Luke 10 Cross References - AUV

¹ Now after these things [happened] the Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say “seventy.” This group would have been in addition to the twelve. See Luke 9:1], and sent them two by two on ahead of Him into every town and locality that He planned to visit. ² And He said to them, “There is certainly plenty to harvest, but there are [too] few people to do the work. You should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send [more] workers out into the field to gather His crop. ³ [So], go on; See, I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. ⁴ Do not carry a money belt, or a traveling bag [for personal belongings] or shoes; and do not extend [elaborate] greetings to anyone along the way. ⁵ And whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Let peace be upon this household.’ ⁶ And if a son of peace is there [i.e., a peace-loving person], your [request for] peace will rest upon him. But if he is not [a peace-loving person], your [blessing of] peace will return to [rest on] you. ⁷ And you should remain in that same house [i.e., the peace-loving one], eating and drinking whatever they serve you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house [i.e., wasting time]. ⁸ And into whatever town you enter and are welcomed, eat whatever is placed in front of you, ⁹ and heal the sick people who live there. Say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whatever town you enter that does not welcome you, go out into its streets and say [to them], ¹¹ ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your city that has stuck to our feet [in protest] against you. Yet you should know this, that the kingdom of God has come near [to you].’ 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. ¹⁵ And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up [as high] as heaven? [Certainly not], you will be brought down to the unseen place of departed spirits [i.e., you will become obscure or obliterated as a city]. ¹⁶ The person who listens to you, [actually] listens to me. And the person who rejects you, [actually] rejects me. And the person who rejects me, [actually] rejects Him who sent me [i.e., God].” ¹⁷ So, the seventy-two disciples returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the evil spirits submitted to us in your name [i.e., by your authority].” ¹⁸ And Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan falling from heaven as lightning. ¹⁹ See, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions [i.e., to receive protection from accidental contact with venomous creatures. See Acts 28:5] and [to have authority] over all the power of the enemy [i.e., Satan. See verse 18]. And nothing at all will hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23].” ²¹ At that very time Jesus rejoiced in [the power of] the Holy Spirit, and said [in prayer], “I praise you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you concealed these things [i.e., His divine revelations] from those [claiming to be] wise and intelligent and have revealed them to babies [i.e., to simple, sincere, common people]. Yes, Father, this was pleasing to you. 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.” ²³ Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “The eyes that see the things you see are [truly] blessed, ²⁴ for I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, but did not [get to] see them. And [they wanted] to hear the things that you hear, but did not [get to] hear them.” ²⁵ Just then a certain teacher of the law of Moses stood up and [attempted to] test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit [never ending] life?” ²⁶ And Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law of Moses? How do you read it?” ²⁷ And the man answered Him, [Deut. 6:5], “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” And [Lev. 19:18 says], “ [You must love] your neighbor just as [you love] yourself.” ²⁸ Then Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; [if] you do this, you will live” [i.e., forever. See verse 25]. ²⁹ But, wanting to justify himself, the teacher of the law of Moses asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” ³⁰ Jesus answered him, “A certain man was traveling down from Jerusalem to Jericho [Note: This was a town about eighteen miles northeast of Jerusalem], when he was attacked by robbers, who stripped him [of his clothing and belongings] and beat him up, then went away leaving him half dead. ³¹ And it just happened that a certain priest was traveling down that [same] road, and when he saw the [injured] man, he went around him on the opposite side of the road. ³² In the same way, a Levite [Note: Levites were assistants to the priests], when coming to that place and seeing the [injured] man, also went around him on the opposite side [of the road]. ³³ But [then] a certain Samaritan [Note: This was a person despised by the Jews and regarded by them as a ‘half-breed’], as he traveled along, came to where the [injured] man was [lying], and upon seeing him [lying there], felt deep pity [for him]. ³⁴ So, he went over to him, poured oil and wine on him [i.e., as emergency medical treatment], then bandaged his wounds, placed him on his own animal, and took him to a lodge where he took care of him. ³⁵ Then the next day he gave the lodge keeper two coins [Note: These coins amounted to two days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $140 in 1994] and told him, ‘Take care of this [injured] man; and whatever more you have to spend on him I will repay you when I come back [this way] again.’ ³⁶ [Now] which of these three men do you think acted like a neighbor to the man attacked by the robbers?” ³⁷ And the teacher of the law of Moses said, “The person who showed pity on him.” Then Jesus replied, “You go and do the same thing.” ³⁸ Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a certain village [i.e., Bethany. See John 11:1], and a certain woman named Martha welcomed Him into her house. ³⁹ And she had a sister named Mary who was also sitting at the Lord’s feet, listening to what He said. ⁴⁰ But Martha was preoccupied with all the preparations [i.e., for entertaining her beloved guest] and came up to Jesus and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Ask her to help me.” ⁴¹ But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and bothered about [so] many things. ⁴² But only one thing is [really] needful. For Mary has made the better choice, which will not be taken away from her.”

² “You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

¹⁰ Then Jesus replied to him, “Get away from me Satan, for it is written [Deut. 6:13], ‘You are supposed to worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.’”

¹³ [After] leaving Nazareth [i.e., a major town in Galilee], He came to live in Capernaum, [a city] beside Lake Galilee, near the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali.

¹⁷ From that time onward Jesus began to preach, saying, “You people [must] repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

⁴³ “You have heard what was said [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

⁴³ “You have heard what was said [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ ⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,

⁴⁴ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵ in order to be [true] children of your Father in heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on evil [as well] as on good people. He [also] sends rain on those who live right [as well] as on those who do not live right.

²⁵ “So I tell you, do not worry about [the material things of] your life, [such as] what you will eat or what you will drink, or about what you will wear on your body. There are more important things in life than food, and more important things about your body than the clothing you wear. ²⁶ Look at the birds in the sky; they do not plant seeds or harvest [a crop] or store [things] in barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them [adequately]. Are you not a lot more valuable than they are? ²⁷ And which one of you can worry yourself into living a single day longer? ²⁸ And why are you worrying about clothing? Consider how [wild] lilies grow in a field; they do not work or weave, ²⁹ yet I tell you that even Solomon, clothed in his very finest royal robes, was never dressed [as luxuriously] as one of these flowers. ³⁰ So, if God so [beautifully] dresses the grass in a field, which is [green] today, and [then] tomorrow [dries up and] is thrown in the oven [i.e., as fuel], will He not do even more in providing your clothing, you people with such little faith? ³¹ Therefore, do not worry by asking, ‘What are we going to eat?’ or ‘What are we going to drink?’ or ‘What are we going to wear?’ ³² For these are the things that the [unconverted] Gentiles keep trying to get. But your heavenly Father [already] knows you need these things. ³³ So, you should put the kingdom of God and what He says is right first [in your lives], then all these things [i.e., food, drink and clothing] will be provided for you. ³⁴ Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have enough to be worried about in itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

¹⁵ “Look out for deceiving prophets, who approach you wearing sheep’s clothing, but who are [actually] starving wolves in their hearts.

²² Many persons will say to me on the [judgment] day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by [the authority of] your name, and drive out evil spirits and perform many powerful [supernatural] deeds by your name?’ ²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never acknowledged you [as my people]; go away from me, you people who have done sinful things.’

³⁶ But when He saw the large crowds He felt compassion for them because they were distressed and disoriented like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then He said to His disciples, “Certainly there is plenty to harvest but there are [too] few people to do the work.” ³⁸ “You should pray to the Lord of the harvest to send [more] workers out into the field to gather His crop.”

¹ Jesus then called His twelve apostles [see next verse] to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses.

¹ Jesus then called His twelve apostles [see next verse] to Him and gave them authority to drive out evil spirits and to heal all kinds of diseases and illnesses. ² Now the names of the twelve apostles were: First, Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee, ³ Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], Matthew, the tax collector [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, son of James. See Luke 6:16], ⁴ Simon, the Cananean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15], and Judas Iscariot, who also [besides being an apostle] was His betrayer. ⁵ Jesus sent these twelve apostles out and ordered them saying, “Do not go on any road leading to Gentile territory or enter any town of the Samaritans.

⁷ And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ ⁸ Heal sick people, raise people from the dead, restore health to those with infectious skin diseases, and drive out evil spirits. You have received [blessings] freely, [now] give them out freely. ⁹ Do not take [any] gold, silver or copper [coinage] in your money belts, ¹⁰ or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be “if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one”]. For the worker deserves having his food provided.

¹⁰ or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or a change of jackets or shoes, or [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be “if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one”]. For the worker deserves having his food provided. ¹¹ Then inquire around for a trustworthy family in every town or village you enter, and stay there [with them] until it is time to move on.

