Matthew 25 Cross References - AUV

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. 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. 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. 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]. ¹⁵ He gave one servant five talents [Note: This ‘talent’ was a large sum of money in the form of a certain weight of silver. It was the equivalent of sixty years of a farm laborer’s wages, or about $750,000 in 1994 income]. He gave two talents to another servant and one talent to another. He gave to each one an amount in keeping with his ability [to invest it wisely], and then left on his trip. ¹⁶ The one with the five talents soon invested the money in business transactions which netted him five more. ¹⁷ In the same way the one who was given two talents made two more. ¹⁸ But the one who was given one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. ¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of these servants returned [from his trip] and proceeded to go over his accounts with each of them. ²⁰ The one who had been given five talents came bringing another five and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have earned five more with them.’ ²¹ His master replied, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, so I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’ ²² And the one who was given two talents came and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. Look, I have earned two more with them.’ ²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, [so] I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’ ²⁴ Then the one who was given [only] one talent came and reported, ‘Master, I knew you were a difficult man who reaped where you had not sown, and gathered a harvest where you had not scattered seed, ²⁵ and I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you [can] have your own talent [back].’ ²⁶ But his master said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant. [Since] you knew that I reaped where I had not sown and gathered where I had not scattered seed, ²⁷ you should have therefore deposited my money in the bank [so] when I returned, [at least] I would have received my own money back, with interest. ²⁸ Take the one talent away from him, therefore, and give it to the servant who had the ten talents. ²⁹ For to every person who has [something], more will be given, so he will have plenty. But from the person who has [virtually] nothing, even that [little bit] he has will be taken away [from 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. ³³ He will place the sheep at His right side, but the goats at His left. ³⁴ Then the King will say to those at His right side, ‘You who are blessed by my Father, come and receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world, ³⁵ for [when] I was hungry, you fed me; [when] I was thirsty, you gave me [something] to drink; [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you gave me a place to stay; ³⁶ when I was without adequate clothing, you gave me something to wear; [when] I was sick, you came to visit me; [when] I was in prison, you came to see me.’ ³⁷ Then those who had done what was right [i.e., the ones at His right side] replied, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? Or thirsty, and give you [something] to drink? ³⁸ And when [did you come as] a stranger, and we gave you a place to stay? Or [when were you] without adequate clothing, and we gave you something to wear? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’ ⁴¹ Then He [i.e., the King] will say to those at His left side, ‘Go away from me, you who are cursed [by God], into the never ending fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For [when] I was hungry, you did not feed me; [when] I was thirsty, you did not give me anything to drink; ⁴³ [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you did not give me a place to stay; [when I] did not have adequate clothing, you did not give me anything to wear; when I was sick, or in prison, you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ They will reply, ‘Lord, when did we [ever] see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or inadequately dressed, or sick, or in prison, and not provide for your needs?’ ⁴⁵ Then the Lord will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did not do it for one of these least [significant brothers of mine], you did not do it for me.’ ⁴⁶ And these [i.e., the ones at His left side] will go away to never ending punishment, but those who did what was right will go to never ending life.”

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

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

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.”

³ “Those persons who feel a deep sense of their personal need are blessed because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. ⁴ “Those persons who feel grief [over their sins] are blessed because they will receive comfort [from God when they repent]. ⁵ “Those persons who have a humble attitude [toward themselves] are blessed because they will inherit [the best of] the earth. ⁶ “Those persons who have an appetite for whatever is right will be blessed because they will be satisfied. ⁷ “Those persons who show mercy [toward others] will be blessed because they will be shown mercy [themselves]. ⁸ “Those persons whose hearts are pure [before God] will be blessed because they will see God. ⁹ “Those persons who attempt to make peace [between people] will be blessed because they will be called God’s children. 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. ¹³ “You people are [like] salt on the earth. But if salt loses its flavoring ability, how will it ever get it back again? From then on it would be good for nothing except to be thrown out onto the roadway and walked on by people. [Note: This was mined salt which, when losing its “saltiness” due to exposure to the sun or rain, was simply disposed of by being dumped onto the roadway where people walked].

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

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.

²² But I say to you that every person who is angry toward his brother will be subject to judgment; and whoever calls his brother ‘stupid idiot’ is subject to [being sentenced by] the [Jewish] Council, and whoever says, ‘go to hell’ is subject to going to the fire of hell [himself].

³ But when you give money to help poor people, do not allow your left hand to know what your right hand is doing [i.e., do it inconspicuously]

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.

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. ²² Many persons will say to me on the [judgment] day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy by [the authority of] your name, and drive out evil spirits and perform many powerful [supernatural] deeds by your name?’

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

²³ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never acknowledged you [as my people]; go away from me, you people who have done sinful things.’ ²⁴ “Every person therefore, who hears these words of mine and obeys them will be like the sensible person who built his house on a [foundation of] rock. ²⁵ The [heavy] rains came down and the flood waters rose and the winds blew and beat down on that house, but it did not collapse, for it was [built] on a foundation of rock. ²⁶ And every person who hears these words of mine but does not obey them will be like the foolish person who built his house on [a foundation of] sand. ²⁷ And the [heavy] rains came down and the flood waters rose and the winds blew and struck against that house [until] it collapsed with a terrible crash.”

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.”

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.

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.

⁴⁰ The person who welcomes you [into his home] welcomes me. And the person who welcomes me [into his life] welcomes God, who sent me.

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

⁴² Truly I tell you, whoever gives a mere drink of cold water to one of these least significant [disciples of mine] because he is a disciple, will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward.”

³⁰ The person who is not on my side is [actually] against me. And the person who does not gather [people to me] is [actually] driving them away [from me].

⁴⁹ Then He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers!” ⁵⁰ “For whoever will do what my Father in heaven desires, is my brother and sister and mother.”

¹² For to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, so he will have a larger amount [i.e., of understanding], but from the person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him.

¹⁹ When anyone hears the message of the kingdom but does not understand it, the evil one [i.e., the devil] comes to him and grabs away what had been sown in his heart. This is the person who was scattered to the side of the road. ²⁰ And the person who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the message and immediately welcomes it joyfully,

²⁰ And the person who was sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the message and immediately welcomes it joyfully, ²¹ but since he has such a shallow root, he lasts for [only] a short while. Then when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, immediately he falls away [from God].

²¹ but since he has such a shallow root, he lasts for [only] a short while. Then when trouble or persecution comes because of the message, immediately he falls away [from God]. 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. ²³ But the person who was sown on the fertile soil is the one who hears the message and understands it. Truly, he produces a crop that yields one hundred, sixty or thirty times [as much as was planted].” ²⁴ [Then] Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a person who sowed seed in his field,

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.

³⁵ [This was] so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, when he said [Psa. 78:2], “I will open my mouth [to speak] with parables. I will say things that have been hidden from the beginning of time.”

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].

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]. ³⁹ The enemy who scattered the weed seeds is the devil; the harvest time is the end of the world; and the harvesters are angels. ⁴⁰ Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world.

⁴⁰ Just like the weeds were gathered up and burned with fire, so it will be at the end of the world. ⁴¹ The Son of man will send out His angels and they will gather out of His kingdom all those people who cause others to fall away [from God] and those who [continue to] sin. ⁴² He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain.

⁴² He will throw these people into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain. ⁴³ Then the people who did what was right will shine out like the sun in their Father’s kingdom. The person who has ears [to hear with] ought to listen [to this] carefully.

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

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]. ⁴⁹ At the end of the world it will be that same way. The angels will come and divide the sinful people from the ones who did what was right, ⁵⁰ and throw the sinful ones into the fiery furnace where there will be crying and excruciating pain.”

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

⁵ And the person who welcomes one little child like this, in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. ⁶ But that person who causes one of these little ones [i.e., humble followers of the Lord] who believes in me to be led astray [from God], he would have been better off to have had a huge millstone tied around his neck and dumped into a deep ocean [Note: This “millstone” was a heavy circular stone rolled over grain to crush it and was moved by an animal walking in a circle].

⁸ If your hand or your foot becomes the occasion for you falling away [from God], cut them off and throw them away. It would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled or crippled, rather than keeping both hands and both feet and being thrown into the never ending fire [i.e., because they caused you to fall away from God].

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

²³ “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who decided to settle his account with his servants. ²⁴ When he began figuring, one of his servants, who owed him a huge sum of money [Note: The amount is variously estimated to be as much as $50,000,000 in 1994], was brought to him.

²⁴ When he began figuring, one of his servants, who owed him a huge sum of money [Note: The amount is variously estimated to be as much as $50,000,000 in 1994], was brought to him.

³² Then his master called for him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I canceled all of your debt because you begged me to.

²⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, [since] you have become my followers, in the time of new beginnings [i.e., the church age], when the Son of man sits on His glorious throne, you apostles will also sit on twelve thrones, judging [i.e., through their writings] the twelve tribes of Israel [i.e., God’s people]. ²⁹ And every person who has left his house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children or property, for my name’s sake [i.e., to become a servant of the Lord], will receive [back] a hundred times as much [in this life] and will [also] inherit never ending life.

¹ “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a farmer who went out early one morning to hire laborers for his vineyard.

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].’

²³ He said to them, “Indeed you will drink my cup [of suffering]. But it is not my prerogative to appoint who sits at my right side and at my left, but rather these places are for those to whom it has been assigned by my Father.”

⁵ [Zech. 9:9], ‘You should tell the daughter of Zion [i.e., the people of Jerusalem], look, your King is coming to you. He is gentle and [will be] riding on a donkey, [even] on a colt, the offspring of the donkey.’”

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.

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.”

² “The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son.

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. 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.’

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.’

²⁵ “It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you [carefully] wash the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they [i.e., such evil people] are full of greed and uncontrolled desire. ²⁶ You blind Pharisees! First wash the inside of the cup and dish, so [then] the outside will be clean also.

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

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

⁴² Therefore be alert, for you do not know on what day the Lord will come. ⁴³ But you should know this: if the owner of a house had known when a thief was coming, he would have been watching so as not to allow his house to be broken into.

⁴³ But you should know this: if the owner of a house had known when a thief was coming, he would have been watching so as not to allow his house to be broken into. ⁴⁴ Therefore, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will come at a time when you least expect Him.

⁴⁴ Therefore, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will come at a time when you least expect Him.

⁴⁴ Therefore, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will come at a time when you least expect Him. ⁴⁵ “Who then, is the trustworthy and sensible slave, to whom his master has assigned the management of his household to provide timely meals for its members?

⁴⁵ “Who then, is the trustworthy and sensible slave, to whom his master has assigned the management of his household to provide timely meals for its members? ⁴⁶ That slave will be happy when his master returns to find him doing his job [well]. ⁴⁷ Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate.

⁴⁷ Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate. ⁴⁸ But if that slave, with evil intent, should think to himself, ‘My master will not be back very soon,’

⁴⁸ But if that slave, with evil intent, should think to himself, ‘My master will not be back very soon,’ ⁴⁹ and then becomes physically abusive to his fellow-slaves, and eats and drinks [at parties] with drunkards, ⁵⁰ that slave’s master will return on a day that he least expects, and at an unknown hour.

⁵⁰ that slave’s master will return on a day that he least expects, and at an unknown hour. 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.”

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]

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.’

