1 Corinthians 15 Cross References - AUV

¹ Now, brothers, I want to remind you of the good news which I preached to you. You received it; you are standing firm in it; ² [and] you have been saved by it also, if you hold on to it firmly [i.e., continue believing and practicing it]. For if you do not [hold on to it firmly], you will have believed [it] all for nothing. ³ For I passed on to you the [following] main principles that I received [i.e., by revelation]: Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; ⁴ He was buried; He was raised [from the dead] on the third day, according to the Scriptures; ⁵ and He appeared to Cephas [i.e., Peter. See Luke 24:34], and then to the twelve apostles. [See Luke 24:33]. ⁶ After that He appeared to over five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, but some have died. ⁷ Then He appeared to James [Note: This was probably Jesus’ half-brother. See Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:19], and then to all of the apostles. [See John 20:26]. ⁸ Then last of all, He appeared to me also, as someone born abnormally. [Note: This probably refers to Paul being converted later than the rest of the apostles]. ⁹ For I am the least [significant] of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it]. ¹¹ So, whether it was I, or the other apostles [who did the work], this is [the message] that we have preached, and that you people have received. ¹² Now if it is preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some people among you say that people will not be raised from the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection from the dead, [then] Christ has not been raised up either. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too. ¹⁵ And also, we are found to be false witnesses about God because we testified that God raised up Christ [from the dead], when [in reality] He did not raise Him up if, in fact, the dead are not raised up. ¹⁶ For if dead people are not raised up, [then] neither has Christ been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins. ¹⁸ Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If we have placed our hope in Christ while in this life only, we are to be pitied more than all [other] people. ²⁰ But now Christ has been raised up from the dead; [He is] the firstfruits of those who have died. [Note: By “firstfruits” is meant the first installment of the crop which promises the entire harvest eventually]. ²¹ For since death happened to a man [i.e., Adam], the resurrection from the dead also happened to a man [i.e., Christ]. ²² For as all people die [physically] in [their relationship to] Adam, so also will all people be made alive [physically] in [their relationship to] Christ. [Note: However, some view “made alive” as referring to the new spiritual life given to believers]. ²³ But each one [is raised up] in his own turn: Christ as the firstfruits [See verse 20]; then those who are Christ’s [i.e., believers], when He returns. ²⁴ Then [i.e., at Christ’s return] the end [of the world] will occur, when He will turn over the kingdom to God, the Father, after He has abolished all [hostile] dominion, authority and power. ²⁵ For Christ must [continue to] rule [over His kingdom, the church] until God has put all of His enemies under Christ’s feet. ²⁶ The last enemy that will be abolished is death. ²⁷ For He [i.e., God] placed everything in subjection under His [i.e., Christ’s] feet. But when God said, “Everything is in subjection [to Him],” it is clear that this did not include God [Himself], who placed everything in subjection to Him [i.e., Christ]. ²⁸ And after everything [else] has been subjected to Christ, then the Son Himself will also be subjected [i.e., He will subject Himself] to God, who subjected everything to Christ, so that God may rule over everything. ²⁹ Otherwise [i.e., if there were no resurrection], what do people accomplish by being immersed for those who have [already] died? If dead people are not raised up at all, why then are people immersed on their behalf? [Note: The foregoing rendition is the most commonly held one of over 30 interpretations given to this very difficult verse. Other possibilities are: a) “immersed in view of (being raised from) the dead,” b) “immersed in view of being dead (to sin),” c) “immersed in view of (having to suffer) death,” d) “immersed in view of (someday joining) the dead”]. ³⁰ Why do we also risk danger every hour [i.e., if there were no resurrection]? ³¹ I face death every day, I assure you brothers, as surely as I boast of [fellowship with] you in Christ Jesus our Lord. ³² What benefit was it to me, from a human standpoint, if I fought wild animals in Ephesus, and [yet] the dead are not raised? [Note: This probably refers to Paul facing ferocious opposition from people there in Ephesus]. We should [just] eat and drink, for tomorrow we [may] die. ³³ Do not be fooled; bad company ruins good moral behavior. ³⁴ Come to your senses; do what is right and stop sinning. Some of you do not know God [i.e., in a personal way]. I am saying this to make you ashamed. ³⁵ But someone will ask, “How are dead people raised up?” and “What kind of a body will they have?” ³⁶ You foolish person. The seed you plant does not come to life [i.e., grow] unless it dies. ³⁷ And what you yourself sow is not the plant that will [eventually] come up, but simply a seed. It may be a grain of wheat or something else. ³⁸ But God gives it the [kind of] body He wants [it to have], so each seed gets its own plant. ³⁹ All flesh is not the same [Note: The word “flesh” here refers to the material composition of matter, and in no way suggests anything sinful, as it does in many other places in Paul’s writings]. But mankind has one [kind of] flesh; animals have another kind; birds have another; and fish [still] another. ⁴⁰ Also, there are heavenly bodies [i.e., stars and planets] and earthly bodies [i.e., men and animals]. But the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one [kind], and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another [kind]. ⁴¹ The sun has one [kind] of splendor, and the moon has another [kind], and the stars [still] another. For [even] one star’s splendor is different from another’s. ⁴² It is the same way with the resurrection of dead people. [A person’s body] is buried [only] to decay; it is raised up never to decay again. ⁴³ It is buried in dishonor; it is raised up in splendor. It is buried in weakness; it is raised up in power. ⁴⁴ It is buried as a physical body; it is raised up as a spiritual body. If there is [such a thing as] a physical body, [then] there is also a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ So, it is also written [Gen. 2:7], “The first man, Adam, became a living being.” The last Adam [i.e., Christ], became the Spirit who gives [never ending] life. [See John 5:21]. ⁴⁶ However, the spiritual [body] does not come first, but the physical [body does]; then the spiritual [body comes]. ⁴⁷ The first man [i.e., Adam] came from the dust of the ground [See Gen. 2:7]; the second man [i.e., Christ] came from heaven. ⁴⁸ Just as earthly people are like the man who came from dust; so heavenly people are like the man who came from heaven. ⁴⁹ And just as we [now] appear [in both a physical and spiritual body] like the man who came from dust [i.e., Adam]; we will also [someday] appear [in both a physical(?) and spiritual body] like the man who came from heaven [i.e., Christ]. ⁵⁰ Now this is what I am saying, brothers; flesh and blood [i.e., physical bodies] cannot possess the kingdom of God [i.e., the heavenly realm]; neither can [bodies that] decay possess [a place] which does not decay. ⁵¹ Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually] ⁵² in a split second, as quickly as the twinkle of an eye, when the last trumpet blows. For the trumpet will blow and dead people [i.e., believers] will be raised up, never to decay again, and [the living] will be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]. ⁵³ For this [body] that can decay must be clothed with [a body] which cannot decay. And this [body] that can die must be clothed with [a body] which cannot die. ⁵⁴ But when this [body] that can decay has been clothed with one which cannot decay, and this [body] that can die has been clothed with one which cannot die, then the Scriptural saying will be fulfilled [Isa. 25:8], “Death has been swallowed up [i.e., eliminated] by victory.” [Note: The reference here is to the time when believers will experience victory over death by being resurrected or taken directly to be with God]. ⁵⁵ [Hos. 13:14 says], “Death, where is your victory [over people]? Death, where is your [harmful] sting?” ⁵⁶ The [harmful] sting that causes [physical] death is sin [See Rom. 5:12]; and the power of sin [to do this] comes from the law. [See Rom. 8:2]. ⁵⁷ But I thank God for giving us victory [i.e., over sin and death] through our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁵⁸ Therefore, my dearly loved brothers, stand firm [in the faith]; do not be moved [from your commitment]. Always do your best to work for the Lord, since you know that your labor in the Lord’s [service] is not for nothing.

²³ “Look, the virgin will become pregnant and have a son, and they will name Him Immanuel,” which means “God with us.”

²⁰ For it will not be you who speaks, but [rather] the Holy Spirit of your Father will be speaking in you. ²¹ [At that time] a person will turn his brother over to be killed, and the father [will do the same to] his child. And children will rebel against their parents and turn them over to be killed. ²² And you will be hated by everyone for being loyal to me. But the person who endures [this persecution by remaining faithful] to the end [of his life] is the one who will be saved [i.e., from spiritual and physical destruction].

²² And you will be hated by everyone for being loyal to me. But the person who endures [this persecution by remaining faithful] to the end [of his life] is the one who will be saved [i.e., from spiritual and physical destruction]. ²³ When they persecute you in one town, run to the next one, for it is true when I tell you, you will not have traveled through [all] the towns of the Israelites until the Son of man comes [i.e., in His kingdom]. ²⁴ A disciple is not more important than his teacher, nor a slave more important than his master. ²⁵ A disciple is doing well if he can be [as good] as his teacher, and the slave [as good] as his master. If they have called the master of the house [i.e., Jesus] Beelzebub [i.e., the chief of evil spirits. See Mark 3:22], how much more [likely] will they call members of his household [i.e., the disciples] the same thing!

⁴⁰ The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me. ⁴¹ The person who welcomes a prophet because he is a prophet will receive the [same] reward the prophet gets. And the person who welcomes a good man because he is good will receive the [same] reward the good man gets. ⁴² Truly I tell you, whoever gives a mere drink of cold water to one of these least significant [disciples of mine] because he is a disciple, will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward.”

²⁷ “All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him.

⁴⁰ For just like Jonah was in the stomach of the huge fish for three days and nights, so the Son of man will be in the heart of the earth [i.e., the cave-tomb] for three days and nights.

³⁹ The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels. ⁴⁰ Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world. ⁴¹ The Son of man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all those people who cause others to fall away [from God] and those who [continue to] sin. ⁴² He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain. ⁴³ Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully.

⁴³ Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully.

⁹ They are worshiping me for nothing [because they are] teaching principles that are [merely] the requirements of men.’”

¹⁷ Jesus replied, “Simon, son of Jonah, you are fortunate [indeed], for this [truth] was not revealed to you by human beings but [rather] by my Father who is in heaven.

²¹ From that time onward Jesus began to explain to His disciples that He would have to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the [Jewish] elders, leading priests, and experts in the law of Moses; [that He would then] be killed and [yet] raised up on the third day.

¹⁸ “Now look, we are going up to Jerusalem and [while there] the Son of man will be turned over to the leading priests and experts in the law of Moses. They will condemn Him to death, ¹⁹ and turn Him over to the [unconverted] Gentiles, who will mock, whip and crucify Him; then on the third day He will be raised up.”

¹⁹ and turn Him over to the [unconverted] Gentiles, who will mock, whip and crucify Him; then on the third day He will be raised up.”

²² But Jesus replied to her, “You [really] do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup [i.e., of suffering] that I am about to drink?” They [i.e., James, John and their mother. See Mark 10:35ff] answered, “[Yes] we are able to.”

²⁹ But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken [in your reasoning], not knowing [what] the Scriptures [teach] or [how much] power God has. ³⁰ For in the resurrected state men do not get married, nor are women given away in marriage, but [all] are like angels in heaven.

⁴⁴ [Psa. 110:1] ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side until I put your enemies [in full subjection] beneath your feet.’

⁴ And Jesus answered them, “Pay attention so that no one leads you astray [from the truth].

⁹ At that time people will turn you over [to the authorities] for persecution and will [even] kill you. And people from all countries will hate you for being loyal to me.

¹¹ And many false prophets will appear and will lead many people away [from the truth].

¹³ But the person who holds out [i.e., remains faithful to God] until the end [i.e., of this time of severe persecution] will be saved [from destruction].

²⁴ For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform great [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray even the elect [i.e., God’s people], if possible.

³¹ And He will send out His angels [i.e., as messengers] with the sound of a great trumpet [See I Thess. 4:16] to gather His elect [i.e., God’s people] from all directions, [even] from throughout the whole world. [Note: See Mark 13:27, which suggests this thought by its use of ‘earth’ and ‘sky’]

³¹ “But when the Son of man comes [back] in [all] His splendor, accompanied by all the angels, then He will sit on His throne of splendor. ³² And people from all the nations will be assembled in front of Him and He will separate them from one another, like a shepherd separating his sheep from the goats. ³³ He will place the sheep at His right side, but the goats at His left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those at His right side, ‘You who are blessed by my Father, come and receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world, ³⁵ for [when] I was hungry, you fed me; [when] I was thirsty, you gave me [something] to drink; [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you gave me a place to stay; ³⁶ when I was without adequate clothing, you gave me something to wear; [when] I was sick, you came to visit me; [when] I was in prison, you came to see me.’ ³⁷ Then those who had done what was right [i.e., the ones at His right side] replied, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? Or thirsty, and give you [something] to drink? ³⁸ And when [did you come as] a stranger, and we gave you a place to stay? Or [when were you] without adequate clothing, and we gave you something to wear? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’

²⁸ for this is [i.e., represents] my blood of the Agreement [i.e., between God and mankind], which is [to be] poured out for many people in order for [their] sins to be forgiven.

⁵⁷ And when evening had come, a rich man from Arimathea named Joseph, who was also one of Jesus’ disciples, ⁵⁸ went to [governor] Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. So, Pilate ordered that it be given to him. ⁵⁹ Joseph took the body and wrapped it in a clean linen cloth ⁶⁰ and placed it in his own newly prepared grave, which he had cut out of [a ledge of] rock. Then he [had] a huge stone rolled across the entrance of the grave and went away.

⁶³ and said, “Sir, we remember what that deceiver said while he was still alive: ‘I will rise [from the dead] after three days.’ ⁶⁴ Therefore, give the order to secure the grave site until the third day, so his disciples will not steal his body and then tell the people ‘He has risen from the dead.’ This last deception would be worse than the first one [i.e., the claim that Jesus rose from the dead would be worse than the claim that he was the Messiah].”

¹ Now as the Sabbath day ended and the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] approached [Note: See Mark 16:1-2 for the exact timing], Mary from Magdala and the other Mary [i.e., Jesus’ mother. See Matt. 27:56] went to look at the grave site. ² Now there had been a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord had descended from heaven and, [having] come to roll away the stone, was [now] sitting on it. ³ He appeared as [brilliant] lightning and his clothing was white as snow. ⁴ And the guards shook with fear at seeing him, and became as dead men. ⁵ The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know you are looking for Jesus, who has been crucified. ⁶ He is not here, for He has risen just as He said [He would]. Come and see the place where the Lord had been lying,

¹⁰ Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers [i.e., the disciples, that you have seen me], so they can head for Galilee where they will see me.”

¹⁶ But the eleven disciples [i.e., apostles] went to the mountain in Galilee where Jesus had ordered them to go. ¹⁷ And when they met Him [there], they [knelt down] to worship Him; but some [still] had doubts [i.e., about His resurrection. See John 20:25]. ¹⁸ Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

¹⁶ And in the same way, some [of the seed] that was sown on rocky soil represented those who heard ‘the word’ and immediately accepted it gladly, ¹⁷ but [since] they had such shallow roots, they continued on for [only] a little while. Then, when trouble and persecution arose over [obeying] ‘the word,’ immediately they stumbled [i.e., and fell away from God]. ¹⁸ And other seeds represent those who are sown among thorns. These are people who heard ‘the word,’ ¹⁹ but worry [over things] of the world, and the deceitfulness of material wealth, and the evil desires for other things entered their hearts and choked [the effectiveness of] ‘the word,’ so that it did not yield a crop [in their lives]. ²⁰ Then there were those who were sown on fertile soil. These represent people who heard ‘the word,’ accepted it and yielded a crop of thirty, sixty and even a hundred times [as much as was planted].”

²⁶ And Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a farmer who scattered seed on the ground, ²⁷ then went to bed and got up the next day to find that the seed had sprouted and grown, yet he did not know how it happened. ²⁸ The soil yields its crop, first the green sprout, then the ears of grain, and then the kernels in the ears. ²⁹ But when the grain ripens the farmer wields his sickle because harvest time has come.”

³¹ For He taught His disciples, saying to them, “The Son of man will be handed over to [evil] men and they will kill Him, and three days after He dies He will rise up again.”

³³ He said, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem and the Son of man will be turned over to the leading priests and experts in the law of Moses. They will condemn Him to death and turn Him over to the [unconverted] Gentiles. ³⁴ They will mock Him, and spit on Him, and whip Him and [finally] kill Him, but after three days He will rise again [from the dead].”

²⁴ Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason that you are [so] mistaken, that you do not know [what] the Scriptures [teach] or [how much] power God has? ²⁵ For when people rise from the dead, men do not get married, and women are not given away in marriage, but [all] are like angels in heaven.

