Matthew 7 Cross References - JMNT

¹ "Stop separating-off, dividing-out and making distinctions (or: Do not have a habit of evaluating or judging) – so that you folks may not be separated-off, evaluated or judged. ² "You see, within and with whatever aspect of separating-off, effect of evaluation, result of discrimination, or produce of judgment you folks are habitually or normally separating-off, dividing-out, discriminating, evaluating and judging, you will be judged (etc.). And further, within and with whatever measure or standard you folks are using or applying, it will be used to measure you, and that standard will be applied to you (or: = you will receive in the same proportion that you give). ³ "Now why are you constantly or repeatedly looking at the speck (splinter of shriveled wood; small piece of straw) – the one in your brother's eye (= the small thing hindering the ability of your friend or fellow believer to see)! – and yet you are not continuing to fully consider and carefully think about the rafter (beam of wood; shaft of timber) in your own eye? ⁴ "Or how will you folks proceed in declaring to your brother, 'Allow [me], I can extract the speck (splinter) from your eye' – and now consider as you look! – a rafter (log; beam) [is] within the midst of your own eye? ⁵ "O hyper-critical one [cf 6:2, above]! First extract the rafter (log; plank) from out of your own eye, and then you will proceed to be seeing clearly to extract the speck (splinter) from out of your brother's eye. ⁶ "You folks should not give the set-apart (holy; sacred) things to the dogs, neither should you throw your pearls in front of the pigs (hogs; swine), lest at some time they will step on them and trample them down with their feet – and then, upon turning around, they might break forth on you folks and rip you up (tear you in pieces). ⁷ "Be habitually requesting (or: Keep on asking), and it (or: He) will proceed being given to (or: for; in) you people. Be habitually seeking (or: Keep on searching and trying to find), and you folks will repeatedly find. Be repeatedly (or: Keep on) knocking, and it (or: He) will habitually be opened up to (or: for; in) you. ⁸ "You see, everyone habitually requesting is repeatedly receiving. He who keeps on seeking and searching is constantly finding. And to (in; for) the person repeatedly knocking it will be opened up. ⁹ "Well then, a certain person [is] a man from among you folks from whom his son will request a loaf of bread – he will not proceed to be handing a stone to him, will he? ¹⁰ "Or, perhaps he will ask for a fish – he will not proceed to be handing a snake (serpent) to him, will he? ¹¹ "Since, then (or: If, therefore), you folks – being miserable, bad and useless as you are – have seen [in life] and now know to be habitually giving good gifts (or: the results of virtue and excellence) to your own children, how much more will your Father – the One within and in union with the heavens and within the midst of the atmospheres – continue giving good, excellent things as well as virtues to those continuing in requesting from Him (or: asking Him)? ¹² "Therefore, all things – as many as you folks may continue wanting or should by habit be purposing – that people (mankind; men) should be habitually doing to or for you, thus also (or: likewise), you folks, yourselves, be continuously doing to and for them (or: = Treat others in the way that you yourselves would like to be treated). You see, THIS is (or: exists being; = is the meaning of) the Law and the Prophets (= this sums up the message of the Scriptures)! ¹³ "You folks enter at once through the narrow, restrictive and cramping gate [note: is this a picture of being brought to birth?] – because wide [is] the gate and spacious (roomy, having the characteristics of free, open country) [is] roadway habitually leading off into the loosing-away of loss and destruction (or: demolition), and many are the folks continuously (or: one after another in a steady stream) entering through it – ¹⁴ "for the gate is narrow, cramping and restrictive which is habitually leading off into the Life – and the path has been compressed and squeezed [to where the traveler is being pressed and encumbered] – and the folks presently (or: one after another, in a continuous procession) finding it are few. ¹⁵ "Constantly apply yourselves to holding off the false prophets – whatsoever ones that are habitually coming to you folks in clothing belonging to sheep (= disguised as sheep; pretending to have the covering or appearance of sheep), yet inside they are ravenous, savage wolves. ¹⁶ "You will come to be recognizing and fully knowing them from their fruits. People are not normally picking or gathering clusters of grapes from thorn bushes (prickly plants), nor ripe figs from thistles or briers. ¹⁷ "Likewise every good (or: = healthy) tree constantly produces fine, beautiful (choice; ideal) fruit, but the decaying and rotten tree repeatedly bears bad and worthless (= inedible) fruit. ¹⁸ "A good, healthy tree normally has no power to bear bad and worthless fruit, neither [is] a rotten tree [able] to continue producing fine, beautiful fruit. ¹⁹ "Every tree not habitually producing choice, ideal fruit is normally being cut out [of the orchard] – and is normally being thrown into a fire (= used for fire wood). ²⁰ "Consequently, you folks will recognize and come to accurately know them from their fruits (= from what their lives produce). ²¹ "Not everyone constantly saying to Me, 'O Lord! Lord!' will proceed to be entering into the reign (or: sovereign rule; kingdom; realm of action and rule) of the heavens (or: which has the character of, and emanates from, the atmospheres) but rather, the one habitually performing the result or progressively producing the effect of the will, intent and purpose of My Father – the One within and in union with the heavens, and in the midst of the atmospheres – [will proceed entering]. ²² "Within (or: On) That Day many will repeatedly say to Me, 'Lord! O Lord! do (or: did) we not prophesy in (or: by) Your Name? And do (or: did) we not cast out demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences) in (or: by) Your Name? And do (or: did) we not perform many works of power and ability in (or: by) Your Name? ²³ "And at that time I will repeatedly confess assuredly to them, 'I never came to know or became acquainted with you folks (or: I not even once had intimate, experiential knowledge of you). Those people habitually working (performing; or: making a trade of; making a living in) the lawlessness are now to go off to a space (or: territory) away, and proceed in giving way to Me and making room for Me.' [Ps. 6:9] ²⁴ "Everyone, then, who continues obediently hearing these words (thoughts; ideas; messages) of Mine, and habitually does them (or: acts on them), will progressively be made to be and to become like an intelligent, considerate, thoughtful, prudent and sensible adult male, who builds (or: built) his house upon the rock-mass. ²⁵ "And when the rain descended (or: falls) and the rivers came (or: come) [flooding] and the winds blew (or: blow) and lunged (or: fall toward; lash against) that house, it did (or: does) not fall, for it had been provided with a foundation and continued being established upon the rock-mass. ²⁶ "And by contrast, everyone who continues hearing the words (thoughts; ideas; messages) of Mine and yet is not continuing in doing them (or: acting on them) will progressively be made to be and to become like a stupid, senseless adult male (= an ignorant and careless builder) who built (or: builds) his house upon the sand. ²⁷ "And when the rain descended (or: falls) and the rivers came (or: come) [flooding] and the winds blew (or: blow) and lunged (or: fall toward; lash against) that house, it fell (or: falls), and its fall (collapse) was great." ²⁸ And so it happened that when Jesus finished these discourses (thoughts; ideas), the crowds began to be amazed and astounded at what He taught and His way (manner) of teaching, ²⁹ for He was continuing in teaching and instructing them as one holding authority ( or: having the right out of Being) – and not as their scribes (theologians; experts in the Law; scholars) [taught].

² habitually saying, "You folks be continuously and progressively changing your thinking – change your perceptions, attitudes, frame of mind, mode of thought and understanding, and turn back [toward God], because the reign of the heavens (the expression and effect of kingdom rule which has its source in the atmospheres; the activity of exercising the sovereignty which exists being the heavens; the reigning [of the King] which pertains to the heavens; the kingdom which belongs to and comes from the atmosphere; the influence of the sovereignty which is the heavens) has approached and is now near at hand and is close enough to touch (= has arrived and is now accessible)!"

⁸ "Produce, then, fruit which has a corresponding value to, and is appropriate of, a change in thinking and attitude, as well as a turn [toward God].

¹⁰ "Now you see, the ax is already continuing lying [being focused] toward (or: facing toward) the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree not habitually (repeatedly; = seasonally) producing beautiful (ideal; fine) fruit is customarily being cut out [of the orchard or garden], and is normally thrown into a fire. [comment: to be used for fuel]

³ "The destitute folks [are] happy in spirit and attitude, because the reign of the heavens is continually belonging to, and made up of, them (or: Blessed [are] those dependent for support on the Spirit, for the kingdom from the sky and the atmosphere is continuing to pertain to them; The people who need to beg for sustenance [are made] happy by the Breath-effect because the effect of the sovereignty of the heavens is being a source in and for them; The financially poor folks [exist being] happy with an attitude that the sovereign influence and activity from the atmospheres continuously exists with reference to them)! ⁴ "Those constantly grieving and mourning [are] happy and blessed because [other MSS: now that] they, themselves, will habitually be called alongside to receive relief, aid, encouragement and comfort! ⁵ "‘The kind, considerate, gentle, mild-tempered, humane and nonviolent folks (people who do not use force) ’ [are] happy and blessed because they, themselves, ‘will proceed to be inheriting the Land (or: be receiving and enjoying an allotment of the earth)!’ [Ps. 37:11] ⁶ "The people being habitually hungry and constantly thirsty for the fairness, equity, right relationship and justice which characterize a rightwised state of being within the Way pointed out (or: = for covenant inclusion) [are] happy and blessed, because they themselves will continue feeding and drinking [of these things] until they are filled and satisfied! ⁷ "The folks who are merciers (who give and show mercy) [are] happy and blessed, because they, themselves, will repeatedly be given and shown mercy! ⁸ "Those who are clean in the heart [are] happy and blessed, because they, themselves, will progressively see God! (or: = The folks that have had the core of their beings made clean [are] happy people, in that they will continue to see God [in everything]!) ⁹ "The ones who make peace and create shalom [are] happy and blessed because they, themselves, will continue being called God's sons (or: termed 'sons of and from God')! ¹⁰ "Those being ones having been pressed forward, chased or persecuted for the sake of fairness, equity, [covenant] relationships or justice which comes from the Way pointed out [are] happy and blessed because the reign of the heavens continually belongs to them (or: for the kingdom of the heavens is continuing to pertain to them; because the reign and sovereign activities from the atmosphere and sky is being a source in and for them)! ¹¹ "You folks are and continue to be happy (and: blessed) people! Now whenever people may denounce, reproach, heap insults on and persecute or chase you folks, and while continuously lying, may even say every bad thing (spreading malicious gossip; [other MSS: every misery-gushed utterance]) down against you – for the sake of Me, ¹² be continuously rejoicing and repeatedly express extreme exultation, because your wage (compensation; reward) [is] much (large; great), within the heavens (or: atmospheres [that surround you])! You see, they persecuted the prophets before you in the same way.

²⁰ "You see, I am here saying to you people that if your fairness and equity ([covenantal] justice, rightwisedness, and right relationships which conform to the Way pointed out) should not habitually exceed and abound more than [that] of the scribes (experts in the Law; scholars; theologians) and Pharisees, in no way can you folks enter into the reign of the heavens (or: the kingdom which is, and pertains to, the heavens; the sovereign rule of the atmospheres)!

²⁸ "Yet I, Myself, am now saying to you people that every man who is continuing in, or, repeatedly looking at and observing (constantly watching or leering at; = fantasizing over) a [married] woman, with a view toward the [situation, or, condition] to crave her (to experience strong passion for her, or, to desire to rush in a heat of emotion upon her), has already committed adultery with her, within his heart!

²⁸ "Yet I, Myself, am now saying to you people that every man who is continuing in, or, repeatedly looking at and observing (constantly watching or leering at; = fantasizing over) a [married] woman, with a view toward the [situation, or, condition] to crave her (to experience strong passion for her, or, to desire to rush in a heat of emotion upon her), has already committed adultery with her, within his heart! ²⁹ "So if your right eye is habitually a bait-stick which entraps you, immediately tear it out and throw it away from you! You see, it constantly brings things together for benefit and advantage in (for; to) you folks that one of your members should loose itself away (may destroy itself; could come to be lost), so that your whole body should not be thrown into the Valley of Hinnom (Greek: Gehenna – the city dump [= to dishonor you by giving no burial; to treat you as a criminal]). ³⁰ "Also, if your right hand is habitually a bait-stick which entraps you, at once cut it off and throw it away from you! You see, it constantly brings things together for benefit and advantage in (for; to) you folks that one of your members should loose itself away (may destroy itself; could come to be lost), so that your whole body should not go off into the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna – the city dump outside Jerusalem). [comment: vs. 29-30 are hyperbole; they also show the absurdity of trying to fulfill the law through works, when in fact it is a matter of the heart] ³¹ "Now it was declared, 'Whoever should dismiss (loose-away; = divorce) his wife, let him give a certificate of divorce (or: a divorce; a standing-off and away) to her.' [Deut. 24:1; note: separation equaled a legal divorce; the document would pertain to property, child custody, and/or return of the dowry; it would also protect her from a charge of committing adultery if she was with another unmarried man] ³² "Yet I, Myself, am now saying to you folks that every man proceeding in dismissing (loosing-away) his wife – outside of a case of infidelity (fornication; prostitution; sexual misconduct) – proceeds in making her a subject of adultery. [comment: this would annul their then current practice for a man to be able to divorce his wife just for whatever reason he might choose; this statement by Jesus was a great advance toward cultural equality of the sexes]

³² "Yet I, Myself, am now saying to you folks that every man proceeding in dismissing (loosing-away) his wife – outside of a case of infidelity (fornication; prostitution; sexual misconduct) – proceeds in making her a subject of adultery. [comment: this would annul their then current practice for a man to be able to divorce his wife just for whatever reason he might choose; this statement by Jesus was a great advance toward cultural equality of the sexes]

⁴⁴ "Yet I, Myself, am now saying to you folks: Be constantly loving your enemies (urging toward reunion with, and accepting as persons standing on the same ground, those folks hostile to you; [comment: this could have applied to the Romans, as well as to personal enemies]), and be habitually praying over (on behalf of) the people continuously persecuting you –

¹⁴ "You see, if you folks should (or: can) send away (let flow off; forgive; dismiss) for (or: from) people (or: mankind) the effects of their falling to the side [of the Way; of the Path pointed out] (or: their trespasses; their false steps and offenses; their goof-ups and blunders), your heavenly Father (or: your Father Who inhabits, and can be compared to, the atmosphere) will continue sending away, dismissing, forgiving and letting [things; some MSS add: the effects of your falling to the side] flow off for (or: in) you, as well. ¹⁵ "Yet if you folks should not send away for (or: from) people the effects of their falling to the side, neither will your Father continue sending away (dismissing; forgiving; letting flow away) the effects of your falling to the side, offending or goofing.

¹⁹ "Stop (or: Do not continue) accumulating and storing up treasures for yourselves upon the earth (or: on the land) – where moth and corrosion (an eating action) progressively causes [things] to disappear, and where thieves constantly dig (or: tunnel; excavate) through (i.e., as to break in through a wall) and then proceed in stealing. ²⁰ "So you folks be continuously accumulating and storing up for yourselves treasures within heaven (or: [your] atmosphere) – where neither moth nor corrosion causes [things] to disappear, and where thieves do not constantly dig through nor are they repeatedly stealing. ²¹ "You see, where your treasure is, there also will be your heart (= the core of your being).

³³ "So you people be habitually and constantly seeking God's reign (or: sovereign activity and influence; kingdom) and the fairness and equity from Him, as well as the His justice and rightwised behavior in the Way, which He has pointed out (also: = covenant participation) – and all these things will be added to you!

² "You see, within and with whatever aspect of separating-off, effect of evaluation, result of discrimination, or produce of judgment you folks are habitually or normally separating-off, dividing-out, discriminating, evaluating and judging, you will be judged (etc.). And further, within and with whatever measure or standard you folks are using or applying, it will be used to measure you, and that standard will be applied to you (or: = you will receive in the same proportion that you give).

⁵ "O hyper-critical one [cf 6:2, above]! First extract the rafter (log; plank) from out of your own eye, and then you will proceed to be seeing clearly to extract the speck (splinter) from out of your brother's eye.

⁷ "Be habitually requesting (or: Keep on asking), and it (or: He) will proceed being given to (or: for; in) you people. Be habitually seeking (or: Keep on searching and trying to find), and you folks will repeatedly find. Be repeatedly (or: Keep on) knocking, and it (or: He) will habitually be opened up to (or: for; in) you. ⁸ "You see, everyone habitually requesting is repeatedly receiving. He who keeps on seeking and searching is constantly finding. And to (in; for) the person repeatedly knocking it will be opened up.

⁸ "You see, everyone habitually requesting is repeatedly receiving. He who keeps on seeking and searching is constantly finding. And to (in; for) the person repeatedly knocking it will be opened up.

¹¹ "Since, then (or: If, therefore), you folks – being miserable, bad and useless as you are – have seen [in life] and now know to be habitually giving good gifts (or: the results of virtue and excellence) to your own children, how much more will your Father – the One within and in union with the heavens and within the midst of the atmospheres – continue giving good, excellent things as well as virtues to those continuing in requesting from Him (or: asking Him)?

¹³ "You folks enter at once through the narrow, restrictive and cramping gate [note: is this a picture of being brought to birth?] – because wide [is] the gate and spacious (roomy, having the characteristics of free, open country) [is] roadway habitually leading off into the loosing-away of loss and destruction (or: demolition), and many are the folks continuously (or: one after another in a steady stream) entering through it – ¹⁴ "for the gate is narrow, cramping and restrictive which is habitually leading off into the Life – and the path has been compressed and squeezed [to where the traveler is being pressed and encumbered] – and the folks presently (or: one after another, in a continuous procession) finding it are few.

¹⁶ "You will come to be recognizing and fully knowing them from their fruits. People are not normally picking or gathering clusters of grapes from thorn bushes (prickly plants), nor ripe figs from thistles or briers.

²⁰ "Consequently, you folks will recognize and come to accurately know them from their fruits (= from what their lives produce). ²¹ "Not everyone constantly saying to Me, 'O Lord! Lord!' will proceed to be entering into the reign (or: sovereign rule; kingdom; realm of action and rule) of the heavens (or: which has the character of, and emanates from, the atmospheres) but rather, the one habitually performing the result or progressively producing the effect of the will, intent and purpose of My Father – the One within and in union with the heavens, and in the midst of the atmospheres – [will proceed entering].

⁵ Jesus commissioned and sent off these, the twelve, upon passing on announcements and instructions to them, continuing in saying, "You men should not go off into the roads or paths of ethnic multitudes ([the] nations; the non-Israelites; or: pagan ways), and you should not enter into a Samaritan city. ⁶ "But, instead, continue on your way toward the lost and destroyed sheep that belong to 'the house of Israel.' ⁷ "Now as you are traveling on your way, be constantly performing the work of a herald, repeatedly saying publicly that the reigning and activity of exercising the sovereignty of the heavens (or: kingdom of the atmospheres) has drawn near and is close enough to touch (= has arrived and is now accessible)! ⁸ "Be constantly serving, curing and restoring to health (or: giving attentive care to and treatment for) those who are habitually weak, feeble and inadequate. Habitually be rousing and raising up dead people. Be continually cleansing lepers (scabby folks). Make it a habit to cast out demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences). You folks receive (or: received) freely (as a gift; = without cost), [so] give freely (as a gift; = without charge).

¹⁴ "Also, whoever may not welcome and receive you men, nor even listen to your words or hear your message, as you are going outside, from out of the house or that city, shake the dust off your feet. [note: Hospitality in those times and countries involved having a servant wash the feet of their guests; further: Jews did this when they left a Gentile country, so this would indicate that this town was being regarded as polluted and unholy, and in the same category as the Gentiles; comment: this could be a metaphor to shake off that incident, so as not to let their “humanity” cling to them] ¹⁵ "Assuredly – I now say to you folks – it will proceed being more endurable in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in a day of separating and deciding, than in that city (or: it will be more supportable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in a day of judging, than for that town)!

¹⁵ "Assuredly – I now say to you folks – it will proceed being more endurable in the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in a day of separating and deciding, than in that city (or: it will be more supportable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah, in a day of judging, than for that town)!

¹⁷ "So constantly hold your attention toward protecting yourself from humanity. You see, they will periodically be giving you folks over (turning you in) unto [their] local city councils and courts, and then they will proceed scourging you with lashes and whips.

³² "Everyone, then, that acknowledges union with Me and speaks in accord with Me in front of (before and in the presence of) humans (mankind), I, Myself, will also acknowledge union with him and speak of him in the same way (saying the same thing of him) in front of (before and in the presence of) My Father – the One within and in union with the heavens (or: in the midst of the atmospheres). ³³ "Yet, whoever may refuse [to acknowledge] Me, or disown and deny Me, in front of humans (mankind), I, Myself, will continue also refusing [to acknowledge] him, and be disowning and denying him, in front of My Father – the One within and in union with the heavens (or: in the midst of the atmospheres).

¹ And so it came to be – when Jesus finished making thorough arrangements and completed the process of instruction for His twelve students (or: disciples) – [that] He redirected His steps and passed on from out of that place so as to continue teaching and making public proclamation within their cities and towns.

³³ "You folks either make the tree ideal (fine and beautiful), and thus its fruit ideal (fine and beautiful), or make the tree rotten, and its fruit [will be] rotten (decayed). You see, the tree is habitually being known and experienced from out of the [or: its] fruit.

³³ "You folks either make the tree ideal (fine and beautiful), and thus its fruit ideal (fine and beautiful), or make the tree rotten, and its fruit [will be] rotten (decayed). You see, the tree is habitually being known and experienced from out of the [or: its] fruit. ³⁴ "Offspring ([You] effects of the births) of poisonous snakes (vipers; serpents; [comment: perhaps equating them to satan])! How are you able to habitually say good and virtuous things, being inherently good-for-nothing and useless folks (being worthless and knavish; being folks in a sorry plight and oppressed by grievous toils; existing being base and wicked; continuously being ones characterized by evil)? You see, from out of the midst of the effect of the excess from the heart's surrounding abundance, the mouth is continually speaking. ³⁵ "The good and virtuous person is habitually extracting and spurting out good and virtuous things from out of the midst of the Good and Virtuous Treasure-house. And yet the good-for-nothing and useless person is continuously extracting and spurting out worthless, oppressive, knavish, base, wicked and evil things from out of the mist of the worthless treasure-house.

⁴³ "Now whenever the unclean spirit (or: unpruned attitude; unpurged breath-effect; foul wind) should come forth (or: go out) away from the person (or: human), it normally passes through waterless places, continuously seeking a resting place (or: rest; a ceasing from activity) – and it continues finding none. ⁴⁴ "At that point, it proceeds to say, 'I will proceed turning back into my house from where I came (or: moved) out.' And, upon coming, it is then finding [it] continuing being unoccupied (being unemployed, and thus, at leisure) and having been swept clean with a broom – even having been put in orderly arrangement and decorated! ⁴⁵ "At that time it continues journeying on its way, and then proceeds taking along with itself seven different spirits (attitudes; breath-effects; winds) more good-for-nothing and useless (base, wicked, knavish, grievously oppressive and evil) than itself, and upon entering, it settles down and continues dwelling there in the house. So the last [circumstances] of that person becomes progressively worse than the first ones. Thus in this way will it also proceed being with (or: for; in; to) this good-for-nothing and wicked generation."

⁵⁰ "You see, whoever may be doing the will, intent, purpose and desire of My Father – the One within and in union with [the] heavens (or: in the midst of [the] atmospheres) – that very person is My brother and sister and mother!"

¹⁹ "Concerning everyone constantly listening to and hearing the Word of the sovereign reign and activities (or: the thought, idea and message of the kingdom) and yet continuing in not understanding (being unable to have things flow together unto comprehension): the worthless person or the disadvantageous circumstance (or: the one who brings pain and misery through hard labor; the malevolent and wicked man; the evil one; or: the difficult and wearisome situation) is repeatedly coming and is habitually snatching up what has been sown (scattered as seed) within his heart – this is the one sown alongside the path or road. ²⁰ "Now [as to] the one being sown (scattered) upon the rocky places, this one is the person continuing in hearing the Word (thought; idea; message), and at once progressively receiving it with joy! ²¹ "However, he is not continuing to have a root within himself, but is instead existing for [only] a season (is temporary, or lasts only for that particular situation or occasion), so with an occurring (happening; birthing) of pressure (tribulation; distress) or pursuit and persecution – because of the message (the Word; the idea) – he is at once caught in a trap, as though these circumstances were a trap-stick, and so he is made to stumble, being offended. ²² "Now [as to] the one being sown (scattered) into the midst of the thorns, this one is the person continuing in hearing the Word (message; thought; idea), and yet the anxiety (care; worry; concern; distraction) of the age [other MSS: this age], and the seductiveness and deception of the riches and wealth [involved], together progressively choke the Word (or: message) and it (or: he) progresses to become unfruitful.

⁵³ And then it happened (occurred), when Jesus finished these parables (illustrations), [that] He went across country (transferred Himself) from that place. ⁵⁴ So later, upon coming into His fatherland (= His native land and home territory), He began, and continued, teaching them within their synagogue, with the result for them to be constantly moved from out of their positions and be overwhelmed with astonishment, even to be periodically saying, "From where [comes] this wisdom and the expressions (demonstrations; effects; works) of power and ability by (or: in; to; for) this person?

