1 Peter 4 Cross References - AUV

¹ Therefore, since Christ has suffered physically, you people should fortify yourselves with the same attitude He had. For the person who has suffered physically [i.e., in standing for Christ] has quit sinning. ² So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants. ³ For the time you have [already] spent in the past [i.e., as Gentile unbelievers] was long enough to have practiced unrestrained, indecent conduct, improper sexual cravings, riotous living, wild parties, drunken orgies and disgusting idol worship. ⁴ Now, those people you used to run around with cannot understand why you have stopped living such wasteful lives, so they just “badmouth” you. ⁵ But, they will have to answer to God, who will judge both those who are now alive and those who have already died, [for the way they have lived]. ⁶ This is the purpose that the Gospel was preached to those who have died physically [for the faith]: It was so that, even though they had been judged physically [i.e., by suffering death at the hands of men], they could still live spiritually in the presence of God. 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. ⁸ Above everything else, have a warm love for one another, for such a love keeps many sins from occurring [between you]. ⁹ Extend hospitality to one another without complaining [that you have to]. ¹⁰ As each of you has received a gift [from God], you should make use of it [in the body], so that you will be [good] caretakers of the many unearned ways that God favors you. ¹¹ If someone’s gift is speaking, he should [be sure to] say only what God wants him to. If a person’s gift is serving, he should do so by the strength provided by God [who supplies all such gifts]. This is so that, in using all gifts, God may be honored through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs honor and power forever and ever. May it be so. ¹² Loved ones, do not be surprised that you people are undergoing extremely difficult trials, as though something strange were happening to you, for it is [only] a test [of your faith]. ¹³ You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor. ¹⁴ If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16]. ¹⁵ [However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others. ¹⁶ But if a person should have to suffer because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed [of it], but instead, he should bring honor to God by [wearing] the name [of Christ]. ¹⁷ For the time has [now] come for the house of God [the church, See I Tim. 3:15] to begin receiving judgment [i.e., by undergoing persecution], and if it starts with us [Christians], what will be the [ultimate] end of people who do not obey the Gospel of God? ¹⁸ And if people who are trying to do right [i.e., Christians] are saved through [suffering] such difficulties, where will the ungodly and sinful person end up, [if not in hell]? ¹⁹ Therefore, those who [are allowed to] suffer in harmony with God’s [permissive] will, should commit their souls to a trustworthy Creator, [who will take everything into account], while they go on [trying] to do what is right.

⁹ and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham’s children out of these stones. ¹⁰ And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked].

¹¹ You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me. ¹² Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way.

¹⁶ In that same way, you should allow your light [i.e., influence] to shine in front of people, so that they will see your good deeds and [be led to] honor your Father in heaven.

¹³ And do not allow us to fall under temptation, but deliver us from [being harmed by] the evil one.’

²¹ “Not every person who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but [only] that person who does what my Father in heaven requires.

²⁰ Then Jesus began to rebuke the people of the towns where most of His powerful miracles were performed because they did not repent [when they saw Him perform them]. ²¹ [He said] “It will be too bad for you, Chorazin! It will be too bad for you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles had been performed in [the cities of] Tyre and Sidon which were performed in your presence, they would have repented long ago, [demonstrating it] by wearing sackcloth [i.e., a coarse cloth made of goat hair] and throwing ashes [into the air]. ²² But I tell you, Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you people will. ²³ And Capernaum, do you think you will be lifted up toward heaven [as a proud city]? [No indeed], you will [surely] go down to the place of the unseen [i.e., become obscure or obliterated as a city]. For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Sodom which were performed in your presence, it would have remained [even] until today. ²⁴ But I say to you, Sodom will be shown more leniency on the judgment day than you will.”

³⁶ And I say to you, a person will [have to] give an account [to God] on the day of judgment for every careless word he had spoken [while on earth].

⁵⁰ “For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother.”

²⁷ For the Son of man will return in the splendor of His Father, accompanied by His angels. Then He will reward or punish every person in proportion to what he has done [with his life].

²⁸ Even so, the Son of man did not come to be served [by others] but to be the servant [of others], and to sacrifice His life as a ransom price to purchase many people [i.e., back from Satan].”

³¹ Which of these two sons did what his father wanted?” They answered, “The first one.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes [will] enter the kingdom of God ahead of you.

²⁵ “It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you [carefully] wash the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they [i.e., such evil people] are full of greed and uncontrolled desire.

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.

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]. ¹⁴ And this good news concerning the kingdom [of heaven] will be preached to people throughout the world as a testimony [of God’s message] to all nations. Then, [after that] the end [i.e., of Jerusalem, the Temple, etc.] will come.

¹⁴ And this good news concerning the kingdom [of heaven] will be preached to people throughout the world as a testimony [of God’s message] to all nations. Then, [after that] the end [i.e., of Jerusalem, the Temple, etc.] will come.

²¹ There will be great trouble [during these times], such as had never been from the beginning of time up to the present, or ever will be [in the days to come]. ²² And if those days had not been as short as they were no one would have been saved [i.e., from the devastating destruction]. But for the sake of the elect [i.e., God’s people], those days will be short. ²³ Then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Christ,’ or ‘There [he is],’ do not believe him. 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.

⁴² Therefore be alert, for you do not know on what day the Lord will come.

⁴⁵ “Who then, is the trustworthy and sensible slave, to whom his master has assigned the management of his household to provide timely meals for its members?

¹³ Therefore, you should be watchful, for you do not know the day or hour [i.e., when the Son of man will return]. ¹⁴ “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him]. ¹⁵ He gave one servant five talents [Note: This ‘talent’ was a large sum of money in the form of a certain weight of silver. It was the equivalent of sixty years of a farm laborer’s wages, or about $750,000 in 1994 income]. He gave two talents to another servant and one talent to another. He gave to each one an amount in keeping with his ability [to invest it wisely], and then left on his trip.

²¹ His master replied, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, so I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’

²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, [so] I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’

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.

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,

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.’ ⁴¹ Then He [i.e., the King] will say to those at His left side, ‘Go away from me, you who are cursed [by God], into the never ending fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For [when] I was hungry, you did not feed me; [when] I was thirsty, you did not give me anything to drink; ⁴³ [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you did not give me a place to stay; [when I] did not have adequate clothing, you did not give me anything to wear; when I was sick, or in prison, you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ They will reply, ‘Lord, when did we [ever] see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or inadequately dressed, or sick, or in prison, and not provide for your needs?’

⁴⁴ They will reply, ‘Lord, when did we [ever] see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or inadequately dressed, or sick, or in prison, and not provide for your needs?’ ⁴⁵ Then the Lord will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did not do it for one of these least [significant brothers of mine], you did not do it for me.’ ⁴⁶ And these [i.e., the ones at His left side] will go away to never ending punishment, but those who did what was right will go to never ending life.”