³⁶ [It was] David himself [who] said by [inspiration of] the Holy Spirit [Psa. 110:1], ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side until I make your enemies the footrest [i.e., in subjection] under your feet.’

⁴³ Joseph, from Arimathea, a highly respected member of the [Jewish] Council, who was expecting the kingdom of God, went boldly to Pilate [i.e., the Roman appointed governor] and asked [him] for the body of Jesus. ⁴⁴ Pilate was amazed that Jesus had already died, and calling the military officer to him, asked how long He had been dead. ⁴⁵ And when he found out from the military officer, he granted the body to Joseph. ⁴⁶ [Joseph then] brought a linen cloth, and after taking Jesus down from the cross, wrapped the linen cloth around His body and placed it in a grave site that had been cut out of [a ledge of] rock. Then he rolled a huge stone across the entrance to the cave.

² And very early on the first day of the week, after sunrise [i.e., on Sunday morning], they went to the grave site. ³ They were questioning among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the cave for us?” ⁴ And when they looked up, they saw that the stone had [already been] rolled away, and it was very large. ⁵ As they were entering the cave, they were amazed when they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting at the right side of the entrance. ⁶ He said to them, “Do not be amazed. You are looking for Jesus from Nazareth, who was crucified, [are you not]? He has risen from the dead. He is not here. Look at the place where they laid Him. ⁷ So, go and tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you.’”

⁷ So, go and tell His disciples and Peter, ‘He is going on ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there, just as He told you.’”

¹⁴ Later on Jesus showed Himself to the eleven apostles as they sat [i.e., reclined. See Matt. 23:6], eating a meal. He scolded them for their lack of faith and stubbornness because they refused to believe those who had seen Him [alive] after His resurrection. ¹⁵ Then He said to them, “You [men] go into the entire world and preach the good news to every person. ¹⁶ The person who believes [i.e., the Gospel] and is immersed will be saved [i.e., from condemnation], but whoever does not believe it will be condemned.

¹⁶ And he will influence many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will go on ahead of the Messiah [See verse 76], in the spirit and power of Elijah, to rekindle the affections of fathers for their children, and [to influence] disobedient people to live wisely like righteous people. And he will prepare the people to be ready for [the coming of] the Lord.”

¹¹ For a Savior has been born today in David’s city [i.e., Bethlehem], who is Christ the Lord [i.e., God’s specially chosen one].

¹³ And those people [represented by the seed falling] on rocky ground are those who, upon hearing the word [of God], accept it gladly, but since they have no root [system], they believe it for [only] awhile, and [then] in times of trial fall away [from God]. ¹⁴ And those people [represented by the seed] that fell among thorns are the ones who have heard [the word], and as they go about their business, they become choked by worry, by money and by worldly pleasures, and produce no mature crop.

²² saying, “The Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the [Jewish] elders, leading priests and experts in the law of Moses. Then He will be killed and [yet] be raised up on the third day.”

²⁵ For what is a person benefited if he gains the whole world [i.e., of material things] and [yet] loses [his spiritual life] or gives himself up [to spiritual ruin]?

²² Everything has been handed over to me by my Father and no one knows the Son except the Father. And [no one knows] the Father except the Son and whatever person the Son wants to reveal Him to.”

⁴⁰ You foolish people! Did not the One [i.e., God] who made the outside [i.e., your body] also make the inside [i.e., your spirit]?

¹⁹ And I will say to myself, ‘Soul, you have plenty of goods [i.e., grain and supplies] stored up for many years, [so], take it easy; eat, drink and have fun.’ ²⁰ But God said to him, ‘You fool! Tonight your life will be taken away from you. And [then] who will get the things you have stored up [for yourself]?’

²³ And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him.

³² For He will be turned over to the [unconverted] Gentiles, and will be mocked, and insulted and spit on. ³³ [The Romans] will flog Him and kill Him, but on the third day He will rise again [from the dead].”

³⁵ but those who are considered worthy of gaining that age [i.e., the future, never ending state] and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given away in marriage. ³⁶ For they cannot die anymore either, because they are equal to the angels and are children of God, as well as children of the resurrection [i.e., people who are assured of being resurrected].

³⁶ For they cannot die anymore either, because they are equal to the angels and are children of God, as well as children of the resurrection [i.e., people who are assured of being resurrected].

⁴² For David himself said in the book of Psalms [Psa. 110:1], ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side ⁴³ until I make your enemies the footrest [i.e., in subjection] under your feet.’

³⁴ “But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise].

⁵⁰ And just then [there appeared] a member of the [Jewish] Council named Joseph from the city of Arimathea. He was a good man who tried to do what was right, ⁵¹ (and who had not agreed with the decision and action of the [Jewish] Council). He was expecting the kingdom of God [to appear soon]. ⁵² [So], Joseph went to [governor] Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. ⁵³ [Upon receiving permission] he took it down [from the cross] and wrapped it in a linen cloth, and placed it in a grave site, cut out of [a ledge of] rock, where no one had ever been buried.

⁵ As the women became terrified and bowed down with their faces toward the ground [i.e., in reverence and awe], the two men said to them, “Why are you looking for the living [One] where they bury dead people? ⁶ He is not here; for He has risen [from the dead]. [Do you not] remember what He told you when He was still in Galilee, saying, ⁷ ‘The Son of man must be turned over into the hands of sinful men to be crucified, but the third day [He will] rise again [from the dead]?’”

²⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish men! How slow your minds are to believe everything the prophets have spoken [in their writings]! ²⁶ Was it not necessary for the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] to suffer these things, and [then] to enter His glorious state [with the Father]?”

²⁶ Was it not necessary for the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] to suffer these things, and [then] to enter His glorious state [with the Father]?” ²⁷ Then, beginning from [the writings of] Moses and all the prophets, Jesus explained to the two men about the things referring to Himself [contained] in all these Scripture passages.

³¹ [Immediately] their eyes were opened [i.e., they were given insight] so they could recognize Him. And [just then] He disappeared from their view [Note: The Greek says, “became invisible,” suggesting that He vanished miraculously].

³³ So, they got up at once and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven apostles gathered together with some other disciples. ³⁴ The apostles [or, some think the two men] were saying, “The Lord truly has risen and has appeared to Simon [i.e., Peter].” ³⁵ Then the two men recounted what happened along the road and how Jesus was recognized by them when He broke the loaf of bread. ³⁶ And as the apostles were talking about these things, Jesus Himself [reappeared], standing among them, and said to them, “May there be peace in your lives.”

³⁶ And as the apostles were talking about these things, Jesus Himself [reappeared], standing among them, and said to them, “May there be peace in your lives.” ³⁷ But they became frightened and [even] terrified, and assumed they were seeing a spirit. ³⁸ Then Jesus said to them, “Why are you [so] upset? And why are you having doubts [about me] in your minds? ³⁹ Look at my hands and my feet and realize that it is I, myself. Feel me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” {{Some ancient authorities omit verse ⁴⁰ And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet.}} ⁴¹ And while they still could not believe [i.e., or, could hardly believe], out of joy and wonderment, Jesus said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” ⁴² So, they gave Him a piece of broiled fish. ⁴³ And He took it and ate it in front of them. ⁴⁴ Then Jesus said to the apostles, “These are the words that I told you while I was still with you, [when I said] that everything written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms about me needed to be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then He opened their minds [miraculously ?] so they would understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ And He said to them, “This is what was written: The Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] will suffer, and [then] rise again from the dead on the third day.

⁴⁶ And He said to them, “This is what was written: The Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] will suffer, and [then] rise again from the dead on the third day.

⁴⁶ And He said to them, “This is what was written: The Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] will suffer, and [then] rise again from the dead on the third day. ⁴⁷ And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

⁴⁷ And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. ⁴⁸ You apostles are [to be] witnesses of these things [i.e., they were to give their testimony of these truths. See Acts 1:8]. ⁴⁹ And look, I [am going to] send upon you apostles what my Father promised [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See John 14:26]; but you should wait in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from above.” [Note: This promise was fulfilled when the apostles were immersed in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 1:4 - 2:4]. ⁵⁰ Then Jesus led His apostles out [of Jerusalem] until they came near to Bethany [Note: This was a village fewer than two miles east of Jerusalem]. [There] He raised His hands and asked God’s blessing on them.

⁴ Life existed in Him; and that Life [was what] enlightened mankind [spiritually].

²⁹ On the next day John [the Immerser] saw Jesus approaching him and said, “Look, [there is] the Lamb of God; He [will] take away the sin of the people of the world.

⁴² So, Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. [And when] Jesus saw him, He said [to him], “You are Simon, the son of John [Note: Peter’s father is called Jonah in Matt. 16:17]; you will be called Cephas (which means Peter [i.e., “a stone.” See Matt. 16:18]).”

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “[If you] destroy this Temple, I will raise it up in three days.” ²⁰ But the Jews said, “It took forty-six years to build this Temple, and are you going to rebuild it in three days?” ²¹ But Jesus was speaking about the “temple” of His [physical] body. ²² Therefore, when He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered what He had said and they believed the Scriptures and the words Jesus had spoken.

³ Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I tell you, a person cannot see the kingdom of God [i.e., enter it. See verse 5], unless he is born from above [Note: The words “from above” are also used in verse 31, but in this place they could also mean “again,” or “anew” and refer to the source of a person’s second birth]. ⁴ Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born [again] after he is [already] old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?”

⁴ Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born [again] after he is [already] old? He cannot enter his mother’s womb a second time and be born, can he?” ⁵ Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I tell you, a person cannot enter the kingdom of God unless he is born out of water and the Holy Spirit. ⁶ Whoever is born from human parents is a human being; and whoever is born from the Holy Spirit is a spiritual being.

⁶ Whoever is born from human parents is a human being; and whoever is born from the Holy Spirit is a spiritual being.

⁹ Then Nicodemus asked Jesus, “How can these things happen?”

¹² If I have told you about earthly things and you do not believe [it], how will you believe [it] if I tell you about heavenly things? ¹³ And no one has gone up to heaven except the One who has come down from heaven, [even] the Son of man. {{Most translations do not contain the added words “who is in heaven”}}.

³¹ The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others].

³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hands [See Eph. 1:20-22].

¹⁰ Jesus answered her, “If you [only] knew the [real] gift of God, and who it is that said to you, ‘[Please], give me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”

¹⁴ but whoever drinks the water I give him will never get thirsty [again]. For the water I will give him will become in him [i.e., in his spirit] a spring of water, bubbling up and producing never ending life.” [See John 7:38].

¹⁴ Later on Jesus found the man in the Temple, and said to him, “Look, you have been made well; stop sinning or else something worse [i.e., than the handicap you had] will happen to you.”

²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them [renewed] life [for their bodies ?], even so the Son also gives [renewed] life to [the spirits ?] of whoever He wants to.

²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them [renewed] life [for their bodies ?], even so the Son also gives [renewed] life to [the spirits ?] of whoever He wants to. ²² For the Father does not judge anyone, but He has given [full responsibility for] judging people to His Son, ²³ so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. ²⁴ “Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who listens to my message and believes [in] the One who sent me [i.e., God] has never ending life [i.e., as a hope. See Titus 1:2; 3:7]. He will not be judged [and condemned], but has [already] passed from being [spiritually] dead to being [spiritually] alive. ²⁵ Truly, truly, I tell you, the time is coming, and is now [actually] here, when those who are [spiritually] dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear [i.e., and heed His message] will have [spiritual] life.

²⁵ Truly, truly, I tell you, the time is coming, and is now [actually] here, when those who are [spiritually] dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear [i.e., and heed His message] will have [spiritual] life. ²⁶ For [just] as the Father is Himself [the source of] life, in the same way He gave to His Son also [the power] to be [the source of] life. ²⁷ And He gave His Son authority to carry out judgment [upon mankind] because He is the Son of man [Note: The Greek actually says “a son of man”]. ²⁸ “Do not be surprised at this: The time is coming when all those who are in their graves will hear His voice

²⁸ “Do not be surprised at this: The time is coming when all those who are in their graves will hear His voice ²⁹ and they will come out [i.e., in the general resurrection on the last day]. Those who had done what was good will be raised [from the dead] to [never ending] life; and those who had done what was evil will be raised [from the dead] to judgment [i.e., to be condemned].

²⁸ Then the people said to Jesus, “What must we do in order to perform the deeds that God requires?” ²⁹ Jesus answered them, “This is the deed that God requires: You should believe in Him whom God has sent [i.e., in Jesus].”

³³ For the bread God gives is the One [see verse 35] who comes down from heaven, and [He] gives [spiritual] life to the world.”

³⁹ And this is what God, who sent me, wants: That I should not lose any of those persons whom He has given me, but should raise them up [from the dead] on the last day [i.e., the judgment day]. ⁴⁰ And this is what [else] my Father wants: That every person who sees the Son [i.e., with the eye of faith] and believes in Him should have never ending life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”

⁵⁴ The person who eats my physical body and drinks my blood has never ending life [See note on 5:24], and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day [i.e., the judgment day].

⁵⁷ Just as the living Father has sent me, and I have [physical and spiritual] life because of the Father, so the person who eats me will also have [physical ? and spiritual] life because of me.

⁶³ It is the Holy Spirit who [Note: The Greek word here is “that” instead of “who”] gives life [i.e., understanding the spiritual nature of Jesus’ teaching can produce spiritual life]; the flesh is of no value [i.e., understanding Jesus’ teaching only in a physical sense makes it worthless]. The words I have spoken to you are [from the] Holy Spirit and [they give] life.

⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, who [else] could we go to? You have the message about never ending life.

¹¹ She replied, “No sir, no one did.” Then Jesus said, “[Well], I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on, do not sin anymore.”}}

²¹ Jesus again said to them, “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die [condemned] in your sins. You cannot go where I am going.”

²¹ Jesus again said to them, “I am going away and you will look for me, but you will die [condemned] in your sins. You cannot go where I am going.” ²² So, the Jews asked [one another], “Will he kill himself, because he said, ‘You cannot go where I am going’?” ²³ Jesus replied, “You people are from below [i.e., from the earthly realm]; I am from above [i.e., from the heavenly realm]. You belong to this world; I do not belong to this world. ²⁴ Therefore I said to you that you will die [condemned] in your sins. For unless you believe that I am [the Messiah, who came from above. See verse 23], you will die [condemned] in your sins.”

²⁴ Therefore I said to you that you will die [condemned] in your sins. For unless you believe that I am [the Messiah, who came from above. See verse 23], you will die [condemned] in your sins.”

³¹ Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed [in Him], “If you people continue [obeying] my message, then you are truly my disciples. ³² And you will know what the truth is and the truth will set you free [i.e. from bondage to sin].”

¹⁰ So, they said to him, “How was your sight restored, then?”

¹⁰ The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came so that people could have life to its fullest.

²⁸ I give them never ending life and they will never be destroyed, and no one will [be able to] steal them out of my hand.

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the person who believes in me will live on, even though he dies [physically].

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the person who believes in me will live on, even though he dies [physically]. ²⁶ And whoever goes on living and believing in me, will never die [spiritually]. Do you believe this?”

²⁴ Truly, truly, I tell you, unless a grain of wheat drops into the soil and dies, it remains a single grain, but if it dies, [then] it will produce many grains.

⁴⁸ The person who rejects me and does not accept my message has One who [will] judge him. The message that I have spoken will judge him on the last day [i.e., the judgment day].

³ Jesus, who knew that the Father had given Him complete authority, [also] knew that He had come from God and was [about] to return to God.

⁶ Jesus answered him, “I am the way [to God], and the truth [to believe], and the life [to live]. No one can go to the Father, except through [believing in] me.

¹⁹ After a little while [longer] the world will not see me anymore, but you men will see me. Because I [will continue to] live, you will live also.

²⁸ You heard me say to you, ‘I am going away and I am returning to you.’ If you [really] loved me, you would have been happy that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I am.

² The Jewish authorities will expel you from their synagogues. In fact, the time will come when whoever kills you will think he is doing a service to God.

³³ I have said these things to you so that you can have peace in [fellowship with] me. You will have trouble in the world, but cheer up, for I have conquered the world.”

² Just as you gave Him authority over all mankind, He will give never ending life to all those people [Note: The Greek word here is neuter gender, “all those things”] you have given Him. ³ And this is never ending life; that people may know you [as] the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the One whom you have sent.

³⁸ After this happened, one of Jesus’ disciples (but secretly, for fear of the Jews), named Joseph from Arimathaea, asked Pilate if he could remove Jesus’ body [from the cross]. Pilate granted him permission, so he went and removed the body from the cross.