¹ At that time, Pharisees and scribes (scholars and theologians of the Law) from Jerusalem progressively made an approach to Jesus, [and as a group] were saying, ² "Why (= Through what reason or situation) are your disciples habitually side-stepping (thus, deviating from) the tradition of the Elders? For example, they are not regularly washing [their] hands [to make them ritually clean] whenever they may be periodically eating bread (= a meal)." ³ So He, giving a decided reply, said to them, "Why (or: Through what situation or reasoning) are you people habitually side-stepping and deviating from God's implanted goals (impartation of the finished product within; inward directives) through your tradition? ⁴ "For God said, 'Be habitually honoring and expressing value for the father and the mother,' [Ex. 20:12] and, 'The person habitually saying a bad, ugly or worthless word or message to or concerning (= verbally abusing) father or mother, let him progressively come to fruition (or: reach his end; be finished) in (or: by) death.' [Ex. 21:17] ⁵ "Yet you, yourselves, are habitually maintaining, 'Whoever may at some point say to the father or the mother, "Whatever from me should have benefited or helped you [is now] a 'gift' [cf "Corban," Mark 7:11; meaning: a gift to God; i.e., it is consecrated for God's use, and can at any time be claimed for Temple use, and is thus unusable for any other purpose], ⁶ "'he shall by no means honor [a request for help from] his father (= he will be rid of the duty to honor his father; or: he will not [in this] be not honoring his father).' And thus you people at once invalidate (make void of authority; cancel and make of no effect) God's idea, word and message through you tradition! ⁷ " [You] perverse scholars who in micro-scrutinizing make decisions from a low position [see ch. 6:2]! Isaiah beautifully and aptly prophesies about (or: concerning) you folks, continually saying, ⁸ -720 'This people habitually honor Me with [their] lips, yet it constantly holds their heart far away from Me (or: yet their heart continuously holds [itself] off, distant from Me). ⁹ 'So they habitually revere Me and commit acts of devotion to Me in vain (to no profit; fruitlessly), repeatedly giving instruction concerning teachings [that are] directions coming from mankind (or: constantly teaching for " [the] teachings" [the] results of inner goals and commands of humans {or: man made rules}).'" [Isa. 29:13]

²² And then – look and consider! – a Canaanite (= Phoenician) woman from the boundaries of those regions, upon coming out [to Him], cried out, repeatedly saying, "O Lord (Master) – Son of David – mercy me right now (or: extend the effects of compassion to me quickly)! My daughter is being repeatedly affected in an ugly way by demons (or: is incessantly badly-demonized [Hellenistic term, concept and belief: = affected by animism])!" ²³ But He did not give a word of decision or reply to her. Then His disciples, upon approaching, began making a request to Him, saying, "Set her free, and then dismiss her, because she keeps on crying out behind us." ²⁴ Yet He, making a discerning reply, said, "I was not commissioned and sent off as an emissary (representative) – except into the midst of those sheep having been destroyed, the ones that belong to the house of Israel (or: unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel)." ²⁵ Yet she, upon coming, continued paying Him homage by kneeling down and with obeisance kissing toward Him, even reverently kissing His feet, repeatedly saying, "O Lord (or: Master; Sir), be now running to my aid and continue to give help to me!" ²⁶ Now He, responding from discernment, said, "It is not proper or ideal (thus, it is not an act of beauty) to take the children's bread and to throw it to the little pet dogs!"

²⁶ Now He, responding from discernment, said, "It is not proper or ideal (thus, it is not an act of beauty) to take the children's bread and to throw it to the little pet dogs!" ²⁷ So the [woman] said, "Yes, sir. And yet... you see... the little pet dogs and puppies habitually eat from the crumbs which are constantly falling from their owner's (or: master's) table!" ²⁸ At that point Jesus, in making a decided reply, said to her, "O woman (or: O dear lady), your trust, faith and confidence [are] great! Let it at once come to be and happen just as you continue intending and desiring." And so, from that hour, her daughter was cured and healed.

⁶ Now on this occasion, Jesus said to them, "You men be constantly seeing, and be then attentive in holding [yourselves] away from the leaven (yeast) which comes from, characterizes, [and puffs up or permeates] the Pharisees and Sadducees."

¹¹ "How [is it that] you men are not using your heads to understand that I did not speak to you about (or: concerning) loaves of bread? Now continue holding your focus and be attentive to keep away from the leaven (yeast) which belongs to, comes from and characterizes the Pharisees and Sadducees!"

¹⁷ So Jesus, making a considered response, said to him, "You continue being a happy and blessed person, Simon, son of Jonah, because 'flesh and blood' (= the human nature or intellect; or: = people; or: = the old covenant system) did not uncover [this] for you, nor disclose [this] so as to reveal [it] to you (or: = you did not come up with this revelation yourself, nor uncover it in yourself, nor disclose it by or for yourself). To the contrary, [it was] My Father – the One within the heavens (or: in the atmospheres)! ¹⁸ "And now I Myself am saying to you that you are Peter (or: that you continue being an isolated stone). And you see, [it is] upon this: the rock mass (or: bedrock) [that] I will progressively be constructing and building up My house – the called-out community. And even gates of [the] unseen (or: gates of an unseen place; [= boulders on the entrances of graves; = {the prison} gates of the 'house of death'; or: the bars enclosing the realm of the dead]) will not continue bringing strength down against it (or: will not proceed to be coming to their full strength in relation to it; or: will not continue overpowering it or prevail in resisting it).

²⁴ At that point Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone continues intending (purposing; willing; wanting) to come on behind Me, let him at once deny, reject and disown himself, and then in one move lift up his execution state (cross), and after that proceed to be by habit continuously following after Me! ²⁵ "You see, whoever may intend (or: should purpose; might set his will; happens to want) to keep his soul-life safe (to rescue himself; to preserve the interior life that he is living) will continue loosing-it-away and destroying it. Yet whoever can loose-away and even destroy his soul-life (the interior self) on My account, he will continue finding it!

² Then, after calling a little child to Himself, He placed (set; stood) it [Greek is neuter: = a boy or a girl] within their midst, ³ and said, "Truly (or: Depend on it; Amen) I am now saying to you men, If you folks are not turned around [from going in this direction, or reverse your present trend of thinking] and may birth yourselves (or: become) like little children, you can (or: may; would) by no means enter into the heavens' reign (or: the kingdom of the atmospheres; or: heaven’s sovereignty).

³ and said, "Truly (or: Depend on it; Amen) I am now saying to you men, If you folks are not turned around [from going in this direction, or reverse your present trend of thinking] and may birth yourselves (or: become) like little children, you can (or: may; would) by no means enter into the heavens' reign (or: the kingdom of the atmospheres; or: heaven’s sovereignty).

¹⁰ "You men be constantly seeing [to it] (= be perceptive so as to take care) [that] you should not even once think down on (have a condescending attitude toward; think of low importance; despise; disdain; or: bring attitudes or ways of thinking down on) one of these little folks, for you see, I am now saying to you people that their agents within [the] heavens (or: messengers in [the] atmospheres) are throughout every situation continually observing the face (= expressed feeling and attitude) of the Father – the One within [the] heavens (or: in the midst of [the] atmospheres).

¹⁹ "Again, truly, I continue saying to you men that, if ever two from your group can utter sounds together that are harmonious and in symphony (or: should voice together in agreement) upon the earth concerning every effect of what is practiced (or: every transaction of business; every result of the execution of operations or other matters) – regarding which they may be requesting – it will progressively come to be (be birthed into existence; happen) for them (in them; to them) at the side (or: from the side [= presence]) of My Father – the One within [the] heavens and in [the] atmospheres.

³⁵ "My heavenly Father (or: My Father, Who inhabits, and can be compared to, the atmosphere) will be progressively dealing with you folks in this same way (or: will continue doing to you men in like manner), too, if each person does not release and forgive his brother (and let things flow away for him), from your hearts."

¹ And then it occurred, when Jesus finished these words (or: sayings; discourses), [that] He picked up and changed locations away from the Galilee [district] and went into the frontiers (or: boundary areas) of the Judean [district] on the other side of the Jordan [River].

²⁴ "Now again (or: Furthermore), I continue saying to you folks, it is easier for a camel to squeeze through a needle's eye (hole) than for a rich, wealthy person to enter into God's reign (or: kingdom influence and sovereign activities)."

¹⁶ "It is in this way that the last folks will be first and the first folks [will be] last." [comment: this parable shows the equity of kingdom life: all receive the same; first and last have no significance – it is an illustration of additional folks being added into the sovereign activities of the heavens, and being equal to regular workers; it further shows the care of the Householder for the needs of the "unemployed," i.e., those not at that time being a part of His sovereign reign, and how He repeatedly goes, even in the heat of the day, to search for those in need, pointing to outreach beyond the House]

¹⁹ And then, upon seeing one [specific] fig tree upon the way (or: on the path; = by the road), He came up on it and found nothing within it except leaves (or: foliage). So He is then saying to it, "Fruit can under no condition any longer come into existence (= be produced) from out of you, on into the Age." And without delay, the fig tree was caused to dry up and wither. ²⁰ At seeing [this], the disciples kept on expressing astonishment: "How was the fig tree instantly caused to dry up and wither?"

²² "And so, you will progressively take to yourselves and receive everything (or: all things) – as much or as many as you folks ever could (or: may) request in thoughts or words toward things going well (or: in union with prayer), while continuously trusting and 'faithing' (= expressing, living in, and being joined to faith and belief)!" ²³ Later, after His coming into the Temple courts and grounds, the chief and ranking priests – as well as the elders (or: older men) of the people – came up to Him while [He was] in the process of teaching. They, one after another, proceeded saying, "In what kind of authority (or: In association with sort of customary law) are you continuing to do these things?" And then, "Who gave this authority (right; privilege) to you?" ²⁴ So Jesus, making a discerning response, says to them, "I, Myself, will proceed also asking you one question (thought; word), which, if you folks can (or: should; would) tell Me, then I also will continue in telling you in what kind of authority (or: in association with what sort of customary law) I am constantly doing these things: ²⁵ "The immersion (baptism; = ceremonial washing) which pertained to and was done by John – from what source or origin was it being; from out of heaven (or: from [the] Atmosphere), or from out of the midst of humans (mankind; people)?" Now they began reasoning and discussing among themselves, one after another saying, "If we should say, 'From out of heaven,' he will say to us, 'Why (Through what cause or situation) did you not trust or put faith in him?' ²⁶ "Yet if we should say, 'From out of humans,' we continue fearing about the crowd (= are afraid of how the crowd might react), for they all are in the habit of holding John as a prophet." ²⁷ And so, giving a determined reply to Jesus, they said, "We have not seen and so we do not know (or: We are not aware)." He also affirms to them, "Neither am I, Myself, laying it out or saying to you folks within what kind of authority (right; privilege; customary law) I continue to do these things.

²⁹ "Now he, giving a determined reply, said, 'I am neither wanting nor intending [to] (or: I will not)!' – yet afterward, changing his thoughts and interests (or: regretting his behavior), he went off. ³⁰ "So, upon going to the different one, he said similarly. Now, giving a considered reply, he said, 'I [go], sir,' – and yet, he did not go off. ³¹ "Which of the two did the will of the father?" They [as a group] are saying, "The first one." [other MSS read vs. 29-31 thus: "Now he, giving a considered reply, said,' I {go}, sir,' and yet he did not go off. So, upon approaching the second one, he said likewise. Yet he, giving a determined reply, said, 'I will not! 'Subsequently, he thought better of it {and} went forth. Which of {these} two fulfilled the desire of {his} father?" They are saying, "The latter one."] Jesus said, "That's right (You got it; Amen)! I am now saying and laying it out for you that the tax (or: tribute; toll) collectors (or: tax farmers; businessmen who bought the contract to collect taxes for the government) and the prostitutes are constantly preceding you men into God's reign (or: the kingdom of God; the sovereign activity of God)!

⁵ "But they, being unconcerned, lacking interest and not caring about it, went away – one, indeed, into his own field, yet another upon his commercial business (or: his trade), ⁶ "and the rest [of them], forcibly taking hold of his slaves, insolently violated their human rights and then killed [them].

¹⁴ "Now you see, many folks continue existing being called and invited ones, yet a few people [are also] chosen ones (selected and picked out folks)!" [comment: notice the ironic inversion of this closing statement of the parable: here there were two sorts of people that were invited, the first group, then the second – which actually came to the feast; in this story, the one that was picked out (chosen and focused on) was also kicked out]

¹⁸ But Jesus, knowing by intimate experience their worthlessness (their poor character and wicked intent), says, "Why are you men constantly examining and testing Me, you people who make close inspection of the writings so as to be opinionated and hyper-critical, having all the answers (see 6:2, above)?

³³ Then the crowds began being struck out of themselves from amazement (were being driven out of their composure with astonishment) upon hearing His teaching.

³⁹ "Yet [the] second one [is] like it: 'You will continue loving your associate (or: overcoming existential separation from your neighbor; participating with the one close to you) as he were yourself.' [Lev. 19:18] ⁴⁰ "In the midst of (or: In union with; Within) these two imparted, goal-oriented directives the whole Law – as well as the prophets – is continuously being hung!"

² "The scribes (scholars; theologians; experts in the Law [Torah]) sit upon Moses' seat. ³ "Therefore, you people be constantly doing and keeping (observing; maintaining) everything – as many things as they should tell you. But do not continue doing or performing according to their works or actions, for you see, they are habitually 'saying,' and yet they are not doing or performing (= they are 'all talk and no action'). ⁴ "So they habitually tie up and bind heavy loads (or: burdensome cargos), and then constantly place [these] as an addition upon the shoulders of people (or: mankind) – yet they, themselves, are not willing to budge or put them in motion with their finger (or: = to 'lift a finger' to help carry them)! ⁵ "Still, they are habitually doing all their works (or: performing all their acts) for the purpose of being viewed and gazed at by people (= their conduct is to attract public attention). You see, they habitually make their phylacteries (protective amulets: small boxes worn on themselves which encase certain Scripture verses; used to safeguard themselves) broad, and are normally enlarging the hems and borders [of their garments], as well as lengthening the fringe or corner tassels [as a reminder to keep the commandments]. ⁶ "Now they like the most prominent places of reclining during the evening meals (or: = the places of honor at banquets) and the front seats in the synagogues,

¹³ "And so, tragic will be the fate for you, scribes (scholars; theologians; Law experts) and Pharisees – [you] overly critical and perverse folks who make decisions from a low point of view [see: 6:2, above]! – because you consistently shut and lock up the reign of the heavens in front of mankind (or: the sovereign rule of the atmospheres, which is in the presence of people; or: the activity and influence of the realm of the sky and heaven which is resident within, and moves toward, humans; or: the kingdom moving from within the midst and face to face with people). For you, yourselves habitually do not enter, nor yet are you by practice allowing (or: letting flow on) those repeatedly coming into [your realm of influence] to continue to go in.

¹³ "And so, tragic will be the fate for you, scribes (scholars; theologians; Law experts) and Pharisees – [you] overly critical and perverse folks who make decisions from a low point of view [see: 6:2, above]! – because you consistently shut and lock up the reign of the heavens in front of mankind (or: the sovereign rule of the atmospheres, which is in the presence of people; or: the activity and influence of the realm of the sky and heaven which is resident within, and moves toward, humans; or: the kingdom moving from within the midst and face to face with people). For you, yourselves habitually do not enter, nor yet are you by practice allowing (or: letting flow on) those repeatedly coming into [your realm of influence] to continue to go in. ¹⁴ [This vs. is omitted by Nestle-Aland, W&H, Tasker, and Panin; Griesbach makes it vs. 13, and brackets, as 14, vs. 13, above; it is absent in the early codices; it is included in the Byzantine/Majority text (TR), based only upon later MSS: "It will be a tragic fate for you, scribes and Pharisees – hupokrites (see 6:2, above)! For you constantly consume (eat down; devour; swallow up) the houses belonging to widows (or: the households of widows), and then continue praying a long [time], for a disguise (as a pretext). Because of this you will receive a more abundant effect of judgment.] ¹⁵ "It will be a tragic fate for you, scribes and Pharisees – perverse scholars who live by separation and have all the answers [see 6:2, above]! Because you habitually go around the sea and dry [land] to make one convert (proselyte), and whenever he may become (should be birthed) [one], you proceed making him a son of the valley of Hinnom (= a person having the character and qualities of a city dump, or a part of a refuse depository [Greek: Gehenna]) twice as much as yourselves.

¹⁵ "It will be a tragic fate for you, scribes and Pharisees – perverse scholars who live by separation and have all the answers [see 6:2, above]! Because you habitually go around the sea and dry [land] to make one convert (proselyte), and whenever he may become (should be birthed) [one], you proceed making him a son of the valley of Hinnom (= a person having the character and qualities of a city dump, or a part of a refuse depository [Greek: Gehenna]) twice as much as yourselves. ¹⁶ "It will be a tragic fate for you, blind guides of the way and leaders on the path, folks who are constantly saying, 'Whoever should lay hold of a sacred object in the Temple (or: swear within, or in union with, the Temple), it is nothing (= it does not matter). Yet whoever should lay hold of the gold of the Temple, as a sacred object (or: swear an oath pertaining to a connection with the gold of the Temple), he continues indebted and is owing [it].'

¹⁶ "It will be a tragic fate for you, blind guides of the way and leaders on the path, folks who are constantly saying, 'Whoever should lay hold of a sacred object in the Temple (or: swear within, or in union with, the Temple), it is nothing (= it does not matter). Yet whoever should lay hold of the gold of the Temple, as a sacred object (or: swear an oath pertaining to a connection with the gold of the Temple), he continues indebted and is owing [it].' ¹⁷ "[You are] senseless morons (stupid folks), as well as blind ones! For which is greater: the gold, or the Temple which is setting apart and consecrating the gold?

¹⁷ "[You are] senseless morons (stupid folks), as well as blind ones! For which is greater: the gold, or the Temple which is setting apart and consecrating the gold? ¹⁸ "Further, [you say], 'Whoever grabs hold of the altar as a sacred object (or: Whoever may swear an oath in connection with the altar), it means nothing. Yet, whoever should lay hold of the gift (or: may swear an oath in connection with the offering) which is on top of it, he continues indebted and is owing [it].'

¹⁸ "Further, [you say], 'Whoever grabs hold of the altar as a sacred object (or: Whoever may swear an oath in connection with the altar), it means nothing. Yet, whoever should lay hold of the gift (or: may swear an oath in connection with the offering) which is on top of it, he continues indebted and is owing [it].' ¹⁹ "Senseless morons and blind ones! You see, which one [is] more important (greater): the gift (offering), or the altar which is constantly setting the gift (the offering) apart and consecrating [it]?

¹⁹ "Senseless morons and blind ones! You see, which one [is] more important (greater): the gift (offering), or the altar which is constantly setting the gift (the offering) apart and consecrating [it]? ²⁰ "Therefore, the person laying hold of the altar for a religious purpose (or: swearing an oath in conjunction with the altar), continues holding onto it (or: swearing in relation to it) as well as in union with all the things which are on top of it.

²⁰ "Therefore, the person laying hold of the altar for a religious purpose (or: swearing an oath in conjunction with the altar), continues holding onto it (or: swearing in relation to it) as well as in union with all the things which are on top of it. ²¹ "Also, the person holding onto something in the Temple, or swearing in union with it, continues to hold onto it – or swearing in its midst – and also to, and in union with, the one making His home down in (dwelling in; inhabiting) it.

²¹ "Also, the person holding onto something in the Temple, or swearing in union with it, continues to hold onto it – or swearing in its midst – and also to, and in union with, the one making His home down in (dwelling in; inhabiting) it. ²² "Further, the one taking hold of something within heaven (or: in union with the atmosphere, sky or outer space), or swearing in its midst, continues to hold onto, and is swearing in the presence of, God's throne, as well as the One constantly sitting on top of it. [comment: the term heaven refers figuratively to the Temple; the ark was "God's throne"]

²² "Further, the one taking hold of something within heaven (or: in union with the atmosphere, sky or outer space), or swearing in its midst, continues to hold onto, and is swearing in the presence of, God's throne, as well as the One constantly sitting on top of it. [comment: the term heaven refers figuratively to the Temple; the ark was "God's throne"] ²³ "O the tragic fate by (or: for; with) you folks – scholars, theologians and experts in the Scriptures and [the] Pharisees – [you] under-discerning folks who live by close inspection of minor details [see 6:3, above]: [it is] that you habitually give away a tenth (or: tithe back) from the mint and the dill and the cummin, and yet you abandon and let flow away the weightier (= more important) matters of the Law [= Torah]: the justice (equity; fairly evaluated decisions), the mercy, and the trust (the faith; the faithfulness and the fidelity; the reliance and the reliability; the confidence). Now these things it continued being binding and necessary [for you] to do and perform – and not to abandon (send away; set aside) those things!

²³ "O the tragic fate by (or: for; with) you folks – scholars, theologians and experts in the Scriptures and [the] Pharisees – [you] under-discerning folks who live by close inspection of minor details [see 6:3, above]: [it is] that you habitually give away a tenth (or: tithe back) from the mint and the dill and the cummin, and yet you abandon and let flow away the weightier (= more important) matters of the Law [= Torah]: the justice (equity; fairly evaluated decisions), the mercy, and the trust (the faith; the faithfulness and the fidelity; the reliance and the reliability; the confidence). Now these things it continued being binding and necessary [for you] to do and perform – and not to abandon (send away; set aside) those things! ²⁴ "Blind 'guides and leaders' of the way: constantly filtering and straining [out] the gnat, yet habitually gulping (drinking; swallowing) down a camel!

²⁴ "Blind 'guides and leaders' of the way: constantly filtering and straining [out] the gnat, yet habitually gulping (drinking; swallowing) down a camel! ²⁵ "How tragic is the fate in you people – scribes (scholars, etc.) and Pharisees: overly-critical interpreters [see 6:2, above]! For you folks are habitually cleansing the outside of the cup and of the fine side dish – yet inside they continuously contain a full load from snatching (plunder; pillage; = the fruits of forceful greed) and lack of strength (or: self-indulgence). ²⁶ "Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and of the fine side dish – so that its outside can also come to be (be birthed) clean! ²⁷ "Tragic will be the fate of you Law scholars and Pharisees – you who recite a front of your own opinions and answers (or: overly-critical folks; [see 6:2, above])! [It will be] because you continue closely resembling whitewashed (i.e., smeared or plastered with lime) tombs (sepulchers; grave sites), which indeed, from outside, continue being made to appear in the prime of beauty, for a time – yet inside they contain a full load of bones of dead folks, as well as every uncleanness. ²⁸ "In this way you, yourselves, also on the one hand are continually made to outwardly appear to people [to be] just (fair, righteous, in right relationships, and in accord with the way pointed out) – yet inside you continuously exist being men glutted and distended, full of opinionated answers (or: perverse detail-oriented scholarship; hyper-criticism and judgmentalism; well-sifted wicked interpretations) and lawlessness (= practice which is contrary to the Law [Torah]).

⁴ Then making a discerning reply, Jesus says to them, "You men be constantly looking, seeing, and staying alert, [so that] nothing and no one can mislead or should deceive you folks. ⁵ "You see, many people will be coming, upon [association with; the basis of, or, the supposed authority of; on the reference to] My name, one after another saying, 'I, myself, am the anointed one (or: the Christ;),' and they will be leading astray and deceiving many people.

¹⁰ "Also at that time, many people will be repeatedly trapped by taking the bait of the snare, or tripping over the trap-stick, and so, they will proceed in turning one another over [to the authorities or enemies] and betray each other, as well as hating one another or treating each other with ill-will. ¹¹ "Also, many false prophets will proceed in being raised up and they will be progressively leading many folks astray, deceiving them and causing them to wander.

²⁴ "For you see, false christs (or: false anointings; phony anointed ones; = counterfeit messiahs) will one after another be raised up, and they will continue giving (presenting; = performing) great signs and miracles (amazing things; wonders) so as to continuously mislead (deceive; cause to wander; lead astray) – if able (if in [their] power; or: since [it is] possible) – even the picked out and chosen folks. ²⁵ "Look and remember – I have already said [this] before to you folks (or: Look, and consider – I have told you beforehand and have forewarned you people).

³⁶ "Now concerning that day and hour, no one has seen or known – neither the folks with the message from the heavens (or: agents of the atmospheres; messengers who pertain to, or which are, the heavens), nor even the Son – only the Father [being] the exception.

¹ "At that time, the reign of the heavens (or: the heavens' kingdom; the sovereign rule and influence from the atmospheres) will continue being considered like (or: caused to resemble; or: compared to) ten virgins (unmarried girls) who, upon taking (getting) their lamps (or: torches), went out into the bridegroom's [D and other MSS add: and the bride's] meeting. ² "Now five of them were foolish (stupid; mentally dull), and five [were] thoughtful and prudent. ³ "You see, the foolish and stupid maidens, in taking their lamps (or: torches), did not take oil with them, ⁴ "whereas the thoughtful and prudent ladies (or: girls) did take oil within the flasks (or: crocks; receptacles) with their personal lamps (or: torches). ⁵ "Now with the continued passing of time during [the; a] delaying of the bridegroom, they all became drowsy, nodded off, and then continued fast asleep. ⁶ "So, in the middle of [the] night, a shout had occurred, 'Look! The bridegroom! Be proceeding to now go forth into [the] meeting [other MSS: his meeting]!' ⁷ "At that point all those virgins (girls) were awakened and then at once put their lamps in order (or: trimmed and adjusted their torches). ⁸ "Now the foolish maidens said to the prudent ladies, 'Give us some of your oil, because our lamps (torches) are being progressively run dry and extinguished (put out)!' ⁹ "But the thoughtful and prudent ladies gave a discerning and decided reply, [each] saying, 'Not at this time. There would in no way be enough for [both] us and you folks as well. Instead, be going now on your way to the merchants (the folks normally selling [oil]) and at once buy for yourselves [at the market].' ¹⁰ "So, during their going off to make a purchase (to buy), the bridegroom came, and the ladies who were prepared and ready entered in with him into the wedding festivities (or: marriage feast), and then the gate was shut and barred (or: the door was closed and locked). ¹¹ "Now subsequently the rest (remainder) of the virgins are finally coming as well, [as a group] saying, 'O sir! Sir! (or: Master! Master!) Open up at once to (or: for) us!'

