Matthew 22 Cross References - AUV

¹ Jesus again spoke in parables to them [i.e., the Jewish leaders], saying, ² “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son. ³ He sent his servants out to call those who had been invited to the wedding reception, but they refused to come. ⁴ Again he sent out other servants saying, ‘Tell those who were invited, look, I have already prepared the dinner; my cattle and [other] well-fattened animals have been butchered and everything is ready. [Now] come to the wedding reception dinner.’ ⁵ But they made fun of it, and went on about their business, one to his farm, another to his store. ⁶ But the rest of them grabbed his servants, physically abused them and [finally] killed them. ⁷ The king became furious and sent his army to destroy these murderers and burn their city. ⁸ Then he told his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited to it [proved they] were not worthy [to attend]. ⁹ Now go to the main crossroads of the highways and invite everyone you find there to the wedding reception.’ ¹⁰ So, his servants went out to the highways and gathered in all those who could be found, both bad and good, so that the wedding [reception] was full of guests. ¹¹ But when the king came in [to the dining hall] to meet the guests, he noticed a man who was not wearing a [proper] wedding outfit. ¹² He said to the man, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wearing the proper wedding outfit?’ And he could not say a word. ¹³ Then the king said to his servants, ‘Tie him up, hand and foot, and throw him into [a place of] outer darkness where there will be crying and excruciating pain.’ ¹⁴ For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him].” ¹⁵ Then the Pharisees conspired as to how they could trap Jesus by what He said. ¹⁶ So, they sent their disciples, [along] with the Herodians to Him [Note: These were members of a political party favoring King Herod], saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and that you teach the truth about God’s way. You do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone or allow the position of any person to influence you. ¹⁷ So, tell us what you think. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” ¹⁸ But Jesus perceived their wicked intention and said, “Why are you putting me to a test, you hypocrites? ¹⁹ Show me the coin used for paying taxes.” And they brought to Him a coin [Note: This coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. ²⁰ He said to them, “Whose image and inscription are on this coin?” ²¹ They answered Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He replied, “Pay to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar and pay to God whatever belongs to God.” ²² And when they heard this, they marveled; then left Him and went away. ²³ Some Sadducees [Note: These were the Jewish party that denied there was a resurrection] came to Jesus that day and asked Him, ²⁴ “Teacher, Moses said [in Deut. 25:5] that when a man dies without having had any children, his brother must marry his widow and father children by her, who would [then] be considered his [dead] brother’s. ²⁵ Now among our people there were [these] seven brothers; the first one married and [later] died without having any children, leaving his widow to [marry] his brother. ²⁶ The same thing happened to the second and the third and [on through to] the seventh [brother]. ²⁷ And after they all died, the woman [also] passed away. ²⁸ Now whose wife will she be in the resurrected state, since all seven of them were married to her?” ²⁹ But Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken [in your reasoning], not knowing [what] the Scriptures [teach] or [how much] power God has. ³⁰ For in the resurrected state men do not get married, nor are women given away in marriage, but [all] are like angels in heaven. ³¹ But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what God spoke to you, saying, [Ex. 3:6] ³² ‘I am Abraham’s God, and Isaac’s God and Jacob’s God.’ [So], He is not God to those who are [physically] dead, but [He is] God to those who are [still] alive.” ³³ And when the crowds heard this they were astounded at His teaching. 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.’ 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.’ ⁴⁰ The entire law of Moses and the prophets hinge on these two commandments.” ⁴¹ Now while the Pharisees were assembled together, Jesus asked them this question, 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.” ⁴³ He said to them, “How is it [then] that David, by [inspiration of] the Holy Spirit, calls Him Lord, saying, ⁴⁴ [Psa. 110:1] ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side until I put your enemies [in full subjection] beneath your feet.’ ⁴⁵ If David then could call Him [i.e., Jesus] Lord, how could He be his son?” ⁴⁶ No one was able to answer [Jesus’ reasoning] with [so much as] a word, and no one dared to ask Him any more questions from that day onward.

¹ [This is] a record of the family background of Jesus Christ, the descendant of David, who was the descendant of Abraham. [Note: The following is an incomplete lineage through Jesus’ step-father Joseph].

⁴ So, he gathered all the leading priests and experts in the law of Moses from among the people and asked them where the Christ [child] was to be born. ⁵ They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what was written by the prophet [Micah 5:2], ⁶ ‘And you, Bethlehem in the country of Judah, are not among the least [towns in furnishing] rulers for Judah, for you will produce a leader who will become shepherd of my [i.e., God’s] people Israel.’”

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

⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, “You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]?

¹² His winnowing shovel [Note: This was a process whereby grain was tossed into the air so that the wind could blow the husks away, leaving only good grain on the ground] is in His hand and He will completely clear off His threshing floor [by removing all of the husks]. And He will gather His wheat into the barn, but will burn up the husks with a fire that will never go out.”

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.’”

¹⁰ “Those persons who have suffered for trying to do what is right will be blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. ¹¹ You will be blessed when people speak against you and harm you and say bad things about you that are untrue, because of [your devotion to] me. ¹² Be happy and very glad, for your reward in heaven will be great. For they persecuted the prophets [who lived] before you in the same way.

¹⁹ Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I say to you people, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless what you do that is right excels what the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] do that is right.

²⁰ For I say to you people, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless what you do that is right excels what the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] do that is right.

¹² Therefore, everything that you would like people to do to you, do [these things] to them also. For this is [what is required by] the law of Moses and the prophets. ¹³ “You should enter [God’s kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for the wide door and the broad road are the ones that lead to [spiritual and physical] destruction. And many people will enter [that wide door]. ¹⁴ But the door that is narrow and the road that is restricted lead to [spiritual] life and [only] a few people will find them.

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

²⁸ And so it happened when Jesus had finished [speaking] these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ for he taught like a person who had authority, instead of like their experts in the law of Moses.

¹² But the children who [are supposed to] belong to the kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness where there will be crying and excruciating pain.”

¹³ Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call righteous people [to be my followers] but sinners.”

¹⁵ Jesus said to them, “Can the groomsmen act sadly while the groom is still with them? But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast. ¹⁶ No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth onto an old garment; for what was intended to cover up [the hole] actually tears away [part of] the garment [i.e., when it shrinks], causing a bigger hole. ¹⁷ Also, people do not put freshly squeezed grape juice into bottles made of previously used animal skins. If they did, the [old dried-out] animal skins would break open and the grape juice would [all] leak out, and the animal skins would become useless. But people put freshly squeezed grape juice into newly prepared animal skin bottles. That way both of them will survive.”

²⁷ Now as Jesus moved on from there, two blind men followed Him [i.e., probably being led by sighted persons]. They were shouting, “Have pity on us, son of David!”

⁶ But [rather] go to the lost sheep of the people of Israel. ⁷ And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’

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] 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.

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. ¹⁷ But, watch out for people, for they will turn you over to the [Jewish] councils [for judgment] and will have you flogged in their synagogues. ¹⁸ Yes, you will [even] be brought in front of governors and kings for being loyal to me. [This will give you an opportunity] for witnessing to them [as well] as to the [unconverted] Gentiles.

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

³⁷ The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. ³⁸ And the person who does not accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities with all their difficulties] and become my follower does not deserve me.

³ Jesus replied, “Have you not read what King David did when he and his men were hungry? [I Sam. 21:6]

⁷ If you had [fully] understood what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not [only] sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned someone who was not guilty [of wrongdoing].

¹⁴ But the Pharisees left and began discussing together how they could arrange to kill Him.

²⁹ Or, how can someone enter a strong man’s house and steal his belongings unless he first ties up the strong man? Only then will he be able to steal [his belongings] from his house.

⁴³ But when an evil spirit has been driven out of a person, it roams through desert regions trying to find rest but cannot find it. ⁴⁴ Then it says [to itself], I will return to my house which I came out of [i.e., the body of the person it dominated]. But when it returns [to that body] it finds it empty, cleaned out and [newly] decorated. ⁴⁵ Then it goes and takes with it seven other spirits, more evil than itself, and they reenter [the body] and [begin to] live there, so that the latter state of that person becomes worse than the former [state]. It will be the same way with the people of this evil generation.”

³ And He spoke many things to them in parables [i.e., brief stories to illustrate His teaching], saying, “Once a farmer went out [to his field] to plant grain. ⁴ And some of the seed he sowed [i.e., scattering it by hand] landed along the side of the road and birds came and ate it. ⁵ And other seed fell on rocky ground where there was not much soil and immediately it sprouted up because the soil was so shallow. ⁶ But when the sun came up these tender sprouts were scorched and, since they had such tiny roots, they [quickly] withered away. ⁷ And other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and [eventually] choked out the tender sprouts. ⁸ And [still] other seed fell onto fertile soil, where some of it produced a crop of one hundred, some sixty and some thirty times [as much as was planted]. ⁹ The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.” ¹⁰ Jesus’ disciples came and said to Him, “Why are you speaking to them [i.e., the large crowds] by using parables?” 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.

²² And the person who was sown among the thorns is the one who hears the message, but the anxieties of the world [i.e., of life] and the deceptiveness of [material] riches choke the message and he becomes unproductive.

²⁴ [Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,

³⁰ Let both of them grow together until it is time for the harvest; then at that time, I will tell the harvesters, “Gather up the weeds first, and bind them up into bundles to burn. But gather the wheat into my barn.”’” ³¹ Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a seed from the mustard tree which a man took and planted in his field. ³² This seed is indeed [one of] the smallest of all seeds, but when it is [fully] grown, it is larger than [other] plants, and [even] becomes a tree, so that the birds of the sky come and roost on its branches.” ³³ Then He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is similar to yeast, which a woman worked into a batch of dough [i.e., the amount was over half a bushel], until [the dough] was completely leavened [by it].”

³⁸ and the field [represents] the world. The good seed [represents] the children who belong to the kingdom, and the weeds [represent] the children who belong to the evil one [i.e., the devil].

⁴² He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain. ⁴³ Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully. ⁴⁴ “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person finding a treasure hidden in a field. After finding it, he was so happy he hid it [again], then went out and sold everything he owned so he could buy that field. ⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a [retail] merchant searching to buy some fine pearls. ⁴⁶ When he found an extremely valuable one he went and sold all that he owned and bought it. ⁴⁷ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag-net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish].

