A Layman's Translation of The New Testament

A Layman’s
Translation
of the
New Testament
(LTNT)
Public domain
ISBN: 978-1-304-93602-8
Translation by Joel Cartmell
Edited by Lorraine Cartmell

Preface
This is a dynamic equivalent translation, which is a cross
between a literal translation and a paraphrase. Parts of this
translation are translated word for word, and other parts are
paraphrased. I would not recommend this translation for
Bible study unless a literal translation is used alongside it.
The purpose of this translation is to make the New Testament
easy to read and understand. I am only a layman, and I have
no credentials, but I love the Bible and wanted to translate the
New Testament in a way that I could easily understand and
quickly read through. I have worked on this for many years
under much affliction, but I thank God for His grace! I could
not have done this without God’s help. I also thank God for my
wife. She has helped me greatly and has patiently supported
me. I thank the Lord for my two daughters Jaine and Abbey! I
also thank the Lord for all that my parents have done for us.
“Though He slay me, I will put my hope in Him; I will continue

to declare that He is my friend.”
(Job 13:15)
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing
and honour and glory and power forever and ever!”
(Revelation 5:13)
Joel Cartmell
My Testimony
Hi, my name is Joel Cartmell, and this is my testimony:
For many years I read the Bible for hours every day, but due
to my declining health it became too much. So I decided to go
through the Epistles word for word in order to study the Bible
more in depth. I started going through the Epistles, writing
everything down by hand. Over the years I slowly worked on them
while my health continued to decline. I always had headaches
and my brain was always in a fog. Eventually it got to the point
where I could only comprehend a few words at a time, which
made matters difficult.
My muscles ended up getting worse and worse; I struggled

just to sit down and work on the Epistles. Sometimes I put a
belt tightly around my stomach in order to support my body, to
help me sit up on the chair. Between my muscles and pinched
nerves, I had to force my arms and shoulders to work while
flipping through books all day long. I had to force my arm to
move the mouse, my thumb to hold it, and my finger to click the
button. I was in constant pain, always trying to force everything
to work.
I found out that I had adrenal exhaustion. I could barely sleep

and my body was not functioning well. After a while I became
like a zombie. It was difficult for me to think, and I struggled
to talk. I felt so fatigued that I wanted to die!
In the middle of the night, when I was unable to sleep, I

would get up to work on the Epistles. My eyes were sensitive to
light, so I needed sunglasses to look at the computer. Even with
sunglasses I found it hard to look. The bright screen caused my
adrenalin to go crazy, and my body was too weak to handle it.
If a phone rang, a dog barked, or anything loud happened,

my head would go weird; like on a windy day when the lights
go dim and then come back again. If I was in a public place my
knees felt like they were going to buckle, and that I was going
to lose consciousness. My fatigue, physically and mentally,
was extremely bad. All I desired was to lie in bed all day long.
I regularly did not sleep all night. And I could not make up for
lost sleep, because I was unable to sleep during the day. If I tried
to lie down for just five minutes, I would not sleep that night. It
seemed weird to me that people were able to sleep, because it
was so foreign to me. Indeed, I wake up every few seconds, so
I do not get any deep sleep. I am a chronic insomniac!
It got to the point where I could barely pray. I would pray

like this: “Faith, patience. Okay, what was I praying again? Oh
yeah: faith, patience. What was it again? Oh yeah: faith. What
was the other word again? Oh: patience.” Then I would forget
that I was praying. I would repeat this over and over again. If I
put on worship music and worshiped God for just five minutes,
my adrenalin would spike, and I would not sleep that night! So
for the most part I could not pray or worship. Instead, I would
go through the Epistles word by word. however, there came a
time when I could not even do that.
By God’s grace I finished the Epistles. After a while I started

back on Acts and Revelation. In my worn-out state I struggled
to read. Once I remember trying my best to read through a
verse, and then fifteen minutes later I checked the clock, and I
still had made no progress. It was too much for me. I could not
do it, no matter how hard I tried. I frequently felt weird pings,
which shot up my back and into my head, so much so that I
found it difficult to work. When I was doing the side notes for
Revelation, I was in such a fog that it was utterly devastating!
I could not concentrate, let alone remember what I had read a
second ago. It seemed impossible for me to do what I needed
to do. However, with God’s help, I was able to work through
Acts and Revelation.
The Gospels were utter torment! I complained to my wife

about this every morning. It was the hardest thing I have done
in my life. And if things were not bad enough, we ended up on
welfare; my wife was unable to work after our first child, so we
had no income. However, by God’s grace I was able to finish
the Gospels. All praise be to God!
After taking a break I started back up again, and I finished
the Book of Psalms and the Book of Daniel. Things have been
hard. My two little girls have many of the same problems I have.
None of us sleep much, which causes my wife to lose much of
her sleep. Working under these conditions is difficult to say the
least. However, by God’s grace He helped me finish these Books.
It is hard to describe to you the struggles my family and I

have faced on account of our lack of health, sleep, and energy.
If you know anything about sleep deprivation, then you will
understand how hard life is; it is like a nightmare that never
ends—not only for me and my wife, but also for our children.
Aside from God, we are very much alone in all we go through.
No one understands. My own family members say: “It is all in
your head. You are just lazy”. But God knows my struggles,
and He knows the truth. He may seem like a million miles
away, yet He is the One I serve, and He is more than capable
of turning things around. Indeed, He will come to my rescue.
And even if He just leaves me here to rot, He is all I have!
Regardless, I know the truth: I have a Friend who sticks closer
than a brother! I have a Friend who is the Great I AM! I have a
Friend who raises the dead! I have a Friend who is Love! I may
be weak, but He is strong!
I say these things in the hope that someone who is struggling

may be encouraged. There are many people who are suffering.
They feel alone, like nobody cares—not even God. There are
many people who cannot cope with their situation. Some are
even angry at God—but believe me, He is all you have! The only
thing that matters in this life is a relationship with the Lord
Jesus Christ! He is your only hope! So by His grace, hold on to
Him as tight as you can and treasure Him. Never let Him go,
regardless of how things may seem!
The Translation
You may be wondering how this translation came about. So
here is some insight into what I did.
I used the King James Version for about a third of the Gospels.
And I used Green’s Hebrew, Greek, and English Interlinear Bible
for the rest of the New Testament. I wrote down the English
words that were under the original Greek. The words are not in
order, so I tried to rearrange them. I used whatever I could get
my hands on: lexicons, commentaries, concordances, Bibles,
Bible dictionaries, and maps.
I started with the Epistles, which took me about six years

to complete. I went through them word for word twice, looking
up the meaning of every single word in the original language.
Then I went through them a third time, looking up about half
the words. My plan for the Epistles was to make them easy to
understand.
Next I worked on Acts and Revelation, which I started during

the Epistles. I went through Acts and Revelation word for word
in the original language once. But due to my health, the other
two times through, I was unable to look up every word (it was too
much for my muscles to turn all those pages!). So I only looked
up the words I felt most important. Acts and Revelation took
me about two years to complete. My plan for Acts was to work
on the geography. As for Revelation, my plan was to side note
what I discovered about the end times. I felt it was necessary,
because people on the whole do not seem to understand or care
that the coming of the Lord is right at the door.
After this, I started working on the Gospels. I was unable to go

through the gospels word for word in the original language, so I
only looked up the words I felt most important. By God’s grace,
and God’s grace alone, I finished the Gospels in six months! I
only went through them once. My goal for the Gospels was to
make each Gospel a little different.
I took a break for a while and then started on the Book of
Psalms, which took me 9 months to finish. I typed it out as
I went and looked up the main words in the original for the
first round. The second time around I only made a quick pass
through. I did not know how I was going to format Psalms,
because I did not know if I had enough pages to work with (I
am only limited to so many pages). So in order to save space, I
did not put the “O’s” in front of the words like the King James
Version does. (Later I went through Psalms and Daniel and put
in the missing “O’s”.) My goal for Psalms was just to get it done!
Next I worked on the Book of Daniel, which took me a month

and a half to finish. I did three rounds of Daniel, looking up all
the main words in the original. Daniel 11 was the hardest part
of the Bible that I have worked on so far! My goal for Daniel was
to do a good job on chapter 11 and to do side notes.
I also went through the Gospels one more time very quickly.
It took me one month’s time.
I also had to redo the typesetting because I ran out of pages.

I had to make room for an extra 14 pages, plus I added a few
extra! Thank the Lord I was able to make them fit!
At the moment, I am trying to slowly proof read through and

make improvements where needed. It is a daunting task, but
I do it in the hope that someday I will finish. There is a lot of
work left and much to learn, but I will continue working on it
until the Lord comes.
Table of Contents
Matthew��1
Mark��68
Luke��108
John��178
Acts ��228
Romans ��292
1 Corinthians��322
2 Corinthians��348
Galatians��364
Ephesians��374
Philippians��383
Colossians ��389
1 Thessalonians��395
2 Thessalonians��400
1 Timothy��403
2 Timothy��410
Titus��415
Philemon ��418
Hebrews��420
James��443
1 Peter��450
2 Peter��458
1 John��463
2 John��471
3 John��472
Jude��473
Revelation��475
Psalms��513
Daniel��637
Ezekiel 38 & 39 ��671
End Time Scriptures��675
Questions & Answers��690
My Theory��704
How Can I Be Saved? ��709
Messiah ��711
So Long, Farewell��717
The
New Testament
Matthew 1
Matthew
1 This is the book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of
David, the son of Abraham:
2
Abraham fathered Isaac,
Isaac fathered Jacob,
Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,
3
Judah fathered Perez and Zerah by Tamar,
Perez fathered Hezron,
Hezron fathered Aram,
4
Aram fathered Amminadab,
Amminadab fathered Nahshon,
Nahshon fathered Salmon,
5
Salmon fathered Boaz by Rahab,
Boaz fathered Obed by Ruth,
Obed fathered Jesse,
6
and Jesse fathered King David.
King David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

7
Solomon fathered Rehoboam,
Rehoboam fathered Abijah,
Abijah fathered Asa,
8
Asa fathered Jehoshaphat,
Jehoshaphat fathered Joram,
Joram fathered Uzziah,
9
Uzziah fathered Jotham,
Jotham fathered Ahaz,
Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,
10
Hezekiah fathered Manasseh,
Manasseh fathered Amon,
Amon fathered Josiah,
11
and Josiah fathered Jeconiah and his brothers
at the time of the exile to Babylon.
12
After the exile to Babylon:
Jeconiah fathered Shealtiel,
Shealtiel fathered Zerubbabel,
13
Zerubbabel fathered Abiud,
1
Matthew 1
Abiud fathered Eliakim,

Eliakim fathered Azor,
14
Azor fathered Zadok,
Zadok fathered Achim,
Achim fathered Eliud,
15
Eliud fathered Eleazar,
Eleazar fathered Matthan,
Matthan fathered Jacob,
16
and Jacob fathered Joseph, the husband of Mary,
and Mary gave birth to Jesus, who is called Christ.
17
In all, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to
David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen
from the exile to Christ.
18
This is how Jesus Christ was born: His mother Mary was
engaged to Joseph, but before they were married, she was found
to be with Child through the Holy Spirit. 19Now Joseph, her
husband-to-be, was a righteous man. Therefore, since he did
not want to disgrace her publicly, he planned to secretly annul
their engagement. 20But as he was pondering this, an angel of
the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of
David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the Child
she is carrying is from the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a
Son, and you will call His name JESUS, because He will save
His people from their sins.”
22
All this happened to fulfill what the Lord had said through
the prophet:
23
“Look! A virgin will be with Child,
and will give birth to a Son,
and they will call His name Emmanuel,”
(Isaiah 7:14)
which means, “God is with us.”

24
When Joseph woke up from his sleep, he did what the
angel of the Lord had commanded him, and took Mary as his
wife. 25Joseph, however, did not have sexual relations with her
until after she had given birth to her firstborn Son. And Joseph
called His name JESUS.
2
Matthew 2
2 After Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea,

in the days of King Herod, wise men arrived in Jerusalem
from the east. 2 They asked, “Where is He, the newborn King of
the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to
worship Him.”
3
When King Herod heard this he was troubled, and all
Jerusalem with him. 4So King Herod gathered all the chief
priests and the teachers of the law and asked them where the
birth-place of the Christ would be. 5 They told him, “In the town
of Bethlehem in Judea, for this is what the prophet wrote:
6
‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are by no means least
among the leaders of Judah,
for out of you will come a Ruler
who will shepherd My people Israel.’”
(Micah 5:2)
7
So Herod secretly called the wise men and asked them exactly
when the star had appeared. 8 Then he sent them to Bethlehem,
saying, “Go and diligently search for the Child. And when you
have found Him, report back to me, so that I too may go and
worship Him.”
9
After listening to the king, the wise men departed. And
the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it
came and rested over the place where the Child was. 10When
they saw the star, they rejoiced greatly and were overwhelmed
with joy. 11When they entered the house, they saw the Child
with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him.
Then they opened their treasure chests and offered Him gifts of
gold, frankincense, and myrrh. 12After this, the wise men were
warned in a dream not to return to Herod. So they went back
to their own country by another route.
13
After they had left, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph
in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the Child and His mother
and flee to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going
to search for the Child to kill Him.” 14So Joseph got up and
took the Child and His mother during the night and departed
3
Matthew 3
for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod’s death. This fulfilled

what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
“Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

(Hosea 11:1)
16
When Herod saw that he had been fooled by the wise men,
he became enraged, and sent soldiers to kill all the male children
in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under,
according to the time he had learned from the wise men. 17This
fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet Jeremiah when
he said,
18
“A voice was heard in Ramah,
wailing, weeping, and great mourning,
Rachel weeping for her children,
unwilling to be comforted,
because they are gone.”
(Jeremiah 31:15)
19
After the death of Herod, an angel of the Lord appeared in
a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20saying, “Get up! Take the Child
and His mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were
trying to kill the Child are dead.” 21So Joseph got up and took
the Child and His mother and went to the land of Israel. 22But
when Joseph heard that Archelaus had succeeded his father
Herod as king of Judea, he was afraid to go there. But after being
warned in a dream, he left for Galilee. 23 Therefore, Joseph went
to a town called Nazareth and settled down. This fulfilled what
was spoken by the prophets: “He will be called a Nazarene.”
3 In those days John the Baptist came to the wilderness of

Judea proclaiming, 2“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is
near!” 3 The prophet Isaiah spoke about John when he said,
“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,

‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for Him!’”
(Isaiah 40:3)
4
Matthew 4
4
Now John was clothed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt
around his waist. And his food was locusts and wild honey.
5
Those from Jerusalem, all Judea, and throughout the Jordan
Valley went out to see him. 6 They confessed their sins and were
baptized by John in the Jordan River.
7
But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees
coming to the place where he was baptizing, he said to them,
“You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming
wrath? 8Produce fruit that shows you have truly repented. 9Do
not think that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as
our father!’ For I tell you that from these stones God can raise
up children for Abraham. 10Even now the axe is ready to strike
the root of the trees. Any tree that does not produce good fruit
will be cut down and thrown into the fire. 11Truly, I baptize you
with water for repentance. But after me will come One who is
far more superior than I, whose sandals I am not even worthy
to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. 12His
winnowing fork is in His hand, and He will clear His threshing
floor. He will gather His wheat into the barn, but He will burn
the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
13
Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan River to be
baptized by John. 14But John tried to stop Him, saying, “I need
to be baptized by You, and You come to me?”
15
But Jesus answered and said to him, “It must be done,
because we must fulfill all righteousness.” So John agreed.
16
As soon as Jesus was baptized, He came up out of the
water, the heavens opened, and John saw the Spirit of God
descending upon Him like a dove. 17Then a voice from heaven
said, “This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to

be tempted by the devil. 2After fasting forty days and forty
nights, He was very hungry. 3 Then the tempter approached Him
and said, “If You are the Son of God, command these stones
to become bread.”
4
But Jesus answered and said, “It is written,
5
Matthew 4
‘ Man does not live on bread alone,

but on every word that comes
from the mouth of God.’”
(Deuteronomy 8:3)
5
After this, the devil took Jesus to the Holy City and set Him
on the pinnacle of the temple. 6He said to Jesus, “If You are the
Son of God, jump off! For it is written,
‘ He has put His angels in charge of you,

and they will lift you up with their hands,
so that you will not dash your foot
against a stone.’”
(Psalm 91:11-12)
7
Jesus said to him, “It is also written,
‘ You must not test the Lord your God.’”

(Deuteronomy 6:16)
8
Next the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed
Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9And the
devil said to Him, “I will give You all this, if You will fall down
and worship me.”
10
Then Jesus said to him, “Go away, satan! For it is written,
‘ You must worship the Lord your God

and serve Him only.’”
(Deuteronomy 6:13)
11
Then the devil left Him, and angels came and took care of Him.
12
When Jesus heard that John had been thrown into prison,
He went back to Galilee. 13 Then Jesus left the town of Nazareth
and went to live in the town of Capernaum, which is located by
the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This
fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah when he said:
15
“Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
toward the sea,
6
Matthew 5
in the region of the Jordan River,

in Galilee of the Gentiles—
16
the people living in darkness
have seen a great light;
upon those living in the land of the
shadow of death,
a light has dawned.”
(Isaiah 9:1-2)
From then on, Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom
17
of heaven is near!”
18
As Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee,
He saw two brothers, Simon (also called Peter) and his brother
Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, because they
were fishermen. 19Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will
make you fishers of men.” 20So they immediately abandoned
their nets and followed Him.
21
Going a little further, He saw two other brothers, James and
John, the sons of Zebedee, mending nets in a boat with their
father Zebedee. When Jesus called them, 22 they immediately
left the boat and their father and followed Him.
23
Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in the
synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom, and
healing every disease and every sickness among the people.
24
His fame spread throughout all Syria, and the people brought
to Him all who were sick—those suffering with various diseases
and torments, the demon-possessed, the epileptics, and the
paralyzed—and He healed them. 25Large crowds followed Him
from Galilee, the Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and from the
east side of the Jordan River.
5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the hillside and

sat down. His disciples came to Him, 2and He opened His
mouth and taught them, saying:
3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
7
Matthew 5
4
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5
“Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
6
“Blessed are those who hunger
and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7
“Blessed are the merciful,
for they will receive mercy.
8
“Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10
“Blessed are those who are persecuted
because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
11
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you,
and falsely say all kinds of evil things against you because
of Me. 12Rejoice and be glad, because your reward is great in
heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who
were before you.
13
“You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavour,
how can it be made salty again? It is utterly useless, and is
only fit to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hilltop cannot
be hidden. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket.
Instead they put it on a lamp stand, so that its light can shine
on everyone in the house. 16In the same way let your light shine
before men, so that they may see your good works and praise
your Father who is in heaven.
8
Matthew 5
17
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the
Prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them.
18
For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not
the smallest letter or stroke of the letter will pass away from the
Law until everything is accomplished. 19So whoever sets aside
the smallest commandments as unimportant, and teaches others
to do the same, will be called least in the kingdom of heaven.
But whoever keeps all the commandments, and teaches others
to do the same, will be called great in the kingdom of heaven.
20
For this is what I tell you: unless your righteousness exceeds
that of the teachers of the law and the Pharisees, you will not
enter the kingdom of heaven.
21
“You have heard that it was said to the people of old, ‘ You
must not commit murder,’ and ‘ Whoever commits murder will
be subject to the court.’ 1 22But this is what I tell you: every man
who is angry with his brother without a cause will be subject
to the court. Whoever insults his brother will be subject to the
Supreme Court—the Sanhedrin. And whoever curses his brother
will be subject to hellfire.
23
“So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there
remember that your brother has something against you, 24leave
your gift before the altar; first go and be reconciled to your
brother, and then come back and offer your gift.
25
“Make peace quickly with your opponent while you are on
your way to court, or else your opponent will hand you over to
the judge. Then the judge will hand you over to the officer, and
you will be thrown into prison. 26 Truly I say to you, you will not
get out until you have paid back every last penny.
27
“You have heard that it was said to the people of old, ‘ You
must not commit adultery.’ 2 28But this is what I tell you: every
man who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed
adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to
sin, rip it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one
of your body parts than for your whole body to be thrown into
hell. 30And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and
1
Exodus 20:13; Deuteronomy 5:17, 16:18
2
Exodus 20:14; Deuteronomy 5:18
9
Matthew 5
throw it away. It is better for you to lose one of your body parts
than for your whole body to be thrown into hell.
31
“It has also been said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife must give
her a certificate of divorce.’ 3 32But this is what I tell you: whoever
divorces his wife, unless she has been unfaithful, causes her
to commit adultery. And whoever marries a divorced woman
commits adultery.
33
“Again, you have heard that it was said to the people of
old, ‘ You must not break your oath,’ and ‘ You must keep the
oaths you have made to the Lord.’ 4 34But this is what I tell
you: do not swear an oath at all—not by heaven, because it is
God’s throne; 35or by the earth, because it is His footstool; or
by Jerusalem, because it is the city of the Great King. 36And
do not swear an oath by your head, because you cannot make
a single hair black or white. 37A simple ‘ Yes’ or ‘ No’ is all you
should say; anything more than this comes from the evil one.
38
“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and
a tooth for a tooth.’ 5 39But this is what I tell you: do not resist
an evil person. Whoever slaps you on the right cheek, turn the
other to him as well. 40If someone wants to sue you for your
shirt, give him your coat as well. 41If a soldier forces you to carry
his pack for a mile, carry it for two. 42Give to the person who
asks you, and do not turn away from the person who wants to
borrow from you.
43
“You have heard that it was said, ‘ You must love your
neighbour,’ 6 and hate your enemy. 44But this is what I tell you:
love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those
who hate you, and pray for those who slander and persecute
you, 45so that you may be sons of your heavenly Father. For
He makes His sun to rise on everyone, whether good or evil,
and sends rain on everyone, whether just or unjust. 46If you
love only those who love you, what reward will you have? Do
not even the tax collectors do the same? 47And if you greet only
3
Deuteronomy 24:1
4
Leviticus 19:12; Numbers 30:2; Deuteronomy 23:21-23
5
Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21
6
Leviticus 19:18
10
Matthew 6
your brothers, what is remarkable about that? Do not even the

tax collectors do the same? 48 Therefore be perfect, just as your
heavenly Father is perfect.
6 “Be careful not to do your acts of charity in front of men, so

that you may be seen by them. If you do, you will have no
reward from your Father in heaven. 2When you do your acts
of charity, do not toot your own horn like the hypocrites do in
the synagogues and on the streets so that they may be praised
by men. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward.
3
But when you do your acts of charity, do not let your left hand
know what your right hand is doing. 4 Then your acts of charity
will be done in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you openly.
5
“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites. For they
love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street
corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you,
they have received their reward. 6But when you pray, go to your
room and shut the door. Then pray to your Father in secret,
and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.
7
“And when you pray, do not use useless repetitions like the
Gentiles, who think they will be heard if they keep repeating
themselves. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what
you need before you ask Him.
9
“This, however, is how you should pray:
Our Father who is in heaven,

may Your name be honoured always.
10
May Your kingdom come,
may Your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11
Give us today our daily bread,
12
and forgive us our debts,
as we have forgiven our debtors.
13
Do not let us fall into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
11
Matthew 6
For Yours is the kingship, the power,

and the glory, forever and ever.
Amen.
14
If you forgive those who sin against you, then your heavenly
Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive those who
sin against you, then your heavenly Father will not forgive you.
16
“When you fast, do not be like the hypocrites. For they like
to look gloomy and haggard, so that people will know that they
are fasting. Truly I say to you, they have received their reward.
17
But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face.
18
Then people will not know that you are fasting, but only your
Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees in secret will
reward you openly.
19
“Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where
moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.
20
But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moths
and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and
steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
22
The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are generous,
your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eyes are stingy,
your whole body will be full of darkness. So if the light that is
in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24Nobody can
serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the
other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You
cannot serve both God and money.
25
“Therefore I tell you this: do not worry about your life, as
to what you will eat and drink, or about your body, as to how
you will clothe it. Is not life more important than food, and the
body more important than clothing? 26Look at the birds of the
air, they do not sow or reap or gather food into barns, yet your
heavenly Father feeds them. You are worth much more than
they are, are you not? 27Can any of you add a single hour to
your life span by worrying?
28
“And why worry about clothing? See how the lilies of the
field grow; they do not work or make clothing. 29 Yet I tell you
that not even Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like
one of them. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field,
12
Matthew 7
which is alive today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how
much more will He clothe you, you of little faith?
31
“So do not worry and say, ‘ What are we going to eat?’ or
‘ What are we going to drink?’ or ‘ What are we going to wear?’
32
The Gentiles strive for all these things, but your heavenly
Father knows that you need all of them. 33 But seek first the
kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things
will be added to you. 34So do not worry about tomorrow, for
tomorrow will have its own worries. Each day has enough trouble
of its own.
7 “Do not judge, so that you will not be judged. 2For in the
same way you judge others, you will be judged. Whatever
measure you deal out, the same will be dealt out to you. 3 Why
do you look at the sliver in your brother’s eye, but do not notice
the beam in your own eye? 4How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me take the sliver out of your eye,’ when there is a beam in
your own eye? 5You hypocrite! First take the beam out of your
own eye, then you will be able to see clearly to take the sliver
out of your brother’s eye.
6
“Do not give what is holy to dogs, or cast your pearls before
swine. Otherwise, the swine will trample them underfoot, and
the dogs will turn and attack you.
7
“Ask, and it will be given to you. Seek, and you will find.
Knock, and the door will be opened for you. 8 Whoever asks,
receives. Whoever seeks, finds. Whoever knocks, the door will
be opened. 9What man among you, if his son asks for bread,
will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a
snake? 11So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to
your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give
good gifts to those who ask Him!
12
“Always treat others as you would like them to treat you,
for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
13
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and
broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many are those
13
Matthew 8
who enter through it. 14But narrow is the gate and difficult is
the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.
15
“Beware of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s
clothing, for inwardly they are vicious wolves. 16You will know
them by their fruit. Can people pick grapes from thorn bushes,
or figs from thistles? 17In the same way, every good tree produces
good fruit, and every bad tree produces bad fruit. 18A good tree
cannot produce bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot produce good
fruit. 19Every tree that does not produce good fruit is cut down
and thrown into the fire. 20 Therefore, you will know them by
their fruit.
21
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘ Lord, Lord,’ will enter into
the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of My
Father in heaven. 22Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord,
did we not prophesy in Your name, and cast out demons in
Your name, and perform many miracles in Your name?’ 23 Then
I will tell them plainly, ‘ I never knew you! Depart from Me, you
workers of lawlessness!’
24
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and
does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the
rock. 25 The rain poured down, the floodwaters rose, and the
winds blew and beat against the house, but it did not fall down,
because its foundation was on the rock. 26But everyone who
hears these words of Mine and does not do them will be like a
foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27The rain poured
down, the floodwaters rose, and the winds blew and beat against
the house, and it fell down with a great crash.”
28
When Jesus finished saying these things, the crowds
marvelled at His teaching. 29For unlike the teachers of the law,
He taught with authority.
8 When He came down from the hillside, large crowds followed

Him. 2Suddenly a leper came and fell down at His feet, saying,
“Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.”
3
Then Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying,
“I am willing, be cleansed!” And instantly he was cleansed of
his leprosy. 4 Then Jesus said to him, “Do not tell anyone, but
14
Matthew 8
go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifice that
Moses prescribed as a testimony to them.”
5
When Jesus returned to Capernaum, a Roman officer came
and begged Him, 6saying, “Lord, my slave is lying at home
paralyzed. He is in extreme pain.”
7
Jesus said to him, “I will go and heal him.”
8
The officer answered and said, “Lord, I am not worthy for
You to come under my roof. But just say the word, and my
slave will be healed. 9For I am a man under the authority of
others, with soldiers under me. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he
goes. I tell another soldier, ‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to
my slave, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
10
When Jesus heard this He marvelled, and said to those
following Him, “Truly I say to you, I have not found anyone
in Israel with such great faith! 11I tell you this: many Gentiles
will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12But
many of the Jews, the sons of the kingdom, will be thrown into
the darkness outside, where there will be weeping and gnashing
of teeth.”
13
Then Jesus said to the officer, “Go! As you have believed,
it will be done for you.” And his slave was instantly healed.
14
When Jesus entered Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-
in-law lying in bed with a fever. 15Jesus touched her hand, and
the fever left her. Then she got up and served them.
16
That evening they brought to Him many who were demon-
possessed. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all
who were sick. 17This happened to fulfill what was spoken by
the prophet Isaiah when he said,
“He Himself took our weaknesses,

and bore our diseases.”
(Isaiah 53:4)
18
When Jesus saw the large crowds around Him, He gave
orders to cross over to the other side of the Sea of Galilee.
19
Just then, one of the teachers of the law came up to Him
and said, “Teacher, I will follow You wherever You go.”
15
Matthew 9
20
Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds of the air
have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
21
Then another disciple said to Him, “Lord, first let me go
and bury my father.”
22
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury
their own dead.” 7
23
Then Jesus and His disciples got into the boat and left. 24A
terrible storm suddenly broke out on the sea, and the boat was
swamped by waves. But Jesus was sleeping. 25So His disciples
went and woke Him up, saying, “Lord, save us! We are going
to die!”
26
He replied, “Why are you afraid, you men of little faith?” Then
He got up and rebuked the wind and the sea, and everything
became calm.
27
The men marvelled and said, “What kind of man is this?
Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
28
When He made it to the other side, to the region of the
Gerasenes, two demon-possessed men came out to meet Him
from the tombs. They were so violent that nobody could pass by
that way. 29 They cried out, saying, “What do You want with us,
Jesus, Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before
the day of judgment?”
30
Now a large herd of pigs was feeding in the distance. 31So
the demons begged Him, “If You cast us out, allow us to go into
the herd of pigs.”
32
Jesus said to them, “Go!” So they came out and went into the
herd of pigs. Suddenly, the entire herd of pigs rushed down the
steep bank into the sea and died in the water. 33 The herdsmen
ran into the city and reported everything, especially what had
happened to the demon-possessed men. 34 Then the entire city
went out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged
Him to leave their region.
9 Jesus got into the boat, crossed over, and came to His own
town. 2 There some people brought to Him a paralyzed man
7
But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the spiritually dead
bury their own dead.”
16
Matthew 9
who was lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, He said
to the paralyzed man, “Cheer up, son, your sins are forgiven.”
3
On hearing this, some of the teachers of the law said within
themselves, “This Man is blaspheming.”
4
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why do you have
such evil thoughts in your hearts? 5 Tell Me, is it easier to say,
‘ Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 6But to
let you know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “Get up, pick up
your mat, and go home.” 7And the man got up and went home.
8
When the crowds saw this they marvelled, and they glorified
God for giving such authority to men.
9
As Jesus continued on from there, He saw a man named
Matthew sitting at the tax booth. He said to him, “Follow Me!”
And Matthew got up and followed Him.
10
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many
tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and
His disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to His
disciples, “Why is your Teacher eating with tax collectors and
sinners?”
12
When Jesus heard them, He said, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 13But go and
learn what this means: ‘ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ 8 For I
did not come to call the righteous to repentance, but sinners.”
14
Then John’s disciples came to Him and asked, “Why do we
and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not?”
15
Jesus responded, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn
while he is with them? But the time will come when the bride-
groom will be taken from them, and then they will fast. 16No-
body patches an old garment with a piece of unshrunk cloth.
Because when it shrinks, the patch will rip away from the
garment and cause an even bigger tear. 17Nobody puts new
wine into old wineskins. If they did, the wine would swell and
burst the wineskins. Then the wine would pour out, and the
wineskins would be ruined. Instead, they put new wine into
new wineskins, and both are preserved.”
8
Hosea 6:6
17
Matthew 9
18
As He was saying these things to them, a synagogue leader
came and fell down at His feet, saying, “My daughter has just
died! Come and lay Your hand on her, and she will live!” 19So
Jesus and His disciples got up and followed him.
20
On His way, a woman who had suffered from internal
bleeding for twelve years came up behind Him and touched
the hem of His garment. 21For she said within herself, “If I can
just touch His garment, I will be healed.”
22
When Jesus turned around and saw her, He said, “Cheer
up, daughter! Your faith has healed you.” And the woman was
healed that very instant.
23
When Jesus arrived at the synagogue leader’s house, and
saw the flute players and the noisy crowd, 24He said to them,
“Everybody out! The girl is not dead. She is only sleeping.” But
they mocked Him with laughter. 25After the crowd had been
removed, He went inside and took her by the hand, and the girl
got up. 26And the fame of this spread throughout that region.
27
After Jesus left there, two blind men followed Him, crying
out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!”
28
When He entered the house, the blind men came to Him, and
Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”
They replied, “Yes, Lord!”
29
Then He touched their eyes and said, “According to your
faith, let it be done for you.” 30And their eyes were opened. Then
Jesus gave them strict orders, saying, “See to it that no one
finds out about this.” 31But they went out and spread His fame
throughout that region.
32
As they were leaving, the people brought to Him a demon-
possessed man who was mute. 33And when the demon was cast
out, the man who was mute began to speak. Then the crowd
marvelled and said, “Never has this been seen in Israel!”
34
But the Pharisees said, “Through the prince of demons He
casts out demons.”
35
Jesus went around teaching in the synagogues of all the
cities and towns, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and
healing every disease and sickness among the people. 36When
He saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they
18
Matthew 10
were weary and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then