¹¹ "Now subsequently the rest (remainder) of the virgins are finally coming as well, [as a group] saying, 'O sir! Sir! (or: Master! Master!) Open up at once to (or: for) us!' ¹² "But the person [answering the door], making a discerning reply, said, 'I now say in truth to you folks, I have not seen you nor am I presently acquainted with you people.'

¹² "But the person [answering the door], making a discerning reply, said, 'I now say in truth to you folks, I have not seen you nor am I presently acquainted with you people.'

²¹ "The owner affirms to him, 'Well [done] (or: Excellent)! [You are] a good and trustworthy (loyal; faithful) slave. You were faithful and trustworthy (or: full of faith and trust) upon [the matter of] a few things; I will proceed to place you (set you down; appoint you) upon (= with responsibility for) many things. Enter at once into your owner's (master's) joy (or: into the state of the joy of your lord; = Come to my celebration)!'

⁴¹ "At that point, He will also proceed saying to those at the places on [His] left, ' [You] folks having been brought under the curse, continue proceeding on your way, away from Me, into the eonian fire (or: fire for an undetermined period of time; the fire which comes with the Age [of Messiah]; the fire pertaining to and having its source in the Age; the age-lasting fire; the fire having the quality and characteristics of the Age) – the one having been prepared and made ready in (or: by; with; for) the person who thrusts [something] through [folks] (the adversary; one who casts [something] through the midst and causes division; the 'devil') as well as in (or: by; with; for) his agents (messengers).

⁴⁶ "And so, these folks will continue going off (or: coming away) into an eonian pruning (a lopping-off which lasts for an undetermined length of time; an age-lasting correction and rehabilitation; a pruning which brings betterment and which has its source and character in the Age; a cutting off during the ages), yet the fair, just and rightwised folks who are in right relationship with people and are in accord with the Way pointed out [continue going off or coming away] into eonian life (life which has its source and character in the Age [of the Messiah]; life pertaining to the Age; or: the life of and for the ages).

¹ And so, when Jesus finished (concluded) all these sayings (expressed thoughts; words; messages; discourses), it occurred [that] He said to His disciples,

³⁹ And so, after going forward a little way [other MSS: in approaching (or: moving toward) {a certain spot}], He fell upon His face, continuously praying (thinking and/or speaking concerning [His] well-being) and (or: even) repeatedly saying, "My Father, if it is possible (or: since there is power; if it be able), let this cup pass away (or: go to the side, away) from Me! Nevertheless, more than this, [let it be; it is] not as I continue willing (wanting; intending), but to the contrary, as You [will and intend]."

⁴² Again, a second time, going off He prayed, repeatedly saying, "My Father, if this continues impossible (unable) to pass on from Me if I should not (or: unless I should) drink it, let Your will and purpose be birthed and come to be!"

¹⁸ And so, after approaching, Jesus, [breaking the silence], suddenly spoke to them, by saying, "All authority (or: Every right and privilege from out of Being) is (or: was at once) given to Me within heaven and upon the earth (or: in sky and atmosphere, as well as on land)!

²² Now they became increasingly astounded and continued being progressively bewildered, so as to be completely amazed – even lost in admiration – at His content and manner of teaching, for He was progressively teaching them as one continuously possessing authority (holding and having the right from out of Being; = from out of Who He was) – and not as the scribes (scholars; experts in the Law; = ordained theologians).

³⁵ "Whoever may do (perform) the will, intent and purpose of God (or: should construct what God wants and desires) – this one is (exists being) My brother and sister and mother!"

²⁴ He was further saying to them, "Habitually observe and take note of (face, look at and regard; pay attention to) what you folks are habitually listening to and hearing (or: are presently hearing). With what measure, rule, or standard you folks habitually measure (or: In the measure by which you repeatedly measure [people; situations; things] ormeasure out [to people]), it will habitually be measured in or for you (or: measured out to you); in fact, it will continue being placed toward you folks – or even added in you – or more (or: extra) will proceed being provided for you,

² When it came to be a sabbath, He began to continue teaching within the synagogue. And the majority of those hearing [Him] and continuing to listen began to be puzzled, then astounded and amazed, [one after another] in turn saying, "From where [are] these things in (or: by) this one? And what wisdom that [is] being given by (or: in) this man! (or: And why [is] this wisdom being given to this fellow?) – and such powers (or: abilities) repeatedly coming into being through (or: by means of) his hands!

⁵ So both the Pharisees and the scribes continued with a question to Him: "Why are your disciples not continuing to walk (= conduct themselves; order their manner of living) in accord with and corresponding to the tradition of the Elders (the older men; the men of former times), but to the contrary they continue to eat the bread (= the meal) with ritually unclean (unwashed; common) hands?" ⁶ Yet He insightfully and decidedly said to them, "Isaiah beautifully (aptly; ideally) prophesies (or: prophesied) about (or: concerning) you the overly judging and critical folks (hupokrites; or: those who put texts under close inspection to sift and separate and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion; or: those who live by separating things yet who under-discern; or: those who make judgments from a low view; or: those who under-estimate reality; or: perverse scholars who focus on tiny distinctions), as it has been written [D reads: and said]: 'This people continues honoring Me with [their] lips, yet their heart is habitually distant (continues holding [itself] far) from Me. ⁷ 'But they habitually venerate Me (show Me adoration and reverence in worship and pious deeds) futilely (uselessly; ineffectually; fruitlessly; in vain), repeatedly teaching the results of men's directions (or: the effects of human commands, ordinances, precepts and implanted goals) for "teaching".' [Isa. 29:13] ⁸ "Abandoning (Sending off; Divorcing; Letting go) the implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) of and from God, you folks continuously keep a strong hold on the traditions of and from men." [some MSS add: – baptisms (= ceremonial washings) of pots (pitchers, jugs) and cups, and you are constantly doing many other similar things of this sort] ⁹ Further, He went on to say to them, "You men keep on beautifully (adroitly) setting aside God's implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive and purposed destiny) so that you can keep and maintain your tradition, ¹⁰ "For instance, Moses said, 'Be habitually honoring and constantly expressing value for your father and your mother,' [Ex. 20:12] and, 'Let the one habitually saying something worthless, of bad quality, corrupt, or evil to or about father or mother progressively come to an end by (or: in) death (or: = be put to death).' [Ex. 21:17] ¹¹ "Yet you folks are yourselves constantly saying [that] a person (a man) can at any time say to father or mother, 'Whatever of mine by which you might have been helped or benefited [is] Corban (or: a korban; = an oblation, offering or sacrifice) ' – which is an approach present (a gift dedicated to God and usable for no other purpose). ¹² "You continue allowing him to no longer do a single thing (or: And so you people still continue releasing him to do nothing) for father or mother! ¹³ "This is habitually invalidating (depriving of lordship; making void of authority) the Word of God (God's Logos; God's thought and idea; God's message) by (or: in) your tradition which you folks give over (= handed down) – and you are constantly doing many such things of this kind (or: repeatedly performing many such similar [rituals] along this line)."

³⁴ Then, upon calling the crowd – together with His disciples – toward Himself, He said to them, "If anyone continues purposing (intending; willing) to come behind (or: after) Me, let him once for all completely renounce (deny; disown; = say "No!" to) himself and pick up his cross (or: torture and death stake), and [thus] let him be continuously (habitually; progressively) following (coming after and accompanying) Me.

⁴⁷ "And if your eye should begin repeatedly entrapping you in some snare, throw (or: cast) it out! It is ideal [for] you, yourself, to enter into God's kingdom (reign, activities and influence) one-eyed, than, having two eyes, to be thrown into Hinnom's ravine (Greek: Gehenna; = the city dump outside Jerusalem),

²³ Then, after glancing around, Jesus proceeds speaking His thoughts to His disciples, "How difficultly and fretfully – as with those being peevishly hard to satisfy or please with regard to food – will those constantly holding (possessing; having) the effects of a wealth of money and useful things proceed entering into the kingdom of God (or: the sphere and realm of God's reign as King; the sovereign influence and activity which is God)!" ²⁴ Now the disciples began being affected by an emotion of astonishment in which awe is mixed with fear, upon [hearing] His words which expressed His thoughts and reasoning. So Jesus, giving a considered response, continues again by saying to them, "Children, how difficult and fretful [a thing] it is (or: [the situation or process] continues to be [Texts omit, but other MSS add: {for} those having placed their confidence upon money or the effects of wealth]) to enter into the kingdom of God (the sovereign actions and influences from God).

¹⁸ Now the chief (or: ranking) priests and the scribes (experts in the Law; theologians) heard [about this] and began continuously trying to find how they could (or: should) destroy Him, for you see, they continued fearing Him, because all the crowd (or: the entire throng) was continually being struck from, and astounded (astonished) at, His teaching.

²⁴ "Because of this (or: Through this) I now say to you folks, All things (Everything) – as much or many as you are habitually praying and repeatedly requesting – be constantly trusting and believing that you received or obtained [them], and it will continue existing for you folks (proceed being in you people, with you folks as well as to or by you).

²⁹ So Jesus gave a decided reply to him, "Foremost (= Most important) is, 'Be habitually listening and hearing [and, thus, obeying], O Israel, [the] Lord [= Yahweh] [is] our God. [The] Lord [Yahweh] is (continually exists being) one. [note: the Sh’ma] ³⁰ 'And so, you folks will be loving [the] Lord [= Yahweh] your God from out of the midst of your whole heart, and from out of the midst of your whole soul, and from out of the midst of your whole intellect (throughout the midst of your entire comprehension and full mental ability), and from out of the midst of your whole strength.' [Deut. 6:4-5] ³¹ " [The] second one [is] the same [or, with other MSS: And {the} second one [is] like this one], 'You folks will continue loving your near-one (or: neighbor; associate) as he were (or: like) yourself.' [Lev. 19:18] There is no other investment with authorization (implanted goal; impartation of the finished product within; inward directive) greater than these!" ³² The scribe (scholar) said to Him, "Teacher, in truth you spoke beautifully (= you gave a fine answer), that He is one and there is no other more than (or: besides) Him. ³³ "And this 'to be constantly loving Him' from a whole heart and from the whole understanding, even out of the whole strength, and then to be habitually loving the near-one (neighbor; associate) as he were (or: like) oneself – it is excessively more than the effect of all of the whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices." ³⁴ Then Jesus, seeing and perceiving him, that he responded intelligently from considered discernment, said to him, "You are (exist being) not far from God's reign (the sovereign influence, activity and kingdom of and from God)." And so no one any longer continued daring to ask Him a question.

³⁸ Then within His teaching He went on to say, "Be constantly noting (looking out for; observing and considering; wary of) the scribes (scholars and theologians) – those continually wanting to be walking around in robes and [desiring] greetings within the marketplaces, ³⁹ "as well as front seats (= places of honor) in the synagogues, and prominent reclining places at dinners; ⁴⁰ "those habitually eating-down (devouring; consuming) the houses of the widows and those constantly making long prayers as a 'front' (for 'appearances;' as a pretense; for a pretext) – these will continue taking to themselves and receiving a more excessive result of judgment!"

²² "You see, false 'Christs' (false anointed ones; counterfeit anointings) and false prophets will continue being roused and raised up (perhaps = come to prominence) and they will be repeatedly providing signs and miracles (wonders; portents) [aiming] toward the accomplishment of leading-astray – if [they are] able – the chosen ones (or: with a view to the situation for the selected and picked-out folks to wander off [the path] – since [it is] possible and [they are] having power). ²³ "So you people continue looking and keep on taking note (= be on your guard). I have foretold everything to you (or: I have declared all things for you beforehand).

¹⁰ And so the agent (messenger) says to them, "Stop being afraid (or: Do not continue fearing)! Look, and consider this – for you see, I, myself, am now bringing and announcing good news (a message of ease and wellness) to and for you folks: great joy which will progressively be for all the people (or: will continue existing in the entire general public), ¹¹ "that a Savior (Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health, wholeness, and to your original state, condition and position) was birthed and brought forth to, for and among you folks today, within the town of David, Who is (exists being) Christ [the] Lord (or: [the] Lord Christ; or: an Anointed Lord, Master and Owner; an Anointed One, a Lord; = Messiah, [the] Lord)!

⁹ "Now the ax already continues lying [positioned with its aim] toward the root of the trees. So then, every tree not seasonally producing beautiful (fine; ideal; choice) fruit is customarily cut out [of the orchard] and is regularly being tossed into a fire [to heat or to cook]."

²² And so everyone began bearing witness to, and for, Him (or: sharing evidence about Him) and continued marvelling (wondering with admiration) upon the words of the grace (or: at the gracious message and favorable thoughts) which continued issuing out (or: proceeding forth) from out of His mouth, so that one after another was saying, "Isn't this Joseph's son?" ²³ Later, He said to them, "In all likelihood (= Doubtless; By all means) you folks will say (or: quote; speak) this illustration (parable; = proverb) for (or: to; about) Me, 'Healer (or: Physician; Doctor), cure (or give attentive care to, or prescribe therapy for, or instigate ongoing treatmentto) yourself!' [and say,] 'Do now also here, within your home territory (or: fatherland), as many things as we heard birthed themselves into Capernaum (= happened in Capernaum).'"

³² And they kept on being struck out of themselves with astonishment at His teaching – that His word was being in union with authority (or: because His idea was in the midst of right and privilege; that His message and thought was existing in a sphere from out of [His] Being).

²⁶ "Tragic will be the situation whenever all mankind (people; humanity) may speak nicely (finely; beautifully; ideally) [to; about] you folks, for you remember, their fathers (= ancestors) were habitually operating (doing) in accord with very same things to the false prophets (= treating the lying prophets the same way).

³¹ "And so, correspondingly and exactly as you folks are normally wanting and intending that humanity (people; mankind) should habitually do to and for you, you, yourselves also, be constantly doing likewise to and for them.

³⁷ "And stop (or: do not continue) separating and judging, and then under no circumstances can you folks be separated and judged; and stop (or: do not continue) pointing down against right relationships and opposing fairness and equity and acting against the Way pointed out and condemning, and then under no circumstances can you be unjustly opposed, condemned or pointed down [at]. Be habitually releasing, and you will proceed being released. ³⁸ "Be constantly giving, and it will continue being given to you – a beautiful, fine and ideal measure: one having been pressed and squeezed down, having been shaken back and forth, [and] continuing to be caused to gush out and spill over (or: repeatedly made to overflow) will they be progressively giving into your bosom (= the pocket formed by tying the outer garment at the waist, then pulling the upper part out into a fold; or: pouring into your lap). You see, the same measure with which you normally measure [out], will continue being [used to] measure in return (or: in its place) to, and for, you folks."

⁴¹ "So why are you constantly staring at and observing the small sliver of wood or straw that [is] in your brother's eye, yet the rafter (beam; timber) in your own eye you continuing not to notice or consider (bring the mind down on)?

⁴¹ "So why are you constantly staring at and observing the small sliver of wood or straw that [is] in your brother's eye, yet the rafter (beam; timber) in your own eye you continuing not to notice or consider (bring the mind down on)? ⁴² "How do you continue able to repeatedly say to your brother, 'O brother, allow me to extract the sliver of wood (or: straw) which [is] in your eye,' while at the same [time] continuing not to see a rafter within your [own] eye? You overly judging and critical person (hupokrites; or: one who puts texts under close inspection to sift and separate and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion; or: one who lives by separating things yet who under-discerns; or: one who makes judgments from a low view; or: one who under-estimates reality; or: perverse scholar who focus on tiny distinctions)! First at once extract the rafter from out of your [own] eye, and then you will proceed in seeing clearly to extract the sliver which [is] in the eye of your brother.

⁴² "How do you continue able to repeatedly say to your brother, 'O brother, allow me to extract the sliver of wood (or: straw) which [is] in your eye,' while at the same [time] continuing not to see a rafter within your [own] eye? You overly judging and critical person (hupokrites; or: one who puts texts under close inspection to sift and separate and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion; or: one who lives by separating things yet who under-discerns; or: one who makes judgments from a low view; or: one who under-estimates reality; or: perverse scholar who focus on tiny distinctions)! First at once extract the rafter from out of your [own] eye, and then you will proceed in seeing clearly to extract the sliver which [is] in the eye of your brother. ⁴³ "You see, a fine, ideal (choice) tree is not normally producing rotten fruit, neither [is] a rotten tree normally producing fine, ideal (choice) fruit. ⁴⁴ "Indeed, each tree is consistently being experientially known from its own fruit. You see, people are not normally gathering (or: collecting) figs from a thorn plant, nor are folks picking and harvesting a cluster of grapes from brambles. ⁴⁵ "A good and virtuous person continually brings forth the good and virtuous thing from out of the midst of the good treasure of his heart, while the worthless (wicked; spoiled; degenerate; unsound) person normally brings forth the worthless and unsound (wicked and degenerate) thing from out of the midst of the treasure within his heart. You see from out of the midst of the effect from the surrounding abundance of [the] heart his mouth is continually speaking. ⁴⁶ "So why are you folks constantly calling Me 'Lord, Master,' and yet you are not habitually doing what I continue saying? ⁴⁷ "Everyone who is continually coming to Me and repeatedly listening to and hearing My words (messages; thoughts; ideas) and then proceeds in doing them – I will proceed in suggesting (or: intimating) to you folks to whom he is like: ⁴⁸ "He is like a person proceeding in building a house, who dug [in the ground] and deepened [the trench], and then put [the] foundation upon the rock-mass. So with the occurring of a flood, the river burst on and dashed against that house – and it was not strong [enough] to shake it, because of the [foresight] for it to have been ideally and finely built. ⁴⁹ "Yet the person, upon listening or hearing and then not doing, is like a person building a house upon the ground without a foundation, on which the river burst on and dashed against [it], and it immediately collapsed (fell together) – and the result of the split, break-up and crash of that house became great!"

⁴⁹ "Yet the person, upon listening or hearing and then not doing, is like a person building a house upon the ground without a foundation, on which the river burst on and dashed against [it], and it immediately collapsed (fell together) – and the result of the split, break-up and crash of that house became great!"

³³ And then – it happened during the [situation for] them [= Moses and Elijah] to progressively be thoroughly separated and detached from Him – Peter said to Jesus, "Master (or: = Rabbi; Instructor; Chief; = Boss; [p45 reads: Teacher]), it is a beautiful and fine [situation] for us to continue being here! So let us construct three tents (or: Tabernacles): one for (or: to) You, and one for (or: to) Moses, and one for (or: to) Elijah!" – [he was] not seeing, realizing or being aware of what he was then saying!

¹² "I am now saying to folks, that within that Day it will be more able to hold up in (or: endurable and bearable for) Sodom than in (or: for) that town or city.

⁹ "And so I, Myself, continue saying to you folks, Be continuously asking – and it will continue being given to you. Be constantly seeking and trying to find – and you folks will be constantly finding. Repeatedly knock (or: Keep on knocking) and it will repeatedly be (or: proceed in being) opened up to (or: for; in; among) you people. ¹⁰ "You see, everyone continuously asking is continuously receiving; and the person constantly seeking is constantly finding; and to (or: for; in) the person repeatedly and continually knocking it will repeatedly be (or: proceed in being) opened up. ¹¹ "Now [for] a certain [situation] from among you folks: the son will ask the father for bread – he will not give him a stone; or even a fish – will he instead proceed to be giving a snake (serpent) to him? ¹² "Or further, he will [other MSS add: if he should] ask for an egg – will he proceed giving a scorpion to him? ¹³ "If then, you folks, continuously subsisting being inherently worthless, malicious and evil, have seen and thus know to be habitually giving good (virtuous) gifts to your children, to how much greater an extent will the Father – the One from out of heaven (or: from [the] atmosphere) – be continuously giving a set-apart Breath-effect (or: [the] Holy Spirit; or: a separated attitude; consecrated life-force) to the people habitually asking Him!"

²⁸ Yet He said, "On the contrary, the people continually listening to and habitually hearing [so as to obey] – as well as watching over, guarding and keeping – God's Word (Logos; Thought; idea; message) [are the] happy, blessed and privileged folks."

¹⁵ So He said toward them, "Be continuously seeing [the situation] and constantly watching over so as to guard yourselves from all greed and desire to have more, because for anyone, his life does not exist in the superabundance of the goods and possessions undergirding and being a subsistence for (or: to) him."

³² "Stop fearing (or: Do not continue being wary), little flock, because it delights the Father (or: because the Father thought it good, and thus, approved) to give the rule (reign; kingship; kingdom; sovereign influence and activities) to you folks.

⁵⁶ "O you the overly judging and critical folks (hupokrites; or: those who put texts under close inspection to sift and separate and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion; or: those who live by separating things yet who under-discern; or: those who make judgments from a low view; or: those who under-estimate reality; or: perverse scholars who focus on tiny distinctions)! You have seen and come to know [how] to constantly examine and discern, and then to assess and interpret the face (or: outward appearance) of the land and the sky (or: the earth and the heaven), yet you have not seen, and thus do not know, how to examine, discern and interpret this present situation and season (or: fertile moment)!

⁶ So He went on to tell this illustration (or: parable): "A certain man had a fig tree that was planted in his vineyard, and so he came seeking (or: searching all over) within it for fruit – and he found none. ⁷ "Then he said to the person who took care of the vineyard, 'Look, for three years now I have been repeatedly coming, constantly searching for fruit within this fig tree, and I continue finding none. Therefore, cut it out [of the vineyard]. For what reason does it also continue making this spot of ground completely idle and unproductive?' ⁸ "But the [vineyard keeper], giving a considered response, then says to him, 'Master (or: Sir; Lord), leave it this year also, until which [time] I can dig and spread manure around it. ⁹ "'And if it should indeed produce fruit [as we progress] into the impending [season], [well and good] – yet if not, you will certainly proceed having it cut out.'"

¹⁵ So the Lord made a decisive reply to him, and said, "O you overly judging and critical folks (hupokrites; or: those who put texts under close inspection to sift and separate and then give an answer, an interpretation, an opinion; or: those who live by separating things yet who under-discern; or: those who make judgments from a low view; or: those who under-estimate reality; or: perverse scholars who focus on tiny distinctions)! Does not each one of you folks normally loosen (or: untie) his ox or ass from the stall (or: stable; or: feeding trough) on the sabbath – and then continuing in leading [it] off, is habitually giving [it water] to drink?

²³ Now at one point, someone said to Him, "Sir (or: Master; Lord), [I wonder] if [only] a few are proceeding in being saved (or: if few are progressively being rescued; if the folks presently being healed and made whole are a small number)?" So He said to them, ²⁴ "You folks be continually struggling and constantly exerting yourselves vigorously even to the point of agonizing, as contestants in the public games, to at once enter through the narrow door (or: cramped entry), because many people – I now tell you – will continue seeking to enter, and yet they will not continue having strength.

²⁴ "You folks be continually struggling and constantly exerting yourselves vigorously even to the point of agonizing, as contestants in the public games, to at once enter through the narrow door (or: cramped entry), because many people – I now tell you – will continue seeking to enter, and yet they will not continue having strength. ²⁵ "From [the point or time] where the master of the house (or: the owner and lord of the house; the householder) may get up and lock off (close and bar) the door (or: entry), and then you folks should begin to stand outside and to repeatedly knock [at] the door (or: entry), repeatedly saying, 'Sir (or: Master; Lord; [other MSS: Sir, sir! {or: Lord, Lord!}]), open up to us (or: for us)!' And then, giving a decided reply, he will proceed in declaring to you folks, 'I have not seen, and thus do not know, you people. From what place are you? (or: I am not acquainted [with] whence you are [come]!).'

²⁵ "From [the point or time] where the master of the house (or: the owner and lord of the house; the householder) may get up and lock off (close and bar) the door (or: entry), and then you folks should begin to stand outside and to repeatedly knock [at] the door (or: entry), repeatedly saying, 'Sir (or: Master; Lord; [other MSS: Sir, sir! {or: Lord, Lord!}]), open up to us (or: for us)!' And then, giving a decided reply, he will proceed in declaring to you folks, 'I have not seen, and thus do not know, you people. From what place are you? (or: I am not acquainted [with] whence you are [come]!).'

²⁵ "From [the point or time] where the master of the house (or: the owner and lord of the house; the householder) may get up and lock off (close and bar) the door (or: entry), and then you folks should begin to stand outside and to repeatedly knock [at] the door (or: entry), repeatedly saying, 'Sir (or: Master; Lord; [other MSS: Sir, sir! {or: Lord, Lord!}]), open up to us (or: for us)!' And then, giving a decided reply, he will proceed in declaring to you folks, 'I have not seen, and thus do not know, you people. From what place are you? (or: I am not acquainted [with] whence you are [come]!).'

²⁵ "From [the point or time] where the master of the house (or: the owner and lord of the house; the householder) may get up and lock off (close and bar) the door (or: entry), and then you folks should begin to stand outside and to repeatedly knock [at] the door (or: entry), repeatedly saying, 'Sir (or: Master; Lord; [other MSS: Sir, sir! {or: Lord, Lord!}]), open up to us (or: for us)!' And then, giving a decided reply, he will proceed in declaring to you folks, 'I have not seen, and thus do not know, you people. From what place are you? (or: I am not acquainted [with] whence you are [come]!).' ²⁶ "At that point you will begin to be saying, one after another, 'We ate and drank in front of you (in your sight)! Also, you taught in our town squares (plazas; broad streets)!'

²⁶ "At that point you will begin to be saying, one after another, 'We ate and drank in front of you (in your sight)! Also, you taught in our town squares (plazas; broad streets)!' ²⁷ "And yet, he will continue declaring, 'I am now saying to you, I have not seen, and thus do not know, from where you are. Stand off away from me, all [you] workers of injustice (laborers in that which is not right; unfair workmen; folks whose actions do not accord with the Way pointed out; workers void of rightwised relationships)!'