³⁸ Then He said to them, “My soul is extremely grieved, even to [the point where I could] die. Stay here and be alert with me [i.e., in prayer].” ³⁹ And He went on ahead a short distance and fell face-down and prayed, “My Father, allow this cup [i.e., of suffering] to pass away from me if it is [at all] possible; nevertheless, let it not be what I want, but what You want [for me].” ⁴⁰ And [when] He came [back] to where His disciples were and found them asleep, He said to Peter, “What [is this], could you not remain alert with me [in prayer] for one hour? ⁴¹ Be alert and pray, so that you do not give in to temptation; the spirit [of a person] is truly willing [i.e., to do a certain thing], but his physical nature is [often too] weak [to carry it out].”

³⁵ For whoever will do what God wants, that person is my brother, and sister and mother.”

²¹ For from within, out of people’s hearts, proceed evil thoughts, sexual immorality, stealing, murder, extramarital affairs, ²² greedy desires, wickedness, deceit, unrestrained indecency, envy, slander, arrogance and foolishness.

³⁸ For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words in this [spiritually] unfaithful and sinful generation, the Son of man will also be ashamed of him when He returns in the splendor of His Father, accompanied by the holy angels.”

⁴⁵ For the Son of man did not come to be served [by others] but to be the servant [of others], and to sacrifice His life as a ransom price for many people [i.e., to purchase them back from Satan].”

²⁰ And if the Lord had not kept those days as short as they were, no one would have been saved [i.e., from the devastating destruction]. But for the sake of the elect [i.e., God’s people], whom He chose, He kept those days short. ²¹ And then if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is Christ,’ or ‘Look, there He is,’ do not believe him. ²² For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray [even] the elect, if possible.

³³ “You should pay attention; be alert and pray, for you do not know when the time will come [i.e., for the Lord to return]. ³⁴ It is like a man who left his house on a trip to another country. [Before leaving] he put his servants in charge of his affairs, giving each one a [particular] job to do, then he ordered the gatekeeper to stay alert [i.e., while he was gone]. ³⁵ So, be alert, because you do not know when the owner of the house will return, whether [some] evening, at midnight, at dawn, or at [mid-] morning. ³⁶ [Be alert], for he might come unexpectedly and find you asleep. ³⁷ And what I am telling you, I am telling everyone. Be alert ”

³⁷ And when He came back and found His disciples sleeping He said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not stay alert [in prayer] for one hour? ³⁸ Be alert and pray, so that you do not give in to temptation. The spirit of a person is truly willing [i.e., to do a certain thing], but his physical nature is [often] too weak [to carry it out].”

²² You are blessed when men hate you and withdraw their fellowship from you and speak abusively about you and reject your name as evil, [all] for being loyal to the Son of man.

²² You are blessed when men hate you and withdraw their fellowship from you and speak abusively about you and reject your name as evil, [all] for being loyal to the Son of man. ²³ Be happy at that time and jump for joy and realize that your reward in heaven will be great, for the forefathers [i.e., of your corrupt Jewish leaders] treated the prophets the same way.

³ and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s property manager, and Susanna and many others. These [all] had provided the material support for the group from their own means.

¹² I tell you, the people of Sodom will be shown more leniency on that day [i.e., the day of judgment] than that town will receive. ¹³ “It is too bad for you, Chorazin! It is too bad for you, Bethsaida! For if the powerful miracles had been performed in Tyre and Sidon which were performed in your presence, they would have repented long ago by sitting in ashes and wearing sackcloth. [Note: This sackcloth was a coarse cloth made of goat hair and indicated deep remorse or mourning]. ¹⁴ But Tyre and Sidon will be shown more leniency in the judgment [day] than you will.

⁴² And the Lord answered, “Who then is the trustworthy and sensible property manager, to whom his master will assign the management of his household, to provide adequate and timely meals for its members?

⁴⁷ And that slave who knew what his master wanted, but did not make preparations [i.e., for his master’s return], or do what his master wanted, will be whipped with many lashes. ⁴⁸ But the one who did not know [i.e., what his master wanted], yet did things deserving of punishment, will be whipped with few lashes. And to the person who has been given much [responsibility], there will be much required [of him]. And to whom people entrust much [responsibility], they will ask [much] more from him.

¹ Now the tax collectors and worldly people were all gathering around Jesus to listen to Him.

¹³ And a few days later, this younger son gathered everything together and traveled to a distant country where he squandered his possessions in wild living.

¹ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a property manager who was reported to be squandering his possessions. ² So, he called his property manager in and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in a [full] report of [all] your financial transactions, for you are not working for me anymore.’

² So, he called his property manager in and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in a [full] report of [all] your financial transactions, for you are not working for me anymore.’ ³ Then the property manager said to himself, What am I going to do since my master is taking away my job? I am not strong enough to dig [i.e., as a farm laborer], and I am too ashamed to beg. ⁴ I know what I will do, so when I am fired they [i.e., his master’s customers] will welcome me into their homes. ⁵ So, he called on each one of his master’s customers and said to the first one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ ⁶ And he replied, ‘Eight hundred gallons of [olive] oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your contract and quickly sit down and write in four hundred [gallons].’ ⁷ Then he said to another [customer], ‘And how much do you owe [him]?’ And he answered, ‘One thousand bushels of wheat.’ The property manager said to him, ‘Take your contract and write eight hundred [bushels].’ ⁸ So, his master commended the dishonest property manager for his shrewdness. For worldly people are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light [i.e., God’s people].

³⁰ “It will be the same way on the day the Son of man is revealed [i.e., at His second coming].

¹³ So, he called ten of his slaves and gave each of them a sum of money [Note: The amount of each sum was equivalent to one hundred days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $7,000 in 1994]. [Then] he said to them, ‘Invest this money until I return.’

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].

³⁶ But you should be alert at all times, offering earnest prayers, so that you will be strong enough to escape all these things that will happen, and to appear [acceptable] in front of the Son of man [on that day].”

⁴⁶ So, He said to them, “Why were you sleeping? Get up and pray so you do not give in [to the devil] under trials.”

³¹ For if people are doing these things [to me] while the [leaves of the] tree are green [i.e., to someone innocent of wrongdoing], what will they do when [the leaves] are dried up [i.e., to the sinful Jews of Jerusalem]?”

⁴⁶ Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, I commit my spirit into your hands.” And after He said this, He gave up His spirit [i.e., to God in death].

¹³ [Such people] were born of God, not of blood ties [i.e., from physical descendants], nor of the will of the flesh [i.e., merely from a sexual desire], nor of the will of man [i.e., from a husband’s desire for offspring].

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.

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.

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].

¹⁷ If anyone [really] desires to do what God wants, he will know whether my teaching comes from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority [only].

