab,
Amminadab fathered Nahshon,
Nahshon fathered Salmon,
5
Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,
6
and Jesse fathered King David.
1
Matthew 1
2
Matthew 2
3
Matthew 3
4
Matthew 4
4
Now John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt
around his waist. And his food was locusts and wild honey.
5
Those from Jerusalem, all Judea, and throughout the Jordan
Valley went out to see him. 6 They confessed their sins and were
baptized by John in the Jordan River.
7
But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to the place where he was baptizing, he said to them,
“You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming
wrath? 8Produce fruit that shows you have truly repented. 9Do
not think that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as
our father!’ For I tell you that from these stones God can raise
up children for Abraham. 10Even now the axe is ready to strike
the root of the trees. Any tree that does not produce good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11Truly, I baptize you
with water for repentance. But after me will come One who is
far more superior than I, whose sandals I am not even worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His
winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing
floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn
the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be
baptized by John. 14But John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need
to be baptized by You, and You come to me?”
15
But Jesus answered and said to him, “It must be done,
because we must fulfill all righteousness.” So John agreed.
16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the
water, the heavens opened, and John saw the Spirit of God
descending upon Him like a dove. 17Then a voice from heaven
said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
5
Matthew 4
6
Matthew 5
From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom
17
of heaven is near!”
18
As Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee,
He saw two brothers, Simon (also called Peter) and his brother
Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, because they
were fishermen. 19Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will
make you fishers of men.” 20So they immediately abandoned
their nets and followed Him.
21
Going a little further, He saw two other brothers, James and
John, the sons of Zebedee, mending nets in a boat with their
father Zebedee. When Jesus called them, 22 they immediately
left the boat and their father and followed Him.
23
Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in the
synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and
healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
24
His fame spread throughout all Syria, and the people brought
to Him all who were sick—those suffering with various diseases
and torments, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the
paralyzed—and He healed them. 25Large crowds followed Him
from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from the
east side of the Jordan River.
7
Matthew 5
4
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6
“Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
8
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you,
and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because
of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in
heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you.
13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavour,
how can it be made salty again? It is utterly useless, and is
only fit to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hilltop cannot
be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.
Instead they put it on a lamp stand, so that its light can shine
on everyone in the house. 16In the same way let your light shine
before men, so that they may see your good works and praise
your Father who is in heaven.
8
Matthew 5
17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the
Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
18
For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not
the smallest letter or stroke of the letter will pass away from the
Law until everything is accomplished. 19So whoever sets aside
the smallest commandments as unimportant, and teaches others
to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
But whoever keeps all the commandments, and teaches others
to do the same, will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20
For this is what I tell you: unless your righteousness exceeds
that of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, you will not
enter the kingdom of heaven.
21
“You have heard that it was said to the people of old, ‘ You
must not commit murder,’ and ‘ Whoever commits murder will
be subject to the court.’ 1 22But this is what I tell you: every man
who is angry with his brother without a cause will be subject
to the court. Whoever insults his brother will be subject to the
Supreme Court—the Sanhedrin. And whoever curses his brother
will be subject to hellfire.
23
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there
remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave
your gift before the altar; first go and be reconciled to your
brother, and then come back and offer your gift.
25
“Make peace quickly with your opponent while you are on
your way to court, or else your opponent will hand you over to
the judge. Then the judge will hand you over to the officer, and
you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not
get out until you have paid back every last penny.
27
“You have heard that it was said to the people of old, ‘ You
must not commit adultery.’ 2 28But this is what I tell you: every
man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to
sin, rip it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one
of your body parts than for your whole body to be thrown into
hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and
1
Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17, 16:18
2
Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18
9
Matthew 5
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your body parts
than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
31
“It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give
her a certificate of divorce.’ 3 32But this is what I tell you: whoever
divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her
to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman
commits adultery.
33
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people of
old, ‘ You must not break your oath,’ and ‘ You must keep the
oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 4 34But this is what I tell
you: do not swear an oath at all—not by heaven, because it is
God’s throne; 35or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or
by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King. 36And
do not swear an oath by your head, because you cannot make
a single hair black or white. 37A simple ‘ Yes’ or ‘ No’ is all you
should say; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and
a tooth for a tooth.’ 5 39But this is what I tell you: do not resist
an evil person. Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the
other to him as well. 40If someone wants to sue you for your
shirt, give him your coat as well. 41If a soldier forces you to carry
his pack for a mile, carry it for two. 42Give to the person who
asks you, and do not turn away from the person who wants to
borrow from you.
43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘ You must love your
neighbour,’ 6 and hate your enemy. 44But this is what I tell you:
love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those
who hate you, and pray for those who slander and persecute
you, 45so that you may be sons of your heavenly Father. For
He makes His sun to rise on everyone, whether good or evil,
and sends rain on everyone, whether just or unjust. 46If you
love only those who love you, what reward will you have? Do
not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only
3
Deuteronomy 24:1
4
Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23
5
Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21
6
Leviticus 19:18
10
Matthew 6
11
Matthew 6
12
Matthew 7
which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how
much more will He clothe you, you of little faith?
31
“So do not worry and say, ‘ What are we going to eat?’ or
‘ What are we going to drink?’ or ‘ What are we going to wear?’
32
The Gentiles strive for all these things, but your heavenly
Father knows that you need all of them. 33 But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things
will be added to you. 34So do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble
of its own.
7 “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2For in the
same way you judge others, you will be judged. Whatever
measure you deal out, the same will be dealt out to you. 3 Why
do you look at the sliver in your brother’s eye, but do not notice
the beam in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me take the sliver out of your eye,’ when there is a beam in
your own eye? 5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your
own eye, then you will be able to see clearly to take the sliver
out of your brother’s eye.
6
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or cast your pearls before
swine. Otherwise, the swine will trample them underfoot, and
the dogs will turn and attack you.
7
“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Whoever asks,
receives. Whoever seeks, finds. Whoever knocks, the door will
be opened. 9What man among you, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a
snake? 11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give
good gifts to those who ask Him!
12
“Always treat others as you would like them to treat you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
13
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and
broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many are those
13
Matthew 8
who enter through it. 14But narrow is the gate and difficult is
the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s
clothing, for inwardly they are vicious wolves. 16You will know
them by their fruit. Can people pick grapes from thorn bushes,
or figs from thistles? 17In the same way, every good tree produces
good fruit, and every bad tree produces bad fruit. 18A good tree
cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good
fruit. 19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, you will know them by
their fruit.
21
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘ Lord, Lord,’ will enter into
the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of My
Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,
did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in
Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then
I will tell them plainly, ‘ I never knew you! Depart from Me, you
workers of lawlessness!’
24
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and
does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the
rock. 25 The rain poured down, the floodwaters rose, and the
winds blew and beat against the house, but it did not fall down,
because its foundation was on the rock. 26But everyone who
hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a
foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27The rain poured
down, the floodwaters rose, and the winds blew and beat against
the house, and it fell down with a great crash.”
28
When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds
marvelled at His teaching. 29For unlike the teachers of the law,
He taught with authority.
14
Matthew 8
go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifice that
Moses prescribed as a testimony to them.”
5
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came
and begged Him, 6saying, “Lord, my slave is lying at home
paralyzed. He is in extreme pain.”
7
Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”
8
The officer answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy for
You to come under my roof. But just say the word, and my
slave will be healed. 9For I am a man under the authority of
others, with soldiers under me. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he
goes. I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to
my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10
When Jesus heard this He marvelled, and said to those
following Him, “Truly I say to you, I have not found anyone
in Israel with such great faith! 11I tell you this: many Gentiles
will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But
many of the Jews, the sons of the kingdom, will be thrown into
the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.”
13
Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go! As you have believed,
it will be done for you.” And his slave was instantly healed.
14
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-
in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15Jesus touched her hand, and
the fever left her. Then she got up and served them.
16
That evening they brought to Him many who were demon-
possessed. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all
who were sick. 17This happened to fulfill what was spoken by
the prophet Isaiah when he said,
15
Matthew 9
20
Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds of the air
have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
21
Then another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go
and bury my father.”
22
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury
their own dead.” 7
23
Then Jesus and His disciples got into the boat and left. 24A
terrible storm suddenly broke out on the sea, and the boat was
swamped by waves. But Jesus was sleeping. 25So His disciples
went and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are going
to die!”
26
He replied, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then
He got up and rebuked the wind and the sea, and everything
became calm.
27
The men marvelled and said, “What kind of man is this?
Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
28
When He made it to the other side, to the region of the
Gerasenes, two demon-possessed men came out to meet Him
from the tombs. They were so violent that nobody could pass by
that way. 29 They cried out, saying, “What do You want with us,
Jesus, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before
the day of judgment?”
30
Now a large herd of pigs was feeding in the distance. 31So
the demons begged Him, “If You cast us out, allow us to go into
the herd of pigs.”
32
Jesus said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the
herd of pigs. Suddenly, the entire herd of pigs rushed down the
steep bank into the sea and died in the water. 33 The herdsmen
ran into the city and reported everything, especially what had
happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire city
went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged
Him to leave their region.
9 Jesus got into the boat, crossed over, and came to His own
town. 2 There some people brought to Him a paralyzed man
7
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the spiritually dead
bury their own dead.”
16
Matthew 9
who was lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said
to the paralyzed man, “Cheer up, son, your sins are forgiven.”
3
On hearing this, some of the teachers of the law said within
themselves, “This Man is blaspheming.”
4
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why do you have
such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Tell Me, is it easier to say,
‘ Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6But to
let you know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, pick up
your mat, and go home.” 7And the man got up and went home.
8
When the crowds saw this they marvelled, and they glorified
God for giving such authority to men.
9
As Jesus continued on from there, He saw a man named
Matthew sitting at the tax booth. He said to him, “Follow Me!”
And Matthew got up and followed Him.
10
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many
tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and
His disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His
disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with tax collectors and
sinners?”
12
When Jesus heard them, He said, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 13But go and
learn what this means: ‘ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ 8 For I
did not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.”
14
Then John’s disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do we
and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not?”
15
Jesus responded, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn
while he is with them? But the time will come when the bride-
groom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. 16No-
body patches an old garment with a piece of unshrunk cloth.
Because when it shrinks, the patch will rip away from the
garment and cause an even bigger tear. 17Nobody puts new
wine into old wineskins. If they did, the wine would swell and
burst the wineskins. Then the wine would pour out, and the
wineskins would be ruined. Instead, they put new wine into
new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
8
Hosea 6:6
17
Matthew 9
18
As He was saying these things to them, a synagogue leader
came and fell down at His feet, saying, “My daughter has just
died! Come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live!” 19So
Jesus and His disciples got up and followed him.
20
On His way, a woman who had suffered from internal
bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched
the hem of His garment. 21For she said within herself, “If I can
just touch His garment, I will be healed.”
22
When Jesus turned around and saw her, He said, “Cheer
up, daughter! Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was
healed that very instant.
23
When Jesus arrived at the synagogue leader’s house, and
saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24He said to them,
“Everybody out! The girl is not dead. She is only sleeping.” But
they mocked Him with laughter. 25After the crowd had been
removed, He went inside and took her by the hand, and the girl
got up. 26And the fame of this spread throughout that region.
27
After Jesus left there, two blind men followed Him, crying
out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28
When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and
Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They replied, “Yes, Lord!”
29
Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your
faith, let it be done for you.” 30And their eyes were opened. Then
Jesus gave them strict orders, saying, “See to it that no one
finds out about this.” 31But they went out and spread His fame
throughout that region.
32
As they were leaving, the people brought to Him a demon-
possessed man who was mute. 33And when the demon was cast
out, the man who was mute began to speak. Then the crowd
marvelled and said, “Never has this been seen in Israel!”
34
But the Pharisees said, “Through the prince of demons He
casts out demons.”
35
Jesus went around teaching in the synagogues of all the
cities and towns, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and
healing every disease and sickness among the people. 36When
He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they
18
Matthew 10
19
Matthew 10
20
Matthew 11
32
“Whoever confesses Me before men, him will I also confess
before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever denies Me before
men, him will I also deny before My Father in heaven.
34
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword! 35For I have come
to divide:
21
Matthew 11
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear
the good news. 6Blessed is the man who is not offended by Me.”
7
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the
crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness
to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8No? Then what did you go
out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear
fine clothes live in palaces. 9Well, then, what did you go out to
see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet! 10He
is the one about whom it is written:
22
Matthew 12
21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles
that were performed in you had been performed in the cities
of Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and
ashes long ago! 22But I say to you, it will be better on the day
of judgment for the cities of Tyre and Sidon than for you! 23And
you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will
be thrown down to hell! If the miracles that were performed
in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained
to this today. 24But I say to you, it will be better on the day of
judgment for Sodom than for you!”
25
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise
and prudent, and have revealed them to infants. 26Yes, Father,
for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
27
“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one
knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father
except the Son—and anyone the Son wants to reveal Him to.
28
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from
Me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted, and you will find rest
for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
23
Matthew 12
9
Moving on from there, Jesus went into their synagogue. 10A
man with a paralyzed hand was there. Since they wanted to
bring charges against Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to
heal on the Sabbath?”
11
Jesus said to them, “Which one of you, if your sheep falls
into a pit on the Sabbath, will not grab hold of it and pull it out?
12
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it
is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
13
Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So
the man stretched out his hand, and it was completely healed—
just as good as his other hand. 14 Then the Pharisees left and
started making plans to kill Jesus.
15
Aware of this, Jesus left that place. Large crowds followed
Him, and He healed them all, 16giving them strict orders not
to tell anyone who He was. 17This happened to fulfill what was
spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18
“Look! Here is My Servant
whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My heart delights.
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
and He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
19
He will not argue or shout,
or raise His voice to be heard in the streets.
20
A broken reed He will not snap off,
and a smouldering wick He will not put out,
until He leads justice to victory.
21
And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
(Isaiah 42:1-4)
22
Then they brought to Him a demon-possessed man who
was blind and mute. And Jesus healed him, so that he could
both talk and see. 23 The crowds marvelled at this, and said,
“Could this be the Son of David?”
24
When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This Man casts
out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons!”
25
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to them,
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be destroyed, and
every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If
satan casts out satan, then he is divided against himself. And
24
Matthew 12
if that is so, how then will his kingdom stand? 27And if I cast
out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your disciples cast them
out? Indeed, let them be your judges. 28But if I cast out demons
by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
29
“Or how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal
his belongings, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then
he can rob his house.
30
“Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does
not gather with Me scatters. 31Therefore I tell you this: men
will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy
against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Whoever speaks a word
against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks
against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven—not in this age, or
in the age to come.
33
“Now, either the tree is good and its fruit is good, or the
tree is bad and its fruit is bad. For a tree is known by its fruit.
34
You offspring of vipers! How can you say anything good when
you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaks. 35A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings
out good things. But an evil man out of the evil treasure of his
heart brings out evil things. 36I say to you, men will have to
give an account on the day of judgment for every wicked and
useless word they have spoken. 37By your words you will be
justified, or by your words you will be condemned.”
38
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said
to Him, “Teacher, we want You to show us a miraculous sign.”
39
Jesus answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous
generation looks for a sign, but the only sign you will be given
is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For just as Jonah was in the
belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights, so will the
Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three
nights. 41The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at
the preaching of Jonah. But look, someone greater than Jonah
is here! 42 The Queen of Sheba will rise at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because she came from the
ends of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom. But look, someone
greater than Solomon is here!
25
Matthew 13
43
“When an unclean spirit leaves a man, it wanders through
dry places seeking rest, but does not find any. 44 Then it says, ‘I
will return to the house I left.’ And when it arrives it finds the
house empty, swept, and decorated. 45 Then it goes and takes
along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and
they go in and make their home there. Therefore the man is
worse off in the end than in the beginning. And that is what
will happen with this evil generation.”
46
While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, His mother and
brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47Someone told
Him, “Look! Your mother and brothers are standing outside,
and they want to speak to You.”
48
Jesus said to the man, “Who is My mother, and who are
My brothers?” 49 Then He pointed to His disciples and said,
“Look! My mother and My brothers. 50 Whoever does the will
of My heavenly Father is My brother and sister and mother.”
13 That same day Jesus left the house and sat down by the
sea. 2A very large crowd gathered around Him. So He got
into a boat and sat down. And all the people stood on the shore.
3
Using parables, He began telling them many things: “A sower
went out to sow his seed. 4As he was sowing, some of the seeds
fell on the pathway, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Some
of the seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was not much
soil. They sprouted quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But
when the sun was hot, the young plants were scorched. They
withered up, because their roots were not deep enough. 7Some
of the seeds fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and
choked the plants. 8But some of the seeds fell on good soil, and
produced a crop of a hundred, sixty, or thirtyfold. 9 Whoever
has ears to hear, let him hear!”
10
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak
to the people in parables?”
11
He answered and said to them, “The knowledge of the
secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but
not to them. 12For whoever has, will be given more—indeed, he
will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what
he has will be taken away from him. 13 That is why I speak to
them in parables, because they look but do not see, and they
26
Matthew 13
hear with their ears but do not understand. 14And in them the
prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
27
Matthew 13
wheat among the wheat and went away.13 26But when the wheat
sprouted and the heads of grain grew, the false wheat became
apparent. 27So the man’s slaves came to him and said, ‘Master,
did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did this false
wheat come from?’
28
The man answered, ‘An enemy has done this!’
Then his slaves asked him, ‘ Do you want us to go and pull
it out?’
29
The man said, ‘ No! If you pull out the false wheat, you
might uproot the wheat as well. 30Let both grow together until
the harvest. Then at harvest time I will say to the reapers, “First
gather the false wheat, tie it into bundles, and burn it. Then
gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
31
Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of
heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in
his field. 32It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is fully
grown it is larger than any of the herbs. It becomes a tree, and
the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”14
33
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is
like yeast, which a woman took and mixed into a large amount of
flour until it worked its way through the whole batch of dough.”
34
Jesus said all these things to the crowds in parables. In
fact, He said nothing to them without using parables. 35 This
happened to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
13
“But when everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed
darnel among the wheat and went away.” Bearded darnel (Loli-
um temulentum) is also called “false wheat.” Darnel is indistin-
guishable from wheat in its early stages of growth. Its grains are
black, and due to fungus it has a reputation of being poisonous.
14
In the days of Jesus, the mustard seed was the smallest
seed used by farmers and gardeners in the Holy Land. These
mustard plants could grow up to ten feet tall!
28
Matthew 13
36
After sending away the crowds, Jesus went into the house.
Then His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the
parable of the false wheat in the field.”
37
Jesus answered, “The One who sows the good seed is the
Son of Man. 38 The field is the world. The good seed represents
the sons of the kingdom, and the false wheat represents the
sons of the evil one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40
Just as the false wheat is gathered up and burned with fire,
so it will be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send
His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all those
who practice lawlessness and cause others to stumble, 42and
they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine
like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears
to hear, let him hear!
44
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field.
A man found it, hid it again, then in great joy went and sold all
that he had and bought the field.
45
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine
pearls, 46 who upon finding a very precious pearl went and sold
all that he had and bought it.
47
“The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was let down
into the sea, which caught all kinds of different fish. 48When it
was full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. Then they sat down
and sorted the fish: the good went into baskets, but the bad
were thrown away. 49The same thing will happen at the end of
the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from
the righteous. 50And the wicked will be thrown into the fiery
furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
51
Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you understand all this?”
They answered, “Yes, Lord.”
52
Then He said to them, “Every teacher who is well versed
in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out
treasures from his storeroom, both new and old.”
53
When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from
there. 54Then He went to the town of Nazareth, where He had
29
Matthew 14
30
Matthew 14
16
Jesus replied, “There is no need to send them away. You
give them something to eat.”
17
They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves
and two fish.”
18
He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded
the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves
and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks. Then
He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the
disciples handed them out to the crowds. 20 The people all ate
and were satisfied. And the disciples picked up the leftover
pieces, filling up twelve baskets. 21About five thousand men
ate, not counting women and children.
22
Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get into the
boat to cross over to the other side ahead of Him. He, however,
stayed behind to dismiss the crowds. 23After dismissing the
crowds, He went up on the hillside by Himself to pray. When
evening came, He was there alone. 24But the boat was now in
the middle of the sea, being tossed around by the waves, for
the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the
night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.15 26 When the
disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they panicked, and cried
out in fear, “It is a ghost!”
27
But immediately Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I! Do not
be afraid!”
28
Peter said in reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come
to You on the water.”
29
Jesus said, “Come!”
Then Peter got out of the boat, and began walking on the
water towards Jesus. 30But when he saw how strong the wind
was, he became frightened and began to sink. So he cried out,
“Lord, save me!”
31
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and grabbed him,
saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32
And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing.
33
Then the men in the boat fell down and worshiped Him, saying,
“Truly You are the Son of God!”
34
Crossing over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35When the
inhabitants of that place recognized Him, they sent word
throughout that entire region, and they brought to Him all who
15
The fourth watch of the night was from 3:00–6:00 A.M.
31
Matthew 15
were sick. 36And they begged Him just to let them touch the hem
of His garment. And all who touched it were completely healed.
32
Matthew 15
15
Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”
16
Jesus said, “Do you not understand yet? 17Do you not know
that everything that goes into the mouth enters the stomach and
then is eliminated? 18But what comes out of the mouth comes
from the heart, and that is what defiles a man. 19For out of the
heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft,
false testimony, and slander. 20 These are the things that defile a
man. But eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
21
Jesus moved on from there, and headed to the region of Tyre
and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman from there came and cried
out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My
daughter is demon-possessed, and she suffers severely!” 23But
Jesus ignored her.
Then His disciples came to Him and said, “Tell her to go
away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
24
But Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel.”
25
But she came and fell down at His feet, begging, “Lord,
help me!”
26
He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread
and throw it to the dogs.”
27
But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs
that fall from their master’s table.”
28
Then Jesus answered and said to her, “Dear woman,
your faith is great! Your request is granted.” And instantly her
daughter was healed.
29
Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee.
Then He went up on the hillside and sat down. 30Large crowds
came to Him, bringing the paralyzed, the blind, the mute, and
those with missing limbs and other physical defects. They laid
them at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 31 The crowds marvelled
when they saw the paralyzed walking, the blind seeing, the mute
speaking, and those with missing limbs made whole. And they
glorified the God of Israel.
32
Jesus summoned His disciples and said, “I have compassion
for the crowd, because they have been with Me for three days
now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away
hungry, or they may faint on the way.”
33
Matthew 16
33
His disciples said to Him, “Where, in a remote place like
this, could we get enough bread to feed such a large crowd?”
34
Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?”
They answered, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 Then He
commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36He took the
seven loaves and the fish, and gave thanks. Then He broke the
loaves and gave them to His disciples, and the disciples handed
them out to the crowds. 37The people all ate and were satisfied.
And the disciples picked up the left over pieces, filling up seven
baskets. 38About four thousand men ate, not counting women
and children. 39After sending the crowds away, He got into the
boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.
16
2
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees and Sadducees came
to Jesus and asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.
But He answered and said to them, “At sunset you say, ‘ The
weather will be good tomorrow, because the sky is bright red.’
3
And at sunrise you say, ‘ The weather will be stormy today,
because the sky is overcast and red.’ You Hypocrites! You know
how to read the face of the sky, but you cannot read the signs
of the times! 4An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign,
but the only sign you will be given is the sign of the prophet
Jonah.” With that, He left them and went away.
5
They crossed over to the other side of the sea, but His
disciples forgot to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Watch
out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!”
7
They discussed this among themselves and said, “Is He
saying this because we forgot to bring bread?”
8
Aware of their discussion, Jesus said, “You of little faith! Why
are you discussing among yourselves that you have no bread?
9
Do you not understand yet? Do you not remember the five
loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you filled?
10
Do you remember the seven loaves for the four thousand, and
how many baskets you filled? 11Do you not understand that I
was not talking to you about bread? But to beware of the yeast
of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 12 Then they understood that
He was not telling them to beware of the yeast in bread, but to
beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
34
Matthew 17
13
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He
asked His disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?”
14
They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, some say
Elijah, and others say Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.”
15
Then He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God!”
17
Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of John,
because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My heav-
enly Father. 18I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will
build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against
it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever
you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you
loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded
His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
21
From then on Jesus began to tell His disciples that He must
go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, the
chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and be killed, and
be raised again on the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside
and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid, Lord! This will
never happen to You!”
23
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, satan!
You are a stumbling block to Me. For your mind is not on the
things of God, but on the things of man.”
24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come
after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow
Me. 25Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for My sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a
man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what
can a man offer in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man
is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then
He will reward every man according to his works. 28 Truly I say
to you, some who are standing here will not taste death until
they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
17 Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother
John, and brought them up to a high mountain where
35
Matthew 17
they could be alone. 2 There, before their very eyes, Jesus was
transformed. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became
as white as light. 3Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and
began talking with Him.
4
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how wonderful it is for us to be
here! If You want, I will make three shelters here—one for You,
one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5
As Peter was saying this, a radiant cloud suddenly surrounded
them. And a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
6
When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces, utterly
terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up,
and do not be afraid.” 8And when they lifted up their eyes, they
saw no one but Jesus.
9
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded
them, “Tell no one about this vision, until the Son of Man has
been raised from the dead.”
10
Then His disciples asked Him, “Why do the teachers of the
law say that Elijah must come first?”
11
Jesus answered and said, “Elijah truly does come first, in
order to get everything ready. 12But I tell you that Elijah has
already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him
what they wanted. In a similar way, the Son of Man is destined
to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples realized that He
was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14
When they came down from the mountain a crowd met
them. And a man came and knelt down before Jesus, begging,
15
“Lord, have mercy on my son! He suffers such terrible seizures
that he often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him
to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
17
Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted
generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much
longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 Then
Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him, and the boy
was instantly healed.
19
Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked,
“Why could we not cast that demon out?”
20
Jesus said to them, “It was because of your lack of faith.
36
Matthew 18
For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘ Move from here to there,’
and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. 21This
kind of demon, however, does not come out except by prayer
and fasting.”
22
While they were travelling together in Galilee, Jesus said to
them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands
of men. 23 They will kill Him, but He will be raised on the third
day.” And the disciples were filled with grief.
24
When they arrived in Capernaum, those collecting the temple
tax came up to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher not pay
the temple tax?”
25
Peter answered, “Yes, He does.”
When Peter entered the house, Jesus spoke first, saying,
“What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the
earth collect customs or taxes, from their own sons or from
others?”
26
Peter replied, “From others.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27However, so
that we do not offend them, go to the sea, throw in a hook and
take the first fish you catch. Open its mouth, and in it you will
find a coin. Then take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.”
37
Matthew 18
8
“If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and
throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with a missing
limb than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into
eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, rip it out and
throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than
to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10Make sure
you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you
that their angels in heaven constantly see the face of My Father
who is in heaven. 11For the Son of Man has come to save that
which was lost.
12
“So what do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and
one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine and
go into the hill country to search for the one that went astray?
13
Truly I say to you, if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more
than the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14In 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 show him his fault
privately. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
16
But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so
that every word may be confirmed by the mouth of two or three
witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.
And if he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile
or a tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on
earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, that if two of you
agree on earth about anything you ask for, My heavenly Father
will do it for you. 20For where two or three are gathered together
in My name, there I am in the midst of them.”
21
Then Peter came up to Him and asked, “Lord, how many
times should I forgive my brother who sins against me? Seven
times?”
22
Jesus said to him, “No, not seven times, but seventy times
seven! 23For the kingdom of heaven is like a king who called in
his servants to give an account of what they owed him. 24As he
was doing this, one of his servants was brought in who owed
38
Matthew 18
18
A talent is 75 pounds. Precious metals are weighed in troy
ounces. There are 14.583 troy ounces in an American (Avoir-
dupois) pound. 14.583×(the price of silver). Right now (Feb-
ruary 3, 2014) silver is worth $19.34(USD) per troy ounce.
14.583×$19.34=$282.04
So today silver is worth $282.04(USD) a pound.
75×10,000=750,000 pounds.
$282.04×750,000=$211,530,000
So ten thousands talents is worth $211,530,000(USD).
Precious metals always fluctuate, and this is just to give you a
general idea of how much this is worth.
19
“But he went out and found one of his fellow servants who
owed him a hundred denarii.” A denarius was a day’s wages.
In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an
hour. $10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is
$80(CAD). $80×100=$8,000. A hundred denarii is $8,000(CAD).
39
Matthew 19
20
Genesis 1:27, 5:2
40
Matthew 19
and,
41
Matthew 20
Man sits on His glorious throne in the age to come, you who have
followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve
tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers
or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for
My name’s sake, will receive a hundred times as much and will
inherit eternal life. 30However, many who are first will be last,
and many who are last will be first.
20
2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out
early in the morning to hire some workers for his vineyard.
He agreed to pay the workers $80 for the day, and sent them
over to his vineyard.21 3At nine o’clock he went out and saw
others standing idle in the marketplace, 4and said to them, ‘Go
and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you what is fair.’ So
they went. 5 Then he went out at noon, and then again at three
o’clock, and did the same thing. 6At five o’clock he went out and
found some others standing idle, and asked them, ‘Why have
you been standing here idle all day?’ 7They answered him, ‘No
one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘Go and work in my vineyard,
and I will pay you what is fair.’
8
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his
manager, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning
with those who were hired last, and ending with those who
were hired first.’ 9When those who were hired at five o’clock
came, they received $80 each. 10When those who were hired
first came, they expected to receive more, but they also received
$80 each. 11When they received their wages they complained to
the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last men worked only one hour,
while we worked hard all day in the scorching heat, yet you
have made them equal to us!’ 13But he answered one of them,
‘Friend, I have not wronged you. Did you not agree to work for
$80? 14Take your money and go! What is it to you, if I want to
give them as much as I gave to you? 15Do I not have the right
to do what I want with my own money? Or are you resentful
because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first
will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
21
“He agreed to pay the workers a denarius for the day, and sent
them over to his vineyard.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In
Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an hour.
$10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is $80(CAD).
42
Matthew 20
17
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus took the twelve disciples
aside and said to them privately, 18“We are now on our way to
Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief
priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to
death, 19and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked,
whipped, and crucified. But on the third day He will rise again.”
20
Then Zebedee’s wife came to Jesus with her two sons, knelt
down, and asked Him for a favour.
21
He said to her, “What do you want?”
She said to Him, “Promise me that in Your kingdom my two
sons will sit one at Your right hand and the other at Your left.”
22
But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you
are asking! Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink, or
be baptized with the baptism that I am about to be baptized
with?”
They said to Him, “Yes, we can.”
23
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from My
cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am about to be
baptized with, but it is not for Me to decide who will sit at My
right or left hand. On the contrary, it is My Father who will
make that decision.”
24
Upon hearing this, the other ten disciples became angry
with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them over and said,
“You know that the Gentle rulers lord it over their subjects,
and that their men of high rank exercise authority over the
people. 26But it will not be that way with you. On the contrary,
if anyone wants to become great, he must be your servant.
27
And if anyone wants to be first, he must be your slave. 28For
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give His life as a ransom for many.”
29
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.
30
Sitting by the roadside were two blind men. When they heard
that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, saying, “Have mercy
on us, Lord, Son of David!” 31The crowd told them to be quiet,
but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us,
Lord, Son of David!”
32
Jesus stopped and called them, saying, “What do you want
Me to do for you?”
33
They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes opened.” 34Filled
43
Matthew 21
44
Matthew 21
Bethany.
18
Early in the morning, as He was returning to Jerusalem, He
became hungry. 19He saw a fig tree by the roadside and went up
to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. So He said to it, “May
you never bear fruit again!” And instantly the fig tree withered.
20
Upon seeing this, the disciples marvelled and said, “How
did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21
Jesus answered them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith
and do not doubt, not only will you be able to do this to the
fig tree, but if you say to this mountain, ‘ Lift yourself up and
throw yourself into the sea,’ it will be done. 22If you believe, you
will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
23
Jesus entered the temple, and as He was teaching, the chief
priests and the elders of the people approached Him and asked,
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave
You this authority?”
24
Jesus answered and said to them, “I have a question for
you. And if you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I
am doing these things. 25Where did John’s authority to baptize
come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say,
22
Jeremiah 7:11
45
Matthew 21
‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe
John?’ 26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowd,
because they all believe that John was a prophet.”
27
So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
Then He said to them, “Well, then, I will not tell you by what
authority I am doing these things.