¹¹ Then inquire around for a trustworthy family in every town or village you enter, and stay there [with them] until it is time to move on. ¹² When you enter a [particular] house, greet the people warmly [Note: The usual Jewish greeting was to say “Peace to you,” See Luke 10:4].

¹² When you enter a [particular] house, greet the people warmly [Note: The usual Jewish greeting was to say “Peace to you,” See Luke 10:4]. ¹³ And if the people seem trustworthy, express your wish for blessings to rest upon them. But if they prove to be untrustworthy, may those blessings remain on you [instead].

¹³ And if the people seem trustworthy, express your wish for blessings to rest upon them. But if they prove to be untrustworthy, may those blessings remain on you [instead]. ¹⁴ And whoever does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust off of your shoes as you leave that house or town. [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest unworthiness]

¹⁴ And whoever does not welcome you or listen to what you have to say, shake the dust off of your shoes as you leave that house or town. [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest unworthiness] ¹⁵ It is true when I say to you, the districts around Sodom and Gomorrah [i.e., despite their gross sins] will be shown more leniency than that town on the day of judgment. ¹⁶ Here is how it will be: I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore you should be as crafty [Note: The Greek word here is “sensible”] as snakes, yet as harmless [Note: The Greek word is “sincere”] as doves.

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].

²⁸ And do not be afraid of those who can kill your body but not your soul. Instead, fear Him [i.e., God] who is able to destroy both your soul and body in hell. [See note on 5:29].

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.

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.

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.” ²⁵ About that time Jesus said [in prayer], “I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things [i.e., the significance of Jesus’ words and works] from those who [thought they] were wise and intelligent and have [instead] revealed them to people who are child-like. ²⁶ Yes Father, you did this because it was very pleasing to you. 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.

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.

¹¹ He replied, “You disciples are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but the crowds of people are not. ¹² For to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, so he will have a larger amount [i.e., of understanding], but from the person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him. ¹³ Therefore, I am speaking to them with parables because [although] they can see, they [really] do not perceive, and [although] they can hear, they [really] do not comprehend, and so they [utterly] fail to understand [what I am trying to get across]. ¹⁴ So, the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled by them, which says, [Isa. 6:9f] ‘You will hear all right, but you will not understand [what you hear]. You will see all right but you will not perceive [what you see]. ¹⁵ For these people’s minds are dull, and their ears have difficulty hearing, and they have shut their eyes. For if this were not the case, they would perceive what they see with their eyes, and comprehend what they hear with their ears, and understand with their minds and would turn [back to God] again so I would heal them [from their sins].’ ¹⁶ But your eyes are fortunate for they [really] see, and so are your ears, for they [really] hear.

¹⁶ But your eyes are fortunate for they [really] see, and so are your ears, for they [really] hear. ¹⁷ For truly I tell you, many prophets and righteous people have desired to see the things you are seeing, but did not get to. They desired to hear the things you are hearing, but did not get to.

¹⁵ When it became evening, the disciples came to Him and said, “This place is deserted and it is getting late. Send the crowds away so they can go into the towns and buy food [for their supper].”

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.

²² Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him, saying, “I should say not, Lord; that will never happen to you.”

²⁵ He replied, “Yes, [He does].” And when Peter entered the house, Jesus spoke to him first, [i.e., without waiting for Peter to tell Him what he had said to the tax collectors], saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do earthly kings collect custom duty and taxes? From their children or from strangers?”

⁵ And the person who welcomes one little child like this, in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also].

³³ Should you not also have had pity on your fellow-servant just as I pitied you?’

¹⁶ Then a rich, young man [See verse 22] came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good deed should I do in order to have never ending life?” ¹⁷ Jesus answered him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is [only] One who is good [i.e., God]. But if you want to enter [never ending] life, [then] obey His commandments.”

¹⁷ Jesus answered him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is [only] One who is good [i.e., God]. But if you want to enter [never ending] life, [then] obey His commandments.” ¹⁸ The young man asked Him, “Which [ones]?” Jesus answered, “You must not murder. You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not steal. You must not give false testimony. ¹⁹ Show honor to your father and mother. And you must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”

¹⁹ Show honor to your father and mother. And you must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”

¹ “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a farmer who went out early one morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. ² When he had agreed with the workers [on wages] for the usual farm laborer’s pay for a day’s work, he [then] sent them to work in his vineyard. [Note: The coin mentioned here would amount to $60-$84 in 1994, based on $5-$7 an hour for a twelve hour day. This coin also forms the basis for calculating all other monetary references in the New Testament].

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].”

¹⁶ They said to Jesus, “Do you hear what these [children] are saying [about you]?” Jesus answered them, “Yes, [I do]. Have you not read [in Psa. 8:2] ‘You have ordained that praise would come from the mouths of infants and small children?’”

²⁸ But what do you think [about this]? A man had two sons; He went to the first one and said, ‘Son, go to work in my vineyard today.’ ²⁹ The son answered, ‘No, I will not,’ but later changed his mind and went. ³⁰ He went to the second son and said the same thing. That son replied, ‘[Yes], sir, I will,’ [but] then did not go. 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.

³⁴ But when the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced [the objections of] the Sadducees, they gathered together [i.e., to continue plotting against Jesus. See verse 15]. ³⁵ One of them, a teacher of the law of Moses, asked Him a question [in an attempt] to test Him. ³⁶ “Teacher, which one is the greatest commandment in the law of Moses?” he asked. ³⁷ Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.’

³⁷ Jesus replied, [Deut. 6:5] “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul and with all your mind.’ ³⁸ This is the foremost and greatest commandment.

³⁸ This is the foremost and greatest commandment. ³⁹ A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’

³⁹ A second one, similar to it is [Lev. 19:18], ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments.”

⁴² “What do you think about the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one]? Whose son do you think He is?” They replied, “[He is] the son of David.”

²³ “It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill and cumin [i.e., small garden herbs used for seasoning or fragrance], and [yet] neglect the heavier responsibilities required by the law, [such as] justice, mercy and faith. You should have done these [”lighter”] things and not neglected to do the other [”heavier”] things [as well].

²⁴ The Son of man is going [to die], but it is too bad for that person through whom the Son of man is turned over [to the Jewish leaders]! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

⁵ And he threw down the thirty silver coins in the Sanctuary [i.e., probably the outer area of the Temple], then left and went out and hanged himself.

¹⁸ Then Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.

²¹ When His relatives [or friends] heard about this [i.e., all that He was doing], they went out to take custody of Him [for safety reasons?], for people were saying, “He has lost his mind.”

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].

³⁰ And He continued to speak, “What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? Or, what parable will [best] illustrate it?

⁷ Then Jesus called to Him the twelve apostles and sent them out two by two. He gave them authority over evil spirits ⁸ and ordered them not to take anything with them during their travels, except a walking stick. They were to take no food, no traveling bag [for personal belongings], and no money in their money belts,

⁸ and ordered them not to take anything with them during their travels, except a walking stick. They were to take no food, no traveling bag [for personal belongings], and no money in their money belts, ⁹ but were to wear sandals and take only one coat.

⁹ but were to wear sandals and take only one coat. ¹⁰ And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place.

¹⁰ And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place.

¹⁰ And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave that place. ¹¹ And the people from whatever place that does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off from under your shoes as evidence against them.” [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest their unworthiness].

¹¹ And the people from whatever place that does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off from under your shoes as evidence against them.” [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest their unworthiness].

¹¹ And the people from whatever place that does not welcome you or listen to you, when you leave there, shake the dust off from under your shoes as evidence against them.” [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain and intended to suggest their unworthiness]. ¹² Then they went out and preached that people should repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. ¹³ And they drove out many evil spirits and applied [olive] oil to [the heads of] many sick people and healed them.

¹³ And they drove out many evil spirits and applied [olive] oil to [the heads of] many sick people and healed them.

²² And when they came to Bethsaida some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged Him to touch him [i.e., for healing]. ²³ [So], He took hold of the blind man by his hand and brought him out of the village. When Jesus spit [and put His saliva] on his eyes [See 7:33 for a similar use of His saliva in healing] and placed His hands on him [for healing], He asked him, “Can you see anything?” ²⁴ The man looked up and said, “ [Yes], I see people, but they look like trees walking around.” ²⁵ Then Jesus again placed His hands on his eyes; the man stared intently, then his sight was [completely] restored and he was able to see everything clearly. ²⁶ Then Jesus sent him home, saying, “Do not even go through the village [on your way].”

³⁶ For what would it benefit a person to gain the whole world [i.e., of material things] and give up his life [i.e., of spiritual blessings]?