⁴⁷ The Pharisees replied, “Are you being led astray, too? ⁴⁸ Have any of the authorities or Pharisees believed in him? ⁴⁹ But this crowd, which does not know the law of Moses, [and especially its oral traditions], is cursed [by God].” ⁵⁰ [Now] Nicodemus (being a leading Pharisee, and the one who went to talk to Jesus one night), said to them, ⁵¹ “Does our law pass judgment on a man before first hearing from him and learning what he did?” ⁵² They answered him, “Are you from Galilee, too? Search [the Scriptures], and you will see that no prophet will come from Galilee.” [Note: They were probably referring to “the prophet” predicted to come by Moses. Deut. 18:15]. {{Most ancient manuscripts do not contain the section from 7:53 through 8:11, or else place it elsewhere in the book.

⁴⁸ The Jews answered and said to Jesus, “Were we not right in saying that you are a Samaritan [See note on 4:9], and are dominated by an evil spirit?”

²⁸ Then they began ridiculing him, saying, “You are his disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples.

³⁴ They replied to the beggar, “You were born entirely in sins [i.e., you have been a sinner all your life], and you are [trying] to teach us?” Then they threw him out [of the synagogue. See verse 22].

²¹ But they [i.e., the world] will do all these things to you for my name’s sake [i.e., because you are my disciples], for they do not know Him [i.e., God], who sent me.

⁴¹ When the apostles left the Council meeting, they were rejoicing over being considered worthy to suffer [such] shame for the name [of Jesus].

³⁸ This is the man who was with our forefathers and with the assembly [of Hebrews] in the wilderness [after] the angel had spoken to him at Mt. Sinai. He [is the one] who received the living messages [from God at Mt. Sinai] and gave them to us.

⁵⁹ So, they stoned Stephen [to death] as he called out to the Lord, saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit [as I die]."

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.

²⁶ and when he found him, he brought him [back] to Antioch. So, for an entire year Saul and Barnabas gathered the church together and taught many people. [It was] here in Antioch that the disciples were first [divinely] called Christians.

⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the large crowds [gathered to hear the Gospel] they became very jealous and took sharp issue with the things Paul said, and [even] spoke against them.

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.

²⁵ But about midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God while the [other] prisoners listened.

³⁰ Now God made allowance for the times when people were still uninformed [about His complete will], but now [in the Gospel age] He requires all people everywhere to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. 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."

⁶ When the Jews resisted [Paul's efforts] and spoke against him and his message, he shook out his clothing [i.e., an expression of rejection and contempt] and said to them "Let your blood be on your own heads [i.e., you are responsible for whatever harm comes from your action]; I am not responsible. From now on I will go [and preach] to the Gentiles [only]."

¹¹ When he met with us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet [with it], and said, "The Holy Spirit has revealed [to me] that the man who owns this belt will be tied up like this by the Jews in Jerusalem and will be turned over to the Gentiles." ¹² When we heard these things, both we and those who lived there [i.e., Philip, his daughters and local disciples] urged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. ¹³ [But] Paul answered, "What are you trying to do [by your] crying and breaking my heart [like this]? [Do you not know that] I am ready, not only to be chained up, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus?" ¹⁴ And when he could not be dissuaded [from going to Jerusalem] we stopped [trying to convince him], saying, "Let the Lord's will be done in the matter."

²⁸ Agrippa said to Paul, "You expect to persuade me to be a Christian with such little effort [or, in such a short time]?"

²⁴ saying, 'Do not be afraid Paul, for you must appear before Caesar, and look, God will grant you [the safety of] all these men aboard ship [along] with yourself.'

³¹ Paul said to the military officer [Julius] and to his soldiers, "Unless these men stay aboard the ship, none of you will be saved."

⁴² [Meanwhile] the soldiers had decided to kill the prisoners so that none of them would swim away and escape. ⁴³ But the military officer, wanting to save Paul [from being killed], prevented them from doing this. [Instead] he ordered those who could swim to jump overboard and be the first to reach land. ⁴⁴ The rest [he reasoned] could reach shore by floating on planks or other debris from the ship. And so it happened that all of them escaped safely to land.

¹⁸ For God’s extreme anger is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people who restrain the truth [from being known and obeyed] by their wickedness.

²⁰ For since the creation of the world, God’s invisible qualities of eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, [capable of] being perceived through the things that He has made. So, these people have no excuse [i.e., for not believing in Him]. ²¹ Now they knew who God was, but they did not honor Him as God or thank Him [for their blessings]. Instead they engaged in their useless speculations and their foolish minds were filled with [spiritual] darkness. 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. ²⁴ So, God allowed [or, abandoned] them to have the impure desires of their hearts, and to [practice] degrading behavior with their bodies among themselves. ²⁵ For they exchanged God’s truth for the [devil’s] lie, and worshiped and served what was created instead of the Creator, who is to be praised forever. May it be so. ²⁶ For this reason God allowed [or, abandoned] them to [practice] degrading passions; for their women exchanged the natural function [i.e., of sex] for what is against nature [i.e., lesbianism]. ²⁷ And men did the same thing, leaving the natural function [i.e., of sex] with women, and burning in their desire for each other. Men committed indecent [sexual] acts with other men [i.e., homosexuality], and [so] brought on themselves the penalty they deserved for this perversion. 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. ²⁹ They are full of all kinds of wickedness, evil, greed, and maliciousness. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, ³⁰ slanderers, hateful toward God, arrogant, proud and boastful. They think up evil things to do; they disobey their parents; ³¹ they do not have any sense; they do not keep their promises; they fail to show natural affection; and they are merciless. ³² These people know that God’s decrees require that those who practice such things deserve to die [i.e., either spiritual or temporal punishment], yet they not only do the same things [themselves], but even approve of other people who practice them.

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.

⁹ anguish and distress. He will bring these upon every human being who does wrong, upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks [i.e., Gentiles].

² Much in every way! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the messages of God [i.e., their prophets received divine revelations].

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. ³ And not only this, but we also rejoice in our troubles, knowing that [experiencing] troubles produces endurance;

³ And not only this, but we also rejoice in our troubles, knowing that [experiencing] troubles produces endurance; ⁴ and endurance [produces God’s] approval; and [His] approval [produces] hope. ⁵ And [having such] hope keeps us from being disappointed, because God’s love [for us] has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, who was given to us [by God]. ⁶ For while we were still helpless, at [just] the proper time, Christ died for ungodly people.

⁸ But God demonstrates His own love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.

² Certainly not! How can we, who died to sin [i.e., stopped living under its power], go on living in it [i.e., practicing it] any longer?

⁷ For a dead person is freed from [the control of] sin.

¹¹ So, you [too] should consider yourselves dead to sin [i.e., no longer under its power], but [spiritually] alive to God, in [fellowship with] Christ.

⁴ Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law [i.e., were released from its binding requirements] through the body of Christ [Note: This seems to refer to Christ’s death on the cross, but some think it refers to becoming a part of the church], so that you could belong to someone else, [namely] to Christ, who was raised from the dead in order that we might live spiritually productive lives for God.

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.

⁹ But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. 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. ¹² So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, ¹³ for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually].

¹⁷ And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25].