28
“Now what do you think? There was a man who had two
sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work in
my vineyard today.’ 29His son answered, ‘I will not go,’ but later
he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the father went to the
other son and said, ‘Son, go and work in my vineyard today.’
His son answered, ‘I will go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31So which
of the two did his father’s will?”
They said to Him, “The first son.”
In response, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, the tax collectors
and the prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
32
For John came to show you the way of righteousness, but
you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the
prostitutes did. And even when you saw this, you did not repent
and believe him.
33
“Now listen to another parable. There was a landowner who
planted a vineyard. He put a hedge around it, dug a wine vat,
and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to some farmers and
departed. 34When it was harvest time, he sent his slaves to the
farmers to collect his share of the fruit. 35But the farmers grabbed
his slaves and beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 Then
he sent more slaves than the first time, but the farmers did the
same to them. 37Last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They
will respect my son.’ 38But when the farmers saw his son, they
said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and
take his inheritance!’ 39 Then they grabbed him, threw him out
of the vineyard, and killed him. 40Now what will the owner of the
vineyard do to those farmers when he returns?”
41
They said to Him, “He will utterly destroy those wicked men.
Then he will lease the vineyard to other farmers who will give
him his share of the fruit each harvest.”
42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures,
46
Matthew 22
47
Matthew 22
15
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might trap
Jesus in His words. 16 They sent some of their disciples to Him,
along with some of the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know
that You are sincere and teach the way of God in truth. For You
are not concerned with what others think about You, because
You are not influenced by anyone. 17Now tell us what You think.
Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said, “Why are you
trying to trap Me, you hypocrites? 19Show Me a coin used for
paying taxes.” So they handed Him a denarius.23 20 Then He
asked them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
21
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.” 22After hearing this, they marvelled.
Then they left Him and went on their way.
23
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no
resurrection, came and asked Him a question, 24saying, “Teacher,
Moses said,
23
A denarius was worth a day’s wages.
48
Matthew 22
32
‘ I am the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob’?
(Exodus 3:6)
All the Law and the Prophets are based on these two
40
commandments.”
41
While the Pharisees were gathered there, Jesus asked them
a question, 42“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son
is He?”
They said to Him, “The son of David.”
43
Jesus asked them, “Then why did David, by the Spirit, call
Him ‘Lord,’ saying,
44
‘ The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand
until I make Your enemies
a footstool for Your feet”’?
(Psalm 110:1)
45
If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be his son?” 46
No one
49
Matthew 23
was able to answer Him a word, and after that day no one dared
to ask Him any more questions.
50
Matthew 23
16
“Woe to you, you blind guides! You say, ‘ Whoever swears
an oath by the temple is not bound by his oath. But whoever
swears an oath by the gold in the temple is bound by his oath.’
17
You blind fools! Which is greater, the gold or the temple that
makes the gold holy? 18You also say, ‘ Whoever swears an oath
by the altar is not bound by his oath. But whoever swears an
oath by the gift on the altar is bound by his oath.’ 19You blind
fools! Which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift
holy? 20 Therefore, whoever swears an oath by the altar swears
by it and by everything on it. 21And whoever swears an oath by
the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. 22And
whoever swears an oath by heaven swears by God’s throne and
by the One who sits on it.
23
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cummin,
yet you neglect the weightier matters of the law—such as:
justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have tithed, without
neglecting the weightier matters of the law. 24You blind guides!
You strain a gnat out of your water, yet swallow a camel!26
25
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but
inside you are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind
Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, then the
outside will be clean as well.
27
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which look
beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead
men’s bones, and of every kind of uncleanness. 28Likewise, on
the outside you look righteous to men, but on the inside you
are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate
the graves of the righteous, 30and say, ‘If we had lived in the days
of our fathers, we would not have helped them shed the blood
26
Some of the Pharisees strained their water through a cloth to
avoid swallowing the smallest unclean thing (Leviticus 11:41-
43). Yet, figuratively, they were swallowing one of the largest
(Leviticus 11:4).
51
Matthew 24
27
2 Chronicles 24:20-22
52
Matthew 24
Christ,’ and they will deceive many. 6And you will hear of wars
and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. For
these things must happen, but the end is not yet. 7For nation
will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There
will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.
8
But all these things are the beginning of birth pains. 9 Then
they will hand you over to be tortured and put to death, and
you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. 10 Then
many will apostatize, and will betray and hate one another.
11
Many false prophets will arise, and will deceive many. 12And
lawlessness will increase, causing the love of many to grow
cold. 13But whoever endures to the end will be saved. 14And
this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the
world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
15
“When you see the ‘abomination that causes desolation,’
which the prophet Daniel spoke about, standing in the holy place
(reader take note of this),28 16 then those who are in Judea must
flee to the mountains! 17Whoever is on the rooftop must not go
down to take anything out of their house. 18And whoever is in
the field must not turn back to get their coat. 19How terrible it
will be in those days for women who are pregnant or nursing.
20
But pray that you will not have to make your escape in the
winter or on the Sabbath. 21For at that time there will be great
tribulation, worse than anything that has happened from the
beginning of the world until now—and nothing like it will ever
happen again. 22If those days had not been cut short, nobody
would survive. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be
shortened.
23
“At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the
Christ,’ or ‘ There He is,’ do not believe him. 24For false christs
and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and
wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25Look!
I have told you this beforehand. 26If anyone says to you, ‘Look!
He is in the wilderness,’ do not go. And if anyone says, ‘Look!
He is hiding in a secret place,’ do not believe him. 27For as
lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will
the coming of the Son of Man be. 28Wherever there is a corpse,
there the vultures will gather.
28
Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11
53
Matthew 24
29
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days,
54
Matthew 25
45
“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master
has put in charge of his servants, to give them their food
allowance at the proper time? 46How blessed is that slave whom
his master finds doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I say to
you, he will put him in charge of all that he owns. 48But if that
wicked slave says in his heart, ‘ My master is not coming back
for a while,’ 49and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat
and drink with drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come
on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does
not know. 51 Then his master will whip him severely and assign
him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.
55
Matthew 25
56
Matthew 25
lazy slave! If you knew that I reaped where I did not sow and
gathered where I did not scatter seed, 27then you should have
deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned,
I would have received it back with interest. 28 Therefore, take
the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten
talents. 29 Whoever has, will be given more—indeed, he will
have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he
has will be taken away from him. 30Now throw that worthless
slave outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.’
31
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy
angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. 32And all
the nations (Gentiles) will be gathered before Him, and He will
separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the
sheep from the goats. 33And He will put the sheep on His right
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 that was
prepared for you from the foundation of the world! 35For I was
hungry, and you gave Me something to eat. I was thirsty, and
you gave Me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you
invited Me in. 36I was naked, and you gave Me clothes. I was
sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you came to
visit Me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘ Lord,
when did we see You hungry, and give You something to eat?
Or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38Or a stranger,
and invite You in? Or naked, and give You clothes? 39When did
we see You sick or in prison, and visit You?’ 40 Then the King will
answer and say to them, ‘ Truly I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
41
“Then the King will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me,
you who are cursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared
for the devil and his angels! 42For I was hungry, and you gave
Me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to
drink. 43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in. I was
naked, and you did not give Me clothes. I was sick and in prison,
and you did not care for Me.’ 44 Then they will answer, ‘ Lord,
when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked
or sick or in prison, and did not help You?’ 45 Then He will say
57
Matthew 26
to them, ‘ Truly I say to you, whatever you did not do for one of
the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ 46And they will go off
to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life.”
26 After saying all this, Jesus said to His disciples, 2“As you
know, the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to be crucified.”
3
Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders
of the people met together at the house of Caiaphas the high
priest. 4 They discussed how they could arrest Jesus secretly and
have Him put to death. 5But they said, “We must not do this
during the feast, or else there may be a riot among the people.”
6
While Jesus was in the town of Bethany, at the house of
Simon the leper, 7a woman came up to Him. She had an alabaster
jar of fragrant oil, which was very expensive. As He sat at the
table, she poured it on His head. 8But when His disciples saw
this, they became angry and said, “Why this waste? 9 This fragrant
oil could have been sold for a large sum, and the proceeds given
to the poor.”
10
When Jesus saw this, He said to them, “Why are you
bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for Me.
11
You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always
have Me. 12When she poured this fragrant oil on My body, she
did it to prepare Me for My burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever
this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has
done will also be told in memory of her.”
14
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the
chief priests, 15and said, “What will you give me, if I hand Him
over to you?” And they offered him thirty pieces of silver. 16From
that moment on, Judas began to look for an opportunity to
hand Him over.
17
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the
disciples came up to Jesus and asked Him, “Where do You
want us to prepare the Passover meal?”
18
He said, “Go to a certain man in the city and tell him, ‘ The
Teacher says, “My time is near, therefore My disciples and I will
58
Matthew 26
59
Matthew 26
36
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane,
and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there to
pray.” 37 Taking Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with
Him, He began to be greatly overwhelmed with grief and anguish.
38
Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point
of death. Wait here and stay awake with Me.” 39He went a little
further, fell on His face, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible,
let this cup pass from Me. However, Your will be done, not Mine.”
40
Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He
said to Peter, “Could you not stay awake with Me for one hour?
41
Stay awake, and pray that you will not enter into temptation.
Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42
He went back a second time and prayed, “My Father, if this
cup cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Then He
returned again and found them asleep, for their eyes were heavy.
44
So He left them, went back a third time, and prayed the
same words again. 45 Then He returned to the disciples and said
to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The time
has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of
sinners. 46Get up, let us go! Look! Here comes My betrayer!”
47
As Jesus was saying this, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived.
With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent
from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now His
betrayer, Judas, promised to give them a signal. He said, “The
One I kiss is the Man you want. Arrest Him.”
49
At once, Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings,
Rabbi,” and kissed Him.
50
Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come here?” Then
they came and grabbed hold of Jesus and arrested Him.
51
Suddenly, one of the men who were with Jesus reached
for his sword and drew it. He struck the high priest’s slave,
cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword
back where it belongs! All those who use the sword will die by
the sword. 53Do you not realize that I could ask My Father for
more than twelve legions of angels, and He would instantly send
them to Me? 54But then, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled
that say this must happen?”
60
Matthew 26
55
Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with
swords and clubs to arrest Me, as if I were some kind of bandit?
Daily I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me.
56
But all this has happened, so that the writings of the prophets
would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
57
Those who had arrested Jesus took Him to the house of
Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the
elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed Him at a distance,
all the way to the high priest’s courtyard, and then went in and
sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
59
The chief priests and the elders and the entire Sanhedrin
were looking for false evidence against Jesus, because they
wanted Him to be put to death. 60But they could not find any,
even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two
false witnesses came forward, 61and said, “This Man said, ‘I am
able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62
Then the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Have You
no response to the accusations they are making against You?”
63
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him,
“I command You in the name of the living God to tell us if You
are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64
Jesus answered him, “You are correct. Furthermore, in the
future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of
the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65
Then the high priest tore his clothes and exclaimed, “He
has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look!
You have just heard Him blaspheme. 66What do you think?”
They replied, “He is guilty of death!” 67Then they spit in His
face and hit Him with their fists, and slapped Him, 68saying,
“Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is it who hit You?”
69
While Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a slave-girl
came up to him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70
But Peter denied Him before them all, saying, “I do not know
what you are talking about.” 71Then he went over to the gateway.
There another slave-girl saw him, and said to those standing
there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72
This time Peter denied Him with an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man!”
61
Matthew 27
73
A little while later, those who were standing there said to
Peter, “You must be one of them, for your accent gives you away.”
74
Denying Him again, Peter swore an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Then
Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster
crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and
wept bitterly.
27 Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders
of the people met together and plotted to put Jesus to
death. 2 They tied Him up, led Him away, and delivered Him to
Pontius Pilate the governor.
3
Now when Judas, the man who had betrayed Jesus, saw
that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and
returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the
elders, 4saying, “I have sinned! I have betrayed innocent blood!”
But they replied, “What is that to us? That is your problem.”
5
Then Judas threw the pieces of silver onto the floor of the
temple, and went off and hung himself.
6
But the chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said,
“It is not lawful to put this into the temple treasury, because
it is blood money.” 7So they decided to use the money to buy
the Potter’s Field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why,
to this very day, that field is called the “Field of Blood.” 9 This
fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah when he said,
62
Matthew 27
63
Matthew 27
32
As they were going out, they found a man from the city of
Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry His cross.
33
They came to the place called “Golgotha” (which means, “The
Place of the Skull”). 34 There they gave Him vinegar mixed with
bitter herbs to drink.30 But when He tasted it, He would not
drink it. 35When they crucified Him, they divided His clothes
among themselves by casting lots. This happened to fulfill what
was spoken by the prophet,
THIS IS JESUS
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38
They crucified two bandits with Him, one on His right, and
one on His left. 39 Those passing by insulted Him and shook
their heads, 40saying, “You who were going to destroy the temple
and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son
of God, come down from the cross!”
41
The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders also mocked
Him, saying, 42“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!
If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross—
then we will believe Him! 43He trusts in God, so let God rescue
Him now if He wants Him. After all, He said, ‘ I am the Son of
God’!” 44And the two bandits who were crucified with Him also
insulted Him.
45
At noon, darkness came over the entire land and lasted until
three in the afternoon. 46At about three o’clock, Jesus cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (that is,
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”)
30
This drink acted as a narcotic to help dull the pain and con-
sciousness of the person suffering. As soon as Jesus tasted it,
He refused to drink it. Instead, He endured the cross (Hebrews
12:2)! According to Mark this drink was mixed with myrrh (Mark
15:23). Just before His death Jesus drank vinegar “without
myrrh” (John 19:28-30; Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36).
64
Matthew 27
47
When some of those who were standing there heard this,
they said, “This Man is calling Elijah!” 48Immediately one of
them ran and got a sponge, soaked it with vinegar, put it on a
stick, and gave it to Him to drink.
49
But the others said, “Leave Him alone! Let us see if Elijah
will come to save Him!” 50 Then Jesus cried out again with a
loud voice and died.
51
Suddenly, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from
top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split,
52
and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who
had died, arose, 53and having come out of their tombs after His
resurrection, they went into the Holy City and appeared to many.
54
And when the officer and his men who were guarding Jesus
saw the earthquake and everything else that had happened, they
were terrified and said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”
55
Several women were there, watching from a distance. They
had followed Jesus from Galilee, and had ministered to Him.
56
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James
and Joses), and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
57
That evening a rich man arrived from the city of Arimathea.
His name was Joseph, and he too was a disciple of Jesus. 58He
approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate
gave the order, and His body was given to him. 59Joseph took
the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and laid it in his
own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled
a large stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61But
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed there, sitting across
from the tomb.
62
The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the chief
priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate. 63 They said,
“Sir, when that deceiver was still alive, we remember that He
said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore, give orders
that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise His
disciples might come at night and steal His body, and then tell
the people, ‘He has risen from the dead!’ Then the last deception
will be worse than the first.”
65
Matthew 28
65
Pilate said to them, “Take some guards and make it as
secure as you can.” 66So they went and secured the tomb by
placing a seal on the stone and posting guards.
66
Matthew 28
67
Mark 1
Mark
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2
As it is written in the prophets:
68
Mark 1
69
Mark 2
the door. 34He healed many who were sick with various diseases
and cast out many demons. But He would not allow the demons
to speak, because they knew who He was.
35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got
up and went to a solitary place to pray. 36Simon and the others
went looking for Him, 37and when they found Him, they said to
Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
38
“Let us go to the neighbouring towns,” Jesus replied, “so
that I can preach in them as well—for that is why I have come.”
39
So He went throughout Galilee preaching in their synagogues
and casting out demons.
40
Now a leper came to Jesus and fell on his knees, begging
Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
41
Filled with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and
touched him. “I am willing,” He said. “Be cleansed!” 42As soon
as He said this, the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
43
Jesus sent him away immediately, strictly warning him,
44
“Do not tell anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest,
and offer the sacrifice that Moses prescribed for your cleansing
as a testimony to them.” 45But he went off and began to spread
the news to everyone. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter
a town openly. Instead He stayed in solitary places, and the
people came to Him from everywhere.
70
Mark 2
walk’? 10 But to let you know that the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, 11“I say
to you, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.’” 12Immediately
he stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of
everyone. And the people all marvelled and glorified God, saying,
“We have never seen anything like this!”
13
Once more Jesus went out by the sea. A large crowd came
to Him, and He taught them. 14After moving on from there, He
saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He
said to him, “Follow Me!” So Levi got up and followed Him.
15
While Jesus was eating at Levi’s house, many tax collectors
and sinners sat at the table with Jesus and His disciples—for
many of them had become His followers. 16When the teachers
of the law and the Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors
and sinners, they said to His disciples, “Why does He eat and
drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
17
When Jesus heard them, He said, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
18
Since John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, they
came and asked Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples
of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not?”
19
Jesus replied, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while
he is still with them? As long as the bridegroom is with them, they
cannot fast. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be
taken away from them, and then they will fast. 21Nobody patches
an old garment with a piece of unshrunk cloth. Otherwise the
patch would shrink and rip away from the garment, causing an
even bigger tear. 22Nobody puts new wine into old wineskins. If
they did, the wine would swell and burst the wineskins. Then
the wine would pour out, and the wineskins would be ruined.
Instead, they put new wine into new wineskins.”
23
One Sabbath, as Jesus was walking through the grain
fields, His disciples began picking heads of grain. 24“Look,” the
Pharisees said to Him, “why are they doing what is unlawful
on the Sabbath?”
25
“Have you not read what David did,” said Jesus, “when he
and his men were in need and hungry? 26He went into the house
71
Mark 3
of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the consecrated
bread, which was not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat,
and he gave some to his men as well.”
27
“The Sabbath was made for man,” remarked Jesus, “not
man for the Sabbath. 28Furthermore, the Son of Man is Lord
of the Sabbath.”
3 Jesus went into the synagogue once again, and a man with
a paralyzed hand was there. 2Since they were looking for a
reason to accuse Him, they watched Him closely to see if He
would heal the man on the Sabbath. 3 Then Jesus said to the man
with the paralyzed hand, “Stand in the middle of the synagogue.”
4
And He asked them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath,
or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5
Jesus looked around at them in disgust, deeply grieved at the
hardness of their hearts. Then He said to the man, “Stretch
out your hand.” So the man stretched out his hand, and it was
completely healed—just as good as his other hand. 6Immediately
the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians
against Him, trying to find a way to destroy Him.
7
Jesus left with His disciples and went to the sea. And a large
crowd followed Him. They were from Galilee, Judea, 8Jerusalem,
Idumea, and from east of the Jordan River, as well as from Tyre
and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him because they heard
of all He was doing. 9He told His disciples to get a small boat
ready for Him, so that the crowd would not crush Him. 10For
He had healed so many people that everyone who had diseases
kept pushing their way forward to touch Him. 11Whenever the
unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried
out, “You are the Son of God!” 12But Jesus strictly warned them
not to reveal His identity.
13
Jesus went up on the hillside and called those He wanted,
and they came to Him. 14He appointed twelve to accompany
Him, so that He could send them out to preach, 15and to have
the authority to heal diseases, and to cast out demons. 16And
these are the twelve He appointed:
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Mark 3
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Mark 4
4 Again Jesus began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd
gathered around Him. So He got into a boat, which was on
the water, and sat down. And all the people listened from the
shore. 2Using parables, He began to teach them many things.
As He was teaching them, He said, 3“Listen! A sower went out
to sow his seed. 4As he was sowing, some of the seeds fell on
the pathway, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Some of
the seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was not much
soil. They sprouted quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But
when the sun was hot, the young plants were scorched. They
withered up, because their roots were not deep enough. 7Some
of the seeds fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and
choked the plants, and they did not produce a crop. 8But some
of the seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop that grew up
and increased thirty, sixty, or hundredfold.” 9 Then He said to
them, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!”
10
When Jesus was alone, the twelve disciples and the others
around Him asked Him about the parables. 11“The knowledge
of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you,” He
replied, “but to those who are outside everything is in parables:
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Mark 4
they are not deeply rooted, they only last for a short time. When
tribulation or persecution comes on account of the word, they
immediately fall away. 18Still others are like the seeds sown
among the thorns. They hear the word, 19but the cares of this
world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things
come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others are
like the seeds sown on good ground. When they hear the word,
they welcome it, and produce a crop that yields thirty, sixty,
or hundredfold.”
21
Then Jesus said to them, “Do you bring a lamp into a room
and put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! You
place it on a lamp stand. 22For all that is hidden will be revealed,
and all that is secret will come to light. 23 Whoever has ears to
hear, let him hear!”
24
Jesus said to them, “Pay careful attention to what you are
hearing. For whatever degree you pay attention, will be the
degree you understand. The more you pay attention, the more
understanding you will gain. 25For whoever has, to him more
will be given. And whoever does not have, even what he has
will be taken away from him.”
26
Then Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who
scatters seed on the ground. 27Whether he is asleep at night or
awake during the day the seed sprouts and grows, though he
does not know how. 28For the ground produces crops by itself—
first the stalk, then the head, then the full head of grain. 29As
soon as the grain is ripe, he starts cutting it with his sickle,
because the harvest has come.”
30
He went on to say, “To what can we compare the kingdom
of God to? Or what parable can we use to describe it? 31It is like
a mustard seed. When it is sown in the ground, it is smaller
than all the other seeds on earth. 32However, after it has been
sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the herbs. It
produces such large branches that the birds of the air nest in
its shade.” 32
32
In the days of Jesus, the mustard seed was the smallest
seed used by farmers and gardeners in the Holy Land. These
mustard plants could grow up to ten feet tall!
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Mark 5
33
With many such parables He spoke the word to them, as
much as they were able to understand. 34He did not say anything
to them without using parables, but privately He explained
everything to His disciples.
35
That day, when evening had come, He said to His disciples,
“Let us cross over to the other side.” 36So they left the crowd and
got into the boat that He was in. And some other boats followed
them. 37A terrible windstorm arose, and the waves began to
beat against the boat and to fill it with water. 38Jesus, however,
was in the back of the boat sleeping on a cushion. They woke
Him up. “Teacher!” they exclaimed, “Do You not care that we
are about to die?”
39
Then He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
“Peace, be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a
great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you so fearful? Do
you still have no faith?”
41
They were greatly terrified and said to one another, “What
kind of Man is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
76
Mark 5
enter them!” 13And Jesus allowed them. Then the demons came
out and entered the pigs. And the herd—about two thousand—
rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and drowned in the
sea. 14 The herdsmen ran off and reported everything in the city
and the countryside. So the people went out to see what had
happened. 15 When they came to Jesus and saw the man who had
been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, clothed,
and in his right mind, they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen
it told them what had happened to the demon-possessed man
and to the pigs. 17Then they begged Him to leave their region.
18
As He was climbing into the boat, the man who had been
demon-possessed begged Jesus to let him go with Him. 19But
Jesus would not let him. “Go home to your family,” Jesus said
to him, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how He has shown you mercy.” 20So the man went off and
began proclaiming in the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for
him, and everyone marvelled.
21
When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other
side, a large crowd gathered around Him by the sea. 22 Then a
synagogue leader named Jairus arrived. When he saw Jesus,
he fell down at His feet. 23“My daughter is dying,” he pleaded
desperately, “come and lay Your hands on her, so that she can
be healed and live.”
24
So Jesus went with Jairus, and a large crowd followed and
pressed against Him. 25A woman was there who had suffered
from internal bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a
great deal from many doctors, and had spent everything she
had, yet instead of getting better she had gotten worse. 27When
she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd
and touched His garment. 28“If I can just touch His garment,”
she said to herself, “I will be healed.” 29Immediately the source
of her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was
healed of her illness.
30
Immediately Jesus knew within Himself that power had
gone out from Him. So He turned around in the crowd and
said, “Who touched My garments?”
31
“You see the crowd pressing against You,” said the disciples,
“and You say, ‘ Who touched Me?’”
77
Mark 6
32
But Jesus kept looking around to see who had touched
Him. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her,
came with fear and trembling, fell down before Him, and told
Him the whole truth. 34“Daughter,” Jesus said to her, “your faith
has healed you. Go in peace, and be healed of your illness.”
35
While He was still speaking, some people came from the
synagogue leader’s house. “Your daughter has died,” they said.
“Why trouble the Teacher any further.”
36
When Jesus heard what they said, He said to the synagogue
leader, “Do not be afraid. Just believe.” 37And He did not let
anyone follow Him except Peter, and the two brothers, James
and John. 38 When He arrived at the house of the synagogue
leader and saw all the commotion, and the people weeping
and wailing, 39He went inside and said to them, “Why are you
weeping and making such a commotion? The girl is not dead.
She is only sleeping.”
40
But they mocked Him with laughter. After He had removed
them all, He took the girl’s father and mother, and those who
were with Him, and went into the room where the girl was lying.
41
Then He took the girl by the hand and said to her, “Talitha,
koum!” which means, “Girl, I say to you, get up!” 42And the
girl, who was twelve years old, immediately got up and started
to walk around. And her parents were shocked and amazed.
43
Then He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had
happened, and told them to give her something to eat.
78
Mark 6
79
Mark 6
21
The opportunity Herodias had been waiting for had arrived.
It was Herod’s birthday, and he hosted a banquet for his nobles,
commanders, and the most prominent men of Galilee. 22When
the daughter of Herodias came in and danced for Herod and
his guests, she pleased the king so much that he said to her,
“Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you.” 23And
he swore an oath to her, “I will give you anything you ask for,
up to half my kingdom.”
24
Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should
I ask for?”
Her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
25
Immediately she hurried back to the king and said, “I want
you to give me right now, on a platter, the head of John the
Baptist.”
26
This deeply grieved the king. But because of his oath and
his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the
king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s
head. So the man went and beheaded John in prison. 28He
brought John’s head on a platter and gave it to the girl, who
in turn gave it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard
about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
30
The apostles gathered around Jesus and told Him about
everything they had done and taught. 31 There were so many
people coming and going that they did not even have time to
eat. “Come with Me,” said Jesus, “to a solitary place and rest
for a while.” 32So they went off in a boat by themselves to a
solitary place. 33 The people saw them leaving, and many of them
recognized Him. So they hurried on foot from all the towns and
arrived ahead of them. 34When Jesus got out of the boat and
saw the large crowds, He had compassion on them, because
they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to
teach them many things.
35
As the hour grew late, His disciples came to Him and said,
“This is a solitary place, and it is getting late. 36Send them
away, so they can go into the surrounding countryside and
towns to buy some bread for themselves. For the people have
nothing to eat.”
37
He answered them, “You give them something to eat.”
They said to Him, “Should we go and buy $16,000 worth of
80
Mark 6
33
“Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread
and give it to them to eat?” A denarius was a day’s wages.
In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10 an hour.
$10×8hours=$80. So one day’s wages is $80(CAD). $80×200=
$16,000. So two hundred denarii is $16,000(CAD).
34
The fourth watch of the night was from 3:00–6:00 A.M.
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Mark 7
7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had
come from Jerusalem gathered around Him. 2 When they saw
some of His disciples eating bread with unclean hands—that
is, unwashed hands—they found fault with them. 3(For the
Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their
hands thoroughly, thus keeping the tradition of the elders. 4When
they come in from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they
wash themselves. There are many other traditions they keep,
such as the washing of cups, pots, bronze vessels, and tables.)
5
So the Pharisees and the teachers of the law asked Him,
“Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of
the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?”
6
He answered and said to them, “Isaiah was right when He
prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written:
35
Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16
36
Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9
82
Mark 7
14
Then Jesus called all the people to Him, and said to them,
“Everyone listen to Me, and understand this: 15nothing that goes
into a man from the outside can defile him. It is what comes
out of a man that defiles him. 16Whoever has ears to hear, let
him hear!”
17
When He went into the house away from the crowd, His
disciples asked Him about this parable. 18“Do you have no
understanding?” He asked. “Do you not realize that nothing
that goes into a man from the outside can defile him? 19For it
does not go into his heart but into his stomach, and then is
eliminated.” (By saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
20
Then He said, “It is what comes out of a man that defiles
him. 21For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts,
adultery, fornication, murder, 22 theft, greediness, wickedness,
deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
23
All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
24
Jesus got up from there and went to the region of Tyre and
Sidon. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know
that He was there, but He could not keep it a secret. 25Upon
hearing about Him, a woman whose daughter had an unclean
spirit came and fell down at His feet. 26Now the woman was a
Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth. She kept begging Him to cast
the demon out of her daughter.
27
“First let the children eat what they want,” Jesus said to
her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw
it to the dogs.”
28
“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “but even the dogs under the
table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29
“For such an answer,” He said to her, “you may go. The
demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When she returned
home, she found her daughter lying in bed, and the demon
was gone.
31
Moving on from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He went to
the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 They
brought to Him a deaf man who could hardly speak, and they
begged Him to lay His hands on him. 33So Jesus took him
aside from the crowd. He put His fingers into the man’s ears,
and then spit and touched his tongue. 34 Then He looked up to
83
Mark 8
84
Mark 8
16
They discussed this among themselves and said, “Is He
saying this because we have no bread?”
17
Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you talking about
having no bread? Do you not comprehend or understand? Are
your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes, but do not see? Do
you have ears, but do not hear? Do you not remember? 19When I
broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls
of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they said to Him.
20
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many basketfuls of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
21
“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked them.
22
When He arrived at Bethsaida, they brought a blind man
to Him and begged Him to touch him. 23So Jesus took the blind
man by the hand and led him out of the town. Then He spit on
his eyes, placed His hands on him, and asked him, “Can you
see anything?”
24
The man looked around. “I can see people,” he said, “but
they look like trees walking around.”
25
Again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes and made
him look around. His sight was restored, and he saw everything
clearly. 26 Then Jesus sent the man home. “Do not go into the
town,” He said, “or tell anyone in the town about this.”
27
Then Jesus and His disciples went to the towns around
Caesarea Philippi. On the way He asked His disciples, “Who do
men say that I am?”
28
“Some say John the Baptist,” they replied, “some say Elijah,
and others say that You are one of the other prophets.”
29
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say that I am?”
“You are the Christ,” answered Peter.
30
And Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him.
31
Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must
suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief
priests, and the teachers of the law, and be killed, and after
three days rise again. 32As He spoke openly about this, Peter
took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33But Jesus turned
around, looked at His disciples, and rebuked Peter. “Get behind
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Mark 9
Me, satan!” He said. “For your mind is not on the things of God,
but on the things of man.”
34
Then Jesus called the crowd to Him, as well as His disciples.
“If anyone desires to come after Me,” Jesus said, “he must deny
himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 35Whoever desires
to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
and for the gospel will save it. 36For what will it profit a man if
he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? 37Or what can
a man offer in exchange for his soul? 38Whoever is ashamed of
Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the
Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the
glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
9 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, some who are
standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom
of God come in power.”
2
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led
them up to a high mountain to be alone. There, before their
very eyes, Jesus was transformed. 3His clothes became radi-
ant, very white, like snow—whiter than anyone on earth could
bleach them. 4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began
talking with Jesus.
5
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, how wonderful it is for us to be
here! I will make three shelters—one for You, one for Moses,
and one for Elijah.” 6Peter did not know what to say, for they
were all terrified.
7
Then a cloud came and surrounded them, and a voice came
from the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”
8
Suddenly, as they looked around, they saw no one with them
but Jesus.
9
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them
not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had
risen from the dead. 10So they kept the matter to themselves,
discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11
“Why, then,” they asked Him, “do the teachers of the law
say that Elijah must come first?”
12
“Elijah truly does come first,” He answered, “in order to
get everything ready. But why is it written that the Son of Man
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Mark 9
must suffer many things and be rejected? 13But I tell you that
Elijah has come, and they did to him what they wanted, just
as it is written about him.”
14
When He came to the other disciples, He saw a large crowd
around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.
15
As soon as the whole crowd saw Him, they were greatly amazed
and ran to greet Him.
16
“What are you arguing with them about?” He asked the
teachers of the law.
17
“Teacher,” said a man in the crowd, “I brought my son
to You. He is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute.
18
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down. He foams at the
mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked Your
disciples to cast it out, but they could not do it.”
19
“You unbelieving generation!” remarked Jesus. “How much
longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up
with you? Bring him here to Me.”
20
So they brought the boy to Him. When the spirit saw Jesus,
it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the
ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked his father.
“Since childhood,” he replied. 22“Many times it has thrown
him into the fire or the water to destroy him. But if You can do
anything, have compassion on us and help us!”