¹⁴ “For the kingdom of heaven is similar to a man who planned to go on a trip to a distant country, so called his servants and entrusted to each of them a large sum of money [Note: The narrative that follows suggests that the man was turning over some of his assets to financial managers to invest for him]. ¹⁵ He gave one servant five talents [Note: This ‘talent’ was a large sum of money in the form of a certain weight of silver. It was the equivalent of sixty years of a farm laborer’s wages, or about $750,000 in 1994 income]. He gave two talents to another servant and one talent to another. He gave to each one an amount in keeping with his ability [to invest it wisely], and then left on his trip. ¹⁶ The one with the five talents soon invested the money in business transactions which netted him five more. ¹⁷ In the same way the one who was given two talents made two more. ¹⁸ But the one who was given one talent went and dug a hole in the ground and buried his master’s money. ¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of these servants returned [from his trip] and proceeded to go over his accounts with each of them.

¹⁹ Now after a long time the master of these servants returned [from his trip] and proceeded to go over his accounts with each of them. ²⁰ The one who had been given five talents came bringing another five and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have earned five more with them.’

²⁰ The one who had been given five talents came bringing another five and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with five talents. Look, I have earned five more with them.’ ²¹ His master replied, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, so I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’

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

²¹ His master replied, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, so I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’ ²² And the one who was given two talents came and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. Look, I have earned two more with them.’

²² And the one who was given two talents came and reported, ‘Master, you entrusted me with two talents. Look, I have earned two more with them.’ ²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, [so] I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’

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

²³ His master said to him, ‘Well done, you are a good and trustworthy servant. You have been trustworthy over a [relatively] few things, [so] I will place you over many things. Come and share in your master’s joy.’ ²⁴ Then the one who was given [only] one talent came and reported, ‘Master, I knew you were a difficult man who reaped where you had not sown, and gathered a harvest where you had not scattered seed,

²⁴ Then the one who was given [only] one talent came and reported, ‘Master, I knew you were a difficult man who reaped where you had not sown, and gathered a harvest where you had not scattered seed, ²⁵ and I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you [can] have your own talent [back].’

²⁵ and I was afraid, so I went away and hid your talent in the ground. Look, you [can] have your own talent [back].’ ²⁶ But his master said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant. [Since] you knew that I reaped where I had not sown and gathered where I had not scattered seed,

²⁶ But his master said to him, ‘You wicked, lazy servant. [Since] you knew that I reaped where I had not sown and gathered where I had not scattered seed, ²⁷ you should have therefore deposited my money in the bank [so] when I returned, [at least] I would have received my own money back, with interest.

²⁷ you should have therefore deposited my money in the bank [so] when I returned, [at least] I would have received my own money back, with interest. ²⁸ Take the one talent away from him, therefore, and give it to the servant who had the ten talents. ²⁹ For to every person who has [something], more will be given, so he will have plenty. But from the person who has [virtually] nothing, even that [little bit] he has will be taken away [from 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.

³⁴ Then the King will say to those at His right side, ‘You who are blessed by my Father, come and receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world,

³⁴ Then the King will say to those at His right side, ‘You who are blessed by my Father, come and receive the kingdom which has been prepared for you since the creation of the world, ³⁵ for [when] I was hungry, you fed me; [when] I was thirsty, you gave me [something] to drink; [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you gave me a place to stay;

³⁵ for [when] I was hungry, you fed me; [when] I was thirsty, you gave me [something] to drink; [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you gave me a place to stay; ³⁶ when I was without adequate clothing, you gave me something to wear; [when] I was sick, you came to visit me; [when] I was in prison, you came to see me.’ ³⁷ Then those who had done what was right [i.e., the ones at His right side] replied, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you? Or thirsty, and give you [something] to drink? ³⁸ And when [did you come as] a stranger, and we gave you a place to stay? Or [when were you] without adequate clothing, and we gave you something to wear? ³⁹ And when did we see you sick or in prison and come to visit you?’ ⁴⁰ And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’

⁴⁰ And the King will answer them and say, ‘Truly I tell you, since you did all this for one of my least [significant] brothers, you did it for me.’ ⁴¹ Then He [i.e., the King] will say to those at His left side, ‘Go away from me, you who are cursed [by God], into the never ending fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels. ⁴² For [when] I was hungry, you did not feed me; [when] I was thirsty, you did not give me anything to drink; ⁴³ [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you did not give me a place to stay; [when I] did not have adequate clothing, you did not give me anything to wear; when I was sick, or in prison, you did not visit me.’

⁴³ [when] I came [to you as] a stranger, you did not give me a place to stay; [when I] did not have adequate clothing, you did not give me anything to wear; when I was sick, or in prison, you did not visit me.’

⁴⁶ And these [i.e., the ones at His left side] will go away to never ending punishment, but those who did what was right will go to never ending life.”

¹¹ You will always have poor people with you, but you will not always have me.

⁴⁰ And [when] He came [back] to where His disciples were and found them asleep, He said to Peter, “What [is this], could you not remain alert with me [in prayer] for one hour?

⁴³ And He came [back] again and found them asleep, because they had not been able to keep their eyes open.

⁶⁴ Jesus replied to him, “You have said so; nevertheless I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of man sitting at the right side of Power [i.e., God Himself], and coming on the clouds of the sky.”

³⁷ They attached over His head [i.e., to the upright portion of the cross] the charge made against Him, which read, “This is Jesus, the king of the Jews.”

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

¹⁹ Jesus answered them, “Can the companions of the groom fast while the groom is still with them? As long as they have the groom with them they cannot fast. ²⁰ But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them. Then they will fast at that time.

³⁴ Then He looked out over those gathered around Him and said, “Look, [here is] my mother and my brothers ³⁵ For whoever will do what God wants, that person is my brother, and sister and mother.”

²⁵ For to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, and from the person who has [almost] nothing, even what [little] he has will be taken away from him.”

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

⁴¹ Truly I tell you, whoever will give you [even] a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his [temporal or eternal] reward.

⁴³ And if your hand becomes the occasion for falling away [from God], cut it off; it would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled, rather than keeping both hands and going to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out [i.e., all because it caused you to fall away from God]. {{Verse 44 is absent from many manuscripts}}.

⁴³ And if your hand becomes the occasion for falling away [from God], cut it off; it would be better for you to enter [never ending] life disabled, rather than keeping both hands and going to hell, into the fire that cannot be put out [i.e., all because it caused you to fall away from God]. {{Verse 44 is absent from many manuscripts}}. ⁴⁴ (OMITTED TEXT)

⁴⁴ (OMITTED TEXT) ⁴⁵ And if your foot becomes the occasion for falling away [from God], cut it off; it would be better for you to enter [never ending] life crippled, rather than keeping both feet and being thrown into hell. {{Verse 46 is absent from many manuscripts}}.

⁴⁵ And if your foot becomes the occasion for falling away [from God], cut it off; it would be better for you to enter [never ending] life crippled, rather than keeping both feet and being thrown into hell. {{Verse 46 is absent from many manuscripts}}. ⁴⁶ (OMITTED TEXT) ⁴⁷ And if your eye becomes the occasion for falling away [from God] gouge it out; it would be better for you to enter the kingdom of God with [only] one eye, rather than keeping both eyes and being thrown into hell [i.e., all because one of them caused you to fall away from God]. ⁴⁸ For in hell the worm of those who are there will never die [i.e., their gnawing punishment will never cease] and the fire [there] will never go out.

⁴⁸ For in hell the worm of those who are there will never die [i.e., their gnawing punishment will never cease] and the fire [there] will never go out. ⁴⁹ For everyone will be salted with fire. [Note: This meant either the suffering “salt” of fiery trials (the sacrifices of verses 43-47 or the punishing “salt” of being thrown into a fiery hell (verse 45-48)].

⁴⁰ But it is not my prerogative to appoint who sits at my right side and at my left, but [those places] are for people to whom it has been assigned [by the Father].”

⁴¹ Then Jesus sat down over near the [Temple] treasury and watched how the crowd was throwing money into the treasury [Note: This “treasury” was a large open-mouthed container used for receiving offerings for meeting expenses of Temple upkeep]. Many rich people were throwing in lots of money. ⁴² A poor widow came and threw in two small copper coins [Note: These two coins each amounted to about ten minutes’ worth of a farm laborer’s pay, or about one dollar in 1994]. The total she gave was equivalent to a larger coin [i.e., worth twice as much]. ⁴³ Jesus called His disciples to Him and said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has thrown in more than all the rest who are throwing [money] into the treasury. ⁴⁴ For all of them threw in from their abundance, but being very poor, she threw in everything she had, even all she had to live on.”

³³ “You should pay attention; be alert and pray, for you do not know when the time will come [i.e., for the Lord to return]. ³⁴ It is like a man who left his house on a trip to another country. [Before leaving] he put his servants in charge of his affairs, giving each one a [particular] job to do, then he ordered the gatekeeper to stay alert [i.e., while he was gone].

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

³ And while Jesus was in Bethany [Note: This was a small village fewer than two miles east of Jerusalem], sitting at the dinner table in the house of Simon, the man with an infectious skin disease [Note: This man had probably been healed by now], a woman with an alabaster [i.e., stone] jar of very expensive perfume came to Him, broke the jar and poured the perfume on His head. ⁴ But some [of the disciples. See Matt. 26:8] were upset among themselves, saying, “What is the reason for wasting this perfume? ⁵ It might have been sold for a large sum of money and the money given to poor people. [Note: The amount indicated here was equivalent to 300 days of a farm laborer’s pay, or over $20,000 in 1994]. And they complained about her [doing this]. ⁶ But Jesus said, “Let her alone. Why are you bothering this woman? For she has done a kind deed to me. ⁷ You will always have poor people with you, and you can do something good for them whenever you want to, but you will not always have me with you.

⁷ You will always have poor people with you, and you can do something good for them whenever you want to, but you will not always have me with you. ⁸ She has done what she could. She has applied this aromatic oil to my body in anticipation of my burial.

⁸ She has done what she could. She has applied this aromatic oil to my body in anticipation of my burial. ⁹ For truly I tell you, wherever the Gospel message will be preached throughout the whole world, what this woman has done [for me] will [also] be told about as a memorial of her [kindness to me].”

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

⁶² And Jesus answered, “Yes, I am; and you will see the Son of man sitting at the right side of Power [i.e., God, Himself], and coming on the clouds of the sky.”

¹⁹ So then, after the Lord Jesus had spoken to them He was taken up to heaven, where He sat down at the right side of God.

³¹ And consider this, you will become pregnant and give birth to a son and you will name Him Jesus. ³² He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest [i.e., God], and the Lord will give Him the throne of His forefather King David. ³³ And He will rule over the [spiritual] descendants of Jacob forever and there will be no end to His kingdom.”

¹¹ And he answered them, “The person who has two coats should give [one of them] to the person who does not have any; and the person who has food should do the same thing.”

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “Can you force the companions of the groom to fast while the groom is [still] with them? ³⁵ But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them [Note: Jesus here refers to Himself]. Then they will fast at that time.”

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

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

²⁶ For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will [also] be ashamed of him when He returns in His own splendor and that of the Father and of the holy angels.

²⁹ But, wanting to justify himself, the teacher of the law of Moses asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

⁴² But only one thing is [really] needful. For Mary has made the better choice, which will not be taken away from her.”

²⁸ But Jesus said, “Yes, but those who listen to God’s message and obey it are [more] blessed.”