¹⁹ So, when it was evening on that day, [which was] the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] and the doors [of someone’s house], where the disciples were gathered, were closed [i.e., probably locked] for fear of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. [Note: Probably Jesus passed through the closed door miraculously]. He said to them, “May there be peace in your hearts.”

¹⁹ So, when it was evening on that day, [which was] the first day of the week [i.e., Sunday] and the doors [of someone’s house], where the disciples were gathered, were closed [i.e., probably locked] for fear of the Jewish authorities, Jesus came and stood among them. [Note: Probably Jesus passed through the closed door miraculously]. He said to them, “May there be peace in your hearts.” ²⁰ After saying this, Jesus showed them His hands and His side, so they rejoiced when they saw the Lord [i.e., now convinced that He had indeed risen from the dead]. ²¹ Jesus said to them again, “May there be peace in your hearts. Just as the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” ²² Upon saying this, Jesus breathed on the disciples and said to them, “[Be willing to] receive the Holy Spirit.” [Note: This “breathing” served as a pledge of the Holy Spirit which actually came on these apostles a few weeks later. See Acts 1:5-8; 2:4]. ²³ Whosever sins you forgive, they will be forgiven [by God]. And whosever sins you do not forgive, they will not be forgiven [by God].” [Note: Actual forgiveness would result only when people responded, by faith, to the Gospel message. See Acts 2:37-38]. ²⁴ But one of the twelve apostles, named Thomas, [and also] called “The Twin,” was not with them when Jesus came. ²⁵ So, the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he replied to them, “I will not believe [it] unless I see the scars of the nails in His hands, and put my finger on the nail scars, and put my hand in His side.” ²⁶ Eight days later [i.e., the following Sunday], Jesus’ disciples were inside [the house] again, [but this time] Thomas was with them. The doors were [still] closed when Jesus [suddenly] stood among them [See note on verse 19] and said, “May there be peace in your hearts.”

²⁶ Eight days later [i.e., the following Sunday], Jesus’ disciples were inside [the house] again, [but this time] Thomas was with them. The doors were [still] closed when Jesus [suddenly] stood among them [See note on verse 19] and said, “May there be peace in your hearts.”

² up until the day He returned to heaven. [Just before that time] He had given [certain] instructions to His [specially] selected apostles through [the direction of] the Holy Spirit.

² up until the day He returned to heaven. [Just before that time] He had given [certain] instructions to His [specially] selected apostles through [the direction of] the Holy Spirit. ³ Now, following His death on the cross [and resurrection], Jesus appeared alive [to His apostles] for forty days, and demonstrated by many convincing proofs [that He had been raised bodily from the dead]. [During that time] He also spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God.

³ Now, following His death on the cross [and resurrection], Jesus appeared alive [to His apostles] for forty days, and demonstrated by many convincing proofs [that He had been raised bodily from the dead]. [During that time] He also spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God.

³ Now, following His death on the cross [and resurrection], Jesus appeared alive [to His apostles] for forty days, and demonstrated by many convincing proofs [that He had been raised bodily from the dead]. [During that time] He also spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God. ⁴ [One day, as He was] gathered with these apostles, He urged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there until they received what the Father had promised them. (Jesus had previously discussed this with them). [See Luke 24:49].

⁴ [One day, as He was] gathered with these apostles, He urged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there until they received what the Father had promised them. (Jesus had previously discussed this with them). [See Luke 24:49]. ⁵ For [Jesus had said, Matt. 3:11], "John immersed you [men] in water but [this time] you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and [it will happen] in just a few more days."

⁵ For [Jesus had said, Matt. 3:11], "John immersed you [men] in water but [this time] you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and [it will happen] in just a few more days." ⁶ When the apostles had come together, they asked [Jesus], "Lord, are you ready to restore the kingdom [of God] to [the nation of] Israel [at this time]?"

⁶ When the apostles had come together, they asked [Jesus], "Lord, are you ready to restore the kingdom [of God] to [the nation of] Israel [at this time]?" ⁷ Jesus replied, "You are not permitted to know the [specific] time or date [when this will happen]. For the Father has appointed it [to happen] when He determines [the right time].

⁷ Jesus replied, "You are not permitted to know the [specific] time or date [when this will happen]. For the Father has appointed it [to happen] when He determines [the right time]. ⁸ But, you apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit descends on you and [then] you will become My witnesses [i.e., to tell what you know] in Jerusalem, in [the countries of] Judea and Samaria, and [even] to the distant regions of the earth."

⁸ But, you apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit descends on you and [then] you will become My witnesses [i.e., to tell what you know] in Jerusalem, in [the countries of] Judea and Samaria, and [even] to the distant regions of the earth." ⁹ And when Jesus had said these things, just as the apostles were watching [Him], He was taken up by a cloud [and disappeared] out of their sight.

⁹ And when Jesus had said these things, just as the apostles were watching [Him], He was taken up by a cloud [and disappeared] out of their sight. ¹⁰ And while they gazed up into the sky as He ascended, suddenly two men wearing white clothing appeared beside them

¹⁰ And while they gazed up into the sky as He ascended, suddenly two men wearing white clothing appeared beside them ¹¹ and said, "You men from Galilee, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus who was received up from your presence into the sky will return in the same way you saw Him go there."

¹¹ and said, "You men from Galilee, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus who was received up from your presence into the sky will return in the same way you saw Him go there." ¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the place called "Mount of Olives," which was about three-fourths of a mile from Jerusalem.

¹² Then the apostles returned to Jerusalem from the place called "Mount of Olives," which was about three-fourths of a mile from Jerusalem. ¹³ Upon arriving at the house where they were staying, they went upstairs. [Those present were]: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zealous [one] and Judas, the son of James. [Note: Judas Iscariot, the twelfth apostle, had already committed suicide]. ¹⁴ These men continued in united prayer [for the kingdom to come? See 1:6; Matt. 6:10] along with [certain] women, Mary the mother of Jesus and His [half-] brothers.

²³ Yet, He was handed over to you so that, by lawless men [i.e., the Romans], He was put to death by crucifixion. Now this was all done in harmony with God's full pre-knowledge and [divine] purpose. ²⁴ But God raised Him up, having released Him from the sharp pains [He experienced when dying], because it was not possible that He could be held in death's grip.

²⁴ But God raised Him up, having released Him from the sharp pains [He experienced when dying], because it was not possible that He could be held in death's grip. ²⁵ King David said this about Jesus [Psa. 16:8ff], 'I always see the Lord in front of me, He is at my right side for protection; ²⁶ therefore, I was glad in my heart, and my mouth expressed this [joy]. In addition, my body will live in hope [of being raised] ²⁷ because you [i.e., God] will not allow my soul [i.e., this is a reference to Jesus] to remain in Hades [i.e., the unseen place of the departed spirits], neither will you allow [the body of] your Holy One to decay.

²⁷ because you [i.e., God] will not allow my soul [i.e., this is a reference to Jesus] to remain in Hades [i.e., the unseen place of the departed spirits], neither will you allow [the body of] your Holy One to decay. ²⁸ You have made known to me what life is all about. You will make me completely happy by your very presence.' ²⁹ Brothers, I would like to speak very plainly about the patriarch David [Note: A patriarch was the ruling father of the family]. He died and was buried and his grave can be seen today. ³⁰ Since he was a prophet and knew that God had pledged His word that one of his [i.e., David's] descendants would sit on his throne [as king]; ³¹ David, foreseeing this, spoke of Christ being raised from the dead. [He said Jesus' spirit] would not be left in the unseen place of departed spirits, nor would His body decay.

³¹ David, foreseeing this, spoke of Christ being raised from the dead. [He said Jesus' spirit] would not be left in the unseen place of departed spirits, nor would His body decay. ³² So, God raised this Jesus up [from the dead] and we [apostles] are all witnesses [of it].

³² So, God raised this Jesus up [from the dead] and we [apostles] are all witnesses [of it]. ³³ Jesus is [now] exalted at the right side of God, and having received the promised Holy Spirit from His Father, He has poured out what you have seen and heard [here this day]. ³⁴ Now David is not the one who ascended into heaven for he [spoke of Jesus when he] said [Psa. 110:1], 'The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David's] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side

⁴¹ Then those who responded [by faith] to the words [spoken by Peter and the apostles] were immersed, and about three thousand persons were added to them [i.e., the apostles] on that day.

⁴⁷ praising God and enjoying favor with all the people [of the area]. And every day the Lord added to their number [i.e., to the church] those who were being saved [i.e., upon their obedience to the Gospel].

¹⁵ [Then, at the hands of the Roman authorities] you killed the Prince of [never ending] life, but God raised Him from the dead, and we [apostles] were [reliable] witnesses of it.

¹⁸ But this is the way God fulfilled the things which He had predicted through the prophets about the suffering of Christ.

¹⁰ we want you men and all the people of Israel to know that this man was made completely well through the name of Jesus Christ from Nazareth. [He is the One] whom you people put to death on the cross, but God raised from the dead.

³³ And the apostles testified concerning the resurrection of the Lord Jesus with great power, and the favor [of God] was upon all of them.

³¹ But God exalted Him at His right side to be a Prince and Savior and to give the people of Israel [an opportunity] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] and [receive] forgiveness of [their] sins [through Him].

⁶⁰ Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me]." And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].

³ But Saul brought devastation to the church by entering everyone's house and dragging men and women off to jail.

¹³ And [this] Simon also believed [Philip's message] and was immersed. [After that] he continued [to travel] with Philip and was amazed by the [supernatural] signs and great miracles he saw [him perform].

¹ With every breath [it seemed], Saul [expressed his desire to] threaten and murder the Lord's disciples and [even] went to the head priest ² to ask for letters [authorizing him to go] to Damascus and to enter [Jewish] synagogues looking for people of "the Way" [Note: This was a designation for Christians at that time]. And if he found any, whether men or women, he would tie them up and take them to Jerusalem. ³ And when he got close to Damascus, suddenly a [bright, See 22:6] light from the sky shone all around him.

³ And when he got close to Damascus, suddenly a [bright, See 22:6] light from the sky shone all around him. ⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?"

⁴ He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?" ⁵ Saul replied, "Who are you, sir?" And the voice said, "It is I, Jesus, whom you are persecuting,

⁵ Saul replied, "Who are you, sir?" And the voice said, "It is I, Jesus, whom you are persecuting,

⁵ Saul replied, "Who are you, sir?" And the voice said, "It is I, Jesus, whom you are persecuting, ⁶ but get up, and enter the city [of Damascus] and [there] you will be told what you must do."

⁶ but get up, and enter the city [of Damascus] and [there] you will be told what you must do." ⁷ And the men who were traveling with Saul were speechless, having heard the sound, but not seeing anyone. ⁸ Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes but could not see anything, so had to be led by the hand into Damascus. ⁹ For three days he was blind and neither ate nor drank anything. ¹⁰ Now [in the meantime] the Lord spoke in a vision to a certain disciple named Ananias [who lived] in Damascus. He called to him by name, "Ananias." "Yes, Lord, here I am" Ananias replied. ¹¹ The Lord said to him, "Get up and go to Straight Street and ask for a person named Saul, from Tarsus, at the home of Judas; you will find him [there] praying.” ¹² (Now Saul had seen [in a vision] a man named Ananias coming in and placing his hands on him, restoring his sight). ¹³ But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many people about how much harm this man has done to your holy people at Jerusalem. ¹⁴ And [now] he is here with authority from the leading priests to tie up [and imprison] everyone who calls on your name." ¹⁵ But the Lord replied to him, "Go on your way, for Saul is someone I have especially chosen to carry my name to the [unconverted] Gentiles, kings and the Israelites. ¹⁶ I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake." ¹⁷ So, Ananias left and went to Judas' house and placed his hands on Saul saying, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you as you were traveling on the road [to Damascus] sent me so you could receive your sight [back] and be filled with the Holy Spirit."

¹⁷ So, Ananias left and went to Judas' house and placed his hands on Saul saying, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you as you were traveling on the road [to Damascus] sent me so you could receive your sight [back] and be filled with the Holy Spirit." ¹⁸ And suddenly, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and his sight was [immediately] restored. So, he got up and was immersed [See 22:16]; ¹⁹ then ate a meal and received strength. And he stayed on for a number of days with the disciples at Damascus.

³⁶ He sent His message [first] to the Israelites; [it involved] preaching the good news through Jesus Christ (who is Lord of all).

³⁹ And we [apostles] are witnesses of all that He did, both in the region where Jews lived and in Jerusalem [as well]. But they killed Him by hanging Him on a tree [i.e., the cross]. ⁴⁰ However, God raised Him up the third day and made it possible for Him to appear [following His resurrection], ⁴¹ not to everyone, but to us [apostles] who were specially chosen by God to be witnesses [of His resurrected body], and to eat and drink with Him after He arose from the dead.

⁴¹ not to everyone, but to us [apostles] who were specially chosen by God to be witnesses [of His resurrected body], and to eat and drink with Him after He arose from the dead. ⁴² And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that He [i.e., Jesus] is the One whom God ordained to be the Judge of people who are [now] alive and those who have [already] died.

¹ Now the apostles and the [other] brothers in Judea heard that the Gentiles had responded to the message of God.

¹⁷ [Upon entering the house] he held up his hand to quiet them, then went on to explain how the Lord had rescued him from jail. He said to them, "[Go] tell all this to James [the Lord's half-brother] and to [the rest of] the brothers." Then he left [them] and went elsewhere.

²⁹ And when they had done everything that was predicted about Him, they took Jesus down from the tree [i.e., the cross] and placed Him in a tomb. ³⁰ But God raised Him up from the dead

³⁰ But God raised Him up from the dead ³¹ so that He was seen for many days by those [apostles] who came with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These men are now His witnesses before the people.

³¹ so that He was seen for many days by those [apostles] who came with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These men are now His witnesses before the people. ³² And we bring you good news concerning the promise [God] made to our forefathers

³² And we bring you good news concerning the promise [God] made to our forefathers ³³ and has now fulfilled to [us], their children, in raising up Jesus [to be the Messiah], just as it was written in the second Psalm [2:7]: "You [i.e., Jesus] are my Son; this day I have become Your Father."

³³ and has now fulfilled to [us], their children, in raising up Jesus [to be the Messiah], just as it was written in the second Psalm [2:7]: "You [i.e., Jesus] are my Son; this day I have become Your Father." ³⁴ [Now] in regard to God raising Him up from the dead, never to decay, He said this about it [Isa. 55:3], "I will give you the sacred and certain blessings promised to David." ³⁵ God said in another Psalm [16:10], "You will not allow your Holy One to decay." ³⁶ For David died and was buried with his forefathers and [his body] decayed after he had served his generation according to the purpose of God.

³⁶ For David died and was buried with his forefathers and [his body] decayed after he had served his generation according to the purpose of God. ³⁷ But Jesus, whom God raised up [from the dead], never did decay. ³⁸ "Brothers, you should know, therefore, that forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed [to people] through this man [Jesus], ³⁹ and [it is] by Him that every believer is made right with God in every way that he could not have been made right by [observing the requirements of] the law of Moses.

²² [Along the way] they strengthened the hearts of the disciples, urging them to continue [to believe and practice] the faith and [explaining] that entering God's [heavenly] kingdom [See II Tim. 4:18] requires enduring many trials.

³¹ For He has appointed a [certain] day when He will judge the people of the world according to [a standard of] true justice by the man [i.e., Jesus] whom He has appointed [as Judge, See II Tim. 4:8]. [And] He has given assurance to all people [that He will do this] by raising Jesus from the dead." ³² Now when the people heard about the resurrection from the dead, some of them made fun of it, but others said, "We would like to hear [more] from you about this again."

⁴ Every Sabbath day Paul held discussions in the synagogues, trying to convince [both] Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles, that Jesus was the Messiah]. ⁵ But when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia [i.e., from the town of Berea], Paul began devoting his full time to declaring the message to Jews that Jesus was the Christ.

⁹ Then the Lord spoke to Paul in a night vision [i.e., a divinely given dream]: "Do not be afraid, but speak up and do not hold [anything] back,

¹⁹ When they arrived at Ephesus, Paul left Priscilla and Aquila there. He then went into the [Jewish] synagogue and held discussions with the Jews.

¹ Then, while Apollos was [still] at Corinth, Paul traveled through the [western] districts and came to Ephesus where he found some disciples.