²⁷ "And yet, he will continue declaring, 'I am now saying to you, I have not seen, and thus do not know, from where you are. Stand off away from me, all [you] workers of injustice (laborers in that which is not right; unfair workmen; folks whose actions do not accord with the Way pointed out; workers void of rightwised relationships)!'

²⁷ "And yet, he will continue declaring, 'I am now saying to you, I have not seen, and thus do not know, from where you are. Stand off away from me, all [you] workers of injustice (laborers in that which is not right; unfair workmen; folks whose actions do not accord with the Way pointed out; workers void of rightwised relationships)!' ²⁸ "Whenever you may [other MSS: will] see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – as well as all the prophets – within the midst of God's reign (or: sovereign activities and influence; kingdom), yet you yourselves, one after another, being thrown outside, the weeping and the grinding (or: gnashing) of the teeth (= the sorrow and regret) will be [out] there, in that place. ²⁹ "Not only that, people will continue arriving from eastern regions and western territories, as well as from [the] north and [the] south, and they will proceed in being made to recline back at a meal, within God's reign (kingdom; sovereign projects and programs). ³⁰ "And so – now think about this – there are last ones who will proceed in being first ones; and there are first ones who will regress to being last ones."

³³ "Thus, then (or: Therefore, in the same manner), everyone from among you folks who is not in the habit of setting-off and arranging-away from himself all his own possessions which are continuing to be his subsistence, he continues with no power and is unable to be My disciple.

¹ Now He went on [and] told them a parable (an illustration cast alongside) with a view facing the [circumstances for] them, [that] it is of necessity at all times to be constantly thinking, speaking and active with an aim toward goodness, ease and well-being (or: keep praying), and not to give in to the bad or worthless [situation or conditions] (or: to dwell within an ugly mood or a disposition of poor quality; or: to respond badly in [something]),

¹¹ "The Pharisee, while standing, began praying these things to himself: 'O God, I continue giving thanks to You that I am not even as the rest of mankind – extortioners, unjust folks, adulterers – or even as this tax collector!

²⁵ "It is, in fact, easier (more comparable to easy labor) for a camel to enter through a bored aperture (an eye) of a sewing or surgeon's needle (or: projectile point) than for a rich person to enter into God's reign (kingdom; royal rule; sovereign influence)."

⁴⁸ and yet they were not finding the [solution for] what they could do, for you see, all the people – continuously listening – kept hanging on His [words].

⁸ Then Jesus replied to them, "As for me, neither am I laying it out and saying to you folks in what sort of authority (in union with what privilege) I continue doing these things."

⁴⁶ "Be habitually holding your focus and attention away from the scholars and theologians (the scribes; the Torah, or, Bible experts) – those continuously wanting to be habitually walking around in religious and stately robes and being fond of deferential greetings in the marketplaces (i.e., in public, where folks often gather), and [liking] prominent (or: front) seating in the synagogues (places of corporate worship and study of the Scriptures), as well as first places of reclining (or: prominent or best couches; = the places of honor) at banquets – ⁴⁷ "folks who [in reality] are habitually devouring the houses (or: eating down the households) of the widows, and then in pretense (or: for a front which is put to make a show or an appearance for pretext) they are constantly making long prayers. These people will continue and progressively be receiving more excessive result of judgment (or: will get a more abundant effect of the separating and the decision)."

¹⁵ "You see, I Myself will continue giving to you people a mouth (= ability and an opportunity to speak) as well as wisdom, to which all your opponents, who are repeatedly lying in ambush against you, will not continue being able to at any point stand in opposition to or resist, nor to speak against or contradict.

⁴² And then (D adds: turning to the Lord) he went on to say, "Jesus... remember me (other MSS add: O Lord,) whenever you may come into Your kingdom (other MSS: within Your reign; [D reads: in the day of Your coming])." ⁴³ And so Jesus said to him, "Truly it is so (or: Count on it!)... I am now saying to you (D adds: Be of good cheer and take courage)... Today (This very day) you will proceed being (continue existing) with Me within the midst of Paradise (= in the Garden [note: used in the LXX for the Garden of Eden])!"

² Now Jesus – along with His disciples – was also called into the wedding (or: invited unto the marriage feast).

⁵ Jesus decisively replies, "Certainly that is so. I am now saying (laying it out; = pointing out) to you, unless anyone (or: someone) may be born forth from out of water and spirit (or: – as well as Breath-effect and attitude –) he continues being unable (he remains having no power) to enter into God’s realm (or: reign; kingdom; sovereign activity and influence).

⁸ "The Spirit (or: Breath; Attitude) habitually breathes and blows where It (or: He) is presently intending (willing; purposing), and you continually hear It’s (or: His) voice, but yet you have not seen, and thus do not know, from what source It continuously comes, and where It goes and brings [things and folks] under control. (or: The wind constantly blows where it presently sets its will, and you constantly hear it’s sound, but yet you have not seen and do not know from where it is coming, nor where it is going; or: = The wind continuously blows and the Spirit normally breathes – in the place that each has purpose. And so you are often hearing the sound that either make, although you have not perceived from what place it is presently coming, as well as to what place it is presently leading, under [its influence or control].) Thus is everyone (or: does everyone constantly exist being) – the one being birthed, having been born forth from out of the midst of the Spirit (or: Breath; Attitude)." ⁹ Nicodemus considered in reply, and says to Him, "How is it possible for these things to occur (or: How can these things come to be; How is it repeatedly able [for] these to come to birth)?" ¹⁰ Jesus decisively responded and says to him, "You yourself are the teacher of Israel, and yet you continue not knowing and being intimately familiar with these things!

¹⁶ "For thus God loves the world (the universe; the ordered arrangement; the organized system [of life and society]; or: = all mankind), so that He gives His uniquely-born [with other MSS: the only-begotten] Son, (or, reading wste as an adverb: You see, in this manner God loves the sum total of created beings as being the Son: He gives the Only-begotten One; or: reading wV te: For you see, [it is] in this way [that] God loves the aggregate of humanity – even as it were His Son: He gives the uniquely-born One), to the end that all (or: everyone) – the one habitually believing, putting confidence and trusting into Him – would not lose or destroy himself, or cause himself to fall into ruin, but rather can continuously have (or: would habitually possess and hold) eonian life (age-durative life with qualities derived from the Age [of the Messiah]; living existence of and for the ages). [note 1): I have here given the “fact” sense of the aorist tense of the verbs “love” and “give” rather than the simple past tense. The statement by Jesus is a “timeless” fact of God; it signifies that the object of His love and His gift (that object being the cosmos, the universe, the world of men and created beings) is in view as a whole, and both the love and the gift are presented as fact, as one complete whole (punctiliar) which exists apart from any sense of time (i.e., coming from the realm or sphere of the “eternal,” or, “the Being of God;” note 2): Paul Tillich defines "love" (agape): the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; – Systematic Theology III, pp 134-138]

¹⁰ Jesus considered and decidedly said to her, "If you had seen, so as to be aware of and now perceive God’s gift, and Who is the One presently saying to you, ' [Please] give [some] to me, to drink,' you would ask (or: make request of) Him, and He would give living water to you."

¹⁷ But Jesus decidedly answers them, "My Father is continuously working and keeps on being in action until the present moment (or: up to right now); I, Myself, also am continually working (or: and so I Myself continue active, regularly performing in [His] trade)."

⁴⁰ "You see, this is the purpose (will; intent) of My Father, to the intent that all mankind (or: everyone) – the person, continuously watching (or: gazing at) the Son with discernment and contemplation, even habitually trusting and progressively believing into Him – may possess (or: can have; would hold) Life, Whose source is the Age (or: eonian life; life having the qualities and characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; an age-enduring and eon-lasting life), and I will proceed to (or: can; should; would) be raising him up to and for the last Day (or: in the Last Day; by and with the final day)."

¹⁵ The Jews (= religious professionals) were therefore surprised and kept on being amazed (or: astonished), saying, "How has this one seen, and thus known [the] writings, not being one having learned [i.e., having studied at the schools]?"

¹⁷ "Should anyone be habitually wanting or intending to continuously be doing His will (intent; purpose), he will progressively come to know by intimate experience concerning the teaching – whether it is and continues being from out of the midst of God (or: from that which is God), or whether I am continuously babbling on, just uttering sounds or randomly talking from Myself.

⁴⁶ Then the subordinate officials, after consideration, replied, "Never (Not even once) did a human (a person; a man) speak thus (like this; in this way)!"

⁷ Now as they were persisting, remaining upon [the subject], continuing to question Him, He unbends back up (or: straightens up) and says to them, "Let the sinless one (the one without failure or a miss of the target) of (or: among) you folks [be] first [to] cast (or: throw) a stone upon her." ⁸ And again, bending (or: stooping) down, He was continuing to write into the dirt (or: earth). ⁹ So those hearing [Him] also being progressively convinced, then convicted by the conscience, began going out, one by one, beginning from the elders (or: the older ones) until the last ones. Then Jesus was left behind, alone, and also the woman (or: the wife) continuing being [other MSS: standing] in the midst [of the court].

⁹ "I Myself am the Door (or: Gate; Entrance); if anyone should enter in through Me he will be constantly kept safe and protected (made whole and returned to his original condition; rescued; delivered; saved), and he will be habitually going in (entering) and going out (exiting), and he will continue finding pasture (something to feed on).

¹² "The hireling (hired hand working for wages) – not even being a shepherd [and] the sheep are not his own – continues attentively watching the wolf progressively coming, and proceeds to abandon the sheep and to take flight – and the wolf continues ravenously snatching them away and progressively scattering and dispersing them –

¹⁴ "I Myself am the Ideal (the Beautiful; the Fine) Shepherd, and I intimately know Mine by experience, and Mine are now intimately coming to know (or: progressively are intimately knowing) Me by experience,

²⁷ "because My sheep are constantly hearing and listening to [implying: obeying] My voice, and I Myself am progressively (or: continuously) knowing them by intimate experience, and they are progressively (or: habitually) following Me, ²⁸ "and I Myself am continuously giving eonian life (age-enduring life; life having the qualities and characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; a life from, of and for the ages) to and in them and so by no means (or: under no circumstances) can they at any point be lost or destroyed, or even cause themselves to perish; and further, no one will be snatching them (or: taking them by force) from out of My hand. ²⁹ "My Father, Who has given [them] to Me, is greater than all (or: everything; all things or people; [other MSS read: What My Father has given to Me is greater than all]), and no one has power or is able to proceed to snatch from out of the Father's hand. ³⁰ "I and the Father are (continuously exist being) ONE (or: I and Father: We are one thing [= essence, nature or being]; or: = unity; union)."

⁵¹ Now, he did not say this from himself, but to the contrary, being chief priest of that year, he prophesied that Jesus was being about to be dying away over [the situation of] (or: for the sake of) the Nation (or: ethnic group),

¹⁷ "Since (or: If) you have seen and know these things, you are happy (blessed; fortunate) ones – if you may (or: would; should) be habitually doing them.

⁶ Jesus then says to him, "I Myself am (exist being) the Way (or: Path), the Truth (the Reality) and the Life (or: = I am the way to really live). No one is presently going to, or progressively coming toward, the Father, except through Me (through means of Me, or, through the midst of Me). ⁷ "Since you men have personally and experientially known Me (or: If you folks had insight of Me or were acquainted with Me), you also will continue personally and experientially knowing and perceiving My Father [other MSS: you would likely have seen and now know (or: perceive) My Father, as well]. And so from right now (this moment) you are intimately, experientially and progressively knowing Him (or: gaining insight of Him) and have seen [Him]."

¹³ "And because [reading 'oti an] you would have sought in petition within My Name (or [reading 'o ti an]: Also whatever you could seek in petition in union with My Name), I will proceed doing it: to the end that the Father can (could; would) be glorified (be given a good reputation; have a good opinion formed about Him; receive a manifestation which calls forth praise) within the Son. ¹⁴ "If you should petition Me for something (or: anything) within, and in union with, My Name, I Myself will proceed performing (doing; making; creating; forming) this. ¹⁵ "If you are habitually loving Me (or, as a subjunctive: would continue loving Me), you WILL continue observing [other MSS the subjunctive: you can or should observe (or: note and keep watch over; guard and preserve; keep in view; hold in custody); other MSS, the imperative: Keep in view and take note of]) My implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives; interior purposes and destiny),

²² Judah (Judas) – not Iscariot – is then saying to Him, "Lord (Master), what has come to be (or: has happened) that you are now about to progressively and continually show Yourself plainly (make Yourself to be inwardly seen in clear light) to us (or: in us) and not to (or: in) the world (system of the religious and political culture)?" ²³ Jesus conclusively replies, and says to him, "If anyone continues (or: may be habitually) loving Me, he WILL continue constantly watching over so as to observe, guard, preserve and keep My word (My thought, idea and message), and My Father will continue loving him, and, facing toward him, We will continue coming to him and will be progressively making (constructing; forming; creating; producing) a home (an abode; a dwelling place; a place to stay) with him (or: at his side and in his presence). ²⁴ "The one not habitually loving Me is not habitually observing, watching over or keeping My words (thoughts; ideas; sayings; messages), and the word (Logos; thought; idea; message) which you folks are continually hearing is not Mine, but rather belongs to, is from and pertains to the Father [Who is] sending Me.

² "Every tender branch (shoot or twig which can easily be broken) within Me not habitually bearing (bringing forth; = producing) fruit He regularly lifts up and takes it away. And every one consistently bearing the fruit He periodically clears (or: seasonally cleanses) by pruning, to the end that it can continue bearing more (a greater amount of) fruit. ³ "You folks, yourselves, are already cleared (cleansed) and pruned ones through and because of the word (Logos; message; thought; idea) which I have spoken to you (in you; for you; among you). ⁴ "You folks remain (dwell; abide; stay) within and in union with Me – and I, Myself, [will remain] within and in union with you. Correspondingly as the tender branch is not being consistently able (having continuing power) to repeatedly bear fruit from itself unless it should continually remain (stay; dwell) within (in union with; on) the grapevine, in the same way, neither [can] you folks, unless you may constantly remain (stay; dwell) within (in union with; centered in) Me. ⁵ "I Myself am the Grapevine; you folks [are] the tender branches (shoots or twigs that can be easily broken). The person continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within the midst of Me – and I within the midst of and in union with him – this one is repeatedly bearing (bringing forth; = producing) much fruit. [It is the case] that apart from (or: separated from) Me you folks continue having ability and power to do (make; construct; create; form; perform; produce) nothing! ⁶ "If anyone can (or: would; should) not continuously remain (dwell; abide; stay) within the midst of and in union with Me, he is cast (or: thrown) outside – as the tender branch (twig; shoot) – and is caused to dry up and wither. And, they are constantly gathering (or: leading) them together [as in a bundle, or in a synagogue]. And then, they are normally throwing (or: casting) [them] into the fire – and it is progressively kindled (repeatedly ignited; or: habitually lit and progressively burned). ⁷ "If you people can (or: would; should) remain (abide) within the midst of and in union with Me – and My gush-effects (flow of declarations; results of spoken words) can (should; would) remain (abide) within the midst of and in union with you – seek in petition whatever you folks may habitually purpose (constantly intend; repeatedly will; continuously want or desire), and it will proceed coming to be in and among you folks (it will progressively occur for you; it will continue being birthed by you; it will habitually happen to you).

¹⁰ "Whenever you may (or: should) observe, watch over, guard and keep in view My implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives; interior purposes and destinies), you will continue remaining (abiding; dwelling) within the midst of, in union with, and centered in My love, correspondingly as (or: to the same level as) I, Myself, have watched over, observed, guarded and now keep My Father's directives implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives; interior purposes and destinies) and continuously remain (or: dwell) within the midst of His love.

¹⁴ "You folks are (exist continuously being) My friends! So if you can – or would – [simply] keep on doing (or: be habitually producing) whatever I Myself am constantly imparting as the goal in you (or: repeatedly giving as inner direction to you; progressively implanting as the end for you; now implanting as the interior purpose and destiny by you)! ...

¹⁶ "You yourselves did not choose Me, but to the contrary I, Myself, selected and picked out (or: chose) you folks and placed (or: set) you, to the end that you would (or: can; may) progressively lead and bring [situations] under control (or: humbly go your way) and would (or: can; should) be constantly bearing (bringing forth) fruit, and your fruit may continuously remain (stay; abide), so that whatever you may seek in petition from the Father – in My Name – He at a certain point would (or: may suddenly; [other MSS: will proceed to]) give [it] to you.

¹⁸ "Since (or: If) the System (world; controlling ordered arrangement of the political and religious culture) is constantly regarding you folks with ill-will (or: hating you), you continue knowing by experience (or, as an imperative: be now knowing) that it has hated and yet regards Me with ill-will first – before you people. ¹⁹ "If you had been and yet had your being from out of the System (or: controlling world of culture, religion and politics) as a source, the System (world with its control by religion and politics) would have been being friendly toward and fond of its own production and possession. Yet now, because you do not exist from out of the System (world) as a source – but to the contrary I have selected (or: chosen) and picked you out from the midst of the System (from the world's culture, religion and politics) – on account of this, the System (world; institutional religion; society; political government) continues treating you with ill-will (or: habitually hates you). ²⁰ "Continually bear in mind (or: Keep on remembering) the word (the Logos; the thought; the idea; the message) which I Myself said to you. A slave is not greater than (does not exist being superior to) his owner (lord; master). Since they pursue and persecute Me, they will also continue pursuing and persecuting you folks. If they keep (or: observed and cared for) My word (idea; message), they will also proceed to be keeping (observing and caring for) yours.

²³ "The one who by habit hates Me or treats Me with ill-will also continues hating My Father and habitually treats Him with ill-will.

² "They will continue making you outcasts – ones turned away from the synagogues (= they will continue cutting you off from the rights and privileges of the Jewish society). But further, an hour is progressively coming with the result that everyone in the process of killing you folks off may imagine (suppose; hold the opinion of; think) [himself] to be proceeding in presenting (bearing forward) an offering of sacred service to God,

²³ "And within that Day you will continue asking Me nothing (or: will not repeatedly request even one thing [from] Me). Most assuredly (It is certainly true; Amen, amen), I am now saying to you, if you folks should petition the Father for anything (or: whatever you people may corporately request of the Father), He will proceed giving [it] to you corporately, within (or: in union with) My Name. ²⁴ "Until the present time (right now) you folks petitioned nothing within (or: in union with) My Name. Be habitually making petitions, and you folks will habitually receive, to the end that your joy may constantly exist being having been filled full and continuing filled up."

³³ "I have spoken these things to you so that you may continuously have (hold; possess) peace centered in, within the midst of and in union with Me. Within the System (controlling world of culture, religion, economy and government) you normally have pressure and stress (or: continually have squeezing; repeatedly have tribulation and oppression), but nonetheless, be confident and take courage! I Myself have overcome and conquered the System (dominating world; organized arrangement of religion and society) so that it stands a completed victory!"

³⁸ So Peter at once affirms to them, "At once change your way of thinking (your frame of mind and point of view; [by customary use this implies: and return to Yahweh]). Then at once let each one of you folks be immersed (baptized) within the Name (= in union with the identity, the character, the authority, the essence) of Jesus Christ (or: of [the] Anointed Jesus; with is Jesus [the Messiah]) – into the midst of a release and sending away, a divorce and an abandonment, a cancellation and a forgiveness: of your failures, your mistakes, your times of missing the target, your errors, and your sins – and then you will proceed receiving and continue taking in hand the free gift (the gratuity) of the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: which is the Holy Spirit; or: which has its source in and the character of the Sacred Attitude). ³⁹ "For you see, the promise is (continuously exists being) to and for (and in?) you folks, as well as to (for; in?) your children – even to and for (and in?) all people: to and for (and in?) the folks [being] a long way off – in such an amount as [the] Lord [= Yahweh] our God would call to [Himself]!" ⁴⁰ Besides [this], he gave full testimony, completely laying out the facts of the case, with different thoughts and ideas, and by many more words. Then he kept on calling one after another to his side, repeatedly urging, encouraging and admonishing them, while saying, "You folks can be rescued and kept safe, away from this generation which has become warped and crooked from drying out (or, as an imperative: Be restored to health and wholeness – be at once saved – as you are separated from this perverse generation)!"

¹⁹ "Therefore, at once change your way of thinking (your frame of mind and point of view; [by customary use this implies: and return to Yahweh]), and turn around toward [the situation for] your failures (errors; times of missing the target; sins) to be anointed out and wiped forth from your midst, so that seasons of cooling again, as well as fitting situations and fertile moments of refreshing could, should and would come from [the] face of the Lord [= Yahweh],

²² "Indeed, Moses said, ' [The] Lord [= Yahweh] God will proceed raising up for (or: to; among) you folks a Prophet from out of the midst of your brothers, as (or: like) me. You people will continue listening to His [words] and hearing (= obeying) Him in regard to (or: in accordance with) all things – as much (or: as many) as He may be speaking to you folks! ²³ 'So it will continue being [that] every soul (= person) which may (or: should; or: will) not listen to or hear (= obey) that Prophet will progress being completely brought to destruction (or: ruin and loss) from out of the midst of the People.' [Deut.18:15-16]

³⁸ "And so, [with] the present [circumstances and events] (or: = in this instance), I am now telling you men, Stand away from these men and leave them alone (or: let them go off; divorce [yourselves] from them; allow them; [D adds: {do} not {be} staining {your} hands]), because if this counsel or this work should be from humans (or: have people as its source or origin) it well be utterly undone and demolished.

¹⁰ and yet they were not continuing strong [enough] to withstand (= hold their own position against) the wisdom and the spirit in which (or: with which; or: the Breath-effect or Spirit by which) he continued speaking.

¹¹ So then the Lord [said] to him, "At once get up and go on your way upon the alley (or: narrow street) being normally called 'Straight,' and look for (seek; try to find) within [the] house of Judah (or: Judas) a person from Tarsus named Saul, for you see, look and consider! – he is presently thinking with a view toward having goodness, ease and well-being (or: continuously praying),

⁶ Now after going through the whole island up to Paphos, they found a certain man – a magus [note: originally of the Persians, Medes and Babylonians as priests and wise men, magi specialized in the study of astrology and enchantment and were often employed as official spiritual advisers; some were sorcerers] [and] a false prophet – a Jew named Bar-Jesus (son of Jesus),

⁴⁰ "Therefore see to it [that] the thing having been declared within the Prophets (= the writings of those who had light ahead of time) may not be coming upon you folks,

⁴⁵ Now upon seeing the crowds, the Jews were filled with jealousy and began contradicting the things being spoken by Paul, while repeatedly speaking abusively (or: arguing with slander and invectives; speaking light-hindering misrepresentations; defaming with accusations of villainy). ⁴⁶ Continuing bold, expressing the inherent right to speak the whole truth publicly with freedom from reprisal, both Paul and Barnabas said, "It was a matter of constraint, compulsion, and pressed indispensability [for] God's Logos (Word; message; idea) to be spoken to you folks first! Yet since you folks continue to push it away from yourselves, and are repeatedly judging (or: deciding) yourselves [to be] not worthy of the eonian life (the life pertaining to the Age [of Messiah]; the life whose source and character is from the Age), look! We are now being turned (or, as a middle: progressively turning ourselves) unto the nations (the ethnic multitudes; the Gentiles; the non-Jews). ⁴⁷ "You see, thus has the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] directed to us: 'I have placed (or: set) you unto [being] a light of nations (ethnic multitudes; non-Jews), [in order for] you to be [placed] into the midst of a deliverance (a rescue and a return to health and wholeness; a restoring to the original state of being and condition) as far as [the] last [point] of the earth!'" [Isa. 49:6]

²² progressively establishing (fixing and making to stand) the souls (inner lives) of the disciples (or: students), repeatedly calling [them] alongside to give relief, aid and comfort while encouraging [them] to continue abiding and remaining within the midst of the faith (or: trust; confidence; loyalty; reliance; conviction; assurance), and [saying] that, "It continues binding and necessary for us to enter into the reign of God (or: God's kingdom; the sovereign activities which are God) through the midst of many pressures, squeezings, tribulations, afflictions and oppressions."

¹³ So certain folks who were a part of the constantly wandering (or: periodically roving; habitually vagabond) Jews – being practicing exorcists (folks who exacted or administered oaths; people who pronounced incantations) – also took in hand (= ventured; undertook) to be repeatedly naming the Name of the Lord Jesus upon folks continuing in having miserable spirits (breath-effects or attitudes which bring pain, bad conditions, unsoundness, wickedness and evil), habitually saying, "I am now administering as an oath upon you folks (or: adjuring and solemnly charging you people by) the Jesus whom Paul is now repeatedly proclaiming (publicly heralding)!"

¹³ So certain folks who were a part of the constantly wandering (or: periodically roving; habitually vagabond) Jews – being practicing exorcists (folks who exacted or administered oaths; people who pronounced incantations) – also took in hand (= ventured; undertook) to be repeatedly naming the Name of the Lord Jesus upon folks continuing in having miserable spirits (breath-effects or attitudes which bring pain, bad conditions, unsoundness, wickedness and evil), habitually saying, "I am now administering as an oath upon you folks (or: adjuring and solemnly charging you people by) the Jesus whom Paul is now repeatedly proclaiming (publicly heralding)!" ¹⁴ Now there were seven sons of a certain Sceva (or: Sceuas), a Jewish chief priest, repeatedly performing this [D and p38 read: desired to do this].