⁴¹ But you should give to poor people what you have inside. [Note: This means either what is inside the dish, or what is inside your heart]. And [then] you will see that everything is [ceremonially] clean to you [as well].

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

²⁰ But God said to him, ‘You fool! Tonight your life will be taken away from you. And [then] who will get the things you have stored up [for yourself]?’ ²¹ This is [the way it will be with] the person who stores up treasures for himself, and [yet] is not rich toward God [i.e., does place enough importance on spiritual things].”

³² “ [And], do not be afraid, little flock [Note: Jesus refers to His small band of disciples as sheep following Him as their Shepherd], for your Father was pleased to give you the kingdom.

³⁵ “Fasten your belts [i.e., get things ready], keep your lamps lit,

³⁵ “Fasten your belts [i.e., get things ready], keep your lamps lit, ³⁶ and be like men expecting their master to return from the wedding reception, so that when he does come and knock [at the groom’s house, See note on Matt. 25:1-12], they will immediately open [the door] to him.

³⁶ and be like men expecting their master to return from the wedding reception, so that when he does come and knock [at the groom’s house, See note on Matt. 25:1-12], they will immediately open [the door] to him. ³⁷ Those slaves whom their master finds being watchful when he returns are [certainly] blessed. Truly I tell you, he will fasten his belt [i.e., get things ready] and have them recline [at his dinner table] and will come and serve them. ³⁸ And if he comes between nine o’clock and midnight or between midnight and three o’clock in the morning and finds them being watchful, those slaves will be blessed [for doing so]. ³⁹ But you should realize this, if the owner of the house had known exactly when the burglar was coming, he would not have allowed his house to be broken into. ⁴⁰ So, you also should be ready, for the Son of man will return at a time when you least expect Him.”

⁴⁴ Truly I tell you, he will put that slave in charge of his entire estate. ⁴⁵ But if that slave should think to himself, ‘My master will not be back soon,’ and then becomes physically abusive to his men and women servants, and eats and drinks and gets drunk, ⁴⁶ that slave’s master will return on a day that he least expects, and at an hour unknown [to him]. And [that master] will whip him to shreds and will turn him over to suffer the same fate as unfaithful servants receive.

⁴⁸ But the one who did not know [i.e., what his master wanted], yet did things deserving of punishment, will be whipped with few lashes. And to the person who has been given much [responsibility], there will be much required [of him]. And to whom people entrust much [responsibility], they will ask [much] more from him.

²⁵ Once the owner of the house gets up and closes the door, leaving you standing outside knocking on the door, [and] saying, ‘Sir, [please] open [the door] for us.’ and he answers you, ‘I do not know you or where you came from,’ ²⁶ then you will begin to say, ‘We used to eat and drink with you, and you taught in our streets.’ ²⁷ And He will say [i.e., the Lord is represented as saying this in the judgment. See Matt. 7:23; 8:11-12], ‘I tell you, I do not know where you came from, [so] go away from me, all you people who have done sinful things.’

²⁷ And He will say [i.e., the Lord is represented as saying this in the judgment. See Matt. 7:23; 8:11-12], ‘I tell you, I do not know where you came from, [so] go away from me, all you people who have done sinful things.’ 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.

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. ²⁹ And people will come from the east and west and from the north and south to sit down in the kingdom of God. ³⁰ And certainly, those [who appear to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], and those [who appear to be] first will [end up] being last.”

¹² Then Jesus also said to the Pharisee who had invited Him [to dinner], “When you prepare a breakfast or a supper, do not invite your friends, or brothers, or relatives or rich neighbors [only], for maybe they will invite you back, and [then] you will be repaid [for your kindness]. ¹³ But when you prepare a banquet, invite people who are poor, handicapped, crippled and blind [as well]. ¹⁴ Then you will receive a blessing, because these people do not have anything to pay you back with, for you will be paid back when righteous people are raised from the dead.”

³⁴ Therefore salt is good, but if it loses its flavoring [ability], how will it ever get it back again? ³⁵ It is not suitable for the soil [i.e., for growing crops] or for fertilizer, but [only] for people to throw out. [See note on Matt. 5:13]. The person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.”

²⁹ But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have served you [as a slave] for all these years and have never disobeyed any of your orders, yet you never gave me [even] a young goat, so I could enjoy myself with my friends.

¹ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a property manager who was reported to be squandering his possessions.

¹ Then Jesus said to His disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a property manager who was reported to be squandering his possessions.

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

² So, he called his property manager in and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in a [full] report of [all] your financial transactions, for you are not working for me anymore.’

² So, he called his property manager in and said to him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Turn in a [full] report of [all] your financial transactions, for you are not working for me anymore.’ ³ Then the property manager said to himself, What am I going to do since my master is taking away my job? I am not strong enough to dig [i.e., as a farm laborer], and I am too ashamed to beg.

³ Then the property manager said to himself, What am I going to do since my master is taking away my job? I am not strong enough to dig [i.e., as a farm laborer], and I am too ashamed to beg. ⁴ I know what I will do, so when I am fired they [i.e., his master’s customers] will welcome me into their homes. ⁵ So, he called on each one of his master’s customers and said to the first one, ‘How much do you owe my master?’ ⁶ And he replied, ‘Eight hundred gallons of [olive] oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your contract and quickly sit down and write in four hundred [gallons].’ ⁷ Then he said to another [customer], ‘And how much do you owe [him]?’ And he answered, ‘One thousand bushels of wheat.’ The property manager said to him, ‘Take your contract and write eight hundred [bushels].’ ⁸ So, his master commended the dishonest property manager for his shrewdness. For worldly people are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than are the people of light [i.e., God’s people]. ⁹ Therefore, I tell you, make friends for yourselves by using worldly wealth, so that when it fails [i.e., when you run out of money] they [i.e., the friends you made with its wise and benevolent use] may welcome you into the eternal [i.e., heavenly] dwelling places. [Note: The idea here seems to be that by your shrewd use of material possessions for the benefit of others, you are actually storing up treasures for yourself in heaven]. ¹⁰ “The person who is trustworthy in regard to very small matters, [such as material possessions] is also [likely to be] trustworthy in regard to large matters, [such as spiritual values], and the person who does not do what is right in very small matters is also not [likely] to do what is right in large ones.

¹⁰ “The person who is trustworthy in regard to very small matters, [such as material possessions] is also [likely to be] trustworthy in regard to large matters, [such as spiritual values], and the person who does not do what is right in very small matters is also not [likely] to do what is right in large ones. ¹¹ If therefore you have not been trustworthy in worldly wealth, who will put you in charge of the true [spiritual] riches? ¹² And if you have not been trustworthy with what belongs to someone else, who will give you something of your own?

¹⁹ “Now there was a certain rich man who was dressed in purple [clothing] and soft linen [garments] and who lived every day in pleasure and luxury. ²⁰ And a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was full of sores, was laid at the rich man’s doorway.

²⁰ And a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was full of sores, was laid at the rich man’s doorway. ²¹ He longed to be fed with scraps that fell from the rich man’s table and even dogs came and licked his sores.

²¹ He longed to be fed with scraps that fell from the rich man’s table and even dogs came and licked his sores. ²² And it happened that the beggar died and [his spirit] was carried away by angels to a place close to Abraham. And the rich man also died and [his body] was buried.

²² And it happened that the beggar died and [his spirit] was carried away by angels to a place close to Abraham. And the rich man also died and [his body] was buried. ²³ And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him.

²³ And in the unseen place of departed spirits the rich man, who was being tormented, looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus close beside him. ²⁴ And he shouted out, ‘Forefather Abraham, take pity on me and send Lazarus [to me], so he can dip the tip of his finger in water [and touch] my tongue to cool it, because I am in agony in these flames.’

²⁴ And he shouted out, ‘Forefather Abraham, take pity on me and send Lazarus [to me], so he can dip the tip of his finger in water [and touch] my tongue to cool it, because I am in agony in these flames.’

²⁴ And he shouted out, ‘Forefather Abraham, take pity on me and send Lazarus [to me], so he can dip the tip of his finger in water [and touch] my tongue to cool it, because I am in agony in these flames.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said [to him], ‘Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony.

²⁵ But Abraham said [to him], ‘Son, remember how you enjoyed good things when you were alive [on earth] and how Lazarus had to put up with bad things? But now here [i.e., in the unseen place of departed spirits] he is being comforted and you are in agony. ²⁶ And besides all this, there is a huge chasm situated between us and you so that those who wanted to go from here to there [where you are] cannot do it. And no one can cross over from there to us [over here].’

²⁶ And besides all this, there is a huge chasm situated between us and you so that those who wanted to go from here to there [where you are] cannot do it. And no one can cross over from there to us [over here].’ ²⁷ Then the rich man said, ‘I beg you therefore, forefather [Abraham], that you would send Lazarus to my father’s house, ²⁸ where I have five brothers. Then he could warn them so that they will not [have to] come to this [terrible] place of torment also.’ ²⁹ But Abraham said, ‘They have [the writings of] Moses and the prophets; let them pay attention to them.’ ³⁰ Then the rich man said, ‘No, forefather Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, [then] they will repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives].’ ³¹ And Abraham replied, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded [even] if someone rises from the dead [i.e., to come back and warn them].’”

⁸ I tell you, He will grant justice to them quickly. However, will the Son of man find [very many] believing people on the earth when He returns?”

¹² So, He said, “A certain distinguished gentleman went to a distant country to receive a royal appointment [i.e., as king over a territory] and then return. [Note: This is the only parable of Jesus’ that correlates with a known incident; that of Herod’s son Archelaus going to Rome to receive from Caesar Augustus an appointment to rule over Judea, Samaria and Idumaea in 4 B.C. See Matt. 2:22]. ¹³ So, he called ten of his slaves and gave each of them a sum of money [Note: The amount of each sum was equivalent to one hundred days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $7,000 in 1994]. [Then] he said to them, ‘Invest this money until I return.’

¹³ So, he called ten of his slaves and gave each of them a sum of money [Note: The amount of each sum was equivalent to one hundred days of a farm laborer’s pay, or about $7,000 in 1994]. [Then] he said to them, ‘Invest this money until I return.’ ¹⁴ But the citizens [of his newly acquired kingdom] hated him and sent a delegation after him [i.e., to the person who appointed the gentleman king over them], saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’

¹⁴ But the citizens [of his newly acquired kingdom] hated him and sent a delegation after him [i.e., to the person who appointed the gentleman king over them], saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us.’ ¹⁵ And it happened when the gentleman returned, having received his appointment as king, that he ordered the slaves to whom he had given the [sums of] money, to report to him. He wanted to find out how much [money] they had made on their investments. ¹⁶ So, the first one appeared in front of him, and said, ‘Master, your sum of money has earned ten times more.’

¹⁶ So, the first one appeared in front of him, and said, ‘Master, your sum of money has earned ten times more.’ ¹⁷ And the gentleman replied, ‘Well done, you are a good slave. Because you have proven trustworthy over a [relatively] very small matter, you will [now] have charge over ten towns.’

¹⁷ And the gentleman replied, ‘Well done, you are a good slave. Because you have proven trustworthy over a [relatively] very small matter, you will [now] have charge over ten towns.’ ¹⁸ Then the second slave appeared, and said, ‘Master, your sum of money has earned five times more.’

¹⁸ Then the second slave appeared, and said, ‘Master, your sum of money has earned five times more.’ ¹⁹ And the gentleman said to him also, ‘You [will] have charge over five towns.’