He said to His disciples, “Truly the harvest is plentiful, but the
workers are few. 38 Therefore, petition the Lord of the harvest
to send out workers to gather in His harvest.”
10 Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them

authority to cast out unclean spirits and to heal every
kind of disease and sickness. 2Here are the names of the twelve
apostles:
Simon (who is called Peter),

Andrew (the brother of Peter),
James (the son of Zebedee),
John (the brother of James),
3
Philip,
Bartholomew (also called Nathanael),
Thomas (also called Didymus—“the twin”),
Matthew 9 (also called Levi, the tax collector),
James (the son of Alphaeus),
Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus),
4
Simon (the Zealot),
Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Him).
5
Jesus sent these twelve off with the following instructions:
“Do not go among the Gentiles or enter any Samaritan town.
6
But instead, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7And
as you go, proclaim: ‘ The kingdom of heaven is near!’ 8Heal the
sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, and cast out demons.
Freely you have received, freely give. 9Do not take any gold,
silver, or copper in your belts, 10or a bag for the journey, or
extra clothes, sandals, or a walking stick, because a worker is
worthy of support.
11
“Whenever you enter a city or town, find some worthy person
there and stay in his home until you leave. 12When you enter
his home, say, ‘Peace be with you.’ 13If the home is worthy, let
your greeting of peace rest upon it. But if it is not worthy, let
your greeting of peace return to you. 14And if that home or city
does not welcome you or listen to your words, then leave there
and shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it will be
9
This is the same Matthew who wrote the Gospel of Matthew.
19
Matthew 10
better on the day of judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah than

for that city.
16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. So be as
wise as serpents, and as innocent as doves. 17Beware of men, for
they will hand you over to the local councils and will whip you
in their synagogues. 18And you will be brought before governors
and kings for My sake, to testify to them and to the Gentiles.
19
But when you are arrested, do not worry about what to say
or how to say it. At that time you will be given the words to
say—20 they will not be your own words; for it will be the Spirit
of your Father who is speaking through you.
21
“Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father his
child. Children will turn against their parents and will have
them put to death. 22And everyone will hate you on account of
My name. But whoever endures to the end will be saved. 23When
they persecute you in one city, flee to another. For truly I say to
you, you will not finish going through the cities of Israel before
the Son of Man comes.
24
“A disciple is not above his teacher, or a slave above his
master. 25A disciple should be satisfied to become like his teach-
er, and a slave should be satisfied to become like his master. If
they call the master of the house Beelzebul,10 how much more
the members of his household! 26But do not be afraid of them,
for all that is hidden will be revealed, and all that is secret will
be made known. 27What I tell you in the dark, speak in the
daylight, and what you hear whispered in your ear, proclaim
from the rooftops.
28
“Do not be afraid of those who can kill the body, but cannot
kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and
body in hell. 29Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not
one of them falls to the ground without your Father knowing it.
30
And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31So do
not be afraid, for you are worth far more than many sparrows.
10
Beelzebub (the god of files) was the god of the Ekronites
(2 Kings 1:2). The Jews called it Beelzebul (the god of dung).
They considered Beelzebub to be the worst and foulest of the
demons, so they called satan Beelzebul (meaning, “prince of
the demons”).
20
Matthew 11
32
“Whoever confesses Me before men, him will I also confess
before My Father in heaven. 33But whoever denies Me before
men, him will I also deny before My Father in heaven.
34
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth.
I have not come to bring peace, but a sword! 35For I have come
to divide:
‘A man against his father,

a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against
her mother-in-law.
36
A man’s enemies will be
the members of his own household.’
(Micah 7:6)
37
Whoever loves his father or mother more than Me is not worthy
of Me, and whoever loves his son or daughter more than Me
is not worthy of Me. 38 Whoever does not take up his cross and
follow Me is not worthy of Me. 39Whoever finds his life will lose
it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.
40
“Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives
Me receives the One who sent Me. 41Whoever receives a prophet
because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and
whoever receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man
will receive a righteous man’s reward. 42And whoever gives one
of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink because
they are My disciples, truly I say to you, he will never ever lose
his reward.”
11 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve

disciples, He left there to teach and preach in the towns
of Galilee.
2
Meanwhile John, who was now in prison, heard about the
works of Christ, and sent two of his disciples 3 to ask Him, “Are
You the One who is coming, or should we expect someone else?”
4
Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John what
you hear and see: 5 the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are
21
Matthew 11
cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor hear
the good news. 6Blessed is the man who is not offended by Me.”
7
As John’s disciples were leaving, Jesus began to speak to the
crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness
to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8No? Then what did you go
out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear
fine clothes live in palaces. 9Well, then, what did you go out to
see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet! 10He
is the one about whom it is written:
‘ Look! I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You.’
(Malachi 3:1)
11
Truly I say to you, among those born of women there has
not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptist! Yet he who
is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he! 12From
the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven
has been forcefully advancing, and the forceful grab hold of it.
13
For all the Prophets and the Law foretold of these things up
until the time of John.11 14And if you are willing to accept it, he
is Elijah, whose coming was predicted. 15Whoever has ears to
hear, let him hear!
16
“To what can I compare this generation? It is like children
sitting in the marketplace, who call out to their playmates,
‘ We played wedding music for you,

17
but you did not dance!

We sang funeral songs for you,
but you did not mourn!’
18
Because John did not go around eating and drinking, they
said, ‘ He has a demon.’ 19And because the Son of Man goes
around eating and drinking, they say, ‘Look! He eats and drinks
too much, and He is a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ Yet
wisdom is proved right by its actions.”
20
Then Jesus began to denounce the towns where He had
performed most of His miracles, because they had not repented.
11
Luke 16:16
22
Matthew 12
21
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles
that were performed in you had been performed in the cities
of Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented in sackcloth and
ashes long ago! 22But I say to you, it will be better on the day
of judgment for the cities of Tyre and Sidon than for you! 23And
you, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will
be thrown down to hell! If the miracles that were performed
in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained
to this today. 24But I say to you, it will be better on the day of
judgment for Sodom than for you!”
25
At that time Jesus said, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven
and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise
and prudent, and have revealed them to infants. 26Yes, Father,
for this was well-pleasing in Your sight.
27
“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. No one
knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father
except the Son—and anyone the Son wants to reveal Him to.
28
“Come to Me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and
I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from
Me, for I am gentle and humble-hearted, and you will find rest
for your souls. 30For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light.”
12 Around that time, one Sabbath day, Jesus was walking

through the grain fields. His disciples became hungry, and
began picking heads of grain to eat. 2But when the Pharisees
saw this, they said to Jesus, “Look! Your disciples are doing
what is unlawful to do on the Sabbath.”
3
Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did
when he and his men were hungry? 4How David went into the
house of God and took the consecrated bread, which was not
lawful for him or his men to eat, but only for the priests to eat?
5
Or have you not read in the Law that the priests break the
Sabbath by working in the temple on the Sabbath, yet they are
innocent? 6But I say to you, someone greater than the temple is
here! 7But if you had known what this means, ‘ I desire mercy,
not sacrifice,’ 12 you would not have condemned the innocent.
8
For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
12
Hosea 6:6
23
Matthew 12
9
Moving on from there, Jesus went into their synagogue. 10A
man with a paralyzed hand was there. Since they wanted to
bring charges against Jesus, they asked Him, “Is it lawful to
heal on the Sabbath?”
11
Jesus said to them, “Which one of you, if your sheep falls
into a pit on the Sabbath, will not grab hold of it and pull it out?
12
How much more valuable is a man than a sheep! Therefore it
is lawful to do good on the Sabbath.”
13
Then Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” So
the man stretched out his hand, and it was completely healed—
just as good as his other hand. 14 Then the Pharisees left and
started making plans to kill Jesus.
15
Aware of this, Jesus left that place. Large crowds followed
Him, and He healed them all, 16giving them strict orders not
to tell anyone who He was. 17This happened to fulfill what was
spoken through the prophet Isaiah:
18
“Look! Here is My Servant
whom I have chosen,
My Beloved in whom My heart delights.
I will put My Spirit upon Him,
and He will declare justice to the Gentiles.
19
He will not argue or shout,
or raise His voice to be heard in the streets.
20
A broken reed He will not snap off,
and a smouldering wick He will not put out,
until He leads justice to victory.
21
And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”
(Isaiah 42:1-4)
22
Then they brought to Him a demon-possessed man who
was blind and mute. And Jesus healed him, so that he could
both talk and see. 23 The crowds marvelled at this, and said,
“Could this be the Son of David?”
24
When the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This Man casts
out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons!”
25
But Jesus knew what they were thinking and said to them,
“Every kingdom divided against itself will be destroyed, and
every city or household divided against itself will not stand. 26If
satan casts out satan, then he is divided against himself. And
24
Matthew 12
if that is so, how then will his kingdom stand? 27And if I cast
out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your disciples cast them
out? Indeed, let them be your judges. 28But if I cast out demons
by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
29
“Or how can anyone enter a strong man’s house and steal
his belongings, unless he first ties up the strong man? Then
he can rob his house.
30
“Whoever is not with Me is against Me, and whoever does
not gather with Me scatters. 31Therefore I tell you this: men
will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy
against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Whoever speaks a word
against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but whoever speaks
against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven—not in this age, or
in the age to come.
33
“Now, either the tree is good and its fruit is good, or the
tree is bad and its fruit is bad. For a tree is known by its fruit.
34
You offspring of vipers! How can you say anything good when
you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth
speaks. 35A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings
out good things. But an evil man out of the evil treasure of his
heart brings out evil things. 36I say to you, men will have to
give an account on the day of judgment for every wicked and
useless word they have spoken. 37By your words you will be
justified, or by your words you will be condemned.”
38
Then some of the Pharisees and teachers of the law said
to Him, “Teacher, we want You to show us a miraculous sign.”
39
Jesus answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous
generation looks for a sign, but the only sign you will be given
is the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40For just as Jonah was in the
belly of a huge fish for three days and three nights, so will the
Son of Man be in the heart of the earth for three days and three
nights. 41The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at
the preaching of Jonah. But look, someone greater than Jonah
is here! 42 The Queen of Sheba will rise at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because she came from the
ends of the earth to hear Solomon’s wisdom. But look, someone
greater than Solomon is here!
25
Matthew 13
43
“When an unclean spirit leaves a man, it wanders through
dry places seeking rest, but does not find any. 44 Then it says, ‘I
will return to the house I left.’ And when it arrives it finds the
house empty, swept, and decorated. 45 Then it goes and takes
along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and
they go in and make their home there. Therefore the man is
worse off in the end than in the beginning. And that is what
will happen with this evil generation.”
46
While Jesus was speaking to the crowds, His mother and
brothers stood outside, wanting to speak to Him. 47Someone told
Him, “Look! Your mother and brothers are standing outside,
and they want to speak to You.”
48
Jesus said to the man, “Who is My mother, and who are
My brothers?” 49 Then He pointed to His disciples and said,
“Look! My mother and My brothers. 50 Whoever does the will
of My heavenly Father is My brother and sister and mother.”
13 That same day Jesus left the house and sat down by the
sea. 2A very large crowd gathered around Him. So He got
into a boat and sat down. And all the people stood on the shore.
3
Using parables, He began telling them many things: “A sower
went out to sow his seed. 4As he was sowing, some of the seeds
fell on the pathway, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Some
of the seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was not much
soil. They sprouted quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But
when the sun was hot, the young plants were scorched. They
withered up, because their roots were not deep enough. 7Some
of the seeds fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and
choked the plants. 8But some of the seeds fell on good soil, and
produced a crop of a hundred, sixty, or thirtyfold. 9 Whoever
has ears to hear, let him hear!”
10
The disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Why do You speak
to the people in parables?”
11
He answered and said to them, “The knowledge of the
secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but
not to them. 12For whoever has, will be given more—indeed, he
will have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what
he has will be taken away from him. 13 That is why I speak to
them in parables, because they look but do not see, and they
26
Matthew 13
hear with their ears but do not understand. 14And in them the
prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
‘ You will hear with your ears

but never understand,
you will look with your eyes
but never see.
15
For the heart of this people
has become calloused.
They hear with dull ears,
and have closed their eyes.
For this reason they cannot see
with their eyes,
or hear with their ears,
or understand with their hearts.
If they did, they would turn to Me,
and I would heal them.’
(Isaiah 6:9-10)
16
But blessed are your eyes because they see, and your ears
because they hear. 17For truly I say to you, many prophets and
righteous men longed to see the things you see but did not see
them, and to hear the things you hear but did not hear them.
18
“Now listen to the parable of the sower: 19 when a man
hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it,
the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his
heart. This is the seed that was sown on the pathway. 20 The
seed that was sown on rocky ground is the man who hears the
word and immediately receives it with joy, 21but since he is not
deeply rooted, he only lasts for a short time. When tribulation
or persecution comes on account of the word, he immediately
falls away. 22 The seed that was sown among the thorns is the
man who hears the word, but the cares of this world and the
deceitfulness of riches choke it, making it unfruitful. 23But
the seed that was sown on good ground is the man who hears
the word, understands it, and produces a crop that yields a
hundred, sixty, or thirtyfold.”
24
Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of
heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25But
when everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed false
27
Matthew 13
wheat among the wheat and went away.13 26But when the wheat
sprouted and the heads of grain grew, the false wheat became
apparent. 27So the man’s slaves came to him and said, ‘Master,
did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did this false
wheat come from?’
28
The man answered, ‘An enemy has done this!’
Then his slaves asked him, ‘ Do you want us to go and pull
it out?’
29
The man said, ‘ No! If you pull out the false wheat, you
might uproot the wheat as well. 30Let both grow together until
the harvest. Then at harvest time I will say to the reapers, “First
gather the false wheat, tie it into bundles, and burn it. Then
gather the wheat into my barn.”’”
31
Jesus told them another parable, saying, “The kingdom of
heaven is like a mustard seed that a man took and planted in
his field. 32It is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it is fully
grown it is larger than any of the herbs. It becomes a tree, and
the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.”14
33
Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is
like yeast, which a woman took and mixed into a large amount of
flour until it worked its way through the whole batch of dough.”
34
Jesus said all these things to the crowds in parables. In
fact, He said nothing to them without using parables. 35 This
happened to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
“I will open My mouth in parables,

I will utter things that have been hidden
from the foundation of the world.”
(Psalm 78:2)
13
“But when everyone was sleeping, his enemy came and sowed
darnel among the wheat and went away.” Bearded darnel (Loli-
um temulentum) is also called “false wheat.” Darnel is indistin-
guishable from wheat in its early stages of growth. Its grains are
black, and due to fungus it has a reputation of being poisonous.
14
In the days of Jesus, the mustard seed was the smallest
seed used by farmers and gardeners in the Holy Land. These
mustard plants could grow up to ten feet tall!
28
Matthew 13
36
After sending away the crowds, Jesus went into the house.
Then His disciples came to Him and said, “Explain to us the
parable of the false wheat in the field.”
37
Jesus answered, “The One who sows the good seed is the
Son of Man. 38 The field is the world. The good seed represents
the sons of the kingdom, and the false wheat represents the
sons of the evil one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil.
The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are the angels.
40
Just as the false wheat is gathered up and burned with fire,
so it will be at the end of the age. 41The Son of Man will send
His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all those
who practice lawlessness and cause others to stumble, 42and
they will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous will shine
like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears
to hear, let him hear!
44
“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure buried in a field.
A man found it, hid it again, then in great joy went and sold all
that he had and bought the field.
45
“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine
pearls, 46 who upon finding a very precious pearl went and sold
all that he had and bought it.
47
“The kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was let down
into the sea, which caught all kinds of different fish. 48When it
was full, the fishermen pulled it to shore. Then they sat down
and sorted the fish: the good went into baskets, but the bad
were thrown away. 49The same thing will happen at the end of
the age. The angels will go out and separate the wicked from
the righteous. 50And the wicked will be thrown into the fiery
furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
51
Jesus asked His disciples, “Do you understand all this?”
They answered, “Yes, Lord.”
52
Then He said to them, “Every teacher who is well versed
in the kingdom of heaven is like a homeowner who brings out
treasures from his storeroom, both new and old.”
53
When Jesus had finished these parables, He departed from
there. 54Then He went to the town of Nazareth, where He had
29
Matthew 14
grown up, and taught in their synagogue. The people there

marvelled and said, “Where did He get this wisdom, and these
miraculous powers? 55Is He not the carpenter’s son? Is not His
mother named Mary? Are not James, Joses, Simon, and Judas
His brothers? 56And His sisters, are they not all with us? How
can He do all these things?” 57And they took offense at Him.
But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is honoured everywhere,
except in his own town and among his own family.” 58And He
did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief.
14 At that time Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard

of Jesus’ fame, 2and said to his officials, “This is John
the Baptist! He has risen from the dead! That is why these
miraculous powers are at work in Him.” 3For Herod had arrested
John, bound him, and put him in prison because of Herodias,
the wife of Herod’s brother Philip. 4For John had said to Herod,
“It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 Therefore Herod wanted
to kill John, but he was afraid of the Jewish people, because
they considered John to be a prophet.
6
On Herod’s birthday the daughter of Herodias danced for
them and pleased Herod so much 7that he promised with an
oath to give her anything she wanted. 8 Then she, being prompted
by her mother, said, “Give me here on a platter the head of
John the Baptist.” 9 This grieved the king. But because of his
oath and his guests, he ordered it to be done. 10So he had John
beheaded in prison. 11John’s head was brought in on a platter
and given to the girl, who in turn took it to her mother. 12 Then
John’s disciples came and took his body and buried it, and
went and told Jesus.
13
Upon hearing this, Jesus withdrew in a boat to a solitary
place where He could be alone. When the crowds heard this,
they followed Him on foot from the towns. 14When Jesus got
out of the boat and saw the large crowds, He had compassion
on them and healed their sick.
15
In the evening His disciples came to Him and said, “This is
a solitary place, and it is getting late. Dismiss the crowds, so
they can go to the towns and buy food for themselves.”
30
Matthew 14
16
Jesus replied, “There is no need to send them away. You
give them something to eat.”
17
They said to Him, “We have nothing here except five loaves
and two fish.”
18
He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 Then He commanded
the crowds to sit down on the grass. He took the five loaves
and the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks. Then
He broke the loaves and gave them to the disciples, and the
disciples handed them out to the crowds. 20 The people all ate
and were satisfied. And the disciples picked up the leftover
pieces, filling up twelve baskets. 21About five thousand men
ate, not counting women and children.
22
Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get into the
boat to cross over to the other side ahead of Him. He, however,
stayed behind to dismiss the crowds. 23After dismissing the
crowds, He went up on the hillside by Himself to pray. When
evening came, He was there alone. 24But the boat was now in
the middle of the sea, being tossed around by the waves, for
the wind was against them. 25And in the fourth watch of the
night, Jesus came to them, walking on the sea.15 26 When the
disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they panicked, and cried
out in fear, “It is a ghost!”
27
But immediately Jesus said, “Take courage, it is I! Do not
be afraid!”
28
Peter said in reply, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come
to You on the water.”
29
Jesus said, “Come!”
Then Peter got out of the boat, and began walking on the
water towards Jesus. 30But when he saw how strong the wind
was, he became frightened and began to sink. So he cried out,
“Lord, save me!”
31
Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and grabbed him,
saying, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?”
32
And when they got into the boat, the wind stopped blowing.
33
Then the men in the boat fell down and worshiped Him, saying,
“Truly You are the Son of God!”
34
Crossing over, they landed at Gennesaret. 35When the
inhabitants of that place recognized Him, they sent word
throughout that entire region, and they brought to Him all who
15
The fourth watch of the night was from 3:00–6:00 A.M.
31
Matthew 15
were sick. 36And they begged Him just to let them touch the hem
of His garment. And all who touched it were completely healed.
15 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to

Jesus from Jerusalem, asking, 2“Why do Your disciples
break the tradition of the elders? They do not wash their hands
before they eat their food!”
3
But Jesus answered and said to them, “Why do you break
the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4For God
commanded, ‘ Honour your father and your mother,’ 16 and
‘ Whoever blatantly disrespects his father or mother must be
put to death.’ 17 5But you teach that it is okay for a man to say
to his father or mother in need, ‘ Whatever support you might
have received from me has been devoted to God.’ 6And so you
teach them not to honour their father or their mother. Therefore
you have nullified the commandment of God on account of your
tradition. 7 You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied
about you:
8
‘ These people draw near to Me
with their mouth,
and honour Me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from Me.
9
They worship Me in vain,
because the doctrines they teach
are man-made rules.’”
(Isaiah 29:13)
10
Then Jesus called the crowd, and said to them, “Listen and
understand. 11It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a
man, but what comes out of the mouth—that is what defiles
a man.”
12
Then His disciples came to Him and said, “Are You aware that
the Pharisees were offended when they heard this statement?”
13
But Jesus answered and said, “Every plant that My heavenly
Father has not planted will be uprooted. 14Leave them alone.
They are blind guides leading the blind. If the blind lead the
blind, both will fall into a ditch.”
16
17
Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9
32
Matthew 15
15
Peter said to Him, “Explain this parable to us.”
16
Jesus said, “Do you not understand yet? 17Do you not know
that everything that goes into the mouth enters the stomach and
then is eliminated? 18But what comes out of the mouth comes
from the heart, and that is what defiles a man. 19For out of the
heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, fornication, theft,
false testimony, and slander. 20 These are the things that defile a
man. But eating with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”
21
Jesus moved on from there, and headed to the region of Tyre
and Sidon. 22A Canaanite woman from there came and cried
out to Him, saying, “Have mercy on me, Lord, Son of David! My
daughter is demon-possessed, and she suffers severely!” 23But
Jesus ignored her.
Then His disciples came to Him and said, “Tell her to go
away, for she keeps crying out after us.”
24
But Jesus said to the woman, “I was sent only to the lost
sheep of the house of Israel.”
25
But she came and fell down at His feet, begging, “Lord,
help me!”
26
He answered, “It is not right to take the children’s bread
and throw it to the dogs.”
27
But she said, “Yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat the crumbs
that fall from their master’s table.”
28
Then Jesus answered and said to her, “Dear woman,
your faith is great! Your request is granted.” And instantly her
daughter was healed.
29
Moving on from there, Jesus went along the Sea of Galilee.
Then He went up on the hillside and sat down. 30Large crowds
came to Him, bringing the paralyzed, the blind, the mute, and
those with missing limbs and other physical defects. They laid
them at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them. 31 The crowds marvelled
when they saw the paralyzed walking, the blind seeing, the mute
speaking, and those with missing limbs made whole. And they
glorified the God of Israel.
32
Jesus summoned His disciples and said, “I have compassion
for the crowd, because they have been with Me for three days
now and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away
hungry, or they may faint on the way.”
33
Matthew 16
33
His disciples said to Him, “Where, in a remote place like
this, could we get enough bread to feed such a large crowd?”
34
Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?”
They answered, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 Then He
commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36He took the
seven loaves and the fish, and gave thanks. Then He broke the
loaves and gave them to His disciples, and the disciples handed
them out to the crowds. 37The people all ate and were satisfied.
And the disciples picked up the left over pieces, filling up seven
baskets. 38About four thousand men ate, not counting women
and children. 39After sending the crowds away, He got into the
boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.
16
2
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees and Sadducees came
to Jesus and asked Him to show them a sign from heaven.
But He answered and said to them, “At sunset you say, ‘ The
weather will be good tomorrow, because the sky is bright red.’
3
And at sunrise you say, ‘ The weather will be stormy today,
because the sky is overcast and red.’ You Hypocrites! You know
how to read the face of the sky, but you cannot read the signs
of the times! 4An evil and adulterous generation looks for a sign,
but the only sign you will be given is the sign of the prophet
Jonah.” With that, He left them and went away.
5
They crossed over to the other side of the sea, but His
disciples forgot to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Watch
out! Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!”
7
They discussed this among themselves and said, “Is He
saying this because we forgot to bring bread?”
8
Aware of their discussion, Jesus said, “You of little faith! Why
are you discussing among yourselves that you have no bread?
9
Do you not understand yet? Do you not remember the five
loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you filled?
10
Do you remember the seven loaves for the four thousand, and
how many baskets you filled? 11Do you not understand that I
was not talking to you about bread? But to beware of the yeast
of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 12 Then they understood that
He was not telling them to beware of the yeast in bread, but to
beware of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
34
Matthew 17
13
When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, He
asked His disciples, “Who do men say that the Son of Man is?”
14
They answered, “Some say John the Baptist, some say
Elijah, and others say Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets.”
15
Then He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”
16
Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the
living God!”
17
Jesus said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of John,
because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My heav-
enly Father. 18I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will
build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against
it. 19I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Whatever
you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you
loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He commanded
His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Christ.
21
From then on Jesus began to tell His disciples that He must
go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders, the
chief priests, and the teachers of the law, and be killed, and
be raised again on the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him aside
and began to rebuke Him, saying, “God forbid, Lord! This will
never happen to You!”
23
But Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, satan!
You are a stumbling block to Me. For your mind is not on the
things of God, but on the things of man.”
24
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come
after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow
Me. 25Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for My sake will find it. 26For what will it profit a
man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what
can a man offer in exchange for his soul? 27For the Son of Man
is going to come in His Father’s glory with His angels, and then
He will reward every man according to his works. 28 Truly I say
to you, some who are standing here will not taste death until
they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.”
17 Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and his brother
John, and brought them up to a high mountain where
35
Matthew 17
they could be alone. 2 There, before their very eyes, Jesus was
transformed. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became
as white as light. 3Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared and
began talking with Him.
4
Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, how wonderful it is for us to be
here! If You want, I will make three shelters here—one for You,
one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5
As Peter was saying this, a radiant cloud suddenly surrounded
them. And a voice from the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son,
with whom I am well pleased. Listen to Him!”
6
When the disciples heard this they fell on their faces, utterly
terrified. 7But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Get up,
and do not be afraid.” 8And when they lifted up their eyes, they
saw no one but Jesus.
9
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded
them, “Tell no one about this vision, until the Son of Man has
been raised from the dead.”
10
Then His disciples asked Him, “Why do the teachers of the
law say that Elijah must come first?”
11
Jesus answered and said, “Elijah truly does come first, in
order to get everything ready. 12But I tell you that Elijah has
already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him
what they wanted. In a similar way, the Son of Man is destined
to suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples realized that He
was talking to them about John the Baptist.
14
When they came down from the mountain a crowd met
them. And a man came and knelt down before Jesus, begging,
15
“Lord, have mercy on my son! He suffers such terrible seizures
that he often falls into the fire or into the water. 16I brought him
to Your disciples, but they could not heal him.”
17
Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted
generation! How much longer must I be with you? How much
longer must I put up with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 Then
Jesus rebuked the demon and it came out of him, and the boy
was instantly healed.
19
Afterward the disciples came to Jesus privately and asked,
“Why could we not cast that demon out?”
20
Jesus said to them, “It was because of your lack of faith.
36
Matthew 18
For truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard
seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘ Move from here to there,’
and it will move, and nothing will be impossible for you. 21This
kind of demon, however, does not come out except by prayer
and fasting.”
22
While they were travelling together in Galilee, Jesus said to
them, “The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands
of men. 23 They will kill Him, but He will be raised on the third
day.” And the disciples were filled with grief.
24
When they arrived in Capernaum, those collecting the temple
tax came up to Peter and asked, “Does your Teacher not pay
the temple tax?”
25
Peter answered, “Yes, He does.”
When Peter entered the house, Jesus spoke first, saying,
“What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the
earth collect customs or taxes, from their own sons or from
others?”
26
Peter replied, “From others.”
Jesus said to him, “Then the sons are exempt. 27However, so
that we do not offend them, go to the sea, throw in a hook and
take the first fish you catch. Open its mouth, and in it you will
find a coin. Then take the coin and pay the tax for both of us.”
18 At that time the disciples came up to Jesus and asked,

“Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 Then
Jesus called a little child forward, and set the little child in their
midst. 3He said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted,
and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom
of heaven. 4 Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this little
child will be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5And whoever
welcomes a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. 6But
whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to
sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung
around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
7
Woe to the world because of the stumbling blocks that cause
people to sin! These things are inevitable, but woe to the man
who causes others to stumble and sin!
37
Matthew 18
8
“If your hand or your foot causes you to sin, cut it off and
throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with a missing
limb than to have two hands or two feet and be thrown into
eternal fire. 9And if your eye causes you to sin, rip it out and
throw it away. It is better for you to enter life with one eye than
to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell. 10Make sure
you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you
that their angels in heaven constantly see the face of My Father
who is in heaven. 11For the Son of Man has come to save that
which was lost.
12
“So what do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and
one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine and
go into the hill country to search for the one that went astray?
13
Truly I say to you, if he finds it, he will rejoice over it more
than the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14In the same way,
it is not the will of your heavenly Father that one of these little
ones should perish.
15
“If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault
privately. If he listens to you, you have won over your brother.
16
But if he does not listen, take one or two others with you, so
that every word may be confirmed by the mouth of two or three
witnesses. 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church.
And if he refuses to listen to the church, treat him like a Gentile
or a tax collector. 18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on
earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven. 19Again I say to you, that if two of you
agree on earth about anything you ask for, My heavenly Father
will do it for you. 20For where two or three are gathered together
in My name, there I am in the midst of them.”
21
Then Peter came up to Him and asked, “Lord, how many
times should I forgive my brother who sins against me? Seven
times?”
22
Jesus said to him, “No, not seven times, but seventy times
seven! 23For the kingdom of heaven is like a king who called in
his servants to give an account of what they owed him. 24As he
was doing this, one of his servants was brought in who owed
38
Matthew 18
him ten thousand talents (two hundred million dollars).18 25But

since he could not pay his debt, the king ordered him to be
sold, along with his wife and children and all his possessions,
in order to pay off the debt. 26But the servant fell down and
begged him, saying, ‘ Lord, be patient with me, and I will pay
you back everything I owe you.’ 27So the king, filled with com-
passion, forgave his debt and let him go.
28
“But that servant went out and found one of his fellow
servants who owed him $8,000. He grabbed him by the throat
and said, ‘ Pay back what you owe me!’ 19 29 The man fell down
at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘ Be patient with me, and I
will pay you back.’ 30But he refused to have compassion on the
man, and had him thrown into prison until he could pay back
the debt. 31When the other servants saw what he had done, they
were very upset and went to the king and reported all that he
had done. 32 Then the king called him in and said, ‘ You wicked
servant! I forgave all your debt because you pleaded with me.
33
You should have had compassion on your fellow servant just
as I had on you.’ 34 The king was angry, and handed him over
to the torturers until he could pay back all that he owed. 35 This
is what My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you
do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
18
A talent is 75 pounds. Precious metals are weighed in troy
ounces. There are 14.583 troy ounces in an American (Avoir-
dupois) pound. 14.583×(the price of silver). Right now (Feb-
ruary 3, 2014) silver is worth $19.34(USD) per troy ounce.
14.583×$19.34=$282.04
So today silver is worth $282.04(USD) a pound.
75×10,000=750,000 pounds.
$282.04×750,000=$211,530,000
So ten thousands talents is worth $211,530,000(USD).
Precious metals always fluctuate, and this is just to give you a
general idea of how much this is worth.
19
“But he went out and found one of his fellow servants who
owed him a hundred denarii.” A denarius was a day’s wages.
In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an
hour. $10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is
$80(CAD). $80×100=$8,000. A hundred denarii is $8,000(CAD).
39
Matthew 19
19 After saying these things, Jesus left Galilee and travelled

along the east side of the Jordan River to the region of
Judea. 2Large crowds followed Him, and He healed them there.
3
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked
Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”
4
He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that
from the beginning the Creator made them ‘male and female,’ 20
5
and said,
‘For this reason a man will leave his father

and mother and will be joined to his wife,
and the two will become one flesh’?
(Genesis 2:24)
6
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God
has joined together, let man not separate.”
7
They asked Him, “Then why did Moses command us to give
a woman a certificate of divorce and to send her away?”
8
He answered them, “It was because of the hardness of your
hearts that Moses permitted you to divorce your wives. However,
it was not this way from the beginning. 9I tell you that whoever
divorces his wife, except for unfaithfulness, and marries another
woman, commits adultery. And whoever marries a divorced
woman commits adultery.”
10
The disciples said to Him, “If that is the only reason a man
can divorce his wife, it is better not to marry.”
11
Jesus replied, “Not everyone can accept this statement, but
only those to whom it is given. 12Some men are celibate because
they were born with birth defects. Others are celibate because
they were castrated. And some have chosen to be celibate for
the sake of the kingdom of heaven. Whoever can accept this
should accept it.”
13
Then some little children were brought to Jesus so that
He could lay His hands on them and pray for them, but the
disciples rebuked them.
14
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me. Do not stop
20
Genesis 1:27, 5:2
40
Matthew 19
them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

15
So He laid His hands on them, and left that place.
16
Someone came up to Him and said, “Good Teacher, what
good thing must I do to obtain eternal life?”
17
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There is only
One who is good, and that is God. But if you want to obtain
eternal life, you must keep the commandments.”
18
The man asked Him, “Which ones?”
Jesus answered,
“‘ You must not murder,

you must not commit adultery,
you must not steal,
you must not give false testimony,
19
honour your father and mother,’
(Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20)
and,
‘ love your neighbour as yourself.’”