⁴⁷ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a drag-net [for fishing] that was cast into the lake and gathered all kinds [of fish]. ⁴⁸ When it became full, the fishermen dragged it up onto the shore. Then they sat down and, [sorting their catch], placed the good [i.e., edible fish] into containers, but threw out the bad [i.e., inedible ones].

⁵⁰ and throw the sinful ones into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain.”

³³ Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

⁶ this person does not honor his father [or mother]. You have made God’s message useless by [thus enforcing] your traditions.

¹ The Pharisees and Sadducees came [and attempted] to test Jesus [by] asking Him to perform a [supernatural] sign from heaven. ² But He answered them, {[{[These words are omitted in most ancient manuscripts: “When the sky is reddish in the evening, you predict fair weather [for the next day]. ³ And when the sky is reddish and overcast in the morning, you predict [that it will be] bad weather that day. You know how to interpret [weather] conditions from the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times [i.e., what will happen in the spiritual realm]”]}]}. ⁴ “It is an evil and spiritually unfaithful generation of people [that keeps on] looking for a [supernatural] sign; but there will be no [such] sign given to it except the sign of Jonah [i.e., being in the huge fish for three days].” Then He left them and went away.

⁶ Jesus said to them, “Pay attention and watch out for the leavening [effect] of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

¹¹ How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about [physical] bread? But [rather I meant] watch out for the yeast [i.e., the influence] of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” ¹² Then they understood that He was not telling them to watch out for the yeast in [physical] bread, but for the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. ¹³ Now when Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, “Who are people saying that the Son of man is?” ¹⁴ They replied, “Some say you are John the Immerser; some [the prophet] Elijah; and others [the prophet] Jeremiah, or one of the [other] prophets [come back to life].” ¹⁵ He [then] said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” ¹⁶ And Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one], the Son of the living God.” 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.

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?”

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?” ²⁶ And when Peter said, “From strangers,” Jesus added, “Therefore, children are free [from such taxation]. ²⁷ But, so that we do not become a hindrance to these [tax collectors], go to the lake and cast in your hook [and line]. Then take the first fish [you catch], open its mouth and you will find a coin [i.e., worth twice the amount of an individual’s Temple tax assessment]. Take it and give it [to the tax collectors] for you and me.”

¹⁰ Make sure you do not look down on any one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of Christ]. For I tell you, their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven. {[{[Some ancient manuscripts include verse

²⁸ But that [same] servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants who owed him a small sum of money [Note: The amount was about 100 days of a farm laborer’s pay or about $7,000 in 1994]. He grabbed him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay [me] what you owe.’

³ Some Pharisees came to Him, [attempting] to put Him to a test. They said, “Is it permissible by the law of Moses for a man to divorce his wife for any reason [he chooses]?”

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].

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]. ³ He went out about nine o’clock in the morning and saw other unemployed laborers standing [around] in the open shopping market. ⁴ He said to them, ‘You men also go and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ So, they went to work. ⁵ [Then] he went out again about noon and again at three o’clock in the afternoon and made the same offer. ⁶ [Finally] he went out [once more] at about five o’clock in the afternoon and found [still] other men standing around. He said, ‘Why have you been standing around all day and not working?’ ⁷ They replied, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You men also may go to work in my vineyard.’ ⁸ And when evening came the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the workers [in] and pay them their wages, beginning with the last [one hired, then] to the first.’ ⁹ So, when those hired about five o’clock in the afternoon came in, each one received the usual pay for one full day’s work. [See note on verse 2]. ¹⁰ Then when those who were hired first came [to get paid], they expected to receive more money [than those hired later], but each one received the usual pay for one full day’s work also. ¹¹ And when they received it, they complained to the farmer, ¹² saying, ‘These men [you hired] last have worked only one hour and you gave them wages equal to ours when we carried the heaviest load of the day’s work and [put up with] the scorching heat [all day long].’ ¹³ But he answered one of them, saying, ‘Friend, I have not done anything wrong to you. Did you not agree with me to accept the usual pay for one full day’s work?

¹³ But he answered one of them, saying, ‘Friend, I have not done anything wrong to you. Did you not agree with me to accept the usual pay for one full day’s work? ¹⁴ Take what belongs to you and go on your way. I want to give this last person [hired] the same wages I gave you. ¹⁵ Is it against the law for me to do what I want with my own money? Or, is it that your eye is envious because I choose to be so generous?’ ¹⁶ So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last.”

¹⁶ So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last.”

⁹ And the crowds that walked ahead and followed behind Him shouted, “Hosanna to the son of David. [Note: The Syriac word ‘Hosanna’ originally meant ‘save now’ but came to be used as an expression of welcome, praise, blessing or acclamation]. May He, who comes in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord, be blessed. Hosanna in the highest [i.e., may this blessing reach to the highest heaven].”

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?’”

²⁷ So, they answered Jesus, “We do not know [where John got the authority for his immersion].” Jesus then replied to them, “[Then] neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things [i.e., miracles and teaching]. 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. ³² For John came to show you the way to be right with God, but you would not believe his message. Yet the tax collectors and prostitutes believed it, and when you saw this, even then you did not change your minds so as to believe his message. ³³ “Listen to another parable [i.e., a brief story used to illustrate His teaching]: There was the owner of a farm who planted a vineyard and built a fence around it. He constructed a grape squeezing device, built a [lookout] tower [near it], leased it to tenant farmers and then went to another country. ³⁴ And when the season for harvesting the grapes approached, the owner of the farm sent his slaves to the tenant farmers to arrange for delivery of his crop.

³⁴ And when the season for harvesting the grapes approached, the owner of the farm sent his slaves to the tenant farmers to arrange for delivery of his crop. ³⁵ But the tenant farmers took the farm owner’s slaves and beat one, killed another and stoned another.

³⁵ But the tenant farmers took the farm owner’s slaves and beat one, killed another and stoned another. ³⁶ The owner of the farm then sent additional slaves and they were treated the same way.

³⁶ The owner of the farm then sent additional slaves and they were treated the same way.

³⁶ The owner of the farm then sent additional slaves and they were treated the same way. ³⁷ Then later on he sent his own son to the tenant farmers, saying, ‘[Surely] they will treat my son with respect.’

³⁷ Then later on he sent his own son to the tenant farmers, saying, ‘[Surely] they will treat my son with respect.’ ³⁸ But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir [to the vineyard]. Come on, let us kill him so we can take over his inheritance.’

³⁸ But when the tenant farmers saw the son, they said to one another, ‘This is the heir [to the vineyard]. Come on, let us kill him so we can take over his inheritance.’ ³⁹ So, they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

³⁹ So, they took him and threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. ⁴⁰ When the owner of the vineyard returns, what [do you think] he will do to those tenant farmers?

⁴⁰ When the owner of the vineyard returns, what [do you think] he will do to those tenant farmers? ⁴¹ They answered him, “He will bring terrible destruction on those evil men and will lease the vineyard to other tenant farmers who will deliver the crops to him each harvest time.”

⁴¹ They answered him, “He will bring terrible destruction on those evil men and will lease the vineyard to other tenant farmers who will deliver the crops to him each harvest time.” ⁴² Jesus [then] said to the leading priests and elders of the Jewish people, “Did you not ever read in the Scriptures [Psa. 118:22-23], ‘The building block rejected by the builders is the same one that was made the principal stone by which the entire building was aligned. This was planned by the Lord and is a marvelous thing to us’?

⁴² Jesus [then] said to the leading priests and elders of the Jewish people, “Did you not ever read in the Scriptures [Psa. 118:22-23], ‘The building block rejected by the builders is the same one that was made the principal stone by which the entire building was aligned. This was planned by the Lord and is a marvelous thing to us’? ⁴³ Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you [Jews] and will be given to a nation [i.e., the Gentiles] that will produce the fruit of the kingdom. ⁴⁴ And the person who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, but whoever it falls on will be scattered like dust.” ⁴⁵ And when the leading priests and Pharisees heard Jesus’ parables, they realized He was speaking about them. ⁴⁶ When they attempted to arrest Him, [they hesitated because] they feared [what] the crowds [might do], since they considered Jesus a prophet.

² “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son. ³ He sent his servants out to call those who had been invited to the wedding reception, but they refused to come. ⁴ Again he sent out other servants saying, ‘Tell those who were invited, look, I have already prepared the dinner; my cattle and [other] well-fattened animals have been butchered and everything is ready. [Now] come to the wedding reception dinner.’ ⁵ But they made fun of it, and went on about their business, one to his farm, another to his store. ⁶ But the rest of them grabbed his servants, physically abused them and [finally] killed them. ⁷ The king became furious and sent his army to destroy these murderers and burn their city. ⁸ Then he told his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited to it [proved they] were not worthy [to attend].

⁸ Then he told his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited to it [proved they] were not worthy [to attend]. ⁹ Now go to the main crossroads of the highways and invite everyone you find there to the wedding reception.’ ¹⁰ So, his servants went out to the highways and gathered in all those who could be found, both bad and good, so that the wedding [reception] was full of guests. ¹¹ But when the king came in [to the dining hall] to meet the guests, he noticed a man who was not wearing a [proper] wedding outfit.

¹¹ But when the king came in [to the dining hall] to meet the guests, he noticed a man who was not wearing a [proper] wedding outfit. ¹² He said to the man, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wearing the proper wedding outfit?’ And he could not say a word.

¹² He said to the man, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wearing the proper wedding outfit?’ And he could not say a word. ¹³ Then the king said to his servants, ‘Tie him up, hand and foot, and throw him into [a place of] outer darkness where there will be crying and excruciating pain.’ ¹⁴ For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him].” ¹⁵ Then the Pharisees conspired as to how they could trap Jesus by what He said. ¹⁶ So, they sent their disciples, [along] with the Herodians to Him [Note: These were members of a political party favoring King Herod], saying, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and that you teach the truth about God’s way. You do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone or allow the position of any person to influence you.

¹⁸ But Jesus perceived their wicked intention and said, “Why are you putting me to a test, you hypocrites?

²² And when they heard this, they marveled; then left Him and went away.

²⁴ “Teacher, Moses said [in Deut. 25:5] that when a man dies without having had any children, his brother must marry his widow and father children by her, who would [then] be considered his [dead] brother’s.

²⁶ The same thing happened to the second and the third and [on through to] the seventh [brother].

³³ And when the crowds heard this they were astounded at His teaching. 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].