¹⁹ And the gentleman said to him also, ‘You [will] have charge over five towns.’ ²⁰ Then another slave appeared and said, ‘Look, master, here is your sum of money. I kept it [safely] wrapped up in a cloth,

²⁰ Then another slave appeared and said, ‘Look, master, here is your sum of money. I kept it [safely] wrapped up in a cloth,

²⁰ Then another slave appeared and said, ‘Look, master, here is your sum of money. I kept it [safely] wrapped up in a cloth, ²¹ for I was afraid of you, knowing you are a hard man to deal with and that you pick up [and keep] something you did not lay down [i.e., lose], and you harvest a crop that you did not plant.’

²¹ for I was afraid of you, knowing you are a hard man to deal with and that you pick up [and keep] something you did not lay down [i.e., lose], and you harvest a crop that you did not plant.’ ²² The gentleman replied to him, ‘I will judge you [based] on what you [yourself] have [just] said, you evil slave. [Since] you knew that I am a hard man to deal with, picking up [and keeping] something I had not laid down, and harvesting a crop I had not planted,

²² The gentleman replied to him, ‘I will judge you [based] on what you [yourself] have [just] said, you evil slave. [Since] you knew that I am a hard man to deal with, picking up [and keeping] something I had not laid down, and harvesting a crop I had not planted,

²² The gentleman replied to him, ‘I will judge you [based] on what you [yourself] have [just] said, you evil slave. [Since] you knew that I am a hard man to deal with, picking up [and keeping] something I had not laid down, and harvesting a crop I had not planted, ²³ then why did you not deposit my money in the bank? [Then] when I returned I could have withdrawn [the original sum of money] plus interest.’

²³ then why did you not deposit my money in the bank? [Then] when I returned I could have withdrawn [the original sum of money] plus interest.’ ²⁴ Then he said to those who were standing around, ‘Take the sum of money away from him and give it to the one who made ten times as much [with the original sum].’

²⁴ Then he said to those who were standing around, ‘Take the sum of money away from him and give it to the one who made ten times as much [with the original sum].’ ²⁵ But the people said to him, ‘Master, he [already] has ten times as much money [as you gave him].’

²⁵ But the people said to him, ‘Master, he [already] has ten times as much money [as you gave him].’ ²⁶ [So the gentleman concluded], ‘I tell you, to every person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, but from that person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him.

²⁶ [So the gentleman concluded], ‘I tell you, to every person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, but from that person who has [almost] nothing, even [the little] he has will be taken away from him. 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.’”

³⁸ They were saying, ‘May the King who comes in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord, be blessed. May there be peace in heaven and praise [to God] in the highest [i.e., may this praise reach to the highest heaven].’

⁹ Then Jesus began speaking to the people. [Note: And perhaps to the religious leaders as well. See Mark 11:18 with 12:1]. He told them this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, then leased it out to tenant farmers and went to another country for a long time.

³⁴ “But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts do not become overburdened by carousing, and drunkenness, and the worries of life. [If you do], that ‘day’ [i.e., Jesus’ second coming and judgment] will arrive suddenly, like a trap [i.e., which catches an animal by surprise]. ³⁵ For that is the way this ‘day’ will arrive for everyone [else] living on the entire earth. 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].”

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].”

²⁸ Now you apostles are the ones who have remained with me throughout my trials, ²⁹ and just as my Father assigned a kingdom to me, so I am assigning a kingdom to you, ³⁰ so you can eat and drink at my table in my [coming] kingdom. [Also] you will sit on [twelve] thrones [See Matt. 19:28], judging the twelve tribes of Israel [i.e., judging God’s people through their writings].

⁶⁹ But from now on the Son of man will be seated at the right side of the powerful God.”

¹⁵ John gave testimony about Jesus, shouting out, “This person is the one about whom I said, ‘He who will come after me ranks above me because He existed before me.’” ¹⁶ For we have all received from His full richness one favor after another.

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

⁵¹ Then Jesus said to him, “Truly, truly, I tell you, you will see heaven opened up and the angels of God going up [from] and coming down on the Son of man” [i.e., probably a reference to angels ministering to Jesus’ needs. See Matt. 4:6, 11; Luke 22:43].

¹⁵ so that whoever believes in Him would have never ending life.” [Note: Some translations extend Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus through verse 21]. ¹⁶ For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life.

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].

³⁴ For the One whom God has sent [i.e., Jesus] speaks the words of God, for He [i.e., God] does not give the Holy Spirit in a limited quantity [i.e., to Jesus. See next verse].

³⁶ The person who believes in the Son has never ending life, but the person who disobeys the Son will not see life [i.e., will not experience never ending life], but [instead], God’s wrath remains on him.

²³ so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

²⁷ And He gave His Son authority to carry out judgment [upon mankind] because He is the Son of man [Note: The Greek actually says “a son of man”]. ²⁸ “Do not be surprised at this: The time is coming when all those who are in their graves will hear His voice 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].

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].

⁴² Jesus replied, “If God were [truly] your Father you would love me, because I came from God to be here. For I did not come on my own authority, but God sent me. ⁴³ Why do you people not understand what I am saying? It is because you cannot [bear to] listen to my message. ⁴⁴ You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan’s influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars.

⁴⁴ You belong to your father the devil, and you are [always] wanting to do what your father desires. He was a murderer from the [very] beginning [Note: This is probably a reference to Satan’s influence on Adam, Eve and Cain in the Garden of Eden] and does not stand for the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he only speaks what is part of his nature, because he is a liar and the father of [all] liars.

³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners [i.e., when they pray]; but God does listen to the person who reveres Him and does what He wants.

¹⁴ I am the good shepherd and I know my sheep [intimately], and they know me [that way],

²⁶ But you do not believe me, because you are not [part] of my sheep. ²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

²⁷ My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. ²⁸ I give them never ending life and they will never be destroyed, and no one will [be able to] steal them out of my hand.

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].”

¹³ [So], they took branches from palm trees and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna [Note: See Matt. 21:9 for the meaning of this word], may He, the King of Israel, be praised, for He comes in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord!”

²⁶ If any person wants to serve me, he should become my follower; and wherever I am, my servant will be there also. If any person serves me, the Father will honor him.

²⁹ For some of them thought, since Judas was in charge of the [money] bag, that Jesus was telling him, “Buy whatever we need for the [Passover] meal,” or that he was [being told] to give [money] to poor people [from it].

² There are many rooms in my Father’s house, and I am going to prepare a place for each one you [in them]. I would not have told you this if it were not so. ³ And if I go to prepare a place for each of you, I will return to take all you to [be with] me, so that you also will be where I am.

³ And if I go to prepare a place for each of you, I will return to take all you to [be with] me, so that you also will be where I am.

²¹ The person who knows [what] my commandments [are] and obeys them is the one who [truly] loves me. And the person who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and reveal myself to him.

² He will cut off [See verse 6] every branch [i.e., follower of Christ] who is in [fellowship with] me that does not bear fruit. And He will prune every branch that does bear fruit, so it will bear more fruit.

⁶ If a person does not remain united to me, he will be thrown out as a [fruitless] branch and dried up. People gather up such branches and throw them into the fire to be burned [as fuel ?].

¹⁸ “If the world hates you, then know that it has [already] hated me, [even] before it hated you. 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.

² Just as you gave Him authority over all mankind, He will give never ending life to all those people [Note: The Greek word here is neuter gender, “all those things”] you have given Him.

²⁴ “Father, I want those you gave me [i.e., the apostles, see verse 6] to be with me where I am [going], so they will see my splendor [i.e., in heaven], which you have given me, for you loved me before the creation of the world.

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.”

¹⁹ Then Pilate had an inscription written and placed on the cross [i.e., on the upright portion, above His head]. It read, “Jesus from Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” ²⁰ Many of the Jews read this notice, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city [of Jerusalem]. It was written in the Hebrew, Latin and Greek languages. ²¹ But the Jewish leading priests said to Pilate, “Do not write ‘The King of the Jews,’ but ‘He said, I am the King of the Jews.’” ²² Pilate replied, “What I have written I have written.” [i.e., “I am not going to change it.”]

²⁶ So, when Jesus saw His mother standing beside the disciple He loved [i.e., probably the apostle John], He said to her, “[My dear] woman, look, [here is] your son!” ²⁷ Then He said to the disciple, “Look, [here is] your mother!” And from that time onward, this disciple took Jesus’ mother to [live in] his own home.

¹⁷ Jesus said to her, “Do not hold on to me, for I have not ascended to the Father yet [Note: Apparently Jesus was discouraging Mary from embracing Him in worship as was done in Matt. 28:9, and thereby causing a delay of when the rest of the disciples would learn of His resurrection], but go to my brothers and tell them [I said] ‘I am [about] to ascend to my Father and to your Father, and to my God and your God.’”

¹⁵ So, after they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you really love me more than these [other disciples do]?” Peter answered Him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” [Note: Since two different Greek words for “love” are used in this conversation, some scholars see a distinction in their meaning. See Butler, Vol. II, pp. 453-457 for a discussion of these views]. Jesus replied to him, “[Then] feed my lambs.” ¹⁶ Jesus asked him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you [really] love me?” Peter answered Him, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus replied to him, “[Then] take care of my sheep.” ¹⁷ Then Jesus asked him a third time, “Simon, son of John, do you [truly] love me?” Peter was sad because Jesus had asked him a third time, “Do you [even] love me?” So, he said to Jesus, “Lord, you know all things. You [surely] know that I love you.” Jesus replied to him, “[Then] feed my sheep.

¹¹ and said, "You men from Galilee, why are you standing there looking up at the sky? This Jesus who was received up from your presence into the sky will return in the same way you saw Him go there."

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.'

²⁶ You [Jews] were the first ones to receive this blessing when God raised up [i.e., selected] His Servant [i.e., Jesus] and sent Him to turn all of you [away] from your sins."

³² So, the large number of believers were united in heart and soul [i.e., mind and spirit] and not one of them said that anything he owned [really] belonged to him, but they shared all things in common.

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].

²⁴ And Simon answered, "[Please] pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said about me will [really] happen."

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

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

³⁶ Now at Joppa [Note: This was also a town on the west coast of Palestine, today called "Jaffa," and is now a part of Tel Aviv] there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (she was also called Dorcas, which means "Gazelle"). She practiced many good deeds and always gave money to poor people. ³⁷ But as time went on, she became [very] sick and [eventually] died. Her body was washed [by the women attendants] and placed in an upstairs room [during the mourning process]. ³⁸ And since Lydda was very close to Joppa, the disciples [at Joppa], hearing that Peter was at Lydda [See verse 32], sent two men there to urge him, "Do not delay your coming [here] to us." ³⁹ So, Peter got up and went with them. When he arrived they took him to the upstairs room [where Dorcas' body lay]. All the widows [i.e., her friends] stood near Peter, crying and showing [him] the coats and [other] clothing which Dorcas had made when she was alive.

² He was very devoted [to his religious principles] and had great respect for God, along with the members of his household. He gave [money] liberally to poor people and prayed to God regularly.

³¹ He said to me, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard and God has taken account of your giving money to poor people.

²⁹ [In response to this prediction], the disciples decided to send as much relief as they could to help the brothers living in Judea.

²⁹ [In response to this prediction], the disciples decided to send as much relief as they could to help the brothers living in Judea. ³⁰ So, they sent [what was donated] to the elders [of the Judean churches] by Barnabas and Saul.