(Leviticus 19:18)
20
The young man said to Him, “I have kept all these command-
ments since my childhood, so what do I still lack?”
21
Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go sell your
possessions and give the proceeds to the poor, and you will
have treasure in heaven. Then come and follow Me.” 22But when
the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he had
many possessions.
23
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is
difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24Again
I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a
needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
25
His disciples were greatly amazed when they heard this,
and asked, “Then who can be saved?”
26
But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is
impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
27
Then Peter said to Him, “We have left everything to follow
You, so what will there be for us?”
28
Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, when the Son of
41
Matthew 20
Man sits on His glorious throne in the age to come, you who have
followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve
tribes of Israel. 29And everyone who has left houses or brothers
or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for
My name’s sake, will receive a hundred times as much and will
inherit eternal life. 30However, many who are first will be last,
and many who are last will be first.
20
2
“The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out
early in the morning to hire some workers for his vineyard.
He agreed to pay the workers $80 for the day, and sent them
over to his vineyard.21 3At nine o’clock he went out and saw
others standing idle in the marketplace, 4and said to them, ‘Go
and work in my vineyard, and I will pay you what is fair.’ So
they went. 5 Then he went out at noon, and then again at three
o’clock, and did the same thing. 6At five o’clock he went out and
found some others standing idle, and asked them, ‘Why have
you been standing here idle all day?’ 7They answered him, ‘No
one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘Go and work in my vineyard,
and I will pay you what is fair.’
8
“When evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his
manager, ‘Call the workers and pay them their wages, beginning
with those who were hired last, and ending with those who
were hired first.’ 9When those who were hired at five o’clock
came, they received $80 each. 10When those who were hired
first came, they expected to receive more, but they also received
$80 each. 11When they received their wages they complained to
the landowner, 12saying, ‘These last men worked only one hour,
while we worked hard all day in the scorching heat, yet you
have made them equal to us!’ 13But he answered one of them,
‘Friend, I have not wronged you. Did you not agree to work for
$80? 14Take your money and go! What is it to you, if I want to
give them as much as I gave to you? 15Do I not have the right
to do what I want with my own money? Or are you resentful
because I am generous?’ 16So the last will be first, and the first
will be last. For many are called, but few are chosen.”
21
“He agreed to pay the workers a denarius for the day, and sent
them over to his vineyard.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In
Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an hour.
$10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is $80(CAD).
42
Matthew 20
17
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus took the twelve disciples
aside and said to them privately, 18“We are now on our way to
Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be handed over to the chief
priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn Him to
death, 19and will hand Him over to the Gentiles to be mocked,
whipped, and crucified. But on the third day He will rise again.”
20
Then Zebedee’s wife came to Jesus with her two sons, knelt
down, and asked Him for a favour.
21
He said to her, “What do you want?”
She said to Him, “Promise me that in Your kingdom my two
sons will sit one at Your right hand and the other at Your left.”
22
But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you
are asking! Can you drink the cup that I am about to drink, or
be baptized with the baptism that I am about to be baptized
with?”
They said to Him, “Yes, we can.”
23
So Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from My
cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am about to be
baptized with, but it is not for Me to decide who will sit at My
right or left hand. On the contrary, it is My Father who will
make that decision.”
24
Upon hearing this, the other ten disciples became angry
with the two brothers. 25But Jesus called them over and said,
“You know that the Gentle rulers lord it over their subjects,
and that their men of high rank exercise authority over the
people. 26But it will not be that way with you. On the contrary,
if anyone wants to become great, he must be your servant.
27
And if anyone wants to be first, he must be your slave. 28For
the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to
give His life as a ransom for many.”
29
As they were leaving Jericho, a large crowd followed Him.
30
Sitting by the roadside were two blind men. When they heard
that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, saying, “Have mercy
on us, Lord, Son of David!” 31The crowd told them to be quiet,
but they cried out all the more, saying, “Have mercy on us,
Lord, Son of David!”
32
Jesus stopped and called them, saying, “What do you want
Me to do for you?”
33
They said to Him, “Lord, we want our eyes opened.” 34Filled
43
Matthew 21
with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes. And instantly they

received their sight and followed Him.
21 As Jesus approached Jerusalem, He came to the town

of Bethphage on the Mount of Olives. From there Jesus
sent two of His disciples off 2 with these instructions: “Go to
the town across the way. As soon as you get there you will find
a donkey with her colt. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3If
anyone says anything to you, say, ‘ The Lord needs them,’ and
they will immediately send them.” 4 This happened to fulfill what
was spoken by the prophet:
5
“Tell the daughter of Zion,
‘ Look! Your King comes to you,
meek and riding on a donkey,
on a donkey’s colt.’”
(Zechariah 9:9)
6
So the disciples went and did as Jesus had commanded
them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt. Then they put
their coats on the colt, and He sat on it. 8A very large crowd
spread their coats on the road, while others cut down palm
branches and laid them in His path. 9 The crowds in front and
behind cried out,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!

Blessed is He who comes
in the name of the Lord!
Hosanna in the highest!”
(Psalm 118:25-26)
10
All Jerusalem was stirred when He entered the city, and
they asked, “Who is this?”
11
The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from the
town of Nazareth in Galilee.”
12
When Jesus entered the temple of God, He threw out all
those who were buying and selling in the temple. He overturned
the tables of the moneychangers, and the seats of those who
were selling doves. 13He said to them, “It is written,
44
Matthew 21
‘ My house will be called a house of prayer,’

(Isaiah 56:7)
but you have made it a den of bandits.” 22

14
The blind and the lame came to Him in the temple and He
healed them. 15But the chief priests and the teachers of the
law became angry when they saw the remarkable things He
was doing and the children crying out in the temple, saying,
“Hosanna to the Son of David!”
16
So they asked Him, “Do You hear what they are saying?”
Jesus answered, “Yes, have you never read,
‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants

You have perfected praise’?”
(Psalm 8:2)
Then He left Jerusalem and spent the night in the town of

17
Bethany.
18
Early in the morning, as He was returning to Jerusalem, He
became hungry. 19He saw a fig tree by the roadside and went up
to it, but found nothing on it but leaves. So He said to it, “May
you never bear fruit again!” And instantly the fig tree withered.
20
Upon seeing this, the disciples marvelled and said, “How
did the fig tree wither so quickly?”
21
Jesus answered them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith
and do not doubt, not only will you be able to do this to the
fig tree, but if you say to this mountain, ‘ Lift yourself up and
throw yourself into the sea,’ it will be done. 22If you believe, you
will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”
23
Jesus entered the temple, and as He was teaching, the chief
priests and the elders of the people approached Him and asked,
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave
You this authority?”
24
Jesus answered and said to them, “I have a question for
you. And if you answer it, I will tell you by what authority I
am doing these things. 25Where did John’s authority to baptize
come from? Was it from heaven, or from men?”
They discussed it among themselves and said, “If we say,
22
Jeremiah 7:11
45
Matthew 21
‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Then why did you not believe
John?’ 26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowd,
because they all believe that John was a prophet.”
27
So they answered Jesus, “We do not know.”
Then He said to them, “Well, then, I will not tell you by what
authority I am doing these things.
28
“Now what do you think? There was a man who had two
sons. He went to the first son and said, ‘Son, go and work in
my vineyard today.’ 29His son answered, ‘I will not go,’ but later
he changed his mind and went. 30 Then the father went to the
other son and said, ‘Son, go and work in my vineyard today.’
His son answered, ‘I will go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31So which
of the two did his father’s will?”
They said to Him, “The first son.”
In response, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, the tax collectors
and the prostitutes will get into the kingdom of God before you.
32
For John came to show you the way of righteousness, but
you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the
prostitutes did. And even when you saw this, you did not repent
and believe him.
33
“Now listen to another parable. There was a landowner who
planted a vineyard. He put a hedge around it, dug a wine vat,
and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to some farmers and
departed. 34When it was harvest time, he sent his slaves to the
farmers to collect his share of the fruit. 35But the farmers grabbed
his slaves and beat one, killed one, and stoned another. 36 Then
he sent more slaves than the first time, but the farmers did the
same to them. 37Last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They
will respect my son.’ 38But when the farmers saw his son, they
said to one another, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him and
take his inheritance!’ 39 Then they grabbed him, threw him out
of the vineyard, and killed him. 40Now what will the owner of the
vineyard do to those farmers when he returns?”
41
They said to Him, “He will utterly destroy those wicked men.
Then he will lease the vineyard to other farmers who will give
him his share of the fruit each harvest.”
42
Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures,
‘The Stone that the builders rejected

has become the Cornerstone.
46
Matthew 22
This is the Lord’s doing,

and it is marvellous in our eyes’?
(Psalm 118:22-23)
43
Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away
from you and will be given to a people who will produce the
proper fruit. 44Anyone who falls on this Stone will be broken to
pieces, and anyone it falls on will be ground to powder.”
45
When the chief priests and the Pharisees heard His parables,
they knew that He was talking about them. 46 Therefore they
wanted to arrest Him. But they were afraid of the crowds, because
they believed that Jesus was a prophet.
22 Again Jesus spoke to them in parables, saying, 2“The

kingdom of heaven is like a king who hosted a wedding
banquet for his son. 3He sent his slaves to call those who had
been invited to the wedding banquet, but they refused to come.
4
So he sent more slaves, saying, ‘Tell those who have been invit-
ed, “Look! I have prepared my dinner, my oxen and fatted calves
have been slaughtered, and everything is ready. Come to the
wedding banquet.”’ 5But they did not care and went off—one to
his farm, another to his business. 6 The rest grabbed his slaves,
mistreated them, and then killed them. 7When the king heard
this he became angry. He sent his army, and they destroyed
those murderers and burned down their city.
8
“Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding banquet is ready,
but those who were invited were not worthy. 9So go out into
the roads and invite as many people to the wedding banquet
as you can find.’ 10 Then his slaves went out into the roads and
rounded up everyone they could find, both good and bad, and
the wedding banquet was filled with guests.
11
“When the king went in to look at the guests, he saw a man
who was not wearing the wedding clothes that were supplied. 12He
said to him, ‘Friend, how did you get in here without wedding
clothes?’ But the man was speechless. 13 Then the king said to
the servants, ‘Tie him hand and foot and throw him outside
into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of
teeth.’ 14For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
47
Matthew 22
15
Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they might trap
Jesus in His words. 16 They sent some of their disciples to Him,
along with some of the Herodians, saying, “Teacher, we know
that You are sincere and teach the way of God in truth. For You
are not concerned with what others think about You, because
You are not influenced by anyone. 17Now tell us what You think.
Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
18
But Jesus, knowing their wickedness, said, “Why are you
trying to trap Me, you hypocrites? 19Show Me a coin used for
paying taxes.” So they handed Him a denarius.23 20 Then He
asked them, “Whose image and inscription is this?”
21
They answered, “Caesar’s.”
Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.” 22After hearing this, they marvelled.
Then they left Him and went on their way.
23
That same day the Sadducees, who say there is no
resurrection, came and asked Him a question, 24saying, “Teacher,
Moses said,
‘If a man dies without having children,

his brother must marry the widow
and have a child on behalf of his brother
in order to preserve his family line.’
(Deuteronomy 25:5-6)
25
Now there were seven brothers who lived among us. The oldest
married, but then died. But since he had no children, the second
brother married the widow. 26But the same thing happened to
the second brother, and to the third, and to all seven brothers.
27
And last of all, the woman died too. 28So whose wife will she
be at the resurrection, since she married all seven of them?”
29
But Jesus answered and said to them, “You are in error,
because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
30
At the resurrection men will not marry, and women will not
be given in marriage; on the contrary, they will be like God’s
angels in heaven. 31But concerning the resurrection of the dead,
have you not read what God told you when He said,
23
A denarius was worth a day’s wages.
48
Matthew 22
32
‘ I am the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob’?
(Exodus 3:6)
He is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

33
When the crowds heard this, they marvelled at His teaching.
34
Now when the Pharisees heard that He had silenced the
Sadducees, they gathered together. 35 Then one of them, an
expert in the law, tried to trap Him with a question, saying,
36
“Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
37
Jesus said to him,
“‘ You must love the Lord your God

with all your heart and with all your soul
and with all your mind.’
(Deuteronomy 6:5)
This is the first and greatest commandment. 39And the second

38
one is like it:
‘ You must love your neighbour as yourself.’

(Leviticus 19:18)
All the Law and the Prophets are based on these two
40
commandments.”
41
While the Pharisees were gathered there, Jesus asked them
a question, 42“What do you think about the Christ? Whose son
is He?”
They said to Him, “The son of David.”
43
Jesus asked them, “Then why did David, by the Spirit, call
Him ‘Lord,’ saying,
44
‘ The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand
until I make Your enemies
a footstool for Your feet”’?
(Psalm 110:1)
45
If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be his son?” 46
No one
49
Matthew 23
was able to answer Him a word, and after that day no one dared
to ask Him any more questions.
23 Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples,

2
saying, “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit
in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore obey and practice what they teach
you, but do not do what they do, because they do not practice
what they teach. 4For they tie up heavy loads that are hard to
bear, and put them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves
refuse to lift a finger to help move them.
5
“They do all their works to be seen by men. Indeed, they make
their phylacteries bigger,24 and the tassels of their garments
longer.25 6 They love the seats of honour at banquets and the
most important seats in the synagogues. 7They love to be greeted
in the marketplaces, and to have men call them ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’
8
“But you must not be called ‘ Rabbi,’ for you have only one
Teacher, the Christ, and you are all equal as brothers. 9And do
not call anyone on earth ‘Father,’ for you have only one Father,
and He is in heaven. 10 You must not be called ‘ Master,’ for you
only have one Master, the Christ. 11The greatest among you will
be your servant. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and
whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
13
“Woe to you, you teachers of the law and Pharisees, you
hypocrites! For you shut the door to the kingdom of heaven in
men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, and when others try
to enter you stop them. 14Woe to you, you teachers of the law
and Pharisees, you hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses,
and for a show make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive
greater condemnation!
15
hypocrites! For you cross land and sea to make a single convert,
and when he becomes one, you make him twice as much a son
of hell as you are!
24
Phylacteries are small boxes that are bound on the arm or
forehead, which contain passages of Scripture, and is a custom
based on Deuteronomy 6:6-8, 11:18; Exodus 13:9, 16.
25
Numbers 15:37-40; Deuteronomy 22:12.
50
Matthew 23
16
“Woe to you, you blind guides! You say, ‘ Whoever swears
an oath by the temple is not bound by his oath. But whoever
swears an oath by the gold in the temple is bound by his oath.’
17
You blind fools! Which is greater, the gold or the temple that
makes the gold holy? 18You also say, ‘ Whoever swears an oath
by the altar is not bound by his oath. But whoever swears an
oath by the gift on the altar is bound by his oath.’ 19You blind
fools! Which is greater, the gift or the altar that makes the gift
holy? 20 Therefore, whoever swears an oath by the altar swears
by it and by everything on it. 21And whoever swears an oath by
the temple swears by it and by the One who dwells in it. 22And
whoever swears an oath by heaven swears by God’s throne and
by the One who sits on it.
23
hypocrites! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill, and cummin,
yet you neglect the weightier matters of the law—such as:
justice, mercy, and faithfulness! You should have tithed, without
neglecting the weightier matters of the law. 24You blind guides!
You strain a gnat out of your water, yet swallow a camel!26
25
hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and dish, but
inside you are full of greed and self-indulgence. 26 You blind
Pharisees! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, then the
outside will be clean as well.
27
hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which look
beautiful on the outside, but on the inside are full of dead
men’s bones, and of every kind of uncleanness. 28Likewise, on
the outside you look righteous to men, but on the inside you
are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.
29
hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate
the graves of the righteous, 30and say, ‘If we had lived in the days
of our fathers, we would not have helped them shed the blood
26
Some of the Pharisees strained their water through a cloth to
avoid swallowing the smallest unclean thing (Leviticus 11:41-
43). Yet, figuratively, they were swallowing one of the largest
(Leviticus 11:4).
51
Matthew 24
of the prophets.’ 31By saying this you testify against yourselves,

that you are the sons of those who murdered the prophets.
32
And you will finish the work that your fathers began!
33
“You snakes! You offspring of vipers! How will you escape
being condemned to hell? 34 Therefore I will send you prophets,
wise men, and teachers. Some of them you will kill and crucify,
and some of them you will whip in your synagogues and persecute
from city to city. 35 Therefore you will be held accountable for
all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of
righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah,27 the son of Berekiah,
whom you murdered between the sanctuary and the altar.
36
Truly I say to you, this generation will be held accountable
for all these things!
37
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone
those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather
your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her
wings, but you would not let Me! 38Look! Your house is left to
you desolate! 39For I say to you, from now on you will not see
Me until you say,
‘Blessed is He who comes

in the name of the Lord!’”
(Psalm 118:26)
24 As Jesus was leaving the temple, His disciples came up

to Him and pointed out the buildings of the temple. 2But
Jesus said to them, “Do you see all these buildings? Truly I
say to you, not one stone will be left on another. They will all
be thrown down.”
3
While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, His disciples
came up to Him privately and said, “Tell us, when will these
things happen? And what will be the sign of Your coming, and
of the end of the age?”
4
Jesus answered and said to them, “Watch out that no one
deceives you. 5For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the
27
2 Chronicles 24:20-22
52
Matthew 24
Christ,’ and they will deceive many. 6And you will hear of wars
and rumours of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. For
these things must happen, but the end is not yet. 7For nation
will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There
will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places.
8
But all these things are the beginning of birth pains. 9 Then
they will hand you over to be tortured and put to death, and
you will be hated by all nations on account of My name. 10 Then
many will apostatize, and will betray and hate one another.
11
Many false prophets will arise, and will deceive many. 12And
lawlessness will increase, causing the love of many to grow
cold. 13But whoever endures to the end will be saved. 14And
this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the
world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.
15
“When you see the ‘abomination that causes desolation,’
which the prophet Daniel spoke about, standing in the holy place
(reader take note of this),28 16 then those who are in Judea must
flee to the mountains! 17Whoever is on the rooftop must not go
down to take anything out of their house. 18And whoever is in
the field must not turn back to get their coat. 19How terrible it
will be in those days for women who are pregnant or nursing.
20
But pray that you will not have to make your escape in the
winter or on the Sabbath. 21For at that time there will be great
tribulation, worse than anything that has happened from the
beginning of the world until now—and nothing like it will ever
happen again. 22If those days had not been cut short, nobody
would survive. But for the sake of the elect, those days will be
shortened.
23
“At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the
Christ,’ or ‘ There He is,’ do not believe him. 24For false christs
and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and
wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 25Look!
I have told you this beforehand. 26If anyone says to you, ‘Look!
He is in the wilderness,’ do not go. And if anyone says, ‘Look!
He is hiding in a secret place,’ do not believe him. 27For as
lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so will
the coming of the Son of Man be. 28Wherever there is a corpse,
there the vultures will gather.
28
Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11
53
Matthew 24
29
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days,
‘ The sun will be darkened,

the moon will not give its light,
the stars will fall from heaven,
and the powers of heaven will be shaken.’
(Isaiah 13:10, 34:4)
30
“Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. And
all the tribes of the earth will mourn when they see the Son
of Man coming in the clouds of the sky with power and great
glory. 31And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet
call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds—from
one end of the earth to the other.
32
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: when its buds
become tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that
summer is near. 33Likewise, when you see all these things,
you will know that the time is near, right at the door. 34 Truly
I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these
things are fulfilled. 35Heaven and earth will pass away, but My
words will never pass away.
36
“Nobody knows when that day or hour will come—not
the angels in heaven, not even the Son, but only the Father.
37
When the Son of Man comes, it will be just like the days of
Noah. 38For in the days before the flood, people were eating and
drinking, marrying and being given in marriage, until the day
Noah entered the ark. 39 They did not know what was going to
happen until the flood came and swept them all away. That is
how it will be when the Son of Man comes. 40At that time, two
men will be working in the field—one will be taken, and one
will be left. 41 Two women will be grinding grain at the mill—one
will be taken, and one will be left. 42 Therefore, stay awake! For
you do not know what day your Lord is coming. 43Remember
this: had the owner of the house known when the thief was
coming, he would have stayed awake and would not have let
his house be broken into. 44Likewise, you must also be ready!
For the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.
54
Matthew 25
45
“Who then is the faithful and wise slave, whom the master
has put in charge of his servants, to give them their food
allowance at the proper time? 46How blessed is that slave whom
his master finds doing so when he returns. 47 Truly I say to
you, he will put him in charge of all that he owns. 48But if that
wicked slave says in his heart, ‘ My master is not coming back
for a while,’ 49and begins to beat his fellow servants and to eat
and drink with drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come
on a day that he does not expect and at an hour that he does
not know. 51 Then his master will whip him severely and assign
him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.
25 “At that time, the kingdom of heaven will be like ten

virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the
bridegroom. 2Five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 The
foolish virgins took their lamps, but did not take any oil with
them. 4 The wise virgins, however, took flasks of oil with their
lamps. 5But when the bridegroom was late in coming, they
became tired and fell asleep. 6At midnight someone shouted,
‘ Look! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ 7Then
all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8But the
foolish virgins said to the wise virgins, ‘ Give us some of your
oil! Our lamps are going out!’ 9But the wise virgins replied,
‘ No! There will not be enough for us and for you. Instead, go
to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.’ 10But while
they were out buying some oil, the bridegroom came. The virgins
who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet, and
the door was closed. 11Later the other virgins arrived and said,
‘ Lord, Lord, open the door for us!’ 12But He answered and said,
‘ Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Therefore keep watch,
because you do not know the day or the hour when the Son
of Man will come.
14
“The kingdom of heaven is also like a man who was going
on a trip. He summoned his slaves and gave them each some
money to invest for him. 15He gave five talents (one hundred
thousand dollars) to one, two talents (forty thousand dollars) to
55
Matthew 25
another, and one talent (twenty thousand dollars) to another—

each according to their ability. Then he left on his trip.29
16
“The one who had received the five talents went out and
invested it, and doubled his investment. 17Likewise, the one
who had received the two talents doubled his investment. 18But
the one who had received the one talent went and dug a hole
in the ground and hid his master’s money.
19
“After a long time their master came back and settled
accounts with them. 20 The one who had received the five talents
came in and brought five more talents, saying, ‘ Master, you
gave me five talents. Look! I have earned another five talents.’
21
His master said to him, ‘ Well done, good and faithful slave!
You were faithful over a few things, so I will put you in charge of
many things. Come and share your master’s joy.’ 22 The one who
had received the two talents also came in and said, ‘Master, you
gave me two talents. Look! I have earned another two talents.’
23
His master said to him, ‘ Well done, good and faithful slave!
You were faithful over a few things, so I will put you in charge
of many things. Come and share your master’s joy.’
24
“The one who had received the one talent also came in and
said, ‘ Master, I knew that you were a hard man. For you reap
where you did not sow and gather where you did not scatter
seed. 25So in fear, I went and hid your talent in the ground. Here,
take what is yours.’ 26His master said to him, ‘ You wicked and
29
A talent is 75 pounds. He gave 375 pounds to one, 150
pounds to another, and 75 pounds to another. Precious metals
are weighed in troy ounces. There are 14.583 troy ounces in
an American (Avoirdupois) pound. 14.583×(the price of silver).
Right now (February 3, 2014) silver is worth $19.34(USD) per
troy ounce. 14.583×$19.34=$282.04
So today silver is worth $282.04 (USD) a pound.
375×$282.04=$105,765
So five talents is $105,765(USD)
150×$282.04=$42,306
So two talents is $42,306(USD)
75×$282.04=$21,153
So one talent is $21,153(USD)
Precious metals always fluctuate, and this is just to give you a
general idea of how much this is worth.
56
Matthew 25
lazy slave! If you knew that I reaped where I did not sow and
gathered where I did not scatter seed, 27then you should have
deposited my money with the bankers. And when I returned,
I would have received it back with interest. 28 Therefore, take
the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten
talents. 29 Whoever has, will be given more—indeed, he will
have an abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he
has will be taken away from him. 30Now throw that worthless
slave outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping
and gnashing of teeth.’
31
“When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy
angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. 32And all
the nations (Gentiles) will be gathered before Him, and He will
separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the
sheep from the goats. 33And He will put the sheep on His right
and the goats on His left.
34
“Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you
who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom that was
prepared for you from the foundation of the world! 35For I was
hungry, and you gave Me something to eat. I was thirsty, and
you gave Me something to drink. I was a stranger, and you
invited Me in. 36I was naked, and you gave Me clothes. I was
sick, and you cared for Me. I was in prison, and you came to
visit Me.’ 37Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘ Lord,
when did we see You hungry, and give You something to eat?
Or thirsty, and give You something to drink? 38Or a stranger,
and invite You in? Or naked, and give You clothes? 39When did
we see You sick or in prison, and visit You?’ 40 Then the King will
answer and say to them, ‘ Truly I say to you, whatever you did
for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’
41
“Then the King will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me,
you who are cursed, into the eternal fire that has been prepared
for the devil and his angels! 42For I was hungry, and you gave
Me nothing to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to
drink. 43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in. I was
naked, and you did not give Me clothes. I was sick and in prison,
and you did not care for Me.’ 44 Then they will answer, ‘ Lord,
when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked
or sick or in prison, and did not help You?’ 45 Then He will say
57
Matthew 26
to them, ‘ Truly I say to you, whatever you did not do for one of
the least of these, you did not do for Me.’ 46And they will go off
to eternal punishment, but the righteous will go to eternal life.”
26 After saying all this, Jesus said to His disciples, 2“As you
know, the Passover is two days away, and the Son of Man
will be handed over to be crucified.”
3
Then the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the elders
of the people met together at the house of Caiaphas the high
priest. 4 They discussed how they could arrest Jesus secretly and
have Him put to death. 5But they said, “We must not do this
during the feast, or else there may be a riot among the people.”
6
While Jesus was in the town of Bethany, at the house of
Simon the leper, 7a woman came up to Him. She had an alabaster
jar of fragrant oil, which was very expensive. As He sat at the
table, she poured it on His head. 8But when His disciples saw
this, they became angry and said, “Why this waste? 9 This fragrant
oil could have been sold for a large sum, and the proceeds given
to the poor.”
10
When Jesus saw this, He said to them, “Why are you
bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing for Me.
11
You will always have the poor with you, but you will not always
have Me. 12When she poured this fragrant oil on My body, she
did it to prepare Me for My burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever
this gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has
done will also be told in memory of her.”
14
Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the
chief priests, 15and said, “What will you give me, if I hand Him
over to you?” And they offered him thirty pieces of silver. 16From
that moment on, Judas began to look for an opportunity to
hand Him over.
17
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the
disciples came up to Jesus and asked Him, “Where do You
want us to prepare the Passover meal?”
18
He said, “Go to a certain man in the city and tell him, ‘ The
Teacher says, “My time is near, therefore My disciples and I will
58
Matthew 26
celebrate the Passover at your house.”’” 19So the disciples did

as Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover meal.
20
When evening came, He sat down with the twelve. 21While
they were eating, He said, “Truly I say to you, one of you will
betray Me.”
22
Filled with sorrow, each of them began to ask Him, “Lord,
is it I?”
23
But Jesus answered and said, “The one who dips his hand
into the bowl with Me is the one who will betray Me. 24Indeed,
the Son of Man will go just as it is written about Him. But woe
to the man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for
him if he had never been born.”
25
Then Judas, the one who was going to betray Him, asked,
“Rabbi, is it I?”
Jesus answered him, “You are correct.”
26
As they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and after giv-
ing thanks, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said,
“Take this and eat it, for this is My body.” 27Then He took the
cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to them, and said, “All
of you drink from it—28for this is My blood, the blood of the
New Covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgive-
ness of sins. 29I tell you this: I will not drink of this fruit of the
vine again, until that day when I drink it new with you in My
Father’s kingdom.”
30
After singing a hymn, they made their way to the Mount
of Olives. 31Then Jesus said to them, “Tonight you will all fall
away on account of Me, for it is written,
‘ I will strike the Shepherd,

and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
(Zechariah 13:7)
32
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”
33
But Peter said to Him, “Even if they all fall away on account
of You, I will never fall away!”
34
Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, before the rooster
crows tonight, you will deny Me three times.”
35
Peter said to Him, “Even if I have to die with You, I will never
deny You!” And all the disciples said the same thing.
59
Matthew 26
36
Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane,
and He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I go over there to
pray.” 37 Taking Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with
Him, He began to be greatly overwhelmed with grief and anguish.
38
Then He said to them, “My soul is deeply grieved, to the point
of death. Wait here and stay awake with Me.” 39He went a little
further, fell on His face, and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible,
let this cup pass from Me. However, Your will be done, not Mine.”
40
Then He returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He
said to Peter, “Could you not stay awake with Me for one hour?
41
Stay awake, and pray that you will not enter into temptation.
Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
42
He went back a second time and prayed, “My Father, if this
cup cannot pass unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 Then He
returned again and found them asleep, for their eyes were heavy.
44
So He left them, went back a third time, and prayed the
same words again. 45 Then He returned to the disciples and said
to them, “Are you still sleeping and resting? Look! The time
has come for the Son of Man to be betrayed into the hands of
sinners. 46Get up, let us go! Look! Here comes My betrayer!”
47
As Jesus was saying this, Judas, one of the twelve, arrived.
With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent
from the chief priests and the elders of the people. 48Now His
betrayer, Judas, promised to give them a signal. He said, “The
One I kiss is the Man you want. Arrest Him.”
49
At once, Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Greetings,
Rabbi,” and kissed Him.
50
Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come here?” Then
they came and grabbed hold of Jesus and arrested Him.
51
Suddenly, one of the men who were with Jesus reached
for his sword and drew it. He struck the high priest’s slave,
cutting off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword
back where it belongs! All those who use the sword will die by
the sword. 53Do you not realize that I could ask My Father for
more than twelve legions of angels, and He would instantly send
them to Me? 54But then, how would the Scriptures be fulfilled
that say this must happen?”
60
Matthew 26
55
Then Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out with
swords and clubs to arrest Me, as if I were some kind of bandit?
Daily I sat in the temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me.
56
But all this has happened, so that the writings of the prophets
would be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples deserted Him and fled.
57
Those who had arrested Jesus took Him to the house of
Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of the law and the
elders had assembled. 58But Peter followed Him at a distance,
all the way to the high priest’s courtyard, and then went in and
sat down with the officers to see the outcome.
59
The chief priests and the elders and the entire Sanhedrin
were looking for false evidence against Jesus, because they
wanted Him to be put to death. 60But they could not find any,
even though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two
false witnesses came forward, 61and said, “This Man said, ‘I am
able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”
62
Then the high priest stood up and said to Him, “Have You
no response to the accusations they are making against You?”
63
But Jesus remained silent. Then the high priest said to Him,
“I command You in the name of the living God to tell us if You
are the Christ, the Son of God!”
64
Jesus answered him, “You are correct. Furthermore, in the
future you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of
the Almighty and coming on the clouds of heaven.”
65
Then the high priest tore his clothes and exclaimed, “He
has blasphemed! Why do we need any more witnesses? Look!
You have just heard Him blaspheme. 66What do you think?”
They replied, “He is guilty of death!” 67Then they spit in His
face and hit Him with their fists, and slapped Him, 68saying,
“Prophesy to us, Christ! Who is it who hit You?”
69
While Peter was sitting outside in the courtyard, a slave-girl
came up to him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Galilee.”
70
But Peter denied Him before them all, saying, “I do not know
what you are talking about.” 71Then he went over to the gateway.
There another slave-girl saw him, and said to those standing
there, “This man was with Jesus of Nazareth.”
72
This time Peter denied Him with an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man!”
61
Matthew 27
73
A little while later, those who were standing there said to
Peter, “You must be one of them, for your accent gives you away.”
74
Denying Him again, Peter swore an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man!” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 Then
Peter remembered what Jesus had said: “Before the rooster
crows, you will deny Me three times.” And he went out and
wept bitterly.
27 Early in the morning all the chief priests and the elders
of the people met together and plotted to put Jesus to
death. 2 They tied Him up, led Him away, and delivered Him to
Pontius Pilate the governor.
3
Now when Judas, the man who had betrayed Jesus, saw
that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and
returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and the
elders, 4saying, “I have sinned! I have betrayed innocent blood!”
But they replied, “What is that to us? That is your problem.”
5
Then Judas threw the pieces of silver onto the floor of the
temple, and went off and hung himself.
6
But the chief priests picked up the pieces of silver and said,
“It is not lawful to put this into the temple treasury, because
it is blood money.” 7So they decided to use the money to buy
the Potter’s Field as a burial place for foreigners. 8 That is why,
to this very day, that field is called the “Field of Blood.” 9 This
fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah when he said,
“They took the thirty pieces of silver,

the price at which the people of Israel
valued Him at,
10
and used it to buy the potter’s field,
as the Lord directed me.”
(Zechariah 11:12-13)
11
Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked
Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”
Jesus answered him, “You are correct.”
12
While the chief priests and the elders made their accusations
against Him, He made no reply. 13So Pilate said to Him, “Do You
62
Matthew 27
not hear the charges they are bringing against You?” 14