³⁷ “Whoever welcomes one such little child [as this] for my sake, welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me, does not welcome me [only], but [also] the One who sent me.”

¹⁵ Truly I tell you, whoever does not welcome the kingdom of God as a little child does, that person will by no means enter it.”

³⁰ and you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.’ ³¹ The second one is this, ‘You must love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these [i.e., love for God and man].”

³³ And that to love Him with all one’s heart, with all one’s understanding, and with all one’s strength, and to love one’s neighbor the same way he loves himself, are far more [important] than all the burnt offerings and sacrifices [in the world].” ³⁴ When Jesus saw that this man answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not [very] far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

³⁴ When Jesus saw that this man answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not [very] far from the kingdom of God.” And after that, no one dared to ask Him any more questions.

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].

⁸ She has done what she could. She has applied this aromatic oil to my body in anticipation of my burial.

¹⁵ Then He said to them, “You [men] go into the entire world and preach the good news to every person.

¹⁷ And these [miraculous] signs will attend [the conversion of] those who believe. [Note: This refers to the supernatural miracles performed by the apostles and their associates during the apostolic age. See verse 20 and Acts 2:43]. In my name [i.e., by my authority], they will drive out evil spirits; they will speak in languages [supernaturally]; ¹⁸ they will pick up snakes [i.e., without being harmed]; and if they happen to drink anything poisonous, it will not harm them; they will place hands on sick people [i.e., with prayer] and they will be healed.”

²⁰ And the apostles [See verses 14-15] went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them and confirmed the message [i.e., verified that it was true] by means of the [miraculous] signs which accompanied their ministry. May it be so.

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.”

⁷⁶ Yes, you [my] child [i.e., John], will be called the prophet of the Highest [i.e., God], for you will go ahead of the Lord’s presence to prepare His ways.

⁷ So, she bore her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in [linen] cloths and laid Him in an animal’s feeding trough because there was no room for them in the lodge.

⁴⁶ And it happened after three days that they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the middle of the [Jewish] teachers, listening to them and asking questions.

⁴ This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], “The voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]. ⁵ Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out. ⁶ And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them].”

³² And if you love [only] those who love you, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? For even worldly people love those who love them. ³³ And if you do good things [only] to those who do good things to you, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? For even worldly people do that much. ³⁴ And if you lend something [only] to those people from whom you expect to have it returned, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? Even worldly people lend to worldly people expecting to get the same things back. ³⁵ But love your enemies and do good things to them; and lend to them without expecting it to be returned, and your reward [i.e., from God] will be great and you will be [considered] sons of the Highest [i.e., God]. For He is kind to unthankful and evil people [as well]. ³⁶ You people should be merciful just like your Father is merciful.

¹ After Jesus had finished telling the people all He had to say, He went into Capernaum. ² And a certain military officer’s slave [was there], whom the officer highly valued. This slave was [so] sick that he was about to die.

¹³ Now when the Lord saw her, He felt very sorry for her and said to her, “Do not cry.”

³⁰ But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law of Moses, who would not be immersed by John, rejected God’s purpose for themselves.

⁴² When these two men did not have [the money] to repay him, the moneylender canceled [the debts of] both of them. Now which of them will love him more?” ⁴³ Simon answered, “The one who had the largest debt canceled, I suppose.” Jesus said to him, “You are right.”

² and certain women who had been healed from [domination by] evil spirits and diseases. [These women were] Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven evil spirits had been driven out, 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.

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.

¹⁸ Pay attention to how you listen, for to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, but from the person who has [virtually] nothing, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.”

³⁵ People went out to see [i.e., to find out] what had happened. And [when] they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the evil spirits had been driven out sitting down at Jesus’ feet with his clothes on and perfectly sane, they were afraid.

¹ Jesus then called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all evil spirits and [the ability] to heal diseases.

¹ Jesus then called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all evil spirits and [the ability] to heal diseases. ² And He sent them out to preach the [coming] kingdom of God and to heal sick people.

² And He sent them out to preach the [coming] kingdom of God and to heal sick people. ³ He said to them, “Do not take anything with you during your travels; not [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10, with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be “if you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one”], or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or food, or money, or [even] two coats [Note: Mark 6:9 says, “take only one coat” confirming the idea that Jesus was saying, in effect, “do not take anything extra, go just as you are”]. ⁴ And whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that place.

⁴ And whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that place. ⁵ And those people who do not welcome you, shake the dust off of your shoes as evidence against them.” [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain, and intended to suggest their unworthiness]

⁵ And those people who do not welcome you, shake the dust off of your shoes as evidence against them.” [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain, and intended to suggest their unworthiness] ⁶ So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere.

¹⁰ When the apostles returned they told Jesus what they had done. Then Jesus took them and went away privately to a town called Bethsaida. [Note: This town was on the east side of Lake Galilee, and apparently was a different “Bethsaida” from the one mentioned in Mark 6:45]. ¹¹ But the crowds found out about it [i.e., where Jesus had gone], so they followed Him [there]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God and cured those who needed healing. ¹² Then late in the day the twelve apostles came and said to Jesus, “Send the crowd away so they can go into the villages and the surrounding countryside to find lodging and food because this place is deserted.” ¹³ But He said to the apostles, “You men give them something to eat.” But they replied, “We have only five loaves of [barley] bread [See John 6:9] and two [probably smoked] fish, unless we go and buy [more] food for all these people.” ¹⁴ For there were about five thousand men [there]. So, He said to His disciples, “Have these people recline [on the grass. See Matt. 14:19] in groups of about fifty each.” ¹⁵ So, the disciples did this, and had all the people recline [on the grass in groups]. ¹⁶ Then Jesus took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, asked God’s blessing on the food. [Then] He broke it [in pieces] and gave it to the disciples to distribute to the crowds. ¹⁷ They all ate until they were full, then gathered up twelve baskets [full] of the remaining broken pieces.

⁴⁸ and said to the disciples, “The person who welcomes this little child in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. And the person who welcomes me [i.e., into his life ?] welcomes God, who sent me. For that person who is the least [significant] among you men is the one who is the greatest [in importance].”

⁵² So, He sent messengers on ahead of Him, who went and entered a Samaritan village to prepare for Him [i.e., for His food and lodging].

⁵² So, He sent messengers on ahead of Him, who went and entered a Samaritan village to prepare for Him [i.e., for His food and lodging]. ⁵³ And these Samaritans did not welcome Him because He was heading for Jerusalem. [Note: They perceived He was a Jew and Samaritans did not associate with Jews].

⁵⁵ But He turned to them and spoke sternly. {{Some manuscripts add “You do not know what kind of a spirit you represent,

⁵⁹ And [then] He said to another person, “Become my follower.” But he replied, “Lord, allow me to go and bury my father first.” ⁶⁰ But Jesus replied to him, “Let the [spiritually] dead bury their own dead [i.e., let them care for their family members until they die], but you go and proclaim the [coming] kingdom of God.”

¹ Now after these things [happened] the Lord appointed seventy-two other disciples [Note: Some ancient manuscripts say “seventy.” This group would have been in addition to the twelve. See Luke 9:1], and sent them two by two on ahead of Him into every town and locality that He planned to visit.

⁴ Do not carry a money belt, or a traveling bag [for personal belongings] or shoes; and do not extend [elaborate] greetings to anyone along the way. ⁵ And whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Let peace be upon this household.’ ⁶ And if a son of peace is there [i.e., a peace-loving person], your [request for] peace will rest upon him. But if he is not [a peace-loving person], your [blessing of] peace will return to [rest on] you. ⁷ And you should remain in that same house [i.e., the peace-loving one], eating and drinking whatever they serve you, for the worker deserves his wages. Do not move from house to house [i.e., wasting time]. ⁸ And into whatever town you enter and are welcomed, eat whatever is placed in front of you, ⁹ and heal the sick people who live there. Say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

⁹ and heal the sick people who live there. Say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ ¹⁰ But whatever town you enter that does not welcome you, go out into its streets and say [to them],

¹⁰ But whatever town you enter that does not welcome you, go out into its streets and say [to them], ¹¹ ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your city that has stuck to our feet [in protest] against you. Yet you should know this, that the kingdom of God has come near [to you].’

¹¹ ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your city that has stuck to our feet [in protest] against you. Yet you should know this, that the kingdom of God has come near [to you].’ 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.

³⁶ [Now] which of these three men do you think acted like a neighbor to the man attacked by the robbers?”

⁴⁵ Then one of the teachers of the law of Moses answered Jesus, saying, “Teacher, you insulted us too by saying this.” ⁴⁶ And He replied them, “It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses also! For you heap heavy responsibilities on people, which are difficult to bear, while you do not even lift a finger to bear them yourselves.