³⁶ For David died and was buried with his forefathers and [his body] decayed after he had served his generation according to the purpose of God.

¹⁸ This is what the Lord said when He predicted these things long ago.'

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

³⁰ Now God made allowance for the times when people were still uninformed [about His complete will], but now [in the Gospel age] He requires all people everywhere to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. ³¹ For He has appointed a [certain] day when He will judge the people of the world according to [a standard of] true justice by the man [i.e., Jesus] whom He has appointed [as Judge, See II Tim. 4:8]. [And] He has given assurance to all people [that He will do this] by raising Jesus from the dead."

⁸ Now there were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting.

²⁴ But I do not consider my life to be of value, as precious to me, [when compared to the importance of] accomplishing my task and the mission I received from the Lord Jesus to declare the good news of God's unearned favor [through Christ].

³¹ So, be very watchful, and remember that for three years I never stopped warning every one of you [about such matters] both night and day with tears [in my eyes].

³⁵ I have demonstrated before you a [good] example in all [these] things, so that you [too] will work hard to help those who are [physically] weak. [Also] remember the words of the Lord Jesus who Himself said, 'It is a greater blessing [for you] to give [to people's needs] than to receive [help yourselves].' "

¹⁵ I have a hope in God that there will be a resurrection both for those who have done right and those who have done wrong, just as the Jews themselves also expect.

⁸ And it happened that Publius' father lay sick with a fever and dysentery. Paul went [to his house] and, after praying and placing hands on him, healed him. ⁹ When he had done this, the rest of those on the island who had diseases, [also] came and were healed.

⁷ To the ones who continue doing what is good and who look for glory, honor and immortal life [God will give] never ending life. ⁸ But to the ones who have selfish ambition [Note: Some translate these words “are contentious”] and refuse to obey the truth, but [instead] obey what is wrong, [God will bring] wrath, fury, ⁹ anguish and distress. He will bring these upon every human being who does wrong, upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks [i.e., Gentiles]. ¹⁰ But [He will bring] glory, honor and peace upon every person who does what is good; upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks, ¹¹ for there is no favoritism with God. ¹² For all those people [i.e., Gentiles] who have sinned without [knowing] the law of Moses will also be lost without [knowing] that law. And all those people [i.e., Jews] who have sinned under [the authority] of the law of Moses will be judged by [the requirements of] that law.

¹² For all those people [i.e., Gentiles] who have sinned without [knowing] the law of Moses will also be lost without [knowing] that law. And all those people [i.e., Jews] who have sinned under [the authority] of the law of Moses will be judged by [the requirements of] that law. ¹³ For [it is] not those who hear the law of Moses who are right with God, but [it is] those who obey [the requirements of] that law [perfectly] who will be considered right with God. ¹⁴ (For when the [unconverted] Gentiles, who do not have the law of Moses, instinctively practice [some of] its requirements, they become their own lawmakers, even though they do not have the law of Moses. ¹⁵ In doing this [i.e., practicing some of the requirements of the law of Moses], they demonstrate that these requirements are written in their hearts. Their conscience tells them this, and their thoughts alternately accuse them [of wrongdoing], or else endorse them [for doing right]). ¹⁶ This will be done on the day when God judges the secrets of men’s [hearts] through Christ Jesus, according to [the teaching of] my Gospel.

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

²⁹ But the [true] Jew is the person who is one on the inside, and [his] circumcision is a heart condition, [produced] by the Holy Spirit and not by the written law of Moses. [Note: Some translate “Spirit” here as “spirit” and make it simply an amplification of “heart”]. This person receives his praise from God and not [merely] from people.

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].

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

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

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.

⁹ But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ.

¹⁵ For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba”, [which means] “Father.”

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

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

²⁰ But who [do you think] you are, [you mere] man, to [attempt a] reply to God? Will the object formed [i.e., a clay pot] say to the one who molded it “Why did you make me this way?”

²² What if God [did] patiently put up with people who deserved His wrath and [who were] ready for destruction, even though He was willing to demonstrate His wrath and power? ²³ [What if He did this] in order to demonstrate His wealth of glory toward people who deserved His mercy, whom He had previously determined should receive [such special] honor?

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

¹³ Contribute to the needs of God’s people. Be eager in showing hospitality.

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

¹¹ Now this [is another reason for observing the law of love]: You should know that it is about time to wake up out of your [spiritual] sleep, because [the day of our final] salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed [in Christ].

⁷ For none of us lives for his own benefit [only], and none of us dies for his own benefit [only]. ⁸ For if we live, it is for the Lord’s [honor]; or if we die, it is for the Lord’s [honor]. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. ⁹ For this is the reason that Christ died and [now] lives again, so that He could be Lord of both those who have [already] died and those who are [still] alive. ¹⁰ But why do you [who eat only certain foods] condemn your brother [who feels he can eat anything]? Or, indeed, why do you [i.e., who feels he can eat anything] look down on your brother [i.e., who eats only certain foods]? For all of us will have to stand before the judgment bar of God. ¹¹ For it is written [Isa. 45:23], “As surely as I am the living God, says the Lord, everyone’s knee will bow before me, and everyone’s mouth will confess to [or, praise] God.” ¹² So then, every one of us [i.e., including Christians] will have to give an account of himself to God.

¹⁸ For I will not dare to speak about anything, except what Christ has done through me in bringing about the obedience of the Gentiles. He accomplished this by my message and my deeds, ¹⁹ in the power demonstrated by [miraculous] signs and wonders, [produced] by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, I have completed preaching the good news about Christ from Jerusalem, all the way around [the area] to Illyricum [Note: This country was located northwest of Greece and in present-day Croatia].

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

⁹ But as it is written [Isa. 64:4], “The things which no eye saw or ear heard, and which did not [even] enter the mind of men, is what God has prepared for those who love Him.”

⁵ After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? They are [only] servants through whom you believed [in Christ], with each one doing what the Lord gave him to do.

¹² But if anyone [i.e., a preacher or soul winner] builds on this foundation with gold, silver, expensive building stones, wood, grass, or straw, ¹³ [the quality of] each person’s work will become evident [i.e., for what is it made of]. For the [judgment] day will expose his workmanship. And it will be revealed by the fire [of judgment], which will test the quality of a person’s workmanship [i.e., the faithfulness of his converts]. ¹⁴ If the work of anyone lasts [i.e., if his converts are judged faithful], he will receive a reward [i.e., his converts will constitute part of his reward]. ¹⁵ But if anyone’s work is burned up [i.e., does not survive the judgment], he will experience loss [i.e., of his converts], but he himself will [still] be saved, like a person escaping from the fire [i.e., of a burning building, which consumes his efforts].

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

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.

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].

³ But if anyone loves God, that person is known by God.

¹⁶ [But] I do not have anything to boast about if I preach the good news because I am compelled to do it. For it would be too bad for me if I did not preach the good news. ¹⁷ For if I preached because [I personally decided] I wanted to, I could claim a reward. But if I did not preach from a personal decision to do so, then it would be because I was entrusted with the task [by God]. ¹⁸ Then what is my reward? It is being able to preach the good news without receiving financial support [for it], so as not to claim my full rights in [the work of preaching] the good news. ¹⁹ For although I am free from [being accountable to] all people, I placed myself under obligation to them [as a slave], so as to win as many as possible [to Christ]. ²⁰ I behaved like a Jew in front of the Jews in order to win Jews [to Christ]. I behaved like a person who was under [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Jews] in front of those who observe that law, although I was not [really] under [obligation to] it. I did this to win those who are under [obligation to observe] the law. ²¹ I [also] behaved like a person without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., a Gentile] in front of those who are not obligated to it, although I was not [really] without obligation to God’s law; but was under [obligation to] Christ’s law. I did this to win those who are without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Gentiles]. ²² I behaved like a weak person in front of weak people [See 8:9-12], in order to win them over [i.e., to help them become stronger]. I have become all things to all people so that, in every way, I could save some of them. ²³ And everything I do is for the sake of [the work of] the Gospel, so that I may share in its benefits.

¹ For I want you to be [fully] aware, brothers, that our forefathers were all under the cloud, and all of them passed [safely] through the [Red] Sea. [Note: This refers to God guiding the Israelites through the desert during the daytime by a cloud moving along above them . See Ex. 13:21-22]. ² [In doing this] they were all [actually] immersed into [fellowship with] Moses in the cloud and in the sea. ³ And they all ate the same spiritual food [i.e., the supernatural manna. See Ex. 16:4-5], ⁴ and drank the same spiritual drink [i.e., water coming from a rock supernaturally. See Ex. 17:6]. For they drank from the spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. [Note: Besides actual water, they were refreshed from the spiritual presence of Christ]. ⁵ However, God was not pleased with the vast majority of them, for their bodies were scattered over the desert [See Num. 14:29ff].

² Now I commend you for remembering me in everything and for remaining loyal to the [inspired] traditions which I have handed on to you.

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

⁷ But the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s [power] is given to each person for the good of everyone. ⁸ For one person is given the [supernatural] message of wisdom through the Holy Spirit; another person is given the [supernatural] message of knowledge by means of the same Holy Spirit. ⁹ Still another person is given [supernatural] faith [See 13:2] by the same Holy Spirit; yet another person is given gifts [providing the ability] to perform [supernatural] healings by that one Holy Spirit. ¹⁰ Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally]. ¹¹ Now all of these [supernatural gifts] are the work of one and the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them to each person individually as He desires. ¹² For [just] as the human body is one [unit], made up of many parts, and all the many parts make up a single body, so it is with Christ. [Note: Just as a human body is a single unit, and Christ is a single being, so the members of His body, the church, constitute one body. See verses 27-28]. ¹³ For we were all immersed by means of the one Holy Spirit into one body [i.e., the church], whether [we were] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], whether slaves or free people, and were all given the one [and the same] Holy Spirit to drink. [Note: This probably refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given to all immersed believers. See John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38]. ¹⁴ For the human body is not made up of [only] one part, but of many parts. ¹⁵ If the foot should say, “I am not part of the body because I’m not the hand,” that does not mean it is not part of the body [does it ?]. ¹⁶ And if the ear should say, “I am not part of the body because I am not the eye,” that does not mean it is not part of the body [does it ?] ¹⁷ If the whole body were an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how could it smell? ¹⁸ But the way it is, God has placed each individual part in the human body just as it pleased Him. ¹⁹ And if all the parts were one part, how could there be a [whole] body? ²⁰ But the way it is, there are many parts, but one body. ²¹ And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you,” or again, the head [cannot say] to the feet, “I do not need you.” ²² On the contrary, those parts of the body which seem to be weaker [i.e., delicate organs like the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.] are necessary [for life]. ²³ And those parts of the body which we consider less honorable [i.e., probably female breasts, buttocks, etc.], we clothe with greater honor. [Note: The Greek word for “clothe” here refers to clothing elsewhere in the New Testament]. And our unpresentable parts [i.e., probably sex organs] need to be more presentable [i.e., by being covered up with modest clothing], ²⁴ whereas, our presentable parts [i.e., probably face and hands] do not need [covering up]. But God has put the body together [in such a way as] to give greater honor to that part which lacked it, ²⁵ so that there would not be any division in the body [Note: Paul here leaves the analogy of the physical body and makes application to the spiritual body, the church], but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ²⁶ So, if one part [i.e., one Christian] suffers, then all the parts [i.e., the other Christians] should suffer with it. Or, if one part is honored, all the [other] parts should rejoice with it. ²⁷ Now you people are the [spiritual] body of Christ and each one of you is an individual part of it. ²⁸ Now God has placed some [ministries] in the church [as follows]: First apostles, secondly prophets, thirdly teachers, then [those able to perform] miracles, then gifts [enabling people] to perform [supernatural] healings, [those able] to help the needy, [wise] administrators, [and] those able to speak in different languages. ²⁹ Are all [ministers in the church] apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all perform miracles?