¹⁴ Now there were seven sons of a certain Sceva (or: Sceuas), a Jewish chief priest, repeatedly performing this [D and p38 read: desired to do this]. ¹⁵ [D and p38 add: They continued having a habit (or: custom) such as these things, to proceed in performing an exorcism. And so, upon entering to face the person affected by a demon (a Hellenistic religious word and concept), they began to repeatedly have the Name called upon, repeated saying, "In union with {the} Jesus, whom Paul continues preaching, we are now commanding and passing along this announcement to you, to come (or: go) out at once!"] But making a discerning reply, the miserable spirit (or: the malicious and mischievous breath-effect) said to them, "Indeed, from experience I recognize and have insight about Jesus, and I am learning of, and becoming increasingly acquainted with, Paul, but now who (or: what [sort of] men) are you folks?"

¹⁵ [D and p38 add: They continued having a habit (or: custom) such as these things, to proceed in performing an exorcism. And so, upon entering to face the person affected by a demon (a Hellenistic religious word and concept), they began to repeatedly have the Name called upon, repeated saying, "In union with {the} Jesus, whom Paul continues preaching, we are now commanding and passing along this announcement to you, to come (or: go) out at once!"] But making a discerning reply, the miserable spirit (or: the malicious and mischievous breath-effect) said to them, "Indeed, from experience I recognize and have insight about Jesus, and I am learning of, and becoming increasingly acquainted with, Paul, but now who (or: what [sort of] men) are you folks?"

¹⁵ [D and p38 add: They continued having a habit (or: custom) such as these things, to proceed in performing an exorcism. And so, upon entering to face the person affected by a demon (a Hellenistic religious word and concept), they began to repeatedly have the Name called upon, repeated saying, "In union with {the} Jesus, whom Paul continues preaching, we are now commanding and passing along this announcement to you, to come (or: go) out at once!"] But making a discerning reply, the miserable spirit (or: the malicious and mischievous breath-effect) said to them, "Indeed, from experience I recognize and have insight about Jesus, and I am learning of, and becoming increasingly acquainted with, Paul, but now who (or: what [sort of] men) are you folks?" ¹⁶ And then suddenly leaping (springing like a panther) upon them, the man within whom was the miserable breath-effect (the bad spirit or attitude) – in coming down as master and owner of both of them (= two at a time; or, thus: = all of them, one after another) – exerted [his] strength down on and against them (= prevailed over them), with the result that, naked and having been wounded and traumatized, [they managed] to make an escape (to flee out) from that house. ¹⁷ Now this [incident] came to be known to (or: by) everyone – both Jews and Greeks – normally residing in Ephesus. And so fear fell upon them all, and then the Name of the Lord Jesus began becoming great and continued enlarging. ¹⁸ More than that, many of the folks having believed, trusted and come to be full of faith and loyalty, continued coming, one after another, constantly making open confession (speaking out agreement) and continuing in reporting again their practices in public announcements. ¹⁹ So a considerable number of the folks practicing the meddling arts (acts or works concerning [other folks]; things that work around [nature or people]; or: = sorcery or magic arts), after bringing together the scrolls, began burning [them] down (= up) in the sight of all (or: before everybody). Then folks calculated the prices (or: values) of them and they found [them worth] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver (= a day's wage per piece of silver). ²⁰ Thus, down with force and in accord with [the] might of the Lord [= Yahweh, or, Christ], the Logos (Word; idea and message) continued growing and increasing – and It increasingly exerted strength so as to prevail.

²⁹ "Now I myself have seen and am aware that, after (or: with) my spreading forth as dust and ashes (= going away, so as to be out of reach), heavy (= burdensome and oppressive) wolves will enter into the midst of you folks – folks by habit not sparing (or: treating with tenderness or forbearance) the flock, ³⁰ "and men from among you yourselves (= from your own community) will of themselves proceed standing up, repeatedly speaking things having been thoroughly turned and twisted (things that are distorted and not straight), to progressively drag (or: draw; [D & p41 read: turn]) away the disciples behind (thus: after) themselves. ³¹ "Therefore, constantly keep your wits about you (be continuously awake, alert and watchful) while continuously bearing in mind through remembrance that three-year period [when] night and day I did not cease – with tears – repeatedly and progressively placing [thoughts; ideas; information; admonition] in the minds of each one [D & E add: of you folks].

¹ Wherefore (or: Because of which) you continue to be without a defense or an excuse, O human – everyone continually judging (pronouncing a judgment; separating, evaluating and making decisions; determining) – for within that which you continue judging the other person (or: the different one), you are correspondingly evaluating (or: commensurately deciding about; condemning) yourself, since you who are continually judging are constantly performing (committing; practicing) the very same things! ² Now we have seen and thus know (or: are aware) that result of God’s judgment (decision rendered; separation; determination) is down from, in line with and accords to Truth and reality, [coming] upon those habitually performing or committing such things.

⁶ Who will progressively award in each person (or: give back to each one; pay for each one) down from (in line with; in accord to; to the level of) his works (actions; deeds): ⁷ in those (to those; for those), on the one hand, in accord with [the] patient endurance (humbly remaining under for persistent support) of a good work (or: virtuous action) [who] are constantly seeking glory (a good reputation; a manifestation of that which calls forth praise) and honor (value; worth) and incorruptibility (or: incorruption) – life which belongs to, is connected with, and is proper to the Age (or: eonian life; the life of and for the ages).

⁷ in those (to those; for those), on the one hand, in accord with [the] patient endurance (humbly remaining under for persistent support) of a good work (or: virtuous action) [who] are constantly seeking glory (a good reputation; a manifestation of that which calls forth praise) and honor (value; worth) and incorruptibility (or: incorruption) – life which belongs to, is connected with, and is proper to the Age (or: eonian life; the life of and for the ages). ⁸ Yet, on the other hand, in those (to those; for those) out of a work for ambitious, factious or contentious purposes, and in (or: by) being continuously incompliant (disobedient; unwilling to be persuaded) to (or: by) the Truth (reality; veritable essence), but constantly compliant (obedient; persuaded) in, to, by and for the injustice (inequity; that which is not in accord with the Way pointed out), [there will be] personal emotion (or: inherent fervor; passionate impulse; anger; indignation; wrath; a habit of mind; a mental bent or disposition) and rushing of feelings (or: intense passion of the mind; violent breathing; glowing animation; turbulent commotion of the mind; or: rage; fury), ⁹ pressure (affliction; trouble; tribulation; ordeal) and squeezed narrowness (tight restriction; distress; anguish) – upon every soul of mankind which is persistently in himself working down and effecting the bad (the ugly; the worthless; the evil; the injurious; the bad situation; the worthless quality; the malicious intent) – both of a Jew, first, and also of a Greek (or: one of the Hellenist culture);

¹³ for [it is] not the hearers of [the] Law (= the ones instructed in the Law, or who listen to the Torah) [that are] just ones (rightwised folks who are in right relationships in accord with the Way pointed out; fair and equitable ones) by God’s side (= with God and in His sight and presence), but rather the doers of [the] Law (= the folks performing deeds of the Torah, and producing the character and qualities of the Law) [who] will continue being made right and just (constituted in the Way pointed out; or: pronounced as being fair, equitable and in right relationship).

⁹ What, then (or: therefore)? Do we continually hold an advantage (habitually have something ahead; or, as a passive: are we continually surpassed)? Not at all, for we already charged (previously accused) all mankind, both Jews and Greeks (or: Hellenists), to be (to continuously exist) under [the direction, power and control, or result, of] failure (the missing of the target by falling short or shooting astray through lack of skill and ability or by distraction; or: error; a mistake; sin),

⁹ What, then (or: therefore)? Do we continually hold an advantage (habitually have something ahead; or, as a passive: are we continually surpassed)? Not at all, for we already charged (previously accused) all mankind, both Jews and Greeks (or: Hellenists), to be (to continuously exist) under [the direction, power and control, or result, of] failure (the missing of the target by falling short or shooting astray through lack of skill and ability or by distraction; or: error; a mistake; sin), ¹⁰ according as it has been, and stands, written, "There is not a just man (there is none fair or in right relationship; or: No one exists being in accord with the Way pointed out), not even one! ¹¹ "The one understanding does not exist (or: There is no man bringing it together to understand)! The one habitually seeking God does not exist (or: There is none continually looking for or repeatedly searching-out God).

¹¹ "The one understanding does not exist (or: There is no man bringing it together to understand)! The one habitually seeking God does not exist (or: There is none continually looking for or repeatedly searching-out God). ¹² "All bend out of the regular line (turn aside; or: avoid [God]), [and] at the same time they are made useless; there is no one habitually doing useful kindness (or: kind usefulness); there is not as much as one. [Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-3] ¹³ "Their throat [is] an opened grave; by their tongues they were consistently baiting for entrapment (or: to deceive); [Ps. 5:9] venom of asps (vipers) [is] under their lips, [Ps. 140:3] ¹⁴ "whose mouth constantly is crammed full of a wishful curse and of bitterness. [Ps. 10:7] ¹⁵ "Their feet [are] swift (or: sharp) to pour out blood. ¹⁶ "The results of crushing (bruising; shattering) and misery (wretchedness) [are] in their paths (or: ways), ¹⁷ "and the road of peace (path or way of shalom) they do not experience (intimately know). [Isa. 59:7-8; Prov. 1:16] ¹⁸ "There is no fear of or respect for God before (in front of) their eyes." [Ps. 36:1] ¹⁹ But we know from having seen that whatever the Law ([Torah]; or: custom) continues saying, it continues speaking to and for those within the Law (or: custom) – to the end that every mouth may be shut (fenced in; hedged around; stopped; barred; silenced)! And so all the world (ordered System of religion, culture, economy, and government; or: secular society; or: = all humanity) can come to be "under fair and equitable dealings," in God (or: would become subject to a just decision and a pointing out of the Way, by God; or: should come to be liable to God, "under what is right"; or: may be brought to a just trial with God).

¹⁹ But we know from having seen that whatever the Law ([Torah]; or: custom) continues saying, it continues speaking to and for those within the Law (or: custom) – to the end that every mouth may be shut (fenced in; hedged around; stopped; barred; silenced)! And so all the world (ordered System of religion, culture, economy, and government; or: secular society; or: = all humanity) can come to be "under fair and equitable dealings," in God (or: would become subject to a just decision and a pointing out of the Way, by God; or: should come to be liable to God, "under what is right"; or: may be brought to a just trial with God).

⁸ Yet God constantly stands together with His own love [flowing] into us (or: But God continuously puts the urge for accepting-reunion, from, and which is, Himself, together into the midst of us), because during our still continuing to exist being (= while we were yet) failures (folks deviating from the goal; ones missing the target and making mistakes; sinners; outcasts), Christ died over our [condition and predicament] (or: on our behalf; for the sake of us). ⁹ Much more, then – being now (at the present time) rightwised (turned in the right direction, placed in right relationships of solidarity and made fair within the Way pointed out; or: justified and made free from guilt; = placed in covenant) within His blood (or: in union with the blood from, and which is, Him) – through Him we will continue being rescued (saved; delivered; made healthy and whole; returned to our original state and condition; kept safe), away from the [conditions or situations of] personal emotion (inherent fervor; natural mental bent or disposition; teeming passion and swelling desire; or: [our] anger and [human] wrath). ¹⁰ For you see, since (or: if) while continuously existing being actively hostile ones (or: enemies [of people, or of God]) we were suddenly changed from enmity to friendship by God (or: conciliated to God; or: changed to be wholly other and to be in line, consistent and compatible IN God) through His Son’s death, much more (or: all the more, then) we will continue being kept safe and will be progressively delivered (rescued; saved; cured and restored to the health and wholeness of our original state and condition) – being folks that were conciliated (fully changed from enmity to friendship and made totally other than we were) within His Life (or: in union with the life which is Him).

³² Surely (or: Actually; In fact; Certainly), He Who at one point did not spare (or: spares not) His own Son, but further, over [the situation] of us all (or: on behalf of all of us), He at one point handed Him over (or: gives Him up [into the hands of another]), how will He not also, in grace and joyous favor, freely be constantly and progressively giving all things (or: The Whole) to us, together with Him?

²² Now since (or: So what if) God – habitually willing (or: repeatedly intending) to display and demonstrate inherent fervor, natural impulse, propensity and disposition (or: teeming passion; swelling desire; or: anger, wrath and indignation), and also to make known by personal experience His power and ability – in much long-suffering (long-breathing; forbearance) bears and carries (or: brought forth and produced; or: enduringly supports while moving) containers (vessels; instruments; utensils) of natural impulse (belonging to a passionate disposition; displaying inherent fervor; from teeming passion and swelling desire; or: of anger; having the character of wrath; owned by indignation), being folks having been fully outfitted, thoroughly prepared and made correspondingly adequate for loss (or: having equipped, adapted and adjusted themselves down into ruin, waste and destruction [of their well-being]), and now continuing in this condition,

²⁷ Now Isaiah is repeatedly crying out over Israel, "If ever (or: Even if) the number of the sons of Israel may (or: should; would) be as the sand of the sea, [even] the destitute remainder (or: the fully forsaken; [even] the minority under the effect of lack; the subjected, left-behind surviving group; the failing part left below) will continue being delivered (saved, healed and made whole; rescued); ²⁸ "for the Lord [= Yahweh] will progressively produce a Word of bringing ends together (or: will repeatedly construct a thought of completing combinations; will continue doing an accounting of combining goals together; will continue creating [the] message of finishing things together; will habitually perform [the] Logos of combined maturities and joined destinies) and of cutting things together (of combined or summary cuttings) upon the land (or: earth)." [Isa. 10:22-23] ²⁹ And further, just as Isaiah before declared, "Except the Lord [= Yahweh] of Hosts left a seed down within for us (or: conserved a seed in or by us), we would become as Sodom, and we would be made like as (or: likened to) Gomorrah." [Isa. 1:9]

³² Through what cause (or: Why)? Because [it was] not forth from out of a source of faith, trust and conviction, but rather as from out of works (actions) as its source. They dash against, trip and stumble on (or: by) the Stone that caused the Stumbling-effect,

⁵ Thus then, also, within the present season (or: In this way, therefore, even in the current appropriate situation and in union with the present fertile moment) a destitute remainder (or: a forsaken minority under the effect of lack; a left-behind surviving group; a worn-smooth, plain, inferior, unsculptured, unembossed part; a remnant) has been birthed (has come to be and exists) down from a selection of grace (in accord with an election which is grace and a choosing-out for favor). ⁶ Now since (or: if) [it is] by grace (in a gift of favor), [it is] no longer from out of works (deeds; actions)! Otherwise grace (the joyous gift of favor) comes to be no longer grace (or: Else grace is no longer birthed, or comes to be, grace; [some MSS add: but if from out of works, it is no longer grace, otherwise the work is no longer work]).

² And stop constantly conforming yourselves to (or, as passive: So then, quit being repeatedly molded by, fashioned for or patterned together with) this age [with other MSS: and not to be continuously configured to this age, or not to constantly remodel yourself for this age], but on the contrary, be progressively transformed (transfigured; changed in form and semblance) by the renewing (or: in the renewal; for the making-back-up-new again) of your mind [with other MSS: from The Mind; of the intellect; pertaining to the faculties of perceiving and understanding; of the mindset, disposition, inner orientation and world view] into the [situation and condition for] you folks to be habitually examining in order to be testing and, after scrutiny, distinguishing and approving what [is] God's will (design; purpose; resolve; intent): the good and well-pleasing, even perfect (finished, complete and destined)! (or: = the thing [that is] virtuous, satisfying and able to succeed in its purpose.)

⁸ You folks are not to be continual debtors (or: do not be in the habit of owing even one thing) to anyone, except to be constantly loving one another, for the person continually loving the different one (or: the other person) has made full the Law (has fulfilled law [or: = Torah] and custom) (or: You see, the one constantly loving has fulfilled the other, different law). ⁹ You see, the [Law, or Torah, says or prophesies], "You will not continue committing adultery," "You will not continue committing murder," "You will not continue stealing," "You will not continue to over-desire (crave; covet; lust)," [Ex. 20:13-14; Deut. 5:17- 18] and if any different implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive), it continues being summed up in this word, namely, "You will continue loving your near one (participate with uniting and unambiguous acceptance with your close one, associate, or neighbor) as yourself." [Lev. 19:18] ¹⁰ Love is not habitually working [the] worthless (poor quality; base; bad; evil; harm) for (or: to; with) the near one (the associate; the neighbor). Love [is], then, that which fills up Law's full measure (the entire contents of law and custom; [the] Law's [= Torah's] fulfillment).

³ The person habitually eating the one thing must not constantly make nothing out of (= look down on) the person not eating. And the person not normally eating the one thing must not constantly make a decision about (separate away from; make a distinction between; pass judgment on) the one habitually eating, for God reaches toward him and takes him in His arms (receives him as a companion and a friend, and has taken him as a partner). ⁴ You, who are the person constantly judging (separating away; making a distinction or a decision about) another man's house-servant (domestic)! By (In; To; For; With) his own Lord (Master; Owner) he continues standing, or, he is falling. Yet he will repeatedly be made to stand, for you see, the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] is constantly able (perpetually powerful) to make him stand.

¹⁰ But you! Why are you constantly judging (discriminating against; separating away; making a decision about) your brother (= fellow believer; or: = fellowman)? Or why are you also habitually making light of (making nothing out of; setting at naught; treating with scorn or contempt) your brother? For you see, we will all continue standing in attendance alongside on God's elevated place (platform or stage which is ascended by steps, from which one speaks in a public assembly; or: we will all repeatedly present ourselves at the seat, dais or throne which is God [some MSS: Christ]), ¹¹ for it has been written, "I, Myself, am continuously living. The Lord [= Yahweh] is saying that in Me (by Me; to Me; for Me) every knee will repeatedly bend in worship, or, to sit down (or: I live, says the Lord, because every knee will repeatedly bend to sit down in Me), and every tongue will continue to agree, bind itself and promise to God (speak out of the same word in God; publicly acclaim/acknowledge God; openly profess by God)." [Isa. 45:23] ¹² Consequently, then, each one of us will continue giving a word (presenting a message; rendering an account) about himself to God (or: for God; by God; in God). ¹³ No longer, then, should we continue judging (making decisions about; discriminating against; separating away) one another, but rather, to a greater extent you folks must decide this: not to continue placing (or: setting) the stumbling-block (that which results in tripping) for or in the brother; neither a snare (a trap-spring; a cause for tripping or becoming trapped).

¹⁷ So I am calling you folks alongside to encourage and exhort [you], brothers (= fellow believers), to constantly view attentively and mark those continually causing the divisions, or standings-apart, and the snares (those occasions for stumbling and becoming entrapped) to the side of (= which are a counterfeit of and a distraction to) the teaching which you yourselves learned by instruction, and thus you folks must slope forth (or: deflect) away from them (= avoid them), ¹⁸ for such folks are not habitually performing as slaves for our Lord Christ, but rather for their own belly (cavity; bowels or stomach; = appetite), and through the useful smooth talk (profitable words) and complimentary speech (blessings!) they continuously deceive (mislead; seduce) the hearts of the folks without malice (those with no bad qualities; blameless and innocent ones).

¹⁰ Corresponding to, in accord with and to the level of God's grace and favor [which are] being given to (or: by) me, as a skillful master-carpenter (a wise chief-builder; a clever head-artisan; [the] learned and insightful leading-builder; wise architect, engineer or foreman; a wise originating begetter) I lay [other MSS: have laid] a foundation (or: laid a foundation [Stone]), yet another is progressively building a house upon [it]. Now let each one continue watching to observe (= take care) how he keeps on building the house upon [it] (or: upon the house), ¹¹ for no one can (or: continues able to; is having power to) lay another foundation (or: to place or set another foundation [Stone] of the same kind) beside (or: in addition to and distinct from) the One lying (or: continuing being laid): which is (continues being) Jesus Christ (Jesus [the] Anointed One; = Jesus, [the] Messiah).

¹³ each one's work will make itself to be visible in clear light (or: will become apparent), for the Day will make [it] evident (show [it] plainly). Because it is being progressively unveiled (continually revealed) within the midst of Fire, and the Fire, Itself, will test, examine and put to the proof (or: prove by testing) what sort of work each one's exists being.

¹³ each one's work will make itself to be visible in clear light (or: will become apparent), for the Day will make [it] evident (show [it] plainly). Because it is being progressively unveiled (continually revealed) within the midst of Fire, and the Fire, Itself, will test, examine and put to the proof (or: prove by testing) what sort of work each one's exists being. ¹⁴ If anyone's work which he built upon [it] will remain, he will receive wages (pay; compensation). ¹⁵ If anyone's work will be burned down, he will incur a loss (sustain the damage; forfeit [it]), yet he himself will be saved (rescued and delivered; healed and restored to health; returned to his original state and condition), and as in this way – through Fire!

³ Now to (or: for) me, it is of little importance (a very trivial matter) that I am being constantly critiqued (sifted, critically reviewed and evaluated; put up for judgment) by you folks, or by a human day (= day of reckoning; man's tribunal or day in court). In contrast, by habit, neither do I set myself up for critique (or: review, evaluate or judge myself). ⁴ For, in and regarding (or: [as] to; for) myself, I have been conscious of nothing; but yet in this I have not been set forth as (or: made to be) fair and equitable (just and rightwised with right relationship in the Way pointed out). Now the One continually setting me up for evaluation (sifting, reviewing and deciding about me) is [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh]. ⁵ Hence (or: And so), do not be constantly evaluating (or: stop judging, making decisions about or critiquing) anything before [its] season (before a fitting, due or appointed situation; prior to a fertile moment): until the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] would come – Who will continue giving light to (or: shine upon and illuminate) the hidden things of the Darkness (or: the hiding things which are things in the shadows and dimness of obscurity), and will progressively set in clear light (or: manifest) the intentions and purposes (designs, dispositions, motives and counsels) of the hearts – and then the praise and applause from God will repeatedly be birthed (will happen; come into being) in each human (or: for every person)!

¹ If ever I could habitually speak (or as an indicative: If I continuously speak) in or with the languages of the human groups (or: by the tongues of mankind) – or even of the agents (or: messengers) – yet am not constantly having and continuously holding love, I have come to be a continuously sounding (or: blaring; booming out; resounding) [piece of] brass (or: copper; bronze) or a repeatedly clashing basin or a continuously clanging cymbal! ² Even if I am continuously holding light ahead of time (or: repeatedly have prophecy), and I may have seen, and thus know, all the secrets (or: every mystery) and all the intimate knowledge (or: insight; gnosis), and if I now continuously possess all the faith and trust – so as to repeatedly transport mountains (or: to change the place and position of mountain after mountain) – yet do not habitually possess (or: progressively have) love, I am (I exist being) nothing!

⁴ within and among which folks the God of this age (or: the God who owns this indefinite time-period; the God Who is in relationship with this eon) blinds (or: deprived of the ability to see) the effects of the intellects and mental powers (or: the results of directing the mind to something) of those without faith (of the un-trusting ones; of the unbelieving and disloyal), [leading them] into the [situation that] the shining forth of light and the illumination of (or: the beaming forth of enlightenment from) the good news of the glory of the Christ (or: of the message of goodness, ease and wellness whose source is the glory of the Anointed One; of the glad tidings pertaining to the manifestation which calls forth praise to the [Messiah]) – Who continuously exists being God's image (a resemblance and likeness of [Concordant Text adds: the unseen; the invisible] God) – would not shine forth as the dawn to irradiate them.

¹⁷ On which account [the] Lord [= Yahweh] says, "Instantly go forth from out of their midst and be instantly marked off by boundaries so as to be defined and restricted – and do not continue (or: stop) touching what is unclean (= ceremonially defiled), [Isa. 52:11] and then I, Myself, will constantly admit you folks and receive you into [Myself; My family], [Ezk. 20:41]

⁶ Now this [is the reality]: the person who is habitually sowing sparingly (in a limited way) will also continue reaping (or: harvesting) sparingly; and the person who is habitually sowing on [the basis of] good thoughts and words (or: with or for added blessings; or: bountifully; with things well and fully laid out and arranged for ease) will also continue reaping upon [those] good thoughts and words (or: with added blessings; or: bountifully; with things well laid out and arranged for added ease) –

⁸ Moreover, God is constantly able with continuous power to furnish all grace to surround and to make every favor superabound into you folks, to the end that, continuously having every ability in yourselves to ward things off and constantly holding all self-sufficiency and complete contentment at all times [and] within every [situation] and in union with every person, you can (or: may; should; would) continuously superabound into every good action and noble work, ⁹ just as it stands written, "He scattered abroad and widely disperses; He gives to the ones who work hard for their bread, and yet are poor; His fairness and equity (rightwised dealings and relationship which correspond to the Waypointed out; also = covenantal faithfulness) continuously remains and constantly dwells, on into the Age." [Ps. 112:9] ¹⁰ Now the One habitually adding further supply and fully furnishing "seed to (or: for) the one habitually sowing (the constant sower) and bread unto eating (= for food)," will continue supplying and furnishing – He will even continue to multiply and give increase to fullness – your seed, and He will continue causing the offspring and produce (or: product) of your rightwised behavior (your fairness and equity in right relationships in the Way pointed out; also = covenant participation) to grow and increase (be enlarged; or: grow up and be amplified), ¹¹ being progressively enriched unto abundance within every person (or: in everything) [leading] into complete singleness [of purpose] and simplicity [of being] for all generosity (liberality), which constantly produces (works down; accomplishes) thanksgiving to God through our midst [or, with B: which repeatedly works in accord with God's ease of grace, instilling gratitude through the midst of us], ¹² because the attentive serving and dispensing of this public duty and service is not only repeatedly replenishing (aiming toward filling back up again) the needs (results of defaults; the effects of shortcomings, lacks or deficiencies) pertaining to the set-apart folks (the holy ones; the saints; or: the sacred [communities]), but further is also progressively superabounding (bringing excessive amounts) through many expressions of gratitude to God (or: by means of many examples of the goodness of grace in God) ¹³ through the evidence which is shown by this attending service and dispensing: folks constantly glorifying God and praising His reputation because of (or: based upon) the subjoined, humble alignment, the supportive arrangement and the subjection in appended shelter – which is your accordance to the message and agreement in thought (and thus: your profession of saying the same thing), [showing] assent unto Christ's message of goodness, ease and well-being, as well as by [the] simplicity and generosity of the partnership of common-existence sharing unto them, and unto the midst of all people, ¹⁴ even by their request over [the situation of] (or: on behalf of) you folks – from people constantly longing and yearning for you. [It is] because of God's transcendent favor and surpassing grace [resting] upon you people – ¹⁵ grace and joyous favor, in and by God, [superimposed] upon His free gift – which is a wonder beyond description (or: added to His indescribable gratuity)!