²³ About that time a large disturbance arose [in Ephesus] concerning "the Way." ²⁴ [Here is what happened]: A certain manufacturer of silver objects named Demetrius, who made silver replicas of the temple of Artemis [i.e., a Greek goddess], brought much business to his workmen. ²⁵ He called a meeting of his men and others involved in the same work and said to them, "Fellows, you know that we have made a good living from this work [of making temple replicas]. ²⁶ And now you have seen and heard, not only here in Ephesus, but throughout almost all of [the province of] Asia, that this Paul has been convincing people, [even] to the point of turning many away [from idol worship]. [He is] saying that hand-made gods [like we make] are not real [gods at all]. ²⁷ And not only is there a [real] danger that our trade will be discredited but also that the temple of our great goddess Artemis will be considered worthless and that even she [herself] will be dethroned from her magnificent place of being adored by all [in the province of] Asia and the world." ²⁸ When they heard this they became extremely angry and shouted out, "Great is [the goddess] Artemis, of the Ephesians." ²⁹ The city became full of confusion; they grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul's Macedonian traveling companions, and everyone together rushed into the amphitheater. ³⁰ And when Paul decided to go before the crowd [to talk with them], the disciples would not allow him. ³¹ Some of his friends, who were officers in the province of Asia, sent word urging him not to take a chance by entering the amphitheater. ³² Some [in the crowd] were shouting one thing and some another; there was mass confusion, with most of the people not [even] knowing why they had assembled. ³³ [It appears that] Alexander was appointed out of the crowd by the Jews [i.e., to be their spokesman in defending them from the charges being made against Paul]. He motioned with his hand [to get attention] and attempted to speak to the assembly in defense [of the Jewish viewpoint]. ³⁴ But when the crowd realized that he was a Jew, they all joined together for about two hours shouting, "Great is [the goddess] Artemis, of the Ephesians." ³⁵ When the town clerk had quieted down the crowd, he said, "You people of Ephesus, who among you does not know that the city of Ephesus is caretaker of the temple of the great Artemis and of her image, which fell down from the sky? ³⁶ Since no one can [really] say anything against these things, just calm down and do not do anything foolish. ³⁷ For you have brought these men here --- [men] who have neither desecrated our temple nor defamed our goddess. ³⁸ If therefore Demetrius, and the workmen associated with him, have a charge against anyone, the courts are open and there are magistrates [to judge such cases]; let them file their charges against each other. ³⁹ But if you want to address other matters, they can be settled in the regular, scheduled assembly. ⁴⁰ For we are truly in danger of being accused of inciting a riot here today when there is [really] no reason for it to happen. Then concerning this problem, we will not be able to explain how it all came about." ⁴¹ And after the town clerk had said all this, he dismissed the assembly.

²¹ [You know how] I testified to both Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], that they must repent [i.e., change their attitudes and behavior] toward God, and have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

²³ except that the Holy Spirit reveals to me in every city [I visit] that chains and persecutions await me there.

⁴ And I persecuted this 'Way' [even to the point of] putting people to death. [I had] both men and women bound [in chains] and locked up in prisons. ⁵ The head priest can also verify all this, and so can the body of [Jewish] elders. They furnished me with letters to our fellow-Jews in Damascus, to which I also traveled to bring people back here to Jerusalem, bound in chains to be punished.

¹⁴ And he said [to me], 'The God of our forefathers has appointed you to know His will and to see the Righteous One [i.e., Jesus], and to hear His voice [speaking to you].

¹⁸ And I saw [and heard] the Lord saying to me, 'Hurry up, get out of Jerusalem quickly, because the people [here] will reject your testimony about me.'

⁸ For the Sadducees believe there is no resurrection, angels or spirits, but the Pharisees accept all of them [to be true].

⁸ So, why should you [Jews] consider it incredible for God to raise the dead? ⁹ I truly thought within myself [that it was right] to do many things which were opposed to the name of Jesus from Nazareth. ¹⁰ So, I was doing this in Jerusalem, having received [my] authority from the leading priests. I both imprisoned many of the saints [i.e., God's holy people] and [even] voiced my approval when they were put to death [See 8:1]. ¹¹ I often persecuted them in the synagogues, [even] trying to get them to blaspheme [i.e., speak against God]. I had extreme anger toward them and [even] traveled to foreign cities [in my effort] to persecute them.

¹⁶ But, get up onto your feet, for the reason I have appeared to you is to appoint you a minister and witness of both the things you have [already] seen of me and the things I will [reveal when] appearing to you.

²² But I obtained help from God and so [I am able to] stand here to this day, testifying to both the common people and to those in prominence. [I am] saying only what the prophets and Moses said would happen, ²³ namely, that the Christ must suffer and be the first to rise from the dead [i.e., never to die again] and then proclaim the light [of the Gospel] to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles."

²³ namely, that the Christ must suffer and be the first to rise from the dead [i.e., never to die again] and then proclaim the light [of the Gospel] to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles."

³⁵ And when he had said this he took bread, gave thanks to God for it in front of everyone, then broke it and began to eat.

¹⁶ I am not ashamed of the good news [i.e., the Gospel], because it is God’s power for [bringing] salvation to every person who believes [in Jesus]; first to Jews and then to Greeks [i.e., unconverted Gentiles].

²² They claimed to be wise, but became fools, ²³ and exchanged the honor belonging to the immortal God for the statues of mortal men, and birds, and animals and reptiles.

²⁸ And since these people refused to acknowledge God, He has allowed [or, abandoned] them to have degraded minds and to practice those things which they should not do.

⁷ To the ones who continue doing what is good and who look for glory, honor and immortal life [God will give] never ending life.

¹⁶ This will be done on the day when God judges the secrets of men’s [hearts] through Christ Jesus, according to [the teaching of] my Gospel.

⁷ But if my “lie” [i.e., as you Jews call it] would result in God’s truthfulness [about you Jews] increasing the honor He receives, why am I also still judged to be a sinner [by you]? ⁸ And why should we not say, “Let us do what is wrong so something good will come from it,” as some people slanderously claim that we are saying? These people deserve to be condemned.

¹⁹ Now we [all] know that everything the law says applies to those who are under [obligation to obey] that law, [Note: Here “the law” appears to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures generally, since Psalms and Isaiah are quoted. See verses 10-18]. This is so that the mouth of every objector may be stopped [i.e., from making excuses for his sin], and thereby bring the entire world under God’s judgment [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles]. ²⁰ This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the law of Moses.

²⁵ God presented Jesus as the atoning sacrifice [for our sins] through [our] faith in His blood [i.e., His death on the cross]. This was in order to demonstrate His justice when, by using forbearance, He passed over people’s sins in previous generations.

¹⁵ For the law brings [God’s] wrath [i.e., because of man’s failure to obey it perfectly], but where there is no law, there is no [responsibility for] sin.

²⁴ but they were written for our sake also, who will be considered righteous by God for believing in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵ [This] Jesus was delivered up [to die] for our sins and was raised [from the dead] to make us right with God.

²⁵ [This] Jesus was delivered up [to die] for our sins and was raised [from the dead] to make us right with God.

² Through Jesus we have also gained access by [our] faith to this unearned favor [of God]. We stand firm in it, and are glad that we have the hope of being honored by God.

¹⁰ For if while we were [God’s] enemies, we were restored to fellowship with Him through the death of His Son, now that we have been restored, how much more [certainly] will we be saved [from condemnation] by His life!

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through [the action of] one man [i.e., Adam] and [physical] death through that sin, so [physical] death has spread to all people, because all people have sinned. [Note: This difficult passage (verses 12-21) seems to be saying that the entire human race must experience physical death because of Adam’s sin (I Cor. 5:22), which is somehow considered to be everyone’s sin. See Murray, pp. 180-187, for a thorough discussion].

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through [the action of] one man [i.e., Adam] and [physical] death through that sin, so [physical] death has spread to all people, because all people have sinned. [Note: This difficult passage (verses 12-21) seems to be saying that the entire human race must experience physical death because of Adam’s sin (I Cor. 5:22), which is somehow considered to be everyone’s sin. See Murray, pp. 180-187, for a thorough discussion].

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through [the action of] one man [i.e., Adam] and [physical] death through that sin, so [physical] death has spread to all people, because all people have sinned. [Note: This difficult passage (verses 12-21) seems to be saying that the entire human race must experience physical death because of Adam’s sin (I Cor. 5:22), which is somehow considered to be everyone’s sin. See Murray, pp. 180-187, for a thorough discussion].

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through [the action of] one man [i.e., Adam] and [physical] death through that sin, so [physical] death has spread to all people, because all people have sinned. [Note: This difficult passage (verses 12-21) seems to be saying that the entire human race must experience physical death because of Adam’s sin (I Cor. 5:22), which is somehow considered to be everyone’s sin. See Murray, pp. 180-187, for a thorough discussion]. ¹³ For even before the law of Moses, sin was [being committed] in the world. But man is not responsible for [his] sin when there is no law.

¹³ For even before the law of Moses, sin was [being committed] in the world. But man is not responsible for [his] sin when there is no law.

¹³ For even before the law of Moses, sin was [being committed] in the world. But man is not responsible for [his] sin when there is no law.

¹³ For even before the law of Moses, sin was [being committed] in the world. But man is not responsible for [his] sin when there is no law. ¹⁴ Yet [physical] death ruled [over mankind] from the time of Adam to Moses, even over those people who had not sinned the way Adam did. [Now] Adam prefigured the coming of Jesus.

¹⁴ Yet [physical] death ruled [over mankind] from the time of Adam to Moses, even over those people who had not sinned the way Adam did. [Now] Adam prefigured the coming of Jesus.

¹⁴ Yet [physical] death ruled [over mankind] from the time of Adam to Moses, even over those people who had not sinned the way Adam did. [Now] Adam prefigured the coming of Jesus.

¹⁴ Yet [physical] death ruled [over mankind] from the time of Adam to Moses, even over those people who had not sinned the way Adam did. [Now] Adam prefigured the coming of Jesus. ¹⁵ But the free gift [of salvation through Christ] is not [exactly] like the sin [of Adam]. For if many people died [physically] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more did God’s favor abound by [providing] His gracious gift [of salvation] to many people because of the one man, Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ But the free gift [of salvation through Christ] is not [exactly] like the sin [of Adam]. For if many people died [physically] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more did God’s favor abound by [providing] His gracious gift [of salvation] to many people because of the one man, Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ But the free gift [of salvation through Christ] is not [exactly] like the sin [of Adam]. For if many people died [physically] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more did God’s favor abound by [providing] His gracious gift [of salvation] to many people because of the one man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁶ And the gift [of salvation] is not like [the effect of] one man’s sin [i.e., Adam’s], for [God’s] judgment of condemnation came [upon mankind] through one man [i.e., Adam], but the free gift [of salvation] came as the result of [the] many sins [of mankind] and [it] made people right with God.

¹⁶ And the gift [of salvation] is not like [the effect of] one man’s sin [i.e., Adam’s], for [God’s] judgment of condemnation came [upon mankind] through one man [i.e., Adam], but the free gift [of salvation] came as the result of [the] many sins [of mankind] and [it] made people right with God. ¹⁷ For if [physical] death ruled [over mankind] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more will those who receive the abundance of God’s unearned favor, and the gift of being right with Him, rule in [never ending] life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

¹⁷ For if [physical] death ruled [over mankind] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more will those who receive the abundance of God’s unearned favor, and the gift of being right with Him, rule in [never ending] life through the one man, Jesus Christ.

¹⁷ For if [physical] death ruled [over mankind] because of the sin of the one man [i.e., Adam], how much more will those who receive the abundance of God’s unearned favor, and the gift of being right with Him, rule in [never ending] life through the one man, Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ So then, just as [God’s] judgment came, condemning all people [to physical death] because of one sin [i.e., Adam’s]; even so the free gift of being made right with God and [resulting in] life may be received by all people because of one man’s [i.e., Christ’s] act of righteousness. [Note: This “life” may refer to spiritual life now, or to being made alive in the resurrection, which would reverse the curse of physical death caused by Adam’s sin]. ¹⁹ For just as many people [i.e., all mankind] were considered [by God] to be sinners [and thus to suffer physical death] through the disobedience of the one man [i.e., Adam]; even so, many people [i.e., all believing mankind] will be considered right with God [and thus live again] through the obedience of the one man [i.e., Christ]. ²⁰ Now the law of Moses was introduced [into the world] in order to cause sin to increase [i.e., it defined many things to be wrong that were previously not regarded as sin]. But with the increase of sin, God’s unearned favor increased all the more.

²⁰ Now the law of Moses was introduced [into the world] in order to cause sin to increase [i.e., it defined many things to be wrong that were previously not regarded as sin]. But with the increase of sin, God’s unearned favor increased all the more. ²¹ This was so that just as sin ruled [over mankind], causing [physical] death, even so God’s unearned favor would rule [over mankind], providing [them with] righteousness, and leading to never ending life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

²¹ This was so that just as sin ruled [over mankind], causing [physical] death, even so God’s unearned favor would rule [over mankind], providing [them with] righteousness, and leading to never ending life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

³ Or, do you not know that all of us who were immersed into Christ Jesus were immersed into His death? ⁴ Therefore, we were buried with Him through [our] immersion [in water] into [a relationship with] His death, so that, just like Christ was raised up from the dead through the glorious power of the Father, so we also can [be raised up from the water to] live a new life.

⁴ Therefore, we were buried with Him through [our] immersion [in water] into [a relationship with] His death, so that, just like Christ was raised up from the dead through the glorious power of the Father, so we also can [be raised up from the water to] live a new life.

⁶ We know that our old self was [figuratively] crucified with Christ, in order that the body of sin [i.e., our whole life of sin] might be destroyed [i.e., become powerless to control our actions and thoughts], so that we should not be enslaved to the practice of sin any longer.

¹² So, do not allow [the practice of] sin to rule your mortal bodies, so that you obey its desires.

¹⁹ I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living.

²³ For the wages for sinning is [spiritual] death, but God’s free gift is never ending life in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus our Lord.

⁵ For when we were in the flesh [i.e., before conversion], our sinful desires, aroused by [the restrictions of] the law of Moses, worked in our bodies to produce activity that led to [spiritual] death. ⁶ But now that we have died to what controlled us and have been released from [the requirements of] the law of Moses [i.e., under the Gospel age], we serve [God] in a new way [directed] by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some take “Spirit” here to be “spirit” and see it as describing the inner person], and not in the old way [directed] by the written law of Moses. ⁷ What shall we say then? Is the law of Moses sinful? Certainly not! For I would not have known what sin was if it had not been for the law. For [example]; I would not have known [what it meant] to covet [i.e., have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else] except that the law said [Ex. 20:17], “You must not covet.” ⁸ So, through that commandment, sin found an opportunity to produce in my heart all kinds of improper desires for what belonged to others. For until there was the law, sin was dead [i.e., it did not stimulate excitement and activity as much]. ⁹ And I was [once] alive before being aware of the law [i.e., complacent and without a sense of guilt]; but when [awareness of] the commandment [not to sin] came, sin sprang to life, ¹⁰ and I died [i.e., came under its power]. And [so] the commandment, which was [intended] to bring [spiritual] life, actually brought [spiritual] death. ¹¹ For by means of God’s commandment [against sinning], sin found an opportunity to deceive me and [even] kill me [spiritually]. ¹² So, the law of Moses itself is holy and the commandment [against sinning] is holy and just and good. ¹³ Was this [commandment] then, which was intended for my good, [actually] responsible for my [spiritual] death? Certainly not! But so that sin could be seen as [truly] sinful, it produced [spiritual] death in me through something that was good [i.e., the commandment against sinning]. This was so that, by means of the commandment [against sinning], sin could be seen as extremely sinful.

²⁵ Thank God [that I can be rescued] through [the power of] Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, I personally [try to] serve God’s law with my mind, but [all too often] I serve the law of sin with my flesh [i.e., submitting in weakness to my human desires].

² For the Holy Spirit’s law which provides [never ending] life for those in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus has freed me from the law that requires [spiritual] death for sinning.

¹⁰ And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam’s ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take “spirit” here to be “Spirit” and make it “The Holy Spirit gives you life.” See next verse]. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God’s Spirit who lives in your hearts.

¹¹ But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God’s Spirit who lives in your hearts.

²¹ that the created world itself would be freed from its slavery to corrupting influences [i.e., produced by the fall] and receive the glorious freedom which belongs to God’s children.

²³ And not just the world, but even we [Christians] ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Holy Spirit [i.e., the first installment of our inheritance from God] also groan within us, eagerly waiting to be adopted as [God’s] children, and receive back our bodies [i.e., in the resurrection].