³⁶ For everything was created by Him, exists through His [power] and is intended for His [glory]. May He be praised forever. May it be so.

² And you people must not be conformed to [the values and standards of] this age, but you should become transformed [i.e., changed in attitude and action] by having your mind renewed [i.e., to think in a totally different way]. Then you will be able to determine [and practice] God’s will, the thing that is good, and acceptable and perfect.

⁶ And we [all] have different gifts, in harmony with the unearned favor [God has] shown us. If our gift is the ability to prophesy [i.e., to speak for God], we should make use of this gift in harmony with the amount of faith we have. ⁷ Or, if our gift is serving, we should devote ourselves to rendering service. Or, if our gift is teaching, we should devote ourselves to teaching. ⁸ Or, if our gift is encouraging others, we should devote ourselves to encouraging. Or, if our gift is sharing with others, we should do so generously. Or, if our gift is leading others, we should do so diligently. Or, if our gift is showing caring concern for others, we should do it cheerfully.

¹² Be joyful as you hope [i.e., for future blessings]. Persevere in spite of the troubles you experience. Continue steadfastly in prayer. ¹³ Contribute to the needs of God’s people. Be eager in showing hospitality.

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].

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.

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].

⁷ For none of us lives for his own benefit [only], and none of us dies for his own benefit [only].

¹⁰ But why do you [who eat only certain foods] condemn your brother [who feels he can eat anything]? Or, indeed, why do you [i.e., who feels he can eat anything] look down on your brother [i.e., who eats only certain foods]? For all of us will have to stand before the judgment bar of God. ¹¹ For it is written [Isa. 45:23], “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone’s knee will bow before me, and everyone’s mouth will confess to [or, praise] God.” ¹² So then, every one of us [i.e., including Christians] will have to give an account of himself to God.

²⁵ But for now, I am on my way to Jerusalem to minister to [the needs of] God’s holy people there.

²⁷ For they thought it was a good idea, and [besides] they were indebted to those Jewish Christians. For if the Gentiles [have] shared in the spiritual blessings of the Jews, [then] they owe it to those Jews to help meet their material needs.

²³ Gaius, who is hosting me [i.e., Paul] and the whole church [here], sends you his greetings. [Note: This was probably the Gaius who lived in Corinth (I Cor. 1:14) and was apparently both wealthy and generous]. Erastus, the city treasurer [of Corinth] sends his greetings to you, along with our brother Quartus. {{Some manuscripts contain verse 24), which repeats the benediction of verse 20}}

²⁷ [i.e., so they will believe and obey the truth]. May it be so.

¹⁰ Using the unearned favor shown to me by God [Note: Paul here probably refers to his apostleship and its attending spiritual gifts], as an expert building contractor, I laid the foundation [i.e., in starting the Corinthian church], and someone else is building on it [i.e., Apollos. See verse 6].

¹³ [the quality of] each person’s work will become evident [i.e., for what is it made of]. For the [judgment] day will expose his workmanship. And it will be revealed by the fire [of judgment], which will test the quality of a person’s workmanship [i.e., the faithfulness of his converts].

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]?

¹¹ And some of you have practiced such things, but you were washed [i.e., from your sins. See Acts 22:16]; you were dedicated [i.e., set apart for God’s service]; you were made right with God in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Holy Spirit of our God.

²⁰ for you were bought [by God] for a price. So, honor God with your [physical] body.

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.

¹² So, the person who thinks he is standing firm [in the faith] should pay attention [to his life], so that he does not fall [away from God]. ¹³ Every temptation that you have experienced is one that commonly happens to people. But God is dependable and will not allow you to be tempted beyond your ability [to cope with it]; [instead] He will provide, along with the temptation, also a way of escaping [it], so you people will be able to endure it.

³¹ So, whether you people eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all to honor God.

³¹ But if we [had] examined ourselves [properly], we would not be [i.e., not have been] judged [i.e., with sickness and death. See verse 30]. ³² But since we are being judged, we are [also] being disciplined by the Lord, so that we do not have to be condemned along with the world.

² You people know that when you were [still unconverted] Gentiles, you were led astray to [worship] lifeless idols, however you were led [i.e., wherever you turned, you were being led into idolatrous practices].

⁴ Now there are a variety of [spiritual] gifts, but [they are given by] the same Holy Spirit.

⁴ Now there are a variety of [spiritual] gifts, but [they are given by] the same Holy Spirit. ⁵ And there are a variety of services, but [they are rendered to] the same Lord. 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]. ⁷ But the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s [power] is given to each person for the good of everyone. ⁸ For one person is given the [supernatural] message of wisdom through the Holy Spirit; another person is given the [supernatural] message of knowledge by means of the same Holy Spirit. ⁹ Still another person is given [supernatural] faith [See 13:2] by the same Holy Spirit; yet another person is given gifts [providing the ability] to perform [supernatural] healings by that one Holy Spirit. ¹⁰ Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally]. ¹¹ Now all of these [supernatural gifts] are the work of one and the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them to each person individually as He desires.

¹ If I have the ability to speak in the languages of human beings and angels [Note: Perhaps the idea is supernaturally and eloquently], but do not have love [for people], I have become [no more than] a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.

¹ You should make loving [others] your aim, yet eagerly desire [to possess] spiritual gifts, and especially [the gift of] prophecy.

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].

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.

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].

⁷ And our hope for you is firm, for we know that just as you share our sufferings, so you will also [share] our comfort.

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.

¹⁷ For our insignificant troubles [here on earth], which last only a short time, are producing for us an immeasurable, never ending [counter-] weight of splendor [i.e., in heaven. See Rom. 8:18].

¹⁵ And Christ died for all people, so that those who are alive should not live for themselves anymore, but for Him who died and rose again for their sakes.

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,

¹ Now it is unnecessary for me to write you about this service to God’s holy people [in Jerusalem, who were in need].

⁷ Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver.

¹³ Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else.

⁹ But God said to me, “My unearned favor is enough for you, for my power is made complete in [your] weakness.” Therefore, I will most gladly boast, so that the power of Christ can rest on me. ¹⁰ So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

¹⁰ So, I am pleased to [endure] weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and difficulties, [all] for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak [physically], then I am strong [spiritually].

²¹ I am afraid that, when I come, my God will humiliate me in front of you, and I will be grieved over many [of those] who have sinned in the past without repenting of the [moral] impurity, sexual immorality and unrestrained indecency they have practiced.

²⁴ So, they gave honor to God for [what He was doing through] me.

¹⁹ For it was by means of [this system of] law-keeping that I [realized I] was dead. This was so I could find life through a relationship with God.

¹⁹ For it was by means of [this system of] law-keeping that I [realized I] was dead. This was so I could find life through a relationship with God. ²⁰ I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.

²⁰ I have been crucified [i.e., died] with Christ, and so I am not the one who lives [anymore] but rather, it is Christ who lives in my heart. And [now] my entire life is being lived by trusting in the Son of God [to save and keep me], because He loved me and gave Himself up for me.