¹³ For such folks [are] false emissaries (pseudo-representatives) – fraudulent and deceitful workers – constantly changing their outward fashion and transforming themselves into emissaries of Christ (representatives of [the] Anointed One). ¹⁴ And no wonder ([it is] no marvel or cause for astonishment), for the adversary (opponent; satan) itself is repeatedly changing its form and outward fashion (transforming itself) into a messenger of light (or, as a passive: is from time to time being transformed and changed in its outward expression into an agent from [the] Light). ¹⁵ Therefore, [it is] no great thing if its attending servants and dispensers also repeatedly change their form and outward fashion (or: are habitually transformed) as attending servants of fairness and equity (dispensers of the way pointed out; = ministers of the covenant) – whose finish (or: end in view; finished product; attained goal; consummation; accomplished end) will proceed in being in accord with, along the line of, to the level of and corresponding to their works and actions (or: = their outcome will constantly be what they reap from their deeds).

²⁶ on journeys often (many times); in dangers (perils) of rivers (or: floods); in dangers of robbers (perils of plunderers); in dangers from out of [my] race (kindred); in dangers from out of the multitudes of ethnic groups ([the] nations); in dangers within city; in dangers within a desolate place (wilderness); in dangers at sea; in dangers among false-brothers (= pseudo-believers; or: = Family members who lie and deal falsely);

⁴ Yet, through the led-in-at-the-side (or: smuggled-in) false brothers (or: = deceitful or lying fellow believers; or: = imitation members) – folks who entered alongside to spy out (to attentively look down and around, observe and take note of) our freedom which we continuously possess (constantly have and hold) within Christ Jesus, to the end that they will utterly enslave us (or: with a purpose that they shall bring us down into slavery) –

²² But to the contrary, the Scripture encircles and encloses [as fish in a net] all things, shuts them up together and locks the whole (the totality of everything) under (or: by) failure (error; deviation; the missing of the target; sin), to the end that the Promise would (or: could) suddenly be given to (or: in; for) the folks habitually trusting (or: progressively believing with faith's conviction) from out of Jesus Christ's faith (or: forth from the midst of the faith whose source and origin is Jesus Christ; from the midst of the trust and conviction which is Jesus Christ; or: so that the promise [which comes] forth from Jesus Christ’s trust, can at some point be given to the people presently having convinced assurance).

⁶ for within Christ Jesus (or: for you see, in union with [the] Anointed Jesus) neither circumcision continues having strength, for competence or effectiveness, to be availing (or: be of service for) anything, nor [does] uncircumcision, but rather, [it is] faith-and-trust: of itself continuously working effectively (operating; being inwardly active and productive) through Love (" [God's] acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object; the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; an ecstatic manifestation of the Spiritual Presence" – Tillich, ibid., on agape; brackets mine; cf John 3:16; 1 Cor. 13:4-8). ⁷ You folks have been running beautifully (finely; ideally)! Who (or: What) cut in on you folks, to hinder or thwart you, [for you] not to continue to be persuaded (convinced) by (or: in; with) the Truth and this reality?

¹³ For you folks were called upon the foundation of (on the basis of; for the purpose of) freedom, [my] brothers. Only not (or: Just not) the freedom [which is leading] into a starting point (or: unto an opportunity, occasion or incentive; to a base of operation) for (to; in; by; with) the flesh [comment: = circumcision with the flesh ordinances and ceremonial laws of Judaism; or: = personal license for the estranged human nature], but to the contrary, through the Love [agape: cf vs. 6b, above] be continuously slaving for one another (serving and performing the duties of a slave to each other). ¹⁴ For, the entire Law has been fulfilled and stands filled up within one word (or: within one thought or idea; within one saying or message) – within the one: "You will continue to love [agapao; cf vs. 6b, above] your near-one (your associate; your neighbor; the one close by your position), as (in the same way as; or: as he/she were) yourself." [Lev. 19:18; comment: this one "expressed thought" is the idea and purpose of the Word]

¹⁷ For the flesh [system or nature] is constantly rushing passionately down upon (or: against) the spirit (or: Breath-effect), and the spirit (or: Breath-effect) down on (or: against) the flesh [nature, or, system of religion], for these things are constantly lying in opposition to each other (lying set to displace each other), so that – whatever you may habitually be intending (wanting; willing; purposing) – these things you repeatedly can not be doing. [comment: either because of the estranged flesh nature, or, because of the rules of the system]

²² Now the Spirit's fruit (or: So the fruit whose origin and source is the Spirit; But the fruit which is Breath-effect; Yet the fruit of the Attitude) is: love (unrestricted acceptance and the drive to overcome existential separation), joy, peace (or: harmony; [= shalom]), length before a stirring of emotion (slowness of rushing toward something; long-enduring; longsuffering; patience), useful kindness, goodness (virtuousness), faith (or: faithfulness; trust; trustworthiness; loyalty; reliance; reliability; allegiance; fidelity), ²³ gentle friendliness (meekness; mildness), inner strength (self-control). [The] Law is not down from such things (or: In the sphere of such things [the] Law does not exists; There is no law against such things; Law does not correspond to and is not on the level of such things). ²⁴ Now those whose source and origin is Christ Jesus (or: those who belong to the Anointed Jesus) crucified the flesh (or: put the flesh [system] on an execution stake; or: = associate their old estranged human nature as being put to death along with Christ Jesus), together with the results and effects of the experiences (emotions; feelings; sufferings; passions) and the over-desires (rushing passionately upon things; full-rushing emotions).

²⁴ Now those whose source and origin is Christ Jesus (or: those who belong to the Anointed Jesus) crucified the flesh (or: put the flesh [system] on an execution stake; or: = associate their old estranged human nature as being put to death along with Christ Jesus), together with the results and effects of the experiences (emotions; feelings; sufferings; passions) and the over-desires (rushing passionately upon things; full-rushing emotions).

¹ Brothers (= Fellow believers; = My family)! Even if a person (or: human) may be at some point overtaken (caught; laid hold of before; be surprised) within the effect of some slip or falling to the side (or: the result of some offense, lapse or mistake), you folks – the spiritual ones (the people influenced by the Breath-effect and Attitude) – repeatedly (or: continuously) adjust, mend or repair such a one so as to thoroughly prepare and equip him, within a spirit of gentle friendliness (attitude of meekness; breath of mildness), as you each are constantly keeping a watchful eye on yourself (carefully noting yourself with regard to the goal), and so you folks may not at some point be put to the proof (or: and you, yourself, would not be tried, tested or harassed by some ordeal).

⁷ Do not be continually led astray (or: Stop being caused to wander and being deceived); God is not one to be sneered at (to have a nose turned up at; to be scorned, mocked or treated like a fool), for "whatever a person is in the habit of sowing, this also he will reap," ⁸ because the person continually sowing into the flesh of himself (= his estranged inner being), will progressively reap corruption (spoil; ruin; decay) forth from out of the flesh (= the estranged inner being); (or: the one habitually sowing into the flesh [system], of himself will continue to reap decay from out of the flesh [system];) yet the one constantly sowing into the spirit (or: the Breath) will be progressively reaping eonian life (life having the characteristics of the Age [of Messiah]; or: life from the Age that lasts on through the ages) forth from out of the spirit (or: the Spirit; the Breath; the attitude).

¹ And you folks [who were] continuously existing being dead ones by (or: to; with; in) the results and effects of your stumblings aside (offences; wrong steps) and failures to hit the mark (or: mistakes; errors; times of falling short; sins; deviations) ² within the midst of and in union with which things you once walked about (= lived your lives) in accord (or: in keeping; corresponding) with (or: as directed by) the age of this ordered System (or: down through the time period of this world of secular culture, religion, economy and government), in line with the primary directive of the right and privilege of air (or: corresponding to the Ruler out of Being with regard to air): the Breath-effect of the One at the present time continuously operating within the sons of The Disobedience (or: down under the controlling aspect of the authority of "the blowing" of the Spirit of the One now progressively working internally in union with people having the character and qualities of incompliance; or: in correlation to the chief and leader of the privilege which comes from blowing: the attitude which expresses a lack of persuasion, or of not being convinced, which repeatedly energizes at the present time; or: in keeping with the one in first position with regard to the right concerning the atmosphere the attitude now habitually effecting inward action within the midst of people displaying non-conviction or an incompliant disposition),

² within the midst of and in union with which things you once walked about (= lived your lives) in accord (or: in keeping; corresponding) with (or: as directed by) the age of this ordered System (or: down through the time period of this world of secular culture, religion, economy and government), in line with the primary directive of the right and privilege of air (or: corresponding to the Ruler out of Being with regard to air): the Breath-effect of the One at the present time continuously operating within the sons of The Disobedience (or: down under the controlling aspect of the authority of "the blowing" of the Spirit of the One now progressively working internally in union with people having the character and qualities of incompliance; or: in correlation to the chief and leader of the privilege which comes from blowing: the attitude which expresses a lack of persuasion, or of not being convinced, which repeatedly energizes at the present time; or: in keeping with the one in first position with regard to the right concerning the atmosphere the attitude now habitually effecting inward action within the midst of people displaying non-conviction or an incompliant disposition), ³ immersedamong which folks we all also were once twisted up (or: entangled; overturned; upset) within the cravings (full longings; over-desires) of our flesh (= the estranged human nature, or the alienated self; or: = system of our works and sacrificial religion), continually doing the will (or: producing the intentions) of the flesh (= our existence while in bondage, or the duties of religion), and of the divided thoughts and things passing through the mind. Furthermore, we were continuously existing in essence (in natural condition; by instinct) being children of natural impulse (natural disposition; inherent fervor and swelling passion; teeming desire; or: anger; wrath) even as (or: as also) the rest (the remaining ones) [were].

³ immersedamong which folks we all also were once twisted up (or: entangled; overturned; upset) within the cravings (full longings; over-desires) of our flesh (= the estranged human nature, or the alienated self; or: = system of our works and sacrificial religion), continually doing the will (or: producing the intentions) of the flesh (= our existence while in bondage, or the duties of religion), and of the divided thoughts and things passing through the mind. Furthermore, we were continuously existing in essence (in natural condition; by instinct) being children of natural impulse (natural disposition; inherent fervor and swelling passion; teeming desire; or: anger; wrath) even as (or: as also) the rest (the remaining ones) [were]. ⁴ But God, continuously being wealthy and rich in mercy, because of His vast (much; great in magnitude and quantity; outstretched; long-lasting; repeated) Love in (or: with) which He focused love on (or: loves and accepts) us [p46 reads: had mercy on us], ⁵ even us, being continuously dead ones by (or: in; to; with) the results and effects of stumblings aside (wrong steps; offences) [p46 reads: ... in (to; by) the bodies; other MSS: by the failure (s) to hit the mark (sin/sins); B reads: within the stumblings aside and the cravings (lusts)], He made alive together by (or: joins us in common life with, for and in; [p46, B: within; in union with]) the Christ by Grace and joyous favor you continually exist, being folks having been delivered (rescued and saved, so that you are now safe; made whole)!

¹⁷ to inhabit (dwell down in; take up permanent abode in) the Christ (or: to house the Anointed One), through the faith and trust within your hearts, being folks having been rooted (or: having taken root) and now established and placed on a foundation within the midst of and in union with Love (or: having been grounded and rendered firm, centered in love).

¹⁴ to the end that no longer (or: no more) wouldor shouldwe exist beinginfants (immature folks; not-yet-speaking ones), continuously being tossed by (= being caused to fluctuate from) [successive] waves and repeatedly being carried hither and thither (or: around in circles) by every wind of the teaching (or: from what is taught) within the caprice (the throw of the dice; versatile artifice; games of chance; the trickery) of mankind, in readiness to do anything (amoral craftiness; working everything; or: = while stopping at nothing) with a viewtoward and leading to the methodical treatment (or: the systematizing or technical procedure) of The Wandering (the straying; the deception).

⁶ Let no one keep on deceiving (or: seducing) you by empty words (or: messages; reasons; thoughts; ideas), for because of these things, God's inherent fervor (natural impulse and disposition; intrinsic teeming desire and swelling passion; or: anger; indignation) is continuously coming upon [note: cf John 3:36] the sons of The Disobedience (the incompliance; or: = folks having the quality of not being convinced or being disobedient and stubborn).

⁹ Be constantly walking about (= Habitually conduct yourselves) as children of Light (born ones from light) for the fruit of the Light [other MSS: Spirit] [is] in union with (or: [exists] within the midst of) all Goodness (virtue; beneficence), Justice (fair and equitable dealing in rightwised relationships which accord with the Way pointed out; also = covenant participation) and Truth (or: Reality)

⁶ not in accord with eye-service (or: in line with slavery to the eyes [of folks watching]; or: = doing it only when being watched) as folks desiring to please men, but rather as slaves of Christ, constantly doing (performing; producing) the will and intent of God from out of [the] soul (= with the whole inner being: mind, will, emotion, life-force; or: = spontaneously)

¹¹ being people having been filled full with [the] Fruit of fair and equitable dealings which bring right relationship within the Way pointed out (or: = from covenant inclusion): the one [that is] through Jesus Christ [that is] leading into God's glory (good reputation and manifestation of that which calls forth admiration) and praise (approval and commendation) (or: being those filled full of fruit of a rightwised nature through Jesus Christ, which proceeds into glory and praise that belongs to and pertains to God; or: ... through Jesus Christ, with a view to inhabiting the qualities and characteristics of God's reputation and praise).

² Constantly keep your eyes on and be aware of the dogs (= impudent, shameless or audacious people; scavengers without a master); habitually be observing so as to take heed of worthless workers (craftsmen of bad quality; laborers who are not as they ought to be); keep on seeing so as to continually observe and be aware of [the party of] the down-cision (the mutilation; the maimcision; the cutting-into; the sacrificial meat-hacking; the wounding or maiming; or: = folks who cut things down or off; [comment: a sardonic slur = the circumcision]).

¹⁹ whose goal (eventual end; closing act; final stage; result; finished discharge) [is] ruin and loss (or: waste and destruction), whose god [is their] cavity (or: belly) and [whose] reputation (or: glory; opinion) resides within their shame (disgrace; embarrassment) – people continually thinking about (habitually being intent on; constantly minding) the things existing upon the earth (or: = folks whose minds are earthbound).

¹⁰ [Thus we pray for you] to walk about worthily (i.e., to live your life with corresponding value) with regard to the Lord (the Owner; [= Yahweh or Christ]) [progressing] into all pleasing (or: into every desire to please; into the midst of entire pleasure) within every good work or virtuous action, while habitually bearing fruit and constantly being folks [that] are being progressively caused to grow and increase in the full, accurate, experiential and intimate knowledge of God (or: with God's full experience of intimate knowledge and insight; or: by the added insight and experiential knowledge which is God),

⁷ being people having been rooted (or: having been caused to take root) – even ones being constantly and progressively built upon The House (i.e., added to the structure) – within Him; also being folks repeatedly made steadfast and progressively stabilized with good footing within the faith (or: confirmed by the conviction; made secure for trust and loyalty), just as you are taught (or: were instructed), continuously superabounding (being surrounded by more than enough) within it – within gratitude and thanksgiving (or: in an expression of the ease and goodness of grace, as well as the well-being of favor). ⁸ Keep watching out for and beware that someone will not be the one progressively (or: repeatedly) carrying you off captive (after stripping you of arms and seizing your goods, proceed in kidnapping you as booty or a prey) through the philosophy and empty seduction (or: a deceitful trick having no content) being handed down from and being in line with the tradition of the people (or: corresponding to the thing handed along from humans), down from (or: in line with and corresponding to) the elementary principles (or: rudimentary teachings and fundamental assumptions) of the organized System (the world of culture, religion, government, secular society or economy), and not down from Christ (or: in accord with the sphere of, and in line with, Christ; corresponding to an Anointing),

¹² Epaphras – the one from among you folks; a slave of Christ Jesus – continues embracing and greeting you folks, at all times (or: always) in constant struggle as in a contest over [the circumstances of] you folks, within prayers (speaking to having goodness and well-being), to the end that you can stand [other MSS: would at once be set and placed] [as] mature folks (or: complete people; finished ones; those having reached the purposed goal and destiny; perfect ones) and people having been brought to fullness (or: carried to the full measure) within, and in union with, all God's will, intent, design and purpose.

² and then sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow-worker in Christ's message of ease and goodness, to perhaps set you firmly (make you stable) and possibly call you alongside (to aid, encourage, exhort, console and give relief) over the [situation] of your trust and faith (or: conviction and loyalty), ³ that no one be continuously wagged as a tail (= shaken or agitated) within these pressures (contractions, constrictions; oppressions), for you yourselves have seen and are aware that we are continually laid into (= repeatedly destined and set for) this! ⁴ You see, even when we were with you we were predicting (laying it out and telling beforehand) to you that, "we are about to be continuously pressed (or: squeezed; oppressed), " just as it was even birthed (or: also came to be), and you have seen and know. ⁵ On account of this I also, no longer keeping a lid on [my desires] (= when I could bear it no longer), sent to find out about your faith, trust and loyalty, lest (or: in case) somehow the One continuously putting [folks] to the proof (or: the trier; [note: this could refer to God, or to one of His instruments, as with Job]) put you to the proof (tried or tested you), and our exhausting labor (or: = the trouble to which we went; toil; hardship; or: beating) may be birthed into a void (or: come to be [entered] into an empty place; or: exist in vain; = be to no purpose).

³ You see, this is the will (intent, purpose) of God: your state of being set apart from the common use or condition (or: sacred difference; = covenant living) – you are to continuously hold yourself from (be distant from; abstain from) all of the prostitution [note: figuratively, the worship of idols or false religions, and a break from covenant].

⁴ Yet you yourselves, brothers (= believers), are not continuously in darkness (dimness from being in a shadow; obscurity of gloom; absence of daylight) to the end that the day may (or: would) suddenly take you down (grasp or seize you in a corresponding manner) as a thief,

¹⁸ Within the midst of everything, be continuously giving thanks (or: In union with all people, be habitually expressing the goodness of grace and the well-being from favor), for this is God's intent (will, purpose) unto you in Christ Jesus (or: [proceeding] into the midst of you folks, in union with [the] Anointed Jesus).

⁶ since in regard to a person who observes the Way pointed out – a rightwised person – [it is right] in the presence of God (or: if [it is], after all, the right thing with and beside God [= on God's part]), to repay pressure (or: squeezing and oppression; ordeal; trouble) to those continuously pressuring (squeezing; oppressing; troubling) you folks, ⁷ and to (or: for; in) you – the folks being continuously pressed – relaxation (ease; a relaxing of a state of constriction; relief), together with us, within the midst of the uncovering (the unveiling; the laying bare; the revelation; the disclosure) of the Lord Jesus from [the] atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), along with agents of His power (or: with His agents of ability) – ⁸ within a fire, of flame [with other MSS: in union with a blaze of fire] continuously giving justice (or: repeatedly imparting the effects of fair and equitable dealings from out of the way pointed out, and the maintaining of right) among (or: for; in; with; to) those not knowing (or: perceiving) God, even among (or: for; in; with; to) those not continuously listening to or paying attention and obeying the message of goodness and well-being, which is our Lord, Jesus (or: which comes from and pertains to our Master and Owner: Jesus). ⁹ These certain folks who will proceed paying the thing that is right (incur justice, fairness and equity): ruin pertaining to the Age [of Messiah] (or: an unspecified period of ruin or destruction; or: ruin for an age; eonian destruction having the character of the Age) [coming] from the Lord's face [= the Christ's or Yahweh’s presence], even from the glory of His strength (or: spreading from the manifestation which calls forth praise regarding, and having the character of, His strength) – ¹⁰ whenever He may come and go, to be made glorious within (to be glorified in union with; to have a reputation within) His set-apart folks (holy and sacred people), and to be wondered at (marveled at; admired) within all the folks believing in that day, seeing that our testimony (or: evidence), [being placed] on you, was believed (received with faith) and is trusted.

⁵ Yet the purpose and goal of the notification (the message and announcement which is brought alongside and passed on) continues being love (the whole being's drive and movement toward reunion with another, to overcome existential separation; acceptance of the object of love without restriction, in spite of the estranged, profanized and demonized state of the object – Paul Tillich) forth from out of the midst of a clean heart and a good conscience (virtuous knowing-together; profitable impression of reality) and of unhypocritical faith (or: unfeigned trust; or: loyalty that is not overly critical; or: belief that lacks the qualities of being overly concerned with small details or hyper-evaluations),

¹ Now the Spirit (or: Breath-effect) is explicitly saying that within subsequent seasons (in fitting situations and on appropriate occasions which will be afterwards) some of the faith (or: certain folks belonging to this trust) will proceed standing off and away [from the Path, or from the Community] (or: some people will progressively withdraw from this conviction and loyalty), habitually holding toward (having a propensity to) wandering and deceptive spirits (or: straying and seducing breath-effects and attitudes) and to teachings of demons (to teachings about and pertaining to, or which are, demons [note: a Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences]; or: to instructions and training which come from animistic influences [= pagan religions]), [comment: this prophesied about the future institutionalization of the called-out community, and the introduction of pagan teachings, all of which later came to be called "orthodox"] ² within perverse scholarship of false words (or: in association with overly critical hairsplitting of false messages; in the midst of gradually separated interpretations of false expressions; or: in union with deceptive decisions by speakers of lies), from folks having their own consciences cauterized (seared; branded) as with a hot iron, ³ coming from people habitually forbidding (preventing; hindering) [folks] to be marrying [and to be] constantly abstaining from [certain] foods – which things God creates (or: created; reduced from a state of wildness and disorder) into something to be shared and partaken of with thanksgiving by those full of faith (by the faithful and loyal folks) and by those having experienced full, intimate knowledge and realization of the Truth (or: of Reality)!

¹² For (Because of; In view of) which cause I am also continuously experiencing (also: feeling; being affected by; suffering) these things. But still, I am not feeling shame (or: I am not experiencing embarrassment), for I have seen and thus know by Whom I have believed and now put my trust (or: in Whom I have relied and continue placing confidence), and I have been persuaded and am continuing convinced that He is able (He continues being powerful) to watch over, guard and protect – on into that Day – the deposit placed alongside of me (or: what is entrusted to my charge).

¹⁸ May the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] give to him to find mercy, beside [the] Lord [= Yahweh or Christ], within that Day! And how much (or: how many things) he gave in attending service within Ephesus, you yourself, by intimate experience, continue knowing better.

¹⁹ Nevertheless (or: However), God's firm and solid deposit which is placed down (a deposit of money; treasure; or: a foundation; basis) stands, continuing to hold (or: have) this seal: " [The] Lord [= Yahweh] knows (or: knew) by intimate experience those being of Him (or: the ones that belong to Him; those having Him as their source), " [Num. 16:5; Nah. 1:7] and: "Let everyone repeatedly naming the Name of [the] Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] (or: by habit using the Lord's name) stand away from (withdraw from; keep away from) injustice (that which is unfair and inequitable, which negates relationship and does not correspond to the Way pointed out).” [Num. 16:26]

⁵ continuously holding (having) a form of reverence (virtuous conduct; pious awe) yet being folks having refused (or: turned their back on) and now denying its power and ability! And so, be habitually turning your steps in a direction away from these folks and avoid them, ⁶ for you see, forth from out of the midst of these folks are the people repeatedly slipping-in, into the houses, (or: worming their way into households) and habitually leading into captivity little women [note: this is the diminutive of "women, " thus, perhaps: women of undeveloped character, ability, or inward stature. While the word for “woman” is feminine, the noun “little women” and the following participles are neuter – or neutral – so this rare word may be a figure for what was a cultural view for “feminine” aspects of all people, e.g., their feelings and emotions, or general receptive qualities] – those having been piled on and now being heaped up with failures (errors; misses of the target; deviations from the goal; sins), being constantly, or from time to time, led by (or: in; to) various (diverse; many-colored) over-desires (or: full passions; wants and wishes that are rushed upon) [A adds: and gratifications], ⁷ at all times (or: always) folks [note: again a neuter, or neutral, participle] that are constantly learning, and yet not at any time being able or having consistent power to come into a full, accurate experiential and intimate knowledge of Truth (or: reality). ⁸ Now, in the manner which (or: by the turn or method that) Jannes and Jambres took a stand in opposition to (or: resisted and opposed) Moses, thus, also, these are continually taking a stand in opposition to (opposing and resisting) the Truth and reality: people (humans) being ones having had the mind decayed down (ruined and spoiled down; corrupted; depraved; put into a sorry state), folks failing to meet the test (disqualified ones) on all sides of (or: about) the faith (or: = ones whose trust does not pass the test from any angle). ⁹ But they will continue making no further progress (not be cutting a passage forward) upon more [folks] (or: Nevertheless, they won't get very far), for their mindlessness (madness; lack of understanding; folly) will be quite evident (very plain; obvious; outstanding and in clear visibility) to all, even as the [madness] of those [two, i.e., Jannes and Jambres] came to be.