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]?’

²² Then Jesus said to His disciples, “So, I tell you, do not worry about [the material things of] your life, [such as] what you will eat or what you will wear on your body.

²⁹ So, do not look [anxiously] for what you will eat, and what you will drink, and do not be [continually] worried [i.e., about such things].

³³ Sell your possessions and give [the money] to poor people; provide yourselves with money belts that do not wear out [i.e., from the constant use of carrying much money all the time, instead of investing it in others’ needs]. [Then you will possess] an inexhaustible treasure in heaven, where no thief can approach, nor moth destroy.

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.

²⁸ [Then] there will be crying and excruciating pain, when you will see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God and [you will see] yourselves thrown outside.

¹³ But when you prepare a banquet, invite people who are poor, handicapped, crippled and blind [as well].

⁵ And when he finds it, he places it on his shoulders [i.e., to return it], and is so glad.

⁹ And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I found the coin I had lost.’

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.’

¹⁵ And He said to them, “You are people who claim to be just in the eyes of [other] people, but God knows [what is in] your hearts. For that which is held up as most important among people [i.e., fame or fortune ?] is disgusting in the eyes of God.

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.

²⁵ But Abraham said [to him], ‘Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony.

¹⁶ And he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. And he was a Samaritan. [Note: Samaritans were despised by the Jews and regarded as a ‘half-breeds’]. ¹⁷ Jesus asked [those standing nearby], “Were there not ten men [who were] healed? Where are the [other] nine? ¹⁸ Did not anyone [else] come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner?”

²⁰ And when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them, “The kingdom of God will not come the way you are looking for it. ²¹ People will not be saying, ‘Look, here [it is]!’ or ‘There [it is]!’ For in fact, the kingdom of God is [now] among you [i.e., as represented by the presence and ministry of Jesus].”

⁹ Then Jesus told this parable to certain ones who were relying on their own goodness and putting everyone else down: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the Temple [in Jerusalem] to pray. One of them was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood up [conspicuously] and prayed about himself this way [i.e., bragging to God about how good he was], ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, sexually unfaithful to their mates, or even like that tax collector [over there].

¹⁸ Then a certain ruler [Note: This man was young and rich. See Matt. 19:16-22] asked Jesus, “Good Teacher, what should I do in order to inherit never ending life?”

²² When Jesus heard this He said to him, “ [There is] one thing you still lack. Sell all your possessions and distribute [the money] to poor people; become my follower, [then] you will have treasure in heaven.”

³¹ Then Jesus took the twelve apostles with Him, saying to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem and [while there] everything written in [the writings of] the prophets will be fulfilled concerning the Son of man.

⁹ Then Jesus said to him, “Salvation has come to this house today, since he too [i.e., Zacchaeus] is a descendant of Abraham.

²⁸ And when Jesus had said this, He went on ahead [of His disciples. See Matt. 21:1] up to Jerusalem.

¹⁷ And you will be hated by all people for being loyal to me. ¹⁸ However, not one hair of your head will be lost.

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].

³⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “When I sent you out without a money belt, or traveling bag [i.e., for personal belongings], or sandals, did you lack anything”? And the apostles answered, “ [No], nothing.”

¹⁸ No one has ever seen God [i.e., His full splendor], but God, the only conceived [and eventually born Son], who is at the Father’s side, has shown us who He is.

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].

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.

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.

¹⁹ Now this is [how God’s] judgment [works]: The Light [See 1:5-9] has come into the world, but people loved darkness [i.e., sin] rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.

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

⁹ Therefore, the Samaritan woman asked Him, “Why is it that you, being a Jew, would ask a Samaritan woman [like me] for a drink?” (For Jews do not have any fellowship with Samaritans). [Note: The reason for this stemmed from longstanding religious, cultural and ethnic prejudices].

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].

³⁵ Are you not [always] saying, ‘There are still four months before harvest time comes’? Look, I am telling you [disciples], lift up your eyes and look at the fields, that they are white and ripe for harvest [i.e., people are ready to make a spiritual response]. ³⁶ Already the person who is harvesting [the crop] is being paid for his work, and is gathering a crop for never ending life, so that the one planting and the one harvesting [the crop] may rejoice together. ³⁷ So, the saying is true that one person plants and another harvests [the crop]. ³⁸ I sent you [disciples] to harvest [a crop] that you did not work on; other people have done the work and you have reaped the results of their work.” [Note: This is probably an allusion to the preliminary work of preaching done by John, the Immerser, with results occurring under the preaching of the apostles].

²² For the Father does not judge anyone, but He has given [full responsibility for] judging people to His Son,

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.

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.

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. 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”].

²⁷ Do not work for the [kind of] food that spoils, but for the kind that lasts until never ending life. The Son of man will give you this [kind of food], for God the Father has placed His seal [of approval] on Him.”

⁴⁴ No one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, attracts him to me. [See verse 65]. And I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day. ⁴⁵ It is written in the prophets [Isa. 54:13], ‘And they will all be taught by God.’ [So], every person who has heard the Father and learned [from Him] will come to me. ⁴⁶ [I am] not [saying] that anyone has [ever] seen the Father, except the One who is from God [i.e., Jesus] has seen Him.

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?”

⁵⁶ Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad.”

¹² The person who is [only] a hired hand, and not the shepherd, [and] who does not own the sheep [himself], sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away. So, the wolf attacks the flock and scatters [the sheep].

¹⁵ just like the Father knows me [intimately] and I know the Father [that way]. And I [am about to] give up my life for the sheep.

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. 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.

¹ Now a certain man named Lazarus, from Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. [See 11:18].

¹ Now a certain man named Lazarus, from Bethany, became sick. Bethany was the town where Mary and her sister Martha lived. [See 11:18]. ² This was the Mary who had poured the perfume on the Lord and wiped His feet with her hair [See Matt. 26:6-13], whose brother Lazarus was sick. ³ So, the sisters sent [someone] to Him, saying, “Look, Lord, the person you love [i.e., your dear friend, Lazarus] is sick.” ⁴ But when Jesus heard this, He said, “This illness will not result in [his] death, but was intended to bring honor to God, so that the Son of God would be honored by it.” ⁵ Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister [Mary] and [her brother] Lazarus.

¹⁹ and many of Martha and Mary’s Jewish friends had come to comfort them over [the loss of] their brother. ²⁰ So, when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went [out to the edge of town. See verse 30] to meet Him, but Mary [just] sat at home [i.e., probably grief-stricken].

⁴¹ So, they removed the stone. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. [Note: Jesus had already prayed for and been assured of Lazarus’ resurrection].

¹ So, six days before the Passover Festival [began], Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus lived. He was the man Jesus [had] raised from the dead. ² There Mary and Martha prepared a meal for Jesus. Martha served it while Lazarus was among those who reclined at the table with Him. [Note: See Matt. 23:6]. ³ Then Mary took about a pint of expensive, aromatic perfume; [it was] genuine nard [Note: This was a sweet-smelling herb] and poured [some of] it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The [whole] house was filled with the fragrant scent of the perfume.

³ Then Mary took about a pint of expensive, aromatic perfume; [it was] genuine nard [Note: This was a sweet-smelling herb] and poured [some of] it on Jesus’ feet and wiped them with her hair. The [whole] house was filled with the fragrant scent of the perfume.

³¹ Judgment is now coming to this world; the prince of this world [i.e., Satan] will now be driven out.

⁴⁴ Then Jesus spoke out in a loud voice, “The person who believes in me, does not [only] believe in me, but [also] in Him who sent me [i.e., God].

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.

¹⁵ For I have set an example for you, so that you should do as I have done for you. ¹⁶ Truly, truly, I tell you, a slave is not greater [in importance] than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the person who sent him. ¹⁷ If you know these things, you will be happy if you practice them.

²⁰ Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who welcomes whoever I send welcomes me; and the one who welcomes me, welcomes God, who sent me.”

²⁰ Remember what I said to you, ‘A slave is not greater [in importance] than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will [also] persecute you, too; if they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.

²² They would not be guilty of sinning if I had not come and spoken to them. But now [that I have], they have no excuse for their sin. ²³ The person who hates me, hates my Father also. ²⁴ If I had not performed the [miraculous] deeds among them which no one else had done, they would not be guilty of sinning. But now they have both seen and hated both me and my Father. ²⁵ This all happened so the Scripture, written in their law [Psa. 35:19], would be fulfilled, ‘They hated me for no reason.’

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.