¹ You foolish people [of the churches] of Galatia [Note: This was a province in present-day Turkey], who tricked you? Was not Jesus Christ graphically portrayed before you as being put to death on a cross?

⁷ You [Christians] were running [the race of life] well; who hindered you [from making further progress] so that [now] you are no longer obeying the truth?

¹⁹ Now those things done by the sinful, physical nature [of a person] are evident; they are these: sexual immorality, moral impurity, indecent conduct,

²¹ envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you again, as I have done before, that those people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

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. ²⁵ If we live by the [guidance of the] Holy Spirit, we should also walk in [the ways of] the Holy Spirit.

² You practiced such things when you lived according to the evil ways of this world, and according to the ruler of the [spiritual] powers of the air. [Note: This refers to Satan, whose influence permeates life around us]. He is the [evil] spirit who is now at work in people who are disobedient [to God]. ³ All of us [Jews] also once lived among such people, fulfilling the improper cravings of our physical being and doing what our bodies and minds desired. In this natural [unconverted] state we were deserving of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind].

³ All of us [Jews] also once lived among such people, fulfilling the improper cravings of our physical being and doing what our bodies and minds desired. In this natural [unconverted] state we were deserving of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind].

³ All of us [Jews] also once lived among such people, fulfilling the improper cravings of our physical being and doing what our bodies and minds desired. In this natural [unconverted] state we were deserving of [God’s] wrath, just like the rest [of mankind]. ⁴ But God, who has great love for us and abundant mercy [toward us], ⁵ restored [spiritual] life to us with Christ, even though we were [spiritually] dead because of our sins --- it is by God’s unearned favor that you have been saved.

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].

¹³ So, I am asking you people not to become discouraged over my sufferings on your behalf, for they are for your benefit [eventually]. ¹⁴ This is the reason that I bow my knees [in prayer] to the Father, ¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth receives its name. [Note: Here Paul resumes the prayer he began in verse 1].

²⁰ May there be to God, who is able to do infinitely more [for us] than we could [even] ask or think, according to [His] power at work in us --- ²¹ [I say] may there be praise to God in the church and in [or, “for”] Christ Jesus throughout all generations of people for ages and ages. May it be so.

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.

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. ¹⁸ Their understanding [of spiritual things] is darkened and excluded from the [spiritual] life that God gives, because of the ignorance in their minds and the stubbornness in their hearts. ¹⁹ They have stopped caring [i.e., about morality], so God has abandoned them to lives of unrestrained indecency and to engage in all kinds of [moral] impurity, with a constant desire for more.

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.

²⁹ Do not allow unwholesome [Note: The Greek word for “unwholesome” is “rotten, diseased”] language to come from your mouth, but only what is helpful for building up those who need it, so that you can impart favor [i.e., benefit] to those who listen [to you].

⁷ So, do not participate with such individuals, ⁸ for you people were once darkness [i.e., when living in sin], but now you are light in [fellowship with] the Lord. [So], live like people who belong to light [i.e., who live godly lives],

¹⁷ Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. ¹⁸ And do not get drunk on wine, which results in ruined lives, but be filled with the Holy Spirit.

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

⁶ Do not serve them only when you are being watched, just to gain their approval, but as slaves of Christ, doing what God wants from your heart.

¹⁰ Finally, be [spiritually] strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

¹³ Therefore, put on the full armor of God, so that you can withstand [the devil, See verse 11] when the evil day comes. And, after you have done everything you can, still remain standing firm [in the faith].

¹⁸ [Then] offer all kinds of prayers and requests in [harmony with] the Holy Spirit at all times, and be alert constantly in making requests for all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

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

²⁰ It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not have to be ashamed about anything, but that I will have the courage, [both] now and always, [to so live] that Christ will be exalted [i.e., honored] in my body, whether I live or die.

²⁹ Because God has granted you [the privilege], on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.

⁵ You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did.

¹¹ and that everyone’s mouth should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

¹⁴ Do everything without complaining and arguing,

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,

⁵ You should let your gentleness be known to all people. The Lord is near. [Note: This “nearness” could refer to Christ’s second coming or to His nearness to His people in a spiritual sense].

⁹ So, this is why, since the day we heard about these things, we do not stop praying for you and requesting that you people be filled [by God] with the knowledge of what He wants [for your lives], and with spiritual wisdom and understanding.

¹⁶ For all things were created by Him; things in heaven and on earth; things visible and invisible, whether they are thrones [i.e., reigning beings], or lords, or rulers or authorities. [Note: “Authorities” here may refer to angelic beings]. All things were created by Him and for Him. ¹⁷ And He existed before all things and all things are held together by Him. 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. ¹⁹ For God was very pleased to have all of [His] fullness dwell in Christ [See 2:9], ²⁰ and through Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven. He made peace [with mankind] through the [sacrificial] blood of Christ’s [death on the] cross.

²⁴ Now I rejoice in [spite of] my sufferings for your sake, and I am filling up [i.e., completing] in my physical body what was lacking in the afflictions Christ endured for His body’s sake, the church.

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]. ⁵ So, put to death [i.e., stop practicing the desires of] your physical bodies [such as] sexual immorality, [moral] impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is [in reality] idolatry.

⁷ You people also once lived like this when you practiced these things. ⁸ But now you also should stop practicing them: anger, wrath, malice, slander, filthy language from your mouth.

¹⁴ And beyond all these things, clothe yourselves with love, which binds these things together in complete [unity].

² Continue to pray regularly; stay alert and be thankful.

⁶ Your speech should always be favorable, seasoned with salt [i.e., interesting and appropriate], so that you may know how to properly answer each person [you talk with].

¹² Epaphras, who is one of you [See 1:7; 4:9], a slave of Christ Jesus, sends you his greetings. He always struggles in his prayers on your behalf so that you will remain mature and be fully convinced [that you are living] by all that God wants [for your life].

² and so we [i.e., I] sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow-worker in [the ministry of] the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 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. ⁴ For even when we were with you, we warned you that we were going to be persecuted, and as you know, it has turned out that way.

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.

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

⁹ Now you people do not need anyone to write to you about loving [your] brothers, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. ¹⁰ For you certainly do practice it toward all the brothers [and sisters] throughout Macedonia. [Note: This was the province in which Thessalonica was located]. Yet we urge you, brothers, to continue doing it more and more. ¹¹ [We also urge you to] make it your aim to live a quiet life, and to attend to your own business matters, and to work with your hands, as we urged you. [Note: Possibly this exhortation was directed toward the tendency of some people there to neglect ordinary responsibilities in view of an imminent return of Christ].

⁶ So then, we should not be [spiritually] asleep, like the rest [i.e., the unsaved world], but we should be alert and sober [i.e., in control of our senses]. ⁷ For people sleep at night, and get drunk at night [i.e., generally speaking]. ⁸ But, since we belong to the daytime [i.e., are enlightened], we should be sober. We should put on the “flack jacket” of faith and love, and for a helmet, the hope of being saved.