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.’

⁴⁶ No one was able to answer [Jesus’ reasoning] with [so much as] a word, and no one dared to ask Him any more questions from that day onward.

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 You blind leaders, who strain out a [tiny] gnat [i.e., from your drinking water] and [yet] swallow a [whole] camel.

³⁴ Therefore look, I am sending to you prophets, wise men and scholarly teachers. You will murder and crucify some of them; you will whip some of them in your synagogues and pursue them from town to town. ³⁵ [This will be done] so that on you may fall the guilt for shedding on the ground the blood of all those innocent people, from the blood of righteous Abel to that of Barachiah’s son Zachariah, whom you murdered between the Sanctuary and the Altar [i.e., in the Temple area]. ³⁶ Truly I tell you, this generation will bear [the guilt for] all these things. ³⁷ “O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [you people] who murdered the prophets and stoned those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather you people together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

³⁷ “O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, [you people] who murdered the prophets and stoned those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather you people together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

²² And if those days had not been as short as they were no one would have been saved [i.e., from the devastating destruction]. But for the sake of the elect [i.e., God’s people], those days will be short.

³⁸ For in those days before the Flood, people were eating and drinking [i.e., partaking of ordinary meals], men were getting married and women were being given away in marriage [right up] until the day Noah entered the ship.

³⁸ For in those days before the Flood, people were eating and drinking [i.e., partaking of ordinary meals], men were getting married and women were being given away in marriage [right up] until the day Noah entered the ship. ³⁹ And the people [i.e., of Noah’s day] did not know [when it would happen] until the Flood came and swept them all away. It will be the same way when the presence of the Son of man [arrives].

⁵¹ And [that master] will whip him to shreds and will turn him over to suffer the same fate as hypocrites do. That fate will involve crying and excruciating pain.”

¹ “Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party]

¹ “Then the kingdom of heaven will be similar to ten bridesmaids who took their lamps and went out to meet the [bride and] groom. [Note: The picture here is that of a newly married couple returning from a festive reception to the groom’s home where they continued celebrating and were welcomed by a late evening wedding party] ² Five of the bridesmaids were foolish and five were sensible.

² Five of the bridesmaids were foolish and five were sensible. ³ The foolish ones did not take enough olive oil for their lamps with them,

³ The foolish ones did not take enough olive oil for their lamps with them, ⁴ but the sensible ones took [extra] oil in containers, along with their lamps.

⁴ but the sensible ones took [extra] oil in containers, along with their lamps. ⁵ Now when the [bride and] groom were late [in arriving], the bridesmaids all got drowsy and fell asleep.

⁵ Now when the [bride and] groom were late [in arriving], the bridesmaids all got drowsy and fell asleep. ⁶ Then at midnight someone shouted, ‘Look, the [bride and] groom are here. Come on, let us go out and meet them.’ ⁷ Then all the bridesmaids woke up and trimmed their lamps [i.e., removed the burnt wicks and replenished their lamps with oil]. ⁸ The foolish ones said to the sensible ones, ‘Give us some of your oil, because our lamps are going out.’ ⁹ But the sensible ones answered, ‘There might not be enough for us and you, [so] instead, you should go to the store and buy some for yourselves.’ ¹⁰ And while they were away [trying] to buy olive oil, the [bride and] groom arrived, and those who were ready [to welcome them] entered the [house where the] wedding reception [was being held] and the door was shut.

¹⁰ And while they were away [trying] to buy olive oil, the [bride and] groom arrived, and those who were ready [to welcome them] entered the [house where the] wedding reception [was being held] and the door was shut. ¹¹ After that, the other bridesmaids also came asking, ‘Sir, Sir, [please] open the door for us!’ ¹² But he answered them, ‘Truly I tell you, I do not know you.’ ¹³ Therefore, you should be watchful, for you do not know the day or hour [i.e., when the Son of man will return]. ¹⁴ “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him].

³⁰ Throw out that worthless servant into the [place of] outer darkness, where there will be crying and excruciating pain. ³¹ “But when the Son of man comes [back] in [all] His splendor, accompanied by all the angels, then He will sit on His throne of splendor. ³² And people from all the nations will be assembled in front of Him and He will separate them from one another, like a shepherd separating his sheep from the goats.

¹⁸ He answered, “Go into the city [i.e., Jerusalem] to a certain man and say to him, ‘The Teacher says, My time is near [i.e., to be turned over to the Jewish leaders]; I plan to observe the Passover Festival at your house with my disciples.’”

⁴⁹ So, immediately he went to Jesus and said, “Greetings, Rabbi,” and [then] kissed Him [enthusiastically]. ⁵⁰ And Jesus said to him, “[My] friend, [go ahead], do what you came to do.” Then the Jewish officers came and arrested Jesus and began taking Him away.

⁸ And immediately Jesus perceived in His spirit what they were reasoning in their minds and said to them, “Why are you reasoning like this in your minds?

⁶ And the Pharisees immediately went out and conferred with the Herodians against Jesus, plotting how they could kill Him. [Note: These Herodians were members of a political party favoring King Herod]

³³ And He spoke “the word” to them [i.e., the crowds] with as many such parables as they were able to receive. ³⁴ And He did not speak to them [i.e., concerning the kingdom] without using a parable, but He explained everything to His own disciples privately.

² And when the Sabbath day came, He began teaching in the synagogue and many who heard Him were amazed, and asked [such questions as], “Where did this man get these things [i.e., knowledge, miracles, etc.]?” and “What kind of wisdom has been given to him?” and “What do these supernatural powers he performs mean?

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, 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. 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].

¹⁵ Then Jesus ordered them, saying, “Pay attention and watch out for the leavening [effect] of the Pharisees and Herod.” [Note: By “Herod” is probably meant the Herodians, who were a party favorable to King Herod and, along with the Pharisees and Sadducees, were out to get Jesus. See Matt. 16:6].

² Some Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] came to Him [and attempted] to test Him by asking, “Is it permissible by the law of Moses for a man to divorce his wife?”

¹⁷ As Jesus was leaving to go on His way, a man ran to Him and kneeled down in front of Him and asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do in order to possess never ending life?”

⁵ He sent [still] another slave, whom they killed. He continued sending many more slaves; they beat some and killed others.

¹² And they [i.e., the leading priests and experts in the Law of Moses] attempted to arrest Jesus, but [hesitated because] they feared what the crowd might do, for they understood that He was speaking the parable against them. So, they left Him and went away. ¹³ Then the Pharisees sent certain ones of their number [See Matt. 22:15-16] along with the Herodians [Note: This refers to members of a political party favoring King Herod] to attempt to trap Him by what He said. ¹⁴ And when they arrived, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and [that you] do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone. For you do not allow [the position of] any person to influence you, but teach the truth about God’s way. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

¹⁴ And when they arrived, they said to Him, “Teacher, we know that you are sincere, and [that you] do not care for [i.e., do not fear or give in to] anyone. For you do not allow [the position of] any person to influence you, but teach the truth about God’s way. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? ¹⁵ Should we pay it, or should we not pay it?” But Jesus was aware of their hypocrisy and said to them, “Bring me the coin so I can see it.” [Note: The amount of this coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. ¹⁶ So, they brought it to Him and He said to them, “Whose image and inscription [are on this coin]?” And they answered Him, “Caesar’s.” ¹⁷ Then Jesus replied to them, “Pay to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar and pay to God whatever belongs to God.” And they greatly marveled at Him.

¹⁷ Then Jesus replied to them, “Pay to Caesar whatever belongs to Caesar and pay to God whatever belongs to God.” And they greatly marveled at Him. ¹⁸ Then some Sadducees, [the ones] who say there is no resurrection [of the dead], came and asked Him, ¹⁹ “Teacher, Moses wrote to us [Deut. 25:5] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving his widow behind without having had any children, his brother should marry his widow and father children by her. These children would then be considered his [dead] brother’s.

¹⁹ “Teacher, Moses wrote to us [Deut. 25:5] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving his widow behind without having had any children, his brother should marry his widow and father children by her. These children would then be considered his [dead] brother’s.

¹⁹ “Teacher, Moses wrote to us [Deut. 25:5] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving his widow behind without having had any children, his brother should marry his widow and father children by her. These children would then be considered his [dead] brother’s. ²⁰ [Now] there were [these] seven brothers; the first one got married, but when he died he left no children behind.

²⁰ [Now] there were [these] seven brothers; the first one got married, but when he died he left no children behind. ²¹ So, the second one married his widow, and at his death he too left no children behind. Then the third one did the same thing.

²¹ So, the second one married his widow, and at his death he too left no children behind. Then the third one did the same thing. ²² All seven left no children [behind when they died]. Finally, the woman also passed away.

²² All seven left no children [behind when they died]. Finally, the woman also passed away. ²³ [Now] whose wife will she be in the resurrected state, for all seven [brothers] were married to her?”

²³ [Now] whose wife will she be in the resurrected state, for all seven [brothers] were married to her?” ²⁴ Jesus said to them, “Is not this the reason that you are [so] mistaken, that you do not know [what] the Scriptures [teach] or [how much] power God has?

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

²⁵ For when people rise from the dead, men do not get married, and women are not given away in marriage, but [all] are like angels in heaven. ²⁶ But concerning those who are raised from the dead, have you never read in the book of Moses, in the incident about the bush, how God spoke to him, saying [Ex. 3:6], ‘I am Abraham’s God, and Isaac’s God, and Jacob’s God?’ ²⁷ [So], He is not God to those who are dead, but [He is] God to those who are alive. You are seriously mistaken.” ²⁸ Then one of the experts in the law of Moses [Note: Matt. 22:34 identifies him as being a Pharisee also], came and heard Jesus and the Sadducees discussing together [i.e., the subject of the resurrection], and knowing that Jesus had refuted the Sadducees successfully, asked Him, “Which commandment is foremost, above all the others?”

²⁸ Then one of the experts in the law of Moses [Note: Matt. 22:34 identifies him as being a Pharisee also], came and heard Jesus and the Sadducees discussing together [i.e., the subject of the resurrection], and knowing that Jesus had refuted the Sadducees successfully, asked Him, “Which commandment is foremost, above all the others?” ²⁹ And Jesus answered, “The foremost one is this [Deut. 6:4-5], ‘Hear this, you Israelites, the Lord our God is the only Lord,

²⁹ And Jesus answered, “The foremost one is this [Deut. 6:4-5], ‘Hear this, you Israelites, the Lord our God is the only Lord,

²⁹ And Jesus answered, “The foremost one is this [Deut. 6:4-5], ‘Hear this, you Israelites, the Lord our God is the only Lord, 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.’