²⁹ For [that class of] persons whom God knew beforehand He also predetermined to become conformed to the [spiritual] likeness of His Son, so that He could be the firstborn One among [His] many brothers [i.e., so He could be the preeminent example to all His followers. See Heb. 2:11].

³³ Who will bring an accusation against God’s chosen people? [Certainly not God, for] He makes people right with Himself. ³⁴ Who condemns [us]? Certainly not Jesus, for He is the One who died [i.e., to save us], and what is more, He was raised from the dead and is [now] at the right side of God. He also goes [to God] on our behalf [i.e., as we pray].

³⁶ Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], “We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”

³⁶ Just as it is written [Psa. 44:22], “We are [in danger of being] killed all the time. We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” ³⁷ No, [suffering any one of these things is not proof that Christ does not love us], for in spite of all these things we have a decisive victory [over life’s difficulties] through [the care shown us by] Christ who loved us.

³⁷ No, [suffering any one of these things is not proof that Christ does not love us], for in spite of all these things we have a decisive victory [over life’s difficulties] through [the care shown us by] Christ who loved us. ³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor [the trials of] life, nor [evil] angels, nor [evil] rulers, nor present or future [circumstances], nor [evil] powers,

³⁸ For I am convinced that neither death, nor [the trials of] life, nor [evil] angels, nor [evil] rulers, nor present or future [circumstances], nor [evil] powers, ³⁹ nor [things] above, nor [things] below, nor any [other] created thing will be able to separate us from God’s love [for us], revealed through Christ Jesus our Lord [Note: The idea of this passage is “Regardless of what happens to us, God still loves us”].

¹⁹ But you [i.e., probably an objecting Jew] will say to me, “Why does God still find fault [with people]? For who can [successfully] resist what God wants to do?”

¹ Then I ask, “Did God reject His [own] people [i.e., the Jews]?” Certainly not! For I am an Israelite too, a descendant of Abraham and a member of the tribe of Benjamin.

⁵ So, now also, there is a small minority which has been selected by God’s unearned favor [i.e., to be saved]. ⁶ And if [they were selected] by God’s unearned favor, [then] the choice is not based on the good that people may do. Otherwise, God’s favor would not be [really] unearned.

²² So, look at God’s kindness and severity. He was severe with those [Jews] who have fallen, but He is kind to you [Gentiles], if you continue to accept His kindness [i.e., by living for Him faithfully]. Otherwise, you too will be cut off [like the Jews were].

³ And because of God’s unearned favor shown to me [i.e., in appointing me to be an apostle], I am telling every person among you not to think he is more important than he really is. Instead, he should have a sensible estimate [of his gifts] in harmony with the degree of faith God has given to each person.

¹¹ Now this [is another reason for observing the law of love]: You should know that it is about time to wake up out of your [spiritual] sleep, because [the day of our final] salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed [in Christ]. ¹² The night is almost over and the day is near. So, we should stop doing the deeds of darkness [i.e., sinful things] and we should arm ourselves with the weapons of light [i.e., virtues for right living]. ¹³ We should be living properly, as in the daytime [i.e., when people normally behave themselves], not engaging in orgies and drunkenness; not practicing sexual immorality and indecent vices; not quarrelsome and jealous. ¹⁴ But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].

¹⁷ Therefore, as I have fellowship with Christ Jesus, I am proud of my service to God. ¹⁸ For I will not dare to speak about anything, except what Christ has done through me in bringing about the obedience of the Gentiles. He accomplished this by my message and my deeds, ¹⁹ in the power demonstrated by [miraculous] signs and wonders, [produced] by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, I have completed preaching the good news about Christ from Jerusalem, all the way around [the area] to Illyricum [Note: This country was located northwest of Greece and in present-day Croatia]. ²⁰ Now it has been my ambition to preach the good news at places where Christ’s name has never been heard, so that I would not be building on someone else’s foundation.

⁴ I always thank God for you, [especially] for God’s unearned favor that was given to you [in providing salvation and blessings] in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in [fellowship with] Him you people have been made [spiritually] rich in every way, through all [kinds of] speech and knowledge. [Note: This probably refers to the communication and comprehension of truth represented by the spiritual gifts of languages and revelation]. ⁶ The message about Christ has become firmly established there among you [i.e., by such gifts], ⁷ so that you are not lacking in any [spiritual] gift, while you wait for our Lord Jesus Christ to be revealed [i.e., at His second coming]. ⁸ He will also make you stand firm [in the faith] to the end [of your lives], so that you will be [considered] without just blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ [returns].

¹² Now this is what I mean: Each of you is saying, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another “I am a follower of Apollos,” and another “I am a follower of Cephas [i.e., Peter],” and another “I am a follower of Christ.”

¹⁸ For the message of [Christ dying on] the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing [i.e., in a lost state], but it is God’s power to us who are being saved.

²¹ For since, according to God’s [true] wisdom, the world did not know about Him through its wisdom, God was pleased to save those who believe [in Christ] through the “foolishness” of the message preached.

²³ but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles. ²⁴ But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30].

² For I have decided not to know anything [while] among you, except Jesus Christ and His being crucified.

² For I have decided not to know anything [while] among you, except Jesus Christ and His being crucified. ³ And I was weak, apprehensive and fearful when I was [there] with you. [Note: This probably refers to Paul’s sense of inadequacy in view of the task before him]. ⁴ And I did not use persuasive words of [human] wisdom in my message and preaching, but they were [accompanied by] a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and power [from God]. [Note: This “demonstration” could have included the evidence of miraculous spiritual gifts which Paul utilized while there in Corinth. See 14:18]. ⁵ This was so that your faith would not [have to] depend on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. ⁶ However, we speak [divine] wisdom among people who are [spiritually] mature, yet it is not a wisdom of this current age, nor of [its] current rulers, who are coming to nothing. ⁷ But we [apostles] speak God’s secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.

⁷ But we [apostles] speak God’s secret wisdom, which has been hidden [through the ages], which God predetermined for our honor before time began.

⁶ I [Paul] planted [i.e., preached God’s word], Apollos watered [it], but God made it grow. ⁷ So then, it does not matter who plants or who waters, but [it is] God who matters, for He makes the seed grow. ⁸ Now the person who plants and the person who waters have the same [purpose], and each one will receive his own wages, according to the work each one does.

²² including Paul, and Apollos, and Cephas [i.e., Peter], and the world, and life and death, and present and future things. All of these things are yours. [Note: Paul is showing that, as Christians, they really possessed and should value all preachers and circumstances of life alike]. ²³ And you people belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

¹ So, a person should look at us as servants of Christ and property managers entrusted with the secret truths of God.

¹ So, a person should look at us as servants of Christ and property managers entrusted with the secret truths of God. ² Furthermore, one thing required of [good] property managers is that they prove dependable.

⁷ For who makes you different [from each other]? [i.e., with some being viewed as superior and others inferior]. And what do you have that you did not receive [from God]? But if you received it [from Him], then why do you boast as though you did not [receive it as a gift]?

⁹ For I think that God has displayed us apostles last in line, as men doomed to die. [Note: The picture here is that of gladiators in the arena]. We are being stared at [i.e., as performers on a theater stage] for the whole world to see, both angels and people. ¹⁰ We are “fools” for Christ’s sake, but you people [think you] are “wise” in [the fellowship of] Christ. We are weak, but you people [think you] are “strong.” You are honored, but we are despised. ¹¹ Even to this moment, we [apostles] are hungry and thirsty; we have inadequate clothing; we have been beaten; we do not have a permanent place to live; ¹² we work hard with our hands. [Though] we are cursed, we [ask God’s] blessing [on people]; [though] we are persecuted, we persevere; ¹³ [though] we are slandered, we reply kindly. We have become [like] the scum of the earth, the dregs of all society, to this day.

⁶ Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little yeast can leaven the whole batch of dough?

³ Do you not know that we will judge [even] angels? [And if so], then how much more [must we judge] the things of this life! ⁴ So then, if you have cases [or, courts] for deciding matters of this life, do you appoint [as judges] those who have no standing in the church? [i.e., heathens]. [Note: This difficult passage may also be taken as a statement, using sarcasm, “you appoint as judges...”]. ⁵ I am saying this to make you ashamed. Can there not be found one wise person [there] among you who is able to decide [on a matter] between his [Christian] brothers?

⁹ Or, do you not know that evil people will not possess God’s kingdom? Do not be misled: neither will sexually immoral people, nor idolaters, nor those who are sexually unfaithful to their mates, nor homosexual perverts. [Note: The Greek uses two words here, denoting both the passive and active partners in male homosexual acts].

¹³ “Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food;” but God will destroy both of them. Yet the body is not intended for sexual immorality, but is intended for the Lord’s [honor and service]; and the Lord is for the body’s [benefit]. ¹⁴ Now God has both raised up the Lord [Jesus], and will [also] raise us up [from the dead] through His power.

²⁹ But I say this, brothers; there is not much time left [i.e., before the crisis arrives in full fury. See verse 26]. From now on those men who are married should live as though they were single.

⁷ However, not every person knows this [truth]. For some people have been so used to an idol all this time that they still think of the idol [as a reality] when eating food that has been sacrificed to it. And their weak conscience becomes polluted. [Note: These people cannot seem to shake off the idea that somehow the idol is real, so feel guilty of wrongdoing when eating food sacrificed to it].

¹ Am I not a free man? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? [See Acts 9:17; I Cor. 15:8]. Are you people not [the result of] my work in [the service of] the Lord?

⁵ Do we not have the right to take a believing [i.e., a Christian] wife with us [on our preaching tours], just like the rest of the apostles, and the Lord’s brothers do [i.e., James, Joseph, Judas and Simon. Mark 6:3], and Cephas [i.e., Peter]?

² Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for remaining loyal to the [inspired] traditions which I have handed on to you. ³ But I want you to know that Christ is the [spiritual] head [i.e., authority] over every man; and the man is the [spiritual] head over the woman [Note: The Greek words for “woman” and “wife” are the same. “Wife” is obviously meant by the context]; and God is the head over Christ.

²³ For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you: On the night the Lord Jesus was turned over [to the Jewish authorities] He took bread,

⁶ And there are a variety of [Christian] activities, but the same God provides the power for everyone to do all of them [i.e., it is God who empowers every person who has a gift].

² And if I have the [spiritual] gift of prophecy, and can understand all [of God’s] secret purposes, and have all knowledge; and if I have all [the supernatural] faith necessary to relocate mountains [See Matt. 17:20], but do not have love [for people], I am nothing.

² [and] you have been saved by it also, if you hold on to it firmly [i.e., continue believing and practicing it]. For if you do not [hold on to it firmly], you will have believed [it] all for nothing. ³ For I passed on to you the [following] main principles that I received [i.e., by revelation]: Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures;

³ For I passed on to you the [following] main principles that I received [i.e., by revelation]: Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures; ⁴ He was buried; He was raised [from the dead] on the third day, according to the Scriptures;

⁴ He was buried; He was raised [from the dead] on the third day, according to the Scriptures; ⁵ and He appeared to Cephas [i.e., Peter. See Luke 24:34], and then to the twelve apostles. [See Luke 24:33]. ⁶ After that He appeared to over five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, but some have died.

⁶ After that He appeared to over five hundred brothers at one time, most of whom are still alive, but some have died. ⁷ Then He appeared to James [Note: This was probably Jesus’ half-brother. See Acts 12:17; Gal. 1:19], and then to all of the apostles. [See John 20:26]. ⁸ Then last of all, He appeared to me also, as someone born abnormally. [Note: This probably refers to Paul being converted later than the rest of the apostles]. ⁹ For I am the least [significant] of the apostles, and am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. ¹⁰ But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it]. ¹¹ So, whether it was I, or the other apostles [who did the work], this is [the message] that we have preached, and that you people have received.

¹¹ So, whether it was I, or the other apostles [who did the work], this is [the message] that we have preached, and that you people have received. ¹² Now if it is preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some people among you say that people will not be raised from the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection from the dead, [then] Christ has not been raised up either.

¹³ But if there is no resurrection from the dead, [then] Christ has not been raised up either. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too.

¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too. ¹⁵ And also, we are found to be false witnesses about God because we testified that God raised up Christ [from the dead], when [in reality] He did not raise Him up if, in fact, the dead are not raised up. ¹⁶ For if dead people are not raised up, [then] neither has Christ been raised.

¹⁶ For if dead people are not raised up, [then] neither has Christ been raised.

¹⁶ For if dead people are not raised up, [then] neither has Christ been raised. ¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins.

¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins.

¹⁷ And if Christ has not been raised up, [then] your faith is for nothing; you are still condemned by your sins. ¹⁸ Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost.

¹⁸ Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost.

¹⁸ Then [also], those who have died in [fellowship with] Christ are lost. ¹⁹ If we have placed our hope in Christ while in this life only, we are to be pitied more than all [other] people.

¹⁹ If we have placed our hope in Christ while in this life only, we are to be pitied more than all [other] people. ²⁰ But now Christ has been raised up from the dead; [He is] the firstfruits of those who have died. [Note: By “firstfruits” is meant the first installment of the crop which promises the entire harvest eventually].

²⁰ But now Christ has been raised up from the dead; [He is] the firstfruits of those who have died. [Note: By “firstfruits” is meant the first installment of the crop which promises the entire harvest eventually]. ²¹ For since death happened to a man [i.e., Adam], the resurrection from the dead also happened to a man [i.e., Christ].

²¹ For since death happened to a man [i.e., Adam], the resurrection from the dead also happened to a man [i.e., Christ]. ²² For as all people die [physically] in [their relationship to] Adam, so also will all people be made alive [physically] in [their relationship to] Christ. [Note: However, some view “made alive” as referring to the new spiritual life given to believers].

²² For as all people die [physically] in [their relationship to] Adam, so also will all people be made alive [physically] in [their relationship to] Christ. [Note: However, some view “made alive” as referring to the new spiritual life given to believers]. ²³ But each one [is raised up] in his own turn: Christ as the firstfruits [See verse 20]; then those who are Christ’s [i.e., believers], when He returns.

³¹ I face death every day, I assure you brothers, as surely as I boast of [fellowship with] you in Christ Jesus our Lord. ³² What benefit was it to me, from a human standpoint, if I fought wild animals in Ephesus, and [yet] the dead are not raised? [Note: This probably refers to Paul facing ferocious opposition from people there in Ephesus]. We should [just] eat and drink, for tomorrow we [may] die.

³⁸ But God gives it the [kind of] body He wants [it to have], so each seed gets its own plant. ³⁹ All flesh is not the same [Note: The word “flesh” here refers to the material composition of matter, and in no way suggests anything sinful, as it does in many other places in Paul’s writings]. But mankind has one [kind of] flesh; animals have another kind; birds have another; and fish [still] another. ⁴⁰ Also, there are heavenly bodies [i.e., stars and planets] and earthly bodies [i.e., men and animals]. But the splendor of the heavenly bodies is one [kind], and the splendor of the earthly bodies is another [kind]. ⁴¹ The sun has one [kind] of splendor, and the moon has another [kind], and the stars [still] another. For [even] one star’s splendor is different from another’s. ⁴² It is the same way with the resurrection of dead people. [A person’s body] is buried [only] to decay; it is raised up never to decay again.

⁴² It is the same way with the resurrection of dead people. [A person’s body] is buried [only] to decay; it is raised up never to decay again. ⁴³ It is buried in dishonor; it is raised up in splendor. It is buried in weakness; it is raised up in power. ⁴⁴ It is buried as a physical body; it is raised up as a spiritual body. If there is [such a thing as] a physical body, [then] there is also a spiritual body. ⁴⁵ So, it is also written [Gen. 2:7], “The first man, Adam, became a living being.” The last Adam [i.e., Christ], became the Spirit who gives [never ending] life. [See John 5:21].

⁴⁵ So, it is also written [Gen. 2:7], “The first man, Adam, became a living being.” The last Adam [i.e., Christ], became the Spirit who gives [never ending] life. [See John 5:21].

⁴⁵ So, it is also written [Gen. 2:7], “The first man, Adam, became a living being.” The last Adam [i.e., Christ], became the Spirit who gives [never ending] life. [See John 5:21]. ⁴⁶ However, the spiritual [body] does not come first, but the physical [body does]; then the spiritual [body comes].

⁴⁶ However, the spiritual [body] does not come first, but the physical [body does]; then the spiritual [body comes]. ⁴⁷ The first man [i.e., Adam] came from the dust of the ground [See Gen. 2:7]; the second man [i.e., Christ] came from heaven.