But to
the governor’s surprise, He did not answer a word.
15
Now each Passover it was the governor’s custom to release
one prisoner to the crowd—any prisoner they wanted. 16At that
time they had a notorious prisoner named Barabbas. 17So when
the crowd had gathered together, Pilate asked them, “Which of
these two do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus
who is called Christ?” 18For Pilate knew that the Jewish leaders
had delivered Jesus over to him because they were envious.
19
While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him a
message, saying, “Leave that innocent Man alone. This morning
I had a very disturbing dream about Him.” 20Meanwhile, the
chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowds to ask for
the release of Barabbas and to have Jesus put to death. 21But
Pilate asked them again, “Which of these two do you want me
to release to you?”
They shouted, “Barabbas!”
22
Pilate said to them, “Then what should I do with Jesus,
who is called Christ?”
They all shouted, “Crucify Him!”
23
But the governor asked, “Why? What wrong has He done?”
But they began to shout even louder, saying, “Crucify Him!”
24
Since Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, and that a
riot was about to break out, he took some water and washed
his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of this
Man’s blood. It is on your hands!”
25
And all the people answered and said, “Let His blood be
on us and on our children!” 26 Then he released Barabbas to
them. But he had Jesus whipped, and then delivered Him over
to be crucified.
27
Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium,
and the entire regiment gathered around Him. 28 They stripped
Him, and put a scarlet robe around Him. 29 They wove a crown
of thorns and placed it on His head, and put a staff in His right
hand. Then they knelt down in front of Him and mocked Him,
saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 Then they spit on Him, and
took the staff and struck Him on the head repeatedly. 31When
they had finished mocking Him, they took the robe off Him
and dressed Him in His own clothes. Then they led Him away
to be crucified.
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Matthew 27
32
As they were going out, they found a man from the city of
Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry His cross.
33
They came to the place called “Golgotha” (which means, “The
Place of the Skull”). 34 There they gave Him vinegar mixed with
bitter herbs to drink.30 But when He tasted it, He would not
drink it. 35When they crucified Him, they divided His clothes
among themselves by casting lots. This happened to fulfill what
was spoken by the prophet,
“They divided My garments among them,

and cast lots for My clothing.”
(Psalm 22:18)
36
Then they sat there and guarded Him. 37Above His head they
placed a sign with the charges written against Him:
THIS IS JESUS
THE KING OF THE JEWS.
38
They crucified two bandits with Him, one on His right, and
one on His left. 39 Those passing by insulted Him and shook
their heads, 40saying, “You who were going to destroy the temple
and rebuild it in three days, save Yourself! If You are the Son
of God, come down from the cross!”
41
The chief priests, teachers of the law, and elders also mocked
Him, saying, 42“He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!
If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down from the cross—
then we will believe Him! 43He trusts in God, so let God rescue
Him now if He wants Him. After all, He said, ‘ I am the Son of
God’!” 44And the two bandits who were crucified with Him also
insulted Him.
45
At noon, darkness came over the entire land and lasted until
three in the afternoon. 46At about three o’clock, Jesus cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” (that is,
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”)
30
This drink acted as a narcotic to help dull the pain and con-
sciousness of the person suffering. As soon as Jesus tasted it,
He refused to drink it. Instead, He endured the cross (Hebrews
12:2)! According to Mark this drink was mixed with myrrh (Mark
15:23). Just before His death Jesus drank vinegar “without
myrrh” (John 19:28-30; Matthew 27:48; Mark 15:36).
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Matthew 27
47
When some of those who were standing there heard this,
they said, “This Man is calling Elijah!” 48Immediately one of
them ran and got a sponge, soaked it with vinegar, put it on a
stick, and gave it to Him to drink.
49
But the others said, “Leave Him alone! Let us see if Elijah
will come to save Him!” 50 Then Jesus cried out again with a
loud voice and died.
51
Suddenly, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from
top to bottom, and the earth shook, and the rocks were split,
52
and the tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who
had died, arose, 53and having come out of their tombs after His
resurrection, they went into the Holy City and appeared to many.
54
And when the officer and his men who were guarding Jesus
saw the earthquake and everything else that had happened, they
were terrified and said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”
55
Several women were there, watching from a distance. They
had followed Jesus from Galilee, and had ministered to Him.
56
Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James
and Joses), and the mother of Zebedee’s sons.
57
That evening a rich man arrived from the city of Arimathea.
His name was Joseph, and he too was a disciple of Jesus. 58He
approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate
gave the order, and His body was given to him. 59Joseph took
the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and laid it in his
own new tomb that he had cut out of the rock. Then he rolled
a large stone to the entrance of the tomb and went away. 61But
Mary Magdalene and the other Mary stayed there, sitting across
from the tomb.
62
The next day, the day after Preparation Day, the chief
priests and the Pharisees assembled before Pilate. 63 They said,
“Sir, when that deceiver was still alive, we remember that He
said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore, give orders
that the tomb be secured until the third day. Otherwise His
disciples might come at night and steal His body, and then tell
the people, ‘He has risen from the dead!’ Then the last deception
will be worse than the first.”
65
Matthew 28
65
Pilate said to them, “Take some guards and make it as
secure as you can.” 66So they went and secured the tomb by
placing a seal on the stone and posting guards.
28 After the Sabbath, at dawn, on the first day of the week,

Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to visit the
tomb. 2Suddenly there was a great earthquake. And an angel
of the Lord descended from heaven, rolled away the stone from
the entrance, and sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning,
and his clothes were as white as snow. 4 The guards shook in
terror and became like dead men. 5But the angel said to the
women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you are looking for Jesus,
who was crucified. 6He is not here, for He has risen, just as
He said. Come! See the place where the Lord was lying. 7Go
quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead. He
is going to Galilee ahead of you, and you will see Him there.’
Now remember what I have told you.”
8
So the women left the tomb quickly with great fear and
excitement, and ran to tell His disciples. 9As they were on their
way to tell His disciples, Jesus met them and said, “Greetings!”
And they came up to Him, grabbed hold of His feet, and worshiped
Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go and tell
My brothers to go to Galilee. When they get there, they will see
Me.”
11
As the women were on their way, some of the guards went
into the city and told the chief priests everything that had
occurred. 12 The chief priests met with the elders and decided
to give the soldiers a large sum of money. 13 They said to the
soldiers, “You must say, ‘ His disciples came at night and stole
Him while we were sleeping.’ 14If the governor hears about this,
we will satisfy him with an explanation and keep you out of
trouble.” 15So the soldiers took the money and did as they were
told. And to this very day their story has been widely circulated
among the Jews.
16
So the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain
where Jesus had told them to go. 17When they saw Him, they
worshiped Him, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them
and said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on
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Matthew 28
earth. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing

them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit,
20
teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you.
Look! I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.
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Mark 1
Mark
1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
2
As it is written in the prophets:
“Look! I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You.”
(Malachi 3:1)
3
make straight paths for Him!’”
(Isaiah 40:3)
John came baptizing in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism

4
of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5All those from Judea

and Jerusalem went out to see him, and they confessed their
sins and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River. 6John
was dressed in camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist,
and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He proclaimed:
“One is coming after me

who is far more superior than I;
I am not even worthy to stoop down
and untie His sandals.
8
Indeed, I baptize you with water,
but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
In those days Jesus came from the town of Nazareth in

9
Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan River. 10As

soon as Jesus came up out of the water, John saw the heavens
being torn open and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.
11
And a voice came from heaven, saying, “You are My beloved
Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13He

12
was in the wilderness for forty days, tempted by satan. He was

with the wild animals, and the angels took care of Him.
14
Now after John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee,
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Mark 1
proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God, 15saying, “The

time has come, and the kingdom of heaven is near! Repent, and
believe the good news!”
16
As Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee,
He saw Simon and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net
into the sea, because they were fishermen.
17
“Come follow Me,” Jesus said to them, “and I will make you
fishers of men.” 18So immediately they abandoned their nets
and followed Him.
19
Going a little further He saw James, the son of Zebedee,
and his brother John, mending nets in a boat. 20Immediately
Jesus called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat
with the hired men and followed Him.
21
Then they went to the town of Capernaum. As soon as it
was the Sabbath, He entered the synagogue and began to teach.
22
They were amazed at His teaching, for unlike the teachers of
the law, He taught with authority.
23
In the synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit,
who cried out, 24“Leave us alone! What do You want with us,
Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who
You are—the Holy One of God!” 25But Jesus rebuked him,
saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26After throwing the
man into convulsions, the unclean spirit cried out with a loud
voice and came out of him.
27
Everyone was amazed and said to one another, “What is
this doctrine? For with authority He gives commands to unclean
spirits and they obey Him!” 28And news about Him spread swiftly
throughout the entire region of Galilee.
29
As soon as they left the synagogue, they went into Simon
and Andrew’s house with James and John. 30Simon’s mother-
in-law was lying in bed with a fever, and right away they told
Jesus about her. 31Then Jesus went and took her by the hand
and raised her up, and immediately the fever left her, and she
began to serve them.
32
That evening, after sunset, they brought to Him all who were
sick and demon-possessed. 33And the entire town gathered at
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Mark 2
the door. 34He healed many who were sick with various diseases
and cast out many demons. But He would not allow the demons
to speak, because they knew who He was.
35
Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got
up and went to a solitary place to pray. 36Simon and the others
went looking for Him, 37and when they found Him, they said to
Him, “Everyone is looking for You.”
38
“Let us go to the neighbouring towns,” Jesus replied, “so
that I can preach in them as well—for that is why I have come.”
39
So He went throughout Galilee preaching in their synagogues
and casting out demons.
40
Now a leper came to Jesus and fell on his knees, begging
Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.”
41
Filled with compassion, Jesus stretched out His hand and
touched him. “I am willing,” He said. “Be cleansed!” 42As soon
as He said this, the leprosy left him, and he was cleansed.
43
Jesus sent him away immediately, strictly warning him,
44
“Do not tell anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest,
and offer the sacrifice that Moses prescribed for your cleansing
as a testimony to them.” 45But he went off and began to spread
the news to everyone. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter
a town openly. Instead He stayed in solitary places, and the
people came to Him from everywhere.
2 A few days later, when He returned to the town of Capernaum,

word spread that He was home. 2So many gathered that there
was no more room, not even outside the door, and He preached
the word to them. 3Four men came carrying a paralyzed man.
4
But they were not able to bring him to Jesus because of the
crowd. So they removed the roof tiles and lowered the mat on
which the paralyzed man was lying. 5When Jesus saw their faith,
He said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
6
But some of the teachers of the law were sitting there thinking
in their hearts, 7“Why does this Man speak such blasphemy?
Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
8
Jesus immediately knew in His spirit what they were thinking,
and said to them, “Why are you thinking such things in your
hearts? 9 Tell Me, is it easier to say to this paralyzed man, ‘Your
sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and
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Mark 2
walk’? 10 But to let you know that the Son of Man has authority
on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, 11“I say
to you, ‘Get up, pick up your mat, and go home.’” 12Immediately
he stood up, picked up his mat, and walked out in front of
everyone. And the people all marvelled and glorified God, saying,
“We have never seen anything like this!”
13
Once more Jesus went out by the sea. A large crowd came
to Him, and He taught them. 14After moving on from there, He
saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth, and He
said to him, “Follow Me!” So Levi got up and followed Him.
15
While Jesus was eating at Levi’s house, many tax collectors
and sinners sat at the table with Jesus and His disciples—for
many of them had become His followers. 16When the teachers
of the law and the Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors
and sinners, they said to His disciples, “Why does He eat and
drink with tax collectors and sinners?”
17
When Jesus heard them, He said, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
18
Since John’s disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, they
came and asked Him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples
of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not?”
19
Jesus replied, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while
he is still with them? As long as the bridegroom is with them, they
cannot fast. 20But the time will come when the bridegroom will be
taken away from them, and then they will fast. 21Nobody patches
an old garment with a piece of unshrunk cloth. Otherwise the
patch would shrink and rip away from the garment, causing an
even bigger tear. 22Nobody puts new wine into old wineskins. If
they did, the wine would swell and burst the wineskins. Then
the wine would pour out, and the wineskins would be ruined.
Instead, they put new wine into new wineskins.”
23
One Sabbath, as Jesus was walking through the grain
fields, His disciples began picking heads of grain. 24“Look,” the
Pharisees said to Him, “why are they doing what is unlawful
on the Sabbath?”
25
“Have you not read what David did,” said Jesus, “when he
and his men were in need and hungry? 26He went into the house
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Mark 3
of God when Abiathar was high priest and ate the consecrated
bread, which was not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat,
and he gave some to his men as well.”
27
“The Sabbath was made for man,” remarked Jesus, “not
man for the Sabbath. 28Furthermore, the Son of Man is Lord
of the Sabbath.”
3 Jesus went into the synagogue once again, and a man with
a paralyzed hand was there. 2Since they were looking for a
reason to accuse Him, they watched Him closely to see if He
would heal the man on the Sabbath. 3 Then Jesus said to the man
with the paralyzed hand, “Stand in the middle of the synagogue.”
4
And He asked them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath,
or to do evil? To save life, or to kill?” But they remained silent.
5
Jesus looked around at them in disgust, deeply grieved at the
hardness of their hearts. Then He said to the man, “Stretch
out your hand.” So the man stretched out his hand, and it was
completely healed—just as good as his other hand. 6Immediately
the Pharisees went out and began plotting with the Herodians
against Him, trying to find a way to destroy Him.
7
Jesus left with His disciples and went to the sea. And a large
crowd followed Him. They were from Galilee, Judea, 8Jerusalem,
Idumea, and from east of the Jordan River, as well as from Tyre
and Sidon. The large crowd came to Him because they heard
of all He was doing. 9He told His disciples to get a small boat
ready for Him, so that the crowd would not crush Him. 10For
He had healed so many people that everyone who had diseases
kept pushing their way forward to touch Him. 11Whenever the
unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried
out, “You are the Son of God!” 12But Jesus strictly warned them
not to reveal His identity.
13
Jesus went up on the hillside and called those He wanted,
and they came to Him. 14He appointed twelve to accompany
Him, so that He could send them out to preach, 15and to have
the authority to heal diseases, and to cast out demons. 16And
these are the twelve He appointed:
Simon (whom Jesus named Peter),

17
James and his brother John (the sons of Zebedee,
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Mark 3
whom Jesus nicknamed “Boanerges,” which means,

“Sons of Thunder”),
18
Andrew (the brother of Simon Peter),
Philip,
Matthew (also called Levi),
Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus),
Simon (the Zealot),
19
20
Now Jesus was unable to eat bread, because a crowd had
gathered again. 21When His family heard this, they went to get
Him, saying, “He is out of His mind!”
22
And the teachers of the law who had come up from Jerusalem
said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! He casts out demons by
the prince of demons!”31
23
So Jesus called them over and spoke to them in parables:
“How can satan cast out satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against
itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against
itself, that house cannot stand. 26If satan rises up against himself
and is divided, he cannot stand, and his end has come. 27No
one can enter a strong man’s house and steal his belongings,
unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his
house. 28 Truly I say to you, men will be forgiven for every sin
and blasphemy they utter. 29But whoever blasphemes against
the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven, because they are guilty of
an eternal sin.” 30He said this, because they were saying that
He had an unclean spirit.
31
His mother and His brothers arrived. They stood outside
and sent someone in to call Him. 32 Those sitting around Jesus
said to Him, “Look! Your mother and Your brothers are outside
looking for You.”
33
Jesus replied, “Who is My mother or My brothers?” 34 Then
31
the demons”).
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Mark 4
He looked at those sitting around Him and said, “Look! My

mother and My brothers! 35Whoever does the will of God is My
brother and sister and mother.”
4 Again Jesus began to teach by the sea, and a very large crowd
gathered around Him. So He got into a boat, which was on
the water, and sat down. And all the people listened from the
shore. 2Using parables, He began to teach them many things.
As He was teaching them, He said, 3“Listen! A sower went out
to sow his seed. 4As he was sowing, some of the seeds fell on
the pathway, and the birds came and ate them up. 5Some of
the seeds fell on rocky ground, where there was not much
soil. They sprouted quickly, because the soil was shallow. 6But
when the sun was hot, the young plants were scorched. They
withered up, because their roots were not deep enough. 7Some
of the seeds fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up and
choked the plants, and they did not produce a crop. 8But some
of the seeds fell on good soil and produced a crop that grew up
and increased thirty, sixty, or hundredfold.” 9 Then He said to
them, “Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear!”
10
When Jesus was alone, the twelve disciples and the others
around Him asked Him about the parables. 11“The knowledge
of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you,” He
replied, “but to those who are outside everything is in parables:
‘ They will look with their eyes

12
but never see.

They will hear with their ears
but never understand.
Otherwise, they would turn to Me,
and I would forgive their sins.’”
(Isaiah 6:9-10)
13
“If you do not understand this parable,” He said to them,
“then how will you understand any other parable? 14Now: the
sower sows the word. 15Some are like the seeds on the pathway,
where the word is sown. When they hear it, satan immediately
comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts.
16
Others are like the seeds sown on rocky ground. When they
hear the word, they immediately receive it with joy. 17But since
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Mark 4
they are not deeply rooted, they only last for a short time. When
tribulation or persecution comes on account of the word, they
immediately fall away. 18Still others are like the seeds sown
among the thorns. They hear the word, 19but the cares of this
world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other things
come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. 20Others are
like the seeds sown on good ground. When they hear the word,
they welcome it, and produce a crop that yields thirty, sixty,
or hundredfold.”
21
Then Jesus said to them, “Do you bring a lamp into a room
and put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! You
place it on a lamp stand. 22For all that is hidden will be revealed,
and all that is secret will come to light. 23 Whoever has ears to
hear, let him hear!”
24
Jesus said to them, “Pay careful attention to what you are
hearing. For whatever degree you pay attention, will be the
degree you understand. The more you pay attention, the more
understanding you will gain. 25For whoever has, to him more
will be given. And whoever does not have, even what he has
will be taken away from him.”
26
Then Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is like a man who
scatters seed on the ground. 27Whether he is asleep at night or
awake during the day the seed sprouts and grows, though he
does not know how. 28For the ground produces crops by itself—
first the stalk, then the head, then the full head of grain. 29As
soon as the grain is ripe, he starts cutting it with his sickle,
because the harvest has come.”
30
He went on to say, “To what can we compare the kingdom
of God to? Or what parable can we use to describe it? 31It is like
a mustard seed. When it is sown in the ground, it is smaller
than all the other seeds on earth. 32However, after it has been
sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the herbs. It
produces such large branches that the birds of the air nest in
its shade.” 32
32
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Mark 5
33
With many such parables He spoke the word to them, as
much as they were able to understand. 34He did not say anything
to them without using parables, but privately He explained
everything to His disciples.
35
That day, when evening had come, He said to His disciples,
“Let us cross over to the other side.” 36So they left the crowd and
got into the boat that He was in. And some other boats followed
them. 37A terrible windstorm arose, and the waves began to
beat against the boat and to fill it with water. 38Jesus, however,
was in the back of the boat sleeping on a cushion. They woke
Him up. “Teacher!” they exclaimed, “Do You not care that we
are about to die?”
39
Then He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea,
“Peace, be still!” Suddenly the wind stopped, and there was a
great calm. 40 Then He asked them, “Why are you so fearful? Do
you still have no faith?”
41
They were greatly terrified and said to one another, “What
kind of Man is this? Even the wind and the sea obey Him!”
5 They arrived on the other side of the sea, in the region of

the Gerasenes. 2As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a man
with an unclean spirit came from the tombs to meet Him. 3He
lived among the tombs, and no one could bind him, not even
with chains. 4He had often been bound with shackles and
chains, but had torn the chains apart and broke the shackles
in pieces. No one was able to subdue him. 5Night and day he
was always on the hillside among the tombs, screaming and
cutting himself with stones.
6
Seeing Jesus a long ways off, he ran up and fell down before
Him. 7Then he cried out with a loud voice, “What do you want
with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that
You will not torment me!” 8For Jesus had said to him, “Come
out of the man, you unclean spirit!”
9
“What is your name?” Jesus asked him.
“My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” 10And he
begged Jesus repeatedly not to send them out of that region.
11
Now a large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside nearby.
12
“Send us into the pigs,” begged the demons, “so that we can
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Mark 5
enter them!” 13And Jesus allowed them. Then the demons came
out and entered the pigs. And the herd—about two thousand—
rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and drowned in the
sea. 14 The herdsmen ran off and reported everything in the city
and the countryside. So the people went out to see what had
happened. 15 When they came to Jesus and saw the man who had
been possessed by the legion of demons, sitting there, clothed,
and in his right mind, they were afraid. 16 Those who had seen
it told them what had happened to the demon-possessed man
and to the pigs. 17Then they begged Him to leave their region.
18
As He was climbing into the boat, the man who had been
demon-possessed begged Jesus to let him go with Him. 19But
Jesus would not let him. “Go home to your family,” Jesus said
to him, “and tell them how much the Lord has done for you,
and how He has shown you mercy.” 20So the man went off and
began proclaiming in the Decapolis all that Jesus had done for
him, and everyone marvelled.
21
When Jesus had crossed over again in the boat to the other
side, a large crowd gathered around Him by the sea. 22 Then a
synagogue leader named Jairus arrived. When he saw Jesus,
he fell down at His feet. 23“My daughter is dying,” he pleaded
desperately, “come and lay Your hands on her, so that she can
be healed and live.”
24
So Jesus went with Jairus, and a large crowd followed and
pressed against Him. 25A woman was there who had suffered
from internal bleeding for twelve years. 26She had suffered a
great deal from many doctors, and had spent everything she
had, yet instead of getting better she had gotten worse. 27When
she heard about Jesus, she came up behind Him in the crowd
and touched His garment. 28“If I can just touch His garment,”
she said to herself, “I will be healed.” 29Immediately the source
of her bleeding stopped, and she felt in her body that she was
healed of her illness.
30
Immediately Jesus knew within Himself that power had
gone out from Him. So He turned around in the crowd and
said, “Who touched My garments?”
31
“You see the crowd pressing against You,” said the disciples,
“and You say, ‘ Who touched Me?’”
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Mark 6
32
But Jesus kept looking around to see who had touched
Him. 33 Then the woman, knowing what had happened to her,
came with fear and trembling, fell down before Him, and told
Him the whole truth. 34“Daughter,” Jesus said to her, “your faith
has healed you. Go in peace, and be healed of your illness.”
35
While He was still speaking, some people came from the
synagogue leader’s house. “Your daughter has died,” they said.
“Why trouble the Teacher any further.”
36
When Jesus heard what they said, He said to the synagogue
leader, “Do not be afraid. Just believe.” 37And He did not let
anyone follow Him except Peter, and the two brothers, James
and John. 38 When He arrived at the house of the synagogue
leader and saw all the commotion, and the people weeping
and wailing, 39He went inside and said to them, “Why are you
weeping and making such a commotion? The girl is not dead.
She is only sleeping.”
40
But they mocked Him with laughter. After He had removed
them all, He took the girl’s father and mother, and those who
were with Him, and went into the room where the girl was lying.
41
Then He took the girl by the hand and said to her, “Talitha,
koum!” which means, “Girl, I say to you, get up!” 42And the
girl, who was twelve years old, immediately got up and started
to walk around. And her parents were shocked and amazed.
43
Then He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what had
happened, and told them to give her something to eat.
6 Jesus left there and went to the town of Nazareth, where

He had grown up, and His disciples followed Him. 2On the
Sabbath He began to teach in the synagogue, and all those who
heard Him marvelled.
“Where did He get these things?” they asked. “What is this

wisdom that has been given to Him, that He even performs
miracles through His hands? 3Is this not the carpenter, the son
of Mary, the brother of James, Joses, Judas, and Simon? Are
not His sisters here with us?” And they were offended by Him.
4
“A prophet is honoured everywhere,” said Jesus, “but in his
own town, among his relatives, and among his own family.” 5He
was unable to do any miracles there except to lay His hands
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Mark 6
on a few sick people and heal them. 6And He marvelled at their

unbelief.
Then He went around teaching from village to village. 7He

called the twelve and began to send them out two by two, giving
them authority over unclean spirits. 8He commanded them
to take nothing for their journey except a walking stick—no
traveller’s bag, no bread, and no money in their belts. 9 They
were to wear sandals, but they were not to take along any extra
clothes.
10
“Whenever you enter a house,” He said to them, “stay there
until you leave that place. 11If that place does not welcome you
or listen to you, then leave there and shake the dust off your
feet as a testimony against them. Truly I say to you, it will be
better on the day of judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah than
for that town.”
12
So they went out and proclaimed that men should repent.
13
They cast out many demons, anointed many sick people with
oil, and healed them.
14
King Herod heard of all this, because Jesus’ name had
become well known. For some were saying, “John the Baptist
has been raised from the dead, and that is why these powers
are at work in Him.”
15
Others were saying, “He is Elijah.”
Still others were saying, “He is a prophet, like one of the
prophets of old.”
16
When Herod heard of all this, he said, “It is John, whom I
beheaded. He has risen from the dead!”
17
For Herod himself had sent and arrested John, and had
him bound and put in prison, because of Herodias, his brother
Philip’s wife, whom he had married. 18For John had said to
Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.”
19
So Herodias held a grudge against him and wanted to kill
him. But she was not able to, 20because Herod feared John.
He knew that John was a righteous and holy man, so he kept
John safe. When he heard John he was greatly puzzled, yet he
enjoyed listening to him.
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Mark 6
21
The opportunity Herodias had been waiting for had arrived.
It was Herod’s birthday, and he hosted a banquet for his nobles,
commanders, and the most prominent men of Galilee. 22When
the daughter of Herodias came in and danced for Herod and
his guests, she pleased the king so much that he said to her,
“Ask me for anything you want, and I will give it to you.” 23And
he swore an oath to her, “I will give you anything you ask for,
up to half my kingdom.”
24
Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should
I ask for?”
Her mother said, “The head of John the Baptist.”
25
Immediately she hurried back to the king and said, “I want
you to give me right now, on a platter, the head of John the
Baptist.”
26
This deeply grieved the king. But because of his oath and
his guests, he did not want to refuse her. 27Immediately the
king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring John’s
head. So the man went and beheaded John in prison. 28He
brought John’s head on a platter and gave it to the girl, who
in turn gave it to her mother. 29When John’s disciples heard
about this, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.
30
The apostles gathered around Jesus and told Him about
everything they had done and taught. 31 There were so many
people coming and going that they did not even have time to
eat. “Come with Me,” said Jesus, “to a solitary place and rest
for a while.” 32So they went off in a boat by themselves to a
solitary place. 33 The people saw them leaving, and many of them
recognized Him. So they hurried on foot from all the towns and
arrived ahead of them. 34When Jesus got out of the boat and
saw the large crowds, He had compassion on them, because
they were like sheep without a shepherd. Then He began to
teach them many things.
35
As the hour grew late, His disciples came to Him and said,
“This is a solitary place, and it is getting late. 36Send them
away, so they can go into the surrounding countryside and
towns to buy some bread for themselves. For the people have
nothing to eat.”
37
He answered them, “You give them something to eat.”
They said to Him, “Should we go and buy $16,000 worth of
80
Mark 6
bread and give it to them to eat?” 33