¹¹ [And it will be shown] judgment, because the ruler of this world [i.e., Satan. See 12:31] has been condemned [i.e., by Jesus’ death and resurrection].

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.

⁵ And now, Father, honor me in your presence with the honor I had with you before the world was [created].

¹⁰ And everything I have belongs to you, and what you have belongs to me; and I am honored through these men.

²⁴ “Father, I want those you gave me [i.e., the apostles, see verse 6] to be with me where I am [going], so they will see my splendor [i.e., in heaven], which you have given me, for you loved me before the creation of the world. ²⁵ Righteous Father, the world does not know you but I know you, and these men know that you sent me. ²⁶ And I declared your name to them and I will continue to declare it, so that the love you have for me will be in them [also], and that I [will be] in them.”

²⁶ And I declared your name to them and I will continue to declare it, so that the love you have for me will be in them [also], and that I [will be] in them.”

⁴ While you owned it, was it not yours? Then after you sold it, did you not [still] have control over [what you did with] the money? Why did you decide in your heart to do such a thing? You [really] have not lied to men, but to God [about this matter]."

⁴ Now the disciples, who had become scattered all over, went everywhere preaching the message [of God].

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.

¹⁶ I will show him how many things he will have to suffer for my name's sake."

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

¹⁹ Those who were scattered everywhere as a result of the persecution [being waged against the church] because of Stephen's [death], traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, declaring the message to Jews only.

² As these men were ministering to the Lord [i.e., this probably means worshiping] and fasting, the Holy Spirit said [to one of them by way of inspiration]: "Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me, [commissioning them] to do the work for which I have called them."

² As these men were ministering to the Lord [i.e., this probably means worshiping] and fasting, the Holy Spirit said [to one of them by way of inspiration]: "Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me, [commissioning them] to do the work for which I have called them." ³ Then, as these prophets and teachers fasted and prayed [for the two men], they placed their hands on them [signifying their appointment for this ministry] and sent them away. ⁴ So, as they were sent out by [the direction of] the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia [a seaport], and from there they sailed on to [the island of] Cyprus.

⁴ So, as they were sent out by [the direction of] the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia [a seaport], and from there they sailed on to [the island of] Cyprus.

²⁶ "You brothers, descendants of Abraham's family and those of you who respect God very much, this message of salvation was intended for us.

⁴⁰ Beware that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you:

⁴⁶ But Paul and Barnabas [continued to] speak out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the message of God be delivered to you [Jews] first. But since you have rejected it and [thereby] consider yourselves to be unworthy of [receiving] never ending life, we [i.e., Paul and Barnabas] will now begin proclaiming it to the [unconverted] Gentiles.

⁵¹ But they shook the dust off of their feet against them [i.e., as an expression of contempt for the people's attitude] and went on to Iconium.

⁹ Then one night [while asleep] Paul had a vision [i.e., an inspired dream] in which a man from Macedonia [i.e., northern Greece] stood in front of him begging, "Come over to Macedonia to help us." ¹⁰ After seeing [the man in] the vision, we immediately made every effort to go to Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news [about Jesus] to the people there. [Note: This is first use of "we" and "us" in the book of Acts and indicates that Luke, the writer of Acts, joined the party at this point. See 1:1 with Luke 1:1-3].

¹⁵ And when she was immersed [into Christ], along with her household [i.e., possibly relatives and/or employees] she urged us, saying, "If you consider me to be a faithful disciple of the Lord, come and stay at my house." And she insisted that we go [to her house].

³⁰ After bringing them out [of the jail area] he said, "Sirs, what do I have to do to be saved?" ³¹ Paul and Silas said, "You and your family can be saved if you [all] believe in the Lord Jesus."

³⁴ Then he brought them up into his house and prepared a meal for them. So, he and everyone in his household, who had believed in God [and were immersed], rejoiced greatly.

⁴⁰ When Paul and Silas left the jail they went to Lydia's house and, after seeing the brothers [and sisters gathered there] and encouraging them, they went on their way.

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]."

¹⁷ Then, all of them [Note: This "all" could refer to the Greeks, the Jews or the Roman officers. Since the text does not specify, it seems most reasonable to suggest it was the Romans] grabbed Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the court of justice. But Gallio showed no interest in the whole affair.

²⁸ So, pay close attention to your [own] lives, and to all [members] of the flock [i.e., the congregation] of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers [i.e., elders, shepherds or pastors]. Provide [spiritual] food for the church of the Lord which He purchased by [shedding] His own blood. ²⁹ [Because] I know that after I am gone [from here] there will be vicious wolves [i.e., ravaging false teachers] who will come in among you, and they will not spare the flock [i.e., the congregation].

³ "I am a Jew, born in Tarsus, in Cilicia, but raised [here] in this city [i.e., Jerusalem]. [I was] instructed by Gamaliel [i.e., a renowned Jewish rabbi of the time] according to the strictest methods of observing the law of our forefathers. [I was very] eager to serve God, just as all of you are here today.

²¹ Then the Lord said to me, 'Go, for I will send you far away from here to the Gentiles.' "

¹⁵ I answered, 'Who are you, sir?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting. 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. ¹⁷ I will rescue you from the [Jewish] people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them, ¹⁸ to open their eyes [to the truth] so they will turn from darkness to light and from the power [i.e., the influence] of Satan to God. [Then] they can receive the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance [of never ending life], along with [all] those who are set apart [for God] by trusting in Me.'

⁵ However, Paul shook off the creature into the fire without suffering any harm.

⁷ Now in that general vicinity there was property belonging to the chief of the island, a man named Publius, who welcomed us courteously and entertained us for three days. ⁸ And it happened that Publius' father lay sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went [to his house] and, after praying and placing hands on him, healed him. ⁹ When he had done this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases, [also] came and were healed. ¹⁰ These people also showered many honors on us and when we sailed [away], they brought the provisions we needed and put them aboard [the ship].

²⁵ And when they could not agree among themselves they left, after hearing Paul make this one [important] statement: "The Holy Spirit has spoken truthfully to your forefathers through Isaiah the prophet, ²⁶ saying, [Isa. 6:9-10], 'Go to these people and say, you will hear all right, but you will not understand [what you hear]. You will see all right, but you will not perceive [what you see]. ²⁷ For these people's minds are dull, and their ears are hard of hearing, and they have shut their eyes. For, if this were not the case, they would perceive what they see with their eyes, and understand what they hear with their ears, and comprehend with their minds, and would turn [back to God] again and I [God] would heal them [from their sins].' ²⁸ Then let it be known to you that salvation from God is [now] being announced to the Gentiles. They will listen [to it]." {{Some ancient manuscripts insert verse

²⁸ Then let it be known to you that salvation from God is [now] being announced to the Gentiles. They will listen [to it]." {{Some ancient manuscripts insert verse

³¹ He preached to them about the kingdom of God and taught things about the Lord Jesus Christ, with no one preventing him.

¹ So, whoever you are, you people do not have any excuse for judging people [Note: At this point Paul begins addressing the Jews. See verse 17]. For in a matter where you judge someone else [to be wrong] you [actually] condemn yourselves, because you are practicing the same things [you condemn them for doing].

²⁷ So, will not those physically uncircumcised people [i.e., the Gentiles], who obey the law, condemn you [Jews] for breaking the law, even though you have the written code and [practice] circumcision?

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].

² For if Abraham had been made right with God by doing good deeds he would have had something to boast about, but not in God’s presence.

¹⁴ For if [only] those who are obedient to the law deserve an inheritance, [then their] faith [in God] is for nothing, and God’s promise is nullified. 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. ¹⁶ For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],

³¹ What then should we conclude from this? [Just this]: If God is on our side, who can [successfully] oppose us? ³² God did not withhold His own Son [from dying], but offered Him up for all of us. [Since He did that], will He not, along with Jesus, freely give us everything [else] also? 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]. ³⁵ Who [i.e., what] can separate us from Christ’s love [for us]? [i.e., what unfortunate circumstance of life might suggest that Christ does not love us?] Would [it be] trouble? Or distress? Or persecution? Or inadequate food? Or inadequate clothing? Or danger? Or [even] death? 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. 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”].

²⁹ And, as Isaiah had said in a previous passage [1:9], “If the Lord of the [heavenly] armies [i.e., Almighty God] had not left us some descendants [i.e., a small minority], we would have become like Sodom; He would have made us like Gomorrah [i.e., destroyed].” ³⁰ What shall we say then? [Simply this]: That the Gentiles, who did not attempt to become right with God [by how they lived] were made right with God, and this was the result of their faith [in Christ]. ³¹ But the Israelites, who were attempting to become right with God by [conformity to] the law of Moses, never achieved [this righteousness] by that law. ³² Why? Because they did not [attempt to do it] by faith [in Him], but by trying to fulfill all the requirements [of the law]. So, they stumbled over “the stumbling stone,” [i.e., the Jews refused to become obedient to Christ. See I Pet. 2:6-8]. ³³ Even as it is written [Ex. 28:16], “Look, I am placing a stone in the city of Zion that people will stumble over and a rock on which they will trip and fall. But the person who believes in Him will not be put to shame [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him].”