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.’

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].”

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].”

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].” ³² The expert in the law of Moses said to Jesus, “Truly, Teacher, you are right in saying that God is [the only] one and that there is no other God but Him. 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].”

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. ³⁵ As Jesus was teaching in the Temple, He responded [to some Pharisees. See Matt. 22:41] by asking, “How is it that the experts in the law of Moses can say that the Christ is the son of David? ³⁶ [It was] David himself [who] said by [inspiration of] the Holy Spirit [Psa. 110:1], ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side until I make your enemies the footrest [i.e., in subjection] under your feet.’

³⁶ [It was] David himself [who] said by [inspiration of] the Holy Spirit [Psa. 110:1], ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side until I make your enemies the footrest [i.e., in subjection] under your feet.’ ³⁷ David himself called Him [i.e., Jesus] Lord, so how could He be his son?” And the large crowd listened to Him with pleasure.

¹⁵ Then He said to them, “You [men] go into the entire world and preach the good news to every person. ¹⁶ The person who believes [i.e., the Gospel] and is immersed will be saved [i.e., from condemnation], but whoever does not believe it will be condemned.

³⁷ For nothing that God says [will happen] is impossible.”

⁶⁹ He has provided a horn of salvation [i.e., His saving strength] for us from a descendant of His servant King David [i.e., Jesus, born of Mary] ⁷⁰ (as He spoke through the message of the holy prophets of long ago).

¹ Now it happened in those days that a decree was sent out from Caesar Augustus [the Emperor of the Roman Empire] requiring [people from] the whole empire to be registered [i.e., for taxation purposes].

²⁶ Now it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ [i.e., God’s, specially chosen one]. ²⁷ And he was led by the Holy Spirit into the Temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus in, so they could do to Him what was customary under the law of Moses,

⁴⁷ And all of them who heard Him were amazed at His understanding [i.e., of spiritual matters] and His answers [to questions they would ask Him].

¹ Now it was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler of the regions of Ituraea and Trachonitus [Note: These two men were sons of Herod the Great (See Matt. 2:1) and ruled over provinces east of the Jordan River] and Lysanias was ruler of Abilene [Note: This was a province just north of the two previously mentioned ones].

²² So, everyone spoke well of Him and marvelled at the gracious words coming from His mouth. They said, “Is he not Joseph’s son?”

²² But Jesus perceived their reasonings and answered them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?

⁴⁶ And why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and [yet] not obey what I tell you to do?

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.

⁴⁰ Then Jesus said to him, “Simon [See verse 43], I have something to say to you.” And he replied, “Teacher, [go ahead and] say it.”

¹⁰ And He said to them, “You [disciples] are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of God, but the rest of the people [are being told] in parables, so that [even though they appear to be] seeing, they will not [actually] see; and [even though they seem to] hear, they will not understand.

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. 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. 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.

⁴⁷ When Jesus knew what they were disputing about in their minds, He took a small child and placed him at His side,

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].”

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?”

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.”

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.”

⁴² “But it is too bad for you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue and every [other] herb [Note: These were small garden plants used for seasoning or medicine] and [yet] neglect [demonstrating] justice and the love of God [toward others]. But you should have done these things and not neglected to do the other things [as well].

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.

⁵² “It is too bad for you teachers of the law of Moses! For you took away the key of knowledge [i.e., preventing people from understanding God’s plan]. You did not enter [the kingdom of heaven. See Matt. 23:13] yourselves and [you even] prevented those who [wanted] to enter [to get in].” ⁵³ And when Jesus left there [i.e., probably the Pharisee’s house. See verse 37], the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees began opposing Him with hostility and bombarding Him with many questions, ⁵⁴ [and] plotting to trap Him by something He might say.

¹⁷ And as He said these things, all of His enemies felt ashamed [i.e., for objecting to such a noble act], but the whole crowd rejoiced over all the wonderful things He was doing.

²³ [Along the way] someone asked Him, “Lord, will [only] a few people be saved?” And He answered them, ²⁴ “You should try hard to enter [God’s kingdom] by means of the narrow door, for I tell you, many people will try to enter it but will not be able to.

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.

³⁴ “O, Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you people who murdered the prophets and stoned those who were sent to you! How often I have wanted to gather you people together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing!

³ So, Jesus asked the teachers of the law of Moses and the Pharisees, saying, “Is it permissible by the law of Moses to heal people on the Sabbath day, or not?”

⁶ And they were not able to give an answer to these things.

¹⁵ And when one of the people who were reclining at the [supper] table with Jesus heard this, he said to Him, “The person who will eat bread in the [coming] kingdom of God is [certainly] blessed.” ¹⁶ But Jesus replied to him, “A certain man prepared a lavish supper and invited many [guests].

¹⁶ But Jesus replied to him, “A certain man prepared a lavish supper and invited many [guests].

¹⁶ But Jesus replied to him, “A certain man prepared a lavish supper and invited many [guests]. ¹⁷ When the supper was about ready, he sent his slave out to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is [now] ready.’

¹⁷ When the supper was about ready, he sent his slave out to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is [now] ready.’

¹⁷ When the supper was about ready, he sent his slave out to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is [now] ready.’ ¹⁸ Then all of them, in the same way, began to excuse themselves [from attending]. The first one said to the host, ‘I just bought some land and I need to go out and look it over, so please excuse me [from attending the supper].’

¹⁸ Then all of them, in the same way, began to excuse themselves [from attending]. The first one said to the host, ‘I just bought some land and I need to go out and look it over, so please excuse me [from attending the supper].’ ¹⁹ And another person said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen and I need to go and test them out, so please excuse me [from attending the supper].’

¹⁹ And another person said, ‘I just bought five teams of oxen and I need to go and test them out, so please excuse me [from attending the supper].’ ²⁰ And the third person said, ‘I just got married, so I cannot attend [the supper].’

²⁰ And the third person said, ‘I just got married, so I cannot attend [the supper].’ ²¹ Then the slave returned and told his master about these things. Then the master of the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the town and bring people who are poor, and handicapped, and blind and crippled in here [i.e., to the supper].’ ²² And the slave said, ‘Master, I did what you ordered me to do, and still there is room [at the dinner table].’ ²³ Then the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and along the brushy trails and urge people to attend [the supper] so that my house will be full [of guests].’ ²⁴ For I tell you, not one of those who were invited will [even] taste my supper.”

²⁸ But the older son got angry and refused to go into [the house]. So, his father came out and pleaded with him [i.e., to come in and join the celebration].

²⁶ “And just as it happened in the days of Noah, so it will be in the days of the Son of man. ²⁷ People were eating and drinking and [men were] marrying and [women] were being given away in marriage [right up] until the day that Noah entered the ship and the Flood came and drowned them all.

²⁷ People were eating and drinking and [men were] marrying and [women] were being given away in marriage [right up] until the day that Noah entered the ship and the Flood came and drowned them all. ²⁸ “It happened in a similar way in the days of Lot [i.e., Abraham’s nephew]. People were eating and drinking and buying and selling and planting and building. ²⁹ But on the day that Lot left Sodom, fire and sulphur rained down from the sky and consumed them all. ³⁰ “It will be the same way on the day the Son of man is revealed [i.e., at His second coming]. ³¹ On that day, the person who is on a housetop [Note: This was a flat area where people retired for rest, prayer, etc., with its stairway on the outside], whose belongings are [still] in his house, is not to go down and [attempt to] take any of them away. And the person who is in a field [i.e., doing farm work], also is not to return [to his house]. ³² Remember [what happened to] Lot’s wife!

²⁷ But bring those enemies of mine here [i.e., the citizens. See verse 14], who did not want me to rule over them, and kill them in front of me.’”

⁴² saying, “If [only] you people realized today those things which [could] lead [you] to peace! But now they are [being] hidden from your sight. ⁴³ For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build a dirt wall around you, surrounding you, and hemming you in on every side. ⁴⁴ They will throw you and your children, [who are] within your walls, to the ground and they will not allow one stone to remain on top of another in your city because you did not recognize that [God was] visiting you.” [Note: This “visitation” refers either to the redemption which they had rejected or to the punishment of the siege and destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70].

²⁰ And they kept watching Him, [even] sending informants who pretended to be good [men], in order to get hold of something He said so they could turn Him over to the ruling authority of the governor. ²¹ And they asked Him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly and that you do not show partiality to anyone, but [rather] teach the truth about God’s way.

²¹ And they asked Him, “Teacher, we know that you speak and teach correctly and that you do not show partiality to anyone, but [rather] teach the truth about God’s way. ²² Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” ²³ But Jesus perceived their trickery, and said to them,

²³ But Jesus perceived their trickery, and said to them, ²⁴ “Show me the coin [used for paying the taxes]. [Note: This coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. Whose image and inscription are on this coin?” And they answered Him, “Caesar’s.”

²⁴ “Show me the coin [used for paying the taxes]. [Note: This coin was equivalent to one day of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $60-$84 in 1994]. Whose image and inscription are on this coin?” And they answered Him, “Caesar’s.” ²⁵ He replied, “Then pay to Caesar the things that belong to Caesar and pay to God the things that belong to God.” ²⁶ And they were not able to get hold of anything Jesus said in front of the people. And they marveled at His answer and did not say anything [further]. ²⁷ [Then] certain Sadducees came to Jesus (they are the ones who say there is no resurrection [of the dead]). ²⁸ They said to Him, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us [Deut 25:5] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving his widow [behind] without having had any children, his brother should marry his widow and father children [by her]. These children would then be considered his [dead] brother’s.

²⁸ They said to Him, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us [Deut 25:5] that if a man’s brother dies, leaving his widow [behind] without having had any children, his brother should marry his widow and father children [by her]. These children would then be considered his [dead] brother’s. ²⁹ [Now] there were these seven brothers; the first one got married, but when he died he did not leave any children behind.

²⁹ [Now] there were these seven brothers; the first one got married, but when he died he did not leave any children behind. ³⁰ Then the second one did the same thing.