¹³ Now people of a bad condition and of an harmful disposition (useless and malicious humans who bring misery and hard labor), as well as sorcerers (folks who wail and cast spells; or: impostors and swindlers; those who juggle a situation), will continue cutting a path forward upon the worse (or: will be advancing and making progress from bad to worse), repeatedly leading [folks] astray (or: causing [folks] to wander [from the Path]) and progressively being led astray (or: caused to wander).

³ For you see, there will be an appointed season (a situation; a fitting period of time) when they will not continue holding up to themselves (or: sustaining; holding themselves upright by; holding themselves up in; or: putting up with; tolerating) instruction (teaching and training) that is being continuously healthy and sound, but rather, they, habitually having their ear gratified by rubbing, scratching or tickling (having their hearing titillated; hearing what their ears itch to hear; or, as a middle: constantly procuring pleasurable excitement by indulging an itching) will progressively pile and heap upon themselves (accumulate for themselves) teachers in line with and corresponding to their own rushing emotions (over-desires; full passions),

⁸ For the rest (or: Finally; Henceforth) the winner's wreath of the Course having been pointed out (the athlete's laurel wreath consisting of the rightwised relationship in fair and equitable dealings, and pertaining to the justice of right behavior on the course; or: = the wreath from covenant inclusion and participation) continues laid away for me (or: is presently reserved in me), which the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh], the Fair (Equitable; Just; Rightwising; [Covenant]) Judge [of the games], will proceed to pay to (or: award in) me within the sphere of that Day – yet not only to me! ... but further, also, to all those (or: in everyone) being ones having loved His full appearance in Light (or: the complete manifestation of Him; His fully bringing things to light; the shining upon things pertaining to Him; His full and accurate manifestation).

¹⁴ Alexander the coppersmith (or: metalworker) displayed many bad (worthless; evil) things [in his behavior] to me – the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] will continue awarding to him (or: giving back in him; paying back for him) corresponding to his works (down from his deeds and on the level of his actions) ¹⁵ – from whom you, yourself, also be constantly guarding yourself against, for he stands (or: stood) in opposition to our words (or: thoughts, ideas and messages).

¹⁶ They are repeatedly adopting the same terms of language, and habitually making confession and avowing to have perceived and now know God, yet they are constantly denying (repudiating; disowning; refusing) [this] by the works (in the actions and things done), continuing being detestable (abominable), incompliant (stubborn; disobedient; unpersuasive) and disqualified (disapproved; rejected after trial) with a view toward every good work (excellent and virtuous activity).

³ You see, we also were, ourselves, at one time people habitually being foolish, senseless and without understanding (without perception or proper use of our minds) – noncompliant and disobedient ones, folks being constantly caused to wander and being led astray (or, as a middle: repeatedly deceiving ourselves; habitually going astray), continuously being and performing as slaves to various (a diversity of many kinds of) full-rushing passions and pleasures (enjoyments; gratifications), habitually carrying ugly worthlessness (bad quality or malice) and envy (or: jealousy) throughout (= leading a bad life): detestable ones (abhorrent folks) continuously hating one another. ⁴ Yet, when the beneficial usefulness in meeting needs and the affectionate friendship for mankind (the fondness for, the liking of, and the love – as shown in kissing – for humanity) of God (or: coming from, and which is, God), our Deliverer (Savior; Rescuer; Healer; Restorer), was fully set in clear Light (was made to completely appear; was fully manifested) – ⁵ not from out of works [which arise from] within religious performance which we ourselves do [= deeds associated with the temple cultus of the old covenant] (or: not forth from actions in union with an act of righteousness which we, ourselves, did; not in a relationship based upon our own performance; not deeds in a system of justice, equity and fairness which we, ourselves, constructed), but to the contrary, down from and corresponding to His mercy, He delivered us (or: He saves, rescues and restores us to the wholeness and health of our original condition) through a bath of and from a birth-back-up-again (or: [the] bathing of a regeneration; note: can = a ritual immersion pool of rebirth) and a making back-up-new (of a different kind and quality) again from a set-apart Breath-effect (or: of a renewal and renovation whose source is [the] Holy Spirit; or: a set-apart spirit's creating or birthing [us] back-up-new-again; a renewal which is a holy spirit) – ⁶ which (or: from which source) He pours forth (or: poured from out of) upon us richly through Jesus Christ, our Deliverer (Savior; Healer; Rescuer; Restorer; Safe-keeper), ⁷ to the end that, being rightwised, and set in right relationship in the Way of fairness and equity which has been pointed out (also: = being placed in covenant membership) – by and in the grace and favor of That One – we can (could; would; may) come to be (or: be birthed; be made to exist being) heirs (possessors and enjoyers of the allotment), corresponding to, in line with, and down from [the] expectation (or: an expectant hope) that comes from eonian life (or: of life whose character, origin, source and realm is the Age [of the Messiah]; or: a life of unspecified duration which leads on into the ages; [the] life of and for the ages).

⁶ Since, then, there continues being left remaining [for] some folks to enter into it, and those being formerly addressed with goodness (or: being brought a message of ease and well-being) did not enter because of a lack of being convinced (or: incompliance; disobedience),

¹² For the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message; or: the expressed Logos from God; or: the Word which is God) [is] living (or: alive), and active (working; operative; energetic; at work; productive) and more cutting above every two-mouthed sword, even passing through (penetrating) as far as a dividing (or: parting; partitioning) of soul and spirit (or: of inner self-life and breath-effect), both of joints and marrows, even able to discern (separate; judge; decide) concerning thoughts (ponderings; reflections; in-rushings; passions) and intentions (notions; purposes) of a heart (= core of the being). ¹³ And no creature (thing formed, framed or created) is (or: exists being) out of sight (not manifest; concealed) in His (or: in Its – i.e., the Word's) presence, but all things [are] naked and have been gripped and bent back at the neck [thus, exposing the face and throat] to (or: in; by) His (or: Its) eyes, face to face with Whom (or: Which) in us (or: to us; for us; with us) [is] this Word (or: with a view to Whom by us [is] the message and the account; or: toward whom, for us and among us, [comes] the Idea and the Reason).

⁴ For you see, those once being enlightened, besides tasting (= experiencing) the heavenly gift (or: the granted bounty from the One [holding sway] upon the atmosphere) and after being born (or: coming to be) common-holders (partners; sharing possessors; joint-participants; associates; partaking members) of set-apart spirit (or: of a holy Breath-effect; or: of [the] Holy Spirit), ⁵ and then tasting (= experiencing) a beautiful gush-effect of God (or: an ideal result of the flow from God; or: God's fine speech; an excellent declaration pertaining to God; a profitable thing spoken, which is God) – besides abilities and powers of an impending age, ⁶ and yet then falling by the side (or: falling aside along the way), [are] powerless and unable to be repeatedly renewing again into a change of mind: [they are] continuously crucifying again in themselves (or: to, for or by themselves) the Son of God, and [are] constantly exposing [Him] to public disgrace.

⁶ and yet then falling by the side (or: falling aside along the way), [are] powerless and unable to be repeatedly renewing again into a change of mind: [they are] continuously crucifying again in themselves (or: to, for or by themselves) the Son of God, and [are] constantly exposing [Him] to public disgrace.

⁸ but when repeatedly and progressively bearing forth thorns and thistles [it is] disqualified (worthless; unable to stand the test [for planting a new crop]) and [is] close to (or: near) [the] curse (or: a down-prayer and a corresponding wish against [the situation] is at hand), the end (the resultant situation) of which [the thorn, briars, thistles and the field is] into [a time of] burning (or: = the field ends up being burned off). [comment: this is a time-honored agricultural practice for preparing a field for planting a crop – the competition has been removed and the ground has been enriched by the ash]

²⁶ For you see, [at] our deliberately (voluntarily; willfully from one's being) making mistakes (entering into error; failing; shooting off-target; sinning) as a habitual way of life, after taking hold of (or: receiving; obtaining) the full, experiential knowledge and insight of the Truth and Reality, there is no longer a sacrifice concerned with sins (failures; etc.) repeatedly (or: continuously) left behind [D* reads: left around; = available for us], [comment: the sacrificial system of the old covenant no longer exists for a believer] ²⁷ but instead, [there is] a certain fearful taking (or: receiving) in hand from out of a separation for a decision, leading to a judging, and a zeal of Fire being about to be continuously and progressively eating (or: consuming) the hostile folks (the ones under the circumstance of being in an opposing position). [comment: see ch. 6:4-8; both there and here, correction is a necessary] ²⁸ Someone displacing (setting aside; violating) a custom of Moses (or: Moses' Law) dies, apart from compassions, upon [evidence or testimony of] two or three witnesses. ²⁹ By how much worse punishment (= heavier the sentence) do you suppose he will be thought worthy and counted deserving: the one trampling down the Son of God, and considering the blood of the arrangement (or: covenant) common (= profane) – within which he was set-apart (made sacred and holy) – even insulting the Breath-effect of joyous favor (or: Spirit of Grace)?

²⁹ By how much worse punishment (= heavier the sentence) do you suppose he will be thought worthy and counted deserving: the one trampling down the Son of God, and considering the blood of the arrangement (or: covenant) common (= profane) – within which he was set-apart (made sacred and holy) – even insulting the Breath-effect of joyous favor (or: Spirit of Grace)? ³⁰ For we have perceived, and thus know, the One saying, "Execution of right in fairness out of the Way pointed out [is] by Me. I will continue giving back (repay) in its place," says the Lord [= Yahweh], and again, "The Lord [= Yahweh] will continue separating and making a decision about (or: judging) His people." [Ex. 32:35-36] [comment: this paragraph, and its judgments, pertains to God's people] ³¹ [It is] fearful (a fear-inspiring [experience]) to suddenly fall-in – into hands of a continuously living God!

⁶ Now apart from faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, [one is] powerless (or: unable) to please [God] well. It is necessary and binding for the person habitually approaching God to believe (to be convinced and trust) that He is (or: that He exists), and that He habitually comes to be (or: becomes) the One who pays back wages (or: gives away rewards) to, in and for those folks repeatedly (or: constantly) seeking Him out (or: seeking from out of Him).

²¹ at once render you folks thoroughly equipped (fitted; adapted) in the midst of all good and in every virtue, immersed in, and in union with, the blood of a thorough arrangement (or: a covenant; a deposit which moves throughout in every direction; a placing through the midst; or: a will and testament) pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age (or: an eonian – through the ages – settlement), in order to at once do (produce; perform) His will (the effect of His intent and purpose; the result of His design and pleasure) – progressively creating (doing; forming; producing) within you folks and in union with you people [other MSS: in us] the well-pleasing and satisfying [result] in His presence and sight, through Jesus Christ, in Whom (and: for Whom, by Whom, and to Whom) [is] the glory (the reputation and the manifestation which calls forth praise) on into the ages of the ages. It is so (Count on it; Amen)!

⁵ So, if any one of you is continually left behind (or: lacking) in regard to wisdom, he must keep on asking (requesting) from the side (= immediate presence) of the God [Who is] continuously giving to everyone singly (one at a time; or: simply; or: = generously) and is not constantly reproaching or demeaning, and it will proceed being given to him. ⁶ Yet he must keep on asking in faith and conviction (or: continue making [his] request in union with trust), making not one hesitation from habitually distinguishing and constantly evaluating differences (undecidedly separating throughout; discerning between uncertain points; judging dividedly to produce doubt) within himself, for the person repeatedly making undecided distinctions (making a separation and judging dividedly unto doubt) within himself is like a surge of the sea, being constantly raised and tossed by the wind.

¹² Happy and blessed is the adult male [A and other MSS: person] who is continuously remaining under a proving (a putting to the proof; or: a trial; an ordeal), because upon being birthed approved (or: growing and becoming proved and accepted) he will continue laying hold of the circle of the life (or: life's crown; life's encirclement; the encirclement from this living existence; or: the wreath which is the Life) which He [some MSS: the Lord (= Yahweh or Christ)] Himself promised to those continuously loving Him.

¹⁷ Every good leaving of a legacy, profitable contributing or excellent dosing, as well as all virtuous giving, and (or: All giving [is] beneficial, and yet), every perfect gift (finished, complete or mature result of giving) is from above, descending from the Father of the lights, beside Whom there is no otherness at [His] side (or: in the presence of Whom is no parallel otherness; [other MSS: along with Whom {is} not one interchange, variation, shifting or mutation]), nor a shadow cast by turning [other MSS: an effect caused by the passing of shadows].

²¹ For this reason, putting away from yourselves all filthiness and encompassing superabundance of bad quality (ugliness; baseness; malice; evil; qualities that ought not to be), you folks must receive (take with your hands) in gentleness (meekness) the implanted (ingenerated) Word (collected thought; idea; message), the One being continuously able (or: the one which is constantly powerful) to deliver (rescue; keep safe; heal and make whole) your souls (your inner self and being). ²² Now you must continuously come to be (or: be progressively birthed) performers of [the] Word (or: makers of collected thought; framers of an idea; authors of a message; producers of reason; [the] Word's doers), and not only hearing ones (listeners; those hearing in an auditorium), continuously deceiving (reckoning aside; miscalculating) yourselves. (another combination of these options yields: So you folks must be progressively birthed to be authors of a message, and not only those in an auditorium, continuously miscalculating yourselves.)

²² Now you must continuously come to be (or: be progressively birthed) performers of [the] Word (or: makers of collected thought; framers of an idea; authors of a message; producers of reason; [the] Word's doers), and not only hearing ones (listeners; those hearing in an auditorium), continuously deceiving (reckoning aside; miscalculating) yourselves. (another combination of these options yields: So you folks must be progressively birthed to be authors of a message, and not only those in an auditorium, continuously miscalculating yourselves.) ²³ Because if someone is a hearer of [the] Word (a listener to a thought, idea or message) and not a doer (performer; producer), this one is like (resembles) an adult male contemplating (considering; attentively pondering) in a mirror the face of his birth (genesis; origin; existence; generation; lineage; or: = the face with which he was born): ²⁴ for he contemplated himself and has departed, and immediately forgot of what sort (quality; manner) he was. ²⁵ But the one stooping down beside in order to attentively view into (giving a penetrating look into) the perfect (finished and realized; matured; completed; full-grown and fully developed; purposed and destined) law – the one which is freedom (or: the one whose source is, and which has the qualities of, freedom and liberty) – and then remaining (abiding; dwelling) beside [it] – not being birthed (or: coming to be) a hearer of forgetfulness (or: a forgetful listener), but rather a performer of work (a producer of action) – this person will continue being happy and blessed within his performing and in union with his producing. ²⁶ Now if someone habitually supposes [himself] (or: thinks [himself]; presumes; or: constantly appears or seems) to be religious (occupied with rituals and ceremonies), while not habitually guiding his tongue with a bridle, but rather is repeatedly deceiving his heart, the religion (ritual; observance of a religious system) of this person is useless (futile; empty). ²⁷ Pure (clean) and unstained (undefiled) religion, by the side of (= in the presence of) God, even the Father, is this: to habitually visit so as to continuously look upon with the eyes in order to help (or: oversee) orphans and widows within the midst of their pressure (squeezing; distress; ordeal; tribulation); to habitually keep oneself unspotted from the controlling ordered System (or: the world of secular culture, religion, economy and government).

¹⁰ For you see, whoever perhaps kept (or: may have guarded and observed) the whole Law, yet possibly at some point stumbled in one thing, had become held (or: caught) within all [its aspects] (or: = is liable for and susceptible to everything). ¹¹ You see, the One saying, "You should (or: may) not commit adultery, " also said, "You should (or: may) not murder." [Ex. 20:13] Now if you are not committing adultery, yet you are now being a murderer, you have come to be (you have been birthed) a transgressor of (a deviator from; [p74 and A read: one who stands away from]) law (or: custom). ¹² Thus keep on speaking and thus keep on doing (performing): as those being continuously about to be separated and decided about (evaluated; judged; made a distinction between; scrutinized) through means of a law (or: custom; [p74: word; message]) of freedom and liberty. ¹³ For you see, the separating and deciding (or: scrutinizing and judging) is merciless to the one not performing mercy. Mercy is consistently speaking loudly and boasting down against evaluating and separating (making decisions; scrutinizing; judging)!

¹³ For you see, the separating and deciding (or: scrutinizing and judging) is merciless to the one not performing mercy. Mercy is consistently speaking loudly and boasting down against evaluating and separating (making decisions; scrutinizing; judging)!

¹⁷ Thus also [is] the faith (the trust, conviction and loyalty): if it should not continue to have works (include actions; possess deeds; have employment), by itself it exists being dead (or: is lifeless; = is a corpse) in correspondence to its own nature (in the sphere of itself). ¹⁸ Yet someone will say, "You continuously have (hold) faith, and I continuously have (or: possess) works (actions; deeds). You at once show me (exhibit to my eyes) your faith apart from the works or actions, and I, forth from out of the midst of my actions and works, will continue showing (exhibiting to) you my faith, trust, conviction and loyalty." ¹⁹ You continuously believe (or: trust; are convinced) that God is One (or: that God exists being One; that One exists being God; or: that there is one God). [Deut. 6:4] You are performing (doing) beautifully (excellently; ideally) – even the demons (Hellenistic concept and term: = animistic influences) continuously believe (or: presently trust; are constantly loyal; are normally convinced [about this]), and constantly shudder (bristle; shiver; are ruffled). [comment: in this last phrase Jacob is either making an ontological statement about “demons, ” or he is using sarcasm, referring in a derogatory manner to the Jews who also believe this; Jesus used the term diablos (devil; one who thrusts-through folks) to refer to Judas in John 6:70; He used the term satan when speaking to Peter in Mark 8:33; this phrase could also refer to the superstitious mindsets of folks who have believed Jewish or pagan myths, or have accepted animistic influences into their thinking] ²⁰ But are you willing to experientially and intimately know and receive insight, O empty person, that the faith, trust and loyalty, apart from the works and actions, exists being inactive (continues unproductive; [p74 reads: empty; without contents; other MSS: is dead])?

²⁰ But are you willing to experientially and intimately know and receive insight, O empty person, that the faith, trust and loyalty, apart from the works and actions, exists being inactive (continues unproductive; [p74 reads: empty; without contents; other MSS: is dead])? ²¹ Our father Abraham was not placed within the Way pointed out (made fair and equitable; put in right relationship; rightwised; made a just one; also: = placed in covenant) from out of works, when offering up his son Isaac upon the altar! ²² Are you normally seeing that the faith, trust and loyalty continued to work together with his actions and works, and forth from out of the actions (or: works), faith (trust, loyalty and conviction) was brought to its goal (was perfected; was matured; was finished)? ²³ And thus the Scripture was made full, the one saying, "Now Abraham believed (or: put trust and confidence) in God (or: became persuaded by God; adhered to God), and he was counted into the Way pointed out by Him (or: he was considered rightwised by Him; he was reckoned fair, equitable and just in Him; alternately: so it was counted into right relation [= covenant inclusion] for him), " [Ex. 15:6] and he was called "God's friend." [Isa. 41:8] ²⁴ Are you folks normally observing (or: perceiving) that humanity (or: a person) is normally being rightwised (from time to time being placed in right relationship in the Way pointed out; progressively made fair and equitable; normally justified; = put in covenant) forth from out of the midst of actions and works, and not only from out of faith and trust? ²⁵ Now in this same vein, even Rahab the prostitute, taking under [her roof] and welcoming the agents (messengers), and then later exiting them by a different way, was not rightwised (placed in right relationship in the Way pointed out; made fair and equitable; justified; or: shown to be righteous; also: = brought into covenant) forth from out of works. ²⁶ You see, just as the body apart from a breath-effect (or: spirit) is lifeless (dead), thus also the faith and trust apart from actions and works [i.e., the living it out] is (exists being) lifeless (dead).

¹ My brothers (= fellow members), do not continue to become many teachers (or: stop becoming a bunch of instructors; or: let not many of you folks proceed to be made teachers), seeing, and knowing, that we shall receive [a] greater effect from the decision (or: will take more intense scrutiny and evaluation; will get a stronger result of the separation; will receive heavier judgment),

¹² My brothers, a fig tree is not able to produce olives, nor a grape-vine figs, neither brine to produce sweet water. ¹³ Who [is] wise and understanding (adept) among you? Let him at once exhibit (show; present to the sight and demonstrate) his works and actions out of beautiful behavior (fine, ideal, excellent and appropriate conduct) in gentleness of (or: considerateness from) wisdom. ¹⁴ Yet if you folks continuously have bitter rivalry (or: jealousy) and selfish ambition (or: faction) in your heart, do not habitually boast (exult) and lie (speak falsely or deceitfully) concerning the truth or reality (or: are you not now vaunting against and falsifying the truth?). ¹⁵ This is not the wisdom continuously coming down from above, but rather [is] upon the earth (or: earthly; terrestrial), pertaining to or proceeding from the soul (soulful; having the mind, will and emotions as its source; = natural), pertaining to, or proceeding from, or having the characteristics of demons [Hellenistic term and concept; = influences thought of in that period and culture as being animistic or personified]. [comment: note that the three adjectives "earthly, " "natural/soulish, " and "demonic" are tied together to this same context, as being of the same sphere of being – or, fruit of the same tree] ¹⁶ For where [there is] jealousy (rivalry) and selfish ambition (faction; intrigue), in that place [is] instability (disorder; an unsettled state) and every ignoble (base; vile; worthless) practice. ¹⁷ But the wisdom from above is (constantly exists being) indeed first (or: primarily) pure, thereafter peaceable (or: peaceful; pertaining to peace and harmony), suitable (fair; reasonably lenient; yielding; unassertive; considerate), compliant (easily persuaded; receptive; reasonable; willing to yield), full of mercy (= practical help) and good fruits, non-separating (not discriminatory; undivided in evaluating; unwavering; unprejudiced), unpretending (or: not hyper-critical; not judging from a low point of view; not focusing on tiny distinctions; not overly judgmental; not under-estimating of reality). ¹⁸ Now the fruit of fair and equitable dealing (justice and right relationship in accord with the Way pointed out; the condition of being rightwised, or turned in the right direction; also: = covenant participation) is continuously being sown in peace and harmony by and for those habitually performing (making; doing; producing) peace and harmony. [comment: fruit of the Spirit, or, from the Tree of Life]

¹¹ Brothers (= believers in God’s household) do not be continuously (or: stop constantly) speaking down (or: gossiping or babbling; wearing someone down by talking; talking a person down) against one another. The one habitually speaking down against a brother (= a fellow believer, or, a fellow Israelite; or: = a member of God’s household), and continuously judging (separating and making decisions about) his brother, is continuously speaking down against law, and thus keeps on judging (making separations and then decisions about) law. Now if you continue judging law, you are not being a performer (a doer) of law, but rather, a judge (one who makes separations and decisions). ¹² There is one Lawgiver and Separator (Decider; Evaluator; Judge): the One being continuously able and powerful to deliver (rescue; heal; save; restore to wholeness), as well as to cause loss (or: bring a condition of utter ruin; or: cause [something or someone] to be lost; or: destroy). So you, who are you, the one continuously judging the one near you (repeatedly separating the neighbor; or: presently making decisions about [your] associate)?

¹⁵ and then faith's impartation of well-being (or: the prayer which comes from trust; the desire of conviction) will progressively deliver (restore to health; rescue; save) the one being continuously labored to weariness and exhaustion, and then the Lord [= Christ, or, Yahweh, ] will proceed causing him to rise, and if it may be he has been making mistakes (performing amiss; doing acts which miss the goal) it will proceed being caused to flow away from him (sent forth for him; let go off in him; forgiven to him).

⁵ the ones being continuously garrisoned within (or: kept under watch and guarded in the center of) God's power, in union with an ability which is God, through [His] faithfulness, into a deliverance (a rescue which brings health, wholeness and a return to your original state and condition; salvation; a [period of] rescue) [which is now] ready to be unveiled (revealed; disclosed) within the midst of and in union with [this] last season (or: resident within a final fitting situation; in a final fertile moment; on [this] last occasion),

⁷ [This is] to the end that the examined and tested approval of your faith (of the trust and faithfulness of you folks) – [being] of much greater value and worth, and more precious, than of gold that constantly loses itself away (perishes of itself) despite being progressively tested and examined through fire – might be found [progressing] into praise (approval; commendation) and glory (or: a good reputation) and honor (value; worth) within an unveiling of Jesus Christ (or: in union with a revelation whose source is, which has the character of, and which is, Jesus, [the] Anointed One; in the midst of a disclosure from [Messiah] Jesus),

¹⁵ Because thus is God's will (or: For God's intent and purpose exists in this manner): folks habitually doing good things (constructing excellence; performing with virtues; creating goodness) to repeatedly muzzle (continuously gag; thus: progressively silence) the ignorance of senseless and thoughtless people (humans without intellect and prudence; unreasonable folks);

²⁰ to and for those being at one time unconvinced (unpersuaded; disobedient; uncompliant) within [the] days of Noah, when (or: while) he was continuing to be receiving forth, and taking away from, out of God's state of emotional quietness (taking a long time before rushing or being in a heat of passion; long-enduring patience) while [the] ark was progressively being prepared and equipped (constructed to readiness) – into which a few folks, that is, eight souls (= people), were brought safely through [the] water (or: were brought safely through, by means of water), ²¹ [into] which, also, an echo of correspondent form (or: a copy; an antitype; an impress which answers back; in place of the type or pattern) is now progressively delivering (rescuing) you folks (or: repeatedly bringing you to safety): immersion (submersion and envelopment which brings absorption and permeation to the point of saturation) – not [the] putting off of [the] filth (removal of dirt) away from [the] flesh (= not baptism or bathing of the physical body, or the removal of the alienated false persona), but rather – the result of a full inquiry into the midst of God (or: the effect of an added request unto God; or: = a further quest into “the Divine Mystery” – Paul Tillich) made by a good conscience (from an excellent joint-knowing; in relation to virtuous co-knowledge). [It saves you and it is made] through means of [the] resurrection of Jesus Christ,

² [and comes] into the [condition or situation] to no longer live out the additional remaining course [of his] time within [the] flesh (= in the natural realm) in the midst of (or: in union with) [the] full passions (or: for [the] over-desires; to [the] rushings of emotions upon things) of humans (or: pertaining to or originating in mankind), but to the contrary, in God's will (or: for God's intent; to God's purpose).