³ For they did not know about God’s way of making people right with Himself, so they attempted to establish their own way. In doing this they did not submit to God’s way for being made right with Him. ⁴ So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. ⁵ For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this.

⁸ But what does the Scripture say [about being made right with God]? [Deut. 30:14 says], “The message of God is near you [i.e., it is not difficult to comprehend]. It is on your lips and in your heart.” This is the message of faith [in Christ] which we [apostles] preach.

²¹ But Isaiah said about the Israelites [Isa. 40:2], “I reached out all day long to [help] people who disobeyed and spoke against [me].”

⁸ as it has been written [Isa. 19:10], “God gave them a spirit of numbness [i.e., they developed a spiritual insensitivity to God and His word]. [He gave them] eyes to see with [but they would not look], and ears to hear with [but they did not listen]. And they still have this spirit.” ⁹ And King David said [Psa. 69:22-23], “Let their table ensnare and trap them [i.e., let the Jews’ devotion to such things as lavish feasts become the occasion for leading them astray], and become an occasion for their falling [away from God]. And let them be repaid [for such conduct with punishment]. ¹⁰ Let their eyes become [spiritually] dim so they cannot see, and may their backs always bend [i.e., under heavy burdens].” ¹¹ I say then, did the Jews trip [over Jesus] just so they could fall [away from God]? Certainly not! [There was another reason]: Instead, it was by means of their sin that salvation was made available to the Gentiles, so that the Jews might become jealous of them [i.e., causing them to want what the Gentiles now had].

²⁰ But [Prov. 25:21-25 says], “Feed your enemy if he is hungry; give him something to drink if he is thirsty. For when you do this, it will be [like] heaping burning coals on his head.” [i.e., it can cause him burning shame that can lead to his repentance and ultimate forgiveness].

⁹ For [the commandments are: Ex. 20:13ff], “You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else.” These and any other commandments are summed up in these words, “You must love your neighbor the same as you love yourself.”

²⁰ And the God, who brings peace, will soon crush Satan under your feet [i.e., bring an end to the divisive work of the false teachers there]. May the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

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}}

⁹ God is faithful [i.e., He will continue working among you] and it is through Him that you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord. ¹⁰ Now I urge you, brothers, through the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you should all agree in what you say, so that no divisions [continue] among you. Be restored [to unity] by having common thoughts and convictions [i.e., in spiritual matters]. ¹¹ For it has been reported to me about you, my brothers, by some of Chloe’s family, that there is quarreling [going on] among you. 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.” ¹³ Has Christ been divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you immersed into the name of Paul? ¹⁴ I am thankful that I did not immerse any of you, except for Crispus and Gaius, ¹⁵ so that none of you could say that you were immersed into my name. ¹⁶ (Oh, yes, I also immersed the family of Stephanas. Besides these, I do not remember immersing anyone else). ¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away. 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. ¹⁹ For it is written [Isa. 29:14], “I [i.e., God] will destroy the wisdom of wise people, and will set aside [i.e., hinder] the understanding of intelligent people.” ²⁰ Where is the wise person? And where is the expert in the law? [And] where is the debater of this world? 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. ²² Now Jews ask for [miraculous] signs and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] are looking for wisdom, 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]. ²⁵ For the “foolish things” of God are wiser than men’s [wisdom], and the “weakness” of God is stronger than men’s [strength]. ²⁶ Now consider how you were when you were called, brothers. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were from prominent families. ²⁷ But God chose what the world considers foolish [i.e., people with little apparent ability], in order to shame the “wise people.” And He chose what the world considers weak in order to shame what it considers strong. ²⁸ And He chose what the world considers insignificant and contemptible, and [even] what it considers “nothing,” in order to nullify what appears to be something. ²⁹ This was all done so that no human being could boast in front of God.

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. ⁸ None of the rulers of this age knew about this [divine] wisdom, for if they had [known it], they would not have crucified the glorious Lord [i.e., Jesus].

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. ⁹ For we are all fellow-workers in God’s service; you people are God’s farm land; [you are] God’s building.

¹⁸ No one should fool himself. If any person among you thinks he is smart, by human standards, he should become a “fool,” so that he can become [really] wise. ¹⁹ For this world’s “wisdom” is foolishness to God. For it is written [Job 5:13], “He [i.e., God] catches wise people in their cleverness.” ²⁰ And again, it says [Psa. 94:11], “The Lord knows that the thoughts of ‘wise people’ are worthless.”

³² But I want you to be free from worry. The man who is not married is concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to please the Lord.

³² But I want you to be free from worry. The man who is not married is concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to please the Lord. ³³ But the person who is married is [also] concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please his wife,

³³ But the person who is married is [also] concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please his wife, ³⁴ so his interests are divided. However, the unmarried woman [Note: Possibly this refers to a widow, divorcee or non-virgin] and the virgin are concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to be dedicated [to God] in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please her husband.

³⁴ so his interests are divided. However, the unmarried woman [Note: Possibly this refers to a widow, divorcee or non-virgin] and the virgin are concerned about the affairs of the Lord [and] how to be dedicated [to God] in both body and spirit. But the married woman is concerned about the affairs of the world [and] how to please her husband. ³⁵ Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not in order to put [unreasonable] restrictions on you, but that you may do whatever is proper and devote yourselves to the Lord’s service without distraction.

³⁵ Now I am saying this for your own benefit, not in order to put [unreasonable] restrictions on you, but that you may do whatever is proper and devote yourselves to the Lord’s service without distraction. ³⁶ But if any man thinks he is [being tempted to] behave improperly toward his virgin [fiancee], and she is past prime [marriageable] age, and feels the need [to get married] [Note: The Greek says “and so it has to be”], he should do what he wants; they should get married --- that man has not sinned. ³⁷ But [another] man, who has a conviction in his heart [about the matter], and does not feel it is necessary [to get married], but has control over his will [i.e., his sexual passion], and has made up his mind to keep [from marrying] his own virgin [fiancee] --- that man is doing the right thing [also]. ³⁸ So then, the man who marries his virgin [fiancee] is doing the right thing and the man who does not marry her is doing [even] better. ³⁹ A wife is bound [i.e., to stay married] for as long as her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free to be married to anyone she wants; [but it must be] only in the Lord [i.e., he must be a faithful Christian]. ⁴⁰ But she will be happier if she remains as she is [i.e., single]. This is my advice and I think that I, too, have God’s Holy Spirit.

⁴ Do we [i.e., Barnabas and Paul. See verse 6] not have the right to eat and drink [i.e., at the expense of the church]? 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]? ⁶ Or, are Barnabas and I the only ones who must have a [secular] job for our living? ⁷ What soldier ever served [in the army] and paid his own expenses? Who [ever] planted a grape orchard and did not get to eat some of the grapes it produced? Or, who [ever] tended a flock of goats and did not get to drink some of the milk? ⁸ Do I say these things from a purely human standpoint, or does not the law of Moses also teach the same thing? ⁹ For it is written in the law of Moses [Deut. 25:4], “You should not put a muzzle on an ox while it tramples over the grain.” Is it the oxen that God is concerned about? ¹⁰ Or, is He not really saying this for our sakes? Yes, it was written for us because the farmer ought to plow in hope [of planting a crop], and the harvester ought to thresh grain in hope of reaping a crop. ¹¹ If we have planted spiritual seeds [i.e., the Gospel message] among you, is it too much to expect to reap a material harvest from you? ¹² If other people have the right to receive a share of what you have, should we not have even more [right to it]? Yet we did not make use of this right, but instead we put up with whatever we had to so we would not become a hindrance to [the spread of] the good news [about Christ]. ¹³ Do you not know that those who perform service in the Temple [are permitted to] eat food from the Temple? And those who serve at the Altar receive a share of what is sacrificed on the Altar? ¹⁴ Even so the Lord directed that those who proclaim the good news [about Christ] should get their living from [preaching] that good news. ¹⁵ But I have not availed myself of any of these rights. And I am not writing this so that it would be done in my case, for I would rather die than have anyone make my boast [i.e., of preaching without financial support] an empty one.

²⁷ Now if an unbeliever invites you for a meal and you decide to go, eat whatever is set in front of you without asking any questions for [your] conscience’ sake [See verse 25].