¹⁸ Thank [God] for everything, for this is what God wants for you in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus.

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.

⁷ and to provide [future] rest for you, along with us, who are afflicted. [This will occur] when Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire [i.e., at His second coming], accompanied by His mighty angels. ⁸ He will inflict punishment on those people who do not know God [as Savior], and on those who do not obey the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus.

⁸ He will inflict punishment on those people who do not know God [as Savior], and on those who do not obey the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will pay the penalty of never ending destruction, being banished from the presence of the Lord and from His mighty splendor. 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 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]. ¹¹ This is why we always pray for you also, so that our God will consider you worthy to be [i.e., to have been] called [into the kingdom] by Him, and will fulfill, by His power, every good purpose [or, “desire for goodness”] of yours and every act produced by [your] faith. ¹² [We pray this] so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored by you, and that you will be honored by Him, according to the unearned favor of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

¹¹ For we hear that some of you are living in idleness, refusing to work, but [instead] are just being busybodies.

⁵ But the goal of this instruction is [to] love [God and people] from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

¹⁷ Now, may there be honor and praise forever and ever to the eternal King, the immortal, invisible, only God. May it be so.

² Now the overseer must be above reproach, the husband of [only] one wife, sober-minded [Note: When this word, used here figuratively, is used in its literal sense, it means to abstain from intoxicating drinks], sensible, respectable, hospitable, capable of teaching.

¹³ And on top of that, they learn to be idle, going around from house to house; and not only idle, but also gossips and busybodies, talking about things they should not be.

¹⁶ He alone possesses immortality [Note: That is, only God possesses an eternal existence, with neither beginning nor ending. See John 5:26], and lives in unapproachable light. No one has seen Him, or can see Him. May there be honor and never ending power to Him. May it be so.

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].

¹⁸ May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.

⁹ for which I am suffering difficulty [here] in prison, as [though I were] a criminal. But God’s message is not “in prison.”

¹² If we endure [i.e., remain faithful through suffering], we will also rule with Him [i.e., both here and hereafter]. If we deny Him, He will also deny us. [See Matt. 10:33].

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

¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge [both] those still alive and those who have already died, and in view of His appearing [i.e., at His second coming] and His kingdom [i.e., when it is revealed in its eternal splendor], I solemnly urge you:

⁵ But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

⁷ As God’s manager [of the church], an overseer must be free from just blame, not a drunkard, not a fighter [and] not in love with money. ⁸ [He must be] hospitable, someone who loves what is good, sensible, upright, devout and self-controlled.

¹² It instructs us to give up ungodly living and worldly desires and to live sensible, righteous and godly lives in this present age,

³ For we [Christians] were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various kinds of [evil] desires and [sinful] pleasures. [We used to] live in malice and envy, hating people and being hated by them.

³ For we [Christians] were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various kinds of [evil] desires and [sinful] pleasures. [We used to] live in malice and envy, hating people and being hated by them.

³ For we [Christians] were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved to various kinds of [evil] desires and [sinful] pleasures. [We used to] live in malice and envy, hating people and being hated by them. ⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared,

⁴ But when the kindness and love of God our Savior toward mankind appeared, ⁵ He saved us, not because of any good deeds we ourselves had done, but because of His mercy. [He saved us] through the washing of new birth [Note: This refers to our immersion in water] and the renewing [work] of the Holy Spirit,

⁵ He saved us, not because of any good deeds we ourselves had done, but because of His mercy. [He saved us] through the washing of new birth [Note: This refers to our immersion in water] and the renewing [work] of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom God poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

⁶ whom God poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior. ⁷ [This was] so that, being made right with God by His unearned favor, we could have the hope of [possessing our] inheritance of never ending life [in heaven].

⁷ [This was] so that, being made right with God by His unearned favor, we could have the hope of [possessing our] inheritance of never ending life [in heaven]. ⁸ This saying is trustworthy and I want you [in your teaching] to affirm these things with confidence, so that those people who have trusted God will be careful to devote themselves to doing good deeds. These things [i.e., just mentioned] are good and profitable for people [to do].

¹⁴ But I did not want to do anything without your permission, so that your goodness [of heart] would not be shown out of a feeling of obligation, but out of willingness.

² [but] during these final days He has spoken to us through His Son [Note: This period refers to the Christian age (See Acts 2:14-36)], whom He appointed to be heir of all things [and] through whom He created the universe. [See John 1:3; Col. 1:16]. ³ This Son expresses the radiance of God’s splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [man’s] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven].

² For if the message spoken through angels proved to be binding [Note: This is a reference to the law of Moses. See Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19], and every violation [of it] and disobedience [to it] received a just penalty,

⁴ God also testified, along with those people, by [giving them] both signs and wonders and various miracles, and by [supernatural] gifts distributed [to them] by the Holy Spirit, as He desired.

¹ So, as long as God’s promise of entering into a state of rest with Him [still] remains, we should fear that someone among you will appear [in the end] to have fallen short of [attaining] it. [Note: In this section “entering into rest” refers to Israel entering Canaan (verses 6, 8) and to Christians entering heaven (verses 3, 9). The “Sabbath day rest” is represented as a type of both].

¹⁰ For the person who has entered into a state of rest with God has rested from his own work also, just as God rested from His.

⁹ and after becoming perfectly [qualified], He became the source of never ending salvation to all those who obey Him.

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].

²⁵ We should not neglect our assembling together [as a church], as some people are in the habit of doing, but we should encourage one another [spiritually], and [do it] all the more [diligently] as you see the day [of judgment] coming closer.

³⁸ And my [i.e., God’s] righteous person will [obtain] life by [his] faith [in God]. But if he turns back [from me], my soul is not pleased with him.” ³⁹ But we are not like those people who turn back and are destroyed, but like those who have faith [in God] and obtain the salvation of their souls.

⁸ By [having] faith, when Abraham was called [by God] to leave [his homeland] and go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance [i.e., Palestine], he obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going.

²⁶ He considered suffering ridicule for Christ’s sake to be greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking forward to his reward.

² We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, “our”] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God’s throne. ³ Now think about how Jesus endured such opposition against Himself from sinners, so that you do not grow weary and become discouraged [yourself].

³ Now think about how Jesus endured such opposition against Himself from sinners, so that you do not grow weary and become discouraged [yourself].

²⁴ and to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Agreement [between God and mankind], and to the sprinkled blood [of Jesus], which says better things [to us] than [the blood of] Abel did. [Note: The contrast seems to be that “Abel’s blood called for vengeance and death (See Gen. 4:10) whereas the blood of Christ provides mercy and life”]. ²⁵ Pay careful attention so that you do not refuse [to hear] God when He speaks to you. [See verse 9]. For if those people [i.e., the Israelites] did not escape [judgment] when they refused [to hear] Him who warned them on earth [i.e., God speaking through Moses at Mount Sinai], how much less [likely] will we escape [judgment] if we reject Him who warns from heaven [i.e., Christ]?