¹⁰ But I am whatever I am because of God’s unearned favor, and the favor He showed me was not for nothing [i.e., Paul made the most of his conversion by being extra diligent in his service to God]. But I worked harder than all the other apostles, yet it was not I, but God’s favor on me [that accomplished it].

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

¹³ You people should be alert; stand firm in the faith; act like [godly] men; be [spiritually] strong.

²¹ These greetings are being written with my own hand. [See II Thess. 3:17]. ²² If anyone [there] does not love the Lord, he deserves to be cut off from God. O Lord, come [back soon].

²² If anyone [there] does not love the Lord, he deserves to be cut off from God. O Lord, come [back soon].

²² He has placed His seal of ownership upon us by giving us the down payment of the Holy Spirit [to live] in our hearts.

⁵ For we do not preach ourselves, but [we preach] Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus’ sake.

⁹ So, we are also eager to please God very much, whether we are at home [in our body] or away from it. ¹⁰ For we must all appear in front of the judgment bar of Christ, so that each one of us may receive what is due him for what he had done while in his [physical] body [i.e., on earth], whether it be good or bad.

¹⁴ For Christ’s love for us motivates us, because we have concluded that, [since] one person [i.e., Christ] died for all people, so then all people have died. [Note: This may mean simply that Christ died for all people, who were dead in their sins]. ¹⁵ And Christ died for all people, so that those who are alive should not live for themselves anymore, but for Him who died and rose again for their sakes.

¹ Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia.

¹ Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia. ² [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity.

² [It is] how, in spite of their suffering severe trials, their overflowing joy and extreme poverty produced an overwhelming expression of generosity. ³ For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own,

³ For I testify that they gave [financial help] to the full limit of their ability, yes and even beyond it. [And they did this] entirely on their own, ⁴ [even] pleading with us and requesting the privilege of taking part in this service to the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] in Jerusalem. [See also 9:1-15; I Cor. 16:1-2; Rom. 15:25-28].

⁷ But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people].

⁷ But just as you excel in everything [else]; in your faith, in your speaking; in your knowledge [Note: Possibly these refer to spiritual gifts. See I Cor. 12:8-10], in your eagerness [to serve], and in your love for us, now you people should also excel in this favorable work [i.e., of giving financial help to needy people]. ⁸ I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also.

⁸ I am not saying this [to you] as a command, but by telling you how eager others are [to help], to find out how genuine your love is also. ⁹ For you know the unearned favor of our Lord Jesus Christ, [how] that even though He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that through His poverty you people could become [spiritually] rich.

¹² For if the eagerness is there, [then] whatever a person has [to give] is acceptable, and not what he does not have.

⁷ Each person should give what he has decided to in his heart, not grudgingly, nor out of a feeling that he has to, for God loves a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able to provide you with abundant gifts, so that you will always have plenty of everything, and that you will also have plenty for doing every good deed. ⁹ As it is written [Psa. 112:9], “He has distributed [gifts] widely; he has given to poor people; his generosity will last forever.” ¹⁰ Now God, who provides seeds to the planter and bread for food, will [also] supply and [even] multiply your seeds for planting, and will increase the harvest of your generosity. ¹¹ You will be made rich in everything so you can be generous in every way. This will result in people thanking God [for what you have done] through us. ¹² For the rendering of this service not only [fully] meets the needs of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], but also produces overflowing expressions of thanksgiving to God from many people. ¹³ Because you people have proven [yourselves] by this service, the poor Christians in Jerusalem will praise God for your obedient [spirit] in professing [commitment to] the Gospel of Christ, and for your generous contribution to them and to everyone else. ¹⁴ And when they see the outstanding [evidence of] God’s favor in you, they will pray for you with deep affection [or, “will long to see you”].

¹⁸ For it is not the person who commends himself that is approved [by God], but the one whom the Lord commends.

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.

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

¹³ Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], “Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God].” ¹⁴ [This happened] so that the blessing [promised] to Abraham might be received by the Gentiles through [the person and work of] Christ, so that we might receive the promised [gift of the] Holy Spirit through [our] faith [in Jesus].

⁹ But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

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

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

²¹ envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you again, as I have done before, that those people who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. ²² But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness,

²² But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness and self-control. There can be no law against [practicing] these things.

⁸ If he engages in things to satisfy his own sinful desires, he will be [spiritually] destroyed for such conduct, but the one who engages in things to please the Holy Spirit will receive never ending life [as a result]. ⁹ And we should not become tired of doing good things, for eventually we will receive [never ending life] if we do not give up. 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”].

³ May the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ be praised, for He has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms in [fellowship with] Christ. [Note: The term “heavenly realms” is used somewhat differently throughout this book. Here it refers to Christians as part of the church on earth]. ⁴ Even before the creation of the world God chose us, who are in [fellowship with] Christ, to be dedicated [to Him] and to be without just blame in His sight. Out of love ⁵ God predetermined that we should be [considered] His adopted children through [fellowship with] Christ. This is what pleased God and is what He wanted, ⁶ so that we would praise His glorious, unearned favor, which was freely given to us through the One whom God loved [i.e., Christ].

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

¹¹ And He gave some people [the gift of being] apostles; and some people prophets; and some people evangelists; and some people pastors [i.e., elders] and teachers,

²⁸ The person who has stolen must stop doing it; instead, he should work hard, doing something worthwhile with his own hands, so that he can have [money] to share with the person who needs it.

⁵ For you [should] know this for certain: No sexually immoral or [morally] impure person, or greedy person, who is [the same as] an idol worshiper, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.

¹⁴ So, it says, “You who are asleep, wake up and rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you [i.e., illuminate you].” [Note: The foregoing words may have been an early saying, used at someone’s immersion, which included the ideas of “rising up” (See Col. 2:12) and “illumination” (See Heb. 6:4)].

¹⁶ making the most of every opportunity, because these days are evil.

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.

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. ³³ However, each of you men individually should also love his own wife the way he loves himself. And the wife should respect her husband.

²³ So, I am in a dilemma between the two choices. [On the one hand] I have the desire to depart [from this life] and be with Christ [in heaven], which would be far better.

¹⁵ so that you will be without just blame and innocent [of wrongdoing], children of God without fault in the middle of a crooked and perverted generation of people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky, ¹⁶ as you hold out [i.e., offer to people] the message of [never ending] life. Then I will have something to boast about on the day of Christ’s [return, See 1:6], that I had not run the race for nothing nor had worked for nothing.

¹⁰ I am rejoicing very much in [fellowship with] the Lord that now, after some time, you people have revived your concern for me. Actually, you were concerned, but lacked the opportunity [to show it]. ¹¹ I am not saying this because of being in need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances. ¹² I know how to get along in humble circumstances and how to live in prosperity. In every situation and in all circumstances, I have learned the secret both to be full and to be hungry, both to have plenty and to be in need. ¹³ I can do everything through Christ, who gives me the strength. ¹⁴ Nevertheless, it was really good of you people to share [with me] during my troubles [i.e., imprisonment].

¹² [May you] give thanks to the Father who has enabled you to share [i.e., eventually] in the inheritance of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] in [the kingdom of] light.

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

¹⁷ And tell Archippus [Note: He may have been the preacher at Colosse or Laodicia. See Philemon 1:1-2], “See to it that you fulfill your ministry [there], which you have received in [the service of] the Lord.”

¹² and urging you to live up to the standards of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and splendor.

⁹ Now you people do not need anyone to write to you about loving [your] brothers, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. ¹⁰ For you certainly do practice it toward all the brothers [and sisters] throughout Macedonia. [Note: This was the province in which Thessalonica was located]. Yet we urge you, brothers, to continue doing it more and more.

¹⁶ For the Lord Himself [i.e., Jesus] will come down from heaven with a commanding shout [Note: This probably refers to Jesus’ voice. See John 5:25, 28], [and] with the archangel’s voice [i.e., Michael. See Jude 9] and with the sound of God’s trumpet; [at this] the dead in [fellowship with] Christ will rise [from the dead] first.

¹ Now brothers, you do not need to have anything written to you about the times and dates [i.e., of Christ’s second coming], ² for you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord [i.e., when He returns, See II Thess. 2:1-2] will arrive like a thief coming in the night. ³ [For] when people are saying, “Peace,” and “Safety,” then [is when] destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape it.

⁶ So then, we should not be [spiritually] asleep, like the rest [i.e., the unsaved world], but we should be alert and sober [i.e., in control of our senses].

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

⁷ and to provide [future] rest for you, along with us, who are afflicted. [This will occur] when Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire [i.e., at His second coming], accompanied by His mighty angels.

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

⁸ He will inflict punishment on those people who do not know God [as Savior], and on those who do not obey the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus.

⁸ He will inflict punishment on those people who do not know God [as Savior], and on those who do not obey the Gospel message of our Lord Jesus. ⁹ They will pay the penalty of never ending destruction, being banished from the presence of the Lord and from His mighty splendor.

⁹ They will pay the penalty of never ending destruction, being banished from the presence of the Lord and from His mighty splendor. ¹⁰ On that day Jesus will return to be honored by His saints [i.e., God’s holy people] and to be marveled at [i.e., in reverence] by all those who had believed [in Him]. [This will happen] because you have believed our testimony to you [about Christ].

¹⁰ having a reputation for doing good deeds, [such as] bringing up children, showing hospitality to strangers, washing the feet of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], assisting people in trouble and devoting herself to doing all [other] kinds of good deeds.

¹⁷ [Solemnly] urge those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to place their hope in the uncertainty of [their] wealth, but in God, who generously supplies us with everything to enjoy.

¹⁷ [Solemnly] urge those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant, nor to place their hope in the uncertainty of [their] wealth, but in God, who generously supplies us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸ [Urge them] to do what is good, to be rich in [the practice of] good deeds, to be generous and willing to share [with others].

¹⁸ [Urge them] to do what is good, to be rich in [the practice of] good deeds, to be generous and willing to share [with others]. ¹⁹ [In that way] they will store up for themselves a treasure [of never ending rewards] for providing a solid foundation for the future, so that they can take hold of the true life [i.e., in heaven].

⁶ The reason I am reminding you [of these things] is so that you will rekindle the gift from God, which is in your life through the laying on my hands. [Note: This “gift” was probably his ordination to serve as an evangelist (See 4:1-5), and in addition, may have included a supernatural “spiritual gift” bestowed by the apostle Paul]. ⁷ For God did not give us a spirit [i.e., a disposition] that makes us cowards but one that gives us power and love and self-control.

¹⁶ [But], may the Lord grant mercy to Onesiphorus’ family, for he cheered me up many times and was not ashamed of my [being in] chains. ¹⁷ But, when he was in Rome, he looked for me diligently until he found me. ¹⁸ May the Lord grant that he will find mercy on that day [i.e., the day of judgment]. And you know very well the many things he did to serve [me while I was] at Ephesus.