38
Jesus asked them, “How many loaves do you have? Go
and see.”
When they found out, they said, “Five loaves and two fish.”
39
Then He commanded them all to sit down in groups on the
green grass. 40And they sat down in groups of hundreds and
fifties. 41 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, looked
up to heaven, and gave thanks. Then He broke the loaves, and
gave them to His disciples to hand out to the people. He divided
the two fish among them as well. 42 The people ate and were all
satisfied. 43And the disciples picked up the left over pieces of
bread and fish, filling up twelve baskets. 44About five thousand
men had eaten the loaves.
45
Immediately after this, Jesus made His disciples get into the
boat to cross over to the other side, to the town of Bethsaida.
He, however, stayed behind to dismiss the crowds. 46After dis-
missing the crowds, He went up on the hillside to pray. 47When
evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea, and He
was alone on land. 48Jesus saw them straining at the oars, be-
cause the wind was against them. And in the fourth watch of
the night Jesus came to them walking on the sea.34 He wanted
to approach them, 49but when they saw Him walking on the
sea they thought He was a ghost and cried out. 50 They all saw
Him and were terrified, so Jesus spoke to them at once. “Take
courage,” He said, “it is I! Do not be afraid!” 51 Then He got into
the boat with them, and the wind stopped. Overwhelmed with
amazement, the disciples marvelled. 52 They did not understand
about the loaves, because their hearts were hardened.
53
Crossing over, they landed at Gennesaret and anchored the
boat. 54As soon as they got out of the boat, everyone recognized
Him. 55 They ran throughout that entire region, carrying the
sick on mats to wherever they heard He was. 56 Wherever He
went—into villages, towns, or the countryside—they laid the
33
“Should we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread
and give it to them to eat?” A denarius was a day’s wages.
In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10 an hour.
$10×8hours=$80. So one day’s wages is $80(CAD). $80×200=
$16,000. So two hundred denarii is $16,000(CAD).
34
The fourth watch of the night was from 3:00–6:00 A.M.
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Mark 7
sick in the marketplaces, begging Him to let them just touch

the hem of His garment. And all who touched Him were healed.
7 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had
come from Jerusalem gathered around Him. 2 When they saw
some of His disciples eating bread with unclean hands—that
is, unwashed hands—they found fault with them. 3(For the
Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their
hands thoroughly, thus keeping the tradition of the elders. 4When
they come in from the marketplace, they do not eat unless they
wash themselves. There are many other traditions they keep,
such as the washing of cups, pots, bronze vessels, and tables.)
5
So the Pharisees and the teachers of the law asked Him,
“Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of
the elders, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?”
6
He answered and said to them, “Isaiah was right when He
prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written:
‘ These people honour Me with their lips,

but their hearts are far from Me.
7
They worship Me in vain,
because the doctrines they teach
are man-made rules.’
(Isaiah 29:13)
8
“You lay aside the commandments of God in order to keep
your man-made traditions, such as the washing of pots and
cups. And you do many other things like that.” 9Jesus continued,
“You are good at rejecting the commandments of God in order to
keep your traditions. 10For Moses said, ‘Honour your father and
your mother,’ 35 and ‘Whoever blatantly disrespects his father or
mother must be put to death.’ 36 11But you say, ‘ If a man says
to his father or mother in need, “Whatever support you might
have received from me is Corban (that is, a gift devoted to God),”
12
then you allow him to neglect his father and mother.’ 13 You
have nullified the word of God by your tradition that you have
handed down. And you do many other things like that.”
35
36
Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9
82
Mark 7
14
Then Jesus called all the people to Him, and said to them,
“Everyone listen to Me, and understand this: 15nothing that goes
into a man from the outside can defile him. It is what comes
out of a man that defiles him. 16Whoever has ears to hear, let
him hear!”
17
When He went into the house away from the crowd, His
disciples asked Him about this parable. 18“Do you have no
understanding?” He asked. “Do you not realize that nothing
that goes into a man from the outside can defile him? 19For it
does not go into his heart but into his stomach, and then is
eliminated.” (By saying this, Jesus declared all foods clean.)
20
Then He said, “It is what comes out of a man that defiles
him. 21For from within, out of men’s hearts, come evil thoughts,
adultery, fornication, murder, 22 theft, greediness, wickedness,
deceit, sensuality, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness.
23
All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”
24
Jesus got up from there and went to the region of Tyre and
Sidon. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know
that He was there, but He could not keep it a secret. 25Upon
hearing about Him, a woman whose daughter had an unclean
spirit came and fell down at His feet. 26Now the woman was a
Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth. She kept begging Him to cast
the demon out of her daughter.
27
“First let the children eat what they want,” Jesus said to
her, “for it is not right to take the children’s bread and throw
it to the dogs.”
28
“Yes, Lord,” she answered, “but even the dogs under the
table eat the children’s crumbs.”
29
“For such an answer,” He said to her, “you may go. The
demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 When she returned
home, she found her daughter lying in bed, and the demon
was gone.
31
Moving on from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He went to
the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis. 32 They
brought to Him a deaf man who could hardly speak, and they
begged Him to lay His hands on him. 33So Jesus took him
aside from the crowd. He put His fingers into the man’s ears,
and then spit and touched his tongue. 34 Then He looked up to
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Mark 8
heaven, sighed, and said to him, “Ephphatha!” (which means, “Be

opened!”). 35Immediately his ears were opened, the impediment
of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke clearly.
36
Jesus commanded the people not to tell anyone. But the
more He commanded them, the more they told everyone. 37The
people were overwhelmed with amazement.
“Everything He does is wonderful!” they exclaimed. “He even
makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak!”
8 In those days there was a very large crowd with nothing to

eat. So Jesus summoned His disciples. 2“I have compassion
for the crowd,” said Jesus, “because they have been with Me for
three days now and have nothing to eat. 3If I send them home
hungry, they will faint on the way, because some of them have
come a long distance.”
4
“Where in this wilderness,” answered the disciples, “could
anyone get enough bread to feed these people?”
5
“How many loaves do you have?” He asked them.
“Seven,” they replied.
6
Then He commanded the crowd to sit down on the ground.
He took the seven loaves, and gave thanks. Then He broke the
loaves and gave them to His disciples to hand out, and they
handed them out to the crowd. 7They also had a few small fish.
He gave thanks for them, and told the disciples to hand them
out as well. 8 The people ate and were satisfied. And the dis-
ciples picked up the left over pieces, filling up seven baskets.
9
About four thousand men ate. After sending them away, 10He
immediately got into the boat with His disciples and went to
the region of Dalmanutha.
11
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees came to Jesus and
asked Him to show them a sign from heaven. 12Jesus sighed
deeply in His spirit. “Why does this generation look for a sign?” He
said. “Truly I say to you, no sign will be given to this generation!”
13
Then He left them, got into the boat again, and went to the
other side of the sea.
14
The disciples had forgotten to take bread with them, so they
had only one loaf in the boat. 15“Watch out!” Jesus warned them.
“Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and the yeast of Herod.”
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Mark 8
16
They discussed this among themselves and said, “Is He
saying this because we have no bread?”
17
Aware of this, Jesus asked, “Why are you talking about
having no bread? Do you not comprehend or understand? Are
your hearts hardened? 18Do you have eyes, but do not see? Do
you have ears, but do not hear? Do you not remember? 19When I
broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls
of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Twelve,” they said to Him.
20
“And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand,
how many basketfuls of leftovers did you pick up?”
“Seven,” they said.
21
“Do you still not understand?” Jesus asked them.
22
When He arrived at Bethsaida, they brought a blind man
to Him and begged Him to touch him. 23So Jesus took the blind
man by the hand and led him out of the town. Then He spit on
his eyes, placed His hands on him, and asked him, “Can you
see anything?”
24
The man looked around. “I can see people,” he said, “but
they look like trees walking around.”
25
Again Jesus placed His hands on the man’s eyes and made
him look around. His sight was restored, and he saw everything
clearly. 26 Then Jesus sent the man home. “Do not go into the
town,” He said, “or tell anyone in the town about this.”
27
Then Jesus and His disciples went to the towns around
Caesarea Philippi. On the way He asked His disciples, “Who do
men say that I am?”
28
“Some say John the Baptist,” they replied, “some say Elijah,
and others say that You are one of the other prophets.”
29
“What about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say that I am?”
“You are the Christ,” answered Peter.
30
And Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about Him.
31
Then He began to teach them that the Son of Man must
suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief
priests, and the teachers of the law, and be killed, and after
three days rise again. 32As He spoke openly about this, Peter
took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. 33But Jesus turned
around, looked at His disciples, and rebuked Peter. “Get behind
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Mark 9
Me, satan!” He said. “For your mind is not on the things of God,
but on the things of man.”
34
Then Jesus called the crowd to Him, as well as His disciples.
“If anyone desires to come after Me,” Jesus said, “he must deny
himself and take up his cross and follow Me. 35Whoever desires
to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake
and for the gospel will save it. 36For what will it profit a man if
he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? 37Or what can
a man offer in exchange for his soul? 38Whoever is ashamed of
Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the
Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in the
glory of His Father with the holy angels.”
9 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, some who are
standing here will not taste death until they see the kingdom
of God come in power.”
2
Six days later, Jesus took Peter, James, and John, and led
them up to a high mountain to be alone. There, before their
very eyes, Jesus was transformed. 3His clothes became radi-
ant, very white, like snow—whiter than anyone on earth could
bleach them. 4 Then Elijah and Moses appeared and began
talking with Jesus.
5
Peter said to Jesus, “Rabbi, how wonderful it is for us to be
here! I will make three shelters—one for You, one for Moses,
and one for Elijah.” 6Peter did not know what to say, for they
were all terrified.
7
Then a cloud came and surrounded them, and a voice came
from the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Listen to Him!”
8
Suddenly, as they looked around, they saw no one with them
but Jesus.
9
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus ordered them
not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had
risen from the dead. 10So they kept the matter to themselves,
discussing what “rising from the dead” meant.
11
“Why, then,” they asked Him, “do the teachers of the law
say that Elijah must come first?”
12
“Elijah truly does come first,” He answered, “in order to
get everything ready. But why is it written that the Son of Man
86
Mark 9
must suffer many things and be rejected? 13But I tell you that
Elijah has come, and they did to him what they wanted, just
as it is written about him.”
14
When He came to the other disciples, He saw a large crowd
around them and the teachers of the law arguing with them.
15
As soon as the whole crowd saw Him, they were greatly amazed
and ran to greet Him.
16
“What are you arguing with them about?” He asked the
teachers of the law.
17
“Teacher,” said a man in the crowd, “I brought my son
to You. He is possessed by a spirit that makes him mute.
18
Whenever it seizes him, it throws him down. He foams at the
mouth, gnashes his teeth, and becomes very stiff. I asked Your
disciples to cast it out, but they could not do it.”
19
“You unbelieving generation!” remarked Jesus. “How much
longer must I be with you? How much longer must I put up
with you? Bring him here to Me.”
20
So they brought the boy to Him. When the spirit saw Jesus,
it immediately threw the boy into convulsions. He fell to the
ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.
21
“How long has this been happening?” Jesus asked his father.
“Since childhood,” he replied. 22“Many times it has thrown
him into the fire or the water to destroy him. But if You can do
anything, have compassion on us and help us!”
23
“If you can believe,” Jesus said to him, “all things are pos-
sible for him who believes.”
24
Immediately the child’s father cried out and said with tears,
“Lord, I believe! Help my unbelief!”
25
When Jesus saw that a crowd was running towards Him,
He rebuked the unclean spirit. “You deaf and mute spirit,” He
said, “I command you to come out of him and to never enter
him again!”
26
Then the unclean spirit cried out, threw the boy into
convulsions, and came out. The boy looked lifeless, and many
said that he was dead. 27But Jesus took him by the hand and
helped him up, and he stood up.
28
When Jesus entered the house, His disciples asked Him
privately, “Why could we not cast it out?”
29
“This kind of demon,” answered Jesus, “does not come out
except by prayer and fasting.”
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Mark 9
30
They departed from there and passed through Galilee. He
did not want anyone to know where He was, 31because He was
teaching His disciples. “The Son of Man,” Jesus said to them,
“is going to be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and they
will kill Him. After He is killed, He will rise on the third day.”
32
But they did not understand what He was talking about, and
they were afraid to ask Him.
33
Then they came to Capernaum. While Jesus was in the
house, He asked them, “What were you arguing about on the
road?” 34But they made no reply, because on the way they had
been arguing with each other about who was the greatest. 35So
He sat down and called the twelve to Him. “If anyone wants
to be first,” He said, “he must be last of all and servant of all.”
36
Then He took a little child and stood him in their midst, and
taking him in His arms, He said to them, 37“Whoever welcomes
a little child like this in My name welcomes Me. And whoever
welcomes Me does not welcome Me, but Him who sent Me.”
38
“Teacher,” said John, “we saw someone casting out demons
in Your name. We tried to stop him, because he was not one
of us.”
39
“Do not stop him,” said Jesus, “because no one who performs
a miracle in My name can soon afterward speak evil of Me. 40For
whoever is not against us is for us. 41For whoever gives you a
cup of water to drink in My name, because you belong to Christ,
truly I say to you, he will not lose his reward.
42
“But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in
Me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone
hung around his neck and to be cast into the sea. 43If your right
hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life
without a limb than to have two hands and go into hell—into
the unquenchable fire, 44 where
‘ Their worm does not die,

and the fire is not quenched.’ 37
45
And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for
you to enter life without a limb than to have two feet and be
thrown into hell—into the unquenchable fire, 46 where
37
Isaiah 66:24
88
Mark 10

and the fire is not quenched.’
And if your eye causes you to sin, rip it out. It is better for
47
you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two
eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell, 48 where

and the fire is not quenched.’
For everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will
49
be salted with salt. 50Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavour,
how can it be made salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and
be at peace with one another.”
10 Jesus left that place and travelled along the east side of
the Jordan River to the region of Judea. Again crowds
gathered around Him, and as was His custom, He taught them.
2
Intending to trap Him, the Pharisees came to Jesus and asked
Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3
He answered, “What did Moses command you?”
4
They said, “Moses allowed us to write a certificate of divorce
and to send her away.”
5
But Jesus answered them, “It was because of the hardness of
your hearts that he wrote this commandment for you. 6But from
the beginning of creation ‘God made them male and female.’ 38
7
‘ For this reason a man will leave his father
8
and the two will become one flesh.’
(Genesis 2:24)
So they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, what God
has joined together, let man not separate.”
10
When they went inside the house, the disciples asked Him
about this. 11Jesus said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife,
and marries another woman, commits adultery against her.
12
And if a woman divorces her husband, and marries another
man, she commits adultery.”
38
Genesis 1:27, 5:2
89
Mark 10
13
Some people brought their little children to Jesus so that
He could touch them, but His disciples rebuked them. 14When
Jesus saw this, He was displeased, and said to them, “Let
the little children come to Me. Do not stop them, because the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 15 Truly I say to
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.” 16 Then He took the children in His arms, laid
His hands on them, and blessed them.
17
As Jesus was going on His way, a man ran up and knelt
down before Him. “Good Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do
to inherit eternal life?”
18
“Why do you call Me good?” Jesus asked him. “ There is
only One who is good, and that is God. 19 You know the com-
mandments:
‘ You must not commit adultery,

you must not murder,
you must not steal,
you must not cheat others,
honour your father and mother.’”
(Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20;
Leviticus 19:13)
20
“Teacher,” he replied, “I have kept all these commandments
since my childhood.”
21
Jesus looked at him and loved him. “ There is one thing
you lack,” He said. “Go and sell everything you have and give
the proceeds to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, take up the cross, and follow Me.” 22 This statement
made the man gloomy, and he went away sad, because he had
many possessions.
23
Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How difficult
it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God!” 24 The
disciples were amazed at what He said. But Jesus said to them
again, “Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches
to enter the kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go
through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the
kingdom of God.”
90
Mark 10
26
They were greatly amazed, and said to one another, “Then
who can be saved?”
27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible,
but not with God. For with God all things are possible.”
28
“Look,” said Peter to Him, “we have left everything to follow
You.”
29
“ Truly I say to you,” replied Jesus, “there is no one who
has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or
wife or children or fields for My sake and for the sake of the
gospel, 30 who will not receive a hundred times as much in this
present age—houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and
fields, with persecutions—and eternal life in the age to come.
31
However, many who are first will be last, and many who are
last will be first.”
32
As they were on their way down to Jerusalem, Jesus led the
way. This amazed them, but as they followed Him they became
anxious and afraid. Again He took the twelve aside and began
to tell them what was going to happen to Him. 33“We are now
on our way to Jerusalem,” He told them, “and the Son of Man
will be handed over to the chief priests and the teachers of the
law. They will condemn Him to death and will hand Him over
to the Gentiles, 34 who will mock Him, whip Him, spit on Him,
and kill Him. But on the third day He will rise again.”
35
Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came up to
Him. “Teacher,” they said, “we want You to do us a favour.”
36
“What do you want Me to do for you?” asked Jesus.
37
They said to Him, “Promise us that in Your glory we will sit
one at Your right hand and the other at Your left.”
38
“You do not know what you are asking!” Jesus replied. “Can
you drink the cup that I am about to drink, or be baptized with
the baptism that I am about to be baptized with?”
39
“Yes,” they said to Him, “we can.”
“Indeed,” said Jesus, “you will drink from the cup that I am
about to drink, and you will be baptized with the baptism that
I am about to be baptized with, 40but it is not for Me to decide
who will sit at My right or left hand. On the contrary, it is My
Father who will make that decision.”
41
Upon hearing this, the other ten disciples became angry
with James and John. 42So Jesus called His disciples to Him and
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Mark 11
said, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the
Gentiles lord it over their subjects, and that their men of high
rank exercise authority over the people. 43But it will not be that
way with you. On the contrary, if anyone wants to become great,
he must be your servant. 44And if anyone wants to be first, he
must be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come
to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for
many.”
46
Then they came to Jericho. As Jesus was leaving Jericho with
His disciples and a large crowd, a blind man named Bartimaeus
(the son of Timaeus) sat by the road begging. 47When he heard
that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say,
“Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
48
But the people rebuked him and told him to be quiet. Howev-
er, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”
49
Then Jesus stood still. “Call him,” He said.
So they called the blind man. “Cheer up!” they said. “Get up,
He is calling you!” 50So the man threw off his coat, stood up,
and went to Jesus.
51
“What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.
“Lord,” the blind man answered, “I want to receive my sight!”
52
“Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” And instantly
the man received his sight and followed Jesus down the road.
11 As He approached Jerusalem, near the towns of Bethphage

and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His
disciples off 2 with these instructions: “Go to the town across the
way. As soon as you get there you will find a colt tied up that
nobody has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 3If anyone
asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it and
will send it back here shortly.’”
4
So they went and found the colt outside in the street, tied
up at the doorway. As they were untying it, 5some of those who
were standing there asked them, “What are you doing, untying
that colt?” 6So they answered just as Jesus had told them, and
they let them take it. 7Then they brought the colt to Jesus and
threw their coats on it, and He sat on it.
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Mark 11
8
Many spread their coats on the road, while others cut off
palm branches and laid them in His path. 9 Those in front and
those behind cried out:
“Hosanna!
in the name of the Lord!”
(Psalm 118:25-26)
“Blessed is the kingdom of our father David,

10
who comes in the name of the Lord!

Hosanna in the highest!”
11
Jesus entered Jerusalem, went to the temple, and looked
around at everything. But since it was already late in the eve-
ning, He went out to the town of Bethany with the twelve.
12
The next day, as they were leaving Bethany, Jesus became
hungry. 13He saw a fig tree in the distance with leaves, and
hoped to find some fruit on it. When He came to it, He found
nothing but leaves, because it was not fig season. 14Jesus said
to the fig tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” And
His disciples heard this.
15
Arriving in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple and began
throwing out those who were buying and selling in the temple.
He overturned the tables of the moneychangers and the seats
of those who were selling doves, 16and He would not let anyone
carry merchandise through the temple. 17 Then He began to
teach them, saying, “Is it not written:
‘ My house will be called

a house of prayer for all nations’?
(Isaiah 56:7)
But you have made it a den of bandits!” 39 18 When the teachers

of the law and the chief priests heard this, they began looking
for a way to kill Him. They were afraid of Him, because all the
people were amazed at His teaching. 19 When evening came, He
went out of the city.
39
Jeremiah 7:11
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Mark 12
20
In the morning, as they passed by, they noticed that the fig
tree had withered to its very roots. 21Peter, remembering what
had happened, said to Him, “Look, Rabbi, the fig tree that You
cursed has withered!”
22
Jesus replied, “Have faith in God! 23 Truly I say to you,
whoever says to this mountain, ‘ Lift yourself up and throw
yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in his heart, but
believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him.
24
Therefore I say to you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe
that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25And when you
stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive them,
so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins. 26For if you
do not forgive, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.”
27
They went to Jerusalem again. As Jesus was walking in
the temple, the chief priests, the teachers of the law, and the
elders came to Him. 28“By what authority are You doing these
things?” they asked Him. “And who gave You this authority?”
29
“I have one question for you,” replied Jesus. “Answer Me,
and I will tell you by what authority I am doing these things.
30
Did John’s authority to baptize come from heaven or from
men? Answer Me.”
31
‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe John?’
32
But if we say, ‘From men,’ we are afraid of the crowd, because
they all believe that John was a prophet.”
33
“We do not know,” they said to Jesus.
“Well, then,” Jesus replied, “I will not tell you by what
authority I am doing these things.”
12 Then He began to speak to them in parables: “There was

a man who planted a vineyard. He put a hedge around
it, dug a wine vat, and built a watchtower. Then he leased it to
some farmers and departed. 2At harvest time, he sent a slave
to the farmers to collect from them his share of the vineyard’s
fruit. 3But the farmers grabbed him, beat him, and sent him
away empty-handed. 4So the man sent another slave to them.
But they stoned him, wounded his head, and sent him away
in a shameful manner. 5 Then the man sent another, and they
killed him. He sent many others; some of them they beat, and
others they killed. 6 The man had one more person left to send,
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Mark 12
his beloved son. He sent him last, saying, ‘ They will respect
my son.’ 7But those farmers said to one another, ‘ This is the
heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’
8
Then they grabbed him, killed him, and threw him out of the
vineyard. 9What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do? He
will come and destroy those farmers and will give the vineyard
to others. 10Have you not read this Scripture:
‘ The Stone that the builders rejected

has become the Cornerstone.
11
This is the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvellous in our eyes’?”
(Psalm 118:22-23)
They wanted to arrest Him, because they knew that He had

12
spoken this parable against them, but they were afraid of the
people. So they left Him and went away.
13
Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians
to trap Him in His words. 14 When they came to Him, they
said, “Teacher, we know that You are sincere. For You are not
concerned with what others think about You, because You are
not influenced by anyone but teach the way of God in truth.
Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? 15Should we pay or
should we not pay?”
But knowing their hypocrisy, Jesus said to them, “Why are
you trying to trap Me? Bring Me a denarius so that I may look at
it.” 40 16So they brought Him one. “Whose image and inscription
is this?” He asked them.
“Caesar’s,” they replied.
17
Then Jesus said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.” And they marvelled at Him.
18
Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,
came and asked Him a question, saying, 19“Teacher, Moses
wrote this to us:
‘ If a man’s brother dies,

leaving a wife but no children,
40
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Mark 12

20
Now there were seven brothers. The oldest married a wife, but
died without having children. 21So the second brother married
her, but he also died without having children. The same thing
happened to the third brother. 22In fact, all seven married her
and died without having children. Last of all, the woman died
too. 23So whose wife will she be at the resurrection when the
dead rise, since all seven were married to her?”
24
Jesus answered and said to them, “Are you not in error,
because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?
25
For when the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in
marriage, but will be like the angels in heaven. 26Now concerning
the dead being raised, have you not read in the book of Moses,
in the account of the burning bush, how God said to Moses,
‘ I am the God of Abraham,

the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob’?
(Exodus 3:6)
He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living.
27
Therefore you greatly err.”

28
One of the teachers of the law came and heard them de-
bating. When he saw that Jesus had answered them well, he
asked Him, “Which commandment is the most important of all?”
29
Jesus replied, “The most important of all the commandments
is this:
‘ Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord.

30
You must love the Lord your God
and with all your mind
and with all your strength.’
(Deuteronomy 6:4-5)
This is the most important commandment. 31

And the second
one is like it:
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Mark 12
‘ You must love your neighbour as yourself.’

(Leviticus 19:18)
There is no other commandment greater than these.”

32
The teacher of the law said to Him, “Well said, Teacher! It
is true, God is one and there is no other besides Him. 33 To love
Him with all your heart, with all your understanding, with all
your soul, and with all your strength, and to love your neighbour
as yourself, is more important than all burnt offerings and
sacrifices.”
34
When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him,
“You are not far from the kingdom of God.” After that nobody
dared to ask Him any more questions.
35
As Jesus was teaching in the temple, He asked, “How can
the teachers of the law say that the Christ is the son of David?
36
For David himself said by the Holy Spirit,

a footstool for Your feet.”’
(Psalm 110:1)
37
If David himself calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be his son?” And
the large crowd listened to Him gladly.
38
As He taught them, He said, “Beware of the teachers of the
law. They love to walk around in long robes and to be greeted in
the marketplaces. 39 They love to have the most important seats
in the synagogues and the seats of honour at banquets. 40 They
devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers. They
will receive greater condemnation!”
41
Sitting across from the temple treasury, Jesus watched
the people dropping their money into the treasury. Many of the
rich dropped in large amounts. 42But a poor widow came and
dropped in two small coins, worth only a fraction of a penny.
43
Then Jesus called His disciples to Him. “Truly I say to you,”
He remarked, “this poor widow has put more into the treasury
than the rest of them. 44For they all gave out of their surplus,
but she out of her poverty has given all that she had to live on.”
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Mark 13
13 As He was leaving the temple, one of His disciples said

to Him, “Teacher! Look at these magnificent stones, and
these magnificent buildings!”
2
“Do you see these great buildings?” Jesus said to him. “Not
one stone will be left on another. They will all be thrown down.”
3
While He was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the
temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked Him privately,
4
“Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the
sign that all these things are about to be fulfilled?”
5
“Watch out that no one deceives you,” Jesus began to say
to them. 6“For many will come in My name, saying, ‘ I am the
Christ,’ and they will deceive many. 7And when you hear of wars
and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. These things must
happen, but the end is not yet. 8For nation will rise against
nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes
in various places, and there will be famines and troubles. These
are the beginning of birth pains.
9
“Watch out for yourselves! They will hand you over to the
councils, and you will be whipped in their synagogues. You will
be brought before governors and kings for My sake, to testify to
them. 10And the gospel must first be proclaimed to all nations.
11
When you are arrested and brought to trial, do not think
beforehand about what to say. But say whatever is given to you
at that moment, for it will not be you speaking, but the Holy
Spirit. 12Brother will deliver up brother to death, and a father
his child. Children will turn against their parents and will have
them put to death. 13And everyone will hate you on account of
My name. But whoever endures to the end will be saved.
14
“When you see the ‘abomination that causes desolation,’ 41
which the prophet Daniel spoke about, standing where it should
not be (reader take note of this), then those who are in Judea
must flee to the mountains! 15Whoever is on the rooftop must
not go down into their house to take anything out of it. 16And
whoever is in the field must not turn back to get their coat. 17How
terrible it will be in those days for women who are pregnant or
nursing. 18And pray that you will not have to make your escape
in the winter. 19For at that time there will be great tribulation,
41
Daniel 9:27, 11:31, 12:11
98
Mark 13
worse than anything that has happened since the beginning of

creation, which God created, until now—and nothing like it will
ever happen again. 20If the Lord had not cut short those days,
nobody would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom He
has chosen, those days will be shortened.
21
“At that time, if anyone says to you, ‘Look! Here is the Christ,’
or ‘ Look! There He is,’ do not believe him. 22For false christs
and false prophets will arise and will perform great signs and
wonders in order to deceive, if possible, even the elect. 23Watch
out! I have told you everything ahead of time! 24But in those
days, after that tribulation,
‘ The sun will be darkened,

the moon will not give its light,
25
the stars will fall from heaven,
and the powers of heaven will be shaken.’
(Isaiah 13:10, 34:4)
26
Then they will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with
great power and glory. 27He will send out His angels, and they
will gather His elect from the four winds—from the ends of the
earth to the ends of heaven.
28
“Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: when its buds become
tender and its leaves begin to sprout, you know that summer
is near. 29Likewise, when you see these things happening, you
will know that the time is near, right at the door. 30 Truly I say
to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things
are fulfilled. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words
will never pass away. 32Nobody knows when that day or hour
will come—not the angels in heaven, not even the Son, but only
the Father. 33 Watch out, stay awake, and pray, because you do
not know when that time will come.
34
“It is like a man who went away from home on a trip,
who put his slaves in charge, each with their own task, and
commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35 Therefore keep
watch, because you do not know when the master of the house
will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at
three o’clock in the morning, or at sunrise. 36Indeed, you do not
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Mark 14
want him to come suddenly and find you sleeping. 37What I say
to you I say to everyone: watch!”
14 Two days before the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened

Bread, the chief priests and the teachers of the law were
looking for some sly way to arrest and kill Him. 2“We must not
do this during the feast,” they said, “or else there may be a riot
among the people.”
3
While Jesus was in the town of Bethany, at the house of
Simon the leper, a woman came up to Him as He sat at the
table. She had an alabaster jar of fragrant oil made of pure nard.
It was very expensive. She broke the jar open and poured it
on His head. 4Some who were there became angry and said to
themselves, “Why has this fragrant oil been wasted? 5It could
have been sold for more than $24,000 and given to the poor.” 42
And they began to scold her.
6
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her?
She has done a beautiful thing for Me. 7 You will always have the
poor with you and can help them anytime you want, but you
will not always have Me. 8She has done what she could. She
has anointed My body beforehand to prepare it for burial. 9 Truly
I say to you, wherever this gospel is preached throughout the
world, what she has done will also be told in memory of her.”
10
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief
priests to betray Jesus to them. 11When they heard this, they
were glad and promised to give him silver. So he began to look
for an opportunity to hand Him over.
12
On the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread, when
they sacrificed the Passover lamb, His disciples asked Him,
“Where do You want us to go and prepare the Passover meal?”
13
Then He sent off two of His disciples with these instruc-
tions: “Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying
a pitcher of water. Follow him, 14and say to the owner of the
42
“It could have been sold for more than three hundred de-
narii and given to the poor.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In
300×80=24,000. So three hundred denarii is $24,000(CAD).
100
Mark 14
house he enters, ‘ The Teacher says, “Where is My guest room,

where I can eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15He will show
you a large upper room that is furnished and ready. Make
preparations for us there.” 16So His disciples left and went into
the city. They found everything just as He had told them, and
they prepared the Passover meal.
17
When evening came, He arrived there with the twelve. 18As
they were sitting at the table eating, Jesus said, “Truly I say to
you, one of you who is eating with Me will betray Me.”
19
Filled with sorrow, they asked Him one by one, “Is it I?”
20
“It is one of you twelve,” He replied. “The one who is dipping
his hand into the bowl with Me. 21Indeed, the Son of Man will
go just as it is written about Him. But woe to the man who
betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had
never been born.”
22
As they were eating, Jesus took the bread, and after giving
thanks, He broke it and gave it to them. “Take this and eat it,”
He said, “for this is My body.”
23
Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks He gave it to
them, and they all drank from it. 24“This is My blood,” He said,
“the blood of the New Covenant, which is poured out for many.
25
Truly I tell you this: I will not drink again of the fruit of the
vine, until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.”
26
After singing a hymn, they made their way to the Mount of
Olives. 27“Tonight you will all fall away on account of Me,” said
Jesus, “for it is written,
‘ I will strike the Shepherd,

and the sheep will be scattered.’
(Zechariah 13:7)
But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