¹ Continue to love [one another] as brothers. ² Do not forget to show hospitality toward strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without realizing it.

¹⁶ But do not forget to do good deeds and share [with others], for God is very pleased with such “sacrifices.”

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.

² Consider it [an occasion for] much joy, my brothers, when you experience various trials,

² Consider it [an occasion for] much joy, my brothers, when you experience various trials, ³ because you [should] know that when your faith is tested, it produces perseverance.

³ because you [should] know that when your faith is tested, it produces perseverance. ⁴ And you [should] allow your perseverance to complete its work, so that you will be perfect and complete, [and] not lacking in anything.

¹² The person who perseveres under trials is blessed, because when he has been approved by God, he will receive the crown of [never ending] life, which God has promised to those who love Him.

¹⁸ It was God’s purpose to bring us into being [spiritually] by the message of truth, so that we could become a kind of “firstfruits” of those He created. [Note: “Firstfruits” here suggests either that Christians are the best of all of God’s creatures (Num. 18:12), or that they were the first to be converted, with many more to come]. ¹⁹ You people [already] know this [or, “you should know this”], my dearly loved brothers. However, every person should be quick to listen, slow to talk and slow in becoming angry.

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.

¹ Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you [should] know that we [teachers] will be judged more strictly. ² For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also. ³ Now if we put bits in the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, we can govern the direction of their entire bodies as well. ⁴ Look, even though ships are huge and are driven by strong winds, still their direction can be governed by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires to sail. ⁵ So, the tongue is a small part [of the body], yet it boasts of great accomplishments. Look at how large a forest is burned up by even a tiny spark. ⁶ And the tongue is [like] a fire [i.e., like that spark]. [For] the tongue, as a part of the body, is [like] the world of evil. It corrupts the entire life [of a person] and inflames the course of nature itself [i.e., it affects a person throughout his whole earthly existence], and is ignited by hell itself [i.e., the evil produced by the fiery tongue has hell as its source and destiny].

⁸ [So], you people should be patient also; strengthen your hearts because the Lord’s coming is near [Note: This may refer to the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70, or to Christ’s final coming and judgment]. ⁹ Do not complain against one another, brothers, so that you will not [have to] be judged [and condemned for it]. Look, the Judge [i.e., Christ] is standing at the door! [See verse 8].

⁹ Do not complain against one another, brothers, so that you will not [have to] be judged [and condemned for it]. Look, the Judge [i.e., Christ] is standing at the door! [See verse 8].

¹¹ Notice that we consider those who endured [suffering with patience] to be blessed [by God]. You people have heard of Job’s patience and have seen what the Lord finally did [for him]. The Lord is very compassionate and merciful. ¹² But above everything else, my brothers, do not take oaths, not “by the heaven,” nor “by the earth,” nor by any other oath. But your “yes” should be [simply] “yes,” and your “no,” [simply] “no,” so you do not fall under condemnation.

²⁰ that person should know that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his way will save that soul from [spiritual] death and will cover over a large number of sins [i.e., the many sins of that person will become forgiven].

⁵ Through God’s power you are protected by [your] faith, so that you can expect to be saved in the end. ⁶ Because of this you can be very joyous, even though it is necessary for you to have suffered many trials for a little while.

⁶ Because of this you can be very joyous, even though it is necessary for you to have suffered many trials for a little while. ⁷ But these will only test your faith, which is more valuable than gold which, though refined by fire, eventually perishes. Your faith, [however], will [endure and eventually] prove to be praiseworthy and honorable when Jesus returns.

⁷ But these will only test your faith, which is more valuable than gold which, though refined by fire, eventually perishes. Your faith, [however], will [endure and eventually] prove to be praiseworthy and honorable when Jesus returns. ⁸ Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy.

¹³ So, gather your thoughts together for action, take control of yourselves and focus your hope completely on God’s unearned favor, which will be brought to you by Jesus Christ when He returns. ¹⁴ As obedient children, do not pattern your lives after the evil desires you formerly had when you were ignorant,

²² [Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.

¹ Therefore, you should put out of your lives all malice [i.e., bad attitudes], and all deceit and hypocrisy, and all envy and unwholesome talk.

⁵ And you yourselves are also like living stones, being constructed into a spiritual house. For you are like holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

⁸ [And it also says, Isa. 8:14, that He would be], “A stone that people would stumble over and a rock over which they would trip and fall.” The way they stumble is by disobeying the Gospel message. They were destined [though not forced] to do this.

¹² You should live such good lives before [unconverted] Gentiles, so that even though they accuse you of being evildoers, by seeing your good deeds, they will [be led to] honor God [for you] on the day He visits us again [i.e., to bring judgment].

¹⁴ or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that, by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorant [talk and actions] of foolish people.

¹⁵ For it is God’s will that, by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorant [talk and actions] of foolish people.

¹⁹ For those of you who put up with such suffering unjustly, because of your close relationship to God, are to be commended. ²⁰ But it is no credit to you if you put up with a beating you deserve. But if you patiently tolerate suffering for doing good, this is pleasing to God.

⁷ [You] husbands, in the same way, should live with your wives in an understanding way, recognizing their feminine nature as being physically weaker than yours, and showing special honor to them because of it. [Realize] that sharing your lives together is a gracious gift [from God]. [If you have the right relationship with them] it will help avoid problems in your prayer lives.

¹⁴ But even if you have to suffer for doing what was right, you still have [God’s] blessing. So, do not be afraid of the threats [of your persecutors], and do not let it worry you.

¹⁶ May your conscience be able to so approve of your conduct that, even if you are ridiculed, those doing it will [eventually] have to be ashamed [of themselves] for criticizing your Christian behavior. ¹⁷ For, if it is God’s will that you should suffer, it is better [for you] that it be on account of doing right than doing wrong.

¹⁷ For, if it is God’s will that you should suffer, it is better [for you] that it be on account of doing right than doing wrong. 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”].

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”]. ¹⁹ It was by the Holy Spirit that He went to preach [See Eph. 2:17] to the [now departed] spirits [of pre-Flood people who are now] in prison [i.e., Hades].

¹ Therefore, since Christ has suffered physically, you people should fortify yourselves with the same attitude He had. For the person who has suffered physically [i.e., in standing for Christ] has quit sinning. ² So then, you should no longer live the rest of your lives [to satisfy] the sinful desires of your body, but to do what God wants.

⁴ Now, those people you used to run around with cannot understand why you have stopped living such wasteful lives, so they just “badmouth” you.

⁴ Now, those people you used to run around with cannot understand why you have stopped living such wasteful lives, so they just “badmouth” you. ⁵ But, they will have to answer to God, who will judge both those who are now alive and those who have already died, [for the way they have lived].

¹⁰ As each of you has received a gift [from God], you should make use of it [in the body], so that you will be [good] caretakers of the many unearned ways that God favors you.