23
“If you can believe,” Jesus said to him, “all things are pos-
sible for him who believes.”
24
Immediately the child’s father cried out and said with tears,
“Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!”
25
When Jesus saw that a crowd was running towards Him,
He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He
said, “I command you to come out of him and to never enter
him again!”
26
Then the unclean spirit cried out, threw the boy into
convulsions, and came out. The boy looked lifeless, and many
said that he was dead. 27But Jesus took him by the hand and
helped him up, and he stood up.
28
When Jesus entered the house, His disciples asked Him
privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
29
“This kind of demon,” answered Jesus, “does not come out
except by prayer and fasting.”
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Mark 9
30
They departed from there and passed through Galilee. He
did not want anyone to know where He was, 31because He was
teaching His disciples. “The Son of Man,” Jesus said to them,
“is going to be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and they
will kill Him. After He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”
32
But they did not understand what He was talking about, and
they were afraid to ask Him.
33
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the
house, He asked them, “What were you arguing about on the
road?” 34But they made no reply, because on the way they had
been arguing with each other about who was the greatest. 35So
He sat down and called the twelve to Him. “If anyone wants
to be first,” He said, “he must be last of all and servant of all.”
36
Then He took a little child and stood him in their midst, and
taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes
a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever
welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.”
38
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone casting out demons
in Your name. We tried to stop him, because he was not one
of us.”
39
“Do not stop him,” said Jesus, “because no one who performs
a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40For
whoever is not against us is for us. 41For whoever gives you a
cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ,
truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
42
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in
Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone
hung around his neck and to be cast into the sea. 43If your right
hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life
without a limb than to have two hands and go into hell—into
the unquenchable fire, 44 where
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Mark 10
And if your eye causes you to sin, rip it out. It is better for
47
you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two
eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell, 48 where
For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will
49
be salted with salt. 50Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavour,
how can it be made salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and
be at peace with one another.”
10 Jesus left that place and travelled along the east side of
the Jordan River to the region of Judea. Again crowds
gathered around Him, and as was His custom, He taught them.
2
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked
Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3
He answered, “What did Moses command you?”
4
They said, “Moses allowed us to write a certificate of divorce
and to send her away.”
5
But Jesus answered them, “It was because of the hardness of
your hearts that he wrote this commandment for you. 6But from
the beginning of creation ‘God made them male and female.’ 38
7
‘ For this reason a man will leave his father
and mother and will be joined to his wife,
8
and the two will become one flesh.’
(Genesis 2:24)
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, what God
has joined together, let man not separate.”
10
When they went inside the house, the disciples asked Him
about this. 11Jesus said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife,
and marries another woman, commits adultery against her.
12
And if a woman divorces her husband, and marries another
man, she commits adultery.”
38
Genesis 1:27, 5:2
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Mark 10
13
Some people brought their little children to Jesus so that
He could touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. 14When
Jesus saw this, He was displeased, and said to them, “Let
the little children come to Me. Do not stop them, because the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.” 16 Then He took the children in His arms, laid
His hands on them, and blessed them.
17
As Jesus was going on His way, a man ran up and knelt
down before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do
to inherit eternal life?”
18
“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “ There is
only One who is good, and that is God. 19 You know the com-
mandments:
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Mark 10
26
They were greatly amazed, and said to one another, “Then
who can be saved?”
27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,
but not with God. For with God all things are possible.”
28
“Look,” said Peter to Him, “we have left everything to follow
You.”
29
“ Truly I say to you,” replied Jesus, “there is no one who
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or
wife or children or fields for My sake and for the sake of the
gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times as much in this
present age—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and
fields, with persecutions—and eternal life in the age to come.
31
However, many who are first will be last, and many who are
last will be first.”
32
As they were on their way down to Jerusalem, Jesus led the
way. This amazed them, but as they followed Him they became
anxious and afraid. Again He took the twelve aside and began
to tell them what was going to happen to Him. 33“We are now
on our way to Jerusalem,” He told them, “and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the
law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over
to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock Him, whip Him, spit on Him,
and kill Him. But on the third day He will rise again.”
35
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to
Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do us a favour.”
36
“What do you want Me to do for you?” asked Jesus.
37
They said to Him, “Promise us that in Your glory we will sit
one at Your right hand and the other at Your left.”
38
“You do not know what you are asking!” Jesus replied. “Can
you drink the cup that I am about to drink, or be baptized with
the baptism that I am about to be baptized with?”
39
“Yes,” they said to Him, “we can.”
“Indeed,” said Jesus, “you will drink from the cup that I am
about to drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that
I am about to be baptized with, 40but it is not for Me to decide
who will sit at My right or left hand. On the contrary, it is My
Father who will make that decision.”
41
Upon hearing this, the other ten disciples became angry
with James and John. 42So Jesus called His disciples to Him and
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Mark 11
said, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over their subjects, and that their men of high
rank exercise authority over the people. 43But it will not be that
way with you. On the contrary, if anyone wants to become great,
he must be your servant. 44And if anyone wants to be first, he
must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for
many.”
46
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with
His disciples and a large crowd, a blind man named Bartimaeus
(the son of Timaeus) sat by the road begging. 47When he heard
that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48
But the people rebuked him and told him to be quiet. Howev-
er, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49
Then Jesus stood still. “Call him,” He said.
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up!” they said. “Get up,
He is calling you!” 50So the man threw off his coat, stood up,
and went to Jesus.
51
“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
“Lord,” the blind man answered, “I want to receive my sight!”
52
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And instantly
the man received his sight and followed Jesus down the road.
92
Mark 11
8
Many spread their coats on the road, while others cut off
palm branches and laid them in His path. 9 Those in front and
those behind cried out:
“Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes
in the name of the Lord!”
(Psalm 118:25-26)
39
Jeremiah 7:11
93
Mark 12
20
In the morning, as they passed by, they noticed that the fig
tree had withered to its very roots. 21Peter, remembering what
had happened, said to Him, “Look, Rabbi, the fig tree that You
cursed has withered!”
22
Jesus replied, “Have faith in God! 23 Truly I say to you,
whoever says to this mountain, ‘ Lift yourself up and throw
yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but
believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
24
Therefore I say to you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe
that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you
stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them,
so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. 26For if you
do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.”
27
They went to Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking in
the temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the
elders came to Him. 28“By what authority are You doing these
things?” they asked Him. “And who gave You this authority?”
29
“I have one question for you,” replied Jesus. “Answer Me,
and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
30
Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven or from
men? Answer Me.”
31
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say,
‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’
32
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowd, because
they all believe that John was a prophet.”
33
“We do not know,” they said to Jesus.
“Well, then,” Jesus replied, “I will not tell you by what
authority I am doing these things.”
94
Mark 12
his beloved son. He sent him last, saying, ‘ They will respect
my son.’ 7But those farmers said to one another, ‘ This is the
heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’
8
Then they grabbed him, killed him, and threw him out of the
vineyard. 9What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do? He
will come and destroy those farmers and will give the vineyard
to others. 10Have you not read this Scripture:
spoken this parable against them, but they were afraid of the
people. So they left Him and went away.
13
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians
to trap Him in His words. 14 When they came to Him, they
said, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere. For You are not
concerned with what others think about You, because You are
not influenced by anyone but teach the way of God in truth.
Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15Should we pay or
should we not pay?”
But knowing their hypocrisy, Jesus said to them, “Why are
you trying to trap Me? Bring Me a denarius so that I may look at
it.” 40 16So they brought Him one. “Whose image and inscription
is this?” He asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17
Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.” And they marvelled at Him.
18
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,
came and asked Him a question, saying, 19“Teacher, Moses
wrote this to us:
40
A denarius was worth a day’s wages.
95
Mark 12
He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.
27
96
Mark 12
97
Mark 13
98
Mark 13
99
Mark 14
want him to come suddenly and find you sleeping. 37What I say
to you I say to everyone: watch!”
100
Mark 14
101
Mark 14
32
Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus
said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took Peter,
James, and John with Him, and began to be greatly overwhelmed
with distress and anguish. 34“My soul is deeply grieved,” He
told them, “to the point of death. Wait here and stay awake.”
35
He went a little further, fell to the ground, and prayed that,
if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36“Abba,
Father,”43 He prayed, “all things are possible for You. Take this
cup away from Me. However, Your will be done, not Mine.”
37
Then He returned and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He
said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not stay awake for
one hour? 38Stay awake, and pray that you will not enter into
temptation. Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39
Again Jesus went away and prayed the same words. 40 Then
He returned and found them sleeping again, because their eyes
were heavy. And they did not know what to say to Him.
41
Then He returned a third time and said to them, “Are you
still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. Look!
The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up,
let us go! Look! My betrayer is coming!”
43
No sooner had He uttered these words than Judas, one of
the twelve, appeared. With him was a large crowd armed with
swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of
the law, and the elders. 44Now His betrayer, Judas, promised
to give them a signal. He said, “The One I kiss is the Man you
want. Arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.”
45
At once, Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, Rabbi,”
and kissed Him. 46 Then they grabbed hold of Jesus and arrested
Him. 47But one of those who were standing there drew their
sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.
48
“Have you come out,” said Jesus, “with swords and clubs to
arrest Me, as if I were some kind of bandit? 49Daily I was in the
temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me. But the Scriptures
must be fulfilled.” 50 Then all the disciples deserted Him and
fled. 51A certain young man had followed Jesus, wearing only
43
Abba is the Aramaic word for father. “Father, Father,” He
prayed, “all things are possible for You.”
102
Mark 14
a linen cloth over his bare body. When they tried to grab him,
52
he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.44
53
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief
priests and the elders and the teachers of the law assembled
together. 54Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the
courtyard of the high priest, and then sat down with the officers
and warmed himself by the fire.
55
The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were looking
for false evidence against Jesus, because they wanted Him to
be put to death. However, they could not find any. 56Although
many falsely testified against Him, their testimonies did not line
up. 57 Then some men came forward and falsely testified against
Him, saying, 58“We heard Him say, ‘ I will destroy this temple
made with human hands, and in three days I will build another
made without human hands.’” 59But even their testimonies did
not line up.
60
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,
“Have You no response to the accusations they are making
against You?” 61But Jesus remained silent and made no reply.
Again the high priest asked Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son
of the Blessed One?”
62
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting
at the right hand of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of
heaven.”
63
Then the high priest tore his clothes and exclaimed, “What
further evidence do we need? 64You have heard His blasphemy!
What do you think?”
And they all condemned Him, saying, “He is guilty of death!”
65
Then some began to spit on Him, and they blindfolded Him
and hit Him with their fists, saying, “Prophesy!” And the officers
slapped Him with the palms of their hands.
66
As Peter was in the courtyard below, a slave-girl of the high
priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she
stared at him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68
But Peter denied Him, saying, “I do not know or understand
44
This young man was most likely John Mark, the author of
the Gospel of Mark.
103
Mark 15
what you are talking about.” Then he went over to the gateway,
and the rooster crowed.
69
The slave-girl saw him again, and began to say to those
standing there, “This man is one of them.” 70Peter, however,
denied Him again.
A little while later those who were standing there said to
Peter again, “You must be one of them, for you are a Galilean,
and your accent proves it.”
71
Denying Him again, Peter swore an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man you are talking about!” 72And immediately the
rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered the words
that Jesus had said to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you
will deny Me three times.” As Peter thought about it, he wept.
104
Mark 15
16
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the
Praetorium), and called together the entire regiment. 17 They
dressed Him in a purple robe, wove a crown of thorns, and
placed it on His head. 18And they began to salute Him, “Hail,
King of the Jews!” 19 Then they repeatedly struck Him on the
head with a staff and spit on Him. And they fell on their knees,
pretending to pay homage to Him. 20 When they had finished
mocking Him, they took the purple robe off Him and dressed
Him in His own clothes. Then they led Him away to be crucified.
21
Now Simon (the father of Alexander and Rufus), who was
from the city of Cyrene, was coming in from the country. As he
was passing by, they forced him to carry His cross. 22And they
brought Him to the place called Golgotha (which is translated,
“The Place of the Skull”). 23 They gave Him some wine mixed with
myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 24When they crucified
Him they divided His clothes, casting lots to see who would get
what. 25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified
Him. 26 The sign of the charges written against Him said:
Two bandits were crucified with Him, one on His right, and
27
105
Mark 16
35
When some of those who were standing there heard this,
they said, “He is calling Elijah!”
36
Then one of them ran and soaked a sponge full of vinegar,
put it on a stick, and gave it to Him to drink, saying, “Leave
Him alone! Let us see if Elijah will come and take Him down!”
37
Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died. 38And the
curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
39
When the officer who was standing across from Him saw
the way He cried out and gave up His spirit, he said, “Truly this
Man was the Son of God!”
40
Some women were also watching from a distance. Among
them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the
younger and of Joses), and Salome. 41When He was in Galilee,
they had followed Him and ministered to Him, along with many
other women who had come down to Jerusalem with Him.
42
It was Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath.
Since it was late in the afternoon, 43Joseph of Arimathea, an
honourable member of the Sanhedrin, who was waiting for
the kingdom of God, boldly approached Pilate and asked for
Jesus’ body. 44Pilate was shocked to hear that He was already
dead. So he summoned the officer to find out if he had in fact
died. 45When Pilate learned the facts from the officer, he gave
the body to Joseph. 46 Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, took
Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen cloth. Then he laid
Him in a tomb that was cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone
to the entrance of the tomb. 47And Mary Magdalene, and Mary
(the mother of Joses), saw where He was laid.
106
Mark 16
not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7Now go, tell His
disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee.
There you will see Him, just as He told you.”
8
Overwhelmed with fear and amazement, they quickly left
the tomb and fled. They said nothing to anyone, because they
were afraid.
9
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast
out seven demons. 10She went and told the disciples, who were
mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that He was alive
and that she had seen Him, they did not believe her.
12
Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two of them as
they were walking in the country. 13So they went back and told
the rest, but they did not believe them.
14
Afterward He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the ta-
ble. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they refused to believe those who had seen Him after
He had risen. 15“Go into all the world,” He said to them, “and
preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and
is baptized 45 will be saved, but whoever does not believe will
be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who
believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak
in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on
the sick, and they will recover.”
19
After the Lord had spoken to them, He was taken up into
heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 Then they went
out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them,
confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it. Amen.
45
Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-12
107
Luke 1
Luke
1 Many have attempted to draw up an account of the events
that have been fulfilled among us, 2based on what the original
eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down to us.
3
And since I have carefully investigated everything from the
beginning, I have decided to write an orderly account for you,
most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the exact
details of everything you have been taught.
108
Luke 1
18
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? My
wife and I are very old.”
19
The angel replied, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence
of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you
this good news. 20Now listen! You will be silent and will not be
able to speak until the day these things happen, because you
did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
21
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, wondering
why he was taking so long in the temple. 22 When Zechariah
came out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized that
he had seen a vision in the temple, because he kept making
gestures to them and could not talk.
23
When the days of his priestly service were over, he went
home. 24After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She did
not go out in public for five months, saying, 25“The Lord has
done this for me. He has looked upon me with favour and has
removed my disgrace among men.”
26
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the
angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin
who was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant
of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her
and said, “Greetings, highly favoured one! The Lord is with
you. Blessed are you among women.” 29Mary was puzzled by
his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favour with God. 31Look! You will become pregnant and
will give birth to a Son, and you will call His name JESUS. 32He
will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and
the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33He
will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom
will have no end.”
34
Mary asked the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35
The angel answered and said to her,
109
Luke 1
36
Look! Your relative Elizabeth has become
pregnant in her old age.
She who was called barren
is now in her sixth month.
37
For with God nothing is impossible.”
38
Then Mary said, “Look, I am the Lord’s slave! May it happen
to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
39
After this, Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill
country of Judea. 40 When she arrived, she entered Zechariah’s
home and greeted Elizabeth. 41As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit. 42She called out with a loud voice and said,
110
Luke 1
54
“He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering His mercy,
55
just as He promised to our fathers—
to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
56
And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and
then returned to her home.
57
When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a
son. 58Upon hearing this, her neighbours and relatives rejoiced
with her because the Lord had shown her such great mercy.
59
On the eighth day they went to circumcise the child. They
were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his
mother said, “No! His name will be John.”
61
They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name.”
62
So they motioned to Zechariah, to find out what he wanted
to name the child.
63
Then Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote,
“His name is John.” And everyone marvelled. 64Immediately
Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and
he began to speak and to praise God.
65
Awe fell upon everyone living around them, and news of
this spread throughout the hill country of Judea. 66Everyone
who heard this pondered it in their hearts, saying, “What will
this child grow up to be?” And the Lord’s hand was with him.
67
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied:
68
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
because He has visited and redeemed His people.
69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70
just as He promised through the mouth
of His holy prophets long ago.
71
Indeed, He promised that He would save us from
our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72
“He has shown mercy to our fathers
and remembered His holy covenant,
73
the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.
111
Luke 2
74
He promised to rescue
us from the hand of our enemies,
so that we could serve Him without fear,
75
in holiness and righteousness
before Him all the days of our life.
76
“And you, child, will be called
a prophet of the Most High.
For you will go ahead of the Lord
to prepare the way for Him,
77
and to give His people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.
78
Because of our God’s tender mercy,
a dawning Light from on high will visit us,
79
to shine on those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to direct our feet into the way of peace.”
80
And the child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he
lived in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance
to Israel.
112
Luke 2
“A pair of turtledoves
or two young pigeons.”
(Leviticus 12:6, 8)
25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was
a righteous and God-fearing man. He was eagerly expecting the
113
Luke 2
One who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon
him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Led by the
Spirit, Simeon went to the temple. When they brought Jesus to
the temple to do what was required by the Law, 28Simeon took
Him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29
“Now, Lord, let Your slave die in peace,
according to Your promise.
30
For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
31
which You have prepared for all people to see—
32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for Your people Israel.”
Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary,
114
Luke 3
days of the feast were over, His parents headed back. Meanwhile,
the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary,
however, were unaware of it. 44 They travelled for a whole day,
supposing that Jesus was with those who were travelling with
them. Then they began to look for Him among their relatives
and friends. 45But when they did not find Him, they went back
to Jerusalem to look for Him. 46After three days they found Him
in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to
them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were
amazed at His insight and answers. 48 When His parents saw
Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why
have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have been
anxiously searching for You!”
49
He said to them, “Why were you searching for Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50But
they did not understand what He was talking about.
51
Then He went back with them to Nazareth, and lived in
obedience to them. But His mother kept all these matters in
her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and
in favour with God and man.
115
Luke 3
7
John said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by
him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
coming wrath? 8Produce fruit that shows that you have truly
repented. Do not think that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have
Abraham as our father!’ For I tell you that from these stones
God can raise up children for Abraham. 9Even now the axe
is ready to strike the root of the trees. Any tree that does not
produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10
The crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?”
11
John answered them, “Whoever has two coats should give
one to someone who has none, and whoever has food should
do the same.”
12
Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked
him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13
John replied, “Collect no more than what you are supposed
to collect.”
14
Some soldiers also asked him, “What should we do?”
John answered, “Be satisfied with your pay, and never use
intimidation or blackmail to extort money.”
15
Since the people were expecting the Messiah to come soon,
they were all wondering in their hearts if John was perhaps the
Messiah. 16But John said to them all, “I baptize you with water,
but there is One coming who is far more superior than I, and I
am not even worthy to untie His sandals. He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in His hand, and
He will clear His threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into
the barn, but He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18
With many other encouraging words John preached the
good news to the people.
19
But when John rebuked Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee,
because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the
other evil things he had done, 20Herod added yet another sin
to everything else: he locked John up in prison.
21
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also
baptized. And as He was praying, the heavens opened, 22and
the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove.
116
Luke 3
117
Luke 3
31
Eliakim was the son of Melea,
Melea was the son of Menna,
Menna was the son of Mattatha,
Mattatha was the son of Nathan,
Nathan was the son of David,
32
David was the son of Jesse,
Jesse was the son of Obed,
Obed was the son of Boaz,
Boaz was the son of Salmon,
Salmon was the son of Nahshon,
33
Nahshon was the son of Amminadab,
Amminadab was the son of Admin,
Admin was the son of Arni,
Arni was the son of Hezron,
Hezron was the son of Perez,
Perez was the son of Judah,
34
Judah was the son of Jacob,
Jacob was the son of Isaac,
Isaac was the son of Abraham,
Abraham was the son of Terah,
Terah was the son of Nahor,
35
Nahor was the son of Serug,
Serug was the son of Reu,
Reu was the son of Peleg,
Peleg was the son of Eber,
Eber was the son of Shelah,
36
Shelah was the son of Cainan,
Cainan was the son of Arphaxad,
Arphaxad was the son of Shem,
Shem was the son of Noah,
Noah was the son of Lamech,
37
Lamech was the son of Methuselah,
Methuselah was the son of Enoch,
Enoch was the son of Jared,
Jared was the son of Mahalaleel,
Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan,
38
Cainan was the son of Enos,
Enos was the son of Seth,
Seth was the son of Adam,
Adam was the son of God.
118
Luke 4
4
2
Then Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the
Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. He ate
nothing during those days, and when they were over He was
hungry. 3 Then the devil said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of
God, command this stone to become bread.”
4
But Jesus answered and said, “It is written:
After the devil had tempted Jesus in every way, he left Him
13
119
Luke 4
14
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and
His fame spread throughout the countryside. 15He taught in
their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16
Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As
was His custom, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath
day. When He stood up to read, 17the scroll of Isaiah the prophet
was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place
where it was written:
46
1 Kings 17:8-24
47
2 Kings 5:1-15
120
Luke 4
28
Everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger when they
heard this. 29So they got up and drove Him out of town. They
took Him to the top of the hill on which the town was built,
intending to throw Him over the edge. 30But He passed through
the midst of them and went on His way.
31
Then He went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught
them on the Sabbath. 32 The people were amazed at His teaching,
because He spoke with authority.
33
In the synagogue there was a man with an unclean demonic
spirit, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34saying, “Leave us
alone! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You
come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
35
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out
of him!” The demon threw the man down in front of them, and
came out of him without injuring him.
36
Everyone was amazed and said to one another, “What is
this doctrine? For with authority and power He gives commands
to unclean spirits and they come out!” 37And His fame spread
throughout the countryside.
38
After Jesus left the synagogue, He went to Simon’s house.
Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they
begged Jesus to help her. 39So He stood over her and rebuked
the fever, and it left her, and immediately she got up and began
to serve them.
40
When the sun went down, the people brought to Him all
who had various diseases. And He laid His hands on every one
of them and healed them. 41Demons also came out of many,
crying out, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” But He rebuked
them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew
that He was the Christ.
42
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a solitary place. The
crowds went looking for Him. And when they found Him, they
tried to keep Him from leaving them. 43But He said to them, “I
must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other
towns as well, for this is why I was sent.” 44And He preached
in the synagogues of Galilee.
121
Luke 5
122
Luke 5
the power of the Lord was present to heal. 18Just then some men
came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring
the man into the house to lay him before Jesus, 19but found it
impossible because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof
and lowered him through the roof tiles, placing him, mat and
all, into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When
Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins
are forgiven.”
21
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law said within
themselves, “Who is this Man who speaks blasphemy? Who
can forgive sins but God alone?”
22
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why are you
thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Tell Me, is it easier to
say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24But
to let you know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, ‘ Get
up, pick up your mat, and go home.’” 25Immediately the man
stood up in front of them, picked up his mat, and went home
glorifying God. 26And they all marvelled and glorified God in
reverence, saying, “We have seen wonderful things today!”
27
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named
Levi sitting at the tax booth. And Jesus said to him, “Follow
Me!” 28So Levi left everything, got up, and followed Him.
29
Then Levi hosted a large banquet at his home in honour of
Jesus, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others
sitting at the table with them. 30 The teachers of the law and
the Pharisees began complaining to His disciples, saying, “Why
are you eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?”
31
Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 32I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
33
They said to Him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and
the disciples of the Pharisees do the same, but Your disciples
are always eating and drinking.”
34
Jesus replied, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while
he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom
will be taken from them, and then they will fast.”
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36
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Nobody tears a patch
from a new garment and sews it on an old garment. If they
did, the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch
would not match the old garment. 37Nobody pours new wine
into old wineskins. If they did, the new wine would swell and
burst the old wineskins. Then the wine would pour out, and
the wineskins would be ruined. 38Instead, new wine must be
put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39And nobody
wants new wine after drinking old wine, because he says, ‘ The
old wine is better.’”
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14
Simon, (whom Jesus called Peter),
Andrew (the brother of Peter),
James,
John,
Philip,
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael),
15
Matthew (also called Levi),
Thomas (also called Didymus—“the twin”),
James (the son of Alphaeus),
Simon (the Zealot),
16
Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus;
the son of James),
Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Him).
17
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a piece of
level ground. A large number of His disciples were there, as well
as many people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal
cities of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear Him and to be
healed of their diseases. 18 Those who were tormented by unclean
spirits were healed, 19and all the people tried to touch Him,
because power was going out from Him and healing everybody.
20
Jesus lifted up His eyes to His disciples and said:
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24
“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your comfort!
25
“Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry!
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37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38
Give, and it will be given to you—a full measure, pressed
down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into
your lap. For whatever measure you deal out, the same will be
dealt out to you.”
39
Jesus also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the
blind? Will they not both fall into a ditch? 40A disciple is not
above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like
his teacher. 41Why do you look at the sliver in your brother’s eye,
but do not notice the beam in your own eye? 42How can you say
to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the sliver out of your eye,’
when you yourself do not see the beam in your own eye? You
hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then
you will see clearly to take the sliver out of your brother’s eye.
43
“A good tree does not produce bad fruit, and a bad tree
does not produce good fruit. 44Each tree is known by its fruit.
You do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.
45
A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings out
good things. But an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his
heart, brings out evil things. For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.
46
“Why do you call Me, ‘ Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I
say? 47Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and
does them—I will show you what he is like: 48he is like a man
who built a house. He dug down deep and laid the foundation
on the rock. When the floodwaters came, and the rising waters
beat against the house, it could not be shaken, because its
foundation was on the rock. 49But the man who hears My words
and does not do them is like a man who built his house on the
ground without a foundation. The rising waters beat against
it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that
house was great!”
7 After Jesus had finished saying all these words in the hearing
of the people, He returned to Capernaum. 2A Roman officer
there had a slave he valued highly, who was sick and about to
die. 3When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish
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elders to ask Him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they
came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, “This man
deserves Your help, 5because he loves our nation and has built
us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them.
As He neared the house, the officer sent some friends to say
to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself! For I am not worthy for
You to come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not come to You
myself. But just say the word, and my slave will be healed. 8For
I am a man under the authority of others, with soldiers under
me. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell another soldier,
‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to my slave, ‘ Do this,’ and he
does it.”
9
When Jesus heard this He marvelled. And He turned to the
crowd that was following Him and said, “I say to you, I have
not found anyone in Israel with such great faith!” 10When those
who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave
completely healed.
11
A little later Jesus went to a town called Nain, and many of
His disciples and a large crowd went with Him. 12As He neared
the town gate, a dead man was being carried out—the only son
of his mother, who was a widow. And a large crowd from the
town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, He had compas-
sion on her and said, “Do not weep.” 14 Then Jesus came up and
touched the coffin, and those who were carrying it stood still. He
said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 Then the dead man
sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
16
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A
great prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His
people.” 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and
the surrounding countryside.
18
John’s disciples reported all these things to him. 19So John
called two of his disciples, and sent them to ask Jesus, “Are
You the One who is coming, or should we expect someone else?”
20
When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist
sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is coming, or should
we expect someone else?’”
21
And in that very hour Jesus healed many of their diseases,
plagues, and evil spirits, and He restored the sight of many who
were blind. 22So Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell
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John what you see and hear: the blind receive their sight, the
lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are
raised, and the poor hear the good news. 23Blessed is the man
who is not offended by Me.”
24
After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the
crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness
to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25No? Then what did you go
out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear
fine clothes and live in luxury are in palaces. 26Well, then, what
did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than
a prophet! 27He is the one about whom it is written:
prophet than John the Baptist! Yet he who is least in the kingdom
of God is greater than he!”
29
When all the people, including the tax collectors, heard
this, they acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they
had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30But the Pharisees
and the experts in the Law refused to accept God’s purpose
for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.
31
Then the Lord said, “To what then should I compare the men
of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children
sitting in the marketplace, who call out to their playmates,
Because John the Baptist did not go around eating bread and
33
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36
Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus over for a meal, so
He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the table. 37A
sinful woman from that town knew that He was eating at the
Pharisee’s house, and brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil.
38
She knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash
His feet with her tears. Then she wiped His feet dry with her
hair, kissed His feet, and anointed them with the fragrant oil.
39
When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said
to himself, “If this Man were a prophet, He would know that
the woman who is clinging to Him is a sinner.”
40
Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
He replied, “Teacher, go ahead and speak.”
41
“A creditor had two debtors. One owed $40,000, and the
other $4,000.48 42Since they could not pay it back, he forgave
both their debts. Now which of them will love him more?”
43
Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one who had the
greater debt forgiven.”
Jesus said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
44
Then Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do
you see this woman? I came into your home, yet you gave Me no
water for My feet. But she has washed My feet with her tears,
and has wiped them dry with her hair. 45 You did not welcome
Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since
I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with olive oil, but this
woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I tell
you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much.
But whoever is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to
the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49
And those who were sitting at the table with Him began to
say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50
But He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go
in peace.”
48
“A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii,
and the other fifty.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In Canada
where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an hour. $10×8
hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is $80(CAD).
500×80=$40,000. So five hundred denarii is $40,000(CAD).
50×80=$4,000. So fifty denarii is $4,000(CAD).
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16
“Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or a bed.
Instead, they put it on a lamp stand, so that those who come
in can see its light. 17Whatever is hidden will be revealed, and
whatever is secret will be made known and brought to light.
18
So be careful how you listen. For whoever has, to him will be
given more. And whoever does not have, even what he thinks
he has will be taken away from him.”
19
His mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were
unable to reach Him because of the crowd. 20Someone told Him,
“Your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want
to see You.”
21
But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who
hear the word of God and do it.”
22
One day Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He
said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the sea.” So
they set off, 23and as they were sailing He fell asleep. Gale-force
winds swept down on the sea, and the boat was swamped by
waves, and they were in danger.
24
So His disciples went and woke Him up, exclaiming, “Master,
Master, we are going to die!”
Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging
water, and everything stopped and became calm. 25 Then He
said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Frightened and amazed, they said to one another, “What kind
of Man is this? He commands even the wind and the water,
and they obey Him!”
26
Then they landed in the region of the Gerasenes, which
is across the sea from Galilee. 27As Jesus stepped ashore, a
demon-possessed man from the city met Him. For a long time he
had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but among
the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he fell down before Him and
cried out with a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus,
Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29He
said this, because Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit
to come out of him. It had seized him many times. And even
though he had been kept under guard, chained hand and foot,
he would break the chains. And the demons would drive him
into the wilderness.
30
So Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
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46
But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, because I felt power
go out from Me.”
47
When the woman realized that she could not hide, she came
trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the
people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she
had been instantly healed.
48
Then He said to her, “Cheer up, daughter! Your faith has
healed you. Go in peace.”
49
While He was still speaking, someone came from the
synagogue leader’s house, saying, “Your daughter has died.
Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50
But when Jesus heard this, He said to Jairus, “Do not fear!
Just believe, and she will be healed.” 51When Jesus arrived at his
house, He did not let anyone go in with Him except Peter, James,
and John, and the girl’s father and mother. 52Everyone was
weeping and mourning for her, but Jesus said, “Stop weeping!
She is not dead. She is only sleeping.” 53But they mocked Him
with laughter, because they knew that she was dead. 54But He
removed them all, took her by the hand, and called out, “Girl,
get up!” 55Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then
He told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were
amazed, but He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what
had happened.
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man if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits his soul?
26
Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man
will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the
glory of His Father and the holy angels. 27Truly I say to you,
some who are standing here will not taste death until they see
the kingdom of God.”
28
About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took
Peter, John, and James with Him, and went up to a mountain to
pray. 29As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed,
and His clothing became bright white. 30Suddenly two men,
Moses and Elijah, began talking with Him. 31They appeared
in glory, discussing His death, which He was going to fulfill
in Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and the others were sound asleep,
but when they woke up, they saw His glory and the two men
standing with Him. 33As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter
said to Jesus, “Master, how wonderful it is for us to be here!