⁴⁷ The first man [i.e., Adam] came from the dust of the ground [See Gen. 2:7]; the second man [i.e., Christ] came from heaven. ⁴⁸ Just as earthly people are like the man who came from dust; so heavenly people are like the man who came from heaven.

⁴⁸ Just as earthly people are like the man who came from dust; so heavenly people are like the man who came from heaven. ⁴⁹ And just as we [now] appear [in both a physical and spiritual body] like the man who came from dust [i.e., Adam]; we will also [someday] appear [in both a physical(?) and spiritual body] like the man who came from heaven [i.e., Christ].

⁴⁹ And just as we [now] appear [in both a physical and spiritual body] like the man who came from dust [i.e., Adam]; we will also [someday] appear [in both a physical(?) and spiritual body] like the man who came from heaven [i.e., Christ]. ⁵⁰ Now this is what I am saying, brothers; flesh and blood [i.e., physical bodies] cannot possess the kingdom of God [i.e., the heavenly realm]; neither can [bodies that] decay possess [a place] which does not decay.

⁵⁰ Now this is what I am saying, brothers; flesh and blood [i.e., physical bodies] cannot possess the kingdom of God [i.e., the heavenly realm]; neither can [bodies that] decay possess [a place] which does not decay.

⁵⁰ Now this is what I am saying, brothers; flesh and blood [i.e., physical bodies] cannot possess the kingdom of God [i.e., the heavenly realm]; neither can [bodies that] decay possess [a place] which does not decay. ⁵¹ Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]

⁵¹ Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]

⁵¹ Look, I am telling you a secret truth: We will not all die, but we will all be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually] ⁵² in a split second, as quickly as the twinkle of an eye, when the last trumpet blows. For the trumpet will blow and dead people [i.e., believers] will be raised up, never to decay again, and [the living] will be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually].

⁵² in a split second, as quickly as the twinkle of an eye, when the last trumpet blows. For the trumpet will blow and dead people [i.e., believers] will be raised up, never to decay again, and [the living] will be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually].

⁵² in a split second, as quickly as the twinkle of an eye, when the last trumpet blows. For the trumpet will blow and dead people [i.e., believers] will be raised up, never to decay again, and [the living] will be changed [i.e., physically and spiritually]. ⁵³ For this [body] that can decay must be clothed with [a body] which cannot decay. And this [body] that can die must be clothed with [a body] which cannot die.

⁵³ For this [body] that can decay must be clothed with [a body] which cannot decay. And this [body] that can die must be clothed with [a body] which cannot die. ⁵⁴ But when this [body] that can decay has been clothed with one which cannot decay, and this [body] that can die has been clothed with one which cannot die, then the Scriptural saying will be fulfilled [Isa. 25:8], “Death has been swallowed up [i.e., eliminated] by victory.” [Note: The reference here is to the time when believers will experience victory over death by being resurrected or taken directly to be with God]. ⁵⁵ [Hos. 13:14 says], “Death, where is your victory [over people]? Death, where is your [harmful] sting?”

¹⁰ Now if [or, probably, “when”] Timothy comes [i.e., there to Corinth], make sure he feels at ease [Note: Due to his youthful age and inexperience, Timothy was probably inclined to be easily intimidated], for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am.

⁸ For we want you to know, brothers, about the trouble that we experienced in Asia. [See I Cor. 16:19]. We were under a heavy burden [which was] more than we could stand, even to the point of despairing of life. ⁹ Actually, we felt within us that we had [already] received a death sentence, so that we could [learn] not to trust in ourselves but in God, who raises the dead. ¹⁰ He has rescued us from a serious threat of death and He will do it again. We have placed our hope in Him, that He will also continue to rescue us, ¹¹ as you cooperate by praying for us. Then, many people will give thanks [to God] on our behalf for the gift He has given to us through [your] many [prayers]. ¹² For this is what we boast of: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially toward you, in holiness and godly sincerity, not with human wisdom, but with the favor of God.

²⁴ For we do not have [the right to] rule over your faith [i.e., to dictate concerning your personal relationship with God], but we want to work with you for your happiness. For you are [already] standing firm in your faith. [Note: This whole narrative alludes to some unresolved problems still existing there in Corinth].

¹⁴ But I offer thanks to God, who always leads us [preachers] to victory in [the service of] Christ, and through us makes known the “fragrant odor” of His knowledge everywhere. ¹⁵ For we [i.e., through our preaching] are like a fragrant incense which goes up to God, [and spreads the knowledge] of Christ among both saved and lost people.

⁵ It is not that we are [so] competent as to consider anything [we do] as coming from ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

¹⁸ But all of us [Christians], with unveiled faces, see the Lord’s splendor reflected, as [though we were] looking in a mirror, and [so] are being transformed into His likeness in ever-increasing splendor. This is [the work] of the Lord, [who is] the Holy Spirit.

⁷ But we have this treasure [i.e., the Gospel message] in clay pots [i.e., the mortal bodies of the apostles] to show that the [i.e., its] extraordinary power comes from God and not from us. ⁸ We are afflicted in every way, but are not crushed; [we are] perplexed, but not to the point of despair; ⁹ [we are] persecuted, but are not deserted [by God]; [we are] struck down, but are not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our [physical] bodies the [threat of] dying, as Jesus did [i.e., the apostles were constantly exposed to impending danger and death], so that the life of Jesus [i.e., His virtue, courage, faithfulness, etc.] may be demonstrated in our bodies [i.e., in the way we live] also.

¹⁰ We always carry around in our [physical] bodies the [threat of] dying, as Jesus did [i.e., the apostles were constantly exposed to impending danger and death], so that the life of Jesus [i.e., His virtue, courage, faithfulness, etc.] may be demonstrated in our bodies [i.e., in the way we live] also.

¹⁰ We always carry around in our [physical] bodies the [threat of] dying, as Jesus did [i.e., the apostles were constantly exposed to impending danger and death], so that the life of Jesus [i.e., His virtue, courage, faithfulness, etc.] may be demonstrated in our bodies [i.e., in the way we live] also. ¹¹ For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus’ sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature].

¹¹ For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus’ sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature].

¹¹ For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus’ sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature].

¹¹ For while we live, we are always exposed to death for Jesus’ sake [See Rom. 8:36], so that the life of Jesus may be demonstrated in our mortal bodies [i.e., in our weak and frail human nature]. ¹² So then, [the possibility of physical] death is at work in us, while [spiritual] life is at work in you.

¹² So then, [the possibility of physical] death is at work in us, while [spiritual] life is at work in you. ¹³ But, we have the same spirit [i.e., type] of faith as that written about [Psa. 116:10], “I believed [God’s message], so I spoke.” We also believe [it], and so we also speak [about it]. ¹⁴ We know that God, who raised up the Lord Jesus [from the dead], will also raise us [apostles] up with Jesus and present us with you people [i.e., in the presence of the Father in heaven].

¹ For we know that if our earthly “house” [i.e., our physical body] which is like a tent, is torn down, we have [the promise of] a building from God, a never ending “house” in heaven that is not made by human hands. ² For indeed, we groan while in this “house,” longing to be covered over by our heavenly dwelling place, ³ because when we are covered by it, we will not be found naked [i.e., without a suitable dwelling for our body]. ⁴ For indeed, we who are in this “tent” groan under its burden, not [wanting] to be uncovered, but to be covered over. Then our mortal body will be swallowed up [i.e., replaced] by [never ending] life.

²¹ God considered Christ to be sinful on our behalf, even though He never sinned, so that we could be considered right with God through Him.

¹ As workers together with God we urge you also, who have received God’s unearned favor, do not allow it to be for nothing,

⁹ as [both] unknown [to people] and yet well-known; [we have almost] died, and yet as you see, we are still alive; [we have been] punished and yet not killed;

¹ [So], since we have these promises [See 6:16-18], dear ones, we should purify ourselves from everything that pollutes [our] body and spirit while living lives completely separated [from sin], out of reverence for God.

⁶ But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, “plants with blessings”] will harvest a bumper crop.

¹⁵ I thank God for His indescribable gift [i.e., Christ. See Rom. 8:32].

⁷ You people are looking [merely] at the appearance of things [or, “You should look at what is obvious!” In either case, it suggests they were misjudging Paul’s ministry]. If any person is confident within himself that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: We are just as much Christ’s [servants] as he is.

¹² For we do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with certain people who commend themselves. People who measure their [spiritual] stature by what [they think] they are, and compare their [spiritual] status with their own set of standards, are foolish. ¹³ But we will not boast beyond our proper boundaries [Note: This may mean that Paul was not attempting to exercise apostolic authority outside the parameters assigned to him by God], but will restrict our boasting to the area assigned to us by God as a field of service, which includes you people [there in Corinth]. ¹⁴ Now we are not going too far in claiming you as part of our outreach, since we were the first ones to come to you with the Gospel of Christ. ¹⁵ So, we will not go beyond our proper limits by boasting of work [already] done by others, but we hope that, as your faith increases, our field of service among you will [also] greatly expand. ¹⁶ [This is] so we can proclaim the good news [about Christ] even to areas beyond you [Note: Perhaps Paul here alludes to such places as Italy and Spain], and [thereby] not boast over what has [already] been done in someone else’s field of service.

⁵ For I consider myself not to be one bit inferior to those “super apostles.” [Note: Paul is referring to his opponents there in Corinth who claimed apostolic authority].

²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am really talking like a crazy person now). I am more [of a servant, than they are]. I have worked much harder. I have been in prison more often. I have been flogged more severely. I have been in danger of death more frequently.

²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am really talking like a crazy person now). I am more [of a servant, than they are]. I have worked much harder. I have been in prison more often. I have been flogged more severely. I have been in danger of death more frequently.

²³ Are they servants of Christ? (I am really talking like a crazy person now). I am more [of a servant, than they are]. I have worked much harder. I have been in prison more often. I have been flogged more severely. I have been in danger of death more frequently. ²⁴ I received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews five times.

²⁴ I received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews five times. ²⁵ I was beaten with rods three times. I was stoned once. I suffered shipwreck three times and spent a night and a day in the open water.

²⁵ I was beaten with rods three times. I was stoned once. I suffered shipwreck three times and spent a night and a day in the open water. ²⁶ I have been on frequent journeys; in danger from rivers; in danger from thieves; in danger from my own people; in danger from the Gentiles; in danger in the city; in danger in the desert; in danger in the ocean; in danger among false brothers.

²⁶ I have been on frequent journeys; in danger from rivers; in danger from thieves; in danger from my own people; in danger from the Gentiles; in danger in the city; in danger in the desert; in danger in the ocean; in danger among false brothers. ²⁷ I have worked and suffered. I have often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, often gone without food [i.e., for spiritual reasons], been cold and had inadequate clothing.

²⁷ I have worked and suffered. I have often gone without sleep, been hungry and thirsty, often gone without food [i.e., for spiritual reasons], been cold and had inadequate clothing. ²⁸ Besides these [kinds of] things [or, “besides these outward things”], there is the daily pressure on me of concern for all the churches. ²⁹ Who is weak, and I do not feel their weakness? Who is led astray [from God], and I do not burn [i.e., with righteous anger over the one who caused it]? ³⁰ If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness.

¹ Although I must boast about myself [See 11:21-27], it [really] is not profitable. So, I will go on to [tell about] visions and [inspired] revelations given [to me] from the Lord. ² I know a man in [fellowship with] Christ who, fourteen years ago, was taken [literally, “snatched”] up to the third heaven. [Note: The first heaven would be where birds fly; the second where the stars are; and the third where God is]. (I do not know whether he was in his physical body or whether it was an “out-of-the-body” experience, but God knows). [Note: Paul is obviously telling about a personal experience. See verse 7]. ³ I know that this man --- whether in his body or out of it, I do not know, but God does --- ⁴ was [actually] taken up into Paradise. [Note: This is the same as the “third heaven” of the previous verse, and was a place in the presence of God. See Luke 23:43; Rev. 2:7]. There he heard inexpressible words which are not permitted for people to repeat. ⁵ I will boast on behalf of this person, but I will not boast about myself [anymore], except about my weaknesses. ⁶ However, if I wanted to boast, I would not be a fool, because I would be telling the truth. But I will hold back, so that no one will think more of me than what he sees or hears from me.

¹¹ I have become foolish [i.e., by my boasting], but you made me do it [i.e., in order to vindicate myself]. For I should have been commended by you [i.e., for my effective ministry there in Corinth], because I was not inferior in any way to those “super apostles” [See 11:5], even though I am nothing.

⁴ For He was weak when He was crucified [i.e., by assuming a human body capable of suffering and death], but [now] He lives by God’s power. For we too are weak, [along] with Him [i.e., each of us experiences the frailties of a human body], but by [this same] power from God, we will live with Him to serve you. [Note: The various translations differ widely on how to properly translate this difficult verse].

¹⁴ May the favor of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with all of you.

⁴ who gave Himself to [save us from] our sins so that He might deliver us from [the control and condemnation of] this present evil world. [This is] according to the will of our God and Father,

⁶ I am astonished that you people are so quickly abandoning God [i.e., by rejecting His truth], who called you [to Himself] through the unearned favor bestowed [on us] by Christ. [You are turning] to a different “gospel,” ⁷ although it is really not a different one, but rather some people are causing you trouble by trying to pervert the [true] Gospel of Christ. ⁸ However, if we [apostles] or even an angel [claiming to be] from heaven were to preach any other “gospel” than the one we have [already] preached to you, let that person be cut off from God’s [salvation]. ⁹ I repeat what I have already said: If any person preaches to you a “gospel” other than what you have already received [from us apostles], he should be cut off from God’s [salvation]. ¹⁰ For am I seeking [to gain] the favor of men or of God? Or, am I striving to please people [by what I do]? If I were still [trying] to please people, I would not be a [true] servant of Christ. ¹¹ For I would like to clarify for you, brothers, the situation regarding the Gospel that I have preached: It did not originate from man. ¹² [Furthermore], I did not receive this [Gospel message] from any person, nor was I taught it [by anyone]. Instead, it came to me through [a divine] revelation from Jesus Christ.

¹² [Furthermore], I did not receive this [Gospel message] from any person, nor was I taught it [by anyone]. Instead, it came to me through [a divine] revelation from Jesus Christ. ¹³ For you have heard about the way I lived in the past, when I was in the Jewish religion, [that is], how I mercilessly persecuted the church of God, making havoc of it.

²³ They had only heard it said about me, “This person, who had once persecuted us [Christians], is now preaching the faith he once made havoc of.”

² [It was] in response to [a divine] revelation that I went [there] and explained to them [I. e., the apostles and elders] the Gospel [message] that I had been preaching among the Gentiles. Then [later on I presented it] privately before those who were highly regarded [i.e., the three apostles, verse 9] so [they would have verification that] my running [i.e., ministry] had not been, nor was now, in vain.

⁸ For God assigned Peter to be an apostle to the circumcised ones [i.e., Jews], and me to be an apostle to the Gentiles.

⁴ Did you suffer so many things [for the faith] all for nothing? [That is], if it really was for nothing?

¹⁰ For all who seek to be right with God by trying to meet all the requirements of the law of Moses are under a curse [from God], because it is written [Deut. 27:26], “Every person is cursed [i.e., cut off from God] who does not continue to obey all of the requirements written in the law of Moses.” ¹¹ Now it is evident that no person can be made right with God by [obeying all the requirements of] the law of Moses for [Hab. 2:4 says], “The righteous person will obtain life by [his] faith [in God].” ¹² Now the law of Moses is not based on one’s faith, for [Lev. 18:5 says], “The person who obeys the requirements of the law of Moses will obtain life by doing so.” ¹³ Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], “Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God].”

¹³ Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], “Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God].”

¹⁵ Brothers, I will use an illustration from the way people deal with each other: Even though an agreement is made between people, once it is finally settled, no one can cancel it or include additional provisions to it.

¹⁷ Here is what I am saying: The Agreement originally made by God [with Abraham], with its attending promises, was not canceled when the law of Moses was given some four hundred and thirty years later.

²⁷ For all of you who were immersed into [a relationship with] Christ have been clothed with Him [i.e., His life].

²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are [truly] Abraham’s seed [i.e., his spiritual descendants] and thereby [you will] inherit what was promised to him [i.e., God’s blessings].

¹¹ I am afraid for you, [i.e., for your spiritual safety], that possibly I may have spent a lot of effort on your behalf for nothing.

¹¹ But, brothers, if I were still preaching [that a person had] to be circumcised, why am I being persecuted? [Note: Paul’s argument seems to be “I must not be preaching circumcision since I am being persecuted by those who believe in it”]. [If I preached that a person had to be circumcised] then my preaching that Christ died on the cross would not be such an offense [to those who believe in it].