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

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

¹⁹ However, the solid foundation of God stands firm. [Note: This probably refers to the church. See I Tim. 3:15]. It is sealed with these words [i.e., certifying God’s ownership and a commitment to Him]: “The Lord knows those who are His people,” [See Num. 16:5], and “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord should stop practicing wickedness.” [See Isa. 36:13].

⁵ [These people] maintain an appearance of being godly, but they have denied its power; [you should] turn away from such people.

¹ In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge [both] those still alive and those who have already died, and in view of His appearing [i.e., at His second coming] and His kingdom [i.e., when it is revealed in its eternal splendor], I solemnly urge you: ² Preach the [Gospel] message; be prepared [to do it both] when it is convenient and when it is inconvenient; reprove [i.e., convince people of their wrongdoing], rebuke [i.e., convict people of their sin], and exhort [i.e., urge people to act], with great patience and teaching. ³ For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound teaching, but will assemble to themselves teachers who will satisfy what their “itching ears” want to hear. ⁴ They will refuse to listen to the truth and will turn their attention to myths. ⁵ But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

⁵ But you should be sober-minded about everything, [willing to] endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry. ⁶ For I am already being “poured out like a drink offering,” and the time for me to leave has come. [Note: Paul here likens the prospect of shedding his blood for the work of Christ to the pouring of wine and oil on an Old Testament sacrifice]. ⁷ I have fought the good battle; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith [i.e., I have been true to my commitment]. ⁸ So, now there is a crown of righteousness reserved for me, which the Lord, who is a just Judge, will award me on that day [i.e., the judgment day], and not to me only, but also to everyone who has loved [the prospect of] His appearing.

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

¹³ while looking forward to the blessed hope [i.e., the hope that produces blessings] and the coming splendor of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

¹⁴ Our people [i.e., the Christians there on Crete] also should learn to practice good deeds for meeting pressing needs, so that they can be productive [in the Lord’s work].

⁶ [I pray] that the sharing of your faith [with others, or possibly with Paul] will be effective when you fully realize all the good you can do for Christ. ⁷ For I have much joy and encouragement from [observing] your love, because you have cheered the hearts of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], brother.

⁷ For I have much joy and encouragement from [observing] your love, because you have cheered the hearts of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], brother.

³ This Son expresses the radiance of God’s splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [man’s] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven].

⁸ But God says [this] about the Son [Psa. 97:7], “Your throne [i.e. kingdom], O God [Note: This term here is applied to Jesus], will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter [i.e., the standard for ruling] of your kingdom.

¹¹ For, both the One who makes people holy [i.e., Jesus], and those who are made holy [i.e., Christians], all come from one [Father], and for this reason Christ is not ashamed to call them His brothers, ¹² for He says [Psa. 22:22], [Note: In the following three Old Testament quotations the writer represents Christ as the speaker] “I will declare your [i.e., God’s] name to my brothers, [and] in the presence of the assembly I will sing [a hymn of] praise to you.” ¹³ And again, [Isa. 8:17 LXX], “I will place my trust in God.” And again, [Isa. 8:18], “Look, [here] I am with the children whom God gave me.” ¹⁴ Therefore, since the children share in [bodies of] flesh and blood, Christ also, in the same way, took on a human body so that, through His death, He could destroy [the dominion of] him who had the power to cause death, that is, the devil. ¹⁵ And [also He could] release all of those people who, because of their fear of death, were [kept] in bondage all their lives.

¹⁸ And to whom did God vow that they would not enter a state of rest with Him? [Was it not] those who were disobedient to Him? ¹⁹ And [so] we see that they were not able to enter [a state of rest with God] because of [their] unbelief.

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

³ Now we who have believed [will someday] enter that rest, even as God has said [Psa. 95:11], “So, I vowed in my anger, ‘They will not enter a state of rest with me,’” although God’s works were completed since the creation of the world.

⁷ For God blesses land that has soaked up the rain which has fallen on it, and it produces a profitable crop for those people for whom the land was farmed. ⁸ But if the land produces [only] thorns and thistles, it is worthless and in danger of being cursed [by God], and will end up being burned.

⁸ But if the land produces [only] thorns and thistles, it is worthless and in danger of being cursed [by God], and will end up being burned.

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

¹⁰ For God is not [so] unjust as to forget the work you are doing and the love you have shown for Him, as you ministered to the saints [i.e., His holy people] and continue to minister [to them]. ¹¹ And it is our desire that each one of you shows the same eagerness [to live for Christ], so as to be fully assured of your hope [in never ending life] until the end [of your days]. ¹² We do not want you people to be [spiritually] slack, but to imitate those who will inherit [God’s] promises because of their faith and patience.

²⁶ For then He would have had to suffer often since the creation of the world; but now at the end of the ages [i.e., the final period of world history] He has been revealed once [for all] to remove sin by sacrificing Himself.

³⁴ For you showed sympathy for those who were in prison and accepted it joyfully when your [own] possessions were taken away, [because] you knew that you yourselves had a better and more permanent possession [in heaven].

³⁶ For you need to be steadfast so that, after you have done what God wants, you will receive the promise [of an inheritance. See 9:15]. ³⁷ [Hab. 2:3-4 LXX says], “For [it will be] only a short time [before] He [i.e., Christ], who is coming, will be here without delay.

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.

¹⁵ Look carefully [at how you are living] so that no one falls away from God’s unearned favor, and that no “poisonous plant sprouts up” to cause trouble and corrupt many people [Note: This is an analogy from Deut. 29:16-18 being used as a warning against the evil influence of wicked people], ¹⁶ and that no one becomes immoral or ungodly, like Esau, who sold his right to the firstborn son’s inheritance for a single meal. ¹⁷ For you recall how, even after he [later] wanted to inherit the blessing, Esau was rejected [by his father Isaac. See Gen. 37:35-40]. For he was not able to get his father to change his mind, even though he tearfully begged him [or, “he was not able to change the situation, even though he shed tears over his loss”].

¹ Continue to love [one another] as brothers. ² Do not forget to show hospitality toward strangers, for by doing this, some people have entertained angels without realizing it. ³ Remember [to pray for and help] those who are in prison, as though you [yourselves] were in prison with them. [Remember] those who are being mistreated, realizing that you [yourselves] also share [with them] a physical body [i.e., you are subject to the same kind of trials].

³ Remember [to pray for and help] those who are in prison, as though you [yourselves] were in prison with them. [Remember] those who are being mistreated, realizing that you [yourselves] also share [with them] a physical body [i.e., you are subject to the same kind of trials].

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

²⁷ Religion that is pure and uncorrupted in the eyes of [our] God and Father involves taking care of orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself unstained by the world.

⁵ Listen, my dearly loved brothers; did not God choose those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be wealthy in faith and to inherit the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?

¹⁴ What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food,

¹⁵ If a brother or sister is without [adequate] clothing and needs daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to him, “Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well,” and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that?

¹⁶ and one of you says to him, “Go [and be] at peace; keep warm and eat well,” and yet you do not give him anything for his physical needs, what good is that? ¹⁷ In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone. ¹⁸ But someone may say, “You have faith and I have [good] deeds.” [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds.

¹⁸ But someone may say, “You have faith and I have [good] deeds.” [I reply], show me your faith without your [good] deeds, and I will show you my faith by my [good] deeds. ¹⁹ You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought]. ²⁰ But will you acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without [good] deeds is useless? ²¹ Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? ²² [Do you not] see that faith cooperated together with his deeds, and faith was made complete by [his] deeds? ²³ So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], “Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous,” and he was called God’s friend. ²⁴ [So], you see, it is by deeds that a person is made right with God, and not by faith alone.

¹ Not many of you should be teachers, my brothers, because you [should] know that we [teachers] will be judged more strictly.

¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? [Then] he should call for the elders of the church and they should pray for him, after pouring [olive] oil on him in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord. ¹⁵ And if their prayer is [offered] by faith, [God] will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up [from his sickbed]. And if he had sinned, he will be forgiven for them [Note: This may imply that the man’s sickness was the result of some sin. In any event, his forgiveness would follow his repentance].

³ God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, is to be praised for being so merciful as to have given us a new birth, which provides for us a hope of never ending life through the means of Jesus Christ’s return from the dead. ⁴ Through Him we have an inheritance that cannot be corrupted or contaminated, and will never disappear; it is reserved in heaven for you. ⁵ Through God’s power you are protected by [your] faith, so that you can expect to be saved in the end.

⁷ But these will only test your faith, which is more valuable than gold which, though refined by fire, eventually perishes. Your faith, [however], will [endure and eventually] prove to be praiseworthy and honorable when Jesus returns. ⁸ Although you have not seen Jesus, you [still] love Him and believe in Him, and this causes you to have an indescribable, glorious joy. ⁹ Your faith will [finally] bring about the salvation of your souls.

¹³ So, gather your thoughts together for action, take control of yourselves and focus your hope completely on God’s unearned favor, which will be brought to you by Jesus Christ when He returns.

¹⁹ but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. ²⁰ For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times.

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

⁹ Do not repay a wrong action with [another] wrong action, nor abusive [language] with [additional] abuse, but rather be a blessing [to one another]. For the purpose of your being called [by God] was so that you could receive a blessing [from Him eventually].

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

⁹ Extend hospitality to one another without complaining [that you have to].

⁹ Extend hospitality to one another without complaining [that you have to]. ¹⁰ As each of you has received a gift [from God], you should make use of it [in the body], so that you will be [good] caretakers of the many unearned ways that God favors you.

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

¹⁰ As each of you has received a gift [from God], you should make use of it [in the body], so that you will be [good] caretakers of the many unearned ways that God favors you. ¹¹ If someone’s gift is speaking, he should [be sure to] say only what God wants him to. If a person’s gift is serving, he should do so by the strength provided by God [who supplies all such gifts]. This is so that, in using all gifts, God may be honored through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs honor and power forever and ever. May it be so.

⁵ And in the same way, you younger [Christians] should be [respectfully] submissive to the older ones. And all of you should [be willing to] humbly serve one another, for God stands opposed to [the efforts of] proud people, but extends His unearned favor to those [who serve] with humility. ⁶ Therefore, be humble [in your actions] before God’s powerful authority, so that you may be exalted [by Him] at the proper time.

⁸ Be sensible and alert; your enemy the devil is prowling around like a roaring [i.e., hungry] lion looking for someone to [kill and] eat.

⁸ For if you people have a lot of these [qualities] they will keep you from being unproductive and unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹³ But I consider it the right thing to do, as long as I am in this “tent” [Note: This is an allusion to his still being alive], to stir up your memory [of these things], ¹⁴ knowing that [I will] soon put off my “tent” [i.e., I will soon die], even as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. ¹⁵ And I will make every effort to see that, after I leave [i.e., die], you will always be able to recall the things [I said to you].

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.