We will make three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and
one for Elijah.” Peter did not know what he was saying. 34But
as he was saying this, a cloud came and surrounded them; and
as they entered the cloud, they became terrified. 35 Then a voice
came from the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, listen to
Him!” 36After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They
kept silent in those days and told no one what they had seen.
37
The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a
large crowd met Him. 38Suddenly a man from the crowd cried
out, saying, “Teacher! I beg You to look at my son, because he
is my only child! 39A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries
out. It throws him into convulsions, and he foams at the mouth.
It severely batters him, and rarely leaves him alone. 40I begged
Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do it.”
41
Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted
generation! How much longer must I be with you and put up
with you? Bring your son here.” 42As the boy was coming near,
the demon knocked him down and threw him into convulsions.
But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave
him back to his father. 43And all the people were amazed at the
mighty power of God.
But while everyone was marvelling at everything He was
doing, Jesus said to His disciples, 44“Let these words sink into
your ears: the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands
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137
Luke 10
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Luke 10
21
At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I
praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You
have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have
revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing
in Your sight.
22
“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. Nobody
knows the Son except the Father, and nobody knows the Father
except the Son—and anyone the Son wants to reveal Him to.”
23
Then Jesus turned to His disciples and said privately,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did
not see them, and to hear what you hear but did not hear them.”
25
Now an expert in the law stood up and tried to trap Him,
saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26
Jesus answered him, “What is written in the law? How do
you interpret it?”
27
The man replied,
And,
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a Levite came to that spot, but when he saw the man, he also
passed by on the other side.
33
“But a Samaritan, who was travelling along the road, came
across him. And when he saw the man, he was filled with
compassion. 34He went over to him, poured olive oil and wine
on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put the man on
his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35
The next day when he departed, he took out $160 and gave it
to the innkeeper, saying, ‘ Take care of him. If you spend more
money on him, I will pay you back when I return.’ 51 36Now which
one of these three men do you think was a neighbour to the
man who was attacked by bandits?”
37
The expert in the law answered, “The one who had mercy
on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
38
As Jesus travelled along, He entered a town, and a woman
named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39She had a sister
named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His
teaching. 40But Martha was distracted by all that she had to do,
and came and asked Him, “Lord, do You not care that my sister
has left me to do all the work alone? Please tell her to help me.”
41
But Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you
are worried and troubled about many things, 42but only one
thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not
be taken away from her.”
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17
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every
kingdom divided against itself will be destroyed, and a household
divided against itself will fall. 18If satan is divided against himself,
how will his kingdom stand? I say this, because you claim that
I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19So if I cast out demons by
Beelzebul, by whom do your disciples cast them out? Indeed,
let them be your judges. 20But if I cast out demons by the finger
of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
21
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his
possessions are secure. 22But when someone stronger attacks
and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the
man trusted in, and divides up his belongings. 23 Whoever is
not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with
Me scatters.
24
“When an unclean spirit leaves a man, it wanders through
dry places seeking rest, but does not find any. Then it says, ‘ I
will return to the house I left.’ 25And when it arrives, it finds
the house swept and decorated. 26 Then it goes and takes along
with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go
in and make their home there. Therefore the man is worse off
in the end than he was in the beginning.”
27
As Jesus was saying this, a woman from the crowd raised
her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that gave birth
to You, and the breasts that nursed You!”
28
But He replied, “On the contrary, blessed are those who
hear the word of God and obey it!”
29
As the people crowded around Him, He began to say, “This
is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, but the only sign you will
be given is the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30For just as Jonah
was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so also will the Son of Man
be to this generation. 31The Queen of Sheba will rise at the
judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn
them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear
Solomon’s wisdom. But look, someone greater than Solomon is
here! 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at
the preaching of Jonah. But look, someone greater than Jonah
is here!
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33
“No one lights a lamp and hides it, or puts it under a
basket. Instead they put it on a lamp stand, so that those who
come in may see its light. 34Your eye is the lamp of your body.
If your eyes are generous, your body is full of light. But if your
eyes are stingy, your body is full of darkness. 35So watch out
that the light in you is not darkness! 36 Therefore, if your body
is full of light, and none of it is dark, it will be completely full
of light, as when a lamp shines its light on you.”
37
When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him
over for a meal. So Jesus went in and sat down to eat. 38 The
Pharisee marvelled when he saw that Jesus did not first wash
His hands before the meal. 39But the Lord said to him, “You
Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you
are full of greed and wickedness. 40Fools! Did not the One who
made the outside make the inside as well? 41But give what is
inside to the poor, and then everything will be clean for you.
42
“Woe to you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue,
and herbs, yet neglect justice and the love of God! You should
have tithed, without neglecting justice and the love of God.
43
“Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the most important
seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted in the marketplaces!
44
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk
on without knowing.”
45
Then one of the experts in the law said to Him, “Teacher,
when You say these things, You are insulting us as well!”
46
He said, “Woe to you, you experts in the law! For you
load men down with burdens that are hard to carry, but you
yourselves do not lift one finger to help ease those burdens.
47
“Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and
it was your fathers who killed them! 48 Therefore, you testify that
you approve of the deeds of your fathers—for they killed the
prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 That is why God in His
wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some
of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50so that this generation
will be held accountable for the blood of all the prophets shed
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53
2 Chronicles 24:20-22
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11
“When they bring you before the synagogues, rulers,
and authorities, do not worry about how you should defend
yourselves or what you should say, 12 for at that moment the
Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.”
13
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my
brother to divide the inheritance with me!”
14
But Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed Me as a judge
or arbitrator over you?” 15 Then He said to them, “Watch out
and guard yourselves from all greed, for a man’s life does not
consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
16
He told them a parable, saying, “The ground of a certain rich
man produced an abundant crop. 17So he thought to himself,
‘ What am I going to do? I have nowhere to store my crops.’
18
Then he said, ‘ I will do this: I will tear down my barns and
build bigger ones, and in them I will store all my grain and
goods. 19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have stored up
many good things for many years. Now rest, eat, drink, and be
merry.”’ 20But God said to him, ‘ You fool! This very night your
soul will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have
prepared for yourself ?’ 21 This is how it will be for those who
store up treasures for themselves, but are not rich toward God.”
22
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you this: do
not worry about your life, as to what you will eat, or about your
body, as to how you will clothe it. 23For life is more important than
food, and the body more important than clothing. 24Consider the
ravens: they do not sow or reap, they do not have storerooms
or barns, yet God feeds them. How much more are you worth
than birds? 25Can any of you add a single hour to your life span
by worrying? 26If you cannot even do a small thing like that,
then why worry about the rest? 27Consider how the lilies grow,
they do not work or make clothing. Yet I tell you that not even
Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. 28If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is alive
today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more
will He clothe you, you of little faith?
29
“Do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink;
do not be doubtful. 30For all the Gentiles of the world strive for
these things, but your heavenly Father knows that you need
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them. 31But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will
be added to you. 32Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions
and give the proceeds to the poor. Provide wallets for yourselves
that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven,
where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35
“Keep your belts fastened and your lamps burning, 36like
men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet,
so that when he comes and knocks you can immediately open
the door for him. 37Blessed are those slaves whose master finds
them watching when he returns. Truly I say to you, he will fasten
his belt, seat them at the table, and will come and serve them.
38
Blessed are those slaves whose master finds them waiting,
even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.54
39
“Remember this: had the owner of the house known at
what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake
and would not have let his house be broken into. 40So be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at a time you do not expect.”
41
Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, are you telling this parable
to us or to everyone?”
42
The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward,
whom the master has put in charge of his servants, to give
them their food allowance at the proper time? 43How blessed
is that slave whom his master finds doing so when he returns.
44
Truly I say to you, he will put him in charge of all that he
owns. 45But if that slave says in his heart, ‘ My master is not
coming back for a while,’ and begins to beat the menservants
and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the
master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect
and at an hour that he does not know. Then his master will whip
him severely and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47The
slave who knows his master’s will, but does not get ready or
does not do what his master wants, will be whipped with many
54
There were four watches in the night. The first watch was
from 6:00–9:00 P.M., the second was from 9:00 P.M.–midnight,
the third was from midnight–3:00 A.M., and the fourth from
3:00–6:00 A.M.
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Luke 13
stripes. 48But the slave who does not know his master’s will,
and does things worthy of stripes, will be whipped with few
stripes. From everyone who has been given much, much will
be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with
much, even more will be asked of him.
49
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it
were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to be baptized
with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51Do
not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. No, I
tell you, but rather division! 52From now on, there will be five
divided in one household: three against two, and two against
three. 53 They will be divided:
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148
Luke 13
and planted in his garden. It grew and became a big tree, and
the birds of the air nested in its branches.” 55
20
And again He said, “To what can I compare the kingdom
of God to? 21It is like yeast, which a woman took and mixed
into a large amount of flour until it worked its way through the
whole batch of dough.”
22
As Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem, He went through
the towns and villages teaching. 23Now someone asked Him,
“Lord, will only a few be saved?”
Jesus answered, 24“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.
For I say to you, many will try to enter, but will not be able to.
25
When the Master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you
will stand outside knocking on the door, saying, ‘ Lord, Lord,
open the door for us!’ But He will answer you, ‘ I do not know
you!’ 26 Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with You, and You
taught in our streets.’ 27But He will say to you, ‘ I do not know
you! Depart from Me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’ 28In
that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when
you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the
kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out! 29People will
come from the east and the west, from the north and the south,
and will sit down in the kingdom of God. 30Look! Those who are
last will be first, and those who are first will be last.”
31
That same day, some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go, get away from here! Herod wants to kill You!”
32
But Jesus said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘ Look! I will cast
out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the
third day I will complete My work.’ 33 Yet I must travel today
and tomorrow and the next day, because it is unthinkable for
a prophet to perish anywhere except in Jerusalem.
34
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone
those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather
your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her
wings, but you would not let Me! 35Look! Your house is left to
55
In the days of Jesus, the mustard seed was the smallest
seed used by farmers and gardeners in the Holy Land. These
mustard plants could grow up to ten feet tall!
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Luke 14
you desolate. Truly I say to you, you will not see Me again until
you say,
56
Proverbs 25:6-7
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Luke 14
15
One of those who were sitting at the table heard this, and
said to Him, “Blessed are those who will eat bread in the kingdom
of God.”
16
Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a large banquet
and invited many. 17When it was time for the banquet, he sent
his slave to tell those who were invited, ‘Come! Everything is
ready now.’ 18But they all made excuses. The first one said, ‘ I
have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse
me.’ 19Another said, ‘ I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and
I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20And another
said, ‘ I just married a wife, so I cannot go.’ 21So the slave went
back and reported all this to his master. Then the master of
the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go quickly into
the streets and alleys of the city and bring back the poor, the
lame, the blind, and those with missing limbs!’ 22 Then the slave
said, ‘Sir, your command has been carried out, and there is
still room.’ 23So the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the
roads and paths and compel the people to come in, so that my
house may be filled! 24For I say to you, none of those men who
were invited will eat at my banquet!’”
25
Jesus turned to the large crowds that were accompanying
Him and said, 26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate
his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers
and sisters, as well as his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27
Whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be
My disciple.
28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Would you not
first sit down and calculate the cost to see if you have enough
money to complete it? 29For if you lay the foundation and cannot
finish it, everyone who sees it will mock you, 30saying, ‘This man
started to build, but could not finish!’
31
“Or suppose a king is about to engage another king in battle.
Would he not first sit down with his advisers and determine
whether his ten thousand men can fight a king who is coming
against him with twenty thousand? 32If not, while the other is
still a long way off, he will send a delegation to ask for terms
of peace.
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Luke 15
33
“Likewise, none of you can be My disciples unless you give
up everything. 34Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavour, how
can it be made salty again? 35It is not fit for the soil or for the
manure pile, but is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let
him hear!”
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Luke 16
17
“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘ How many of
my father’s hired men have an abundance of food, and here I
am starving to death! 18I will get up and go to my father, and
say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against
you! 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like
one of your hired men.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion. So his father ran to him, threw his
arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21Then his son said to
him, ‘ Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you! I
am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22But his father said
to his slaves, ‘ Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Then bring
the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate! 24For
this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive again! He was
lost, but now he is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25
“Now his oldest son was in the field. On his way back, as
he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So
he called one of the slaves and asked him what was happening.
27
The slave said, ‘ Your brother has come back home, and your
father has killed the fattened calf because he has come back
safe and sound.’
28
“But the oldest son became angry and would not go into the
house. So his father came out and begged him to come in. 29But
he answered his father, ‘Look! I have served you like a slave for
many years, and I have never disobeyed a single commandment
of yours. Yet you never even gave me a young goat, so that I
could celebrate with my friends! 30But when this son of yours
came back, after wasting your money on prostitutes, you killed
the fattened calf for him!’ 31Then his father said to him, ‘Son,
you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But
now we must rejoice and celebrate! For this brother of yours
was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he
is found!’”
16
2
Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man
whose steward was accused of squandering his possessions.
So he summoned the steward and said to him, ‘ What is this I
153
Luke 16
154
Luke 17
before God. 16 The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until
John. Since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has
been proclaimed, and everyone is pushing to get into it. 17It is
easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke
of a letter in the Law to fail. 18Whoever divorces his wife, and
marries another woman, commits adultery. And whoever marries
a woman, divorced from her husband, commits adultery.
19
“Now there was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine
linen and lived in luxury every day. 20A beggar named Lazarus,
who was covered with sores, lay at his gate. 21He longed to eat
the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table, but instead the
dogs would come and lick his sores. 22One day the beggar died
and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. And
the rich man also died and was buried.
23
“In hell, as he was in torment, he looked up and saw
Abraham a long way off with Lazarus by his side. 24And he
cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send
Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue,
because I am in torment in this inferno.’ 25But Abraham said,
‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good
things, whereas Lazarus received bad things. But now he is
comforted here, while you are in torment. 26Besides all this,
a wide chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that no
one from here can cross over to you, and no one from there
can cross over to us.’
27
“The rich man answered, ‘Father Abraham, I beg you to send
Lazarus to my father’s house, 28because I have five brothers.
Let him warn them, so that they do not end up in this place of
torture.’ 29But Abraham said to him, ‘ They have Moses and the
Prophets; they can listen to them.’ 30 The rich man replied, ‘ No,
father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them,
they will repent!’ 31Abraham said to him, ‘ If they do not listen
to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if
someone rises from the dead.’”
155
Luke 17
his neck and to be cast into the sea than to cause one of these
little ones to sin. 3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins against
you, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins
against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day
turns to you and says, ‘ I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you can say to this sycamore tree, ‘ Be uprooted and planted in
the sea,’ and it will obey you! 7 Which one of you, who has a slave
ploughing or tending the sheep, will say to him when he comes
in from the field, ‘Come! Sit down to eat’? 8None of you! Instead,
you will say to him, ‘Prepare me something to eat. Fasten your
belt and wait on me while I eat and drink, then afterwards you
can eat and drink.’ 9 Will you thank that slave because he did
what you commanded him? I think not! 10Likewise, when you
have done everything you were commanded, you should say,
‘ We are worthless slaves. We have only done our duty.’”
11
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed between Samaria
and Galilee. 12As He entered a village, He was met by ten men
with leprosy. They stood at a distance, 13and lifted up their
voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go! Show yourselves to
the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15
But one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned
back and glorified God with a loud voice. 16He fell facedown at
Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. The man was a Samaritan.
17
Jesus said, “Were not ten of you cleansed? Where are the
other nine? 18 Was this foreigner the only one who turned back
to give glory to God?” 19 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and
go! Your faith has healed you.”
20
Some of the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the kingdom
of God come?” Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God is not
coming in the way you expect to see it. 21People will not say,
‘ Look! Here it is!’ or ‘ Look! There it is!’ For look! The kingdom
of God is in your midst.”
22
Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when
you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you
will not see it. 23People will say to you, ‘ Look! Here He is!’ or
‘ Look! There He is!’ But do not go after them or follow them.
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Luke 18
24
For as lightning flashes and illuminates one end of the sky to
the other, so will the Son of Man be on the day of His return.
25
But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this
generation.
26
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the
days of the Son of Man. 27People were eating, drinking, marrying,
and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the
ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28Likewise,
just as it was in the days of Lot—people were eating, drinking,
buying, selling, planting, and building. 29But on the day Lot
left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained down from heaven and
destroyed them all. 30 That is how it will be on the day the Son
of Man is revealed. 31On that day, those on the rooftop, whose
belongings are in the house, must not go down to get them.
Likewise, those in the field must not turn back for anything.
32
Remember Lot’s wife!58 33Whoever tries to save his life will lose
it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you, on that
night there will be two people in one bed—one will be taken, and
one will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together at
the mill—one will be taken, and one will be left. 36 Two men will
be working in the field—one will be taken, and one will be left.”
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Luke 18
8
I say to you, He will swiftly grant them justice! But when the
Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
9
Then Jesus told this parable to those who trusted in their
own righteousness and looked down on others: 10“Two men went
up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other
was a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed about him-
self, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men, who steal,
cheat, and commit adultery, or even like this tax collector. 12I
fast twice a week, and give a tenth of all that I get.’ 13But the
tax collector stood at a distance, and would not even lift his
eyes to heaven. He beat his chest and said, ‘God, be merciful to
a sinner like me.’ 14I tell you, this man went back to his home
justified rather than the other. For whoever exalts himself will
be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
15
Some people brought their babies to Jesus, so that He could
touch them. But when His disciples saw this, they rebuked
them. 16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let
the little children come to Me. Do not stop them, because the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 17Truly I say to
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.”
18
A certain leader asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I
do to inherit eternal life?”
19
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There
is only One who is good, and that is God. 20 You know the
commandments:
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Luke 18
follow Me.” 23But when the leader heard this he became sad,
because he was very rich.
24
When Jesus saw how sad he was, He said, “How difficult
it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25For
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than
for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26
Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?”
27
Jesus answered, “What is impossible with man is possible
with God.”
28
Then Peter said, “We have left everything to follow You.”
29
Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who
has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children for the
sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive far more in
this present time, and eternal life in the age to come.”
31
Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, “We are
now on our way to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by
the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32He will be
handed over to the Gentiles, and He will be mocked, abused,
and spit on. 33And they will whip Him and put Him to death,
but on the third day He will rise again.”
34
But the disciples understood none of this. Its meaning
was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was
talking about.
35
As Jesus was nearing Jericho, there was a blind man sitting
by the road begging. 36When he heard the crowd going past, he
asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth
is passing by.”
38
So he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy
on me!”
39
But the people in front rebuked him and told him to be
quiet. However, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have
mercy on me!”
40
Then Jesus stood still and commanded the man to be
brought to Him. As the man approached, Jesus asked him,
41
“What do you want Me to do for you?”
The man exclaimed, “Lord, I want to receive my sight!”
42
Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight! Your faith
has healed you!” 43Immediately the man received his sight and
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Luke 19
followed Jesus, glorifying God. And when all the people saw
this, they gave praise to God.
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Luke 19
15
“After receiving his kingdom, he returned home. Then he
summoned the slaves to whom he had given the money, to find
out how much each one had made by investing. 16 The first one
came and said, ‘ Master, your mina has made ten more minas.’
17
The king said to him, ‘ Well done, good slave! Since you have
been faithful in such a small matter, I will put you in charge
of ten cities.’ 18 The second one came and said, ‘ Master, your
mina has made five minas.’ 19 The king said to him, ‘ You will be
in charge of five cities.’
20
“Then another one came and said, ‘ Master, look! Here is
your mina. I kept it hidden in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid
of you, because you are a hard man. For you profit where you
did not invest, and you reap what you did not sow.’ 22 The king
said to him, ‘ I will judge you by the words of your mouth, you
wicked slave! Since you knew that I was a hard man, profiting
where I did not invest and reaping where I did not sow, 23 then
why did you not deposit my money in the bank? Then when I
returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ 24So the king
said to those standing there, ‘ Take the mina away from him
and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25But they said to
him, ‘ Master, he already has ten minas!’ 26 The king replied, ‘ I
tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given. But from
the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken
away from him. 27Now, as for those enemies of mine who did
not want me to rule over them, bring them here and execute
them in front of me!’”
28
After saying these things, Jesus travelled onward to
Jerusalem. 29As He approached the towns of Bethphage and
Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples
off 30with these instructions: “Go to the town across the way.
When you get there, you will find a colt tied up that nobody
has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks
you, ‘ Why are you untying it?’ say to them, ‘ The Lord needs
it.’” 32So the two disciples went off and found everything just
as He had told them.
33
As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why
are you untying the colt?”
34
The disciples said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought
the colt to Jesus, threw their coats on it, and put Jesus on it.
36
As He was going along, people spread their coats on the road.
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Luke 20
60
Jeremiah 7:11
162
Luke 20
priests and the teachers of the law and the elders approached
Him. 2 They spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority
are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”
3
Jesus answered and said to them, “I have a question for
you. Answer Me: 4did John’s authority to baptize come from
heaven or from men?”
5
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say,
‘ From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘ Then why did you not believe
John?’ 6But if we say, ‘ From men,’ all the people will stone us,
because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7So they
answered, “We do not know where it came from.”
8
Then Jesus said to them, “Well, then, I will not tell you by
what authority I am doing these things.”
9
Then Jesus told the people this parable: “There was a man
who planted a vineyard, he leased it to some farmers, and
went away for a long time. 10At harvest time, he sent a slave
to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard.
But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
11
So he sent another slave. They beat him as well, treated him
shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 Then he sent
a third slave, but they wounded him and threw him out as well.
13
“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘ What should I do? I
will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him when
they see him.’ 14But when the farmers saw him, they said to
one another, ‘ This is the heir. Come! Let us kill him, so that
the inheritance will be ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the
vineyard and killed him.
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Luke 20
164
Luke 21
34
Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are
given in marriage, 35but those who are counted worthy of the
age to come, and of the resurrection from the dead, will not
marry or be given in marriage. 36 They cannot die anymore, for
they are like the angels. They are sons of God, because they
are sons of the resurrection.
37
“Even Moses in the account of the burning bush showed that
the dead are raised. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 62 38He is not the God
of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
39
Some of the teachers of the law remarked, “Teacher, You
have spoken well.” 40And after that nobody dared to ask Him
anything.
41
Then Jesus said to them, “How can they say that the Christ
is the son of David? 42For David himself says in the book of
Psalms,
21 Jesus looked up and saw the rich dropping their gifts into
the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow dropping
in two small coins. 3He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow
has put in more than all the rest of them. 4All these people put
62
Exodus 3:6
165
Luke 21
their money into the offering out of their surplus, but she out
of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
5
Some of His disciples were talking about the temple, how it
was decorated with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated
to God. But Jesus said, 6“As for these things that you see, the
days will come when not one stone will be left on another; they
will all be thrown down.”
7
So they asked Him, “Teacher, when will these things happen?
And what will be the sign that these things are about to take
place?”
8
He said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will
come in My name, saying, ‘ I am the Christ,’ and ‘ The time has
come.’ But do not follow them. 9And when you hear of wars and
revolutions, do not be terrified. For these things must happen
first, but the end will not come right away.”
10
Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes
and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be
terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12But before all
this, they will lay hands on you and will persecute you. They
will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you
will be brought before kings and governors on account of My
name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So settle
it in your hearts not to meditate ahead of time about how you
will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words of wisdom
that none of your opponents will be able to contradict or refute.
16
You will be betrayed even by your parents, brothers, relatives,
and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17You will
be hated by everyone because of My name. 18But not one hair
of your head will perish. 19By your perseverance you will gain
your lives.
20
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you
will know that her desolation is near. 21Then those in Judea
must flee to the mountains. Those in Jerusalem must get out,
and those in the countryside must not enter her. 22For these
are the days of vengeance, so that all that is written may be
fulfilled. 23How terrible it will be in those days for women who
are pregnant or nursing. There will be great distress in the land
and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of
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Luke 22
the sword and will be led captive into all the nations, and Je-
rusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times
of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The nations
of the earth will be distressed and confused because of the
roaring of the sea and its tides. 26Men will faint from terror
when they see what is going to happen on the earth, for the
powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son
of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When
these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption draws near.”
29
Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree or any
other tree. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see and know
for yourselves that summer is near. 31Likewise, when you see
these things happening, you will know that the kingdom of God
is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things are fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth will pass
away, but My words will never pass away.
34
“Be on your guard, so that your hearts are not weighed
down with gluttony, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, or
that day will come on you unexpectedly. 35For it will come like
a trap on all the inhabitants of the whole earth. 36Always be
watchful, and petition God that you may be counted worthy to
escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able
to stand before the Son of Man.”
37
During the day Jesus taught in the temple, but at night He
went and stayed on the Mount of Olives. 38And all the people
came early in the morning to listen to Him in the temple.
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Luke 22
them. 5 They were delighted, and agreed to give him silver. 6He
consented, and began to look for an opportunity to hand Jesus
over to them when the crowds were not present.
7
Then the Day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover
lamb had to be sacrificed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying,
“Go and prepare the Passover meal for us to eat.”
9
They asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?”
10
He replied, “When you go into the city, you will meet a
man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house he
enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, ‘ The Teacher asks
you, “Where is the guest room, where I can eat the Passover
with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large upper room
that is furnished. Make preparations there.” 13So they went and
found everything just as He had told them, and they prepared
the Passover meal.
14
When the hour came, Jesus sat at the table, and the twelve
apostles sat with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “I have earnestly
desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell
you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of
God.”
17
Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks He said,
“Take this and share it among yourselves. 18For I say to you, I
will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God
comes.” 19 Then He took the bread, and after giving thanks, He
broke it and gave it to them, saying “This is My body, which is
given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20Likewise, He
took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant
in My blood, which is poured out for you.
21
“But Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table.
22
Truly the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but
woe to that man who betrays Him!” 23 Then they asked each
other which one of them would do such a thing.
24
A dispute arose among the disciples as to which one of
them was the greatest. 25So Jesus said to them, “The kings of
the Gentiles lord it over their subjects, and those who exercise
authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26But you
must not be like that! On the contrary, the greatest among you
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Luke 22
must be like the youngest, and the one who leads must be like
a servant. 27For who is the greatest, the one sitting at the table
or the one serving? It is the one sitting at the table, is it not?
But I am among you as one who serves.
28
“You are the ones who have remained with Me in My trials.
And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed
29
one on Me, 30so that you may eat and drink at My table in My
kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes
of Israel.”
31
Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has
demanded to sift you like wheat, 32but I have petitioned the
Father for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have
turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33
But Peter said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You
both to prison and to death!”
34
Jesus replied, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow
today until you have denied knowing Me three times.”
35
Jesus said to them, “When I sent you without a moneybag,
traveller’s bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?”
They replied, “Nothing at all.”
36
Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a moneybag
should take it, and likewise a traveller’s bag. And whoever has
no sword should sell his coat and buy one. 37For I tell you that
this Scripture must be fulfilled concerning Me:
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Luke 22
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Luke 23
had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny
Me three times.” 62 Then Peter went outside and wept bitterly.
63
The men who were guarding Jesus began to mock Him and
beat Him. 64 They blindfolded Him, and kept hitting Him in the
face, saying, “Prophesy! Who is it who hit You?” 65And they said
many other blasphemous things against Him.
66
When day came, the elders of the people, the chief priests,
and the teachers of the law assembled together and brought Him
before the Sanhedrin, saying, 67“If You are the Christ, tell us!”
But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me.
68
And if I ask you a question, you will not answer Me or let Me
go. 69But from now on, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand
of Almighty God.”
70
Then they all asked, “Are You, then, the Son of God?”
Jesus answered, “You are correct.”
71
And they said, “What further evidence do we need? We have
heard it from His own mouth!”
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10
And the chief priests and the teachers of the law stood and
viciously accused Him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers mocked
Him, and despised Him. They dressed Him in a magnificent
robe and made fun of Him, and then sent Him back to Pilate.
12
That day Pilate and Herod became friends with one another.
Before this they had been enemies.
13
Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and
the people, 14and said to them, “You brought this Man to me as
one who misleads the people. But I have examined Him before
you, and I have not found this Man guilty of any of the crimes
of which you have accused Him of doing. 15Neither did Herod,
so he sent Him back to us. Look! He has done nothing worthy
of death. 16 Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.”
17
Now Pilate was obligated to release one prisoner to them
at the feast. 18So they all cried out in unison, saying, “Away
with this Man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19(Barabbas had been
thrown into prison for a rebellion that had occurred in the city,
and for murder.) 20Pilate, however, wanting to release Jesus,
addressed them again. 21But they kept crying out, “Crucify
Him! Crucify Him!”
22
Then Pilate said to them a third time, “Why? What wrong
has this Man done? I have not found any reason to put Him to
death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.” 23But
they persisted with loud voices, demanding that He be crucified.
And the voices of the people and the chief priests prevailed.
24
So Pilate decided to grant them their request. 25He released
Barabbas, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and
murder, just as they asked. He gave them what they desired,
and handed Jesus over to be killed.
26
As the soldiers led Jesus away, they grabbed hold of a man
from the city of Cyrene, named Simon, who was on his way in
from the country. They put the cross on him, and made him
carry it behind Jesus. 27A large crowd of people followed Him,
including some women who were weeping and wailing for Him.
28
But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem,
do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children!
29
Look! The days will come when you will say, ‘ Blessed are the
barren women, and the wombs that never bore children, and
the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Indeed,
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Luke 23
For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will
31
THIS IS
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
39
Then one of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at Him,
saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us!”
40
But the other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Do you not
fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41We
are punished justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our
deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
42
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come
into Your kingdom!”
43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise.”
44
At around noon, darkness fell upon the entire land until
three in the afternoon. 45 The sun stopped shinning, and the
veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus cried out with
a loud voice and said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My
spirit!” After He said this, He died.
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47
Upon seeing this, the officer who was guarding Jesus
glorified God, saying, “Truly this Man was righteous!” 48When
all the people who had gathered for this event saw what had
happened, they beat their chests and went away. 49But all those
who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him
from Galilee, stood watching from a distance.
50
Now there was a man named Joseph, who was a member
of the Sanhedrin. He was a good and righteous man, 51 who had
not agreed with the decision and actions of the Sanhedrin. He
was from the Jewish city of Arimathea, and he was waiting for
the kingdom of God. 52He approached Pilate and asked for the
body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and
placed it in a tomb that was cut out of the rock, where no one
had ever been laid.
54
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed
Joseph, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then
they went back and prepared fragrant spices and ointments.
And they rested on the Sabbath as commanded.
24 But on the first day of the week, very early in the morning,
they went to the tomb, carrying the fragrant spices that
they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the
tomb, 3but when they went in, they did not find the body of the
Lord Jesus. 4 While they were puzzled about this, two men in
shining clothes suddenly stood beside them. 5 The women were
terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said
to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?
6
He is not here—He has risen! Remember what He told you while
He was still in Galilee: 7‘ The Son of Man must be delivered into
the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be
raised again.’” 8 Then they remembered His words. 9 When they
returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the
eleven and to all the rest. 10 The women who told this to the
apostles were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary (the mother of
James), and some others who were with them.
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Luke 24
11
Their words seemed like nonsense to the men, and they
did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb,
stooped down, and saw the linen strips lying by themselves.
Then he went away, wondering what had happened.
13
That same day two of them were walking to a village called
Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They
were talking to each other about all that had happened. 15While
they were talking and discussing these things, Jesus Himself
came near and began walking with them. 16But their eyes were
kept from recognizing Him. 17And Jesus said to them, “What
are you discussing together as you walk along, which is making
you so sad?”
18
Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to
Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not
know what has happened there in the last few days?”
19
Jesus said to them, “What things?”
They replied, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who
was a prophet, powerful in both deed and word before God and
all the people. 20Our chief priests and leaders handed Him over
to be condemned to death, and He was crucified. 21We were
hoping that He was the One who was going to redeem Israel.
But it has already been three days since these things happened.
22
However, some of our women amazed us. Early this morning
they went to the tomb, 23but did not find His body there. And
they came back and told us that they had seen a vision of
angels, who said that He was alive. 24Some of our men went to
the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said. However,
they did not see Him.”
25
Then Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how
slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was
it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then
to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all
the Prophets, He explained to them all that was written about
Himself in the Scriptures.