²⁸ Now God has placed some [ministries] in the church [as follows]: First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then [those able to perform] miracles, then gifts [enabling people] to perform [supernatural] healings, [those able] to help the needy, [wise] administrators, [and] those able to speak in different languages.

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. ³ And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, “that I may be able to boast”], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me.

³ And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, “that I may be able to boast”], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me.

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.

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. ¹⁶ To lost people [we become] a smell of death [i.e., we bring condemnation to people who reject our message]; to saved people [we become] a fragrance of life [i.e., we bring salvation to people who accept our message]. And who is adequate to [accomplish] such tasks?

³ For even if our Gospel message is veiled, it is veiled [only] from those who are lost.

⁶ For God, who said [Gen. 1:3], “Light will shine out of darkness,” has [also] shone in our hearts to provide [us with] the light of the knowledge of God’s splendor [as it shines] on the face of Christ. [Note: This allusion to “splendor shining on Christ’s face” may be a continuation of the analogy used in 3:13].

¹⁸ All [these] things are from God, who restored us to fellowship with Himself through Christ, and gave us the ministry of restoring [other] people to [such] fellowship. ¹⁹ That is, God was in Christ restoring the world to fellowship with Himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And He entrusted to us the message of restoring people to fellowship [with Him]. ²⁰ So, we [apostles] are ambassadors, [speaking] on behalf of Christ. [It is] as though God were appealing [to people] through us: “We urge you people, on behalf of Christ, to be restored to fellowship with God.”

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 For you know the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, [how] that even though He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that through His poverty you people could become [spiritually] rich.

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.”

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].”

¹⁸ For if the inheritance [of never ending life] can be obtained by [obeying the requirements of] the law of Moses, it would not come from the promise [of God]; but God provided [this inheritance] for Abraham according to [His] promise.

²¹ Is the law of Moses contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could provide [never ending] life, then a person could be considered right with God by [obeying the requirements of such] a law. ²² But the Scriptures indicate that everything [i.e., everyone] is under the control of sin, so that the promise [of never ending life] could be available [only] to those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

⁶ For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

¹³ For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.

⁶ But the person who is taught the word [of God] should provide his teacher with what he needs.

⁵ God predetermined that we should be [considered] His adopted children through [fellowship with] Christ. This is what pleased God and is what He wanted,

¹¹ It is in [fellowship with] Christ that we [Jewish Christians] also were selected as [God’s] inheritance [i.e., to receive His never ending blessings], having been predetermined according to the plan of God, who works out everything in harmony with what He wants.

²¹ [There He is exalted] high above all rulers and authorities and powers and dominion and every name [i.e., title of honor] that can be given, not only in this present age but [also] in the one to come.

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].

¹⁷ And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him].

¹⁸ so that you, along with all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], will be [spiritually] strong enough to grasp how wide and long and high and deep [Christ’s love is]; ¹⁹ and to know that His love for us surpasses [our] knowledge, so that you people will be completely filled with the fullness of God.

⁷ But [God’s] unearned favor was given to each one of us, according to the gift allotted [to us] by Christ. ⁸ Therefore, it says [Psa. 68:18], “When He ascended on high [i.e., to heaven], He led a procession of captured prisoners [behind Him] [Note: This originally referred to God leading His people in triumph over Israel’s enemies, but here is applied to Christ], and gave gifts to [various] 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, ¹² for the purpose of equipping the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] for the work of serving [others], in order to build up the [spiritual] body of Christ [i.e., the church].

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].

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.

²¹ For everyone else is looking out for his own interests, not for those of Jesus Christ.

²⁵ But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow-worker and fellow-soldier, and your messenger [to me] and minister to my needs.

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

³ Yes, and I am asking you also, [my] faithful partner [Note: This person is unknown, but may have been one of Paul’s preacher companions], help those women, for they have worked hard with me in [spreading] the Gospel, along with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. [See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23].

⁶ Do not worry about anything, but in everything, by prayer and [special] petition, along with thanksgivings, you should make your requests known to God.

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 But I have everything [I need], and in abundance; I am fully supplied, having received from Epaphroditus the gifts that you sent, [which are like] a fragrant-smelling sacrifice, acceptable and very pleasing to God.

²⁹ This is the reason that I work hard and struggle also, using God’s mighty power which is at work in me.

² [I do this] so that their hearts will be encouraged [while] being united in [mutual] love, [and] so that they will have the wealth of a fully assured understanding, in order to fully know about God’s hidden secret, [which is] Christ. ³ In Him all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden.

¹⁰ and you people have been made full [i.e., spiritually complete] in [fellowship with] Him, who is the [spiritual] head over all who rule and have authority. ¹¹ In [fellowship with] Him you people were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human beings, but performed by Christ, consisting of the removal of the body of [sinful] flesh. 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. ¹³ And when you were [spiritually] dead because of your sins and your lack of being physically circumcised [Note: This refers to their having been unconverted Gentiles and therefore outside of a relationship with God], God made you alive [again] together with Christ, having forgiven us for all of our sins. ¹⁴ He canceled the document written in ordinances [Note: This obviously refers to the Mosaic law] that was against us and was opposed to us, and has taken it out of the way, nailing it to the cross. ¹⁵ [In doing this] Christ disarmed the rulers and authorities [i.e., evil forces] and made a public display of them, triumphing over them through the cross. [Note: This could possibly be rendered “God triumphed over them through Christ”]. ¹⁶ So, do not allow anyone to judge [i.e., condemn] you for what you eat, or what you drink, or regarding [your non-observance of] a [yearly] festival, or a [monthly] “new moon” observance, or a [weekly] Sabbath day. ¹⁷ These things are [only] a shadow of future things, but the body [i.e., the real substance of things] belongs to Christ. [Note: The idea here is that the ritual observances of the Mosaic law were like shadows pointing to the reality of life in Christ]. ¹⁸ Do not allow anyone, who delights in acting humble [i.e., living an ascetic life] and who worships angels, to rob you of your reward [in heaven]. [Note: This “angel worship” could mean holding angels in high regard because of their role as God’s messengers, or the claim that God can be approached only through angelic intermediaries]. He places great importance on what he [claims to] see [i.e., visions], being inflated with pride by his fleshly mind for no [good] reason. ¹⁹ He is not holding on [firmly] to the head [i.e., Christ, the head of the church], from whom the entire body, being nourished and supported by its ligaments and joints, is caused to grow in size by God.

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].

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].

⁹ For you brothers remember how we labored and toiled, working hard night and day, so that we would not burden any of you [while] we proclaimed to you the Gospel of God.

⁸ So, the person who rejects [this exhortation] is not [merely] rejecting what man says but God [Himself], who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

¹² But we urge you, brothers, to know [i.e., appreciate and respect] those who work hard among you, and who lead you and warn you in [the fellowship of] the Lord. [Note: These men were probably the elders. See Acts 20:28; Heb. 13:17].

¹⁵ Make sure that no one does anything wrong to someone who wrongs him, but always look for something good you can do for one another and for everyone.

¹ Finally, brothers, pray for us, so that the Lord’s message will spread quickly and be honored [by people], even as it was among you.

¹⁶ Now may the Lord Himself, [who is the source] of peace, give you peace at all times and in every circumstance. May the Lord be with all of you.

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, appointing me to the ministry [i.e., to His service], because He considered me trustworthy, 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.

² [Such teaching will be spread] by hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared over as with a hot iron [i.e., making them insensitive to their guilt].

¹⁰ For that reason we work hard and struggle, because we have our hope set on the living God, who is the Savior of all people, [and] especially of those who believe [in Christ].

¹⁵ Be attentive to these things [i.e., all of the foregoing]; be involved in [practicing] them, so that your progress [in the ministry] will be evident to everyone. ¹⁶ Pay close attention to yourself and to what you teach [people]. Continue doing these things, for in doing them you will both save yourself and those who listen to you.

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.

¹⁷ The elders who lead [the church] well should be considered deserving of double honor [Note: This probably refers to financial support in addition to the honor of the office], especially those who work hard at [preaching] the word and at teaching it. ¹⁸ For the Scripture says [Deut. 25:4], “You should not put a muzzle on the ox while it tramples over the grain.” And [Luke 10:7], “The worker deserves his wages.”

³ [Be willing to] suffer hardship with me like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 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]. ⁵ And if a person competes as an athlete, he is not awarded the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶ [And] the farmer who works hard should be the first one to receive a share of the crops.

⁶ [And] the farmer who works hard should be the first one to receive a share of the crops.