28
29
“Even if they all fall away,” declared Peter, “I will not!”
30
“Truly I say to you,” replied Jesus, “today, this very night,
before the rooster crows twice, you will deny Me three times.”
31
“Even if I have to die with You,” insisted Peter, “I will never
deny You!” And they all said the same thing.
101
Mark 14
32
Then they went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus
said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took Peter,
James, and John with Him, and began to be greatly overwhelmed
with distress and anguish. 34“My soul is deeply grieved,” He
told them, “to the point of death. Wait here and stay awake.”
35
He went a little further, fell to the ground, and prayed that,
if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36“Abba,
Father,”43 He prayed, “all things are possible for You. Take this
cup away from Me. However, Your will be done, not Mine.”
37
Then He returned and found them sleeping. “Simon,” He
said to Peter, “are you asleep? Could you not stay awake for
one hour? 38Stay awake, and pray that you will not enter into
temptation. Indeed, the spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.”
39
Again Jesus went away and prayed the same words. 40 Then
He returned and found them sleeping again, because their eyes
were heavy. And they did not know what to say to Him.
41
Then He returned a third time and said to them, “Are you
still sleeping and resting? Enough! The time has come. Look!
The Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Get up,
let us go! Look! My betrayer is coming!”
43
No sooner had He uttered these words than Judas, one of
the twelve, appeared. With him was a large crowd armed with
swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests, the teachers of
the law, and the elders. 44Now His betrayer, Judas, promised
to give them a signal. He said, “The One I kiss is the Man you
want. Arrest Him and lead Him away under guard.”
45
At once, Judas went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, Rabbi,”
and kissed Him. 46 Then they grabbed hold of Jesus and arrested
Him. 47But one of those who were standing there drew their
sword and struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off his ear.
48
“Have you come out,” said Jesus, “with swords and clubs to
arrest Me, as if I were some kind of bandit? 49Daily I was in the
temple teaching, and you did not arrest Me. But the Scriptures
must be fulfilled.” 50 Then all the disciples deserted Him and
fled. 51A certain young man had followed Jesus, wearing only
43
Abba is the Aramaic word for father. “Father, Father,” He
prayed, “all things are possible for You.”
102
Mark 14
a linen cloth over his bare body. When they tried to grab him,
52
he left the linen cloth behind and ran away naked.44
53
They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief
priests and the elders and the teachers of the law assembled
together. 54Peter followed Him at a distance, right into the
courtyard of the high priest, and then sat down with the officers
and warmed himself by the fire.
55
The chief priests and the entire Sanhedrin were looking
for false evidence against Jesus, because they wanted Him to
be put to death. However, they could not find any. 56Although
many falsely testified against Him, their testimonies did not line
up. 57 Then some men came forward and falsely testified against
Him, saying, 58“We heard Him say, ‘ I will destroy this temple
made with human hands, and in three days I will build another
made without human hands.’” 59But even their testimonies did
not line up.
60
Then the high priest stood up before them and asked Jesus,
“Have You no response to the accusations they are making
against You?” 61But Jesus remained silent and made no reply.
Again the high priest asked Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son
of the Blessed One?”
62
“I am,” said Jesus, “and you will see the Son of Man sitting
at the right hand of the Almighty and coming on the clouds of
heaven.”
63
Then the high priest tore his clothes and exclaimed, “What
further evidence do we need? 64You have heard His blasphemy!
What do you think?”
And they all condemned Him, saying, “He is guilty of death!”
65
Then some began to spit on Him, and they blindfolded Him
and hit Him with their fists, saying, “Prophesy!” And the officers
slapped Him with the palms of their hands.
66
As Peter was in the courtyard below, a slave-girl of the high
priest came by. 67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she
stared at him and said, “You, too, were with Jesus of Nazareth.”
68
But Peter denied Him, saying, “I do not know or understand
44
This young man was most likely John Mark, the author of
the Gospel of Mark.
103
Mark 15
what you are talking about.” Then he went over to the gateway,
and the rooster crowed.
69
The slave-girl saw him again, and began to say to those
standing there, “This man is one of them.” 70Peter, however,
denied Him again.
A little while later those who were standing there said to
Peter again, “You must be one of them, for you are a Galilean,
and your accent proves it.”
71
Denying Him again, Peter swore an oath, saying, “I do not
know the Man you are talking about!” 72And immediately the
rooster crowed a second time, and Peter remembered the words
that Jesus had said to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you
will deny Me three times.” As Peter thought about it, he wept.
15 As soon as it was morning, the chief priests had a meeting

with the elders, the teachers of the law, and the entire
Sanhedrin. Then they tied Jesus up, led Him away, and delivered
Him to Pilate.
2
“Are You the King of the Jews?” asked Pilate.
“You are correct,” replied Jesus.
3
The chief priests accused Him of many things, but He made
no reply. 4“Have You nothing to say?” said Pilate. “Look at the
charges they are bringing against You.” 5But to Pilate’s surprise,
Jesus made no reply.
6
Now each Passover Pilate would release one prisoner for
them—any prisoner they wanted. 7A man named Barabbas
was in prison at that time with the rebels who had committed
murder during the rebellion. 8So when the people cried out,
asking Pilate to release a prisoner for them, 9he said, “Do you
want me to release for you the King of the Jews?” 10For he knew
that the chief priests had delivered Jesus over to him because
they were envious. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd
to ask for the release of Barabbas instead. 12“What, then,” asked
Pilate, “should I do with the One you call the King of the Jews?”
13
“Crucify Him!” they cried out.
14
“Why?” asked Pilate. “What wrong has He done?”
“Crucify Him!” they cried out even louder.
15
So Pilate, wanting to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas
to them. Then he had Jesus whipped, and delivered Him over
to be crucified.
104
Mark 15
16
The soldiers led Jesus away into the palace (that is, the
Praetorium), and called together the entire regiment. 17 They
dressed Him in a purple robe, wove a crown of thorns, and
placed it on His head. 18And they began to salute Him, “Hail,
King of the Jews!” 19 Then they repeatedly struck Him on the
head with a staff and spit on Him. And they fell on their knees,
pretending to pay homage to Him. 20 When they had finished
mocking Him, they took the purple robe off Him and dressed
Him in His own clothes. Then they led Him away to be crucified.
21
Now Simon (the father of Alexander and Rufus), who was
from the city of Cyrene, was coming in from the country. As he
was passing by, they forced him to carry His cross. 22And they
brought Him to the place called Golgotha (which is translated,
“The Place of the Skull”). 23 They gave Him some wine mixed with
myrrh to drink, but He did not take it. 24When they crucified
Him they divided His clothes, casting lots to see who would get
what. 25It was nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified
Him. 26 The sign of the charges written against Him said:
Two bandits were crucified with Him, one on His right, and
27
one on His left. 28 This fulfilled the Scripture that says,
‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’

(Isaiah 53:12)
29
Those passing by insulted Him and shook their heads, saying,
“Aha! You who were going to destroy the temple and rebuild it
in three days, 30save Yourself and come down from the cross!”
31
The chief priests and the teachers of the law also mocked
Him, saying, “He saved others, but He cannot save Himself!
32
Let this Christ, this King of Israel, come down from the cross
now, so that we may see it and believe!” And those who were
crucified with Him also insulted Him.
33
At noon, darkness came over the entire land and lasted until
three in the afternoon. 34At three o’clock Jesus cried out with a
loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” (which is translated,
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”)
105
Mark 16
35
When some of those who were standing there heard this,
they said, “He is calling Elijah!”
36
Then one of them ran and soaked a sponge full of vinegar,
put it on a stick, and gave it to Him to drink, saying, “Leave
Him alone! Let us see if Elijah will come and take Him down!”
37
Then Jesus cried out with a loud voice and died. 38And the
curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.
39
When the officer who was standing across from Him saw
the way He cried out and gave up His spirit, he said, “Truly this
Man was the Son of God!”
40
Some women were also watching from a distance. Among
them were Mary Magdalene, Mary (the mother of James the
younger and of Joses), and Salome. 41When He was in Galilee,
they had followed Him and ministered to Him, along with many
other women who had come down to Jerusalem with Him.
42
It was Preparation Day, that is, the day before the Sabbath.
Since it was late in the afternoon, 43Joseph of Arimathea, an
honourable member of the Sanhedrin, who was waiting for
the kingdom of God, boldly approached Pilate and asked for
Jesus’ body. 44Pilate was shocked to hear that He was already
dead. So he summoned the officer to find out if he had in fact
died. 45When Pilate learned the facts from the officer, he gave
the body to Joseph. 46 Then Joseph bought a linen cloth, took
Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen cloth. Then he laid
Him in a tomb that was cut out of the rock, and rolled a stone
to the entrance of the tomb. 47And Mary Magdalene, and Mary
(the mother of Joses), saw where He was laid.
16 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary (the

mother of James), and Salome bought fragrant spices to
go and anoint His body. 2 Very early on the first day of the week,
at sunrise, they came to the tomb. 3 They said to each other,
“Who will roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for
us?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone had
been rolled away. (It was a very large stone.) 5As they entered
the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a long white robe
sitting on the right side, and they were startled.
6
“Do not be alarmed,” he said to them. “You are looking
for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen! He is
106
Mark 16
not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7Now go, tell His
disciples and Peter that He is going ahead of you to Galilee.
There you will see Him, just as He told you.”
8
Overwhelmed with fear and amazement, they quickly left
the tomb and fled. They said nothing to anyone, because they
were afraid.
9
When Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, He
appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast
out seven demons. 10She went and told the disciples, who were
mourning and weeping. 11When they heard that He was alive
and that she had seen Him, they did not believe her.
12
Later, Jesus appeared in another form to two of them as
they were walking in the country. 13So they went back and told
the rest, but they did not believe them.
14
Afterward He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the ta-
ble. He rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart,
because they refused to believe those who had seen Him after
He had risen. 15“Go into all the world,” He said to them, “and
preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and
is baptized 45 will be saved, but whoever does not believe will
be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who
believe: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak
in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes; and if they drink
any deadly thing, it will not harm them; they will lay hands on
the sick, and they will recover.”
19
After the Lord had spoken to them, He was taken up into
heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20 Then they went
out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them,
confirming His word by the signs that accompanied it. Amen.
45
Romans 6:3-6; Colossians 2:11-12
107
Luke 1
Luke
1 Many have attempted to draw up an account of the events
that have been fulfilled among us, 2based on what the original
eyewitnesses and servants of the word handed down to us.
3
And since I have carefully investigated everything from the
beginning, I have decided to write an orderly account for you,
most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the exact
details of everything you have been taught.
In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named

5
Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah.

His wife’s name was Elizabeth, and she was a descendant of
Aaron. 6 They were both righteous in the sight of God, walking
blamelessly in all the commandments and regulations of the
Lord. 7 They had no children, because Elizabeth was barren,
and they were both very old.
One day Zechariah was performing his priestly duties before

8
God, because it was his division’s turn to serve in the temple.

9
According to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by
lot to go into the temple of the Lord to burn incense. 10At the
hour of the incense offering all the people stood outside praying.
11
Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on
the right side of the altar of incense. 12When Zechariah saw the
angel, he was startled and overwhelmed with fear. 13But the
angel said to him, “Do not fear, Zechariah! Your prayers have
been heard! Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son, and you
will call his name John. 14Joy and gladness will be yours, and
many will rejoice at his birth, 15because he will be great in the
eyes of the Lord. He will not drink wine or liquor, and he will
be filled with the Holy Spirit in his mother’s womb. 16He will
turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God. 17And he
will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn
the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the disobedient
to the wisdom of the righteous, to prepare a people who are
ready for the Lord.”
108
Luke 1
18
Zechariah said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? My
wife and I are very old.”
19
The angel replied, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence
of God, and I have been sent to speak to you and to tell you
this good news. 20Now listen! You will be silent and will not be
able to speak until the day these things happen, because you
did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their time.”
21
Meanwhile the people were waiting for Zechariah, wondering
why he was taking so long in the temple. 22 When Zechariah
came out, he was unable to speak to them. They realized that
he had seen a vision in the temple, because he kept making
gestures to them and could not talk.
23
When the days of his priestly service were over, he went
home. 24After this, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant. She did
not go out in public for five months, saying, 25“The Lord has
done this for me. He has looked upon me with favour and has
removed my disgrace among men.”
26
When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, God sent the
angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, 27to a virgin
who was engaged to a man named Joseph, who was a descendant
of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 The angel came to her
and said, “Greetings, highly favoured one! The Lord is with
you. Blessed are you among women.” 29Mary was puzzled by
his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.
30
The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have
found favour with God. 31Look! You will become pregnant and
will give birth to a Son, and you will call His name JESUS. 32He
will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and
the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David. 33He
will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom
will have no end.”
34
Mary asked the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
35
The angel answered and said to her,
“The Holy Spirit will come upon you,

and the power of the Most High
will overshadow you.
Therefore, the One born to you will be holy,
and He will be called the Son of God.
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Luke 1
36
Look! Your relative Elizabeth has become
pregnant in her old age.
She who was called barren
is now in her sixth month.
37
For with God nothing is impossible.”
38
Then Mary said, “Look, I am the Lord’s slave! May it happen
to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.
39
After this, Mary got up and went quickly to a town in the hill
country of Judea. 40 When she arrived, she entered Zechariah’s
home and greeted Elizabeth. 41As soon as Elizabeth heard Mary’s
greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled
with the Holy Spirit. 42She called out with a loud voice and said,
“Blessed are you among women,

and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
43
Who am I that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44As
soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb leaped for
joy! 45Blessed is she who has believed, because what the Lord
has spoken to her will be fulfilled!”
46
Then Mary said:
“My soul magnifies the Lord,

47
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
48
because He has looked upon
the humble state of His slave.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49
for the Almighty has done great things for me,
and His name is holy.
50
From generation to generation
He shows mercy to those who reverence Him.
51
“He has done mighty deeds with His arm.
He has scattered the proud
because of the thoughts of their hearts.
52
He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
and has exalted the lowly.
53
He has filled the hungry with good things,
and the rich He has sent away empty.
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Luke 1
54
“He has helped His servant Israel,
remembering His mercy,
55
just as He promised to our fathers—
to Abraham and his descendants forever.”
56
And Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and
then returned to her home.
57
When the time came for Elizabeth to give birth, she had a
son. 58Upon hearing this, her neighbours and relatives rejoiced
with her because the Lord had shown her such great mercy.
59
On the eighth day they went to circumcise the child. They
were going to name him after his father Zechariah, 60but his
mother said, “No! His name will be John.”
61
They said to her, “But no one in your family has that name.”
62
So they motioned to Zechariah, to find out what he wanted
to name the child.
63
Then Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote,
“His name is John.” And everyone marvelled. 64Immediately
Zechariah’s mouth was opened and his tongue was loosed, and
he began to speak and to praise God.
65
Awe fell upon everyone living around them, and news of
this spread throughout the hill country of Judea. 66Everyone
who heard this pondered it in their hearts, saying, “What will
this child grow up to be?” And the Lord’s hand was with him.
67
And his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit
and prophesied:
68
“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
because He has visited and redeemed His people.
69
He has raised up a horn of salvation for us
in the house of His servant David,
70
just as He promised through the mouth
of His holy prophets long ago.
71
Indeed, He promised that He would save us from
our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
72
“He has shown mercy to our fathers
and remembered His holy covenant,
73
the oath that He swore to our father Abraham.
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Luke 2
74
He promised to rescue
us from the hand of our enemies,
so that we could serve Him without fear,
75
in holiness and righteousness
before Him all the days of our life.
76
“And you, child, will be called
a prophet of the Most High.
For you will go ahead of the Lord
to prepare the way for Him,
77
and to give His people the knowledge of salvation
through the forgiveness of their sins.
78
Because of our God’s tender mercy,
a dawning Light from on high will visit us,
79
to shine on those who sit in darkness
and in the shadow of death,
to direct our feet into the way of peace.”
80
And the child grew up and became strong in spirit, and he
lived in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance
to Israel.
2 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that

a census was to be taken of the entire Roman world. 2 This
was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of
Syria. 3So everyone went to the town of their ancestry to register.
4
Since Joseph was of the house and lineage of David he left
Galilee. He went down from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to
the town of David, which is called Bethlehem. 5Joseph went
there to register with Mary, who was engaged to him, and who
was soon expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time
came for her to give birth. 7And she gave birth to her firstborn
Son, and wrapped Him up and laid Him in a manger, because
there was no room for them in the inn.
8
Now there were shepherds nearby in the fields, keeping
watch over their flocks at night. 9Suddenly an angel of the Lord
appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them,
and they were struck with terror. 10But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid! Look! I bring you good tidings of great joy for
all people. 11For there is born to you this day a Saviour, who
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Luke 2
is Christ the Lord, in the town of David. 12 This will be a sign to

you: you will find a baby wrapped up and lying in a manger.”
13
Suddenly the angel was joined by a vast army from heaven,
praising God and saying,
14
“Glory to God in the highest,
peace on earth, and good will towards men!”
15
When the angels returned to heaven, the shepherds said
to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this wonderful
thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”
16
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby
lying in a manger. 17 When they saw the Child, they told everyone
what the angel had said about Him. 18Everyone marvelled when
they heard what the shepherds said. 19But Mary treasured
all these things in her heart and pondered them. 20 Then the
shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for everything
they had seen and heard. For everything happed just as the
angel had told them.
21
Eight days after His birth, the Child was circumcised. And
they called His name JESUS, the name the angel had given to
Him before His mother became pregnant.
22
And when the days of her purification were completed,
according to the Law of Moses, they took Him to Jerusalem to
present Him to the Lord. 23Just as it is written in the Law of
the Lord,
“Every firstborn male

will be called holy to the Lord.”
(Exodus 13:2)
24
They also offered a sacrifice according to what is stated in
the Law of the Lord:
“A pair of turtledoves
or two young pigeons.”
(Leviticus 12:6, 8)
25
Now there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon, who was
a righteous and God-fearing man. He was eagerly expecting the
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Luke 2
One who would comfort Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon
him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he
would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Christ. 27Led by the
Spirit, Simeon went to the temple. When they brought Jesus to
the temple to do what was required by the Law, 28Simeon took
Him in his arms and praised God, saying,
29
“Now, Lord, let Your slave die in peace,
according to Your promise.
30
For my eyes have seen Your Salvation,
31
which You have prepared for all people to see—
32
a light for revelation to the Gentiles,
and glory for Your people Israel.”
Joseph and Mary marvelled at what was being said about

33
Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them and said to His mother Mary,
“Look! This Child is destined to cause

the fall and rise of many in Israel.
He will be a sign that many will oppose,
35
and in the process the thoughts of many
hearts will be revealed.
Indeed, a sword will pierce your own soul as well.”
36
There was also a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel,
of the tribe of Asher. She was very old. In her youth she had
been married for seven years. 37Then her husband died, and
she remained a widow for eighty-four years. She never left the
temple, but served God day and night with fasting and prayer.
38
At that very moment, she came up to them and began to give
thanks to the Lord and to speak about the Child to all who were
eagerly expecting the redemption of Jerusalem.
39
After they had completed everything according to the Law of
the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth.
40
And the Child grew and became strong in spirit. He was
full of wisdom, and God’s grace was upon Him.
41
Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year for the
Passover Feast. 42 When He was twelve years old, they went down
to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 When the
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Luke 3
days of the feast were over, His parents headed back. Meanwhile,
the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and Mary,
however, were unaware of it. 44 They travelled for a whole day,
supposing that Jesus was with those who were travelling with
them. Then they began to look for Him among their relatives
and friends. 45But when they did not find Him, they went back
to Jerusalem to look for Him. 46After three days they found Him
in the temple. He was sitting among the teachers, listening to
them and asking them questions. 47And all who heard Him were
amazed at His insight and answers. 48 When His parents saw
Him, they were astonished. His mother said to Him, “Son, why
have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have been
anxiously searching for You!”
49
He said to them, “Why were you searching for Me? Did you
not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” 50But
they did not understand what He was talking about.
51
Then He went back with them to Nazareth, and lived in
obedience to them. But His mother kept all these matters in
her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and
in favour with God and man.
3 In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, when

Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, and Herod Antipas was
ruler of Galilee, and his brother Philip was ruler of Iturea and
Trachonitis, and Lysanias was ruler of Abilene, 2and Annas and
Caiaphas were high priests, the word of God came to John, the
son of Zechariah, in the wilderness. 3And he went throughout the
region of the Jordan River, preaching a baptism of repentance
for the forgiveness of sins. 4As it is written in the book of Isaiah
the prophet:

make straight paths for Him!
5
Every valley will be filled in,
and every mountain and hill will be levelled.
The crooked roads will be made straight,
and the rough ways will be made smooth,
6
and all flesh will see the salvation of God.’”
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
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Luke 3
7
John said to the crowds who came out to be baptized by
him, “You offspring of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the
coming wrath? 8Produce fruit that shows that you have truly
repented. Do not think that you can say to yourselves, ‘We have
Abraham as our father!’ For I tell you that from these stones
God can raise up children for Abraham. 9Even now the axe
is ready to strike the root of the trees. Any tree that does not
produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
10
The crowds asked him, “What, then, should we do?”
11
John answered them, “Whoever has two coats should give
one to someone who has none, and whoever has food should
do the same.”
12
Some tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked
him, “Teacher, what should we do?”
13
John replied, “Collect no more than what you are supposed
to collect.”
14
Some soldiers also asked him, “What should we do?”
John answered, “Be satisfied with your pay, and never use
intimidation or blackmail to extort money.”
15
Since the people were expecting the Messiah to come soon,
they were all wondering in their hearts if John was perhaps the
Messiah. 16But John said to them all, “I baptize you with water,
but there is One coming who is far more superior than I, and I
am not even worthy to untie His sandals. He will baptize you with
the Holy Spirit and fire. 17His winnowing fork is in His hand, and
He will clear His threshing floor. He will gather His wheat into
the barn, but He will burn the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
18
With many other encouraging words John preached the
good news to the people.
19
But when John rebuked Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee,
because of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the
other evil things he had done, 20Herod added yet another sin
to everything else: he locked John up in prison.
21
When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was also
baptized. And as He was praying, the heavens opened, 22and
the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove.
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Luke 3
Then a voice from heaven said, “This is My beloved Son, with

whom I am well pleased.”
23
When Jesus began His ministry He was about thirty years
old. It was supposed that He was the son of Joseph.
Now Joseph was the son of Heli,

24
Heli was the son of Matthat,
Matthat was the son of Levi,
Levi was the son of Melchi,
Melchi was the son of Jannai,
Jannai was the son of Joseph,
25
Joseph was the son of Mattathias,
Mattathias was the son of Amos,
Amos was the son of Nahum,
Nahum was the son of Esli,
Esli was the son of Naggai,
26
Naggai was the son of Maath,
Maath was the son of Mattathias,
Mattathias was the son of Semein,
Semein was the son of Josech,
Josech was the son of Joda,
27
Joda was the son of Joanan,
Joanan was the son of Rhesa,
Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel was the son of Neri,
28
Neri was the son of Melchi,
Melchi was the son of Addi,
Addi was the son of Cosam,
Cosam was the son of Elmadam,
Elmadam was the son of Er,
29
Er was the son of Joshua,
Joshua was the son of Eliezer,
Eliezer was the son of Jorim,
Jorim was the son of Matthat,
Matthat was the son of Levi,
30
Levi was the son of Simeon,
Simeon was the son of Judah,
Judah was the son of Joseph,
Joseph was the son of Jonam,
Jonam was the son of Eliakim,
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Luke 3
31
Eliakim was the son of Melea,
Melea was the son of Menna,
Menna was the son of Mattatha,
Mattatha was the son of Nathan,
Nathan was the son of David,
32
David was the son of Jesse,
Jesse was the son of Obed,
Obed was the son of Boaz,
Boaz was the son of Salmon,
Salmon was the son of Nahshon,
33
Nahshon was the son of Amminadab,
Amminadab was the son of Admin,
Admin was the son of Arni,
Arni was the son of Hezron,
Hezron was the son of Perez,
Perez was the son of Judah,
34
Judah was the son of Jacob,
Jacob was the son of Isaac,
Isaac was the son of Abraham,
Abraham was the son of Terah,
Terah was the son of Nahor,
35
Nahor was the son of Serug,
Serug was the son of Reu,
Reu was the son of Peleg,
Peleg was the son of Eber,
Eber was the son of Shelah,
36
Shelah was the son of Cainan,
Cainan was the son of Arphaxad,
Arphaxad was the son of Shem,
Shem was the son of Noah,
Noah was the son of Lamech,
37
Lamech was the son of Methuselah,
Methuselah was the son of Enoch,
Enoch was the son of Jared,
Jared was the son of Mahalaleel,
Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan,
38
Cainan was the son of Enos,
Enos was the son of Seth,
Seth was the son of Adam,
Adam was the son of God.
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Luke 4
4
2
Then Jesus, filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the
Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,
where He was tempted by the devil for forty days. He ate
nothing during those days, and when they were over He was
hungry. 3 Then the devil said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of
God, command this stone to become bread.”
4
But Jesus answered and said, “It is written:
‘ Man does not live on bread alone,

but on every word of God.’”
(Deuteronomy 8:3)
5
Next the devil took Him to a high mountain and showed
Him all the kingdoms of the world in an instant. 6 The devil said
to Him, “I will give You all their power and glory. For it has all
been given to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. 7 Therefore,
if You will worship me, all this will be Yours.”
8
Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, satan!
For it is written:
‘ You must worship the Lord your God

and serve Him only.’”
(Deuteronomy 6:13)
9
Then the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and set Him on the
pinnacle of the temple. He said to Jesus, “If You are the Son of
God, jump off! 10For it is written:
‘ He has put His angels in charge of you,

to protect you.
11
And they will lift you up with their hands,
so that you will not dash your foot
against a stone.’”
(Psalm 91:11-12)
12
Jesus answered and said to him, “It says:
‘ You must not test the Lord your God.’”

(Deuteronomy 6:16)
After the devil had tempted Jesus in every way, he left Him
13
until another opportunity arose.
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Luke 4
14
Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and
His fame spread throughout the countryside. 15He taught in
their synagogues and was praised by everyone.
16
Jesus went to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. As
was His custom, He went into the synagogue on the Sabbath
day. When He stood up to read, 17the scroll of Isaiah the prophet
was handed to Him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place
where it was written:
“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

18
because He has anointed Me

to preach the gospel to the poor.
He has sent Me to heal the broken hearted,
to preach freedom to the captives,
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
19
and to proclaim the year
of the Lord’s favour.”
(Isaiah 61:1-2, 58:6)
20
Then He rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant,
and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fixed
on Him. 21And He said to them, “Today this Scripture has been
fulfilled in your hearing.” 22 They were all impressed with Him,
and marvelled at the gracious words that came from His mouth.
They said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”
23
He said to them, “Surely you will quote this proverb to Me,
‘ Physician, heal Yourself!’ You will say, ‘ We have heard of all
that You did in Capernaum, now do these things here in Your
hometown as well.’” 24He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet
is accepted in his hometown. 25I assure you of this: there were
many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the sky was
shut up for three and a half years and there was a great famine
over all the land. 26 Yet Elijah was not sent to any of them except
to a widow in the town of Zarephath in Sidon.46 27And there
were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet,
yet none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syrian.” 47
46
1 Kings 17:8-24
47
2 Kings 5:1-15
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Luke 4
28
Everyone in the synagogue was filled with anger when they
heard this. 29So they got up and drove Him out of town. They
took Him to the top of the hill on which the town was built,
intending to throw Him over the edge. 30But He passed through
the midst of them and went on His way.
31
Then He went to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught
them on the Sabbath. 32 The people were amazed at His teaching,
because He spoke with authority.
33
In the synagogue there was a man with an unclean demonic
spirit, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34saying, “Leave us
alone! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You
come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
35
But Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out
of him!” The demon threw the man down in front of them, and
came out of him without injuring him.
36
Everyone was amazed and said to one another, “What is
this doctrine? For with authority and power He gives commands
to unclean spirits and they come out!” 37And His fame spread
throughout the countryside.
38
After Jesus left the synagogue, He went to Simon’s house.
Simon’s mother-in-law was suffering from a high fever, and they
begged Jesus to help her. 39So He stood over her and rebuked
the fever, and it left her, and immediately she got up and began
to serve them.
40
When the sun went down, the people brought to Him all
who had various diseases. And He laid His hands on every one
of them and healed them. 41Demons also came out of many,
crying out, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” But He rebuked
them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew
that He was the Christ.
42
At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a solitary place. The
crowds went looking for Him. And when they found Him, they
tried to keep Him from leaving them. 43But He said to them, “I
must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God to the other
towns as well, for this is why I was sent.” 44And He preached
in the synagogues of Galilee.
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Luke 5
5 One day, as Jesus was standing by the Sea of Gennesaret,

the crowds pressed in on Him to hear the word of God. 2He
saw two boats on the shore. The fishermen had gotten out of
them, and were washing their nets. 3Jesus got into one of the
boats—Simon’s boat—and asked him to take it out a little ways
from the shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from
the boat.
4
When He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Take
the boat into deeper water and let down your nets for a catch.”
5
Simon said to Him, “Master, we have worked all night long
and have caught nothing. But if You say so, I will let down the
nets.”
6
When they did this, they caught so many fish that their nets
began to tear. 7So they signalled to their partners in the other
boat to come and help them, and they came and filled both
boats so full that they were on the verge of sinking.
8
When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and
said, “Depart from me, Lord, for I am a sinful man!” 9For Simon
Peter and the others were greatly astonished at the number of
fish they had caught, 10as were James and John, the sons of
Zebedee, Simon’s partners.
Then Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid! From now on
you will catch men!” 11And when they brought their boats to
shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
12
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man covered with
leprosy saw Him and fell facedown, begging Him, “Lord, if You
are willing, You can make me clean.”
13
Then Jesus stretched out His hand and touched him, saying,
“I am willing, be cleansed!” And instantly the leprosy departed
from him.
14
Then Jesus gave him strict orders, “Do not tell anyone, but
go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the sacrifice that
Moses prescribed for your cleansing as a testimony to them.”
15
But His fame spread even more, and large crowds came to
hear Him and to be healed of their diseases. 16However, He often
withdrew to solitary places to pray.
17
One day, while Jesus was teaching, some of the Pharisees
and teachers of the law sat down to listen to Him. They had come
from every town in Galilee and Judea, and from Jerusalem. And
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Luke 5
the power of the Lord was present to heal. 18Just then some men
came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring
the man into the house to lay him before Jesus, 19but found it
impossible because of the crowd. So they went up on the roof
and lowered him through the roof tiles, placing him, mat and
all, into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. 20 When
Jesus saw their faith, He said to the man, “Friend, your sins
are forgiven.”
21
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law said within
themselves, “Who is this Man who speaks blasphemy? Who
can forgive sins but God alone?”
22
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said, “Why are you
thinking these things in your hearts? 23 Tell Me, is it easier to
say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’? 24But
to let you know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to
forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “I say to you, ‘ Get
up, pick up your mat, and go home.’” 25Immediately the man
stood up in front of them, picked up his mat, and went home
glorifying God. 26And they all marvelled and glorified God in
reverence, saying, “We have seen wonderful things today!”
27
After this, Jesus went out and saw a tax collector named
Levi sitting at the tax booth. And Jesus said to him, “Follow
Me!” 28So Levi left everything, got up, and followed Him.
29
Then Levi hosted a large banquet at his home in honour of
Jesus, and there was a large crowd of tax collectors and others
sitting at the table with them. 30 The teachers of the law and
the Pharisees began complaining to His disciples, saying, “Why
are you eating and drinking with tax collectors and sinners?”
31
Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are healthy
do not need a doctor, but only those who are sick. 32I have not
come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
33
They said to Him, “John’s disciples often fast and pray, and
the disciples of the Pharisees do the same, but Your disciples
are always eating and drinking.”
34
Jesus replied, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while
he is with them? 35But the time will come when the bridegroom
will be taken from them, and then they will fast.”
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Luke 6
36
Then Jesus told them this parable: “Nobody tears a patch
from a new garment and sews it on an old garment. If they
did, the new garment would be ruined, and the new patch
would not match the old garment. 37Nobody pours new wine
into old wineskins. If they did, the new wine would swell and
burst the old wineskins. Then the wine would pour out, and
the wineskins would be ruined. 38Instead, new wine must be
put into new wineskins, and both are preserved. 39And nobody
wants new wine after drinking old wine, because he says, ‘ The
old wine is better.’”
6 One Sabbath, as Jesus was walking through the grain fields,

His disciples started picking the heads of grain—rubbing
them in their hands, and eating them. 2Some of the Pharisees
said to them, “Why are you doing what is unlawful to do on
the Sabbath?”
3
But Jesus responded, “Have you not read what David did
when he and his men were hungry? 4How David went into the
house of God and took the consecrated bread and ate it, which
was not lawful for anyone but the priests to eat, and then gave
some to his men as well?” 5 Then He said to them, “The Son of
Man is Lord of the Sabbath.”
6
On another Sabbath He entered the synagogue and began
teaching. A man was there whose right hand was paralyzed. 7 The
teachers of the law and the Pharisees watched Him closely to
see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath, so that they could
accuse Him of something. 8But Jesus knew their thoughts, and
said to the man with the paralyzed hand, “Get up and stand
in the middle of the synagogue.” So the man got up and stood
there. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful to do
good, or to do evil on the Sabbath? To save life, or to destroy
it?” 10Jesus looked around at all of them, and said to the man,
“Stretch out your hand.” So the man stretched out his hand,
and it was completely healed—just as good as his other hand.
11
But they were filled with rage and began to discuss with one
another what they might do to Jesus.
12
One day He went up on the hillside to pray, and He spent all
night praying to God. 13 The next morning, He called His disciples
and chose twelve of them, whom He also called apostles:
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Luke 6
14
Simon, (whom Jesus called Peter),
Andrew (the brother of Peter),
James,
John,
Philip,
15
Matthew (also called Levi),
Simon (the Zealot),
16
Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus;
the son of James),
17
Then Jesus came down with them and stood on a piece of
level ground. A large number of His disciples were there, as well
as many people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal
cities of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear Him and to be
healed of their diseases. 18 Those who were tormented by unclean
spirits were healed, 19and all the people tried to touch Him,
because power was going out from Him and healing everybody.
20
Jesus lifted up His eyes to His disciples and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor,

for the kingdom of God is yours.
21
“Blessed are you who are hungry now,
for you will be filled.
“Blessed are you who weep now,

for you will laugh.
22
“Blessed are you when men hate you,
when they exclude you, insult you,
and slander your name as evil
because of the Son of Man.
23
“Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because your reward
in heaven is great! For that is how their fathers treated the
prophets.
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24
“But woe to you who are rich,
for you have received your comfort!
25
“Woe to you who are full now,
for you will be hungry!
“Woe to you who laugh now,

for you will mourn and weep!
26
“Woe to you when all men speak well of you,
for that is how their fathers
treated the false prophets.
27
“But I say to you who are listening:
“Love your enemies,

and do good to those who hate you.
28
“Bless those who curse you,
and pray for those who mistreat you.
“If someone slaps you on the cheek,

29
turn the other to him as well.