28
As they approached the village where they were headed,
Jesus acted as though He were going further. 29But they strongly
urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, and
the day is almost gone.” So He went in to stay with them. 30While
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Luke 24
He was at the table with them, He took the bread, and after
giving thanks, He broke it and gave it to them. 31 Then their
eyes were opened and they recognized Him. But He vanished
from their sight. 32 Then they said to one another, “Did not our
hearts burn within us while He was talking to us on the road
and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
33
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem.
There they found the eleven and those who were gathered
together with them, 34saying, “The Lord has really risen! He has
appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two described to them what
had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus
when He broke the bread.
36
As they were talking about this, Jesus Himself stood in
their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were
startled and terrified, because they thought that they were seeing
a ghost. 38But Jesus said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why
do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at My hands and My feet.
It is I Myself! Go ahead, touch Me and see. For a ghost does
not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40After saying
this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41And while they
were still in disbelief on account of their joy and amazement,
Jesus asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42So
they handed Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb.
43
And He took them and ate them in their presence.
44
Then Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you I
spoke these words to you: everything written about Me in the
Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46
and said to them, “It is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance
and the forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to
all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of
these things. 49Look! I am sending the promise of My Father
upon you, so stay in the city of Jerusalem until you have been
clothed with power from on high.”
50
Then He led them out as far as the town of Bethany, and He
lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51While He was blessing
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Luke 24
63
The town of Bethany was located on the Mount of Olives.
When Christ returns He will touch foot on the Mount of Olives
(Zechariah 14:3-4). Jesus will return in the same way He left
(Acts 1:9-12).
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John 1
John
1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2
He was with God in the beginning.
3
All things were created by Him,
and not one thing that was created
could exist without Him.
4
He was the source of life,
and His life gives light to all mankind.
5
The Light shines through the darkness,
and the darkness can never expel it.
There was a man named John, who was sent from God.
6
7
He came as a witness to testify of the Light, so that everyone
might believe through his testimony. 8John was not the Light,
but came to testify of the Light.
9
Indeed! The true Light,
which shines on all mankind,
was coming into the world.
10
He was in the world,
and He created the world,
but the world did not know Him.
11
He came to His own homeland,
but His own people did not receive Him.
gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were not born
by natural birth, or by man’s efforts, or because they were
Abraham’s descendants—on the contrary, they were born of God.
178
John 1
Now these men, who had been sent by the Pharisees, 25asked
24
him, “If you are not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, then
why are you baptizing the people?”
26
John answered, “I baptize with water. However, in your
midst stands One you do not know. 27He is the One who comes
179
John 1
180
John 2
181
John 3
13
The Jewish Passover was near, so Jesus went down to
Jerusalem. 14 In the temple He found moneychangers, and
people selling cattle, sheep, and doves. 15So He made a whip
out of ropes and drove them all out of the temple—the sheep,
cattle, and the moneychangers—dumping out their money and
overturning their tables. 16And He said to those selling doves,
“Get these things out of here! Do not make My Father’s house
a house of merchandise!”
17
His disciples later recalled that it was written:
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John 3
5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man
is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom
of God.64 6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born
of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be surprised that I said to you,
‘ You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes;
you can hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes
from or where it goes. It is the same with everyone who is born
of the Spirit.”
9
“How can this be possible?” asked Nicodemus.
10
“You are a teacher of Israel,” said Jesus, “and you do not
know this? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know,
and we testify of what we have seen, yet you do not receive our
testimony. 12If I tell you about earthly things and you do not
believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
13
No man has gone up to heaven except He who came down
from heaven—the Son of Man, who is from heaven. 14Just as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,65 so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should
not perish, but have eternal life.
16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but should
have eternal life. 17In fact, God did not send His Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
18
The man who believes in Him is not condemned, but the man
who does not believe has already been condemned, because he
has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 The
reason they stand condemned is this: light has come into the
world, but they loved darkness more than light, because their
deeds were evil. 20For every man who practices evil hates the
light, and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will
be exposed. 21But the man who practices the truth comes to
the light, so that it may be perfectly clear that his deeds were
accomplished through God.”
22
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the countryside
of Judea, where He spent some time with them baptizing. 23John
was also baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was an
64
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born again through
the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Titus 3:5).
65
Numbers 21:8
183
John 4
4 When Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was
making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(though
Jesus was not baptizing the people, His disciples were), 3He
left Judea and went back to Galilee.
4
While He was passing through Samaria, 5He came to a
town called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given
to his son Joseph. 6Since Jacob’s well was there, and since
Jesus was tired from His journey, He sat down at the well. It
was about noon.
7
A Samaritan woman came to draw some water.
“May I have a drink,” Jesus said to her. 8(His disciples had
184
John 4
185
John 4
26
Jesus said to her, “I, the One who is speaking to you, am
He.”
27
At that moment His disciples returned, and they were
surprised to find Him talking with the woman. But nobody
dared to ask, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking
with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jug, went into the
town, and said to everyone, 29“Come, see a Man who told me
everything that I have ever done. Could He possibly be the
Christ?” 30 Then the people left the town and went to see Jesus.
31
In the meantime His disciples begged Him, saying, “Rabbi,
You should eat something.”
32
“I have food to eat that you do not know about,” He told
them.
33
“Did someone bring Him something to eat?” said the disciples
to one another.
34
“My food,” explained Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who
sent Me, and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, ‘After four
months the harvest comes’? Look! I say to you, lift up your
eyes and look at the fields, because they are ripe and ready to
harvest. 36Already the reaper is receiving wages and gathering
fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice
together. 37For this saying is true: ‘one sows, another reaps.’ 38I
sent you to reap what you have not laboured for. Others have
laboured for it, and you will share in their labour.”
39
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him
because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything that
I have ever done.” 40 The Samaritans came and asked Him to
stay with them, so He stayed there for two days. 41And many
more believed because of the words He spoke.
42
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because
of what you said, for we ourselves have heard and know that
He is truly the Saviour of the world—the Christ!”
43
Two days later, He left and went to Galilee. 44(Jesus Himself
testified that a prophet has no honour in his own country.)
45
When He arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him
because of all the things that He had done in Jerusalem at the
Passover Feast. For they, too, had been at the Feast.
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John 5
46
Jesus went back to the town of Cana in Galilee, where He
had turned the water into wine. Now in the town of Capernaum
there was a nobleman whose son was sick. 47When he heard
that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee, he went to
Jesus and asked Him if He would come and heal his dying son.
48
“Unless you see signs and wonders,” Jesus remarked, “you
will not believe.”
49
“Sir,” begged the nobleman, “come to Capernaum before
my son dies.”
50
“Go,” replied Jesus, “your son will live.” And the man believed
what Jesus said and left. 51While he was on his way, his slaves
met him and said, “Your son is alive and well!”
52
He asked them at what time his son had recovered.
“The fever left him,” they said, “yesterday, at one o’clock in
the afternoon.”
53
Then the father realized that this was the very hour when
Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his entire
household believed. 54 This was the second miraculous sign that
Jesus did in the town of Cana in Galilee—which He performed
after He had come back from Judea.
5 Some time after this, there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus
went down to Jerusalem. 2Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem
there was a pool, which was called Bethesda in Aramaic. It had
five covered porches. 3Lying under these porches were a large
number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed, who
were waiting for the stirring of the water. 4Every so often, an
angel came and stirred the water of the pool. Whoever entered
the pool first, after the stirring of the water, was healed of
whatever disease they had. 5Now there was a man present who
had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying
there, He knew that he had been there for a long time. So He
asked him, “Do you want to be healed?”
7
“Sir,” the sick man replied, “I have no one to throw me
into the pool when the water is stirred. So when I try to enter,
someone else gets in before me.”
8
“Get up,” Jesus said to him, “pick up your mat and walk!”
9
Instantly the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and
walked.
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John 5
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John 6
because He is the Son of Man. 28Do not marvel at this. For the
time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear the
Son’s voice, 29and will come out—those who have done good,
to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of judgment. 30By Myself I can do nothing. Whatever
I hear, I judge. My judgment is just, because I do not seek My
own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.
31
“If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There
is Someone else who testifies about Me, and I know that His
testimony about Me is valid. 33 You have sent messengers to
John, and he has testified to the truth. 34However, I do not
accept man’s testimony. I only mentioned this, so that you may
be saved. 35John was a burning lamp that shone brightly, and
for a season you were willing to rejoice in his light.
36
“But I have a testimony greater than John’s—the very works
that the Father has given Me to complete. The works that I do
testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37And the Father
who sent Me also testifies about Me. Never at any time have
you heard His voice or seen His form. 38And you do not have
His word living in you, because you do not believe in the One
He sent. 39You search the Scriptures, because you think that in
them you have eternal life, yet these very Scriptures testify about
Me. 40But you refuse to come to Me, so that you may have life.
41
“I do not accept man’s praise. 42But I know you, that you
do not have God’s love within you. 43I have come in My Father’s
name, and you do not accept Me. But if someone else comes in
his own name, you will accept him. 44So how can you believe
when you accept praise from one another, but do not seek the
praise that comes from the one and only God?
45
“Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your
accuser is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46If you
believed Moses, you would believe Me, because Moses wrote
about Me. 47But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will
you believe My words?”
6 Some time later, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the
Sea of Galilee (also called, the Sea of Tiberias). 2A large crowd
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John 6
67
“Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough
for each of them to receive a little.” A denarius was a day’s
wages. In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10
an hour. $10×8hours=$80. So one day’s wages is $80(CAD).
$80×200=$16,000. So two hundred denarii is $16,000(CAD).
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John 6
willingly took Him into the boat, and instantly the boat reached
its destination.
22
The next day the crowd stood on the other side of the sea
waiting for Jesus. They had seen that Jesus and His disciples
had arrived in one boat, and that His disciples had left in the
boat without Him. 23Some boats came from the city of Tiberias,
which is near the place where they had eaten the loaves after
the Lord had given thanks. 24When the crowd saw that neither
Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and
went to the town of Capernaum to look for Jesus.
25
When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they
asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
26
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are
looking for Me not because of the miraculous signs that you
saw, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27Do not
work for food that perishes, but for food that lasts to eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give to you. On Him God the
Father has placed His seal of approval.”
191
John 6
192
John 7
this bread, which came down from heaven, will live forever—
unlike the manna that your fathers ate and died.” 59Jesus said
this while teaching in the synagogue in the town of Capernaum.
60
When they heard this, many of His disciples said, “This
message is absurd. Who can accept it?”
61
When Jesus knew within Himself that His disciples were
complaining about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?
62
What if you were to see the Son of Man going up to where
He was before? 63It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits
nothing. The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and
life, 64 yet some of you refuse to believe.” Jesus knew from the
beginning which ones would not believe, and which one would
betray Him. 65Jesus went on to say, “That is why I told you that
no one can come to Me unless the Father draws him.”
66
From that time on, many of His disciples turned away and
no longer followed Him. 67“Do you want to leave too?” Jesus
asked the twelve.
68
“Lord,” Simon Peter answered, “to whom would we go? You
have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
70
Jesus replied, “Did I not choose the twelve of you, and yet
one of you is a devil?” 71He was speaking about Judas Iscariot,
the son of Simon, who was one of the twelve disciples—the one
who was going to betray Him.
193
John 7
10
But after His brothers left, He also went down to the feast—
not openly, but secretly. 11The Jewish leaders were looking for
Him at the feast, saying, “Where is He?” 12 There was a lot of
whispering about Him among the crowds. Some said, “He is
a good Man.” While others said, “No, He deceives the people.”
13
But no one spoke publicly about Him, because they feared
the Jewish leaders.
14
Halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple and
began to teach. 15 The Jewish leaders marvelled, saying, “How
does He know the Scriptures so well without an education?”
16
“My teaching is not My own,” said Jesus. “It is from Him who
sent Me. 17Whoever wants to do God’s will, will know whether
this teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. 18He
who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory. But He
who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him—He is true, and
there is no unrighteousness in Him. 19Has not Moses given you
the law? Yet none of you keep the law—if you did, then why are
you trying to kill Me?”
20
“You have a demon!” the crowd replied. “Who is trying to
kill You?”
21
“I did one miracle,” said Jesus, “and you all marvelled.
22
Moses gave you circumcision, and so you circumcise a man
on the Sabbath—although circumcision did not originate with
Moses, but with the patriarchs. 23So if a man can be circumcised
on the Sabbath to avoid breaking the law of Moses, then why
are you angry with Me for making a man completely whole on
the Sabbath? 24Do not judge only by what you see, but make
righteous judgments.”
25
Some of the residents of Jerusalem said, “This is the Man
they want to kill, is it not? 26But, look! He is speaking publicly,
and they have not said a word to Him. Maybe our leaders have
discovered that He truly is the Christ? 27But we know where
He is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where
He is from.”
28
As Jesus was teaching in the temple, He cried out and said,
“You know Me! You know where I am from! I have not come on
My own—but He who sent Me is true, and you do not know Him!
29
But I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me!”
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30
They wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid a hand on Him
because His time had not yet come. 31But many in the crowd
believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do
more miraculous signs than this Man?”
32
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things
about Him. So the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers
to arrest Him.
33
“I am with you for a little while longer,” said Jesus, “and
then I will go back to Him who sent Me. 34You will look for Me,
but you will not find Me. And where I go, you cannot come.”
35
The Jews said to one another, “Where will He go, if we will
not be able to find Him? Will He go to those who are scattered
among the Greeks, and teach the Greek-speaking Jews? 36What
does He mean when He says, ‘ You will look for Me, but you will
not find Me,’ and ‘ Where I go, you cannot come’?”
37
On the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus
stood up and cried out, saying,
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John 8
46
“We have never heard anyone talk like this before,” replied
the officers.
47
“Have you also been deceived?” said the Pharisees. 48“Have
any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49As for this
crowd, they are ignorant of the law and are under God’s curse.”
50
Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders—the one who had
come to see Jesus at night—said to them, 51“Does our law
condemn a man without first giving him a hearing to find out
what he has done?”
52
“Are you also from Galilee?” they remarked. “Search the
Scriptures and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee!”
53
After this everyone left and went home.
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John 8
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John 8
have never been anyone’s slaves! So how can You say, ‘ You
will be set free’?”
34
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever
sins is a slave to sin. 35A slave does not remain in the family
forever, but a son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you
free, you are free indeed. 37I know that you are Abraham’s
descendants. Yet you are trying to kill Me, because My word
has no place in you. 38I speak of what I have seen in My Father’s
presence, and you do what you have seen from your father.”
39
“Our father is Abraham,” they replied.
“If you were Abraham’s children,” Jesus said, “you would do
the works that Abraham did. 40But you are trying to kill Me, a
Man who has told you the truth—the truth that I have heard
from God. Abraham did not do such things! 41You do the works
of your father!”
“We are not illegitimate children!” they exclaimed. “We have
one Father, and that is God!”
42
“If God were your Father,” replied Jesus, “you would love Me,
because I came here from God. I did not come on My own, but
God sent Me. 43Why do you not understand what I am saying?
It is because you are unable to hear My message. 44You belong
to your father, the devil! And you are determined to carry out
your father’s desires, for he was a murderer from the beginning!
He has never stood for the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he tells a lie, he speaks what comes naturally to
him. He is a liar, and the father of lies. 45But because I speak
the truth, you do not believe Me. 46Which one of you convicts
Me of sin? And if I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?
47
Those who belong to God listen to God’s words. But you do
not hear them, because you do not belong to God.”
48
“We said it right,” replied the Jewish leaders, “You are a
Samaritan and are demon-possessed!”
49
“I am not demon-possessed,” responded Jesus, “but I honour
My Father and you dishonour Me. 50I do not seek My own glory,
but there is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. 51Truly, truly,
I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”
52
“Now we know that You are demon-possessed!” exclaimed
the Jewish leaders. “Abraham died, as did the prophets, and
You say, ‘ If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death.’
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John 9
53
Are You greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The
prophets died as well. Who do You think You are?”
54
“If I give Myself glory,” answered Jesus, “My glory is nothing.
My Father, whom you claim is your God, is the One who gives
Me glory. 55You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said that
I did not know Him, then I would be a liar like you. But I do
know Him, and I keep His word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced
at the thought of seeing My day. He saw it, and was glad.”68
57
“You are not even fifty years old,” said the Jewish leaders,
“and You have seen Abraham?”
58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before
Abraham existed, I AM!”69
59
Then they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus
walked through their midst, hid Himself, and left the temple.
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John 10
30
“Now that is astonishing!” the man exclaimed. “You do not
know where He is from, yet He opened my eyes! 31We know that
God does not listen to sinners. On the contrary, He listens to
God-fearing people who do His will. 32Since the world began,
nobody has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a man
who was born blind. 33If this Man were not from God, He could
do nothing.”
34
“You were born full of sin,” they said, “and you are trying
to teach us?” And they threw him out.
35
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, He found
the man and said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
36
The man answered, “Who is He, Sir, so that I can believe
in Him?”
37
Jesus said to Him, “You have seen Him. In fact, He is talking
to you right now.”
38
“Lord,” the man said, “I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
39
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so
that those who do not see may see, and that those who see
may become blind.”
40
Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this and
asked, “Are we also blind?”
41
“If you were blind,” answered Jesus, “you would have no
sin. But since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheep
pen through the gate, but climbs in some other way, he
is a thief and a bandit. 2But He who enters through the gate
is the Shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate
for Him, and the sheep hear His voice. He calls His own sheep
by name and leads them out. 4When He leads His sheep out,
He goes in front of them, and the sheep follow Him because
they know His voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but will
flee from him, because they do not know the stranger’s voice.”
6
Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand
what He was talking to them about. 7So Jesus said to them
again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the Gate for the sheep.
8
All who came before Me were thieves and bandits, but the
sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the Gate! If anyone enters
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John 10
through Me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out, and will find
pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. However, I
have come so that they may have life abundantly.
11
“I am the Good Shepherd! The Good Shepherd lays down
His life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and
the sheep are not his own. So when he sees a wolf coming, he
forsakes the sheep and flees. Then the wolf attacks the sheep
and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and
does not care about the sheep. 14I am the Good Shepherd! I know
My sheep, and they know Me—15just as the Father knows Me,
and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16I
have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them
too. They will listen to My voice, and there will be one flock and
one Shepherd.
17
“My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I
may take it up again. 18No one takes it from Me, but I lay it
down voluntarily. I have authority to lay it down, and I have
authority to take it up again. This commandment I received
from My Father.”
19
These words caused even more division among the Jews.
And many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and out of
20
202
John 11
31
Once again the Jewish leaders picked up stones to stone
Him. 32But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good
works from My Father. So which of these works are you going
to stone Me for?”
33
The Jewish leaders answered Him, “We are not stoning You
for any good works, but for blasphemy—because You, a mere
man, claim to be God.”
34
Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your law,
works, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in
Me, and that I am in Him.” 39Once again they wanted to arrest
Him, but He escaped from their hands.
40
Jesus crossed over to the east side of the Jordan River once
again, to the place where John first started baptizing. Jesus
stayed there, 41and many people came to Him.
“John never did any miraculous signs,” they said, “but every-
thing John said about this Man was true.” 42And many believed
in Him there.
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John 11
5
Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister Mary, and Lazarus. 6Yet
when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days
in the place where He was at. 7Then Jesus said to His disciples,
“Let us go back to Judea.”
8
“Rabbi,” replied His disciples, “the Jewish leaders wanted
to stone You, and You are going back again?”
9
“Are there not twelve hours of daylight?” said Jesus. “Whoever
walks in the daylight will not stumble, because they see the
light of this world. 10But whoever walks in the night stumbles,
because there is no light for them to see.”
11
After Jesus said this, He added, “Our friend Lazarus is
sleeping, but I am going there to wake him up.”
12
“Lord,” replied His disciples, “if he is sleeping, he will
recover.”
13
His disciples thought that He was talking about sleep, when
Jesus was actually talking about his death. 14So Jesus told them
plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And for your sakes I am glad that I
was not there, so that you may believe. Now let us go to him.”
16
Then Thomas (whose name means “twin”), said to his fellow
disciples, “Let us go too, so that we may die with Him.”
17
When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already
been in the tomb for four days. 18Now the town of Bethany was
about two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many of the Jews had
come to comfort Martha and Mary concerning their brother.
20
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to
meet Him. Mary, meanwhile, was sitting in the house.
21
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You would have been here,
my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that
God will give You whatever You ask Him.”
23
“Your brother will rise again,” said Jesus.
24
“I know he will rise again,” replied Martha, “in the resurrection
at the last day.”
25
“I am the Resurrection and the Life,” Jesus said to her.
“Whoever believes in Me will live, even if he dies, 26and everyone
who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Christ,
the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
28
After saying this, Martha went back and secretly called
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John 11
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John 12
doing these things, the entire nation will believe in Him. Then
the Romans will come and destroy our temple and our nation!”
49
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year,
said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50Consider this: it is
better for us if one man dies on behalf of the people than for the
whole nation to perish.” 51Now Caiaphas did not say this on his
own. But as high priest that year, he was actually prophesying
that Jesus would die on behalf of the nation—52not only for the
nation, but also for the children of God who were scattered
abroad, so that He could gather them together and make them
one.
53
And from that very day they plotted to kill Him. 54 Therefore
Jesus no longer walked publicly among the Jews. Instead He
went to a region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim,
and stayed there with His disciples.
55
The Jewish Passover was near, and many from the
countryside went down to Jerusalem to purify themselves in
preparation for the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and
as they stood in the temple they asked one another, “What do
you think? Is He coming to the feast?” 57Now the chief priests
and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where
He was, they should report it to them, so that they could arrest
Him.
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John 12
and given to the poor?” 6He said this not because he cared for
the poor, but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the
moneybag, and would help himself to what was put into it.
7
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “She has kept this for the day
of My burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but
you will not always have Me.”
9
A large number of the Jews heard that Jesus was there and
went to see Him, and also to see Lazarus whom He raised from
the dead. 10 Therefore the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus
too. 11For on account of him many of the Jews were leaving
them and believing in Jesus.
12
The next day those attending the feast heard that Jesus was
coming to Jerusalem. So a large crowd 13 took palm branches
and went out to meet Him, crying out,
“Hosanna!
Blessed is He who comes
in the name of the Lord,
the King of Israel!”
(Psalm 118:25-26)
written,
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John 12
20
Among those who had come to worship at the feast were
some Greeks. 21 They came up to Philip, who was from the town
of Bethsaida in Galilee. “Sir,” they said, “we want to see Jesus.”
22
So Philip went and told Andrew, and then Andrew and Philip
went and told Jesus.
23
Jesus said to them, “The time has come for the Son of
Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain
of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only a single
seed. But if it dies, it will produce an abundant harvest. 25He
who loves his life will lose it, but he who hates his life in this
world will preserve it for eternal life. 26If any man serves Me,
he must follow Me. And where I am, there My servant will be
also. And if any man serves Me, My Father will honour him.
27
“Now My heart is troubled, and what should I say? ‘Father,
save Me from this hour of trial’? No, it is for this hour that I
have come. 28Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from
heaven and said, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29
Upon hearing this, some in the crowd said, “It thundered.”
While others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
30
Jesus answered, “This voice came for your sake, not Mine.
31
Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world
will be cast out. 32And when I am lifted up from the earth, I
will draw all men to Me.” 33He said this to indicate what kind
of death He would die.
34
The crowd responded, “We have heard from the Law that
the Christ will live forever, so how can You say, ‘The Son of Man
must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35
Then Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light
is with you. Walk while you have the Light, so that the darkness
does not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does
not know where he is going. 36While you have the Light, believe
in the Light, so that you may be children of the Light.” After
saying these things, Jesus left and hid from them.
37
Even though He had done many miraculous signs in their
presence, they still did not believe in Him. 38 This was to fulfill
the word of Isaiah the prophet, when he said:
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John 13
Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about
41
Him.
42
Now many of the leaders believed in Him. But they did not
confess Him, because they feared that the Pharisees would
expel them from the synagogue. 43 This was because they loved
the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in Me, does
not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me! 45And whoever sees
Me, sees Him who sent Me. 46I have come into the world as a
light, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in
darkness. 47If anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do
not judge him—for I came not to judge the world, but to save
it. 48He who rejects Me and does not accept My words has one
who judges him: the very words that I have spoken will judge
him on the last day. 49I have not spoken on My own, but the
Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how
to say it. 50And I know that His commands bring eternal life.
Therefore I say exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”
13 It was just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that
His time had come to leave this world and to return to
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John 13
the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He
loved them to the end.
2
It was now supper, and the devil had already put into the
heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
3
Jesus knew that the Father had placed everything into His
hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to
God. 4 Therefore He got up from the table, removed His outer
garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 Then He
poured some water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’
feet, wiping them dry with the towel that was wrapped around
Him.
6
He then came to Simon Peter. “Lord,” asked Peter, “are You
going to wash my feet?”
7
“You do not know what I am doing now,” answered Jesus,
“but you will know later on.”
8
“No,” said Peter, “You will never wash my feet!”
“Unless I wash you,” replied Jesus, “you have no fellowship
with Me.”
9
“Lord,” said Simon Peter, “not only my feet, but also my
hands and my head.”
10
Jesus said, “Those who have bathed are completely clean
and only need to wash their feet. You are clean, but not all of
you.” 11For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He
said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12
After He had washed their feet and put on His garments,
He returned to His seat and said to them, “Do you know what
I have done for you? 13 You call Me ‘ Teacher’ and ‘ Lord,’ and
you are right, for that is what I am. 14Now if I, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. 15Since I have given you this example, you should
do the same as I have done for you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you,
a slave is not greater than his master, or a messenger greater
than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, you
will be blessed if you do them.
18
“I am not referring to all of you—I know the ones I have
chosen. But this must happen to fulfill the Scripture:
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John 13
211
John 14
38
Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for Me?
Truly, truly, I say to you, before the rooster crows, you will
deny Me three times.
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John 15
come back for you. 19Soon the world will no longer see Me, but
you will see Me. And because I live, you will live also. 20In that
day you will know that I am in My Father, and that you are in
Me, and that I am in you. 21Whoever has My commandments
and keeps them is the one who loves Me. Whoever loves Me
will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal
Myself to him.”
22
Then Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus), asked Him,
“Lord, how is it that You will show Yourself to us and not to
the world?”
23
“If anyone loves Me,” Jesus said, “he will keep My word.
Then My Father will love him, and We will come to him and
will make Our home with him. 24 Those who do not love Me, do
not keep My words. And the words that you hear are not Mine,
but the Father’s who sent Me.
25
“I have said these things to you while I am still here with
you. 26But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you
of everything that I have told you.
27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, such as
the world cannot give. So do not let your hearts be troubled or
afraid. 28You heard Me say, ‘ I am going away, but I will come
back for you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced when I
said, ‘ I am going to the Father.’ For My Father is greater than
I. 29I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when
it does happen, you will believe. 30I will not speak to you for
much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has
nothing on Me. 31But I will do as My Father has commanded
Me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Now get
up, let us go.
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John 15
fruit from itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you
unless you abide in Me.
5
“I am the Vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in
Me, and I in you, then you will bear much fruit. But apart from
Me, you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is
like a withered branch that is thrown away. All such branches
are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
7
“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask for
whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8My Father is
glorified in this: that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be
My disciples.
9
“Just as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now
abide in My love. 10If you keep My commandments you will abide
in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and
abide in His love. 11I have told you this so that My joy may abide
in you, and so that your joy may be full.
12
“My commandment is this: that you love one another, just
as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no man than this: that
he lays down his life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you
do what I command you. 15I no longer call you slaves, because
a slave does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I have
called you friends, for everything that I have heard from My
Father I have revealed to you. 16You have not chosen Me, but
I have chosen you and have appointed you to go out and bear
fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you
ask for in My name. 17 These commandments I have given to
you, so that you will love one another.
18
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me first. 19If
you belonged to the world, you would be loved by the world.
But you do not belong to the world, because I chose you out of
the world, and for this reason the world hates you. 20Remember
what I told you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they
persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept
My word, they will also keep yours. 21They will do all these
things to you because of My name, for they do not know the
One who sent Me.
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John 16
22
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not
be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin.
23
Whoever hates Me, also hates My Father. 24If I had not done
the works among them that nobody else did, they would not be
guilty of sin. But now they have seen and hated both Me and
My Father. 25However, this is to fulfill the word that is written
in their Law: ‘They hated Me for no reason.’ 72
26
“When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from
the Father—the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father—He
will testify about Me. 27And you also will testify, because you
have been with Me from the beginning.
16 “I have told you this, so that you will not stumble and lose
your faith. 2You will be expelled from the synagogues. In
fact, the time is coming when those who kill you will think that
they are doing God a service. 3 They will do these things to you
because they do not know the Father or Me. 4I have told you all
of this so that when these things happen, you will remember
that I warned you about them. I never told you about these
things in the beginning, because I was with you.
5
“But now I am going back to Him who sent Me, yet none of
you asks Me where I am going. 6And now your hearts are filled
with grief because of what I have said. 7Nevertheless, I tell you
the truth: it is better for you that I go away, because if I do not
go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I go, I will
send Him to you. 8When He comes, He will convict the world
of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9of sin, because
they do not believe in Me; 10of righteousness, because I am going
to My Father, and you will no longer see Me; 11of judgment,
because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12
“I have so much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
13
However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you
into all truth. He will not speak on His own, but He will speak
what He hears, and He will show you things to come. 14He will
glorify Me, because He will take of what is Mine and will show
it to you. 15All that the Father has is Mine. That is why I said,
‘ He will take of what is Mine and will show it to you.’
72
Psalm 35:19, 69:4
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John 16
16
“In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little
while you will see Me again, because I am going to the Father.”
17
Then His disciples said to one another, “What does He
mean when He says, ‘ In a little while you will not see Me, and
then after a little while you will see Me again,’ and, ‘ Because I
am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept saying, “What does He
mean when He says, ‘ In a little while’? We do not understand
what He is saying.”
19
Since Jesus knew that they wanted to ask Him about this,
He said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant
when I said, ‘ In a little while you will not see Me, and then
after a little while you will see Me again’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to
you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You
will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21When a woman is
about to give birth, she experiences pain. But when her baby
is born she forgets the pain, because she is happy that a child
has been born into the world. 22In the same way, you are full of
grief now. But I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice,
and nobody will take your joy away from you.
23
“On that day you will not ask Me for anything. Truly, truly,
I say to you, whatever you ask the Father for in My name, He
will give it to you. 24So far you have not asked for anything in
My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be full.
25
“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming
when I will no longer do so. Instead, I will tell you plainly about
the Father. 26When that day comes you will ask in My name.
In saying this, I do not mean that I will ask the Father on your
behalf. 27On the contrary, the Father Himself loves you because
you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28I
came from the Father and entered the world. Now I am leaving
the world and returning to the Father.”
29
“See,” said His disciples, “now You are speaking plainly
and not in riddles. 30Now we know that You know all things.
For You know our questions even before we ask them—for this
reason, we believe that You came from God.”
31
“Now do you believe?” replied Jesus. 32“Look! The time is
coming, and is already here, when you will be scattered, each
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John 17
to his own home. You will leave Me, and I will be alone. Yet I
am not alone, because My Father is with Me. 33I have said these
things to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world
you will have tribulation. But take courage! I have overcome
the world!”
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John 18
218
John 18
said earlier, “I have not lost any of those You have given to Me.”
10
Then Simon Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear
of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11Then Jesus said to Peter,
“Put your sword away! Should I not drink the cup that the
Father has given to Me?”
12
Then the detachment of Roman soldiers and their
commander, together with the Jewish officers, arrested Jesus
and tied Him up. 13 They took Him first to Annas, who was the
father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14It was
Caiaphas who had told the Jewish leaders, “It is better if one
man dies on behalf of the people.”
15
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since the
other disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest, he was
able to go into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. 16Peter,
however, stood outside the gate. So the other disciple, who
was an acquaintance of the high priest, went and spoke to the
gatekeeper and brought Peter in. 17The slave-girl tending the
gate asked Peter, “Are you not one of His disciples?”
“No, I am not,” said Peter, denying Him.
18
Now the slaves and officers had made a fire, because it was
cold. They stood around the fire warming themselves, and Peter
also stood there warming himself with them.
19
Meanwhile, the high priest asked Jesus about His disciples
and His teaching. 20“I have spoken publicly to the world,” Jesus
answered. “I have always taught in the synagogues and in the
temple, where all the Jews gather. I did not say anything in
secret. 21Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard Me.
They know what I said.”
22
When Jesus said this, one of the officers standing there
hit Him. “Is that how You answer the high priest?” exclaimed
the officer.