² For people will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, abusive talkers, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy,

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

¹ [This letter is from] Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, [and is being sent] to Philemon our dearly loved [brother] and fellow-worker,

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].

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. ⁹ But we do see Jesus, who was made a little bit lower than the angels [i.e., by suffering death as a human being], and was crowned with splendor and honor because He suffered death. It was by God’s unearned favor that He would experience death for every person. ¹⁰ For it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, in order to lead many [of His] children to glory [i.e., heaven], would make the author [or, pioneer] of their salvation [i.e., Jesus] completely [qualified] through [His] sufferings. ¹¹ For, both the One who makes people holy [i.e., Jesus], and those who are made holy [i.e., Christians], all come from one [Father], and for this reason Christ is not ashamed to call them His brothers, ¹² for He says [Psa. 22:22], [Note: In the following three Old Testament quotations the writer represents Christ as the speaker] “I will declare your [i.e., God’s] name to my brothers, [and] in the presence of the assembly I will sing [a hymn of] praise to you.” ¹³ And again, [Isa. 8:17 LXX], “I will place my trust in God.” And again, [Isa. 8:18], “Look, [here] I am with the children whom God gave me.” 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].

¹⁰ For this is the Agreement that I will make with the people of Israel in the coming days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and I will also write them on their hearts. And I will be their God and they will be my people.

¹³ These people [all] continued to have faith until they died, [even though] they had not obtained [all] the things God had promised, but had [only] seen them and welcomed them from a distance. And they had confessed to being strangers and aliens on earth.

³⁹ And all of these people were commended [by God] for their faith, yet did not receive [all of] what was promised to them,

²³ and to the church of the firstborn ones [i.e., those who have received an inheritance from their Father], whose names are recorded in heaven. [See Luke 10:20]. [You have come] to God, who is the Judge of all people, and to the spirits of righteous people who have become [morally] perfect [i.e., that great company of God’s people who have gone on to their heavenly reward],

⁵ Keep your lives free from the love of money [and be] content with what you have, because God [Himself] has said [Deut. 31:6], “By no means will I [ever] desert you or give up on you.” ⁶ So, we can say with confidence [Psa. 118:6], “[Since] the Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid [of] what people might do to me.” [or, “what (harm) can people do to me?”]

⁸ However, you are doing well if you fulfill [i.e., obey] the royal law found in the Scriptures [Lev. 19:18], “You should love your neighbor the same way that you love yourself.”

¹³ For the person who has shown no mercy will be judged without mercy. [For] mercy wins out over condemnation. 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? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to him, “Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well,” and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that?

²⁴ [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone.

¹⁸ [People who are] peacemakers sow [seeds of] peace and it produces a crop of righteousness [in the lives of others].

⁴ Through Him we have an inheritance that cannot be corrupted or contaminated, and will never disappear; it is reserved in heaven for you. ⁵ Through God’s power you are protected by [your] faith, so that you can expect to be saved in the end.

¹⁰ The prophets [of old], who spoke of this salvation, asked about and searched diligently concerning the unearned favor [God provided] for you people. 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. ¹² It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

¹⁴ As obedient children, do not pattern your lives after the evil desires you formerly had when you were ignorant,

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. ² [So], like newly born babies, you should desire the genuine, spiritual milk [i.e., God’s word. See Heb. 5:12-13], so that by it you may grow toward [final] salvation,

²¹ [After all], this is what you were called to do, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you would follow in His steps.

⁴ For if God did not spare sinning angels, but cast them in chains, into deep, dark dungeons to await judgment;

⁸ [But] the person who continues to live a sinful life belongs to the devil, because the devil has continued to sin since the beginning [See Gen. 3]. For this is the reason that the Son of God came [into the world]; it was to destroy the works [i.e., the influence of] the devil [in people’s lives].

¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters]. ¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart. ¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way.

¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way.

²³ And this is His commandment: We should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ [i.e., the person of Christ], and love one another, just He has commanded us to do. ²⁴ And God lives in the heart of the person who [continually] obeys His commands, and he lives in [fellowship with] God. And here is [another] way we know that God lives in our hearts: It is by [means of] the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to us. [See Rom. 8:9, 11; James 4:5; I Cor. 6:19].

¹⁰ Here is [the essence of] love: [It is] not that we loved God [first], but that He loved us [See Rom. 5:6-8] and sent His Son to be a “covering over” [i.e., atonement, 2:2] for our sins. ¹¹ Loved ones, if God loved us that much, we should also love one another.

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.”

²⁰ And [in addition], we know that the Son of God has come [in a physical body, See 4:2] and has given us understanding, so that we can know the True One [i.e., God], and that we are in [fellowship with] the True One, even His Son Jesus Christ. This Son is the true God and eternal life.

⁹ Every person who does not continue to follow the teaching of Christ, but goes beyond it, does not have God [in his life]. [But], the person who continues to follow in the teaching [of Christ] has both the Father and the Son [in his life]. ¹⁰ If anyone comes to you [i.e., to your meetings] who does not bring this teaching [about Christ], you should not welcome him into your home or give him [any] greetings [i.e., suggesting approval or endorsement].

⁵ Dear [friend], you are accomplishing a faithful work whenever you do something for the brothers [traveling in the Lord’s work], especially when they are strangers [to you]. ⁶ These people testify about your love [for them] before the [assembled] church. You will be doing a good thing to send them on their journey in a way that is pleasing to God [i.e., by furnishing them with travel expenses for their ministry]. ⁷ For they went out, [ministering] for the sake of [Jesus’] name, without taking [any money] from Gentiles [i.e., non-Christians]. ⁸ Therefore, we should show hospitality to such men, so that we can be fellow-workers [with them] in [the cause of] the truth.

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].

¹ “Write [this] to the angel [i.e., the messenger] of the church at Ephesus [Note: These “messengers,” (verses 8, 12, 18; 3:1, 7, 14) are thought by some to be evangelists]: These things are the words of the One who holds the seven stars in His right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands:

⁵ The person who has victory [in the Christian life] will be dressed like that, in white clothing, and I will not blot out his name from the book of life. And I will confess his name in front of my Father and His angels.

¹ [When] the fifth angel sounded its trumpet, I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. And the key to the shaft leading to the deep pit [Note: This is thought to be the place where the devil and his demons live] was given to him.

² but do not include the court on the outside of the Temple in your measurements, because it has been given to the [unconverted] Gentiles. And they will trample underfoot the holy city [i.e., Jerusalem ? See 21:10] for forty-two months. ³ And I will give [authority] to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, wearing sackcloth” [i.e., a black, coarse cloth made of goat’s hair].

³ And I will give [authority] to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, wearing sackcloth” [i.e., a black, coarse cloth made of goat’s hair].

³ And I will give [authority] to my two witnesses and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, wearing sackcloth” [i.e., a black, coarse cloth made of goat’s hair]. ⁴ These [two witnesses] are the two olive trees and the two lampstands that stand in front of the Lord of the earth. ⁵ And if anyone wants to harm them, fire will come out of their mouths and consume their enemies. And if anyone tries to harm them, he must be killed in the same way.

⁵ And if anyone wants to harm them, fire will come out of their mouths and consume their enemies. And if anyone tries to harm them, he must be killed in the same way. ⁶ These witnesses have the authority to shut the sky up so that it does not rain during the time they are prophesying. And they have the authority to turn the waters into blood, and to strike the earth with every kind of plague whenever they want to. ⁷ And when they have completed their testimony, the beast that comes up from the pit [See 13:1ff; 17:3,7] will wage war against them, and overpower and kill them. ⁸ And their dead bodies will lie in the street of the great city [Note: See the following passages on this “great city,” 14:8; 16:19; 17:5,18; 18:2,10,16,18,19,21] where the Lord was crucified, which is spiritually called Sodom, or Egypt. ⁹ And people from among the races and tribes and language groups and nations will gaze at their dead bodies for three and a half days, and they will not permit their bodies to be buried. ¹⁰ And those people living on the earth will be glad over the death of them [i.e., the two witnesses. See verse 3], and they will celebrate by sending gifts to one another, because these two prophets had tormented those living on earth.

⁷ Then there was a war in heaven. Michael [See Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9] and his angels waged war against the dragon [See verse 9]; and the dragon and his angels fought back. ⁸ But they did not win and so lost their place in heaven. 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.

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”].

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.

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.

¹⁵ And if any person’s [name] was not found recorded in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

²⁷ And there will never be anything [morally] unclean allowed to enter it, nor any person who practices disgusting behavior [i.e., probably such sins as sexual perversion], or [any person] who is a liar. But the only ones [allowed there] are those [whose names are] recorded in the Lamb’s book of life.