¹⁶ But, I am saying to you, live in harmony with the Holy Spirit’s [desire for you] and [then] you will not [always] be giving in to the wrong desires of your body.

²⁴ And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.

⁷ Do not be deceived; God will not be fooled. Whatever a person does with his life, he will reap [the results of it].

⁹ And we should not become tired of doing good things, for eventually we will receive [never ending life] if we do not give up.

⁷ In [fellowship with] Christ we have redemption [i.e., we have been bought back from Satan] through His blood, and have forgiveness of sins according to the abundance of God’s unearned favor,

⁹ in doing what He intended through Christ, to make known to us His secret plan, according to what pleased Him.

¹² The end [i.e., of being so predetermined] was that we [Jewish Christians], who had previously placed our hope in Christ, should bring about the praise of God’s splendor. ¹³ You [Gentiles] also, who are in Christ, after having heard the message of truth, the good news about your salvation, and [after] believing in Him, were sealed [i.e., as evidence of ownership] with the promised Holy Spirit. [or, “the Holy Spirit who brings promises”].

²⁰ which He exerted when raising Christ from the dead and seating Him at His right side in the heavenly realms [i.e., heaven itself].

²² And God placed everything in subjection under His [i.e., Christ’s] feet, and appointed Him to be head over all things to the church, ²³ which is His [spiritual] body. The church is completely filled by Christ [or, “Christ is completely filled by God”], who completely fills everything in every way.

⁷ This was so that, to future ages [of people on earth and in heaven], God could demonstrate the tremendous abundance of His unearned favor, expressed by His kindness to us in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus. ⁸ For you have been saved by God’s unearned favor, through [your] faith, and that [salvation] was not the result of your own doing; it was the gift from God.

⁸ For you have been saved by God’s unearned favor, through [your] faith, and that [salvation] was not the result of your own doing; it was the gift from God.

³ [It is] that God’s secret plan [i.e., revealed in the Gospel preached to Gentiles. See verse 6] was made known to me by way of a revelation. [See Acts 9:15; 22:21]. I have already written to you [about this] briefly [i.e., probably a reference to 1:9ff].

⁷ I was made a minister [of the Gospel] according to the gift of God’s unearned favor, which was given to me according to the working of His power. ⁸ This favor of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles was given to me [even though] I am the least significant of all saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

⁹ (But what does “He ascended” mean if not that He also [first] descended to the lower parts of the earth [i.e., to the earth below]? [Note: Of the three principal interpretations given to this verse: a) Christ descended to earth, b) Christ descended to the grave, c) Christ descended to Mary’s womb. The first is to be preferred. See John 3:13; 6:38, 62]. ¹⁰ The One who descended [i.e., from heaven to earth] is the same One [i.e., Christ] who also ascended high above the all the heavens, so that He could fill the entire universe [with His presence]). ¹¹ And He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,

¹⁷ So, I tell you this, and insist [on it] by [the authority of] the Lord: Do not continue to live with worthless thoughts as [unconverted] Gentiles do.

²² You were [taught] to put away [the conduct of] your former lifestyle, your old person who is being corrupted by deceitful desires, ²³ and to be renewed in your inner person. ²⁴ And you should put on the new person who has been [re-] created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

²⁴ And you should put on the new person who has been [re-] created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

² Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God.

⁶ Do not let anyone deceive you with empty words, for because of such things, the wrath of God will fall upon people who are disobedient [to Him].

¹⁴ So, it says, “You who are asleep, wake up and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you [i.e., illuminate you].” [Note: The foregoing words may have been an early saying, used at someone’s immersion, which included the ideas of “rising up” (See Col. 2:12) and “illumination” (See Heb. 6:4)]. ¹⁵ So, be careful how you live. Do not live ignorantly, but wisely,

²⁰ Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ.

³² The secret [truth] of this is great, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

⁹ And I pray that your love may grow stronger and stronger, [along] with how much you know, and [that you may grow] in your ability to comprehend things.

¹¹ having been full of qualities of righteousness, which come from Jesus Christ and produce honor and praise to God.

⁹ Therefore, God also exalted Him to the highest position and gave Him the name [i.e., “Lord.” See verse 11], which is superior to every [other] name. ¹⁰ [This was] so that, in [honor of] the name of Jesus, everyone’s knee in heaven, on earth and under the earth [i.e., all rational creatures] should bow [i.e., before God], ¹¹ and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

¹³ for it is God who is at work in you, both to motivate the desire and to carry out what pleases Him.

¹⁶ as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ’s [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

³⁰ because he almost died for the work of Christ, risking his life to provide me with what you were not able to.

³ For we [Christians] are the [true] circumcision [i.e., the real “Jews” in God’s eyes. See Rom. 2:28-29]. We worship by means of God’s Holy Spirit [i.e., are empowered and motivated by the Holy Spirit], and boast in [the person and work of] Christ Jesus, and [we] place no confidence in the flesh [i.e., in any outward ritual or status for salvation].

⁶ As far as enthusiasm is concerned, I persecuted the church; as far as being righteous according to the law of Moses is concerned, I was without just blame.

¹⁰ I want to know Christ [as Savior] and to experience the power [produced] by His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings and become like Him in His death,

²⁰ But we are [really] citizens of heaven and we are waiting for a Savior [to return] from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ who will change our lowly [physical] bodies and make them like His glorious body. [He will do this] according to the power that enables Him even to bring everything into submission to Himself.

²¹ who will change our lowly [physical] bodies and make them like His glorious body. [He will do this] according to the power that enables Him even to bring everything into submission to Himself.

¹³ I can do everything through Christ, who gives me the strength.

¹⁷ [Now] it is not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for the benefit that [such a gift] will add to your [spiritual] account [with God].

¹⁸ And He is the head of the [spiritual] body, the church. He is [its] source, the firstborn One from the dead [i.e., the first one to return to life, never to die again], so that He could rank first [in importance] over all things.

²³ [This will happen] if you continue in the faith [Note: This means either “continue to observe God’s teaching” or, “continue to believe”], firmly grounded and established, and not moved away from the hope offered by the Gospel message, which you have heard and which was preached to people throughout the entire created world under heaven. I, Paul, was made a minister of this Gospel.

²⁸ We proclaim Him, warning and teaching every person with all wisdom, so that we may present every person [to God] complete in [their fellowship with] Christ. ²⁹ This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God’s mighty power which is at work in me.

⁴ I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments. ⁵ For even though I am absent [from you] in body, still I am present with you in spirit, rejoicing and observing [i.e., with my mind’s eye] your orderly behavior and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

⁷ rooted and built up in [your relationship to] Him, established by your faith [or, “in the faith”], just as you were taught, overflowing with thanksgiving.

¹² [This happened when you were] buried with Christ in [the act of] immersion, from which you were also raised up with Him through [your] faith in the accomplishment of God, who raised Him up from the dead.

¹ If then you people have been raised up together with Christ [i.e., from your burial in immersion, See 2:12-13 with Rom. 6:4], pay attention to the things that are above [i.e., heavenly things], where Christ is seated at the right side of God. ² Focus your minds on the things that are above, not on earthly things. ³ For you died [with Christ, See 2:20], and your life is [now] hidden with Christ in [fellowship with] God. ⁴ [So], when Christ, who is your [or, “our” source of] life, appears [i.e., at His second coming], then you people also will appear with Him in splendor [i.e., in heaven].

⁴ [So], when Christ, who is your [or, “our” source of] life, appears [i.e., at His second coming], then you people also will appear with Him in splendor [i.e., in heaven].

⁹ Do not lie to one another, since you have put away [the conduct of] your old person with its practices, ¹⁰ and have put on the new person, who is being [daily] renewed with full knowledge, according to the image of God, who [re-] created him. ¹¹ [In this state] there cannot be [such distinctions as] Greek [i.e., Gentile] and Jew; circumcised people and non-circumcised people; barbarian and Scythian [Note: These last two words refer to foreigners whose language was unintelligible and who were uncivilized heathens], or slave and free person; but Christ is all [that is important] and [He is] in all [of His people].

³ We continually remember, in the presence of our God and Father, the work produced by your faith, the labor prompted by your love, and your endurance motivated by your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁶ And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,

¹³ And because of this we also thank God continually that, when you people received the message of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as a message from [mere] human beings, but as it truly is, the message from God, which is at work in you believers.

¹⁹ For what is [the basis of] our hope, or joy, or crown of honor in the presence of the Lord Jesus when He comes back? [Note: By “crown” Paul alludes to the laurel wreath awarded to the victor in an athletic contest]. Will it not be you people?

³ so that no one would be shaken by [having to experience] these difficult times. [See 2:14]. For you yourselves know that we are destined to have such experiences.

⁵ [So], for this reason, when I could not stand it any longer, I also sent [Timothy] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that somehow the tempter [i.e., Satan] had tempted you [to give up] and that our work [on your behalf] will have become useless.

⁹ For how can we thank God [enough] for you, in return for all the joy we have over you, in the presence of our God?

¹² And may the Lord cause your love for one another, and for everyone, to increase and overflow, just as ours does for you also.

¹ Finally then, brothers, we request and urge you, in [the fellowship of] the Lord, that you should live [dedicated lives] and please God. Just as you people received direction from us [on doing this], see that you [continue to] do it more and more.

⁵ not in passionate lust, as the [unconverted] Gentiles, who do not know God, do.

¹³ But we want you to be informed, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep [in death] so that you do not grieve, as other people do [i.e., the unsaved], who have no hope.

¹³ But we want you to be informed, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep [in death] so that you do not grieve, as other people do [i.e., the unsaved], who have no hope. ¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [from the dead], [we also believe] that God will bring [back to life], along with Jesus, those in [fellowship with] Him who have fallen asleep [in death].

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [from the dead], [we also believe] that God will bring [back to life], along with Jesus, those in [fellowship with] Him who have fallen asleep [in death].

¹⁴ For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again [from the dead], [we also believe] that God will bring [back to life], along with Jesus, those in [fellowship with] Him who have fallen asleep [in death]. ¹⁵ For we say this to you by [the authority of] the word of the Lord [Note: Paul was either quoting what Jesus had previously said, or was giving a revelation he had received from the Lord. See I Cor. 14:37], that we [Christians] who are [still] alive, who are left [on earth] when the Lord returns, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [Note: The point Paul is making is that the living will not be “changed” (I Cor. 15:51-52) and taken to heaven before the dead are raised].

¹⁵ For we say this to you by [the authority of] the word of the Lord [Note: Paul was either quoting what Jesus had previously said, or was giving a revelation he had received from the Lord. See I Cor. 14:37], that we [Christians] who are [still] alive, who are left [on earth] when the Lord returns, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. [Note: The point Paul is making is that the living will not be “changed” (I Cor. 15:51-52) and taken to heaven before the dead are raised]. ¹⁶ For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus’ voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel’s voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God’s trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first.

¹⁶ For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus’ voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel’s voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God’s trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first. ¹⁷ Then, we who [will still] be alive, that are left, will be caught up together with them into the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so [from then on] we will always be with the Lord.

³ We ought to thank God for you always, brothers, since it is proper, because your faith is growing so much and the love that every one of you has for each other is increasing more and more.

¹⁰ On that day Jesus will return to be honored by His saints [i.e., God’s holy people] and to be marveled at [i.e., in reverence] by all those who had believed [in Him]. [This will happen] because you have believed our testimony to you [about Christ].

¹⁰ and all kinds of wicked deception toward those people who are perishing [spiritually], because they refused to love the truth so they could be saved.

¹⁵ So then, brothers, stand firm [in the faith], and hold onto the [inspired] traditions which you were taught, whether by word [of mouth] or by a letter from us.

¹⁷ encourage and strengthen your hearts in every good thing you do and say.

⁶ Now we command you, brothers, in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you people stay away from every brother [or sister] who lives an idle life [See note on I Thess. 5:14], and not according to the [inspired] tradition which you received from us.

¹³ [even] though I had previously spoken against Christ, and persecuted [Christians] and acted outrageously. However, I obtained mercy because I acted out of ignorance, not believing [in Christ]. ¹⁴ [But] the unearned favor of our Lord was given to me in great abundance, producing faith and love which are [found] in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus. ¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserves to be fully accepted: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all.

¹⁵ This saying is trustworthy and deserves to be fully accepted: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, and I am the worst of them all. ¹⁶ However, even though I was the worst, I obtained mercy so that the patience of Jesus Christ could be shown toward the worst [of sinners] as an example for those people who would later believe in Him in order to [receive] never ending life.

¹⁶ And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

¹⁵ which God will bring about in its [or, “His”] own time. [For] He is the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and the Lord of lords.

⁹ [It is] God who saved us and called us to live holy lives [or, “to be dedicated people”], not as a result of our [good] deeds, but in harmony with His own purpose and unearned favor. [This was] given to us through [the atoning work of] Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time. [Note: Salvation through Christ was planned before time began. See Titus 1:2; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4]. ¹⁰ But, it has [only] now been made known to us by the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has put an end to death and brought [never ending] life and incorruption [i.e., immortality] to light through the Gospel [message],

¹² For I am suffering these things [See verse 8] for this reason [i.e., because of being a Gospel preacher]. Yet I am not ashamed because I know whom I have believed in [i.e., Jesus], and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him [i.e., Paul’s spiritual well-being] until that day [i.e., the day of judgment].

⁴ No soldier on active duty, gets himself involved in the affairs of civilian life, so that he can please the person who enlisted him [i.e., his commanding officer].

¹⁶ But avoid worldly, empty chatter, for those who practice it will become more and more ungodly, ¹⁷ and their talk will spread like gangrene. Among these people are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸ who have strayed from the truth [by] saying that the resurrection [from the dead] has already happened and are undermining the faith of some people.

¹⁸ who have strayed from the truth [by] saying that the resurrection [from the dead] has already happened and are undermining the faith of some people.

¹² In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in [the service of] Christ will be persecuted.

⁸ So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.

¹⁴ He gave Himself up for us, to buy us back from [enslavement to] all [kinds of] wickedness and to purify for Himself a group of people who belong to Him and who are eager to do good deeds.

¹³ But which one of the angels did God ever say [this] about [Psa. 110:1], “You should sit at my right side until I put your enemies [in full subjection] beneath your feet”?

¹ So [then], we [Christians] should pay closer attention to the things we have heard, so that we do not drift away from [believing and practicing] them.

⁸ You placed everything under his feet [Note: This is true of both mankind (Gen. 1:26-28) and of Jesus (Eph. 1:22-23)]. For in subjecting everything to him, God did not leave anything that is not subject to him. But at the present time we do not see what all has been subjected to him.

¹⁴ Therefore, since the children share in [bodies of] flesh and blood, Christ also, in the same way, took on a human body so that, through His death, He could destroy [the dominion of] him who had the power to cause death, that is, the devil.

¹⁴ Therefore, since the children share in [bodies of] flesh and blood, Christ also, in the same way, took on a human body so that, through His death, He could destroy [the dominion of] him who had the power to cause death, that is, the devil. ¹⁵ And [also He could] release all of those people who, because of their fear of death, were [kept] in bondage all their lives.

⁶ but Christ [was faithful] as a Son over God’s household. And we [Christians] are that household, if we hold on to our confidence [in Christ], and to the boasting [i.e., joy] of our hope [in God], firmly to the end [of our lives].

¹⁴ For we have become sharers with Christ, if we hold firmly onto the confidence [we had in Him] from the beginning until the end [of our lives].

¹⁴ Since then we [Christians] have [such] a great Head Priest, who has passed through the skies [i.e., ascended to heaven. See Acts 1:9], Jesus, the Son of God, we should remain true to our profession [of faith in Him].

¹ For every head priest is chosen from among men, and is appointed on behalf of people, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

³ And because of this he is obligated to offer [sacrifices] for his own sins also, as well as the people’s sins.

¹¹ [Now] we have many things to say about Melchizedek, but because of your slowness to grasp things, they are hard to explain. ¹² For certainly enough time has elapsed so that [by now] you ought to be teachers, [but instead] you are in need of having someone teach you again the basic principles of God’s message. You have become people who need “milk” and not “solid food.” [Note: The fundamental truths of Christianity are here figuratively spoken of as “milk,” while the more advanced teaching, such as Christ’s priesthood being like Melchizedek’s, is called “solid food”].

¹⁰ For God is not [so] unjust as to forget the work you are doing and the love you have shown for Him, as you ministered to the saints [i.e., His holy people] and continue to minister [to them].