⁴ “Why has the promise of a coming Messiah [not been fulfilled yet]? After all, since the time our ancestors died, everything has continued the same, even since the beginning of creation!” ⁵ But, these people intentionally forget that the heavens, which existed long ago, and the earth, which was formed out of water and by water, [were created] by the word of God. ⁶ [And] it was by water that the world, which existed at that time, perished in a great flood [of Noah’s day]! ⁷ But, by means of the same word [of God], the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, awaiting the judgment and destruction [by God], along with [its] ungodly people. ⁸ But do not forget this one thing, my dearly loved ones, that as the Lord [counts time], one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day. ⁹ The Lord is not slow about keeping His promise, like some people are, but is [simply] being patient with you, since He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but He wants everyone to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives]. ¹⁰ But the day of the Lord will come as a thief [i.e., unexpectedly]. At that time the heavens will pass away with a loud noise and the elements [Note: This refers either to the heavenly bodies or to the material components of the universe], will be dissolved with intense heat. And the earth and its works [i.e., its activities] will be burned up. [Note: Some translations render this phrase as it is in some ancient manuscripts, “will be disclosed,” or “will be laid bare”].

¹² [while] looking forward to, and earnestly desiring the day of God to come, when the heavens will be set ablaze and dissolved by fire and the elements [See verse 10] will melt with intense heat. ¹³ But, since God has promised it, we look forward to new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will prevail. ¹⁴ So, my dearly loved ones, while you are waiting for these things [to happen], do your best to be found at peace with God, pure and blameless in His sight.

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]. ²⁰ But, you people have a “special gift” from the Holy One [Note: The Greek word for “special gift” is “charisma” and probably refers to the Holy Spirit (See Acts 2:38); “Holy One” probably refers to Jesus, (See Acts 2:27; 3:14)], and all of you know [the truth].

²⁵ And this is the promise which Christ [or, “God”] has given to us: [It is] never ending life. [Note: This passage may mean that God promised us “the Eternal Life,” that is, Christ, See John 3:16].

²⁷ And this is important to you: The “special gift,” which you received from God [See verse 20], continues to live in your hearts, [so that] you do not need anyone to teach you [anything different]. But, since this same “special gift” teaches you concerning everything that is true, and [what it teaches] is not false, you should continue to live in [fellowship with] Christ.

¹⁰ Here is how the children of God and the children of the devil can be recognized: All those who do not continue to do what is right do not belong to God. Also, the person who does not continue to love his brother [or sister does not belong to God].

¹² not [hate each other] the way Cain did, who belonged to the evil one [i.e., Satan], when he murdered his brother [Abel]. And why did he murder him? It was because his [own] actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous [See Heb. 11:4]. ¹³ So, do not be surprised, brothers, if the people of the world hate you. ¹⁴ [For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead.

¹⁴ [For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead.

¹⁴ [For] we [can] know that we have passed out of [the realm of spiritual] death and into [spiritual] life, because we [show] love for the brothers [and sisters]. The person who does not love [them] continues to be [spiritually] dead. ¹⁵ Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God’s sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart.

¹⁵ Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God’s sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart.

¹⁵ Every person who hates his brother is a murderer [in God’s sight]; and you [surely] know that no murderer has [the hope of] never ending life remaining in his heart. ¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

¹⁶ Here is how we can know what genuine love really is: It was [demonstrated by] Jesus laying down His life [on the cross] for us. And [because of that] we [too] should [be willing to] lay down our lives for [the sake of helping] our brothers [and sisters].

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

¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart.

¹⁷ Now whoever has [a sufficient amount of] life’s possessions and [then] observes one of his [Christian] brothers who does not have enough to get by on, but does not feel sorry for him [i.e., enough to help him out], surely a love for God does not continue to live in that person’s heart. ¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way.

¹⁸ Little children [i.e., dear ones], we should not [merely] claim to love [people], or [even just] talk about it, but [we should love] by what we do [for them] in a genuine way. ¹⁹ And this is how we will know that we are following [God’s] truth, and will have assurance [of it] in our hearts and before God [as well].

¹⁹ And this is how we will know that we are following [God’s] truth, and will have assurance [of it] in our hearts and before God [as well]. ²⁰ But, if our hearts condemn us [for not demonstrating God’s love for others], surely God, who is greater than our hearts [will also condemn us], because He knows all things.

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. ¹² No person has gazed upon God [at any time]; [but] if we love one another, God [continually] lives in our hearts, and His love is made complete within 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.

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.

¹ Every person who believes that Jesus is the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] has been [spiritually] conceived [and eventually born] by God. And everyone who [continually] loves God, who did the conceiving, also [must continually] love the person whom God has [spiritually] conceived. 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].

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

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

⁵ But, I want to remind you, [even] though you already know the stories about how the Lord delivered His people from Egyptian [bondage], and then [later] destroyed those who did not believe [in Him]. 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]. ⁷ So also, in a similar way, Sodom and Gomorrah, and their surrounding towns, which had abandoned themselves to sexual immorality and [sexually] perverted behavior, serve as an example [of people] who [will] suffer the punishment of never ending fire.

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. ¹⁴ And it was also prophesied about [these] people by Enoch, the seventh [descendant] of Adam [Gen. 5:18-24], who said, “Look, the Lord came with thousands upon thousands [Note: The Greek uses the plural form of “myriad,” which means 10,000] of His holy ones [i.e., angels],

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

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

¹⁹ These are people who cause divisions [among God’s people]; they follow their natural inclinations [i.e., worldly principles], for they do not have the Holy Spirit [in their lives].

²¹ Keep yourselves in God’s love [i.e., continue to love God], as you look forward to [receiving] the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, [who will grant you] never ending life.

⁷ Look, He [i.e., Jesus] is coming with [i.e., “on”] the clouds! And [then] every eye will see Him, including those who pierced Him, and all the peoples of the earth will grieve because of Him [i.e., because of how they had treated Him]. So it will be. May it be so.

⁴ “But, this is what I have against you, that you have forsaken your first love [i.e., love for Christ and His church]. ⁵ So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lampstand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent.

⁵ So, remember where you have fallen from and repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and do the things you did at first [i.e., when you were first converted], or else I will come and remove your lampstand from its place [i.e., I will not permit the congregation to survive], unless you repent.

¹⁰ Do not be afraid of the things you are about to suffer. [For] look, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, so that you may be tested, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. [But], you should be faithful [to God] even to the point of dying [for Him], and I will give you the crown of [never ending] life.

²⁵ Nevertheless, hold on firmly to what you [already] have [i.e., the qualities mentioned in verse 19] until I come [Note: This probably refers to coming with judgment on wrongdoing. See verse 16]. ²⁶ “And to the person who has victory [in the Christian life], and who continues to do what I want until the end [of his life], I will give him authority over the nations [Note: This probably refers to a spiritual reign with Christ during the Christian age. See 20:4]. ²⁷ And he will rule them [as a shepherd] with a staff of iron, [and smash them] as the clay jars of a potter are broken to pieces [See Psa. 2:9]. [Note: Some translations begin verse 28 at this point]. [His authority will be] like that which I have received from my Father. ²⁸ And I will give him the morning star [Note: Jesus is called “the Morning Star” in 22:16].

¹ “And write [this] to the angel of the church at Sardis: These are the words of Him who has the seven Spirits of God [i.e., Jesus, who has the Holy Spirit] and the seven stars [i.e., the seven angels of the seven churches. See 1:20]: I know about your deeds, that you have a reputation for being [spiritually] alive, but you are [really] dead. ² Wake up, and strengthen what remains [i.e., those few in the church who were trying to stay faithful], who are about to die. For I have not found [any] of your deeds to be complete before my God.

⁹ Look at those who belong to the synagogue of Satan [See 2:9]; they claim to be Jews, yet they are not, but are lying. Watch, I will make them come and bow down at your feet [in respect] and [they will] know that I have loved you.

¹⁵ I know about your deeds, that you are neither [spiritually] cold nor hot. I wish you were [either] cold or hot. ¹⁶ But since you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am about to vomit you out of my mouth. ¹⁷ For you are saying, ‘I am wealthy; I have made plenty of money and do not need anything.’ But you do not know that you are [spiritually] wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. 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]. ¹⁹ “I rebuke and discipline those I love, so be earnest and repent. ²⁰ Look, I am standing at [your] door and knocking; if anyone hears my voice [i.e., the sound of my knocking], and opens the door, I will [surely] come in to him and eat with him and he [will eat] with me. ²¹ The person who has victory [in the Christian life], I will grant him [the privilege of] sitting down with me on my throne, as I also had victory and sat down with my Father on His throne.

⁵ And lightning flashes and [loud] sounds of rolling thunder came out of God’s throne. And there were seven lighted torches burning in front of the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See 1:4].

¹⁰ and you made them into a kingdom and a priesthood for [serving] our God, and they will rule on the earth.”

¹⁷ For the Lamb, who is at the center of the throne, will be their Shepherd and will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”

⁷ Then there was a war in heaven. Michael [See Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9] and his angels waged war against the dragon [See verse 9]; and the dragon and his angels fought back. ⁸ But they did not win and so lost their place in heaven. ⁹ Then the great dragon was thrown out [of heaven]; he is the snake from ancient times who is [also] called “the Devil,” and “Satan,” the deceiver of the entire world. He was thrown down to earth along with his angels.

⁸ And everyone who lives on earth will worship the beast, [even those] people whose names had not been recorded in the book of life belonging to the Lamb, who was killed [in prospect] from the creation of the world. [Note: This sentence could also read “...not been recorded from the creation of the world in the book of life belonging to the Lamb who was killed”].

⁴ These people are the ones who did not practice sexual immorality with women, for they were virgins [Note: This probably has reference to people who avoided idolatry]. These are people who followed the Lamb wherever He went. They were purchased from among mankind to be the firstfruits [devoted] to God and to the Lamb.

¹⁰ he will also [have to] drink the wine of God’s anger, as an undiluted mixture in the cup of His anger. And he will be tortured with burning sulphur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. ¹¹ And the smoke of their suffering will ascend forever and ever and there will not be any rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his statue and who receive the mark of his name.”

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”).

⁸ The beast you saw once existed, but now does not, and [yet] is about to come up out of the pit and go to [his] destruction. And those people living on the earth, whose names have not been recorded in the book of life from the creation of the world, will be amazed when they see the beast, because he had once existed, but now does not, and yet will come [again].

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].

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]). 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.”

¹⁶ And on His robe and His thigh was written the name, “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

¹⁰ And the devil who [had] deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire, [burning] with sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet also are. [See 19:20]. And [there] these [enemies of God] will be tortured day and night forever and ever.

¹⁰ And the devil who [had] deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire, [burning] with sulphur, where the beast and the false prophet also are. [See 19:20]. And [there] these [enemies of God] will be tortured day and night forever and ever. ¹¹ Then I saw a great, white throne and Him who was seated on it [i.e., probably Christ]. Earth and heaven fled from His presence and they were not found anywhere [again].

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.

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

² And I [also] saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

⁷ The person who has victory [in the Christian life] will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my child. ⁸ But the place for cowards, and unbelievers, and disgusting people [i.e., because of their terrible sins], and murderers, and sexually immoral people, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will be the lake that burns with fire and sulphur. This is the second death.” ⁹ Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues [i.e., judgments, See 15:1], came and spoke to me, saying, “Come here, [and] I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.”

¹¹ The person who is doing wrong should continue to do wrong [if he wants to]; and the person who is [morally] filthy should continue to be [morally] filthy [if he wants to]; and the person who does what is right should continue to do right [if he wants to]; and the person who is living a holy life should continue to live holy [if he wants to].” ¹² “Listen,” [says Jesus], “I am coming quickly! And my reward is with me to pay [back] every person for what he has done.

²⁰ The One who testifies about these things [i.e., Jesus] says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” May this be so. Come [ahead] Lord Jesus!