¹⁷ because [it is; this is; now is] the [other MSS: a] fitting situation and fertile moment of the appointed season for the result of the judgment (the effect of the separating for evaluation and decision) to begin (to start) from God's house. Now if first from us, what [will be] the closing act (the final stage; the end; the consummation; the outcome; the finished product) pertaining to those continuing unpersuaded and unconvinced by (or: uncompliant to; disobedient to; stubborn in) God's message of goodness and well-being (or: good news)? ¹⁸ "And if the rightwised one (the fair and just person in right relationships in accord to the Way pointed out) is repeatedly delivered (rescued; brought to safety; made healthy and whole) with difficult labor, then where will the irreverent (the person without pious awe) and the failure (the one who makes mistakes and cannot hit the target; the sinner; the outcast) proceed in making an appearance?" [Prov. 11:31]

¹ Yet false prophets also birthed themselves (or: Now of themselves folks who pretended to have light ahead of time, or who had false knowledge and spoke before folks, came to be) among the People – as also false teachers will continue existing (or: being) among you folks, ones who will proceed to stealthily introduce (or: will continue bringing in alongside or smuggling in) destructive choices (or: destructive sects or schools; heresies marked by, and which pertain to, loss or destruction) even repeatedly denying (disowning; disclaiming) the Sovereign Owner (or: Absolute Master) having purchased them (or: buying them at the gathering, or market, place), continuously bringing swift loss, ruin or destruction upon themselves. ² And many will progressively follow out to (for; in; by) their outrageous behaviors (extravagant or licentious conducts), on account of whom (or: because of which ones) the Way [other MSS: the glory] of the Truth and Reality will proceed being blasphemed (vilified; defamed; misrepresented with abusive slander; or: having its light hindered), ³ and in greed (desire to take advantage in order to have more), by formed (molded; fabricated, and thus, counterfeit) words, they will constantly exploit you (use you for business; market you; use you in trade and travel by sea), to whom (or: for which folks) the sentence (or: the result of the evaluation; the effect of a separating process) [coming] from long ago (or: out of old times; forth from old) is not continuing inactive (is not constantly unemployed; is not remaining idle), and their loss (or: destruction) is not nodding in sleep or taking a nap.

¹⁰ yet especially (or: most of all) the people continually passing from one place to another after flesh (= aspects of the natural realm; = expressions or experiences of the estranged self or the human nature that has been conformed to the System) in defiling (polluting; staining) lust (over-desire; full passion), even habitually thinking disparagingly (scorning; despising; down-thinking) of lordship (ownership; constituted authority). [These are] presumptuous folks (audacious ones), self-pleasing people (willfully arrogant ones), continuously slandering (defaming; speaking injuriously about; obscuring the light of; vilifying) reputations, ¹¹ whereas agents (or: messengers; folks with a/the message) [who] are being greater in strength and power (or: ability) [than these folks], are not normally (or: habitually) bringing slanderous separating (or: defaming decision-making; injurious discriminating; or: a light-obscuring judicial process) down on or against them before (or: beside) [the] Lord [=Yahweh]. ¹² But these, as irrational (wordless; unreasoning) living ones (or: animals), being creatures of instinct having been born unto capture and then corruption (decay; ruin), within which things – being continuously ignorant – they are constantly blaspheming (speaking slander, insult and abusive speech; injuriously vilifying; or: hindering the Light) within their corruption, and they will be progressively ruined (spoiled; corrupted), ¹³ being folks habitually wronging themselves (or, reading as a passive: being wronged; suffering injustice) [other MSS: will be ones getting for themselves] – a wage of unrighteousness (inequity; injustice; wrong; nonobservance of the Way pointed out) – folks continuously leading or governing, while considering the luxury (or: softness and daintiness; delicate living; effeminateness) in daytime (in broad daylight) a pleasure (enjoyment; gratification). [They are] spots (or: stains) and disgraceful flaws [that] are continuously living within luxury amidst their delusions (or: deceptions) [other MSS: love-feasts] – folks repeatedly feasting (or: banqueting) together with you folks – ¹⁴ people always having bulging eyes very full of an adulteress (= for nothing but adultery), and being unceasing regarding sin and error; people by habit using bait to entrap unstable souls (= people); folks constantly having a heart that has been exercised (trained in gymnastic discipline) regarding greed (desire for advantage and riches); children of a cursing (or: having the qualities and character of [the] curse). ¹⁵ By practice leaving behind [other MSS: at one point abandoning] [the; a] straight path (road; Way), they were (or: are) led astray (or: caused to wander), following out the path (road; way) of Balaam of Bosor [other MSS: Beor] who loved [the] wage of injustice (inequity; wrongdoing; unrighteousness; nonobservance of the Way pointed out). ¹⁶ But he had an exposure and a rebuke leading to conviction regarding his own transgression of law: a voiceless yoke-animal – emitting a sound in a voice of a man – hindered (or: checked) the insanity (madness; being beside one's thinking) of the prophet. ¹⁷ These people are (or: exist being) springs without water and clouds (or: mists; fogs) being constantly driven by (or: under) a storm (or: a squall), for whom the gloom of the darkness has been kept for an indefinite period of time. ¹⁸ For you see, in continuously uttering over-swollen (over-weighted; extravagant; pompous) things pertaining to emptiness (vanity; futility), they are constantly using bait to trap – in the midst of cravings (or: full passions) of flesh (= alienated human nature) by outrageous (or: licentious) behavior – those folks scarcely [other MSS: actually] fleeing from the people habitually twisting themselves up in deception (in wandering),

¹⁸ For you see, in continuously uttering over-swollen (over-weighted; extravagant; pompous) things pertaining to emptiness (vanity; futility), they are constantly using bait to trap – in the midst of cravings (or: full passions) of flesh (= alienated human nature) by outrageous (or: licentious) behavior – those folks scarcely [other MSS: actually] fleeing from the people habitually twisting themselves up in deception (in wandering), ¹⁹ while constantly promising freedom (or: liberty) to them, they themselves continuously subsist inherently being slaves of the corruption (the ruin; the decay) – for you see, by whom (or: by what) anyone has been, and now exists being, made inferior (or: less), to this one (or: by this thing) he has [some MSS add: also] been enslaved, and now exists as a slave. ²⁰ For if, fleeing from the stains (pollution; defilements) of the ordered System (dominant world of religion, society, culture, economy and politics; or: secular realm), within an accurate (or: full; added) intimate and experiential knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, but yet being interwoven (intertwined) back again in (or: by) these things, they are continuing to be inferior (less; or: they are repeatedly worsted), the last things (situations; conditions) have come to be (or: have been birthed) for them (to them; in them; with them) worse than the first ones. ²¹ For it were better for them (or: it was existing better to and in them) to have not known (not to have come to an experiential full knowledge of) the Way (road; path) of the fair and equitable dealing (justice; righteousness; or: = covenant participation) than, fully knowing, to turn below (or: back) from out of [other MSS: to bend back, into the things which are behind, from] the set-apart implanted goal (holy impartation of the finished product and destiny within; sacred inward directive) – the one being given over (committed; delivered alongside) to them. ²² Now it has walked (or: stepped) together for them (to them; in them) – the true proverb (saying; byword): "a dog turning about upon its own vomit, " and "a sow (or: hog), into a rolling (wallowing-place) of mire, bathing itself!"

²² Now it has walked (or: stepped) together for them (to them; in them) – the true proverb (saying; byword): "a dog turning about upon its own vomit, " and "a sow (or: hog), into a rolling (wallowing-place) of mire, bathing itself!"

¹⁷ You, then, beloved ones, being ones by repeated experiences previously acquainted [with this] (or: knowing beforehand by experiences), be constantly on watch, guard, and keep yourselves in custody, lest – at some point being carried (or: led) away together by the deception (or: in straying; or: to deceit) of the unestablished (unprincipled; inordinate; lawless) folks – you could fall out from your own state of fixed firmness (or: steadfastness).

³ And so within this [situation], if we could be continuously watchful and would habitually keep, guard, observe, and maintain His implanted purposes and internalized goals (or: inner projections of destiny), we [would] progressively know through experience and continue to recognize with insight, because we have come to know Him, and we now experience Him intimately with insightful knowledge. (or: So in union with this [relationship] – should we constantly maintain His impartations from the finished product, and would observe His inward directives of destiny – we progressively know by experience, and recognize by insight, that we have known Him.)

¹⁹ They came (or: come; go; or: went) out from us, but they were not existing out of us (or: they were not [a part] of us), for if they were out of us, they would have remained (dwelt; abided) with us; but [this was] to the end that they may be manifested (caused to appear) that they are not all out of us or from us.

¹ You people at once consider (or: look and perceive) what kind of (what sort of; what unusual, foreign or exotic) love (or: acceptance) the Father has given to (or: in; for) us [other MSS: you], which we now have as a gift, to the end that we can (may; should; would) be called (or: named) God's children (born-ones; bairns)! And we are! Because of this (On account of this; Therefore) the System (the world; the realm of the secular and religious; the ordered arrangement of culture, religion, economy and government) is not habitually having experiential or intimate knowledge of us (does not know or have insight into us [other MSS: you]), because it did not know (or: it does not have an intimate, experiential knowledge of) Him.

⁹ Everyone who has been given birth, and is now in the state of having been born, from out of the midst of God is not habitually practicing failure to hit the target (repeatedly doing sin; constantly producing error), because His Seed (sperm) is continuously remaining (dwelling; abiding) within him (or: within, and in union with, Him), and he is not able (or: he has no power) to constantly fail to hit the target (repeatedly sin; continuously deviate; go on failing; continue in error), because he has been born forth from out of God. ¹⁰ [Both] God's children and the adversary's children are constantly visible (apparent; manifest) within this [thing or situation]: everyone not practicing righteousness (not habitually doing justice; not progressively constructing his life turned in the right direction to accord with the Way pointed out; not being fair or equitable; not being in [covenant] relationships) as well as the one not continuously loving his brother (= a believer, or fellowman) is not existing out of God (= is not living with God being his source of life and direction),

²¹ Beloved ones [other MSS: Brothers], if our heart should not be constantly condemning or censuring (or: would not repeatedly experience negative insights or habitually have knowledge which leads [some MSS add: us] down), we constantly have confident freedom in speaking (boldness from our citizenship) toward and face to face with God, ²² and whatever we may continuously ask (or: habitually request), we keep on progressively receiving from Him, because we are regularly keeping (attentively watching over, guarding and observing) His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of purpose and destiny) and are constantly doing (performing; constructing; producing) the things [that are] pleasing and acceptable in His sight (or: before Him).

²² and whatever we may continuously ask (or: habitually request), we keep on progressively receiving from Him, because we are regularly keeping (attentively watching over, guarding and observing) His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of purpose and destiny) and are constantly doing (performing; constructing; producing) the things [that are] pleasing and acceptable in His sight (or: before Him). ²³ And this is His implanted goal (impartation of the finished product within; inward directive of the end in mind): namely that we could, should and would be continuously believing, progressively trusting, and habitually faithful [other MSS: would at once place faith and trust] in and by the Name (or: constantly loyal to and for the Name; habitually full of faith with the Name) of His Son, Jesus Christ, and thus should be constantly (or: habitually; progressively) loving (accepting; overcoming estrangement to) one another, precisely (or: accordingly; correspondingly) as He gave [the] implanted goal (or: gives an impartation of the finished product within, with an inward directive of the purposed end and destiny) to us, for us and in us. ²⁴ And the person habitually watching to attentively keep His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives of destiny) continuously remains (dwells; abides; stays) within and in union with Him, and He Himself within and in union with him. And within this we are constantly coming to know by intimate experience that He is continuously abiding (dwelling; remaining; staying) within us and in union with us: from out of the Spirit (or: from the midst of the Breath-effect; forth from the attitude) which He gives (or: at one point gave) to us (or: in us).

¹ Beloved ones, stop believing (or: you must not continually believe or put trust in; being loyal or pledging allegiance to) every spirit (or: expression of some influence; breath-effect; attitude), but rather, you folks must constantly examine, test and prove the spirits (influences; attitudes) to assay (or: prove) if they are existing from out of God, because many false prophets have gone (or: come) out into the ordered System (world of societal culture, government, economy and religion) and continue there.

¹⁰ Within this exists (or: is) the Love, not that we ourselves have loved [other MSS: not that we ourselves love or accept] God, but in contrast, that He Himself loves us and sends (or: urged toward reunion with us and sent) His Son as a Representative (Emissary): a cleansing, sheltering covering around our sins (failures to hit the target, errors, mistakes, deviations).

³ You see, that we would continuously observe His imparted and implanted goals is itself the Love of God (or: the love which pertains to God; the Love which is God) (or: For this exists being love from God so that we can progressively watch over, keep, maintain and guard His interior finished product) – and His implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives) are not heavy (weighty, thus, burdensome) – ⁴ because everything having been born from out of the midst of God continuously overcomes (habitually conquers and is progressively victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world or religion, secular culture, economy and government). And this is the victory (or: conquest) at once overcoming (conquering; victorious over) the controlling System (ordered world of religion, culture, economy and government): our trust, confidence and faith! ⁵ Now who is the person continuously overcoming (or: progressively conquering) the ordered System (world; secular realm; religious arrangement) if not the one continuously believing, progressively trusting and being constantly loyal to [the fact] that Jesus is (continuously exists being) the Son of God (God's Son; or: the Son who is God)?

¹⁴ And this is the freedom of speech with outspoken boldness inherent to citizenship which we constantly have toward, and hold face to face with, Him: that if we ourselves should keep on asking or persistently request anything in line with (or: down from; in the sphere of; that accords with) His will [A reads: Name], He is continuously hearing us. ¹⁵ And if we have seen and are thus aware that He constantly hears, and listens to, us, whatever we may keep on requesting concerning or for ourselves, we have seen and are aware that we habitually have (or: hold; possess) the requests (the things asked for) which we have asked – and now stand requested – from Him.

¹⁹ We have seen and thus know that we are continuously existing from out of the midst of God, yet the whole ordered System (or: the entire realm of the religious and the secular) is continuously lying outstretched (lying as asleep, idle or dead; reclining) within the gush of misery (within the disadvantageous, laborious and worthless situation; within the sorry plight; in union with wickedness and evil; in the midst of the misery-gushed [attitude and existence]),

⁴ For you see, some people came in unobserved, from the side – those having been previously written of old into this judgment (or: people having from long ago been written into the effects and result of this decision): [to exist being] impious ones, people continuously changing the grace and favor of God into licentiousness, as well as repeatedly denying and disowning our only Sovereign and Lord (or: Supreme Ruler and Owner), Jesus Christ [= Messiah].

¹⁰ Yet these folks constantly blaspheme (slander; speak injuriously of; villainize; hinder the light of) what indeed they have neither seen nor understand (or: know; perceive), but what they naturally (instinctively; by generation; by sprouting and growing) are continuously acquainted with (or: are versed in; became masters of), in these things they are progressively being corrupted (spoiled, ruined). ¹¹ Alas (or: Tragic is the fate) for them, because they pass along by the way of Cain, and they are (or: were) poured out to the wandering (or: deception) of Balaam's wages, and they lose and destroy themselves in Korah's contradiction (opposing idea; anti-word; message in place of the Logos). ¹² These folks are sharply-cleft portions of rocks (or: reefs; = menaces) in your love [relationship] s (or: love-feasts and table fellowships; movements toward acceptance), repeatedly feasting well together, by habit fearlessly shepherding themselves. [They are] clouds without water, being swept along by winds; wasted autumnal trees – unfruitful, twice-died, uprooted;

¹² These folks are sharply-cleft portions of rocks (or: reefs; = menaces) in your love [relationship] s (or: love-feasts and table fellowships; movements toward acceptance), repeatedly feasting well together, by habit fearlessly shepherding themselves. [They are] clouds without water, being swept along by winds; wasted autumnal trees – unfruitful, twice-died, uprooted; ¹³ wild waves of the sea, continuously foaming out (or: vomiting forth) their shames (or: disgraces). Wandering and deceived stars, for whom the gloom of darkness (shadowy dimness; obscurity void of Daylight) has been maintained (guarded; kept and watched-over) unto an indefinite time period (or: an age). ¹⁴ But Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied to these folks, saying, "Behold, the Lord [=Yahweh] came (or: comes and goes) within His set-apart myriads (or: in union with innumerable holy multitudes, which are Him), ¹⁵ to form a separation (or: make a decision; construct a distinction; perform a sifting and a judging) which corresponds to and falls in line with all people (to the level of everyone), and to test (or: search thoroughly) the irreverent folks concerning all their irreverent works (activities; deeds) which they irreverently did, and concerning all the hard things which irreverent outcasts (folks in error; sinners; failures; folks who make mistakes and miss the target) spoke against Him." ¹⁶ These are, and continue to be, murmurers (or: those who speak privately and in a low voice, making a grumbling buzz of under-toned mutterings of critical and discontented comments), complainers (or: those who find fault with their lot; discontented ones), continuously passing from one place to another according to their strong desires (or: lusts; full passions), and their mouth continually uttering (or: speaking) over-swollen (hyper-weighty; pompous; boastful) things, continually admiring (or: wondering at) faces (= personal presences; = individuals; = personalities) for the sake and benefit of advantage and furtherance. ¹⁷ But you, dearly loved ones, remember the things spoken (the gush-effects; the results of the flow of what was said; the flowing declarations) by the sent-forth folks (representatives; emissaries) in regard to those things having been told beforehand of (or: foretold from and concerning) our Lord, Jesus Christ, ¹⁸ that they said to you, "Upon [other MSS: Within (or: During; In union with)] [the] last of the time folks will repeatedly be (or: there will constantly exist) mockers (those acting or playing in the manner of children; sporting, using childish gestures), continuously passing from one place to another according to (or: in correspondence with) their irreverent strong passions (or: their full desires and lusts of things not having the qualities of things approved by God)." ¹⁹ These folks are those who are separating by setting boundaries, soulish ones (folks dominated by, or living focused on, those things which characterize the soul [= emotions; will; intellect; "feelings"] or this present, transient life) not having [the] Spirit (or: not habitually holding a [proper] attitude; or: not continually in possession of spirit or Breath-effect).

²⁷ "And he will continue shepherding (i.e., feeding, tending and guarding) them with a staff made of iron, as he is being continuously broken [like] pottery vessels, [Ps. 2:8-9] as I also have received from My Father.

⁵ "The person habitually conquering (repeatedly overcoming) may thus clothe himself in white garments, and under no circumstances will I proceed to erase his name from out of the scroll of The Life (or: Life’s scroll; the scroll which signifies life), and I will continue speaking in accordance to his name (saying the same thing as his name; confessing and avowing his name) in front of My Father, and in front of His agents (or: messengers; folks with the Message).

¹⁷ Because your are habitually saying, "I am rich and have acquired wealth and continuously have need of nothing, " and you have not seen to know (or: are not aware) that you continue being wretched (or: miserable; in hardship) and pitiful and poor and blind and naked, ¹⁸ I continue advising you [singular] to buy from Me gold having been refined (set ablaze) forth from out of fire, to the end that you may become rich; and white garments, to the end that you may clothe yourself and the shame (disgrace) of your nakedness may not be manifested (brought to light; caused to appear); and eye-salve to anoint (rub in) your eyes, to the end that you may be continuously observing (or: progressively seeing).'

⁹ And so thrown (or: hurled; cast; tossed) is (or: was) the great dragon, the serpent from the very beginning (or: the original, or ancient, serpent) – the one being continuously called "slanderer" (one who thrusts something through [folks]; false accuser; separator; a "devil;" one who casts something throughout the midst [to cause division]) and the adversary (the opponent; the satan; [p47 and other MSS: one who stands in opposition; a counter-worker]), the one continuously causing the whole inhabited area of the earth to wander (or: that which causes straying; the one continually deceiving). It was (or: is) hurled (thrown; cast; tossed) into the earth (or: Land), and its agents were (or: are) thrown (cast; tossed) with it.

⁸ And all those continually dwelling upon the earth (or: Land) will proceed worshiping it – concerning which folks, their name has not been written within the scroll of (or: which is) "The Life of the little Lamb" – the One having been slaughtered from a casting-down of [the] ordered arrangement (world of culture, religion, government and economics; or: from [the] world's founding).

¹¹ Next I saw another little animal (little creature or beast), progressively stepping up out of the midst of the Land (or: earth), and it had two horns like a little lamb, yet it was, and continued, speaking as [the] dragon, ¹² and it is continually exercising (doing, performing, executing) all the authority of the first little animal (or: little wild beast) within its presence (before it; in its sight), and it repeatedly makes the Land (or: forms the earth) and those dwelling in her, to the end that they would (or: may) worship the first little animal (little creature or wild beast) whose death blow was cured (or: treated). ¹³ And it is continually making (doing; constructing; performing; producing) great signs (wonders; miracles; marks; inscriptions), to the end that it may even repeatedly make (a) fire to continuously (or: repeatedly) descend from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven) into the Land (or: earth) within the presence of (in sight of) the people (or: humans). ¹⁴ It also continually leads astray (causes to wander; deceives) those [other MSS read: Mine] who are continuously dwelling upon the Land (or: earth), because of the signs which it was (or: is) given to it to perform (or: allowed to do, make or construct) in the presence of (before; in sight of) the [first] little animal (little creature or wild beast). [It is] constantly saying – to those habitually dwelling upon the Land (or: earth) – to make (or: construct) an image (likeness; resemblance; an icon) to (or: for) the little animal (little wild beast) which continuously has the blow (wound; stripe) of the sword, yet lives. ¹⁵ And it was given to it (or: allowed for her) to give spirit (breath; a spirit) to the image (or: icon) of the [first] little animal (little wild beast) so that the image (or: icon) of the little animal can both speak and can cause (or: make it; arrange) that whoever would not worship the image of the [first] little animal would (or: should) be killed. ¹⁶ And so it is continually making (causing; forming) all (everyone) – the little (small; = insignificant) ones and the great ones, the rich ones and the poor ones, the free ones and the slaves – to the end that they could (would; may; [some MSS: it will] give to them an imprinted mark-effect (an engraved work; emblem; result of sculpting; carve-effect [note: same root from which we get the word "character"]) upon their right hand, or upon their foreheads, ¹⁷ even to the end that a certain one would continually be unable (or: not anyone would be continually able) to buy or to sell if [he or she is] not the one continuously having the imprinted mark-effect (engraving; carve-effect) or the name of the little animal, or the number of its name.

¹³ And I saw – out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the little wild animal (creature; beast), and out of the mouth of the false prophet – three unclean spirits (or: impure attitudes), as frogs

⁶ Then I saw the woman, being continuously drunk from out of the blood of the set-apart folks and from out of the blood of the witnesses of Jesus, and seeing her I wondered (marveled) a great wonder (or: I wondered, “ [It is] a great marvel!”).

⁶ "Pay (Render; Give away; Give back) to her as she also (even as she) paid (or: pays), and double to her doubles [other MSS: double the doubles] according to her works (acts). In the cup which she mixes (blended), mix (blend) double for her.

²⁰ And yet the little wild animal (beast) was pressed and caught (or: is arrested), and with him the false prophet (the lying prophet) – the one that did (or: who does) the signs in his presence (or: before him), in which he led astray (or: he deceives) the folks taking the imprinted mark (carve-effect) of the little wild animal, and continually worshiping its image – the two were cast (or: thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool; marshy area) of the Fire: the one continuously burning within the midst of [the] Deity (or: the lake of the fire which constantly burns in union with the Divine Nature).

³ Then He casts (or: threw) it (or: him) into the Deep (or: abyss) and He closes (or: shut; locked) and seals (or: stamped with a seal) over upon it (or: him), to the end that it (or: he) can no longer (or: would not still) deceive (lead astray; cause to wander) the multitudes (the nations; the non-Israelites; the ethnic groups), until the thousand years may be ended (finished, completed, perfected; brought to the destined goal; can have its purpose fulfilled). After these [events; things], it is necessary for it to be loosed [for] a little time.

¹⁵ So if anyone is not found (or: was not found) written within the scroll of The Life, he is cast (or: was thrown) into the lake of the Fire (or: the artificial pool having the character and quality of the Fire; the marshy area from the Fire; the shallow basin, where there is fire).

¹⁴ "Blessed (Happy) folks [are] the ones (folks; people) continually washing their garments (equipment) [other MSS: continually doing His inner goals], to the end that their authority (or: right; privilege) will continue being over (or: upon) the tree (pole) of The Life, and they may enter into the City by the gates.

¹⁴ "Blessed (Happy) folks [are] the ones (folks; people) continually washing their garments (equipment) [other MSS: continually doing His inner goals], to the end that their authority (or: right; privilege) will continue being over (or: upon) the tree (pole) of The Life, and they may enter into the City by the gates. ¹⁵ "Outside [are] the dogs and the sorcerers (users of drugs) and the fornicators (male prostitutes) and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone continuously fond of (being friendly to) and constantly practicing (making; doing) falsehood (deception; a lie).

¹⁵ "Outside [are] the dogs and the sorcerers (users of drugs) and the fornicators (male prostitutes) and the murderers and the idolaters and everyone continuously fond of (being friendly to) and constantly practicing (making; doing) falsehood (deception; a lie).