And if someone takes your coat,
let him have your shirt as well.
30
“Give to everyone who asks you,
and when someone takes what is yours,
do not ask for it back.
31
“Treat others as you would like them to treat you. 32If you
love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even
sinners love those who love them. 33And if you do good to those
who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners
do the same. 34And if you lend only to those who can repay you,
what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners and
expect to be repaid in full. 35But love your enemies, do good,
and lend without expecting anything back. Then your reward
will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because
He is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. 36Be merciful, just
as your Father is merciful.
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Luke 7
37
“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn,
and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
38
Give, and it will be given to you—a full measure, pressed
down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into
your lap. For whatever measure you deal out, the same will be
dealt out to you.”
39
Jesus also told them this parable: “Can the blind lead the
blind? Will they not both fall into a ditch? 40A disciple is not
above his teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like
his teacher. 41Why do you look at the sliver in your brother’s eye,
but do not notice the beam in your own eye? 42How can you say
to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take the sliver out of your eye,’
when you yourself do not see the beam in your own eye? You
hypocrite! First take the beam out of your own eye, and then
you will see clearly to take the sliver out of your brother’s eye.
43
“A good tree does not produce bad fruit, and a bad tree
does not produce good fruit. 44Each tree is known by its fruit.
You do not pick figs from thorn bushes, or grapes from briers.
45
A good man, out of the good treasure of his heart, brings out
good things. But an evil man, out of the evil treasure of his
heart, brings out evil things. For out of the abundance of the
heart the mouth speaks.
46
“Why do you call Me, ‘ Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I
say? 47Everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and
does them—I will show you what he is like: 48he is like a man
who built a house. He dug down deep and laid the foundation
on the rock. When the floodwaters came, and the rising waters
beat against the house, it could not be shaken, because its
foundation was on the rock. 49But the man who hears My words
and does not do them is like a man who built his house on the
ground without a foundation. The rising waters beat against
it, and immediately it collapsed. And the destruction of that
house was great!”
7 After Jesus had finished saying all these words in the hearing
of the people, He returned to Capernaum. 2A Roman officer
there had a slave he valued highly, who was sick and about to
die. 3When the officer heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish
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Luke 7
elders to ask Him to come and heal his slave. 4 When they
came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, “This man
deserves Your help, 5because he loves our nation and has built
us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them.
As He neared the house, the officer sent some friends to say
to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself! For I am not worthy for
You to come under my roof. 7 That is why I did not come to You
myself. But just say the word, and my slave will be healed. 8For
I am a man under the authority of others, with soldiers under
me. I tell one soldier, ‘Go,’ and he goes. I tell another soldier,
‘Come,’ and he comes. And I say to my slave, ‘ Do this,’ and he
does it.”
9
When Jesus heard this He marvelled. And He turned to the
crowd that was following Him and said, “I say to you, I have
not found anyone in Israel with such great faith!” 10When those
who had been sent returned to the house, they found the slave
completely healed.
11
A little later Jesus went to a town called Nain, and many of
His disciples and a large crowd went with Him. 12As He neared
the town gate, a dead man was being carried out—the only son
of his mother, who was a widow. And a large crowd from the
town was with her. 13When the Lord saw her, He had compas-
sion on her and said, “Do not weep.” 14 Then Jesus came up and
touched the coffin, and those who were carrying it stood still. He
said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!” 15 Then the dead man
sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him to his mother.
16
Fear seized them all, and they glorified God, saying, “A
great prophet has risen among us,” and “God has visited His
people.” 17This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and
the surrounding countryside.
18
John’s disciples reported all these things to him. 19So John
called two of his disciples, and sent them to ask Jesus, “Are
You the One who is coming, or should we expect someone else?”
20
When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist
sent us to ask You, ‘Are You the One who is coming, or should
we expect someone else?’”
21
And in that very hour Jesus healed many of their diseases,
plagues, and evil spirits, and He restored the sight of many who
were blind. 22So Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell
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Luke 7
John what you see and hear: the blind receive their sight, the
lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are
raised, and the poor hear the good news. 23Blessed is the man
who is not offended by Me.”
24
After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the
crowds about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness
to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25No? Then what did you go
out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear
fine clothes and live in luxury are in palaces. 26Well, then, what
did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than
a prophet! 27He is the one about whom it is written:
‘ Look! I will send My messenger ahead of You,

who will prepare Your way before You.’
(Malachi 3:1)
I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater

28
prophet than John the Baptist! Yet he who is least in the kingdom
of God is greater than he!”
29
When all the people, including the tax collectors, heard
this, they acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they
had been baptized with John’s baptism. 30But the Pharisees
and the experts in the Law refused to accept God’s purpose
for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.
31
Then the Lord said, “To what then should I compare the men
of this generation? What are they like? 32 They are like children
sitting in the marketplace, who call out to their playmates,
‘ We played wedding music for you,

but you did not dance!
We sang funeral songs for you,
but you did not mourn!’
Because John the Baptist did not go around eating bread and
33
drinking wine, you said, ‘ He has a demon.’ 34And because the

Son of Man goes around eating and drinking, you say, ‘Look! He
eats and drinks too much, and He is a friend of tax collectors
and sinners.’ 35 Yet wisdom is proved right by its actions.”
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Luke 7
36
Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus over for a meal, so
He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the table. 37A
sinful woman from that town knew that He was eating at the
Pharisee’s house, and brought an alabaster jar of fragrant oil.
38
She knelt behind Him at His feet, weeping, and began to wash
His feet with her tears. Then she wiped His feet dry with her
hair, kissed His feet, and anointed them with the fragrant oil.
39
When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he said
to himself, “If this Man were a prophet, He would know that
the woman who is clinging to Him is a sinner.”
40
Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.”
He replied, “Teacher, go ahead and speak.”
41
“A creditor had two debtors. One owed $40,000, and the
other $4,000.48 42Since they could not pay it back, he forgave
both their debts. Now which of them will love him more?”
43
Simon answered and said, “I suppose the one who had the
greater debt forgiven.”
Jesus said to him, “You have judged correctly.”
44
Then Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do
you see this woman? I came into your home, yet you gave Me no
water for My feet. But she has washed My feet with her tears,
and has wiped them dry with her hair. 45 You did not welcome
Me with a kiss, but she has not stopped kissing My feet since
I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with olive oil, but this
woman has anointed My feet with fragrant oil. 47 Therefore I tell
you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much.
But whoever is forgiven little, loves little.” 48 Then Jesus said to
the woman, “Your sins are forgiven.”
49
And those who were sitting at the table with Him began to
say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”
50
But He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go
in peace.”
48
“A creditor had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii,
and the other fifty.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In Canada
where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an hour. $10×8
hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is $80(CAD).
500×80=$40,000. So five hundred denarii is $40,000(CAD).
50×80=$4,000. So fifty denarii is $4,000(CAD).
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Luke 8
8 Afterward, He travelled from one town and village to another,

proclaiming and announcing the good news of the kingdom
of God. The twelve were with Him, 2as well as some women who
had been healed of evil spirits and diseases: Mary, called Mag-
dalene, from whom seven demons had been cast out; 3Joanna,
the wife of Chuza (Herod’s household manager); Susanna; and
many others who helped support Him from their possessions.
4
The people came to Him from every town, and a large crowd
had gathered, and He spoke to them in parables: 5“A sower went
out to sow his seed. As he was sowing, some of the seeds fell
on the pathway; they were trampled on, and the birds of the air
came and ate them up. 6Some of the seeds fell on rocky ground;
when the plants sprouted, they withered up because they lacked
moisture. 7Some of the seeds fell among the thorns; the thorns
grew up with them, and choked the plants. 8But some of the
seeds fell on good soil; they sprang up, and produced a crop
of a hundredfold.” As He said this, He cried out, “Whoever has
ears to hear, let him hear!”
9
His disciples asked Him, “What does this parable mean?”
10
He said, “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of
God has been given to you. But to the rest I speak in parables,
so that,
‘ They may look but not see,

and hear but not understand.’
(Isaiah 6:9)
11
“Now this is the meaning of the parable: the seed is the
word of God. 12 The seeds that fell on the pathway are those
who hear the word, but then the devil comes and takes away
the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and
be saved. 13 The seeds that fell on rocky ground are those who
joyfully receive the word when they hear it, but they have no
root. They believe for a while, but when their faith is tested they
fall away. 14 The seeds that fell among the thorns are those who
hear the word, but as they go on their way they are choked by
the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does
not mature. 15But the seeds that fell on good ground are those
who hear the word and hold fast to it with an honest and good
heart, producing a crop with perseverance.
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Luke 8
16
“Nobody lights a lamp and hides it under a bowl or a bed.
Instead, they put it on a lamp stand, so that those who come
in can see its light. 17Whatever is hidden will be revealed, and
whatever is secret will be made known and brought to light.
18
So be careful how you listen. For whoever has, to him will be
given more. And whoever does not have, even what he thinks
he has will be taken away from him.”
19
His mother and brothers came to see Him, but they were
unable to reach Him because of the crowd. 20Someone told Him,
“Your mother and brothers are standing outside, and they want
to see You.”
21
But He replied, “My mother and brothers are those who
hear the word of God and do it.”
22
One day Jesus and His disciples got into a boat, and He
said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the sea.” So
they set off, 23and as they were sailing He fell asleep. Gale-force
winds swept down on the sea, and the boat was swamped by
waves, and they were in danger.
24
So His disciples went and woke Him up, exclaiming, “Master,
Master, we are going to die!”
Then Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the raging
water, and everything stopped and became calm. 25 Then He
said to them, “Where is your faith?”
Frightened and amazed, they said to one another, “What kind
of Man is this? He commands even the wind and the water,
and they obey Him!”
26
Then they landed in the region of the Gerasenes, which
is across the sea from Galilee. 27As Jesus stepped ashore, a
demon-possessed man from the city met Him. For a long time he
had worn no clothes, and he did not live in a house but among
the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he fell down before Him and
cried out with a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus,
Son of the Most High God? I beg You, do not torment me!” 29He
said this, because Jesus had commanded the unclean spirit
to come out of him. It had seized him many times. And even
though he had been kept under guard, chained hand and foot,
he would break the chains. And the demons would drive him
into the wilderness.
30
So Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
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Luke 8
He answered, “Legion,” because many demons had entered

him. 31Then the demons begged Him not to command them to
go into the bottomless pit.
32
Now a large herd of pigs was feeding on the hillside. So
the demons begged Jesus to allow them to enter the pigs. And
He allowed them. 33 Then the demons came out of the man and
entered the pigs, and the herd rushed down the steep bank
into the sea and drowned.
34
When the herdsmen saw this, they ran off and reported
everything in the city and the countryside. 35So the people went
out to see what had happened. When they came to Jesus and
found the man from whom the demons had been cast out sitting
at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind, they were afraid.
36
And those who had seen what had happened told them how
the demon-possessed man had been healed.
37
Then all the people from the surrounding region of the
Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were terribly
afraid. So He got into the boat and left. 38Now the man from
whom the demons had been cast out begged Jesus to let him
go with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39“Go home and
tell everyone what God has done for you.” And the man went
off, proclaiming throughout the whole city all that Jesus had
done for him.
40
When Jesus returned, the crowd welcomed Him, because
they were all expecting Him. 41Just then a man named Jairus, a
leader of the synagogue, came and fell at Jesus’ feet. He begged
Jesus to come to his house, 42because his only daughter, who
was about twelve years old, was dying.
As Jesus went, the crowds pressed against Him. 43A woman

was there who had suffered from internal bleeding for twelve
years. She had spent all that she had on doctors, but no one
was able to heal her. 44She came up behind Him and touched
the hem of His garment, and immediately her bleeding stopped.
45
Jesus said, “Who touched Me?”
When everyone denied it, Peter and the rest of the disciples
said, “Master, the crowds are pushing and pressing against
You, and You say, ‘ Who touched Me?’”
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Luke 9
46
But Jesus said, “Someone touched Me, because I felt power
go out from Me.”
47
When the woman realized that she could not hide, she came
trembling and fell down before Him. In the presence of all the
people, she explained why she had touched Him and how she
had been instantly healed.
48
Then He said to her, “Cheer up, daughter! Your faith has
healed you. Go in peace.”
49
While He was still speaking, someone came from the
synagogue leader’s house, saying, “Your daughter has died.
Do not trouble the Teacher.”
50
But when Jesus heard this, He said to Jairus, “Do not fear!
Just believe, and she will be healed.” 51When Jesus arrived at his
house, He did not let anyone go in with Him except Peter, James,
and John, and the girl’s father and mother. 52Everyone was
weeping and mourning for her, but Jesus said, “Stop weeping!
She is not dead. She is only sleeping.” 53But they mocked Him
with laughter, because they knew that she was dead. 54But He
removed them all, took her by the hand, and called out, “Girl,
get up!” 55Her spirit returned, and she got up at once. Then
He told them to give her something to eat. 56Her parents were
amazed, but He gave them strict orders not to tell anyone what
had happened.
9 Jesus called together His twelve disciples and gave them

power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal
diseases. 2 Then He sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of
God and to heal the sick. 3He said to them, “Take nothing for
your journey—no walking stick, no bag, no bread, no money, or
extra clothes. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you
leave that place. 5If that town does not welcome you, then leave
there and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against
them.” 6 Then they departed and travelled through the towns,
proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
7
Now Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard about
everything that was happening. He was puzzled, because some
were saying that John had been raised from the dead, 8 while
others were saying that Elijah had appeared, and still others that
one of the prophets of old had risen. 9Herod said, “I beheaded
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Luke 9
John, but who is this I hear so much about?” So Herod wanted

to see Him.
10
When the apostles returned, they told Him about every-
thing they had done. Then He took them along, and withdrew
privately to a solitary place near the town of Bethsaida. 11When
the crowds heard this, they followed Him. He welcomed them
and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those
who needed healing.
12
As the day was drawing to a close, the disciples came to
Him and said, “Dismiss the crowds, so they can go into the
surrounding towns and countryside to find food and lodging,
because we are in a solitary place.”
13
But Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.”
They answered, “All we have is five loaves and two fish—unless
we go and buy food for all these people.”
14
Since there were about five thousand men, Jesus said to
His disciples, “Have them sit down in groups of fifty.” 15So they
made all the people sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and
the two fish, looked up to heaven, and gave thanks. Then He
broke the loaves, and gave them to the disciples to hand out
to the crowd. 17The people ate and were all satisfied. And the
disciples picked up the left over pieces, filling up twelve baskets.
18
Once when Jesus withdrew with His disciples to a private
place to pray, He asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?”
19
They answered and said, “Some say John the Baptist, some
say Elijah, and others say that one of the prophets of old has
risen.”
20
Then Jesus asked them, “But who do you say that I am?”
Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, whom God
has sent.”
21
Then He gave them strict orders not to tell this to anyone,
22
saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be
rejected by the elders, the chief priests, and the teachers of the
law, and be killed, and be raised on the third day.”
23
Then He said to all of them, “If anyone desires to come after
Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow
Me. 24Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever
loses his life for My sake will save it. 25For what will it profit a
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Luke 9
man if he gains the whole world, yet loses or forfeits his soul?
26
Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man
will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory and in the
glory of His Father and the holy angels. 27Truly I say to you,
some who are standing here will not taste death until they see
the kingdom of God.”
28
About eight days after Jesus had said these things, He took
Peter, John, and James with Him, and went up to a mountain to
pray. 29As He was praying, the appearance of His face changed,
and His clothing became bright white. 30Suddenly two men,
Moses and Elijah, began talking with Him. 31They appeared
in glory, discussing His death, which He was going to fulfill
in Jerusalem. 32Now Peter and the others were sound asleep,
but when they woke up, they saw His glory and the two men
standing with Him. 33As Moses and Elijah were leaving, Peter
said to Jesus, “Master, how wonderful it is for us to be here!
We will make three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and
one for Elijah.” Peter did not know what he was saying. 34But
as he was saying this, a cloud came and surrounded them; and
as they entered the cloud, they became terrified. 35 Then a voice
came from the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son, listen to
Him!” 36After the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They
kept silent in those days and told no one what they had seen.
37
The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a
large crowd met Him. 38Suddenly a man from the crowd cried
out, saying, “Teacher! I beg You to look at my son, because he
is my only child! 39A spirit seizes him, and he suddenly cries
out. It throws him into convulsions, and he foams at the mouth.
It severely batters him, and rarely leaves him alone. 40I begged
Your disciples to cast it out, but they could not do it.”
41
Jesus answered and said, “You unbelieving and perverted
generation! How much longer must I be with you and put up
with you? Bring your son here.” 42As the boy was coming near,
the demon knocked him down and threw him into convulsions.
But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave
him back to his father. 43And all the people were amazed at the
mighty power of God.
But while everyone was marvelling at everything He was
doing, Jesus said to His disciples, 44“Let these words sink into
your ears: the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands
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Luke 9
of men.” 45But they had no idea what He was talking about,

because it was hidden from them. They did not understand it,
and they were afraid to ask Him about it.
46
An argument broke out among the disciples as to who was
the greatest. 47But Jesus, knowing the thoughts of their hearts,
took a little child and put him beside Him. 48 Then He said to
them, “Whoever welcomes this little child in My name welcomes
Me. And whoever welcomes Me, welcomes Him who sent Me.
The one who is least among all of you—he is the greatest.”
49
John said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in
Your name. We tried to stop him, because he was not one of us.”
50
Jesus said to him, “Do not stop him, for whoever is not
against us, is for us.”
51
As the time drew near for Jesus to be taken up to heaven, He
was determined to go to Jerusalem. 52He sent some messengers
ahead of Him, and they went into a Samaritan village to get
things ready for Him. 53But the people there did not welcome
Him, because He was on His way to Jerusalem. 54 When His
disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You
want us to call fire down from heaven to consume them like
Elijah did?” 49 55But He turned and rebuked them, saying, “You
do not know what kind of spirit you are of. 56For the Son of
Man did not come to destroy men’s lives, but to save them.”
And they went to another village.
57
As they were walking along the road, someone said to Him,
“Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.”
58
Jesus said to him, “Foxes have dens and the birds of the air
have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”
59
Jesus said to another man, “Follow Me!”
But the man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
60
But Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead.
But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”50
61
Another man said, “I will follow You, Lord, but first let me
say good-bye to those in my house.”
62
But Jesus said to him, “No one who puts his hand to the
plough and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.”
49
2 Kings 1:9-15
50
But Jesus said to him, “Let the spiritually dead bury their
own dead. But you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.”
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Luke 10
10 After this, the Lord appointed seventy others. He sent them

two by two ahead of Him into every town and place where
He was intending to go. 2He said to them, “Truly the harvest is
plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore, petition the Lord
of the harvest to send out workers to gather in His harvest.
3
Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves. 4Do not
take along a moneybag, a traveller’s bag, or sandals, and do
not greet anyone along the way.
5
“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be on this house.’
6
If a man of peace lives there, your greeting of peace will rest
upon him. But if not, it will return to you. 7Do not move from
house to house, but remain in the same house. And eat and
drink whatever they offer you, for a worker is worthy of his wages.
8
“If you enter a town and they welcome you, eat what is set
before you, 9heal the sick who are there, and tell them, ‘ The
kingdom of God is near you.’ 10But if you enter a town and
they do not welcome you, then go out into the streets and say,
11
‘ Even the dust of your town, which sticks to our feet, we wipe
off against you! But know this: the kingdom of God is near
you!’ 12I say to you, it will be better on the day of judgment for
Sodom than for that town.
13
“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles
that were performed in you had been performed in the cities of
Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in
sackcloth and ashes. 14It will be better at the judgment for the
cities of Tyre and Sidon than for you! 15And you, Capernaum, will
you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be thrown down to hell!
16
“Whoever listens to you listens to Me. Whoever rejects you
rejects Me. And whoever rejects Me rejects Him who sent Me.”
17
The seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the
demons submit to us in Your name.”
18
Jesus said to them, “I saw satan falling like lightning from
heaven. 19Look! I have given you the authority to tread on snakes
and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing
will ever harm you. 20However, do not rejoice because the spirits
submit to you, but because your names are written in heaven.”
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21
At that moment Jesus rejoiced in the Spirit and said, “I
praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You
have hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have
revealed them to infants. Yes, Father, for this was well-pleasing
in Your sight.
22
“All things have been entrusted to Me by My Father. Nobody
knows the Son except the Father, and nobody knows the Father
except the Son—and anyone the Son wants to reveal Him to.”
23
Then Jesus turned to His disciples and said privately,
“Blessed are the eyes that see what you see! 24For I say to you,
many prophets and kings desired to see what you see but did
not see them, and to hear what you hear but did not hear them.”
25
Now an expert in the law stood up and tried to trap Him,
saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”
26
Jesus answered him, “What is written in the law? How do
you interpret it?”
27
The man replied,
“‘ You must love the Lord your God

and with all your strength
and with all your mind.’
(Deuteronomy 6:5)
And,
‘ You must love your neighbour as yourself.’”

(Leviticus 19:18)
Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and

28
you will live.”

29
But the man, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, “And
who is my neighbour?”
30
Jesus answered and said, “A man was going up from
Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell into the hands of bandits. They
stripped him, beat him, and went off, leaving him half dead. 31A
priest happened to be travelling along the same road, but when
he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32Likewise,
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Luke 11
a Levite came to that spot, but when he saw the man, he also
passed by on the other side.
33
“But a Samaritan, who was travelling along the road, came
across him. And when he saw the man, he was filled with
compassion. 34He went over to him, poured olive oil and wine
on his wounds, and bandaged them. Then he put the man on
his own donkey, brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
35
The next day when he departed, he took out $160 and gave it
to the innkeeper, saying, ‘ Take care of him. If you spend more
money on him, I will pay you back when I return.’ 51 36Now which
one of these three men do you think was a neighbour to the
man who was attacked by bandits?”
37
The expert in the law answered, “The one who had mercy
on him.”
Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.”
38
As Jesus travelled along, He entered a town, and a woman
named Martha welcomed Him into her home. 39She had a sister
named Mary, who was sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His
teaching. 40But Martha was distracted by all that she had to do,
and came and asked Him, “Lord, do You not care that my sister
has left me to do all the work alone? Please tell her to help me.”
41
But Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you
are worried and troubled about many things, 42but only one
thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not
be taken away from her.”
11 One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He

finished, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us
to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”
2
Jesus said to them, “Whenever you pray, say this:
‘Our Father who is in heaven,

may Your name be honoured always.
May Your kingdom come,
51
“The next day when he departed, he took out two denarii and
gave them to the innkeeper.” A denarius was a day’s wages. In
80×2=$160. So two denarii is worth about $160(CAD).
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Luke 11
may Your will be done,

on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us each day our daily bread,

3
4
and forgive us our sins,
as we forgive everyone who sins against us.
Do not let us fall into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’”
5
Then He said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend,
and you go to him in the middle of the night and say, ‘ Friend,
lend me three loaves of bread. 6A friend of mine who is on a
journey has arrived, and I have nothing for him to eat.’ 7And
suppose your friend answers from inside, ‘ Do not bother me!
The door is already locked, and my children and I are in bed.
I cannot get up and give you anything.’ 8I assure you, even
though he will not get up and give you anything because you
are his friend, yet because of your persistence he will get up
and give you whatever you need.
9
“So I say to you: ask, and it will be given to you. Seek,
and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you.
10
Whoever asks, receives. Whoever seeks, finds. Whoever knocks,
the door will be opened.
11
“What father among you, if his son asks for bread, will
give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake
instead? 12Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13So
if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask Him!”
14
Jesus was casting out a demon that was mute. When the
demon came out, the man who had been mute spoke, and
the crowds marvelled. 15But some of them said, “He casts out
demons by Beelzebul, the prince of demons!” 52 16And others
tried to trap Him by asking Him for a sign from heaven.
52
the demons”).
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Luke 11
17
But Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every
kingdom divided against itself will be destroyed, and a household
divided against itself will fall. 18If satan is divided against himself,
how will his kingdom stand? I say this, because you claim that
I cast out demons by Beelzebul. 19So if I cast out demons by
Beelzebul, by whom do your disciples cast them out? Indeed,
let them be your judges. 20But if I cast out demons by the finger
of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
21
“When a strong man, fully armed, guards his house, his
possessions are secure. 22But when someone stronger attacks
and overpowers him, he takes away the armour in which the
man trusted in, and divides up his belongings. 23 Whoever is
not with Me is against Me, and whoever does not gather with
Me scatters.
24
“When an unclean spirit leaves a man, it wanders through
dry places seeking rest, but does not find any. Then it says, ‘ I
will return to the house I left.’ 25And when it arrives, it finds
the house swept and decorated. 26 Then it goes and takes along
with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go
in and make their home there. Therefore the man is worse off
in the end than he was in the beginning.”
27
As Jesus was saying this, a woman from the crowd raised
her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that gave birth
to You, and the breasts that nursed You!”
28
But He replied, “On the contrary, blessed are those who
hear the word of God and obey it!”
29
As the people crowded around Him, He began to say, “This
is an evil generation. It seeks a sign, but the only sign you will
be given is the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30For just as Jonah
was a sign to the people of Nineveh, so also will the Son of Man
be to this generation. 31The Queen of Sheba will rise at the
judgment with the men of this generation and will condemn
them, because she came from the ends of the earth to hear
Solomon’s wisdom. But look, someone greater than Solomon is
here! 32 The men of Nineveh will stand up at the judgment with
this generation and will condemn it, because they repented at
the preaching of Jonah. But look, someone greater than Jonah
is here!
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33
“No one lights a lamp and hides it, or puts it under a
basket. Instead they put it on a lamp stand, so that those who
come in may see its light. 34Your eye is the lamp of your body.
If your eyes are generous, your body is full of light. But if your
eyes are stingy, your body is full of darkness. 35So watch out
that the light in you is not darkness! 36 Therefore, if your body
is full of light, and none of it is dark, it will be completely full
of light, as when a lamp shines its light on you.”
37
When Jesus finished speaking, a Pharisee invited Him
over for a meal. So Jesus went in and sat down to eat. 38 The
Pharisee marvelled when he saw that Jesus did not first wash
His hands before the meal. 39But the Lord said to him, “You
Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you
are full of greed and wickedness. 40Fools! Did not the One who
made the outside make the inside as well? 41But give what is
inside to the poor, and then everything will be clean for you.
42
“Woe to you Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, rue,
and herbs, yet neglect justice and the love of God! You should
have tithed, without neglecting justice and the love of God.
43
“Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the most important
seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted in the marketplaces!
44
hypocrites! For you are like unmarked graves, which men walk
on without knowing.”
45
Then one of the experts in the law said to Him, “Teacher,
when You say these things, You are insulting us as well!”
46
He said, “Woe to you, you experts in the law! For you
load men down with burdens that are hard to carry, but you
yourselves do not lift one finger to help ease those burdens.
47
“Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and
it was your fathers who killed them! 48 Therefore, you testify that
you approve of the deeds of your fathers—for they killed the
prophets, and you build their tombs. 49 That is why God in His
wisdom said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some
of them they will kill and persecute,’ 50so that this generation
will be held accountable for the blood of all the prophets shed
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Luke 12
from the foundation of the world—51from the blood of Abel to

the blood of Zechariah,53 who was killed between the altar and
the sanctuary. Truly I say to you, this generation will be held
accountable.
52
“Woe to you, you experts in the law! You have taken away
the key to knowledge! You did not enter yourselves, and you
have kept out those who were trying to enter!”
53
As He said these things to them, the teachers of the law
and the Pharisees began to oppose Him fiercely. They asked
Him many questions, trying to provoke Him to talk about many
things, 54 waiting to catch Him in His words, so that they could
accuse Him of saying something wrong.
12 Meanwhile, tens of thousands of people had assembled

together. The crowd was so large that people trampled on
one another. Jesus spoke to His disciples first, saying, “Beware
of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2For all that
is hidden will be revealed, and all that is secret will be made
known. 3 Whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in
the daylight, and whatever you have whispered behind closed
doors will be proclaimed from the rooftops.
4
“My friends, I say this to you: do not be afraid of those who
can kill the body, but after that can do nothing more. 5But I
will show you the One you should fear: fear Him who has the
power to throw you into hell after killing you. Yes, I tell you,
fear Him! 6Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not
one of them is forgotten by God. 7And even the very hairs of
your head are all numbered. So do not be afraid, for you are
worth far more than many sparrows.
8
“I say this to you: whoever confesses Me before men, him
will the Son of Man also confess before the angels of God. 9But
whoever denies Me before men will be denied before the angels
of God. 10 Whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man will
be forgiven, but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit
will not be forgiven.
53
2 Chronicles 24:20-22
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Luke 12
11
“When they bring you before the synagogues, rulers,
and authorities, do not worry about how you should defend
yourselves or what you should say, 12 for at that moment the
Holy Spirit will teach you what you must say.”
13
Someone in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my
brother to divide the inheritance with me!”
14
But Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed Me as a judge
or arbitrator over you?” 15 Then He said to them, “Watch out
and guard yourselves from all greed, for a man’s life does not
consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
16
He told them a parable, saying, “The ground of a certain rich
man produced an abundant crop. 17So he thought to himself,
‘ What am I going to do? I have nowhere to store my crops.’
18
Then he said, ‘ I will do this: I will tear down my barns and
build bigger ones, and in them I will store all my grain and
goods. 19And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have stored up
many good things for many years. Now rest, eat, drink, and be
merry.”’ 20But God said to him, ‘ You fool! This very night your
soul will be demanded of you. Then who will get what you have
prepared for yourself ?’ 21 This is how it will be for those who
store up treasures for themselves, but are not rich toward God.”
22
Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Therefore I tell you this: do
not worry about your life, as to what you will eat, or about your
body, as to how you will clothe it. 23For life is more important than
food, and the body more important than clothing. 24Consider the
ravens: they do not sow or reap, they do not have storerooms
or barns, yet God feeds them. How much more are you worth
than birds? 25Can any of you add a single hour to your life span
by worrying? 26If you cannot even do a small thing like that,
then why worry about the rest? 27Consider how the lilies grow,
they do not work or make clothing. Yet I tell you that not even
Solomon in all his splendour was clothed like one of them. 28If
that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is alive
today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more
will He clothe you, you of little faith?
29
“Do not worry about what you will eat or what you will drink;
do not be doubtful. 30For all the Gentiles of the world strive for
these things, but your heavenly Father knows that you need
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Luke 12
them. 31But seek the kingdom of God, and all these things will
be added to you. 32Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s
good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions
and give the proceeds to the poor. Provide wallets for yourselves
that will not wear out, an inexhaustible treasure in heaven,
where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. 34For where
your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
35
“Keep your belts fastened and your lamps burning, 36like
men waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet,
so that when he comes and knocks you can immediately open
the door for him. 37Blessed are those slaves whose master finds
them watching when he returns. Truly I say to you, he will fasten
his belt, seat them at the table, and will come and serve them.
38
Blessed are those slaves whose master finds them waiting,
even if he comes in the second or third watch of the night.54
39
“Remember this: had the owner of the house known at
what time the thief was coming, he would have stayed awake
and would not have let his house be broken into. 40So be ready,
because the Son of Man will come at a time you do not expect.”
41
Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, are you telling this parable
to us or to everyone?”
42
The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward,
whom the master has put in charge of his servants, to give
them their food allowance at the proper time? 43How blessed
is that slave whom his master finds doing so when he returns.
44
Truly I say to you, he will put him in charge of all that he
owns. 45But if that slave says in his heart, ‘ My master is not
coming back for a while,’ and begins to beat the menservants
and maidservants and to eat and drink and get drunk, 46 the
master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect
and at an hour that he does not know. Then his master will whip
him severely and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47The
slave who knows his master’s will, but does not get ready or
does not do what his master wants, will be whipped with many
54
There were four watches in the night. The first watch was
from 6:00–9:00 P.M., the second was from 9:00 P.M.–midnight,
the third was from midnight–3:00 A.M., and the fourth from
3:00–6:00 A.M.
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Luke 13
stripes. 48But the slave who does not know his master’s will,
and does things worthy of stripes, will be whipped with few
stripes. From everyone who has been given much, much will
be demanded, and from the one who has been entrusted with
much, even more will be asked of him.
49
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it
were already kindled! 50But I have a baptism to be baptized
with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51Do
not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. No, I
tell you, but rather division! 52From now on, there will be five
divided in one household: three against two, and two against
three. 53 They will be divided:
‘A father against his son,

a son against his father,
a mother against her daughter,
a daughter against her mother,
a mother-in-law against
her daughter-in-law,
and a daughter-in-law against
her mother-in-law.’”
(Micah 7:6)
54
Jesus also said to the crowds, “When you see a cloud rising
in the west, you immediately say, ‘ It will storm,’ and it does.
55
And when a south wind blows, you say, ‘ It will be hot,’ and
it is. 56You Hypocrites! You know how to read the face of the
earth and sky, but how is it that you cannot read the present
time? 57Why do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58As
you are on your way to court with your opponent, do your best
to settle with him before you get there. Otherwise, he will drag
you before the judge, and the judge will hand you over to the
officer, and the officer will throw you into prison. 59I say to you,
you will not get out until you have paid back every last penny.”
13 Now there were some present on that occasion who told

Him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed
with their sacrifices. 2But Jesus responded, “Do you think
that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the rest of the
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Luke 13
Galileans, because they suffered these things? 3No, I tell you!