23
“If I said something wrong,” answered Jesus, “testify of what
was wrong. But if I am right, why did you hit Me?” 24 Then Annas
sent Jesus, who was still tied up, to Caiaphas the high priest.
25
Simon Peter, meanwhile, was standing there warming
himself. “Are you not one of His disciples?” they asked.
219
John 18
After saying this he went back out to the Jewish leaders, and
said to them, “I find Him guilty of no crime. 39But you have a
custom, in which I release a prisoner to you at Passover. So
how about it, do you want me to release the King of the Jews?”
40
“No, not Him!” they cried out. “Give us Barabbas!” (Now
Barabbas was a bandit.)
220
John 19
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him whipped. 2 The soldiers
wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head. Then they
dressed Him in a purple robe, 3and said, “Hail, King of the
Jews!” And they hit Him.
4
Then Pilate went outside again, and said to them, “Look! I
will bring Him out to you, so that you may know that I do not
find Him guilty of any crime.” 5 Then Jesus was brought out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. “Look!” Pilate
said. “Here is the Man!”
6
When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried
out, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
“You take Him and crucify Him,” said Pilate. “I do not find
Him guilty of any crime.”
7
The Jewish leaders responded, “We have a law, and according
to that law He must die, because He claimed to be the Son of
God!”
8
When Pilate heard this, he became even more afraid. 9He
went back into the Praetorium and asked Jesus, “Where are
You from?” But Jesus made no reply. 10So Pilate said to Him,
“Are You not going to speak to me? Do You not realize that I
have the authority to crucify You or to free You?”
11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if
it were not given to you from above. But those who handed Me
over to you are guilty of a greater sin.”
12
From that moment on, Pilate tried to release Him. However,
the Jewish leaders cried out, “If you release Him, you are no
friend of Caesar! Whoever claims to be a king opposes Caesar!”
13
When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out. Then Pilate
sat down on the judgment seat at the place called “The Stone
Pavement” (which in Aramaic is called “Gabbatha”). 14Now it
was the Preparation Day of the Passover, about noon. “Look!”
said Pilate to the Jews. “Here is your King!”
15
“Away with Him!” they cried out. “Away with Him! Crucify
Him!”
“Should I crucify your King?” asked Pilate.
“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered.
16
Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So the soldiers took Jesus and led Him away. 17Carrying His
own cross, Jesus made His way to the place called “The Place
221
John 19
JESUS OF NAZARETH
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
20
The sign was written in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. Many of
the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was
crucified was near the city. 21The Jewish chief priests said to
Pilate, “Do not write, ‘ The King of the Jews.’ But write, ‘ He
claimed to be the King of the Jews.’”
22
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes
and divided them into four shares, one for each soldier, with
the under-robe remaining. The under-robe was seamless, woven
in one piece from top to bottom. 24 Therefore they said to one
another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see
who will get it.” This happened so that the Scripture would be
fulfilled that said,
222
John 20
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark,
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone
223
John 20
had been removed from the tomb’s entrance. 2So she ran off
and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus
loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said,
“and we do not know where they have put Him!”
3
So Peter and the other disciple left for the tomb. 4 They both
ran together, but the other disciple out ran Peter and made it to
the tomb first. 5He stooped down and saw the linen strips lying
there, but he did not go in. 6Following him, Simon Peter arrived
and entered the tomb. He saw the linen strips lying there, 7and
the cloth that had covered His face—it was not lying with the
linen strips, but was wrapped up in a place of its own. 8 Then
the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went
inside. After seeing this, he believed Mary Magdalene. 9(At that
time they did not understand from the Scriptures that Jesus
had to rise from the dead.)
10
So the disciples went back to the place where they were
staying. 11Mary, however, stood weeping outside the tomb. As
she wept, she stooped down and looked inside the tomb. 12She
saw two angels dressed in white, sitting where Jesus’ body had
been—one at the head, and one at the feet. 13“Dear woman,”
the angels said, “why are you weeping?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she replied, “and I do not
know where they have put Him.”
14
As she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing
there, but did not recognize Him. 15“Dear woman,” asked Jesus,
“why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”
Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if
you have carried Him away, please tell me where you have put
Him, and I will take Him away.”
16
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned to Him and cried out,
“Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17
“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended
to My Father. Instead, go to My brothers and tell them, ‘ I am
ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your
God.’” 18So Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples that she
had seen the Lord, and that He had said these things to her.
19
That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were
gathered together. They had locked the doors out of fear of the
224
John 21
Jewish leaders. Even so, Jesus came and stood in their midst,
and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20After saying this, He
showed them His hands and side. When the disciples saw the
Lord they rejoiced. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with
you. As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” 22After He
had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy
Spirit. 23If you tell anyone that their sins are forgiven, because
they have believed in Me, indeed they are forgiven. If you tell
anyone that their sins are not forgiven, because they have not
believed in Me, indeed they are not forgiven.”
24
Now one of the twelve disciples, Thomas (whose name means
“twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other
disciples said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!”
But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in His
hands, put my finger into the nail marks, and put my hand into
His side, I will not believe.”
26
A week later His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was
with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and
stood in their midst. “Peace be with you,” He said. 27“Put your
finger here,” He said to Thomas, “and look at My hands. Take
your hand and put it into My side. Do not doubt! Just believe!”
28
“My Lord and My God!” exclaimed Thomas.
29
Jesus said to him, “You believe Thomas, because you have
seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
30
In the presence of His disciples, Jesus did many other
miraculous signs that are not recorded in this book. 31But these
things have been recorded so that you may believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may
have life in His name.
225
John 21
4
It was now early in the morning, and Jesus stood on the
shore. His disciples, however, did not know that it was Jesus.
5
“Children,” Jesus called out, “do you have any fish?”
“No!” they answered.
6
“Cast your net to the right side of the boat,” said Jesus,
“and you will catch some.” So they cast in their net, and were
unable to pull it in because of the large number of fish.
7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the
Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on
his outer garment (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the
sea. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net
of fish. They were not far from shore, only about three hundred
feet away. 9When they made it to shore, they saw a charcoal
fire there, with fish on it, and some bread.
10
“Bring some of the fish you have just caught,” said Jesus.
11
So Simon Peter went and dragged the net to shore. It was full
of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all. And even with that
many fish, the net was not torn. 12“Come and eat breakfast,”
said Jesus. But none of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who
are You?” because they knew that it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus
came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same
with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus showed
Himself to His disciples after He had been raised from the dead.
15
After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of
John, do you love Me more than these others do?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “You know that I am Your friend.”
“Then feed My lambs,” said Jesus.
16
“Simon, son of John,” said Jesus a second time, “do you
love Me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter answered, “You know that I am Your friend.”
“Then take care of My sheep,” said Jesus.
17
“Simon, son of John,” said Jesus a third time, “are you
My friend?”
Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him a third time,
“Are you My friend?”
“Lord,” Peter replied, “You know all things! You know that I
am Your friend!”
“Then feed My sheep,” said Jesus. 18“Truly, truly, I say to you,
when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where
you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your
226
John 21
hands, and someone else will dress you and will take you where
you do not wish to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate what kind
of death Peter would die to glorify God. After this, Jesus said
to him, “Follow Me.”
20
Then Peter turned around, and saw the disciple whom
Jesus loved following them—the one who had leaned into Jesus
during supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
21
When Peter saw this disciple, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what
about him?”
22
Jesus said to Peter, “If I want him to remain until I return,
what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23So word spread among
the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not
say to Peter that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain
until I return, what is that to you?”
24
This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and has
put these things into writing. And we know that his testimony
is true.
25
There are many other things that Jesus did. If they were
written down one by one, I suppose the world itself could not
contain the books that would be written. Amen.
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Acts 1
Acts
1 Dear Theophilus, in my previous book74 I wrote about
everything that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day
He was taken up to heaven, after giving commandments through
the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
not leave Jerusalem, but wait for what My Father has promised,
as I told you earlier. 5For John truly baptized with water, but
in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
While He was with them they asked Him, “Lord, are You
6
eyes, into the clouds and out of sight. 10Suddenly, as they were
staring into the sky, two men dressed in white stood beside
them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here
staring into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken from you
into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw Him
go into heaven.”
74
Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), was the author
of Acts. His first book was the Gospel of Luke.
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Acts 1
Judas Lebbaeus the son of James were staying. 14With one mind
they all continued in prayer and supplication, along with the
women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and the Lord’s brothers.
15
In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples,
a group numbering about a hundred and twenty people, and
said, 16“Men, brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which
the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning
Judas, who became the guide of those who arrested Jesus.
17
He was one of us and had received a portion in this ministry.”
18
(With the reward of his wickedness a field was purchased. He
hung himself and fell headfirst, his body burst open at the mid-
section, and all his intestines gushed out. 19When everyone in
Jerusalem heard about this, they called the field in Aramaic:
“Akeldama,” which means, “Field of Blood.”)
20
“For it is written in the book of Psalms:
and,
us during the entire time that the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day
that Jesus was taken up from us—one of these men must
become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23
So they picked two men: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who
was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed,
“Lord, You know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these
two men You have chosen 25 to receive a portion of this ministry
and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to the place
where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast their lots, and the lot fell
to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.
229
Acts 2
230
Acts 2
20
The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the great
and notable day of the Lord.
21
But whoever calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved.’
(Joel 2:28-32)
22
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a
Man approved by God. God showed this to you by performing
miracles, wonders, and signs through Him—as you yourselves
know. 23He was handed over to you according to the predetermined
purpose and foreknowledge of God, and you crucified and killed
Him by the hands of lawless men. 24But God raised Him from
the dead and freed Him from the suffering of death, because it
was impossible for death to keep its grip on Him. 25David said
this about Him:
231
Acts 2
32
“God raised this Jesus from the dead, and we are all
witnesses of this. 33He has been exalted to the right hand of
God. And the Father has given Him the promised Holy Spirit,
whom He has now poured out—which is what you are seeing and
hearing. 34For David did not ascended into heaven, yet he said,
232
Acts 3
3 One afternoon Peter and John went to the temple at the time
of prayer, which is at three o’clock. 2Now a man who was
lame from birth was being carried to the temple. Every day his
friends would lay him down at the gate called Beautiful, so that
he could beg from those who were entering the temple. 3When
he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he begged
them for some money. 4But Peter and John stared him straight
in the eyes, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them
his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then
Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give
to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and
walk!” 7Then Peter grabbed him by the right hand and helped
him up, and immediately his feet and ankles became strong.
8
He leaped to his feet and began to walk. Then he entered the
temple with Peter and John, walking and leaping and praising
God! 9When everyone saw him walking and praising God, 10 they
were filled with wonder and amazement. They realized that
he was the beggar, who always sat at the temple gate called
Beautiful. 11While the lame man who was healed clung to Peter
and John, all the people ran to them in great amazement to the
place called Solomon’s Porch.
12
When Peter saw this, he said to the people, “Men of Israel,
why are you so amazed at this? Why are you staring at us, as
though we have made this man to walk by our own power or
godliness? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of
our fathers, glorified His Son Jesus, whom you handed over and
rejected before Pilate, even though Pilate had decided to let Him
go. 14You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, requesting that a
murderer be released to you instead. 15You killed the Author of
life, whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this!
16
It is through faith in His name—the name of Jesus—that this
man whom you see and know has been healed. It is the faith
that comes through Him that has given this man his complete
healing in front of you all.
17
“Now, brothers, I know that you acted ignorantly just as your
leaders did. 18But God declared beforehand by the mouth of all
His prophets that the Christ would suffer, and He has fulfilled
this. 19 Therefore repent and turn to God so that your sins may
be wiped away, so that times of refreshing may come from the
presence of the Lord, 20and so that He may send the Christ, who
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Acts 4
4 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests,
the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees rushed
over to them. 2 They were enraged because Peter and John
were teaching the people, and were preaching through Jesus
the resurrection of the dead. 3So they arrested Peter and John
and put them in custody until the next day, because it was
already evening. 4But many of those who heard their message
believed, and the number of men who believed grew to about
five thousand.
5
The next day the leaders, elders, and teachers of the law
assembled in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John,
Alexander, and many of the high priest’s relatives were there.
234
Acts 4
7
They made Peter and John stand before them and asked, “By
what power or by what name have you done this?”
8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Leaders
of the people, and elders of Israel! 9If we are being questioned
today about a good deed that was done for a lame man—as
to how he was healed—10 then you and all the people of Israel
must know this: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that
this man stands before you in good health.
11
‘ The Stone that
you builders have rejected,
has become the Cornerstone.’
(Psalm 118:22)
235
Acts 4
23
After Peter and John were released, they returned to their
own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had
said to them. 24When they heard this, they raised their voices to
God with one mind and said: “Sovereign Lord, You made heaven
and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the
Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant David, saying,
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Acts 5
5 Now there was a man named Ananias, who along with his wife
Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s knowledge
he secretly kept a portion of the money, and brought the rest and
laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias! Why has
satan so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit
by secretly keeping a portion of the money that you received
for the land? 4Before you sold it, was it not yours? After you
sold it, was not the money yours? How could you set your heart
on doing such a thing? You have not lied to man, but to God!”
5
When Ananias heard these words, he collapsed and died. And
great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 Then the young men
got up, wrapped his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7
About three hours later his wife came in, unaware of what
had happened. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you
received for your land?”
She replied, “Yes, it is the price.”
9
Then Peter said to her, “How could the two of you agree to
test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you
out as well!” 10Immediately she collapsed at his feet and died.
When the young men came in and found her dead, they carried
her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear
came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of it.
12
Through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders
were performed among the people. And all the believers were of
one mind and met together at Solomon’s porch. 13No one else
dared to join them, even though all the people highly respected
them. 14Nevertheless, large numbers of men and women believed
and were added to the Lord. 15 They even carried the sick into
the streets and laid them on beds and mats, hoping that Peter’s
shadow might fall on them as he passed by. 16Many people also
came from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and
those who were possessed by unclean spirits, and they were
all healed.
17
At this, the high priest and all his associates from the party
of the Sadducees were filled with jealousy and took action.
18
They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
19
But an angel of the Lord came during the night and opened
237
Acts 5
the jail doors and led them out, saying, 20 “Go and stand in
the temple and tell the people all about the message of eternal
life!” 21After hearing this, they entered the temple at dawn and
began to teach.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called
together the Sanhedrin—all the elders of the children of Israel.
Then they sent orders to the jail to have the apostles brought
to them. 22But when the officers arrived, they did not find the
apostles in jail. So they went back and reported, 23“We found
the jail securely locked and the guards standing at their posts,
but when we opened the doors we found no one inside!” 24When
the high priest and the captain of the temple guard heard this,
they were puzzled as to what had happened.
25
Then someone came and told them, “Look! The men you
put in jail are standing in the temple teaching the people!”
26
Then the captain went with his officers and brought them
back without force, because they were afraid of being stoned
by the people. 27 They brought the apostles in and stood them
before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them,
28
saying, “Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this
name? Look! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and
are determined to bring this Man’s blood upon us!”
29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God,
not man! 30 You killed Jesus by hanging Him on a cross, but
the God of our fathers raised Him from the dead. 31God has
exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Saviour, so that
Israel might repent and receive forgiveness for their sins. 32We
are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom
God has given to those who obey Him.”
33
When the Sanhedrin heard this, they became enraged and
wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher
of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the
Sanhedrin and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a
few moments. 35 Then he said to the Sanhedrin, “Men of Israel,
weigh carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36For some
time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be someone great, and
about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all
his followers were scattered and came to nothing. 37After him,
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Acts 6
in the days of the census, Judas the Galilean rose up and led
a revolt. But he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38
So here is my advice to you: stay away from these men and
leave them alone. If this plan or this work is of man, it will fail.
39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. In fact,
you might actually find that you are fighting against God!” 40So
they took Gamaliel’s advice. They called in the apostles and had
them whipped. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name
of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for
the name of Jesus. 42And every day, in the temple and from
house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the
good news that Jesus is the Christ.
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Acts 7
11
So they persuaded some men to say, “We heard Stephen
saying blasphemous things against Moses and God.” 12 This
stirred up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law. So
they rushed over and seized Stephen, and brought him before
the Sanhedrin. 13 They presented false witnesses who said, “This
man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy
place and against the law. 14We have heard him say that this
Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the temple, and will change the
customs that Moses handed down to us.”
15
All those sitting in the Sanhedrin stared at Stephen, because
his face looked like the face of an angel.
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Acts 7
8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. So
when Abraham fathered Isaac he circumcised him on the eighth
day, as did Isaac when he fathered Jacob, and Jacob when he
fathered the twelve patriarchs.
9
“Now the patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him
as a slave into Egypt, but God was with him. 10God delivered
him from all his troubles and gave him favour and wisdom in
the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him
governor over Egypt and over his entire household. 11Eventually
a famine covered the entire land of Egypt and Canaan, causing
great suffering, and our fathers could not find any food. 12 When
Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers
on their first trip. 13On their second trip, Joseph revealed his
identity to his brothers, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s
family. 14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all
his relatives, seventy-five people in all. 15So Jacob went down
to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16 Their bodies were
carried to Shechem and buried in the tomb that Abraham had
purchased from the sons of Hamor.
17
“When the time drew near for God to fulfill the promise
that He swore to Abraham, our people increased and multiplied
in Egypt. 18 Then another king who did not know Joseph rose
up. 19 This king exploited our race and oppressed our fathers,
forcing them to abandon their infants so that they would die.
20
“Moses was born at this time. He was beautiful to God, and
he nursed for three months in his father’s house. 21When he
was left outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and raised him
as her own son. 22So Moses was trained in all the wisdom of
the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both words and deeds.
23
“When Moses was forty years old, he decided in his heart to
visit his brothers—the children of Israel. 24When he saw one of
them being mistreated, Moses came to his defence and avenged
him by killing the Egyptian. 25Moses thought his brothers would
understand that God was going to deliver them by his hand,
but they did not understand. 26 The next day when Moses saw
two of his brothers fighting, he tried to make peace between
them. He said, ‘Men, you are brothers, why are you mistreating
241
Acts 7
each other?’ 27But the man who was mistreating his neighbour
pushed Moses aside and said,
was the man God sent to be their ruler and deliverer, by the
hand of the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush.
242
Acts 7
36
This Moses led them out of Egypt. He performed many signs
and wonders in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the
wilderness for forty years. 37This is the same Moses who told
the children of Israel,
243
Acts 8
out before them, and that is where it remained until the time of
David. 46Although David found favour with God and desired to
provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob, 47it was Solomon
who built a house for Him. 48However, the Most High does not
dwell in a man-made temple! As the prophet says,
49
‘ Heaven is My throne,
and the earth is My footstool.
What kind of house can you build for Me,
says the Lord,
or what place can you build for My rest?
50
Did not My hands make all these things?’
(Isaiah 66:1-2)
51
“You stubborn people have uncircumcised hearts and ears!
You always oppose the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did!
52
Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?
They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous
One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered! 53 You received
the law that was instituted by angels, but you have not kept it!”
54
When they heard this, they gnashed their teeth in rage. 55But
Stephen, who was full of the Holy Spirit, stared into heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand
of God. 56“Look,” he exclaimed, “I see heaven open and the Son
of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57
Then they cried out with a loud voice and covered their
ears as they all rushed over to Stephen. 58 They dragged him
outside of the city and then began to stone him. Meanwhile,
his accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a
young man named Saul.
59
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit!” 60 Then he fell to his knees, and cried out with
a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” After
Stephen had said this, he died.
244
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245
Acts 8
246
Acts 9
36
As they were travelling along the road, they came to some
water. The eunuch said, “Look! Here is some water. What
prevents me from being baptized?”
37
Philip said, “As long as you believe with all your heart, you
can be baptized.”
The eunuch answered and said, “Yes, I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God.” 38So he ordered the chariot to stop;
they both went down to the water, and Philip baptized the
eunuch. 39As soon as they came up out of the water, the Spirit
of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him
again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip found himself in the
city of Ashdod, and from there he preached the gospel to every
town he passed through until he came to the city of Caesarea.
247
Acts 9
10
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias.
The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
Ananias answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
11
The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street, to
the house of Judas. Ask for a man named Saul, from the city
of Tarsus. He is praying there right now. 12In a vision he has
seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him,
so that he can see again.”
13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, many have told me about
the evil things this man has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14
Now he has come here and the chief priests have given him
authority to arrest everyone who calls on Your name.”
15
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! For I have chosen this
man as My vessel, to take My name to the Gentiles, and to their
kings, and to the children of Israel. 16 Therefore, I will show him
how much he must suffer for My name.”
17
So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands
on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared
to you on the road as you were coming, has sent me to you
so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy
Spirit.” 18Immediately, something that looked like scales fell
from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and
was baptized. 19After he ate some food, he was strengthened.
248
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But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe
that he was a true disciple. 27Barnabas, however, took him and
brought him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul
had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had heard His voice,
and how in Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of
Jesus. 28So Saul went all over Jerusalem with them,77 29speaking
boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He talked and debated
with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they attempted to kill him.
30
Once the brothers learned of this, they brought him up to the
city of Caesarea and sent him off to the city of Tarsus.
31
Then the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria
enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. The church
continued to multiply as it walked in the fear of the Lord and
in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32
As Peter travelled about, he went to visit the saints living
in the town of Lod. 33 There he found a paralyzed man named
Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. 34Peter said
to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ is healing you! Get up and make
your bed!” And immediately Aeneas got up. 35Everyone living
in the town of Lod and the Plain of Sharon saw Aeneas and
turned to the Lord.78
36
Now there was a disciple in the town of Joppa named
Tabitha, which means “Gazelle.” She was distinguished for
her good works and acts of charity. 37During this time she
became sick and died, and they washed her body and laid it
in an upper room. 38When the disciples heard that Peter was
in Lod, which is near Joppa, they sent two men to request for
him to come without delay.
39
So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived
they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood weeping
as they showed him the coats and clothes that Tabitha had made
for them while she was still alive. 40Peter sent them all out and
knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said,
77
Paul only stayed in Jerusalem for fifteen days (Galatians 1:18).
78
“I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (Song of Songs
2:1). The Plain of Sharon runs along the Mediterranean coast
between Joppa and Mount Carmel. It is about 50 miles long.
249
Acts 10
“Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41
Peter gave her his hand and helped her up, then called in
the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. 42 This
became known throughout the whole town of Joppa, and many
believed in the Lord. 43And Peter stayed in Joppa for a while
with a tanner named Simon.
250
Acts 10
Spirit said to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you. 20Now
get up and go downstairs, and do not hesitate to go with them,
because I have sent them.”
21
So Peter went down to the men Cornelius had sent, and
said, “I am the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”
22
They replied, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer.
He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is well respected by
all the Jewish people. He was told by a holy angel to summon
you to his house, so that he may hear what you have to say.”
23
So Peter invited them in to spend the night. The next day Peter
left with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from the
town of Joppa. 24 The next day they entered the city of Caesarea.
Cornelius was waiting for them, and had invited his relatives
and close friends. 25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and
fell prostrate at his feet. 26But Peter pulled him up and said,
“Stand up! I am only a man.”
27
As he talked with Cornelius, he entered and found a large
group of people. 28Peter said to them, “You know that it is
unlawful for a Jewish man to associate or visit with Gentiles.
But God has shown me not to call any man common or unclean.
29
So when I was summoned, I came promptly. Now I ask, why
have you summoned me?”
30
Cornelius answered, “Four days ago I was fasting and
praying in my house at this very hour, at three o’clock in the
afternoon, when suddenly a man dressed in bright clothing
stood in front of me. 31He said to me, ‘Cornelius, your prayers
and acts of charity have been remembered before God. 32Now
send messengers down to the town of Joppa to summon a man
named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose
house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.’ 33So I
sent for you immediately, and you have done well in coming.
Now we are all present before God, to hear everything God has
commanded you to say.”
34
Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “Now I truly
understand that God is no respecter of persons. 35In every
nation He accepts the man who reveres Him and does what is
righteous.
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Acts 11
36
“You know the message that God sent to the children of
Israel—He announced the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ,
who is Lord of all. 37You know what happened throughout Judea,
beginning in Galilee, after the baptism that John preached.
38
You know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Spirit and with power. You know that He went around doing
good and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil,
because God was with Him.
39
“We are witnesses of everything He did, both in Judea and
in Jerusalem. They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree, 40but
God raised Him to life on the third day. God allowed Him to be
seen, 41not by everyone, but only by those witnesses whom God
had chosen in advance—by us, who ate and drank with Him
after He rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to
the people and to testify that He is the God-appointed Judge
of both the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about
Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him will
receive forgiveness of sins.”
44
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone
who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who came
with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had
also been poured out on the Gentiles—46for they heard them
speaking in tongues and magnifying God. 47 Then Peter said,
“Can anyone object to them being baptized with water, since
they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So Peter
commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
they asked Peter to stay for a few more days.
11
2
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard
that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
But when Peter went down to Jerusalem, the circumcised
believers criticized him. 3 They said, “You went in and ate with
uncircumcised men!”
4
Then Peter began to explain everything in order, saying, 5“I
was in the town of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision.
I saw what looked like a large sheet that was let down from
heaven by its four corners. It came down right in front of me.
6
As I examined it closely, I saw all kinds of four-footed animals,
252
Acts 11
wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice say to me,
‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat something.’ 8But I said, ‘ No, Lord!
I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean!’ 9 The
voice from heaven said to me a second time, ‘ What God has
cleansed, you must not call common.’ 10 This happened three
times, and then the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
11
“Immediately after this, three men arrived at the house where
I was staying. They had been sent from the city of Caesarea
to find me. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without any
hesitation. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we
entered the man’s house. 13He told us that he had seen an angel
standing in his house. The angel said to him, ‘Send messengers
down to the town of Joppa to summon a man named Simon
Peter. 14He will tell you how you and your entire household can
be saved.’
15
“While I was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as
He fell on us at the beginning. 16 This reminded me of what the
Lord had said: ‘John truly baptized with water, but you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17So if God gave them the same
gift that He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus
Christ, then who was I to oppose God?”
18
When they heard this, they calmed down and glorified God,
saying, “To the Gentiles God has also granted repentance that
leads to life.”
19
Now some of those who were scattered by the persecution
that broke out after Stephen’s death travelled as far as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and the city of Antioch, preaching the word only to the
Jews. 20But then some men from Cyprus and Cyrene came to
the city of Antioch, and they preached the gospel of the Lord
Jesus to the Greeks as well. 21The Lord’s hand was with them,
and a large number of them believed and turned to the Lord.
22
When the church in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent
Barnabas to the city of Antioch. 23When Barnabas arrived and
saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to
whole heartedly cling to the Lord. 24He was a good man who was
full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a large number of people
were added to the Lord.
253
Acts 12
25
Then Barnabas went to the city of Tarsus to look for Saul.
After Barnabas found Saul, he brought him back to Antioch.
26
For an entire year they met together with the church in Antioch,
and taught a large number of people. The disciples were first
called “Christians” in Antioch.
27
During this time some prophets from Jerusalem went up
to the city of Antioch. 28One prophet named Agabus stood up,
and through the Spirit he foretold of a great famine that would
cover the entire Roman world. This prophecy was fulfilled during
the reign of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples in Antioch,
each according to what they could afford, decided to send aid
to the brothers living in Judea. 30 They followed through with it,
and sent it to the elders in Jerusalem by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
254
Acts 12
They walked the length of one street, and then the angel suddenly
left him.
11
When Peter came to his senses, he said, “Now I truly know
that the Lord has sent His angel to rescue me from the hand
of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were hoping
would happen.”
12
After Peter became aware of this, he went to the house of
Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered
together praying. 13Peter knocked on the porch door, and a
servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When
she recognized Peter’s voice, she became so overjoyed that she
forgot to open the door. Instead, she ran back and told the rest
of them that Peter was standing at the porch. 15 They said to
her, “You are crazy!” But since she kept insisting that it was
true, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16Meanwhile, Peter kept
knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they
were stunned. 17Peter signalled to them with his hand to be
silent, and he explained to them how the Lord had led him out
of prison. He said, “Tell all this to James (the son of Alphaeus)
and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.
18
At daybreak the soldiers were in a panic, because they
could not find Peter. 19Herod searched for him, but could not
find him. After Herod questioned the guards, he commanded
them to be led away for execution. Then Herod left Judea, and
stayed in the city of Caesarea for a while.
20
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and
Sidon. So they persuaded Herod’s servant Blastus, who was in
charge of the king’s bedchamber, to help them. Then they came
with one mind to ask for peace, because their cities depended
on Herod for their food supply. 21On an appointed day Herod
sat on his throne, dressed in royal apparel, and addressed the
crowd. 22 The people cried out, “This is the voice of a god, not
of a man!” 23Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod
down, because he did not give glory to God, and he was eaten
by worms and died. 24But the word of God grew and increased.
25
After Barnabas and Saul delivered the aid contribution,
they left Jerusalem, taking John Mark with them.
255
Acts 13
256
Acts 13
17
The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He exalted
the people when they lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt, and
with an uplifted arm He led them out of Egypt. 18For a period of
about forty years He endured their manners in the wilderness.
19
He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, divided
their land by lot, and gave it to the people of Israel. 20All this
took about 450 years. After that, God gave them judges until
the time of Samuel the prophet. 21Then they asked for a king.
So God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man from the tribe
of Benjamin, who ruled for forty years. 22But God removed Saul
as their king and raised up David, whom God testified about
when He said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after
My own heart, who will do all I desire.’
23
“From this man’s descendants God has raised up Jesus as
Israel’s Saviour, just as He promised. 24Before Jesus came, John
preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25
As John was completing his race, he said, ‘ Who do you think
I am? I am not the Christ! But look! He is coming after me, and
I am not worthy to untie the sandals on His feet.’
26
“Men, brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those
among you who revere God, this message of salvation has been
sent to us. 27The residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did
not recognize who Jesus was, or understand the words of the
prophets that are read every Sabbath, so they fulfilled the words
of the prophets by condemning Him. 28Although they found no
legitimate grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to
put Him to death. 29When they had fulfilled all that was written
about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him
in a tomb. 30But God raised Him from the dead! 31He was seen
for many days by those who came down with Him from Galilee
to Jerusalem, and they are now His witnesses to the people.
32
“And we proclaim the good news to you, that is, the promise
made to our fathers. 33 This promise God has fulfilled for us,
their descendants, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the
second Psalm,
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Acts 13
God raised Him from the dead so that He would never decay.
34
As He said,
258
Acts 14
259
Acts 14
260
Acts 15
261
Acts 15
17
so that the rest of mankind
may seek the Lord—
including all the Gentiles
who are called by My name,
says the Lord, who does all these things.’
(Amos 9:11-12)
18
For God has known all His works from eternity.
19
“This is my opinion: we should not trouble the Gentiles
who are turning to God. 20Instead, we should write and tell
them to abstain from food that has been defiled by idols, from
sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals,
and from consuming blood. 21For many generations the law
of Moses, which prohibits these things, has been preached in
every city and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
22
Then the apostles and elders, together with the whole
church, decided to choose some of their own men to go with
Paul and Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They chose Judas, who
was called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were both leading men
among the brothers. 23 They sent a letter with them, which said:
Greetings!
24
We have heard that some men who came from us have
troubled you with their doctrine. They have upset your hearts
by telling you that you must be circumcised and keep the
law. We did not authorize them to do this! 25So we all decided
to choose some of our own men to send to you with our
beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore we have
sent Judas and Silas to confirm what we have decided. 28For
it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place any
greater burden on you then these requirements: 29 to abstain
from food that has been sacrificed to idols, from consuming
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Acts 16
Farewell.
30
As soon as they were sent off, they went up to the city of
Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered
the letter. 31When they read it, the people rejoiced and were
comforted. 32 Then Judas and Silas, who were also prophets,
encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
33
After spending some time there, the brothers sent them back
to the apostles in peace. 34But Silas decided to turn back, and
stayed in Antioch. 35Paul and Barnabas, along with many others,
continued teaching and preaching the word of the Lord in the
city of Antioch.
36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us revisit the
brothers in every city where we have preached the Lord’s word,
and see how they are doing.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John
Mark with them. 38But Paul thought that it was a bad idea,
because he had previously left them in the province of Pamphylia
and had not continued with them in the work of the gospel.