³⁰ Then the second one did the same thing. ³¹ Then the third one married the [surviving] widow [of the first two brothers]. And in the same way, all seven [brothers] married her, but left no children [behind when they died].

³¹ Then the third one married the [surviving] widow [of the first two brothers]. And in the same way, all seven [brothers] married her, but left no children [behind when they died]. ³² Finally, the woman also passed away.

³² Finally, the woman also passed away. ³³ [Now] whose wife will she be in the resurrected state, for all seven [brothers] were married to her?”

³³ [Now] whose wife will she be in the resurrected state, for all seven [brothers] were married to her?” ³⁴ And Jesus said to them, “The people of this age [i.e., who live on earth] marry and are given away in marriage,

³⁴ And Jesus said to them, “The people of this age [i.e., who live on earth] marry and are given away in marriage, ³⁵ but those who are considered worthy of gaining that age [i.e., the future, never ending state] and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given away in marriage.

³⁵ but those who are considered worthy of gaining that age [i.e., the future, never ending state] and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given away in marriage.

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

³⁶ For they cannot die anymore either, because they are equal to the angels and are children of God, as well as children of the resurrection [i.e., people who are assured of being resurrected]. ³⁷ But even Moses showed that dead people would be raised in the incident about the bush [Ex. 3:6], where he called the Lord, ‘Abraham’s God, and Isaac’s God, and Jacob’s God.’

³⁷ But even Moses showed that dead people would be raised in the incident about the bush [Ex. 3:6], where he called the Lord, ‘Abraham’s God, and Isaac’s God, and Jacob’s God.’ ³⁸ So, He is not God to those who are dead, but [He is] God to those who are alive, for to God, all people are alive.”

³⁸ So, He is not God to those who are dead, but [He is] God to those who are alive, for to God, all people are alive.” ³⁹ Then certain experts in the law of Moses replied to Jesus, “Teacher, you have spoken well.” ⁴⁰ For they did not dare ask Him any more questions.

⁴⁰ For they did not dare ask Him any more questions. ⁴¹ And Jesus said to them [i.e., the Pharisees. See Matt. 22:41], “How is it that they [i.e., the experts in the law of Moses. See Mark 12:35] can say that the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] is the son of David? ⁴² For David himself said in the book of Psalms [Psa. 110:1], ‘The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David’s] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side ⁴³ until I make your enemies the footrest [i.e., in subjection] under your feet.’ ⁴⁴ Since David called Him [i.e., Jesus] Lord, how could He be his son?”

¹⁵ for I will give you a mouth [i.e., the ability to speak properly] and wisdom [i.e., the knowledge of what to say], which none of your opponents will be able to resist or speak against.

²¹ Then those [of you] in Judea are to run away into the [nearby] mountains. And those who are inside of the city are to leave it [immediately]. And those who are in the countryside should not enter the city.

²⁴ And people will die by the sword and be led captive into all nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled on by the [unconverted] Gentiles [i.e., by the Romans and later by others] until the times of [domination by] the Gentiles are fulfilled.

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

² They began bringing accusations against Him, saying, “We discovered this man misleading the people of our nation and telling them not to pay taxes to Caesar, and claiming that he himself was the Messiah, a king!”

⁴⁴ Then Jesus said to the apostles, “These are the words that I told you while I was still with you, [when I said] that everything written in the law of Moses, and the prophets, and the psalms about me needed to be fulfilled.” ⁴⁵ Then He opened their minds [miraculously ?] so they would understand the Scriptures. ⁴⁶ And He said to them, “This is what was written: The Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] will suffer, and [then] rise again from the dead on the third day. ⁴⁷ And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

⁴⁷ And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; [but] God’s favor and truth came through Jesus Christ.

⁴⁹ Nathaniel replied to Him, “Rabbi [i.e., Teacher], you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

²⁵ and He did not need anyone to tell Him about mankind, for He Himself knew what was in the hearts of mankind.

²⁹ The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry]. ³⁰ He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease.”

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

⁴⁰ But you do not want to come to me [i.e., to believe in me. See verse 38] so that you will have [never ending] life.

⁵⁰ [But] this is the bread that has come down from heaven [i.e., Jesus is referring to Himself], so that a person who eats of it [i.e., believes in Jesus] will not die [spiritually]. ⁵¹ I am the living bread who came down from heaven; if anyone eats this bread, he will live forever. Yes, and the bread that I will give [him] is my physical body, [so] that the world can have [never ending] life.” ⁵² Then the Jews [who were assembled in the synagogue. See verse 59] began arguing bitterly with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his physical body to eat?” ⁵³ So, Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, unless you eat the physical body of the Son of man and drink His blood, you do not have [spiritual] life in yourselves [Note: The references to “body” and “blood” throughout this section allude to taking Jesus’ life and teaching into one’s heart. See verse 56]. ⁵⁴ The person who eats my physical body and drinks my blood has never ending life [See note on 5:24], and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day [i.e., the judgment day]. ⁵⁵ For my physical body is real food and my blood is [the] real drink. ⁵⁶ The person who eats my physical body and drinks my blood lives in me and I [live] in him. ⁵⁷ Just as the living Father has sent me, and I have [physical and spiritual] life because of the Father, so the person who eats me will also have [physical ? and spiritual] life because of me.

⁶⁸ Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, who [else] could we go to? You have the message about never ending life. ⁶⁹ And we apostles have believed [in you] and know that you are God’s Holy One.”

¹⁸ The person who speaks on his own authority is [just] trying to gain honor for himself. But the One who tries to gain honor from God, who sent Him, is [committed to] truth, and there is nothing false in His heart.

⁴¹ Others said, “He is the Christ.” But [still] others said, “What [do you mean]? The Christ will not come from Galilee, [will he]? ⁴² Does not Scripture say [Micah 5:2] that the Christ will come as the descendant of King David, and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

⁴⁶ The guards answered, “No one has ever spoken like this man.”

⁶ They said this to test Him, in order to have a charge to bring against Him. But Jesus stooped down and wrote [something] on the ground [i.e., in the dirt] with His finger. ⁷ But when they continued asking Him [about the woman], He stood up and said to them, “That person among you who has never sinned should be the first one to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Then He stooped down again and wrote [something else] on the ground. ⁹ And when they heard [what He had said], they [all] left, one at a time, beginning with the oldest men. So, Jesus was left alone with the woman [still standing] there where she was.

⁵⁸ Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am.” [Note: The words “I am” were probably construed as a reference to being Deity. See Ex. 3:14].

⁴⁷ So, the leading priests and the Pharisees assembled the Council [Note: This was the Jewish governing body called “the Sanhedrin”] and said, “What should we do, for this man is performing many [miraculous] signs? ⁴⁸ If we allow him to go on [doing this], everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy our Temple and our nation [i.e., its people].” ⁴⁹ But a certain member of the Sanhedrin, [named] Caiaphas, who was head priest that year, said to [the rest of] them, “You do not know what you are talking about. ⁵⁰ And you are not taking into consideration that it would be profitable to you for one man to die for the people, so that the entire nation would not be destroyed.”

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

¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, the world would love [you as] its own people. But since you do not belong to the world, for I chose you out of it, that is why the world hates you. 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.

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. ³ And they will do these things because they have not known [either] the Father or me.

³⁷ So, Pilate said to Him, “Are you a king, then?” Jesus answered, “You are [correct in] calling me a ‘king.’ This was the [very] purpose for which I was born and came into the world, that I should testify about the truth. Every person who wants [to know and obey] the truth listens to me.”

¹² After [hearing] this, Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jews shouted out, “If you release this man, you are no friend of Caesar’s. Everyone who claims to be a king [i.e., as they had accused Jesus of doing. See 18:37] is in opposition to Caesar.” ¹³ Then when Pilate heard [them say] this, he brought Jesus outside [again] and sat down on the judge’s bench at a place called ‘The Stone Pavement,’ but in the Hebrew language is called ‘Gabbatha.’ ¹⁴ Now it was about six o’clock in the morning [Note: This was according to Roman time, but if Jewish time were meant, it would have been 12 noon] on the Day of Preparation for the Passover Festival. [Note: This would be the day before the Passover Festival]. And Pilate said to the Jews, “Look, [here is] your king!” ¹⁵ Then they shouted out, “Take him away; take him away and crucify him!” Pilate replied to them, “Do you want me to crucify your king?” The leading priests answered, “We do not have any [other] king, except Caesar.”

⁹ But these disciples still did not understand the Scripture that [predicted] Jesus must rise again from the dead.

²⁸ Thomas replied to Him, “My Lord and my God.”

¹⁸ Truly, truly, I tell you [Peter], when you were young you used to fasten your belt around you [i.e., to get ready] and travel wherever you wanted to go. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands and someone else will tie you up and take you [away] to where you do not want to go.”

⁸ But, you apostles will receive power when the Holy Spirit descends on you and [then] you will become My witnesses [i.e., to tell what you know] in Jerusalem, in [the countries of] Judea and Samaria, and [even] to the distant regions of the earth."

¹⁶ [He said], "Brothers, it was necessary that the Scriptures be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke through King David about Judas, who guided the soldiers who came to arrest Jesus.

¹³ But others made fun of them, saying, "Oh, they are just drunk [i.e., full of new wine]."

³⁰ Since he was a prophet and knew that God had pledged His word that one of his [i.e., David's] descendants would sit on his throne [as king]; ³¹ David, foreseeing this, spoke of Christ being raised from the dead. [He said Jesus' spirit] would not be left in the unseen place of departed spirits, nor would His body decay.

³⁴ Now David is not the one who ascended into heaven for he [spoke of Jesus when he] said [Psa. 110:1], 'The Lord [i.e., God] said to my [i.e., David's] Lord [i.e., Jesus], sit at my right side ³⁵ until I put your enemies [in subjection] beneath your feet.'

¹ As they were speaking to the [crowd of] people, the [Jewish] priests, the captain of the Temple [guard] and the Sadducees [i.e., a sect of the Jewish religion] approached them

¹ As they were speaking to the [crowd of] people, the [Jewish] priests, the captain of the Temple [guard] and the Sadducees [i.e., a sect of the Jewish religion] approached them ² and were greatly disturbed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that Jesus had been raised from the dead. ³ So, these [Jewish] leaders arrested Peter and John and put them in jail until the next day because it was [already] evening.

¹⁴ And when they saw the healed man standing there with Peter and John, there was nothing they could say [to refute the obvious miracle].