¹² Loved ones, do not be surprised that you people are undergoing extremely difficult trials, as though something strange were happening to you, for it is [only] a test [of your faith]. ¹³ You should rejoice that you are sharing some of what Christ has suffered, so that you will get to rejoice all the more when He returns in His splendor. ¹⁴ If you are spoken against for being Christians, you have God’s blessing, because His glorious Holy Spirit rests upon you [to provide comfort, See John 14:16]. ¹⁵ [However], you should not have to suffer for murdering, stealing, doing evil or interfering in the affairs of others. ¹⁶ But if a person should have to suffer because he is a Christian, he should not be ashamed [of it], but instead, he should bring honor to God by [wearing] the name [of Christ].

¹⁹ Therefore, those who [are allowed to] suffer in harmony with God’s [permissive] will, should commit their souls to a trustworthy Creator, [who will take everything into account], while they go on [trying] to do what is right.

¹ So, the elders in the various places where you live, are to receive the following exhortation. (I too, am an elder and have witnessed the sufferings of Christ, and am also assured of partaking of the glorious [salvation, 1:5] that will someday be revealed).

⁸ Be sensible and alert; your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring [i.e., hungry] lion looking for someone to [kill and] eat. ⁹ You should withstand his efforts by maintaining a strong faith [in God], remembering that your [Christian] brothers in [the rest of] the world are experiencing [and enduring] suffering similar to yours. ¹⁰ And the God who bestows every unearned favor [upon His people], who invited you to partake of His eternal splendor through Christ Jesus, will restore, confirm, strengthen and stabilize you people [in the faith], after you have gone through a brief time of suffering. ¹¹ May God have total authority over everything [including your circumstances] forever. May it be so.

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.

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

⁵ and if He did not spare the ancient world of Noah’s day, when He brought a flood on those ungodly people (though Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven other people, were saved from it); ⁶ and if God also condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by reducing them to ashes, thereby condemning them to catastrophic destruction, and making them an example to other ungodly people in the future;

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.

²² It has happened to them like the true proverb [says], “The dog [throws up, and then] goes back and eats its own vomit,” and “The hog that was all cleaned up [goes back] to wallowing in the mud.”

⁷ But, by means of the same word [of God], the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, awaiting the judgment and destruction [by God], along with [its] ungodly people.

⁹ The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise, like some people are, but is [simply] being patient with you, since He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but He wants everyone to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. 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”]. ¹¹ Since all these things are [certain] to be destroyed, what kind of persons should you be, [if not like those] living holy lives, and in a godly manner,

¹⁷ And the world, with its [physical and material] desires, is passing away, but the person who does what God wants will continue to live forever. ¹⁸ Dear children, it is [now] the last hour [i.e., the final period of God’s dealing with people on earth], and since you have heard that an antichrist [i.e., a person who is against Christ] is coming, even now [you should be aware that] many antichrists have [already] come. This is [one way] we know that this is the last hour. ¹⁹ These antichrists left our group [i.e., withdrew their fellowship from us], but they were not [really a part] of us, for if they had been, they would have continued [to participate] with us. But, by their leaving us, it proved that none of them were [really] a part of our group [after all].

² [My] dearly loved [friend], I am praying that you will do well in everything [materially ?] and that you will have [good] health, just as your soul [i.e., your spiritual life] is doing well.

⁴ For certain men have secretly infiltrated [your ranks]; they are men who had been written about long ago that they should be judged [and condemned] for perverting the unearned favor of our God into [a license for] living unrestrained, indecent lives, and who deny [the identity and work of] our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

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.

¹⁴ And it was also prophesied about [these] people by Enoch, the seventh [descendant] of Adam [Gen. 5:18-24], who said, “Look, the Lord came with thousands upon thousands [Note: The Greek uses the plural form of “myriad,” which means 10,000] of His holy ones [i.e., angels], ¹⁵ to bring judgment upon all [such people], and to convict every person of their ungodly behavior, which they have wickedly committed, and of all the evil things that [such] ungodly sinners have spoken against God.”

¹⁵ to bring judgment upon all [such people], and to convict every person of their ungodly behavior, which they have wickedly committed, and of all the evil things that [such] ungodly sinners have spoken against God.”

²⁵ [May these qualities be attributed] to the only God and our Savior, through [the person and work of] Jesus Christ our Lord, before [the beginning of] time [as well as] now and forever. May it be so.

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]. ⁶ And He made us to be a kingdom [See 5:10] and priests [See I Pet. 2:5, 9] for [serving] His God and Father. May it be so. ⁷ Look, He [i.e., Jesus] is coming with [i.e., “on”] the clouds! And [then] every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, and all the peoples of the earth will grieve because of Him [i.e., because of how they had treated Him]. So it will be. May it be so.

⁹ I [am] John, your brother who participates with you in the suffering and kingdom and endurance [which we experience] in [fellowship with] Jesus. I was on the island called Patmos for [preaching] God’s message and for testifying about Jesus. [Note: Patmos was located in the Aegean Sea between present-day Greece and Turkey].

¹⁰ [then] the twenty-four elders fall down in front of Him who sits on His throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever. And they will throw their crowns in front of the throne and say, ¹¹ “Our Lord and our God, you deserve to receive the glory and the honor and the power for you created everything, and they exist because you wanted them to, so they were created.”

⁹ And they sang a new song [which went like this]: “You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation, ¹⁰ and you made them into a kingdom and a priesthood for [serving] our God, and they will rule on the earth.” ¹¹ Then I looked, and heard the voice of many angels surrounding the throne and the living beings and elders. They numbered in the tens of thousands, and thousands and thousands [more]. [Note: The Greek says “myriads of myriads”]. ¹² They were saying in a loud voice [See Note at 4:8], “The Lamb, who was killed, deserves to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and splendor and praise.” ¹³ And I heard every creature in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, on the ocean and everything in them, saying [See Note at 4:8], “May there be praise and honor and splendor and power forever and ever, to God who sits on His throne and to the Lamb.” ¹⁴ And the four living beings said, “May it be so.” And the elders fell down and worshiped.

¹⁸ Then another angel [i.e., the sixth] came out of the Altar. He had authority over [its] fire and he called out in a loud voice to the one who had the sharp sickle [i.e., the fifth angel] saying, “Use your sharp sickle to gather the clusters from the vines of the earth, for its grapes are ripe.”

¹⁵ [Note: At this point the Lord’s voice breaks into John’s vision]. (“Look, I am coming like a thief. That person is happy who stays alert and is dressed [properly], so he does not appear naked and have to be shamefully exposed”).

⁴ And the woman was dressed in purple and red [clothing], and was adorned with gold [jewelry] and precious stones and pearls. In her hand she held a golden cup full of disgusting things and of the pollutions of her sexual immorality. ⁵ And on her forehead was written a mysterious [name], “The great Babylon, the mother of the prostitutes and the disgusting things of the earth.”