²³ And on one hand, many people were appointed to be [Levitical] priests because they were prevented by death from continuing [to serve]. [Note: The idea is that Levitical priests had to be constantly replaced]. ²⁴ But on the other hand, Jesus has a permanent priesthood because He lives forever. ²⁵ So, He is also able to save completely those people who approach God through Him, since He lives forever to intercede [i.e., to plead to God] on their behalf. ²⁶ For Jesus was a very suitable head priest for us [i.e., He meets our needs very well], because He was holy, innocent, without [moral] corruption, separated from sinners and [exalted] above the heavens. ²⁷ He does not need to offer up [animal] sacrifices every day like those head priests did [Note: The head priest here is represented as being in charge of the daily sacrifices offered by the other priests], first for His own sins and then for the people’s sins. For He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself [on the cross]. ²⁸ For the law of Moses appoints [morally] weak men to be head priests, but the message of [God’s] oath, which came after that law [Note: The quotation from Psa. 110:4 (See verse 21) was written after the law of Moses was given] appointed the Son, who was made perfect [in every way] forever.

²² And, according to the law of Moses, almost everything is [ceremonially] cleansed by blood, for there is no forgiveness [of sins] apart from the shedding of blood. ²³ Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the heavenly things [i.e., the Tabernacle, its furniture and utensils, etc.] to be [ceremonially] cleansed by these things [i.e., the blood of animal sacrifices], but the heavenly things themselves [i.e., the church, both on earth and in heaven] require better sacrifices than these [i.e., the sacrifice of Christ]. ²⁴ For Christ did not enter the Holy of Holies made by hand, which is [only] a counterpart of the true one, but into heaven itself, where He now appears in God’s presence for us. [See verse 12]. ²⁵ Nor was it necessary for Him to offer Himself [to God] often, like the head priest does, who enters the Holy of Holies year after year with blood that belongs to others [i.e., the blood of animal sacrifices]. ²⁶ For then He would have had to suffer often since the creation of the world; but now at the end of the ages [i.e., the final period of world history] He has been revealed once [for all] to remove sin by sacrificing Himself. ²⁷ And just as it is destined for people to die one time, and [then] after that to be judged,

²⁷ And just as it is destined for people to die one time, and [then] after that to be judged, ²⁸ so Christ also, who was once [for all] offered [as a sacrifice] to take away the sins of many people, will come back a second time, not to take away sin, [but] to provide salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

⁴ because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. ⁵ Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said [to God], [Psa. 40:6-8 LXX], “You did not want an [animal] sacrifice and an offering, but you prepared a body for me [to sacrifice]. ⁶ You were not pleased with whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. ⁷ Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do what you want, O God, [just as] it is written in the scroll of the book [about me].’” ⁸ [After] saying the above, “You did not want, nor were you pleased, with [peace] sacrifices and [meal] offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin offerings,” [although] these are offered according to the law of Moses, ⁹ He then said, “Look, I have come to do what you want.” [So], Christ takes away the first [i.e., the animal and grain sacrifices] in order to establish the second [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself]. ¹⁰ By [Christ doing] what God wanted, we have been set aside for God through Jesus Christ offering His body once for all time. ¹¹ For every priest stands and performs his service day after day, offering over and over the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. ¹² But when this Priest [i.e., Christ] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right side of God.

¹² But when this Priest [i.e., Christ] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right side of God.

¹² But when this Priest [i.e., Christ] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right side of God. ¹³ From that time onward He will wait until His enemies are placed [in full subjection] under His feet.

²³ [So], we should hold on firmly to the profession of our hope [in God], without wavering from it, for God is faithful to His promises.

¹⁵ Look carefully [at how you are living] so that no one falls away from God’s unearned favor, and that no “poisonous plant sprouts up” to cause trouble and corrupt many people [Note: This is an analogy from Deut. 29:16-18 being used as a warning against the evil influence of wicked people],

¹⁵ [So], through Jesus then, we should continually offer up to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the expression of our lips as we confess His name [to be our Lord]. ¹⁶ But do not forget to do good deeds and share [with others], for God is very pleased with such “sacrifices.”

²⁰ Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of the sheep [i.e., the church], through the blood of the never ending Agreement [i.e., Christ’s blood], ²¹ equip you with every good deed for doing God’s will. [May He] work in us [to accomplish] what is very pleasing in His sight through [the power of] Jesus Christ. May there be praise to Him forever and ever. May it be so.

²⁶ If anyone considers himself to be religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, this person is self-deceived and his religion is worthless.

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him?

¹⁷ In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone.

²⁰ But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless?

²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.

³ God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is to be praised for being so merciful as to have given us a new birth, which provides for us a hope of never ending life through the means of Jesus Christ’s return from the dead. ⁴ Through Him we have an inheritance that cannot be corrupted or contaminated, and will never disappear; it is reserved in heaven for you.

¹¹ They studied [their own prophecies] to learn what, or which, [person or] time the Holy Spirit in them pointed to, in predicting the sufferings of Christ and the glories yet to come.

²¹ [It is] through Christ, whom God raised from the dead and honored, that you people have become believers in God, so that your faith and hope could rest in God.

²⁴ Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.

¹⁸ For Christ suffered once for people’s sins [to be forgiven]. [It was the case of] a righteous Man suffering for unrighteous people, so that He could bring you [or, “us”] to God [for salvation]. [Though] He [i.e., Jesus] was put to death physically, He was brought back to life by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some translations say “in spirit”].

²² He has [now] gone to heaven, and is [seated] at the right side of God, where the angels and [other] authorities and powers have been subjected to Him.

⁷ But the end of everything [as far as your lives are concerned] is near, so be sensible, and sober [so as to be] prayerful.

¹² This brief message is being inscribed [or delivered] by Silvanus, whom I consider to be a faithful brother. [In it] I am exhorting you and giving testimony that it is a message about God’s genuine unearned favor upon you. So, continue to follow [and obey] what it says.

⁴ By these [blessings] He has given to us the precious and tremendous promises, so that you people may share in His divine nature, [after] having escaped the world’s corruption, caused by evil desires. ⁵ And for this very reason, you people should make every effort to develop goodness along with your faith, ⁶ and knowledge along with your goodness, and self-control along with your knowledge, and endurance along with your self-control, and godliness along with your endurance, ⁷ and brotherly kindness along with your godliness, and with your brotherly kindness, develop love. ⁸ For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ⁹ But, anyone who lacks these qualities is [spiritually] blind and shortsighted, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed [i.e., forgiven] of his past sins.

² And many people will follow their unrestrained, indecent conduct, which will result in the true way [of God] being spoken against.

¹² However, these people are like unreasonable, ignorant creatures of instinct, born as animals which are [to be] caught and destroyed. They speak out against things about which they are ignorant. In [the process of] destroying others, they will certainly be destroyed themselves.

¹⁸ [Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world. ¹⁹ [Although] these people promise “liberty,” they themselves are slaves to corrupting influences, for people are slaves to whatever controls them. ²⁰ For if people who have escaped from the defiling practices of the world by coming to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, become tangled up in them again, and are overcome by them, these people are worse off than before they were converted.

⁴ “Why has the promise of a coming Messiah [not been fulfilled yet]? After all, since the time our ancestors died, everything has continued the same, even since the beginning of creation!”

¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief [i.e., unexpectedly]. At that time the heavens will pass away with a loud noise and the elements [Note: This refers either to the heavenly bodies or to the material components of the universe], will be dissolved with intense heat. And the earth and its works [i.e., its activities] will be burned up. [Note: Some translations render this phrase as it is in some ancient manuscripts, “will be disclosed,” or “will be laid bare”].

¹⁴ So, my dearly loved ones, while you are waiting for these things [to happen], do your best to be found at peace with God, pure and blameless in His sight.

¹⁷ Therefore, dearly loved ones, since you know about these things ahead of time, be on your guard so that you are not led astray by the error of lawless people, and [thus] fall from your own stability [i.e., your safe or secure position in Christ]. ¹⁸ But grow in the unearned favor and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. May He be honored both now and forever. May it be so.

¹ We [apostles] proclaim to you [the truth about Jesus], who existed from the beginning [of time]. We have heard [Him] and seen [Him] with our [own] eyes. We looked at Him, and [even] touched Him with our hands. [See John 20:20]. [So, we proclaim that] He is the word of life [i.e., the life-giving Word]! ² Truly, this “Life” was made known to us and we have [actually] seen it [i.e., Him], and so we testify and proclaim to you [that He is] “the Eternal Life,” who was with the Father and was made known to us [apostles]. ³ We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

² And He is the One who provides a “covering over” [or atonement] for our sins [See Heb. 2:17; Dan. 9:24; II Chron. 29:24], and not for ours [who are already Christians] only, but also for the sins of the people of the whole world.

² Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!

⁴ For whoever [Note: The Greek says “whatever”] is [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God will overcome [the evil influence of] the world. And this is [how] that victory can be gained over the world: [It is through] our faith [in God]. ⁵ And who is the person who can overcome [the evil influence of] the world? [It is] the one who [truly] believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

¹¹ And this is the testimony [of God]: He gave to us [the hope of] never ending life, and this life is [available through fellowship] in His Son. ¹² The person who has the Son [in his heart] possesses this “life;” the one who does not have the Son of God does not possess this “life.”

¹⁰ But these people [i.e., the “certain men” of verse 4] speak against whatever they do not understand, and what they do understand naturally, the way animals do, proves to be their ruination.

⁵ [It is also] from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness [to the truth], the Firstborn from the dead [i.e., the first One raised never to die again], the Ruler of the kings of the world. May there be honor and power forever and ever to Christ, who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood [Note: Some manuscripts say “washed us” since the two words are spelled almost alike].

¹⁸ and the Living One. I was dead, and see, I am [now] alive forever and ever! And I possess the keys of death and of the unseen place of departed spirits.

² And I saw the seven angels who were standing in front of God, and they were given seven trumpets.

¹³ And as I looked, I heard an eagle flying in midair, saying in a loud voice, “It is bad, very bad, awful bad for those people who live on earth, because of the sound of the trumpets of the remaining three angels!” [i.e., because of the messages they will deliver].

¹⁰ And they had tails like scorpions with stingers, and in their tails they had the power to inflict harm upon people for five months.

¹³ And the sixth angel sounded its trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the four horns [i.e., corners] of the golden Altar, which is in front of God. ¹⁴ It said to the sixth angel with the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are tied up at the great Euphrates River.”

⁹ Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called “the Devil,” and “Satan,” the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels.

¹¹ And they [i.e., the brothers. See 6:9-11] gained the victory over Satan by the blood of the Lamb, and by [remaining true to] the message of their testimony. And they did not love their lives [so much that they refused] to die [for their faith].

⁸ And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read “...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed”]. ⁹ If anyone has an ear, he should listen [to this]. ¹⁰ If anyone goes [or “leads others”] into captivity, he will go into captivity [himself]; if anyone is killed [or “kills others”] with the sword, he will be killed with the sword [himself]. Here is [where] God’s holy people [need] perseverance and faith. ¹¹ Then I saw another [i.e., a second] beast coming up from the earth. He had two horns like a lamb and spoke like a dragon. ¹² And he exercises all the authority of the first beast [See verse 1] in his presence [or, “on his behalf”]. And he forced the earth and those who lived on it to worship the first beast, whose [apparently] fatal wound had healed. ¹³ And he [i.e., this second beast] performs great [miraculous] signs, including making fire come down from heaven to earth in [full] view of people. ¹⁴ [And] by being given [power] to perform these signs in the sight of the [first] beast, he deceived the people on earth. He told them to make a statue to [honor] the [first] beast, who had been wounded by a sword and yet lived [through it].

¹³ Then I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write [this]: Those who are [now] dead, who died in [fellowship with] the Lord, are blessed from now on. Yes, says the Holy Spirit, they will rest from their work, for [the record of] their deeds will follow them [i.e., into the next life].”

² And I saw what seemed to be an ocean of glass, mixed with fire, and those who had been victorious over the beast, his statue and the number of his name. They were standing beside [or, “on”] the ocean of glass and held harps [given to them] by God. ³ And they were singing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb. [The words were], “Your deeds are great and marvelous, O Lord, God Almighty; your ways are just and true, O King of the nations [or, “ages”].

³ Then the second [angel] poured out his bowl into the ocean, making it turn into blood like that of a dead person, and every living thing in the ocean died.

¹¹ Then I saw heaven open, and there before me was a white horse whose rider was called “Faithful and True.” And He [i.e., Christ] judges and wages war in a just way. ¹² And His eyes are [like] blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns, and He has a name written [on Him] which is known only by Him. ¹³ And He is dressed in a robe that has been dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is “The Word of God.” ¹⁴ And the armies in heaven, dressed in expensive, white, clean linen, followed Him, [riding] on white horses. ¹⁵ And a sharp sword came out of His mouth, with which He would strike down the nations. And He will rule them with an iron staff and will trample on [the grapes of] God Almighty’s winepress of anger. ¹⁶ And on His robe and His thigh was written the name, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.” ¹⁷ Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he called out in a loud voice to all the birds that fly in midair, “Come and be assembled together for the great supper of God, ¹⁸ so that you can eat the flesh of kings, and military commanders, and strong [i.e., influential ?] people, and horses with their riders, and [you can eat] the flesh of all people, the least significant [as well as] the most important ones.” ¹⁹ Then I saw the beast [See 13:1ff], and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled together to wage war against the One who was riding on the horse [i.e., Christ. See verse 11] and His army. ²⁰ But the beast was captured, along with the false prophet [See 16:13], who performed [supernatural] signs in his presence. [He had performed these signs] to deceive those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped his statue. [See 13:15-16]. The beast and the false prophet were both thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulphur. ²¹ Then the rest of them [i.e., the kings and their armies. Verse 19] were killed with the sword that came out of the mouth of the One riding the horse. And all the birds gorged on their flesh.

² And he took hold of the dragon, that old snake, who is the devil or Satan, and chained him up for a thousand years. ³ He threw him into the pit, and closed it and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that time, he must be released for a short while. ⁴ Then I saw thrones, with individuals sitting on them who had been given [authority] to judge. And I [also] saw the souls of those who had been decapitated because they had testified about Jesus and [had proclaimed] the message of God. [They are] the ones who had refused to worship the beast or his statue, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And these ones lived again and ruled with Christ for a thousand years.

¹⁰ And the devil who [had] deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire, [burning] with sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet also are. [See 19:20]. And [there] these [enemies of God] will be tortured day and night forever and ever. ¹¹ Then I saw a great, white throne and Him who was seated on it [i.e., probably Christ]. Earth and heaven fled from His presence and they were not found anywhere [again]. ¹² And I saw dead people, the most important and the least significant ones, standing in front of the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life [Note: This refers to a record of those to whom God has granted never ending life]. And these dead people [i.e., who have now been resurrected] were judged according to their deeds, based on what was recorded in the books. ¹³ The ocean gave up the dead [bodies] that were in it; and death and the unseen place of departed spirits [also] gave up the dead [bodies and spirits] that were in them. And every person was judged according to his deeds.

¹³ The ocean gave up the dead [bodies] that were in it; and death and the unseen place of departed spirits [also] gave up the dead [bodies and spirits] that were in them. And every person was judged according to his deeds. ¹⁴ Then death and the unseen place of departed spirits were thrown into the lake of fire [i.e., after their spirits were reunited with some kind of a body]. This lake of fire is the second death.

¹⁴ Then death and the unseen place of departed spirits were thrown into the lake of fire [i.e., after their spirits were reunited with some kind of a body]. This lake of fire is the second death.

¹⁴ Then death and the unseen place of departed spirits were thrown into the lake of fire [i.e., after their spirits were reunited with some kind of a body]. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And if any person’s [name] was not found recorded in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

⁴ And He will wipe away all the tears from their eyes, and there will not be death anymore, or mourning, or crying, or pain anymore, for these old things have passed away.”

⁶ Then He said to me, “These things have already happened. [Note: These words express the certainty of what has been predicted in this book, even though not all the events had actually taken place yet]. I am the Alpha and the Omega [See note at 1:8], the beginning and the end. I will give the person who is [spiritually] thirsty [a drink] from the spring of water of life without his having to pay for it.

¹ Then the angel [See 21:9] showed me the river of the water of life. It was crystal-clear as it flowed out of the throne of God and the Lamb,

¹⁷ And the Holy Spirit and the bride [i.e., the church. See 21:9] say, “Come!” And the person who hears [this] should say “Come.” And the person who is [spiritually] thirsty should come; [and] whoever wants to should come and drink the water of life without having to pay for it.