¹⁹ But Peter and John replied, "You decide whether it is right before God to listen to you men or to Him;

² and brought [only] a part of the selling price and gave it to the apostles; but the man and his wife had kept this a secret. ³ But Peter said to Ananias, "Why has Satan filled your heart [causing you] to deceive the Holy Spirit by keeping back part of the selling price of the land [while representing it as the full price]? 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]." ⁵ When Ananias heard these words he fell dead [instantly] and his spirit left his body, [causing] everyone who heard [about it] to be gripped with fear. ⁶ Then young men wrapped up his body and took him out and buried him. ⁷ About three hours later Sapphira came in, not knowing what had happened [to her husband]. ⁸ And Peter said to her, "Tell me, did you sell the land for such and such a price?" She answered, "Yes, we did." ⁹ Then Peter said to her, "Why did you agree together [with your husband] to put the Holy Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the ones who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [to bury you, too]."

⁹ Then Peter said to her, "Why did you agree together [with your husband] to put the Holy Spirit of the Lord to the test? Look, the ones who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out [to bury you, too]." ¹⁰ And instantly she fell dead right in front of him, and her spirit left her body. [Just then the] young men came in and found her dead. They carried her out and buried her with her husband. ¹¹ So, the whole church and everyone else who heard about these things were filled with great fear.

¹⁷ But the head priest and the Jewish sect of the Sadducees became very jealous,

²⁴ Now when the captain of the Temple [guard] and the leading priests heard about this, they became frustrated over how far this [teaching] would [eventually] spread. ²⁵ [Just then] someone came in and said, "Look, the men you put in jail are [now] standing in the Temple teaching people." ²⁶ [Immediately] the captain, with his officers, went [to the Temple] and brought the apostles back again, but did not use any violence because they feared that the people might stone them. ²⁷ And so they brought them in [to their headquarters] to appear before the Council [for questioning]. The head priest spoke to them, [saying], ²⁸ "We strictly commanded you not to teach in this name [i.e., the name of Jesus] and look [what you have done]; you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and you intend to hold us responsible for this man's [i.e., Jesus'] death." ²⁹ But Peter and the apostles answered them, "We must obey God instead of [you] men [in this situation].

³⁷ Later on another man, named Judas of Galilee, appeared during the census [Note: The time and circumstances of this census were probably known to the original readers], and led [a group of] people away after him, but he also was killed and all of his followers were scattered.

⁴⁰ And so the Council agreed [with Gamaliel's advice] and when they called the apostles back in, they had them beaten and ordered them never to speak in the name of Jesus [again]; then they released them. ⁴¹ When the apostles left the Council meeting, they were rejoicing over being considered worthy to suffer [such] shame for the name [of Jesus].

¹⁰ But they could not stand up to the wisdom and [power of] the Holy Spirit by which Stephen spoke.

³² 'I am the God of your forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses shook with fear, not [even] wanting to look [at the bush].

⁵¹ You people are unbending and unrepentant in your hearts and [unwilling to listen with] your ears. You are always resisting [the desires of] the Holy Spirit just like your forefathers did. ⁵² Which one of the prophets did your forefathers not persecute? They [even] killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One [i.e., Jesus], whom you people betrayed and murdered. ⁵³ You received the law that was ordained through [the medium of] angels [See Gal. 3:19] and yet have not obeyed its requirements." ⁵⁴ Now when the Council members heard these things they were enraged and ground their teeth at him.

⁵⁴ Now when the Council members heard these things they were enraged and ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw God's splendor and Jesus standing at His right side. ⁵⁶ He said, "Look, I see heaven opened up and the Son of man standing at the right side of God." ⁵⁷ But they shouted loudly and refused to listen, and then all of them rushed at him.

¹ And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria.

²⁰ But Peter said to him, "You and your money will both be destroyed for thinking you could buy the gift from God with money. ²¹ You do not have any share or involvement in this matter because your heart is not right before God. ²² So, repent [i.e., change your heart and life] of such a terrible thing and pray for the Lord to forgive you for even thinking of such a thing. Perhaps He will [if you are really sincere]. ²³ For I can see that your life is as bitter gall [i.e., very evil] and you are enslaved by [your] sins."

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. ²⁰ But when some men from Cyprus and Cyrene came to Antioch, they preached [about] the Lord Jesus to the Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] also.

²² And when God removed him [from the throne of Israel] He raised up David to be their king. God said about him, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, to be a man close to my heart [i.e., whom I loved very much] and he will do all that I want him to.' ²³ [Now] it was this David's descendant Jesus who was sent to Israel as their Savior, just as God had promised.

⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the large crowds [gathered to hear the Gospel] they became very jealous and took sharp issue with the things Paul said, and [even] spoke against them. 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. ⁴⁷ For the Lord commanded us to do this by saying, 'I have appointed you to be a light to the [unconverted] Gentiles, so that you should be [the occasion] for [bringing] salvation to the farthest corner of the earth.' "

⁷ Jason has welcomed them and [now] all of them [i.e., Paul, Silas, Jason and the others] are going against the [Roman] laws of Caesar by saying that someone else is [our] king; that Jesus is [king]!"

²³ About that time a large disturbance arose [in Ephesus] concerning "the Way." ²⁴ [Here is what happened]: A certain manufacturer of silver objects named Demetrius, who made silver replicas of the temple of Artemis [i.e., a Greek goddess], brought much business to his workmen. ²⁵ He called a meeting of his men and others involved in the same work and said to them, "Fellows, you know that we have made a good living from this work [of making temple replicas]. ²⁶ And now you have seen and heard, not only here in Ephesus, but throughout almost all of [the province of] Asia, that this Paul has been convincing people, [even] to the point of turning many away [from idol worship]. [He is] saying that hand-made gods [like we make] are not real [gods at all]. ²⁷ And not only is there a [real] danger that our trade will be discredited but also that the temple of our great goddess Artemis will be considered worthless and that even she [herself] will be dethroned from her magnificent place of being adored by all [in the province of] Asia and the world." ²⁸ When they heard this they became extremely angry and shouted out, "Great is [the goddess] Artemis, of the Ephesians."

¹¹ When he met with us, he took Paul's belt, tied his own hands and feet [with it], and said, "The Holy Spirit has revealed [to me] that the man who owns this belt will be tied up like this by the Jews in Jerusalem and will be turned over to the Gentiles."

²⁸ shouting, "[You] Israelites, help [us]! This man is teaching people everywhere [to be] against our people [i.e., the Jews], the law of Moses and this place [i.e., the Temple]; and in addition to that he has also brought Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] into the Temple and has [thereby] contaminated this holy place." ²⁹ (For the Jews had previously seen him on a city street with Trophimus, the Ephesian, whom they assumed Paul had taken into the Temple [with him]). ³⁰ [So], the entire city was stirred up, and the mob rushed together and attacked Paul, dragging him out of the Temple. Immediately the [Temple] doors were closed [i.e., to secure it from further intrusion].

⁶ When Paul realized that part [of the Sanhedrin] were Sadducees and the other part were Pharisees, he lifted up his voice before the Council and said, "Brothers, I am a Pharisee and the son of a Pharisee. And it is concerning our hope that the dead will be raised that I have been brought to trial." ⁷ When he said this it stirred up a dispute between the Pharisees and Sadducees and the assembly became divided. ⁸ For the Sadducees believe there is no resurrection, angels or spirits, but the Pharisees accept all of them [to be true].

²⁵ And as he discussed the matters of doing right, and [maintaining] self control and the coming judgment, Felix became terrified and answered, "Go on away for now; I will call you back when it is convenient for me."

⁸ Paul replied in his defense, "I have not committed any sin against the law of the Jews, nor against the Temple, nor against Caesar."

⁸ So, why should you [Jews] consider it incredible for God to raise the dead?

¹⁷ And it happened after three days that Paul called together those who were the leading Jews, and when they assembled he said to them, "Brothers, although I had done nothing against the [Jewish] people or the customs of our forefathers, yet I was made a prisoner at Jerusalem, being placed in the custody of the Romans [while there]. ¹⁸ After questioning me, they wanted to release me because they could not find any grounds for sentencing me to death. ¹⁹ But when the Jews objected to this, I was compelled to appeal [my case] to Caesar, even though I had done nothing against my country. ²⁰ It was for this reason that I requested to see you and talk with you, for I am wearing this chain because of the hope held by the Israelites." ²¹ Then they said to him, "We did not receive any letters from Judea about you, nor did any of the brothers come here to report anything bad about you. ²² But we would like to hear what you think, for according to our knowledge, this sect [you belong to] is being spoken against everywhere."

²² But we would like to hear what you think, for according to our knowledge, this sect [you belong to] is being spoken against everywhere." ²³ And when they had arranged a day, large numbers of people came to Paul's house. He explained [everything to them], testifying from morning until evening concerning the kingdom of God and concerning [the Messiahship of] Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from [the writings of] the prophets. ²⁴ And some people believed what Paul said and some refused to believe. 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 ²⁹ And when he had said these words, the Jews left, disputing about the matter among themselves.}} ³⁰ Then Paul lived for two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed everyone who visited him. ³¹ He preached to them about the kingdom of God and taught things about the Lord Jesus Christ, with no one preventing him.

³ It was about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born as a physical descendant of King David. ⁴ He was appointed to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of holiness [Note: This could refer to the Holy Spirit] when He was raised from the dead.

⁴ Or, do you despise the abundance of God’s kindness and tolerance and patience [toward you], not realizing that His kindness is intended to cause you to repent? [i.e., to change your hearts and lives].

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].

¹⁹ Now we [all] know that everything the law says applies to those who are under [obligation to obey] that law, [Note: Here “the law” appears to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures generally, since Psalms and Isaiah are quoted. See verses 10-18]. This is so that the mouth of every objector may be stopped [i.e., from making excuses for his sin], and thereby bring the entire world under God’s judgment [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles]. ²⁰ This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the law of Moses. ²¹ But now [i.e., under the Gospel age], a way of being considered right with God apart from [any] law has been made known. [The writings of] the law [i.e., the Pentateuch] and the prophets bear witness to this. ²² Being considered right with God is [obtained] through faith in Jesus Christ by every person who believes [in Him], for there is no favoritism [with God],

⁶ For the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh will suffer [spiritual] death; but the one whose mind is [controlled] by the Holy Spirit will enjoy [never ending] life and peace. ⁷ This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God’s law, and in fact, cannot obey it.