39
They had such a sharp disagreement that they went their
separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to the
Island of Cyprus. 40Paul, however, chose Silas, and departed
after the brothers had committed him to the grace of God.81
41
Paul travelled through the provinces of Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
16 Paul went to the city of Derbe and then to the city of Lystra,
where he met a disciple named Timothy. His mother was a
Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers from
the cities of Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. 3Paul
wanted Timothy to go with him, but all the Jews living in that
area knew that his father was a Greek, so Paul took Timothy
and circumcised him.
4
As they travelled from one city to another, they delivered the
decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the
81
The start of Paul’s second missionary journey (A.D. 49-52).
263
Acts 16
264
Acts 16
they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them to the market
square to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the
Roman officials and said, “These Jewish men are causing a lot
of trouble in our city! 21They are teaching unlawful customs,
which we Romans cannot accept or observe!” 22A crowd formed
against Paul and Silas, and the officials ordered them to be
stripped and beaten with rods. 23After giving them a severe
beating, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to
guard them securely. 24Upon receiving such an order, the jailer
threw Paul and Silas into the dungeon and secured their feet
in the stocks.
25
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing
hymns to God, while the other prisoners were listening. 26Suddenly
there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of
the prison, and immediately all the doors were opened, and
everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and
saw the prison doors open, he assumed that the prisoners had
escaped and drew his sword to kill himself. 28But Paul cried
out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself! We are
all here!”
29
The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling
before Paul and Silas. 30 Then the jailer brought them out of the
dungeon and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you
and your household will be saved.” 32 Then they spoke the word
of the Lord to him and his entire household. 33 That same hour
of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds.
Immediately after this, the jailer and his entire household were
baptized. 34 Then he brought Paul and Silas up to his house and
set food before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced
because they now believed in God.
35
The next morning the Roman officials sent their officers to
tell the jailer, “Release those men!”
36
The jailer told Paul, “The officials have sent word to release
you. So now you can leave. Go in peace.”
37
But Paul said to the officers, “Although we are Roman
citizens they beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into
prison, and now they want us to leave secretly? No! Let them
personally come to release us!”
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Acts 17
38
The officers reported these words to the Roman officials,
and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens,
they were terrified. 39So the officials came and pleaded with
them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave
the city. 40After leaving the prison they went to Lydia’s house,
where they saw the brothers and encouraged them. Then they
departed.
266
Acts 17
was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and
stirred up the crowds. 14So the brothers immediately sent Paul
to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. 15 Those
who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and then left
with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as
possible.
16
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit became
troubled, because he saw that the city was full of idols. 17So he
debated in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing
Greeks, and with the people in the marketplace every day.
18
Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with
Paul. Some mocked him, saying, “What does this seed picker
wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign
gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good
news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took Paul
and brought him to the Areopagus,82 and asked him, “Can you
tell us more about this new doctrine you are teaching? 20Our
ears are hearing some strange things, and we would like to
know what they mean.” 21For all those in Athens, native and
foreigner, spent their spare time either discussing or listening
to the latest ideas.
22
So Paul stood before the Areopagus and said, “Men of
Athens, I can see that you are extremely religious in every
way. 23As I walked around and carefully examined the objects
of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription: ‘ To an
unknown god.’ You worship a god that you do not know, but I
will tell you about Him.
24
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it;
He is Lord of heaven and earth, and He does not live in man-
made temples. 25No human hands can serve Him. He has no
need of anything, because He gives everyone life and breath
and everything else that is needed. 26From one man God has
made every nation that lives on the face of the earth, and He
has set the timelines and boundaries of every nation. 27God did
this so that they would look for Him and perhaps reach out and
find Him, though He is not far from any of us. 28For in Him we
live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said,
82
The Areopagus, “The Hill of Mars,” was the highest court in
Athens.
267
Acts 18
268
Acts 18
you, and no one will attack or harm you, for I have many people
in this city.” 11So Paul stayed in the city of Corinth for a year
and a half, teaching the word of God among the people.83
12
While Gallio was governor of the province of Achaia, the
Jews rose up together against Paul and dragged him into court.
13
They said, “This man is persuading people to worship God in
ways that are contrary to the law.”
14
Just as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to
the Jews, “If this were truly a case of some injustice or serious
crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you Jews. 15But
if it is a question about words and names and of your law, look
after it yourselves. I will not be a judge of such matters.” 16And
he threw them out of his court. 17Then all the Greeks grabbed
Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front
of the court. Gallio, however, did not care.
18
After Paul had remained in the city of Corinth for a while,
he left the brothers and went to the town of Cenchrea. There
he shaved his head because of a vow. Then he sailed for Syria,
taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. 19 They stopped at the city
of Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. While Paul was
there, he entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20
They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21As he was
leaving, he said, “By all means I must keep the upcoming feast
in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you again if it is God’s
will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
22
After Paul arrived at the city of Caesarea, he went down to
Jerusalem and greeted the church. Then he went back up to
the city of Antioch.84 23Paul stayed there for a while, then left
and travelled back through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia,
strengthening all the disciples.85
24
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos came to the city of Ephesus.
He was a native of Alexandria, an intelligent man who was well
versed in the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way
83
It is believed that during this 18 month period in Corinth
Paul wrote 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
84
The end of Paul’s second missionary journey.
85
The start of Paul’s third missionary journey (A.D. 53-57).
269
Acts 19
86
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians near the end of his stay in Ephesus
on his third missionary journey.
270
Acts 19
his body were brought to the sick, their diseases were healed
and evil spirits left them.
13
Now there were some Jewish exorcists who travelled from
place to place trying to use the name of the Lord Jesus to cast
out evil spirits, saying, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, I command you to come out!” 14It was the seven sons
of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva who were doing this.
15
One day an evil spirit answered and said, “I know Jesus,
and I am familiar with Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the
man who was possessed by the evil spirit leaped on them, and
overpowered them with such force that they fled from the house
naked and wounded.
17
When this became known, fear fell upon all the Jews and
Greeks living in the city of Ephesus, and the name of the Lord
Jesus was magnified. 18Many of those who believed came and
openly confessed their evil deeds. 19And many of those who
had practiced magic gathered their scrolls and burned them in
front of everyone. They added up their value and found them
to be worth four million dollars.87 20So the word of God spread
mightily with power.
21
After this, Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to travel
through the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia and then on
to Jerusalem. He said, “After I have gone to Jerusalem, I must
also visit Rome.” 22After sending two of his helpers, Timothy
and Erastus, to the province of Macedonia, Paul stayed awhile
longer in the province of Asia.
23
During that time a great disturbance broke out in the
city of Ephesus concerning the Way. 24It started because of
a silversmith named Demetrius. He made silver shrines of
the Greek goddess Artemis and provided a lot of work for the
craftsmen in Ephesus. 25He gathered the craftsmen together,
along with those working in similar trades, and said, “Men, you
87
“They added up their value and found them to be worth fifty
thousand drachmas.” A drachma was worth about a day’s wag-
es. In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an
hour. $10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is
$80(CAD). 50,000×80=4,000,000. So fifty thousand drachmas
is worth about $4,000,000(CAD).
271
Acts 19
272
Acts 20
273
Acts 20
17
From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, summoning
the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, Paul said to
them, “You know how I conducted myself the entire time that
I was with you, from the first day that I set foot in the province
of Asia. 19I served the Lord with great humility and with many
tears throughout the trials that I went through when the Jews
plotted against me. 20You know that I never failed to tell you
what was profitable, and that I taught you publicly and from
house to house. 21I earnestly testified to both Jews and Greeks
that they must repent and turn to God and put their faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.
22
“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not
knowing what will happen to me there. 23However, the Holy
Spirit warns me in every city that chains and suffering await
me. 24Nevertheless, I do not worry about these things, I do not
consider my life of any value. My goal is to finish my race with
joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus—the
ministry of testifying about the gospel of God’s grace.
25
“Now I know that none of you whom I have preached the
kingdom of God to, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore,
today you are witnesses that I am innocent of the blood of all
of you. 27For I never failed to tell you about the whole plan of
God. 28Pay attention to yourselves and to the entire flock over
which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, shepherding
God’s church, which He bought with His own blood. 29I know
that after I leave, vicious wolves will come in among you and
will not spare the flock. 30Some of your own men will rise up
and teach distorted doctrines in order to lure the disciples into
following them. 31So watch out! Remember that for three years,
both night and day, I never stopped warning each one of you
with tears.
32
“Now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace,
which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance with
all those who are sanctified. 33I did not covet anyone’s silver,
gold, or clothing. 34You know that I worked with my own hands
to supply my needs and the needs of my companions. 35In every
way I have shown you that we must work hard like this in order
to help the sick and feeble, remembering the words of the Lord
Jesus when He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
274
Acts 21
36
After saying this, Paul knelt down with all of them and
prayed. 37They all wept bitterly as they threw their arms around
Paul’s neck and kissed him. 38What grieved them most of all
was Paul’s statement that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.
275
Acts 21
276
Acts 22
him out of the temple and immediately shut the gates, and the
whole city was in an uproar. 31As they were about to kill Paul,
word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all
Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32Immediately the commander took
some of his officers and soldiers and ran down to the people.
When they saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped
beating Paul.
33
The commander went over and grabbed Paul and commanded
his soldiers to bind him with two chains. Then the commander
inquired who Paul was and what he had done. 34Some shouted
one thing and some another. And since the commander was
unable to find out anything because of the uproar, he commanded
the soldiers to take Paul to the fortress. 35When Paul reached
the stairs, the mob became so violent that the soldiers had to
carry him. 36 The mob followed, shouting, “Away with him!”
37
As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the fortress,
he asked the commander, “May I speak to you?”
The commander replied, “Do you know Greek? 38Are you not
the Egyptian who started a rebellion some time ago and led four
thousand assassins into the desert?”
39
Paul answered, “I am a Jew from the distinguished city of
Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia. I beg you to let me speak to
the people.”
40
So Paul, with the commander’s permission, stood on the
stairs and signalled to the people with his hand. As soon as it
was quiet, Paul said to them in Aramaic:
277
Acts 22
6
“Around noontime, as I was nearing the city of Damascus,
a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7I fell to
the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why
are you persecuting Me?’
8
I asked, ‘ Who are you, Lord?’
He replied, ‘ I am Jesus of Nazareth, the One you are
persecuting.’ 9 The men who were with me saw the light and
became afraid, because they did not understand the voice of
the One who was speaking to me.
10
I asked, ‘ Lord, what do you want me to do?’
And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go into the city of
Damascus, there you will be told about everything that you
have been appointed to do.’ 11I could not see because of the
glory of the light, so my companions led me by the hand into
Damascus.
12
“Now there was a godly man named Ananias, who walked
according to the law and was highly respected by all the Jews
living in Damascus. 13He came and stood beside me and said,
‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And instantly I looked up
and saw him.
14
Then Ananias said, ‘ The God of our fathers has chosen
you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear
the sound of His voice. 15You will be His witness to all men of
what you have seen and heard. 16Now what are you waiting for?
Get up! Call on the name of the Lord, so that your sins may be
washed away, and be baptized!’
17
“When I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the temple
and fell into a trance.92 18I saw the Lord saying to me, ‘ Hurry!
Get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive your
testimony about Me.’
19
I replied, ‘ Lord, they know that I went from synagogue
to synagogue imprisoning and beating those who believed in
You. 20And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed,
I consented to his death. I even stood and guarded the coats
of those who were killing him.’
21
But the Lord said to me, ‘Go! I am sending you far away
to the Gentiles!’”
92
This happened three years after Paul’s conversion (Galatians
1:15-18).
278
Acts 23
22
They listened to Paul up to this point, and then raised their
voices and said, “Rid the earth of this man! He is not fit to live!”
23
As they shouted, they threw off their coats and tossed dust into
the air. 24 The commander ordered the soldiers to bring Paul into
the fortress. He told them to whip and interrogate him, so that
he could find out why the people were yelling at him like this.
25
But as they were tying him up to be whipped, Paul asked
the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman
citizen without a trial?”
26
When the officer heard this he went and reported it to the
commander, saying, “Do you realize what you are doing? This
man is a Roman citizen!”
27
The commander went and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a
Roman citizen?”
“Yes,” Paul answered.
28
The commander said, “I acquired my citizenship with a
large sum of money.”
Paul replied, “But I was born a Roman citizen.”
29
Immediately, those who were about to examine him withdrew.
The commander became afraid when he realized that he had
tied up a Roman citizen.
30
The next day the commander, intending to find out exactly
what the Jews were accusing him of, commanded the chief
priests and the entire Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he unchained
Paul and brought him down to stand before the Sanhedrin.
279
Acts 23
280
Acts 23
Greetings!
27
The Jews seized this man and were about to kill him, but
I came with my troops and rescued him. When I realized that
he was a Roman citizen, 28I wanted to find out exactly what
the Jews were charging him with. So I brought him before
their Sanhedrin. 29I found out that he was being accused
of questions regarding their law, but there was no charge
against him that was worthy of death or imprisonment.
30
When it was reported to me that the Jews were plotting to
kill this man, I immediately sent him to you. I also ordered
his accusers to present their charges before you.
Farewell.
31
So the soldiers did what they were commanded, and took
Paul to the city of Antipatris during the night. 32 The next day
the horsemen took Paul to the city of Caesarea, while the rest
returned to the fortress in Jerusalem. 33 When the horsemen
arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor
and presented Paul to him. 34 The governor read the letter and
asked Paul what province he was from. When he learned that
Paul was from the province of Cilicia, 35he said, “I will hear
281
Acts 24
your case when your accusers get here.” Then he gave orders
to confine Paul in Herod’s palace.
282
Acts 25
25
2
Three days after Festus arrived in the province of Judea,
he went down from the city of Caesarea to Jerusalem.
There the high priest and the Jewish elders presented their case
against Paul. 3 They asked Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem
as a favour to them, because they were planning to ambush
and kill him on the way. 4But Festus told them that Paul would
be kept in Caesarea, and that he himself was returning there
shortly. 5Festus said, “Let some competent men come with me
to Caesarea, and if he has done anything wrong, they can make
their accusations against him.”
6
Festus stayed in Jerusalem for about ten days and then
went up to the city of Caesarea. The next day he sat on the
judgment seat and summoned Paul. 7When Paul was brought
283
Acts 25
in, the Jews who had come up from Jerusalem stood around
him, bringing many serious charges against him that they could
not prove. 8 Then Paul made his defence: “I have not committed
any offence against the Jewish law or against the temple or
against Caesar.”
9
Then Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favour, asked Paul,
“Are you willing to stand trial before me at Jerusalem?”
10
But Paul replied, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment
seat where I ought to be tried. I have not wronged the Jews,
as you very well know. 11If I have truly done something wrong
and worthy of death, then I am willing to die. But if none of
their accusations are true, then no one has the right to hand
me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12
After Festus talked with his advisers, he said, “You have
appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you will go!”
13
A few days later King Agrippa and his sister Bernice arrived
in the city of Caesarea to congratulate Festus. 14Since they were
staying there for several days, Festus explained Paul’s case to
the king, saying, “Felix left a man here in prison. 15When I was
in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Jewish elders presented
their case against him and asked me to pronounce judgment
on him. 16I told them that it was contrary to Roman law to
sentence a man to death, until he has met his accusers face
to face, and has had an opportunity to defend himself against
the charges laid against him.
17
“When they came here with me, I did not delay. The next
day I sat on the judgment seat and summoned the man. 18When
his accusers stood up, they did not bring any criminal charges
against him like I thought they would. 19Instead, they argued
with him about certain matters regarding their religion and
about a dead man named Jesus, who Paul said was alive. 20I
had no idea how to investigate these claims, so I asked Paul
if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on
these charges. 21But Paul appealed to Caesar, so I commanded
him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”
22
Then King Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this
man.”
Festus replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
284
Acts 26
23
The next day King Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium
with royal splendour, accompanied by the commanders and the
prominent men of the city. Then Festus gave the command, and
Paul was brought in. 24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all who
are present, look at this man. The whole Jewish community has
petitioned me in both Caesarea and Jerusalem, shouting that
he should no longer live. 25I found that he has done nothing
worthy of death. But since he has appealed to Caesar, I have
decided to send him to Rome. 26But I have nothing definite
to write to Caesar about him. So I have brought him before
all of you, especially before you, King Agrippa, so that I may
have something to write after we examine him. 27For it seems
unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the
charges against him.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defence: 2“King
Agrippa, I am very fortunate to make my defence before you
today concerning all the accusations the Jews have brought
against me, 3for I know that you are well acquainted with all
the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to
listen to me patiently.
4
“All the Jews know how I have lived my life, both in my own
country and in Jerusalem, from the beginning of my youth.
5
They have known me from the beginning, if they will admit it,
because I was a member of the Pharisees—the strictest party
of our religion. 6And now I stand here on trial because of my
hope in the promise that God made to our fathers. 7This is the
promise that the twelve tribes of Israel hope to attain as they
earnestly serve God night and day. The Jews are bringing these
accusations against me, King Agrippa, because of this hope!
8
What? Do you think it is impossible for God to raise the dead?
9
“I once thought I should do everything possible to oppose
the name of Jesus of Nazareth, 10and that is exactly what I
did in Jerusalem. I received authority from the chief priests to
imprison many of the saints, and I cast my vote against them
when they were put to death. 11In synagogue after synagogue I
285
Acts 26
286
Acts 27
28
Then King Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that you can
persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
29
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that
not only you, but everyone listening to me today, might become
as I am, except for these chains!”
30
After Paul finished speaking, King Agrippa, governor Festus,
Bernice, and those who were sitting with them got up. 31As they
were leaving, they said to one another, “This man has done
nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”
32
Then King Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have
been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
287
Acts 27
288
Acts 28
bow, 31but Paul said to the officer and the soldiers, “If these
men do not remain aboard the ship, you cannot be saved!” 32So
the soldiers cut the ropes of the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33
Just before daybreak, Paul begged them all to eat some
food. He said, “You have been so anxious that you have gone
without food for fourteen days. 34For your own safety I beg you
to eat some food. For none of you will lose a single hair from
your head.” 35After he said this, Paul took some bread and gave
thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began
to eat. 36 This encouraged everyone and they all ate some food.
37
Altogether there were 276 of us on board the ship. 38After
they had enough to eat, they lightened the ship by tossing the
wheat into the sea.
39
When day came they saw land, but did not recognize it.
When they discovered a bay with a sandy beach, they decided
to try and run the ship aground. 40So they cut loose the anchors
and left them in the sea. Then they untied the ropes that held
the rudders, raised the foresail to the wind, and headed for the
beach. 41But they crossed an area where two currents met, and
the ship struck a sandbar. The bow was stuck and would not
move, and the stern broke up because the waves were so violent.
42
The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners, so that none of
them could swim off and escape. 43But the officer wanted to save
Paul, so he put an end to their plans. He commanded those who
could swim to jump overboard first, so that they could make it
to land. 44 The rest were to follow on planks and other pieces of
the ship. In this way everyone made it to shore safely.
289
Acts 28
290
Acts 28
93
During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome he wrote Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
291
Romans 1
Romans
1 From: Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle
and set apart for the gospel of God. 2 This is the gospel that
God promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy
Scriptures. 3 This gospel is about His Son, who according to
the flesh was a descendant of David. 4He was declared the Son
of God when He was raised from the dead in power through
the Spirit of holiness. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through
Him we have received this grace and apostleship, to promote
obedience to the message of faith among all the Gentiles for
His name’s sake. 6And you were also called from among the
Gentiles to belong to Jesus Christ.
be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ!
8
First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of
you, because your faith is being reported throughout the whole
world. 9For God, whom I serve in my spirit by preaching the
gospel of His Son, is my witness that I do not stop mentioning
you in my prayers. 10In my prayers, I always petition God that
somehow by His will I may now finally succeed in coming to you.
11
For I long to see you, so that I may impart some spiritual gift
to strengthen you, 12so that we may be mutually encouraged
by one another’s faith.
292
Romans 1
293
Romans 2
294
Romans 3
17
Now if you call yourself a Jew, and if you rely on the law and
boast in God, 18and if you know His will and approve of what is
more excellent, because you have been instructed in the law;
19
if you are confident that you are a guide for the blind and a
light for those in darkness, 20and an instructor of the foolish
and a teacher of infants, because you have the embodiment of
knowledge and truth in the law—21then you who teach others, do
you not teach yourself? You who teach against stealing, do you
steal? 22You who teach against adultery, do you commit adultery?
You who detest idols, do you commit idolatrous acts? 23You who
boast about the law, do you break the law and dishonour God?
24
Just as it is written:
295
Romans 3
5
So if God’s righteousness is displayed because of our
unrighteousness, what should we say? Is God unrighteous for
punishing us? (Humanly speaking). 6Never! Otherwise, how
could God judge the world?
7
If through my lie God’s truth is displayed more abundantly
and brings Him glory, then why am I condemned as a sinner?
8
Why not say, as some report and slanderously accuse us
of saying, “Let us do evil, so that good may come”? Their
condemnation is deserved.
9
So then, are we Jews better off than the Gentiles? Not at
all! For we have already accused both Jews and Gentiles of all
being under sin.
10
As it is written:
296
Romans 4
19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those
who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced
and the whole world may be found guilty before God. 20 Whoever
observes the law cannot be justified in God’s sight, because the
purpose of the law is to show us that we are sinners.
21
But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been
revealed, the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, 22 that
God’s righteousness is only obtained through faith in Jesus
Christ. It is for all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile—there
is no difference. 23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God. 24 We are justified freely by God’s grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God presented Him as
the sacrifice of atonement, which can only be obtained through
faith in His blood. God demonstrated His righteousness by
patiently waiting to deal with the sins committed in the past.
26
He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present
time, for He is just and He is the One who justifies those who
have faith in Jesus.
27
Where then is boasting? It is excluded! On what principle is
boasting excluded, on the principle of works? No, it is excluded
on the principle of faith. 28So we conclude that a man is justified
by faith apart from the works of the law. 29Or is God only the
God of the Jews? Is He not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, He
is the God of the Gentiles too. 30For there is only one God, and
He will justify both the circumcised and the uncircumcised by
the same faith. 31Do we then make the law void by this faith?
Never! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
297
Romans 4
298
Romans 5
299
Romans 6
12
Sin entered the world through one man, and death came as
a result of sin. Therefore death came to all mankind, because
all have sinned. 13Sin was in the world before the law was
given. But where there is no law, no one is charged with sin.
14
Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam until the
time of Moses, even over those who did not sin in the same way
as Adam did when he broke God’s commandment. Now Adam
was symbolic of the One who was to come. 15But the free gift
is not like the offense. For if many died because of the offence
of one man, how much more will God’s grace and the free gift
that came by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to
many! 16 The free gift is not like the one man’s sin. For God’s
judgment of Adam’s one sin brought condemnation, but the free
gift came after many offences and brought justification. 17For
if by the offence of one man, death reigned through that one
man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant
grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the
one Man, Jesus Christ!
18
One offence brought condemnation to all men, but one
righteous act brought justification and life to all men. 19For
through the disobedience of one man many were made sinners,
but through the obedience of one Man many will be made
righteous.
20
The law was given so that sin would increase. But where
sin increased, grace increased even more, 21so that, just as sin
reigned in death, grace might also reign through righteousness
to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
300
Romans 7
301
Romans 7
302
Romans 8
303
Romans 8
12
Brothers, we are not indebted to the flesh, so we are not
obligated to live according to it. 13If you live according to the
flesh, you will die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the
works of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit
that makes you a slave to fear again, but you have received the
Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 95 16 The
Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s
children. 17And if we are His children, then we are heirs—heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ—provided we share in His
sufferings, so that we may also share in His glory.
18
I have come to this conclusion: that our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed
to us. 19Even creation longs and eagerly waits for the sons of
God to be revealed. 20Creation has been made subject to decay,
but not voluntarily. For God subjected it to decay in the hope
21
that creation itself would also be set free from its slavery to
corruption, so that it would share in the glorious freedom of
God’s children. 22 We know that to this very day all creation
groans as if suffering the pains of child birth. 23Not only does
creation groan, but we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit also
groan within ourselves as we eagerly wait for our adoption—the
redemption of our bodies. 24We have this hope because we have
been saved. Hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for
what they already have? 25But if we hope for what we do not
see, we will continue to eagerly wait for it.
26
Likewise, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, for we do
not know what we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes
for us with groans that are too deep for words. 27And the Father
who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because
the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to God’s will.
28
And we know that God makes all things work together
for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been
called according to His purpose. 29God also predestined those
He foreknew to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, so that
He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those
He predestined, He also called. And those He called, He also
justified. And those He justified, He also glorified.
95
Abba is the Aramaic word for father.
304
Romans 9
31
So what can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who
can be against us? 32Now if God did not even spare His own
Son but delivered Him up for us all, will He not freely give us all
things since He has given us His Son? 33Who will bring a charge
against God’s elect? Certainly not God, because He is the One
who justifies us! 34Who will condemn us? Certainly not Christ,
who died—who better yet, was raised to life—who is now at the
right hand of God interceding for us! 35Who will separate us from
the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written:
305
Romans 9
8
Meaning: it is not Abraham’s natural children who are God’s
children, but it is the children to which the promise refers to who
are Abraham’s descendants. 9For this is what the promise said:
whom He desires.
306
Romans 9
19
You may say to me, “Then why does God still find fault with
us? After all, who can resist His will?” 20But who are you, O man,
to question God? Should you, who were formed, say to Him who
formed you, “Why did you make me this way?” 21Does not the
potter have the right to use the same lump of clay to make one
vessel for honourable use, and another for dishonourable use?
22
What if God—desiring to demonstrate His wrath and make
His power known—patiently endured the vessels of wrath, which
were prepared for destruction? 23What if He did this in order
to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of mercy,
which He had previously prepared for glory—24even to us, whom
God has also called, not only from the Jews but also from the
Gentiles? 25As God says in Hosea:
307
Romans 10
30
What then should we say? That the Gentiles who did
not pursue righteousness have obtained righteousness, a
righteousness that is by faith. 31But Israel, who pursued the
law of righteousness, did not attain righteousness through the
law. 32Why? Because they tried to attain it by works instead of
by faith, and so they stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. 33As
it is written:
That is, the word of faith that we preach: 9that if you confess
with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For
it is with your heart that you believe and are made righteous,
308
Romans 10
and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As
the Scripture says:
belong to the same Lord who is rich toward all who call on
Him, 13for,
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the word of God.
17
309
Romans 11
310
Romans 11
311
Romans 11
not be arrogant, but be afraid! 21For if God did not spare the
natural branches, He will not spare you either! 22Notice how
God is both kind and stern: stern to those who fell, but kind to
those who continue in His kindness! But if you do not continue
in His kindness, you will also be cut off! 23And if they do not
continue in their unbelief they will be grafted in, for God is
able to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut from an olive
tree that is naturally wild, and contrary to nature were grafted
into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier will the natural
branches be grafted back into their own olive tree!
25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers,
because I do not want you to become conceited: Israel has
become partially hardened until the full number of the Gentiles
has come in. 26In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
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35
“Who has given to God,
that God should repay him?”
(Job 41:11)
36
For all creation originates from Him, was created by Him, and
is for His glory. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
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Romans 14
love one another, because those who love one another have
fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments,
along with any other commandments there may be, are summed
up in this one commandment:
14
2
Welcome the man who is weak in faith, but not for the
purpose of arguing with him about disputable matters.
One man believes that he can eat anything, while another
man with weak faith eats only vegetables. 3 The man who eats
everything must not despise the man who eats only vegetables,
and the man who eats only vegetables must not judge the man
who eats everything, for God has accepted them both. 4 Who
are you to judge another man’s servant? To his own master he
stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make
him stand.
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5
One man may think that one day is more holy than another,
while another man may think that every day is alike. Each
man should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The man who
observes one day, does so to the Lord. The man who observes
no day, does so to the Lord. The man who eats meat, does so
to the Lord, and gives thanks to God. The man who abstains
from meat, does so to the Lord, and gives thanks to God. 7For
no one lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8If we live,
we live for the Lord. If we die, we die for the Lord. So whether
we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9For this reason Christ
died and rose to life again, so that He would be Lord of both
the living and the dead. 10Why do you judge your brother? Or
why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ.96 11For it is written,
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might cause his brother to stumble. 21It is not good to eat meat
or to drink wine, or to do anything else that might cause your
brother to stumble. 22Keep whatever you believe concerning
these matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the man
who does not feel condemned by what he approves. 23But the
man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he is not
acting in faith. And everything that is not done in faith is sin.
15
2
We who are strong in faith should bear the weaknesses of
those who are weak in faith, rather than pleasing ourselves.
Each one of us should please our neighbour for his good,
so that we can build him up. 3For even Christ did not please
Himself, as it is written,
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318
Romans 16
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Romans 16
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21
Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you, as do my fellow
countrymen Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater.
22
I, Tertius, the one who is writing this letter for Paul, send
you my greetings in the Lord.
23
Gaius, who is my host and the host of the whole church,
greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus,
greets you. 24May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all. Amen.
25
Now to God who is able to establish you according to my
gospel, the message of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
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of the mystery that has been hidden since the world began, 26but
has now been made known through the prophetic writings by
the commandment of the eternal God, so that all nations might
obey Him and put their faith in Him—27to the only wise God be
glory forever and ever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
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1 Corinthians
1 From: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the
will of God, and our brother Sosthenes.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
3
Jesus Christ!
I always thank God for you, because of the grace that God has
4
given to you in Christ Jesus. 5For in Him you have been made
rich in every way, in all speech and all knowledge, 6because the
testimony of Christ has been confirmed in you, 7so that you do
not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will make you firm until the end, so
that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9
For God is faithful, and He has called you into fellowship with
His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
I thank God that I did not baptize any of you, except Crispus
14
and Gaius, 15so that no one can say that they were baptized in
my name. 16Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas.
As for the rest, I do not remember baptizing anyone else. 17For
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—but
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2
2
Brothers, when I came and proclaimed the testimony of
God to you, I did not come with eloquent words or wisdom.
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ
and Him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and I
trembled greatly. 4My message and my preaching were not with
persuasive words of human wisdom, but with a demonstration of
the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith would not rest on human
wisdom but on God’s power.
6
We speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom
of this world, or of the rulers of this world, who are passing
away. 7On the contrary, we speak about the mystery of God’s
wisdom that was previously hidden, which God ordained for
our glory before the world began. 8None of the rulers of this
world understood this wisdom, for if they had, they would not
have crucified the Lord of glory.
9
But as it is written,
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16
“For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct Him?”
(Isaiah 40:13)
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1 Corinthians 4
18
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks
that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool so that he
may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness
in God’s sight. For it is written:
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1 Corinthians 6
6
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little
yeast will affect the whole lump of dough? 7Get rid of the old
yeast so that you may be a new lump of dough, a lump without
yeast, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb has been
sacrificed. 8So let us no longer observe the feast with the old
yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the yeast-free bread
of sincerity and truth.
9
When I wrote my previous letter to you, I told you not to
associate with sexually immoral people. 10 I do not mean the
people of this world who are sexually immoral, or greedy, or who
are con artists, or idolaters, otherwise you would have to leave
this world! 11But now I am writing to tell you not to associate
with anyone who professes to be a brother but who is sexually
immoral, or greedy, or verbally abusive, or a con artist, or an
idolater, or a drunk. Do not even eat with such people!
12
It is not my business to judge outsiders, now is it? But is it
not your business to judge those inside the church? 13God will
judge those outside. Remove that wicked man from among you.
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1 Corinthians 7
But the man who joins himself together with the Lord is one
17
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1 Corinthians 7
not have authority over her own body, but her husband does.
Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own
body, but his wife does. 5Do not deprive one another of these
things unless you both consent to do so for a set time, so that
you may fully devote yourselves to prayer and fasting. But after
this time has ended, come back together again so that satan will
not be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6
I say this only as a suggestion, not as a command. 7I wish all
men were unmarried like me. But each man has his own gift
from God—one this, and another that.
8
Now I say this to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good
for them to remain unmarried like me. 9But if they do not have
self-control they should get married, for it is better to marry
than to burn with passion.
10
To the married I give this command—not I, but the Lord:
a wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does
separate, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her
husband. And the husband must not divorce his wife.
12
I, not the Lord, say this to the rest of you: if any brother
has an unbelieving wife who desires to live with him, he must
not divorce her. 13And if a woman has an unbelieving husband
who desires to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14For the
unbelieving husband has been sanctified on account of his wife,
and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified on account of her
husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now
they are holy. 15But if the unbeliever departs, let them depart.