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?

⁵ They are descended from our forefathers; they are the ones from whom Christ was born physically. He is God over everything [Note: Or this may be “God is over everything”] and should be praised forever! May it be so.

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].”

⁶ This is the reason why you should pay taxes also. For the authorities are God’s servants who continually tend to this matter [i.e., of collecting taxes]. ⁷ [So], pay everyone what you owe them; pay taxes to the tax collector; pay revenue to the revenue collector; show respect to the one deserving it; give honor to the one deserving it.

⁷ [So], pay everyone what you owe them; pay taxes to the tax collector; pay revenue to the revenue collector; show respect to the one deserving it; give honor to the one deserving it.

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.”

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.” ¹⁰ If you love your neighbor, you will not do anything wrong to him. So, to love people is the way to fulfill [the requirements of] the law [See Matt. 22:39].

¹⁴ But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].

² [Instead], each of us should do what pleases his neighbor in order to accomplish something good and uplifting [in his life].

⁴ For whatever things were written previously [i.e., in the Old Testament], were intended for us to learn from, so that we could have hope [i.e., in the face of difficult times] through remaining steadfast, and through the encouragement [received] from reading the Scriptures.

² [it is being sent] to the church of God at Corinth. [You people are] set apart in [the fellowship of] Christ Jesus and called [by God] to be saints [i.e., His holy people], along with all [others] everywhere who call on our Lord Jesus Christ [i.e., in prayer]. He is their Lord and ours [as well].

⁵ So, do not judge anything until the appointed time, when the Lord returns [i.e., to do the judging]. He will both shed light on the hidden things done in the dark and make known the motives of people’s hearts. Then each person [i.e., who deserves it] will receive praise from God.

⁷ Get rid of the old yeast [i.e., of sin, and especially the unrepentant sinner], so that you can be a new batch of dough, without yeast in it [i.e., a godly church without unrepentant sinners in it] as [I know] you really are. For our Passover [Lamb], Christ, has already been sacrificed. ⁸ So, we should observe the Festival [i.e., live the Christian life], but not with the old yeast [i.e., old sinful ways], such as the leavening [effect] of evil and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

⁹ Or, do you not know that evil people will not possess God’s kingdom? Do not be misled: neither will sexually immoral people, nor idolaters, nor those who are sexually unfaithful to their mates, nor homosexual perverts. [Note: The Greek uses two words here, denoting both the passive and active partners in male homosexual acts]. ¹⁰ And neither will thieves, nor greedy people, nor drunkards, nor abusive talkers, nor swindlers possess God’s kingdom. ¹¹ And some of you have practiced such things, but you were washed [i.e., from your sins. See Acts 22:16]; you were dedicated [i.e., set apart for God’s service]; you were made right with God in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Holy Spirit of our God.

²⁹ But I say this, brothers; there is not much time left [i.e., before the crisis arrives in full fury. See verse 26]. From now on those men who are married should live as though they were single. ³⁰ Those who cry [should live] as though they were not sad. Those who rejoice [should live] as though they were not happy. Those who buy things [should live] as though they did not own them. ³¹ And those who make use of the things of the world [should live] as though they were not [really] involved with them. For the world as we know it is passing away. [Note: The five “as though’s” of verses 29-31 are intended to emphasize that Christians should live with eternity in mind and not to become preoccupied with even legitimate earthly circumstances].

¹² Now if it is preached that Christ was raised from the dead, how can some people among you say that people will not be raised from the dead? ¹³ But if there is no resurrection from the dead, [then] Christ has not been raised up either. ¹⁴ And if Christ has not been raised up, then our preaching is for nothing, and your faith is for nothing too.

²⁵ For Christ must [continue to] rule [over His kingdom, the church] until God has put all of His enemies under Christ’s feet.

¹⁷ For we [apostles] are not like so many people, who “peddle” God’s message merely for profit [or, “who corrupt God’s message”], but in Christ’s [service] we proclaim the message from God with sincerity, [realizing we are] in the presence of God.

² Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God’s message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the presence of God.

³ because when we are covered by it, we will not be found naked [i.e., without a suitable dwelling for our body].

¹⁶ So, from now on we will not regard any person by worldly standards, even though we [once] regarded Christ that way. But we will not regard Him [that way] anymore. [Note: Paul seems to be saying that before his conversion he viewed Christ on the basis of His family, His education, His position, etc., but since his conversion he does not view Him that way anymore].

² For I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one husband, that I might present you to Christ as a pure virgin.

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

¹⁰ For am I seeking [to gain] the favor of men or of God? Or, am I striving to please people [by what I do]? If I were still [trying] to please people, I would not be a [true] servant of Christ.

⁶ These apostles, who were highly regarded (although it really does not matter to me what they are, for God does not show partiality to any particular person); these men, I say, provided me with nothing [concerning the Gospel message].

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

¹⁴ For the whole law of Moses can be fulfilled by [obeying this] one requirement [Lev. 19:18]: “You should love your neighbor the way you love yourself.”

¹⁰ So then, we should do the right thing toward every person whenever we have the opportunity, and especially toward people who are part of God’s family [i.e., those making up “the faith”].

⁸ This favor of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles was given to me [even though] I am the least significant of all saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

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

²⁴ But just as the church submits to Christ, so wives also should submit to their husbands in everything. ²⁵ Husbands, you should love your wives just as Christ also loved the church, and gave up His life for her, ²⁶ so that He could dedicate her [to Himself], after cleansing her by means of the washing of water [i.e., immersion], accompanied by the word. [Note: “The word” here refers either to a person’s profession of faith (See Rom. 10:9) or to the Gospel message (See Rom. 10:17), both of which are associated with immersion]. ²⁷ [This is] so He could present the church to Himself in all her splendor, without any kind of stain or wrinkle, but that she should be holy and without [moral] flaw. ²⁸ In the same way also, husbands should love their own wives as they love their own bodies. The man who loves his own wife [actually] loves himself. ²⁹ For no [normal] person ever hated his own [physical] body, but [instead] he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ also does for the church, ³⁰ because we are parts of His [spiritual] body. ³¹ [Gen. 2:24 says], “For this reason a man will leave [the home of] his father and mother, and will cling to his wife, [so that] the two will become one flesh [i.e., united in such a close relationship, as to practically constitute one body].” ³² The secret [truth] of this is great, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

⁶ He existed in the form of God [i.e., He shared God’s very nature], but did not consider [remaining] equal with God something [to continue] to hold onto. ⁷ Instead, He gave up what He had and took on the form [i.e., the nature] of a slave, becoming like a man, [and even] His appearance was found to be like a man’s. ⁸ He humbled Himself [by] becoming obedient [to God] to the point of death, even death on a cross. 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.

⁷ However, those things which were [once regarded as] gain to me, I have [now] considered to be loss for [the sake of] Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [as] my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things. [I now] consider [all of] them to be trash, in order to gain Christ

⁸ What is more, I consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [as] my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things. [I now] consider [all of] them to be trash, in order to gain Christ ⁹ and to be found in [fellowship with] Him, not having a righteousness of my own, acquired by observing the law of Moses, but one acquired through believing in Christ. This righteousness, which comes from God, is based on faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ [as Savior] and to experience the power [produced] by His resurrection, and to share in His sufferings and become like Him in His death,

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

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

¹¹ [In this state] there cannot be [such distinctions as] Greek [i.e., Gentile] and Jew; circumcised people and non-circumcised people; barbarian and Scythian [Note: These last two words refer to foreigners whose language was unintelligible and who were uncivilized heathens], or slave and free person; but Christ is all [that is important] and [He is] in all [of His people].

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

⁴ Instead, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel. So, we speak, not trying to please people but God, who examines [the motives of] our hearts.

¹⁴ For you brothers became imitators of the churches of God in Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ, for you people also suffered the same things from your own countrymen that they did from the Jews, ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus and the [Old Testament] prophets and also drove us [apostles] out [of Thessalonica and Berea. See Acts 17]. They are not pleasing to God and are hostile to all people, ¹⁶ for they [even] try to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles, so that they can be saved. [In doing this] they are always piling up one sin on another. But the wrath [of God] has come upon them at last [or, “completely”].

⁵ The way you are faithfully enduring [such] suffering for the kingdom of God is clear evidence that God’s judgment is right in [eventually] counting you worthy of it [i.e., of entering the eternal phase of the kingdom].

⁹ They will pay the penalty of never ending destruction, being banished from the presence of the Lord and from His mighty splendor.

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

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

⁹ But those people who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires, which plunge people into ruin and [spiritual] destruction. ¹⁰ For, loving money is a source of all kinds of evil, [and] some people who crave it have been led astray from the faith, and have stabbed themselves [in the heart] with many sorrows.

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

⁴ treacherous [i.e., betrayers], reckless, conceited, [and] lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.

¹¹ You can be sure that such a person is [spiritually] corrupt and sinful, and that he is condemned by his own actions.

¹³ Do all you can [materially] to send Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey, so that they do not [have to] lack anything [they need].

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].

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

³ how will we escape [punishment] if we neglect such a great salvation? [For it was] first announced [to people] by the Lord and then confirmed to us [i.e., the writer and other Christians] by those who heard Him [i.e., the original apostles].

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.

⁷ So, even as the Holy Spirit said [Psa. 95:7-11], “Today, if you hear His [i.e., God’s] voice,

¹² For God’s word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates [deep enough] even to divide [a person’s] soul [from his] spirit, and his joints [from his] bone marrow [Note: This is figurative language describing the penetrating effect of God’s word into a person’s spiritual, inner being] and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of a person’s heart. ¹³ And no created being is hidden from God’s sight, but everything is laid bare and is openly visible to the eyes of God, to whom we must give account.

²⁷ And just as it is destined for people to die one time, and [then] after that to be judged,

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

¹⁶ [Jer. 31:33f], “The Lord says, this is the Agreement I will make with them [i.e., with my people] after those days. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds.” Then He said, ¹⁷ “And I will not remember their sins or their wickedness anymore.”

¹⁶ But instead, they longed for a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore, God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.

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

²⁵ Pay careful attention so that you do not refuse [to hear] God when He speaks to you. [See verse 9]. For if those people [i.e., the Israelites] did not escape [judgment] when they refused [to hear] Him who warned them on earth [i.e., God speaking through Moses at Mount Sinai], how much less [likely] will we escape [judgment] if we reject Him who warns from heaven [i.e., Christ]?