The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances, for
God has called us to live in peace. 16 Wife, how do you know
whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you
know whether you will save your wife?
17
Every man should live the life that the Lord has assigned
to him, and should remain in the same situation that he was
in when God called him. This is my rule for all the churches.
18
Were you circumcised when you were called? Then do not
become uncircumcised. Were you uncircumcised when you were
called? Then do not become circumcised. 19Both circumcision
and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters is keeping
God’s commandments. 20Each man should remain in the same
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1 Corinthians 8
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1 Corinthians 9
Is God only concerned about oxen? 10Or did He say this mainly
for us? It was written for us, because the man who ploughs and
the man who threshes should do so in the hope of sharing the
crops. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it wrong
for us to reap a material harvest from you? 12If others have the
right to share in your material blessings, how much more do we?
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15
But I have not made use of any of these rights. And I am
not writing these things in the hope of receiving anything from
you. I would rather die than let anyone deprive me of my reason
for boasting! 16I cannot boast about preaching the gospel, for I
am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17
If I had chosen to preach on my own initiative, I would have
a reward for that. But that was not the case; God called me
to preach, and so I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
18
So what then is my reward? My reward is this: to preach the
gospel of Christ free of charge, without using any of my rights
in preaching it.
19
Although I am a free man, I have made myself a slave to all
men, so that I may win many. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew,
so that I might win the Jews. To those under the law I became
like one under the law, so that I might win those under the law,
though I myself am not under the law. 21To those without the
law I became like one without the law, so that I might win those
without the law, though I am not without God’s law because I
am under Christ’s law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that
I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so
that by all means possible I might save some. 23I do this for
the sake of the gospel, so that I may partake in its blessings
along with you.
24
Do you not know that all those who run in a race run, but
only one receives the prize? So run to win the prize! 25Everyone
who strives to win, exercises self-discipline in all areas. They
do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we do it to receive an
incorruptible crown. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly or box
like someone shadowboxing. 27Instead, I beat my body and make
it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will
not be disqualified.
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23
“Everything is permitted”—but not everything is good and
profitable. “Everything is permitted”—but not everything is
edifying. 24Let no one seek his own good, but the good of others.
25
Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, but for the sake
of your conscience do not ask any questions. 26For,
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glory of man. 8For man was not created from woman, but woman
was created from man. 9And man was not created for woman,
but woman was created for man. 10For this reason, and because
the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on
her head to show that she is under man’s authority. 11But in
the Lord women are not independent of men, and men are not
independent of women. 12Woman was created from man, but
man is born from woman—all this comes from God.
13
Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God
with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach
you that it is disgraceful for a man to have long hair? 15But a
woman’s long hair is her glory, because her hair has been given
to her as a covering. 16And if anyone wants to argue about this,
we have no other custom—neither do any of God’s churches.
17
In giving you these next commands, I cannot commend
you. For when you assemble together, it is not for better but for
worse! 18First of all, I hear that when you assemble together as
a church, there are divisions among you, and I partly believe
it. 19For there must be divisions among you, so that it may
become evident who is approved by God among you. 20When
you assemble together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21For
each person eats his own supper without waiting for anyone
else; one goes hungry, while another has too much. 22Do you
not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise God’s
church and humiliate the poor who have nothing? What should
I say to you? Should I commend you? I will not commend you!
23
For I passed on to you what I received from the Lord: that
the Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread,
24
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take
this and eat it. For this is My body, which is broken for you. Do
this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same way, after supper
He also took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant
in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance
of Me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
27
Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in
an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body
and blood of the Lord! 28 That is why a man should examine
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himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For
any man who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and
drinks judgment on himself, because he did not recognize the
Lord’s body. 30 That is why many of you are feeble and sick, and
some have died. 31If, however, we would examine ourselves,
we would not be judged. 32 But when the Lord judges us, He
disciplines us, so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33
Therefore, when you assemble together to eat the Lord’s
Supper, my brothers, wait for one another. 34If any man is hungry
he should eat at home, so that when you assemble together
it may not lead to judgment. And when I come I will give you
further instructions concerning the matters that still remain.
97
The nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Revelation
gifts: gift of wisdom, gift of knowledge, gift of discerning spirits.
Power gifts: gift of faith, gift of healing, gift of miracles. Prophetic
gifts: gift of prophecy, gift of tongues, gift of interpreting tongues.
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12
Although the body has many parts, it is one body; all the
parts of the body, which are many, make up one body—it is
the same with the body of Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were
all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether
slave or free, we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14For the
body is not just made up of one part, but of many parts.
15
If the foot says, “I am not a hand, so I am not a part of the
body,” does that mean it is not a part of the body? 16And if the
ear says, “I am not an eye, so I am not a part of the body,” does
that mean it is not a part of the body? 17If the whole body were
an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how
could it smell? 18But God, according to His will, placed each
one of the body parts in the body. 19What would become of the
body if it had only one body part?
20
There are many body parts, but only one body. 21The eye
cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Neither can the
head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” 22On the contrary,
the weakest body parts are even more necessary. 23For we
give greater honour to the body parts that we think are less
honourable. And we clothe our unpresentable parts with greater
modesty, 24 while our presentable parts have no need to be
clothed. But God has put the body together, and He has given
greater honour to the parts that lacked honour. 25He did this so
that there would be no division in the body, so that the different
parts would equally care for one another. 26If one part suffers,
then every part suffers with it. If one part is honoured, then
every part rejoices with it.
27
You are the body of Christ, you are all individual parts of
it. 28In the church God has appointed first apostles, second
prophets, third teachers; after that, those with the gift of
miracles, and those with the gift of healing; after that, helpers,
administrators, and those with the gift of speaking in different
kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Do all operate in the gift of miracles? 30Do all have the
gift of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But
eagerly desire the greater gifts—yet I will show you something
far better than this.
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1 Corinthians 13-14
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6
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how
will that benefit you, unless I speak to you either by revelation,
by knowledge, by prophecy, or by teaching? 7If lifeless things
like the flute or harp do not produce distinct notes, how will
anyone know what tune is being played? 8And if a trumpet
does not give a distinct sound, who will prepare for battle? 9It
is the same with you, if you speak in a tongue that cannot be
understood, who will understand what you are saying? You
will just be speaking into the air. 10 There are many different
languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
11
If I do not understand the meaning of the language, then I am
a foreigner to the one who is speaking and he is a foreigner to
me. 12It is the same with you. Since you are so zealous to have
spiritual gifts, seek to excel in the gifts that edify the church.
13
Therefore, whoever speaks in tongues should pray that they
may be able to interpret them. 14For if I pray in tongues my
spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So then what should
I do? When I pray, I will pray with both my spirit and my mind.
And when I sing, I will sing with both my spirit and my mind.
16
For if you praise God with your spirit, how can someone else
say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, when they do not understand
what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough,
but the other person is not edified.
18
I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
But in the church I would rather speak five understandable
19
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stand on. 2By this gospel you are saved, that is, if you hold fast
to the word that I preached to you; unless, of course, you have
believed in vain.
3
The first thing I delivered to you, was what I had received:
that Christ died for our sins as the Scriptures predicted, 4 that
He was buried, that He rose again on the third day as the
Scriptures predicted, 5and that He appeared to Cephas and
then to the twelve. 6After that He appeared to over five hundred
brothers at once—most of these brothers are still alive, but
some have died. 7Next He appeared to James, then to the rest
of the apostles. 8And last of all, though I was like a miscarried
fetus, He also appeared to me.
9
For I am the most unworthy of all the apostles, and I do
not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted
God’s church. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and
His grace towards me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked
much harder than the rest of the apostles—yet not I, but the
grace of God that was with me. 11So whether it was I or they,
we all preach the same gospel in which you believed.
12
Now if we preached that Christ has been raised from the
dead, then why do some of you say that there is no resurrection
of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then
not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been
raised, then our preaching is worthless, and your faith is also
worthless. 15Furthermore, we would be found guilty of giving
false testimony about God, because we have testified that God
raised Christ from the dead. But God did not raise Christ from
the dead, if the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not
raised, then not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has
not been raised, then your faith is worthless and your sin still
remains. 18 Then those who have died in Christ have perished!
19
And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, then we should
be pitied more than all other men.
20
But Christ has in fact risen from the dead, and He has
become the firstfruits of those who have died. 21Since death
came through one man, the resurrection of the dead also came
through one Man. 22For through Adam all die, but through Christ
all will be made alive. 23But concerning the resurrection of the
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dead, each man has his proper order: Christ the firstfruits, then
those who belong to Christ at His coming. 24 Then after Christ
has abolished all rule and all authority and power, the end will
come, and He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father.
25
For Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under
His feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.
27
For,
But when it says, “all things have been put under Him,” this
clearly excludes God, who has put all things under Christ.
28
When all things have been put under His authority, then the
Son will also put Himself under the authority of the One who
has put all things under Him—that God may be all in all.
29
How would it profit those who are baptized on behalf of
the dead, if the dead are not raised? And if the dead are not
raised, then why would anyone be baptized on behalf of the
dead? 30And why do we put ourselves in constant danger? 31I
face death daily—this is true, just as my boasting about you in
Christ Jesus our Lord is true. 32If, according to human motives,
I fought wild beasts in Ephesus, what did I gain? If the dead
are not raised,
For some of you are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
35
But someone might ask, “How are the dead raised? What
kind of body will they have?” 36You fool! What you sow does not
come to life unless it dies first. 37What you sow is not the body
you will have, but only a seed—maybe of wheat or some other
grain. 38But God gives it the body He desires it to have, for He
gives each seed its own body.
39
Not all flesh is the same: men have one kind of flesh,
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1 Corinthians 16
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1 Corinthians 16
13
Be vigilant, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, and
be strong. 14Whatever you do must be done in love.
15
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first
converts in the province of Achaia, and that they have devoted
themselves to the ministry of the saints. Therefore I urge you,
brothers, 16 to submit to people like them and to anyone else
who is a fellow-worker and labourer.
17
I rejoiced when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
arrived, because they supplied what was lacking from you.
18
They have not only refreshed my spirit, but yours as well.
Therefore, acknowledge people like them.
19
The churches in the province of Asia greet you. Aquila and
Priscilla greet you in the Lord, and so does the church that
meets in their house. 20All the brothers here greet you. Greet
one another with a holy kiss.
21
Now I, Paul, greet you with my own hand writing. 22Whoever
does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed! Maranatha!
(Our Lord is coming!)
23
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! 24
My
love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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2 Corinthians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and from our brother Timothy.
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
2
Jesus Christ!
the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort. 4He is the One
who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we can comfort
those who are going through any kind of affliction with the
same comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just
as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also the comfort
of God abounds in us through Christ. 6If we are afflicted, it is
for your comfort and salvation. And if we are comforted, it is
for your comfort and salvation. Then you will be encouraged
to patiently endure the same sufferings that we also endure.
7
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as
you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8
We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about the
afflictions that we suffered in the province of Asia. We were
weighed down so far beyond our own ability that we even
despaired of life. 9Indeed, we felt like we had received a death
sentence. But this happened so that we would not trust in
ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 10And God delivered
us from such a great death, and He will deliver us again! For we
have put our hope in Him that He will continue to deliver us.
11
And because you have been helping us through your prayers,
many people will give thanks to God when they see the answer
to your prayers for our deliverance.
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read and acknowledged as true. And I hope that you will always
acknowledge this, 14even if not all of you acknowledge us, so
that you can boast of us as we will boast of you on the day of
the Lord Jesus.
15
Because of this confidence, I intended to visit you first, so
that you might benefit twice. 16I had planned to visit you on
my way to Macedonia, and again on my way back, and then to
have you send me on my way to Judea. 17So when I planned
this, did I do it lightly? Or did I make these plans according to
the flesh by saying “Yes” when I really meant “No”? 18Just as
God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and then “No.”
19
For Christ Jesus, the Son of God, was preached among you
by Silas, Timothy, and I. And our preaching was not “Yes” and
then “No,” but in Christ it has always been “Yes!” 20For all God’s
promises are both “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ, and so we give
glory to God through Him. 21Now it is God who establishes us
together with you in Christ, and who has anointed us; 22it is
God who has put His seal on us, and who has put His Spirit
in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.
23
I call God as my witness, that the reason I did not come
to Corinth was in order to spare you. 24For we did not want to
exercise authority over your faith, but to work with you for your
joy—for by faith you stand.
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3
2
Are we starting to commend ourselves again? Or do we need,
like others, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
You are our letter, written in our hearts, which is known and
read by all men. 3It is clear that you are Christ’s letter, the
result of our ministry, a letter not written by ink but by the
Spirit of the living God, a letter not written on stone tablets but
on human hearts.
4
Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God.
5
We do not claim that we are competent in ourselves, because
our competence comes from God. 6It is God who has made us
competent ministers of the new covenant, a covenant that is
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the
Spirit gives life.
7
Now if the ministry that brought death was engraved in
letters of stone and came with such glory that the children of
Israel could not gaze at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his face, even though the glory was fading, 8 then how much
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more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be? 9If the ministry
that brought condemnation was glorious, then how much more
glorious will the ministry be that brings righteousness! 10For
the old covenant was glorious, but its glory cannot compare
with the surpassing glory of the new covenant. 11And if that
which was fading away came with glory, then how much more
glorious is that which is everlasting!
12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we speak boldly.
13
We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that
the children of Israel could not gaze upon the glory that was
fading away. 14 Their hearts were hardened, for to this very day
the same veil remains when the old covenant is read, because
only in Christ is the veil removed. 15 To this very day when the
Law of Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But when
anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17For the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18
So all of us with unveiled faces, as if seeing the Lord’s glory in
a mirror, are being changed into His likeness from one degree
of glory to another by the Spirit of the Lord.
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of the Lord Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be
manifest in our bodies. 11We who are still alive are constantly
being delivered over to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may be manifest in our mortal bodies. 12So death
works in us, but life works in you.
13
It is written,
And since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and
therefore speak. 14We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus
from the dead, will also raise us up through Jesus, and will
present us with you. 15All this is for your sakes, so that God’s
abundant grace may cause much thanksgiving to abound to
the glory of God.
16
Therefore we do not faint. Though our bodies are perishing
on the outside, we are being renewed day by day on the inside.
17
For this present affliction, which is only small and momentary,
is producing an eternal glory that far outweighs all this. 18So
we do not look to the things that are seen, but to the things
that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary,
but the things that are not seen are eternal.
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99
Belial means “worthlessness,” and refers to satan.
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2 Corinthians 8
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2 Corinthians 9
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2 Corinthians 10
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flesh. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are
mighty through God for the tearing down of strongholds. 5We
refute every philosophy and every high thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ. 6We will be ready to punish
all disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
7
Do you only look at the outward appearance of things?
If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should
consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he
does. 8For even if I boast somewhat more of our authority—the
authority that the Lord has given to us for building you up, not
for tearing you down—I would not be ashamed. 9I do not want
you to think that I am trying to frighten you with my letters.
10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in
person he is weak, and his words are worthless.” 11These people
should realize that what we say in our letters when absent, we
will do when present.
12
We would never dare to put ourselves into the same class
as these people, or even compare ourselves with those who
commend themselves. Without wisdom they measure themselves
by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves. 13We
will not boast beyond proper boundaries. We will only boast
within the boundary lines that God has assigned to us, which
extends as far as you. 14We are not going beyond our boundaries,
as would be the case if we had not reached you, for we were
the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. 15Neither do
we go beyond our boundaries by boasting of the work others
have done. On the contrary, we hope that as your faith grows,
you will help us to greatly enlarge our boundary lines. 16 Then
we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we
will not boast of things already done in the boundary lines of
another man.
17
“Let the man who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 9:24)
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who slaps you in the face. 21I am ashamed to say that we are too
weak for that! What anyone else dares to boast about (I speak
as a fool), I also dare to boast about.
22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I.
Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants
of Christ? I speak as a fool, but I have served Him far more. I
have worked much harder, been in prison more often, suffered
more floggings, and have faced death more frequently. 24Five
times I received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews. 25 Three times
I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was
shipwrecked, and I was adrift at sea for a night and a day. 26I
have travelled frequently, I have been in danger from rivers, in
danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in
danger from the Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the
wilderness, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers.
27
I have laboured and toiled, gone without sleep, been hungry and
thirsty, fasted often, and have been cold and naked. 28Besides
all this, I am overwhelmed daily with my concern for all the
churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not sympathize with their
weakness? Who is enticed into sin, and I do not burn with anger?
30
If I am compelled to boast, I will boast of the things that
show my weakness. 31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying! 32 The
governor in Damascus, who was under King Aretas, guarded
the city of Damascus in order to arrest me. 33But I was lowered
in a basket through a window in the city wall, and escaped from
his hands.
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Galatians 1
Galatians
1 From: Paul, an apostle, who was sent neither from men nor
by man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised
Him from the dead, 2and from all the brothers who are here
with me.
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord
3
Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might
deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our
God and Father. 5 To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
to you did not come from man. 12I did not receive it from man
nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation from
Jesus Christ.
13
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism,
how I greatly persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it.
14
I had advanced in Judaism far beyond many of my Jewish
peers, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my
forefathers.
15
But when God, who separated me from my mother’s womb
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5
Does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles
among you because you do the works of the law, or because
you believe what you heard by faith? 6Consider this:
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4
2
What I am saying is this: as long as the heir is a child, he is
no different than a slave, even though he owns everything.
He is under guardians and stewards until the time set by
his father. 3It was the same when we were children, we were
slaves to the elementary principles of this world. 4But when
the appointed time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law,
so that He could adopt us as sons.
6
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His
Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Abba, Father!”100
7
So you are no longer a slave but a son. And if you are a son,
then you are an heir of God through Christ.
8
In the past, when you did not know God, you were slaves to
what by nature were not gods. 9But now that you know God—or
more accurately, are known by God—how can you turn again
to those weak and poor elementary principles? Do you desire to
be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special
days, months, seasons, and years! 11I fear for you, that perhaps
my labour among you was in vain!
12
Brothers, I beg you: become like me, for I became like you.
You have not wronged me. 13You know how sick I was when I
first preached the gospel to you. 14Yet you did not despise or
reject me on account of my sickness. But instead you received
me as if I were an angel of God, or as if I were Christ Jesus
Himself. 15What has happened to your joy? I can testify that if it
were possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and
given them to me. 16So have I now become your enemy because
I am telling you the truth?
17
These false teachers are zealous for you, but their motives
are not good. They desire to isolate you from us, so that you
will be zealous for them. 18It is always good to be zealous for
what is good, and not only when I am present with you. 19My
little children, I am once again suffering labour pains for you,
and this will continue until Christ is formed in you. 20I wish
I were present with you now, so that I could change my tone,
because I am puzzled about you!
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Abba is the Aramaic word for father.
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21
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not
listen to the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. 23 The son
of the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but the
son of the free woman was born according to a promise. 24 These
two women are symbolic of two different covenants. The slave
woman, Hagar, represents the covenant from Mount Sinai,
because her children are born into slavery. 25Hagar represents
Mount Sinai in Arabia, and she corresponds to present-day
Jerusalem, which is in slavery along with her children. 26But
the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.
27
For it is written,
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cut off from Christ and have fallen from grace! 5But through the
Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in
Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters;
what matters is faith working through love.
7
You were running your race well. Who has hindered you
from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from
the One who calls you. 9A little yeast ferments the whole lump of
dough. 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other
view. But the one who is troubling you will bear his judgment,
whoever he may be.
11
Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, then why am
I still being persecuted? If that were the case, then the offence
of the cross would be abolished. 12I wish those troubling you
would castrate themselves!
13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom. So do not use
your freedom to gratify the flesh, but to serve one another in
love. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one command:
Beware, if you bite and devour one another, you might destroy
15
one another!
16
So I say this: walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the
desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to
the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are
opposed to one another, so that you do not do what you want to
do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: adultery, fornication,
impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, drugs and witchcraft, hatred,
quarrelling, jealousy, rage, strife, divisions, factions, 21envy,
drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I warn you, as
I have warned you before, that those who practice such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23meekness, and self-control.
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17
From now on let no man cause me trouble, for I bear the
scars of the Lord Jesus on my body.
18
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers! Amen.
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Ephesians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. To
the saints in the city of Ephesus who are faithful in Christ
Jesus:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
2
Jesus Christ!
You also put your hope in Christ after hearing the word of
13
and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving
thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give
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2 You were once dead because of your trespasses and sins. 2In
the past you walked according to the ways of this world and
according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is
presently at work in the sons of disobedience. 3We all previously
lived like them, walking after the lusts of the flesh by fulfilling
the desires of our flesh and mind; we were by nature children
of wrath just like them.
4
But God—who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with
which He loved us—5made us alive with Christ even though we
were dead in our transgressions—for by grace you have been
saved. 6For in Christ Jesus, God has raised us up with Christ
and has seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, 7so that in
the ages to come He might show us the surpassing riches of His
gracious kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you
have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, for it
is the gift of God; 9it is not by works, so that no man may boast.
10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
the good works that God prepared in advance for us to walk in.
11
Remember that you who are Gentiles by birth were previously
called “the uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the
circumcised”—a circumcision, which is made in the flesh by
the hands of men. 12At that time you were separated from
Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to
the covenants of promise, living in this world without hope and
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without God. 13But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far
off have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14
For Christ is our peace, and He has made both groups
one by tearing down the wall of division. 15He abolished in
His flesh the hostility of the law with its commandments and
decrees, making peace between the two by creating in Himself
one new man out of the two, 16 that through the cross He might
reconcile both groups to God, making them into one body, thus
killing their hostility. 17He came and proclaimed the good news
of peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near.
18
For through Christ both groups have access to the Father by
one Spirit.
19
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but
fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.
20
You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, and Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone. 21In
Him the whole building is being joined together and is growing
into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 Through Christ you Gentles
are also being built together to become a dwelling place where
God lives by His Spirit.
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10
The One who descended is also the same One who ascended
far above all the heavens, so that He would fill everything.
11
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and
teachers, 12for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, and for the edification of the body of Christ, 13until
we all become united in the faith and in the full knowledge of
God’s Son, becoming a fully grown man that measures up to
the maturity and stature of Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no
longer be infants tossed to and fro and carried about by every
wind of doctrine, which is taught by cunning men in their
craftiness and deceitful schemes. 15Instead, by speaking the
truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ who is the
head. 16From Him the whole body is joined and held together by
every contributing joint. And when each one of the parts does
its work, the body grows and edifies itself in love.
17
Therefore I say this, and testify in the Lord: you must no
longer walk as the other Gentiles do, because they walk in the
foolishness of their thinking. 18 Their minds are full of darkness,
and they are alienated from the life of God, because of their
ignorance and their hard hearts. 19 They have become apathetic
and have given themselves over to sensuality, greedily practicing
every kind of impurity.
20
But that is not what you have learned about Christ! 21If
you have truly heard about Him, and have been taught about
Him according to the truth in Jesus, 22 then cast off the old man
along with its former behaviour, for it is corrupted by deceitful
desires. 23Instead, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and
put on the new man, which is created after God’s likeness in
true righteousness and holiness.
25
Therefore cast off falsehood,
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26
“When you are angry, do not sin.”
(Psalm 4:4)
Do not let the sun go down without dealing with your anger,
27
or give the devil a place of opportunity. 28 Those who steal must
stop stealing and start working, using their own hands for what
is good, so that they may have something to share with those in
need. 29Do not let any corrupt words come out of your mouth,
but only speak what is good and useful for edification, so that
those who hear will benefit. 30Do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit,
by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Remove
all bitterness, rage, anger, quarrelling, and slander from among
you, along with all hatred. 32Be kind and tender-hearted to one
another, forgiving one another just as God forgave you in Christ.
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Philippians 1
Philippians
1 From: Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. To all the
saints of Christ Jesus who live in the city of Philippi, together
with the overseers and deacons:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
2
Jesus Christ!
for all of you, I always make my petitions with joy. 5For you
have been my fellow partners in the gospel from the first day
until now. 6I am confident of this: that He who began a good
work in you will continue doing so until He finishes it on the
day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to think this way about
all of you, because I hold you in my heart. For whether I am
in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, you are all
partakers with me of grace. 8God is my witness of how I long
for all of you with the tender mercies of Jesus Christ.
And I pray that your love will abound even more and more
9
Some truly preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others
15
out of goodwill. 16 Those who proclaim Christ out of strife are not
sincere, and they are adding affliction to my chains. 17But the
others do it out of love, knowing that I have been appointed to
defend the gospel. 18But why should I worry about that? For in every
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Philippians 3
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Philippians 4
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6
Do not worry about anything, but in every situation make your
requests known to God by prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving.
7
Then God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable,
whatever is righteous, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable—if anything is virtuous, if anything
is praiseworthy—think about these things. 9Practice whatever
you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me. And the
God of peace will be with you.
10
I greatly rejoice in the Lord, because you have once again
renewed your concern for me. Truly you have been concerned
for me, but have not had the opportunity to show it. 11I am not
saying this because I have need of anything, for I have learned to
be content no matter what circumstances I am in. 12I know how
to live by humble means, and I know how to live in abundance. I
have learned the secret of living in any and every circumstance,
whether full or hungry, whether prospering or in need. 13I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14
Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my afflictions.
15
As you Philippians know, after I first preached the gospel
to you, when I departed from the province of Macedonia, not
even one church shared with me in this matter of giving and
receiving except for you alone. 16Even when I was in need in
Thessalonica, you sent me aid not only once but twice. 17It is
not gifts that I desire; what I desire is that fruit may be credited
to your account. 18I have been supplied in all abundance now
that I have received the gifts you sent with Epaphroditus. They
are a sweet smelling fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice that is
well-pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs
according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To God our
Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who
are with me greet you, 22as do all the rest of the saints here,
especially those of Caesar’s household.
23
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Amen.
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Colossians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and
our brother Timothy. 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in
the city of Colosse who are in Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ!
3
We always pray for you, giving thanks to God the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we have heard of your faith in
Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints, 5 which stems
from the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, which you
have previously heard about in the word of truth—the gospel.
6
It has come to you and to the whole world bearing fruit and
growing, as it has been doing in you since the day you first
heard it and understood the truth of God’s grace. 7You learned
about the gospel from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-slave, who
is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8He has told us
of your love in the Spirit.
9
For this reason, since the day we first heard about this, we
have not stopped praying for you. We have been asking God to
fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom
and understanding, 10so that you may walk in a manner worthy
of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things, bearing fruit in every
good work, and growing in the knowledge of God, 11so that by
His glorious might you may be strengthened with all power to
patiently endure all things with joy, 12always giving thanks to
the Father, who has enabled us to share in the inheritance of
the saints of light. 13For He has rescued us from the powers of
darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved
Son, 14in whom we have redemption through His blood—the
forgiveness of sins.
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all things. 18Christ is the head of the body, which is the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He will
be superior in all things. 19For the Father was pleased to have
all His fullness live in Christ, 20and to reconcile all things to
Himself through Christ, whether things on earth or in heaven,
by making peace through the blood Christ shed on the cross.
21
In the past you were alienated from God with a hostile
attitude towards Him, because of your evil works. 22But now
God has reconciled you by the death of Christ’s physical body,
in order to present you holy and blameless and without fault
before Him. 23 That is, only if you remain in the faith, having
a firm foundation, not being moved or swayed from the hope
of the gospel that you have heard—the gospel that has been
proclaimed to all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul,
have become a minister.
24
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, because I
am filling up what is lacking in my flesh concerning Christ’s
afflictions, which is for the sake of His body—the church, 25of
which I have become a minister according to the stewardship
that God has given to me for your sake, so that I might fully
preach the word of God; 26 the mystery that has been hidden for
ages and generations but now has been revealed to the saints,
27
to whom God chose to make known the glorious riches of
this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory.
28
We proclaim Christ, warning and teaching every man with
all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ
Jesus. 29For this purpose I work hard and struggle according
to the working of His power that works within me.
2 I want you to know how much I struggle for you and for those
at Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen my face
in person. 2I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in
love, being rich in every way, because they are fully assured in
their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God the
Father, which is Christ. 3In Him are hidden all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge. 4I am telling you this, so that no one will
deceive you with persuasive words. 5Although I am physically
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3 If you were raised with Christ, then seek the things from
above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set
your mind on the things above, not on earthly things. 3For you
have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When
Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with
Him in glory.
5
So put to death whatever is earthly in you: fornication,
impurity, lust, perversion, and greed—which is a form of idolatry.
6
For because of these things the wrath of God will come upon
the sons of disobedience. 7You once walked in these ways when
you lived among them. 8But now you must put them all away:
anger, rage, hatred, slander, and all filthy talk from your mouth.
9
Do not lie to one another since you have stripped off the old
man with his practices, 10and have put on the new man who
is being renewed in the knowledge of his Creator’s image—11in
Him there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised,
foreigner, savage, slave or free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe
yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness,
and patience, 13bearing with one another and forgiving each
other. If anyone has a complaint against another, forgive them as
Christ forgave you. 14And above all these things clothe yourselves
with love, which binds everything together perfectly. 15And let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, because you were called
into one body to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16Let
the word of Christ live in you richly, as you teach and warn one
another with all wisdom, as you gratefully sing psalms, hymns,
and spiritual songs in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatever
you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter towards them.
19
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20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is well-
pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children,
or they will become disheartened. 22Slaves, obey your earthly
masters in everything. Do not be people-pleasers, only working
hard when you are being watched, but work wholeheartedly
because you fear God. 23In whatever you do, work with all your
heart, working for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that you
will receive an inheritance as your reward, because the Master
you serve is Christ. 25But those who do wrong will be repaid for
the wrong they have done, for there is no partiality with God.
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stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13I bear
witness that he is very zealous for you and for those in the
cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician,
greets you, along with Demas. 15Greet the brothers in Laodicea,
along with Nymphas and the church that meets in his house.
16
After this letter has been read among you, make sure it is
read to the church of Laodicea. And likewise, read the letter that
I sent to Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you fulfill
the ministry that you have received from the Lord.”
18
I, Paul, greet you with my own hand writing. Remember
my chains. Grace be with you! Amen.
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1 Thessalonians
1 From: Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of the
Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ!
you in our prayers. 3In the presence of our God and Father we
constantly remember your work of faith, your labour of love,
and your endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We
know, brothers, that God loves you and has chosen you. 5For
our gospel not only came to you in word but also in power, with
a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and great conviction. You
know how we lived among you; we were your examples.
much tribulation, you received the word with the joy of the
Holy Spirit. 7You became an example to all the believers in the
provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. 8And the word of the Lord
has echoed out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
but also in every place where your faith in God has become
known. As a result, we do not need to say anything. 9For they
themselves tell us about the way you welcomed us, and how
you turned from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 They
also tell us that you are waiting for God’s Son to come from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues
us from the coming wrath.
2 Brothers, you know that our visit to you was not in vain.
2
As you know, before we came to you we suffered and were
mistreated in the city of Philippi. Yet we were bold in our God,
and told you about His gospel in spite of much opposition. 3For
our appeal does not stem from error, impurity, or deceit.
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passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 6No man should
go beyond proper limits and take advantage of his brother in
this matter, for the Lord will punish all who do such things,
just as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did
not call us to be impure, but to be holy. 8 Therefore, anyone who
rejects these instructions is not rejecting man, but God, who
gives you His Holy Spirit.
9
We do not need to write to you about brotherly love, because
God has taught you to love one another. 10And you truly have
shown your love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But
we encourage you, brothers, to love them even more. 11You must
strive to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working
with your own hands, just as we instructed you. 12 Then you
can walk honestly in your dealings with unbelievers, without
needing a thing.
13
I do not want you to be ignorant about those who have
died, brothers, because I do not want you to grieve like those
who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, we must also believe that God will bring with Jesus those
who have died in Him.
15
We say this to you by the word of the Lord: we who remain
alive until the coming of the Lord will not go up before those
who have died. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven,
with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet
of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who
remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the
Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
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6
So let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and
be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who
get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But we belong to the day, so let
us be sober. Let us put on faith and love as a breastplate, and
the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God has not appointed
us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord
Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are dead or
alive, we may live together with Him.
11
Therefore encourage and build up one another, as you are
already doing. 12Now, brothers, we ask you to respect those
who work hard among you, who preside over you in the Lord,
and who warn you. 13You should highly respect and love them
because of the work they do. Live in peace with one another.
14
We urge you, brothers, to warn the dis