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.”

¹⁷ But the [true] wisdom, which is from [God] above, is first of all pure, then peace-loving, patient and easily persuaded. [It is] full of mercy and produces a crop of good deeds; [it is] impartial [or, unwavering] and sincere.

⁴ You should come to Him, who is a living stone, rejected by people, but chosen as precious in God’s sight. ⁵ And you yourselves are also like living stones, being constructed into a spiritual house. For you are like holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices that are acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. ⁶ For it says in the Scripture [Isa. 28:16], “Look, I am placing a stone in [the city of] Zion [i.e., Jerusalem]. It is a specially selected, very valuable cornerstone. And the person who trusts in the Him [i.e., the One represented by this stone] will never have to suffer shame [i.e., because of unforgiven sin being brought up against him].” ⁷ To those of you who believe in Him then, this “Stone” is [very] precious. But to those who do not believe [Psa. 118:22 says], “The stone which those in charge of the building project have rejected has been made the principal stone for aligning the whole structure.”

¹³ Submit yourselves to every authority set up by people for the Lord’s sake. [Submit to] a king as the [highest] authority, ¹⁴ or to governors who are appointed by him to punish wrongdoers, and to commend those who do right. ¹⁵ For it is God’s will that, by doing good, you should put to silence the ignorant [talk and actions] of foolish people. ¹⁶ As servants of God, you should live as free people, but do not use this freedom to cover up your wrongdoing. ¹⁷ Show [proper] respect for everyone. Love your [Christian] brothers [and sisters]. Have an awe-inspiring respect for God. Show honor to the king.

¹⁷ For the time has [now] come for the house of God [the church, See I Tim. 3:15] to begin receiving judgment [i.e., by undergoing persecution], and if it starts with us [Christians], what will be the [ultimate] end of people who do not obey the Gospel of God? ¹⁸ And if people who are trying to do right [i.e., Christians] are saved through [suffering] such difficulties, where will the ungodly and sinful person end up, [if not in hell]?

¹⁰ So, brothers, be diligent to make sure of your calling and election [i.e., of your status as being selected by God], for when you do, you will never stumble [and fall away from God].

²¹ For prophecy was never produced by the will of man, but people spoke from God, as they were carried along [i.e., inspired] by the Holy Spirit.

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

¹⁷ Such people are like springs that give no water and clouds driven by the winds. [Only] the blackest darkness awaits them.

¹⁵ You should not love the [godless] world, nor the things [i.e., the materialistic values] that are part of this [present] age. If any person loves the world, a [genuine] love for the Father is not in his heart. ¹⁶ For all that makes up the world, namely, the improper desires of the physical body, the improper desires for what is seen, and the [boastful] pride over life’s possessions; these are not from the Father, but from the [godless] world.

¹⁹ These antichrists left our group [i.e., withdrew their fellowship from us], but they were not [really a part] of us, for if they had been, they would have continued [to participate] with us. But, by their leaving us, it proved that none of them were [really] a part of our group [after all].

¹ Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is. ² Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!

⁷ Loved ones, we should have love for one another, because love comes from [the very nature of] God, and every person who [continually] loves [others] has been [spiritually] conceived by God [See 2:29; 3:9], and knows [he is in fellowship with] God. ⁸ The person who does not love [others] does not know God [as Savior], for [the very nature of] God is love. ⁹ Here is the way God’s love for us was demonstrated; He sent His one and only Son into the world so that we could have [spiritual] life through Him. 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.

¹⁹ We love [God and others] because God has first loved us. ²⁰ If a person says, “I love God,” yet [in reality] hates his brother, he is a liar. For the person who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot [possibly] love God, whom he has never seen. ²¹ And this is the [greatest] commandment [See Matt. 2:37-38] we have received from Him: [It requires] that the person who [claims to] love God should also love his brother.

² This is [one] way we know that we love God’s [spiritually reborn] children: [It is] when we love God and obey what He commands us to do. ³ For this is [real evidence of] our love for God: [It is] obeying what He commands us to do. And obeying His commands does not cause us any grief [or, unpleasantness]. ⁴ For whoever [Note: The Greek says “whatever”] is [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God will overcome [the evil influence of] the world. And this is [how] that victory can be gained over the world: [It is through] our faith [in God]. ⁵ And who is the person who can overcome [the evil influence of] the world? [It is] the one who [truly] believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

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.

⁶ And angels, who did not remain within [the bounds of] their proper authority, but left their own realm, God has kept in perpetual bondage, under [thick] darkness, awaiting judgment on the Great Day [when they will be punished].

¹³ [They are like] raging ocean waves, whose shameful actions bubble up like foam. [They are like] shooting stars [whose light quickly goes out], for whom total darkness has been reserved forever.

¹⁰ I was in [i.e., under the influence of] the Holy Spirit on the Lord’s day [i.e., Sunday], when I heard behind me a loud voice, like a trumpet,

¹⁴ “But I have a few things against you because you have people there [in the church] who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumblingblock in front of the Israelites, [causing them] to eat food sacrificed to idols and to be sexually immoral [See Num. 23-24]. ¹⁵ And in the same way, you also have some people [there] who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans [See verse 6].

²⁰ But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman [named] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and deceives my servants into [practicing] sexual immorality and into eating things sacrificed to idols. ²¹ And I gave her time to repent, but she refused to repent of her sexual immorality. ²² Listen, I will throw her, and those who commit sexual unfaithfulness with her, into a bed where they will experience terrible suffering unless they repent of her [or, their] practices. ²³ And I will strike her children dead [or, “kill her children by some terrible calamity” See Ex. 5:3 LXX]. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches the inmost being of people [Note: The Greek says, “searches the kidneys and hearts.” In that day these internal organs stood for the inner thoughts, emotions, etc.]. And I will repay each one of you people according to what you have done.

²³ And I will strike her children dead [or, “kill her children by some terrible calamity” See Ex. 5:3 LXX]. Then all the churches will know that I am the One who searches the inmost being of people [Note: The Greek says, “searches the kidneys and hearts.” In that day these internal organs stood for the inner thoughts, emotions, etc.]. And I will repay each one of you people according to what you have done.

⁴ “But you have a few people [there] in Sardis who have not [spiritually] polluted their clothing, and they will walk with me in [robes of] white [i.e., probably now on earth as well as in heaven], for they are worthy.

⁴ “But you have a few people [there] in Sardis who have not [spiritually] polluted their clothing, and they will walk with me in [robes of] white [i.e., probably now on earth as well as in heaven], for they are worthy. 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.

¹⁸ [Because of that], I advise you to buy from me gold, refined by fire, so that you will become rich; and white clothing to wear, so that you can cover yourself and not be seen as shamefully naked; and eye drops for your eyes, so that you can see. [Note: The foregoing all refer to taking measures for becoming more spiritual].

² Immediately, I was in [i.e., under the influence of] the Holy Spirit [See 1:10], and there before me was situated a throne in heaven, with Someone sitting on it [Note: From the following description, this appears to have been God].

⁹ And they sang a new song [which went like this]: “You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation,

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

⁶ And I heard what sounded like a voice coming from among the four living beings, saying, “A quart [measure] of wheat sells for a day’s pay [Note: This amount would be $60-$84 in 1994, based on one day of a farm laborer’s wages. See Matt. 20:2]; three quart measures of barley sell for a day’s pay; but do not damage the [olive] oil and wine [i.e., the orchards and vineyards].

⁹ After seeing [all] these things, I looked and there [I saw] a huge crowd, which no one could count, from every nation, and tribe, and race, and language group standing in front of the throne [of God] and in front of the Lamb. They were dressed in white robes and had palm tree branches in their hands.

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

¹⁴ These kings and the beast will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings. And those who are called and chosen [by God], and who are faithful [to Him will share the victory] with the Lamb.”

⁶ Then I heard what sounded like the voices of a huge crowd, and the sound of much rushing water, and great rolling thunder. They shouted, “Hallelujah! For the Lord, our God Almighty rules. ⁷ We should rejoice and be extremely glad, and we should give honor to Him. For the time has come for the Lamb’s marriage, and His bride has prepared herself [for the wedding]. ⁸ She was given expensive, bright, clean linen [clothing] to wear.” (Now the expensive linen [clothing] represents the righteous deeds of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people]).

⁸ She was given expensive, bright, clean linen [clothing] to wear.” (Now the expensive linen [clothing] represents the righteous deeds of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people]). ⁹ Then the angel said to me [See 17:1; 18:1-2], “Write [this]: Those who are invited to the wedding reception of the Lamb are blessed.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” ¹⁰ Then I fell down in front of him to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do that; I am [only] a fellow-servant with you and with your brothers who hold onto the testimony about Jesus. You should worship God. For the testimony about Jesus is the spirit [i.e., the purpose, or source] of prophecy.”

¹⁹ Then I saw the beast [See 13:1ff], and the kings of the earth and their armies assembled together to wage war against the One who was riding on the horse [i.e., Christ. See verse 11] and His army.

¹¹ Then I saw a great, white throne and Him who was seated on it [i.e., probably Christ]. Earth and heaven fled from His presence and they were not found anywhere [again]. ¹² And I saw dead people, the most important and the least significant ones, standing in front of the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life [Note: This refers to a record of those to whom God has granted never ending life]. And these dead people [i.e., who have now been resurrected] were judged according to their deeds, based on what was recorded in the books. ¹³ The ocean gave up the dead [bodies] that were in it; and death and the unseen place of departed spirits [also] gave up the dead [bodies and spirits] that were in them. And every person was judged according to his deeds. ¹⁴ Then death and the unseen place of departed spirits were thrown into the lake of fire [i.e., after their spirits were reunited with some kind of a body]. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And if any person’s [name] was not found recorded in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

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.

¹⁴ Those who wash their robes are blessed because [then] they will have the right to [eat from] the tree of life, and will [be able to] enter the city through the gates.

¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you people about these things for [the benefit of] the churches [See 1:4]. I am the Root and the descendant of King David, the bright Morning Star.” ¹⁷ And the Holy Spirit and the bride [i.e., the church. See 21:9] say, “Come!” And the person who hears [this] should say “Come.” And the person who is [spiritually] thirsty should come; [and] whoever wants to should come and drink the water of life without having to pay for it.