But unless you repent, you will all perish as well! 4Or what
about those eighteen men who were killed when the tower in
Siloam fell on them? Do you think that they were more guilty
than all the rest of those living in Jerusalem? 5No, I tell you!
But unless you repent, you will all perish as well!”
6
Then Jesus told them this parable: “A man planted a fig
tree in his vineyard. He kept looking to see if there were any
figs on the tree, but never found any. 7So he said to the worker
in charge of his vineyard, ‘ Look! For three years I have come
looking for figs on this fig tree, but have never found any. Cut
it down! Why should it use up good soil?’ 8But the worker
answered him, ‘ Sir, leave it alone for one more year, and I will
dig and put manure around it. 9Perhaps it will produce figs next
year. If not, then cut it down.’”
10
Jesus was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sab-
bath. 11A woman was there who had a spirit of infirmity for
eighteen years. She was completely hunched over and could not
straighten herself up. 12 When Jesus saw her, He called her over
and said, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity.” 13 Then
He laid His hands on her, and immediately she straightened
up and glorified God.
14
The synagogue leader was angry with Jesus for healing the
woman on the Sabbath, so he said to the people, “There are six
days for a person to work. Come on one of those days and be
healed, but not on the Sabbath!”
15
Then the Lord answered him and said, “You hypocrites!
Does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his ox or donkey
from the stall and lead it out for a drink of water? 16 Then should
not this woman, a daughter of Abraham, whom satan has
bound these eighteen years, be set free on the Sabbath from
this bondage?” 17When Jesus said this, all those who were
opposing Him were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced for all
the glorious things He was doing.
18
Then He said, “What is the kingdom of God like? To what
can I compare it to? 19 It is like a mustard seed that a man took
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Luke 13
and planted in his garden. It grew and became a big tree, and
the birds of the air nested in its branches.” 55
20
And again He said, “To what can I compare the kingdom
of God to? 21It is like yeast, which a woman took and mixed
into a large amount of flour until it worked its way through the
whole batch of dough.”
22
As Jesus made His way toward Jerusalem, He went through
the towns and villages teaching. 23Now someone asked Him,
“Lord, will only a few be saved?”
Jesus answered, 24“Strive to enter through the narrow gate.
For I say to you, many will try to enter, but will not be able to.
25
When the Master of the house gets up and shuts the door, you
will stand outside knocking on the door, saying, ‘ Lord, Lord,
open the door for us!’ But He will answer you, ‘ I do not know
you!’ 26 Then you will say, ‘We ate and drank with You, and You
taught in our streets.’ 27But He will say to you, ‘ I do not know
you! Depart from Me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’ 28In
that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when
you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the
kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out! 29People will
come from the east and the west, from the north and the south,
and will sit down in the kingdom of God. 30Look! Those who are
last will be first, and those who are first will be last.”
31
That same day, some Pharisees came to Jesus and said,
“Go, get away from here! Herod wants to kill You!”
32
But Jesus said to them, “Go tell that fox, ‘ Look! I will cast
out demons and heal people today and tomorrow, and on the
third day I will complete My work.’ 33 Yet I must travel today
and tomorrow and the next day, because it is unthinkable for
a prophet to perish anywhere except in Jerusalem.
34
“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone
those who are sent to you! How often I have longed to gather
your children together as a hen gathers her chicks under her
wings, but you would not let Me! 35Look! Your house is left to
55
149
Luke 14
you desolate. Truly I say to you, you will not see Me again until
you say,
‘ Blessed is He who comes

in the name of the Lord!’”
(Psalm 118:26)
14 One Sabbath Jesus went to eat bread in the house of a

prominent Pharisee, and they watched Him closely. 2 There,
right in front of Him, was a man whose body was swollen with
fluid. 3So Jesus asked the Pharisees and the experts in the law,
“Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 4But they made no reply.
So Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him away.
5
Then He said to them, “Which one of you, if your donkey or ox
falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not pull it out immediately?”
6
And they could not answer Him.
7
When Jesus saw how the guests were choosing the most
important seats, He told them this parable: 8“When someone
invites you to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the most important
seat, because someone more important than you may have been
invited. 9If so, the one who invited you will come and say, ‘Give
this man your seat,’ and in shame, you will have to take the
least important seat. 10But when you are invited, go and sit in
the least important seat. Then, when the one who invited you
comes, he will say, ‘Friend, move up to a better seat,’ and you
will be honoured in the presence of everyone seated with you.56
11
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever
humbles himself will be exalted.”
12
Then He said to the one who had invited Him, “When you
give a luncheon or a dinner, do not invite your friends, your
brothers, your relatives, or your rich neighbours. Otherwise
they might invite you over to eat in return, and you would be
repaid. 13Instead, when you give a banquet, invite the poor,
the lame, the blind, and those with missing limbs. 14 Then you
will be blessed, because they cannot repay you, and you will
be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
56
Proverbs 25:6-7
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Luke 14
15
One of those who were sitting at the table heard this, and
said to Him, “Blessed are those who will eat bread in the kingdom
of God.”
16
Jesus replied, “A certain man prepared a large banquet
and invited many. 17When it was time for the banquet, he sent
his slave to tell those who were invited, ‘Come! Everything is
ready now.’ 18But they all made excuses. The first one said, ‘ I
have just bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please excuse
me.’ 19Another said, ‘ I have just bought five yoke of oxen, and
I am going to try them out. Please excuse me.’ 20And another
said, ‘ I just married a wife, so I cannot go.’ 21So the slave went
back and reported all this to his master. Then the master of
the house became angry and said to his slave, ‘Go quickly into
the streets and alleys of the city and bring back the poor, the
lame, the blind, and those with missing limbs!’ 22 Then the slave
said, ‘Sir, your command has been carried out, and there is
still room.’ 23So the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the
roads and paths and compel the people to come in, so that my
house may be filled! 24For I say to you, none of those men who
were invited will eat at my banquet!’”
25
Jesus turned to the large crowds that were accompanying
Him and said, 26“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate
his father and mother, his wife and children, his brothers
and sisters, as well as his own life, he cannot be My disciple.
27
Whoever does not carry his cross and follow Me cannot be
My disciple.
28
“Suppose one of you wants to build a tower. Would you not
first sit down and calculate the cost to see if you have enough
money to complete it? 29For if you lay the foundation and cannot
finish it, everyone who sees it will mock you, 30saying, ‘This man
started to build, but could not finish!’
31
“Or suppose a king is about to engage another king in battle.
Would he not first sit down with his advisers and determine
whether his ten thousand men can fight a king who is coming
against him with twenty thousand? 32If not, while the other is
still a long way off, he will send a delegation to ask for terms
of peace.
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Luke 15
33
“Likewise, none of you can be My disciples unless you give
up everything. 34Salt is good, but if salt loses its flavour, how
can it be made salty again? 35It is not fit for the soil or for the
manure pile, but is thrown out. Whoever has ears to hear, let
him hear!”
15 All the tax collectors and sinners came to hear Jesus.

2
But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law murmured,
saying, “This Man welcomes sinners and eats with them!”
3
So Jesus told them this parable: 4“What man among you, if he
has a hundred sheep and loses one of them, does not leave the
ninety-nine in the wilderness to go looking for the lost one until
he finds it? 5And when he finds it, he puts it on his shoulders
and rejoices. 6And when he returns home, he calls his friends
and neighbours together and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me,
because I have found my sheep that was lost!’ 7Likewise, I say
to you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who
repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no
need of repentance.
8
“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one
of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search
carefully until she finds it? 9And when she finds it, she calls
her friends and neighbours together and says, ‘Rejoice with
me, because I have found the coin that I lost!’ 10Likewise, I say
to you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one
sinner who repents.”
11
Then Jesus said, “A man had two sons. 12 The youngest son
said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the inheritance.’
So the father divided his estate between them. 13A few days
later, the youngest son packed up all his belongings and went
off to a distant country. There he squandered his money on wild
living. 14After he had spent everything, a severe famine struck
that country, and he became destitute.
15
“So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of
that country, who sent him into the fields to feed his pigs. 16He
longed to fill his stomach with the carob pods that the pigs were
eating, but no one gave him anything.
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Luke 16
17
“But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘ How many of
my father’s hired men have an abundance of food, and here I
am starving to death! 18I will get up and go to my father, and
say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against
you! 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son! Make me like
one of your hired men.”’ 20So he got up and went to his father.
“But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and
was filled with compassion. So his father ran to him, threw his
arms around his neck, and kissed him. 21Then his son said to
him, ‘ Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you! I
am no longer worthy to be called your son!’ 22But his father said
to his slaves, ‘ Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and
put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet! 23 Then bring
the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate! 24For
this son of mine was dead, but now he is alive again! He was
lost, but now he is found!’ And they began to celebrate.
25
“Now his oldest son was in the field. On his way back, as
he approached the house, he heard music and dancing. 26So
he called one of the slaves and asked him what was happening.
27
The slave said, ‘ Your brother has come back home, and your
father has killed the fattened calf because he has come back
safe and sound.’
28
“But the oldest son became angry and would not go into the
house. So his father came out and begged him to come in. 29But
he answered his father, ‘Look! I have served you like a slave for
many years, and I have never disobeyed a single commandment
of yours. Yet you never even gave me a young goat, so that I
could celebrate with my friends! 30But when this son of yours
came back, after wasting your money on prostitutes, you killed
the fattened calf for him!’ 31Then his father said to him, ‘Son,
you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32But
now we must rejoice and celebrate! For this brother of yours
was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he
is found!’”
16
2
Jesus also said to His disciples, “There was a rich man
whose steward was accused of squandering his possessions.
So he summoned the steward and said to him, ‘ What is this I
153
Luke 16
hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship; you can

no longer be my steward!’
3
“The steward said to himself, ‘What should I do? My master is
taking the stewardship away from me. I am definitely not strong
enough to dig, and I am too proud to beg. 4Aha! I know what
I will do!—so that when I am removed from the stewardship,
people will welcome me into their homes.’
5
“Then he called each one of his master’s debtors. He asked
the first one, ‘ How much do you owe my master?’ 6 The man
replied, ‘I owe him nine hundred gallons of olive oil.’ The steward
said to him, ‘ Take your bill, sit down quickly, and write down
four hundred and fifty gallons.’ 7 Then the steward asked another
one, ‘ How much do you owe?’ The man replied, ‘A thousand
bushels of wheat.’ Then the steward said to him, ‘ Take your
bill and write down eight hundred bushels.’
8
“The master commended the dishonest steward because he
had acted shrewdly. In this age, the children of this world are
more shrewd than the children of light.
9
“ Therefore I say this to you: use unrighteous money to
make friends for yourselves. Then when it is gone, they will
welcome you into eternal dwellings.57 10 Whoever is faithful with
very little is also faithful with a lot. Whoever is dishonest with
very little is also dishonest with a lot. 11If you have not been
faithful with unrighteous money, who will trust you with true
riches? 12And if you have not been faithful with what belongs to
another, who will give you what is your own? 13No servant can
serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the
other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve both God and money!”
14
When the Pharisees heard all this they scoffed at Him,
because they loved money. 15But Jesus said to them, “You are
the ones who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your
hearts. For what is highly prized among men is an abomination
57
Therefore I say this to you: be good stewards of your money,
using it wisely for the kingdom of God. Then your generosity
will make you friends, and when it is gone, they will welcome
you into heaven.
154
Luke 17
before God. 16 The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until
John. Since then, the good news of the kingdom of God has
been proclaimed, and everyone is pushing to get into it. 17It is
easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke
of a letter in the Law to fail. 18Whoever divorces his wife, and
marries another woman, commits adultery. And whoever marries
a woman, divorced from her husband, commits adultery.
19
“Now there was a rich man who dressed in purple and fine
linen and lived in luxury every day. 20A beggar named Lazarus,
who was covered with sores, lay at his gate. 21He longed to eat
the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table, but instead the
dogs would come and lick his sores. 22One day the beggar died
and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. And
the rich man also died and was buried.
23
“In hell, as he was in torment, he looked up and saw
Abraham a long way off with Lazarus by his side. 24And he
cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send
Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue,
because I am in torment in this inferno.’ 25But Abraham said,
‘Child, remember that in your lifetime you received your good
things, whereas Lazarus received bad things. But now he is
comforted here, while you are in torment. 26Besides all this,
a wide chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that no
one from here can cross over to you, and no one from there
can cross over to us.’
27
“The rich man answered, ‘Father Abraham, I beg you to send
Lazarus to my father’s house, 28because I have five brothers.
Let him warn them, so that they do not end up in this place of
torture.’ 29But Abraham said to him, ‘ They have Moses and the
Prophets; they can listen to them.’ 30 The rich man replied, ‘ No,
father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them,
they will repent!’ 31Abraham said to him, ‘ If they do not listen
to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if
someone rises from the dead.’”
17 Jesus said to His disciples, “Stumbling blocks are bound

to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It
would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around
155
Luke 17
his neck and to be cast into the sea than to cause one of these
little ones to sin. 3 Watch yourselves! If your brother sins against
you, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins
against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day
turns to you and says, ‘ I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
5
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.”
6
The Lord replied, “If you have faith the size of a mustard seed,
you can say to this sycamore tree, ‘ Be uprooted and planted in
the sea,’ and it will obey you! 7 Which one of you, who has a slave
ploughing or tending the sheep, will say to him when he comes
in from the field, ‘Come! Sit down to eat’? 8None of you! Instead,
you will say to him, ‘Prepare me something to eat. Fasten your
belt and wait on me while I eat and drink, then afterwards you
can eat and drink.’ 9 Will you thank that slave because he did
what you commanded him? I think not! 10Likewise, when you
have done everything you were commanded, you should say,
‘ We are worthless slaves. We have only done our duty.’”
11
On His way to Jerusalem, Jesus passed between Samaria
and Galilee. 12As He entered a village, He was met by ten men
with leprosy. They stood at a distance, 13and lifted up their
voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”
14
When Jesus saw them, He said, “Go! Show yourselves to
the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.
15
But one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned
back and glorified God with a loud voice. 16He fell facedown at
Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. The man was a Samaritan.
17
Jesus said, “Were not ten of you cleansed? Where are the
other nine? 18 Was this foreigner the only one who turned back
to give glory to God?” 19 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and
go! Your faith has healed you.”
20
Some of the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the kingdom
of God come?” Jesus answered, “The kingdom of God is not
coming in the way you expect to see it. 21People will not say,
‘ Look! Here it is!’ or ‘ Look! There it is!’ For look! The kingdom
of God is in your midst.”
22
Then He said to the disciples, “The days will come when
you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you
will not see it. 23People will say to you, ‘ Look! Here He is!’ or
‘ Look! There He is!’ But do not go after them or follow them.
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Luke 18
24
For as lightning flashes and illuminates one end of the sky to
the other, so will the Son of Man be on the day of His return.
25
But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this
generation.
26
“Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the
days of the Son of Man. 27People were eating, drinking, marrying,
and being given in marriage, until the day Noah entered the
ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. 28Likewise,
just as it was in the days of Lot—people were eating, drinking,
buying, selling, planting, and building. 29But on the day Lot
left Sodom, fire and brimstone rained down from heaven and
destroyed them all. 30 That is how it will be on the day the Son
of Man is revealed. 31On that day, those on the rooftop, whose
belongings are in the house, must not go down to get them.
Likewise, those in the field must not turn back for anything.
32
Remember Lot’s wife!58 33Whoever tries to save his life will lose
it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you, on that
night there will be two people in one bed—one will be taken, and
one will be left. 35 Two women will be grinding grain together at
the mill—one will be taken, and one will be left. 36 Two men will
be working in the field—one will be taken, and one will be left.”
Then the disciples asked Him, “Where, Lord?”

37
Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a body, there the vultures

will gather.”
18 Jesus told His disciples a parable to show them that they

must always pray and not faint. 2He said, “In a certain
town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected
man. 3Now a widow in that town kept coming to him, saying,
‘Grant me justice against my adversary!’ 4For a long time he
was unwilling to help her, but after a while he said to himself,
‘ Even though I do not fear God or respect man, 5 yet because
this widow keeps troubling me, I will grant her justice, so that
in the end she will not wear me out with her persistence.’”
6
Then the Lord said, “You heard what the unrighteous judge
said. 7How much more will God grant justice to His elect who
cry out to Him day and night? Will He keep putting them off?
58
Genesis 19:26
157
Luke 18
8
I say to you, He will swiftly grant them justice! But when the
Son of Man comes, will He find faith on earth?”
9
Then Jesus told this parable to those who trusted in their
own righteousness and looked down on others: 10“Two men went
up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee, and the other
was a tax collector. 11The Pharisee stood and prayed about him-
self, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men, who steal,
cheat, and commit adultery, or even like this tax collector. 12I
fast twice a week, and give a tenth of all that I get.’ 13But the
tax collector stood at a distance, and would not even lift his
eyes to heaven. He beat his chest and said, ‘God, be merciful to
a sinner like me.’ 14I tell you, this man went back to his home
justified rather than the other. For whoever exalts himself will
be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
15
Some people brought their babies to Jesus, so that He could
touch them. But when His disciples saw this, they rebuked
them. 16But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let
the little children come to Me. Do not stop them, because the
kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. 17Truly I say to
you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child
will not enter it.”
18
A certain leader asked Him, “Good Teacher, what must I
do to inherit eternal life?”
19
Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There
is only One who is good, and that is God. 20 You know the
commandments:
‘ You must not commit adultery,

you must not steal,
honour your father and mother.’”
21
But the leader said, “I have kept all these commandments
since my childhood.”
22
When Jesus heard this, He said to him, “There is one thing
you lack. Sell everything you have and give the proceeds to the
poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come and
158
Luke 18
follow Me.” 23But when the leader heard this he became sad,
because he was very rich.
24
When Jesus saw how sad he was, He said, “How difficult
it is for those who are rich to enter the kingdom of God! 25For
it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than
for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”
26
Those who heard this said, “Then who can be saved?”
27
Jesus answered, “What is impossible with man is possible
with God.”
28
Then Peter said, “We have left everything to follow You.”
29
Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who
has left house or parents or brothers or wife or children for the
sake of the kingdom of God, 30 who will not receive far more in
this present time, and eternal life in the age to come.”
31
Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said to them, “We are
now on our way to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by
the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32He will be
handed over to the Gentiles, and He will be mocked, abused,
and spit on. 33And they will whip Him and put Him to death,
but on the third day He will rise again.”
34
But the disciples understood none of this. Its meaning
was hidden from them, and they did not know what He was
talking about.
35
As Jesus was nearing Jericho, there was a blind man sitting
by the road begging. 36When he heard the crowd going past, he
asked what was happening. 37 They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth
is passing by.”
38
So he cried out, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy
on me!”
39
But the people in front rebuked him and told him to be
quiet. However, he cried out all the more, “Son of David, have
mercy on me!”
40
Then Jesus stood still and commanded the man to be
brought to Him. As the man approached, Jesus asked him,
41
“What do you want Me to do for you?”
The man exclaimed, “Lord, I want to receive my sight!”
42
Then Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight! Your faith
has healed you!” 43Immediately the man received his sight and
159
Luke 19
followed Jesus, glorifying God. And when all the people saw
this, they gave praise to God.
19 Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2A wealthy

man named Zacchaeus was there; he was a chief tax
collector. 3He wanted to see who Jesus was, but he could not
see over the crowd, because he was too short. 4So he ran ahead
and climbed up a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus,
who was coming that way. 5When Jesus reached that spot, He
looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down quickly,
because I must stay at your house today.” 6So he came down
quickly and welcomed Him with joy.
7
When everyone saw this, they began to complain, saying,
“He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.”
8
Zacchaeus stood there and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! I
will give half of my possessions to the poor. And if I have cheated
anyone, I will repay them four times as much!”
9
Then Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house,
because he too is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came
to seek and to save the lost.”
11
Since Jesus was nearing Jerusalem, they thought that
the kingdom of God would appear right away. So while they
were listening, He told them a parable. 12He said, “A certain
nobleman went to a distant country to be appointed king and
then to return. 13He summoned ten of his slaves, gave them
ten minas, and said to them, ‘ Invest this until I come back.’ 59
14
But his citizens hated him and sent a delegation after him,
saying, ‘We do not want this man to rule over us!’
59
A mina is 1/60 of a talent. A talent is 75 pounds. 75×1/60=1.25
pounds. Precious metals are weighed in troy ounces. There
are 14.583 troy ounces in an American (Avoirdupois) pound.
14.583×(the price of silver). Today (February 3, 2014) silver is
worth $19.34(USD) per troy ounce. 14.583×19.34=282.04
So today silver is worth $282.04(USD) a pound.
282.04×1.25=352.55
So one mina of silver is $352.55(USD).
10×352.55=3,525.50
So ten minas of silver is $3,525.50(USD).
5×352.55=1,762.75
So five minas of silver is $1,762.75(USD).
160
Luke 19
15
“After receiving his kingdom, he returned home. Then he
summoned the slaves to whom he had given the money, to find
out how much each one had made by investing. 16 The first one
came and said, ‘ Master, your mina has made ten more minas.’
17
The king said to him, ‘ Well done, good slave! Since you have
been faithful in such a small matter, I will put you in charge
of ten cities.’ 18 The second one came and said, ‘ Master, your
mina has made five minas.’ 19 The king said to him, ‘ You will be
in charge of five cities.’
20
“Then another one came and said, ‘ Master, look! Here is
your mina. I kept it hidden in a piece of cloth. 21I was afraid
of you, because you are a hard man. For you profit where you
did not invest, and you reap what you did not sow.’ 22 The king
said to him, ‘ I will judge you by the words of your mouth, you
wicked slave! Since you knew that I was a hard man, profiting
where I did not invest and reaping where I did not sow, 23 then
why did you not deposit my money in the bank? Then when I
returned, I could have collected it with interest.’ 24So the king
said to those standing there, ‘ Take the mina away from him
and give it to the one who has ten minas.’ 25But they said to
him, ‘ Master, he already has ten minas!’ 26 The king replied, ‘ I
tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given. But from
the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken
away from him. 27Now, as for those enemies of mine who did
not want me to rule over them, bring them here and execute
them in front of me!’”
28
After saying these things, Jesus travelled onward to
Jerusalem. 29As He approached the towns of Bethphage and
Bethany, on the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples
off 30with these instructions: “Go to the town across the way.
When you get there, you will find a colt tied up that nobody
has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. 31If anyone asks
you, ‘ Why are you untying it?’ say to them, ‘ The Lord needs
it.’” 32So the two disciples went off and found everything just
as He had told them.
33
As they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why
are you untying the colt?”
34
The disciples said, “The Lord needs it.” 35 Then they brought
the colt to Jesus, threw their coats on it, and put Jesus on it.
36
As He was going along, people spread their coats on the road.
161
Luke 20
Now when He came to the descent of the Mount of Olives, the

37
whole crowd of disciples began to rejoice and praise God with

a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen, 38saying,
“Blessed is the King who comes

in the name of the Lord!”
(Psalm 118:26)
“Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

39
Then some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Him, “Teacher,
rebuke Your disciples!”
40
But Jesus answered and said to them, “I tell you, if they
were silent, the stones would cry out!”
41
When He came near and saw the city of Jerusalem, He
wept over it, 42saying, “If you had only known on this day what
would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes.
43
For the days will come upon you when your enemies will build
fortifications around you, and will encircle you and hem you in
on every side. 44 They will level you and your children within you
to the ground. They will not leave in you one stone on another,
because you did not know the time of your visitation.”
45
When Jesus entered the temple, He began to throw out those
who were buying and selling. 46He said to them, “It is written:
‘ My house will be a house of prayer,’

(Isaiah 56:7)
but you have made it a den of bandits.” 60

47
Every day Jesus taught in the temple. But the chief priests,
the teachers of the law, and the elders of the people sought to
kill Him. 48But they could not find a way to do it, because all
the people hung on His words.
20 On one of those days, as Jesus was teaching the people

in the temple and proclaiming the good news, the chief
60
Jeremiah 7:11
162
Luke 20
priests and the teachers of the law and the elders approached
Him. 2 They spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what authority
are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?”
3
Jesus answered and said to them, “I have a question for
you. Answer Me: 4did John’s authority to baptize come from
heaven or from men?”
5
‘ From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘ Then why did you not believe
John?’ 6But if we say, ‘ From men,’ all the people will stone us,
because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7So they
answered, “We do not know where it came from.”
8
Then Jesus said to them, “Well, then, I will not tell you by
what authority I am doing these things.”
9
Then Jesus told the people this parable: “There was a man
who planted a vineyard, he leased it to some farmers, and
went away for a long time. 10At harvest time, he sent a slave
to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard.
But the farmers beat him and sent him away empty-handed.
11
So he sent another slave. They beat him as well, treated him
shamefully, and sent him away empty-handed. 12 Then he sent
a third slave, but they wounded him and threw him out as well.
13
“Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘ What should I do? I
will send my beloved son; perhaps they will respect him when
they see him.’ 14But when the farmers saw him, they said to
one another, ‘ This is the heir. Come! Let us kill him, so that
the inheritance will be ours.’ 15So they threw him out of the
vineyard and killed him.
“What, then, will the owner of the vineyard do to them? 16I

tell you, he will come and destroy those farmers and will give
the vineyard to others.”
And when the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”
17
But Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what is the
meaning of that which is written:
‘ The Stone that the builders rejected

has become the Cornerstone’ ?
(Psalm 118:22)
163
Luke 20
Everyone who falls on this Stone will be broken to pieces, and

18
anyone it falls on will be ground to powder.”

19
The chief priests and the teachers of the law tried to lay
their hands on Him that same hour, because they knew that
He had spoken this parable against them, but they were afraid
of the people.
20
They watched Him closely, and sent spies who pretended
to be righteous men. They wanted to trap Him in what He said,
so that they could hand Him over to the power and authority
of the governor. 21So they asked Him a question, “Teacher, we
know that what You speak and teach is right. You do not show
favouritism to any person, but teach the way of God in truth.
22
Tell us, is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”
23
But Jesus perceived their craftiness, and said to them,
“Why are you trying to trap Me? 24Show Me a denarius.61 Whose
image and inscription does it have?”
They answered and said, “Caesar’s.”
25
Then He said to them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s,
and to God what is God’s.” 26 They were unable to trap Him
in anything He said before the people. They marvelled at His
answer, and kept quiet.
27
Some of the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection,
came and asked Him a question, 28“Teacher, Moses wrote this
to us:
‘ If a man’s brother dies,

leaving a wife but no children,
29
Now there were seven brothers. The oldest married a wife,
but died childless. 30So the second brother married her, but he
also died childless. 31 The third brother married her—likewise,
all seven married her and died without having children. 32And
last of all, the woman died too. 33So whose wife will she be at
the resurrection, since all seven were married to her?”
61
164
Luke 21
34
Jesus said to them, “The sons of this age marry and are
given in marriage, 35but those who are counted worthy of the
age to come, and of the resurrection from the dead, will not
marry or be given in marriage. 36 They cannot die anymore, for
they are like the angels. They are sons of God, because they
are sons of the resurrection.
37
“Even Moses in the account of the burning bush showed that
the dead are raised. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 62 38He is not the God
of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.”
39
Some of the teachers of the law remarked, “Teacher, You
have spoken well.” 40And after that nobody dared to ask Him
anything.
41
Then Jesus said to them, “How can they say that the Christ
is the son of David? 42For David himself says in the book of
Psalms,

43
(Psalm 110:1)
44
If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be his son?”
45
While all the people were listening, He said to His disciples,
46
“Beware of the teachers of the law. They like to walk around
in long robes and to be greeted in the marketplaces. They love
to have the most important seats in the synagogues and the
seats of honour at banquets. 47They devour widows’ houses,
and for a show make long prayers. They will receive greater
condemnation!”
21 Jesus looked up and saw the rich dropping their gifts into
the temple treasury. 2He also saw a poor widow dropping
in two small coins. 3He said, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow
has put in more than all the rest of them. 4All these people put
62
Exodus 3:6
165
Luke 21
their money into the offering out of their surplus, but she out
of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”
5
Some of His disciples were talking about the temple, how it
was decorated with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated
to God. But Jesus said, 6“As for these things that you see, the
days will come when not one stone will be left on another; they
will all be thrown down.”
7
So they asked Him, “Teacher, when will these things happen?
And what will be the sign that these things are about to take
place?”
8
He said, “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will
come in My name, saying, ‘ I am the Christ,’ and ‘ The time has
come.’ But do not follow them. 9And when you hear of wars and
revolutions, do not be terrified. For these things must happen
first, but the end will not come right away.”
10
Then He said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and
kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes
and famines and plagues in various places, and there will be
terrifying sights and great signs from heaven. 12But before all
this, they will lay hands on you and will persecute you. They
will hand you over to the synagogues and prisons, and you
will be brought before kings and governors on account of My
name. 13 This will give you an opportunity to testify. 14So settle
it in your hearts not to meditate ahead of time about how you
will defend yourselves. 15For I will give you words of wisdom
that none of your opponents will be able to contradict or refute.
16
You will be betrayed even by your parents, brothers, relatives,
and friends, and some of you will be put to death. 17You will
be hated by everyone because of My name. 18But not one hair
of your head will perish. 19By your perseverance you will gain
your lives.
20
“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then you
will know that her desolation is near. 21Then those in Judea
must flee to the mountains. Those in Jerusalem must get out,
and those in the countryside must not enter her. 22For these
are the days of vengeance, so that all that is written may be
fulfilled. 23How terrible it will be in those days for women who
are pregnant or nursing. There will be great distress in the land
and wrath against this people. 24 They will fall by the edge of
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Luke 22
the sword and will be led captive into all the nations, and Je-
rusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles until the times
of the Gentiles are fulfilled.
25
“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. The nations
of the earth will be distressed and confused because of the
roaring of the sea and its tides. 26Men will faint from terror
when they see what is going to happen on the earth, for the
powers of heaven will be shaken. 27 Then they will see the Son
of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28When
these things begin to happen, stand up and lift up your heads,
because your redemption draws near.”
29
Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree or any
other tree. 30When they sprout leaves, you can see and know
for yourselves that summer is near. 31Likewise, when you see
these things happening, you will know that the kingdom of God
is near. 32 Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away
until all these things are fulfilled. 33Heaven and earth will pass
away, but My words will never pass away.
34
“Be on your guard, so that your hearts are not weighed
down with gluttony, drunkenness, and the cares of this life, or
that day will come on you unexpectedly. 35For it will come like
a trap on all the inhabitants of the whole earth. 36Always be
watchful, and petition God that you may be counted worthy to
escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able
to stand before the Son of Man.”
37
During the day Jesus taught in the temple, but at night He
went and stayed on the Mount of Olives. 38And all the people
came early in the morning to listen to Him in the temple.
22 Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread, which is called the

Passover, was drawing near. 2 The chief priests and the
teachers of the law were looking for a way to kill Jesus, but
they were afraid of the people.
3
Then satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the twelve
disciples. 4He went off to the chief priests and the officers of the
temple guard and discussed how he could hand Jesus over to
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Luke 22
them. 5 They were delighted, and agreed to give him silver. 6He
consented, and began to look for an opportunity to hand Jesus
over to them when the crowds were not present.
7
Then the Day of Unleavened Bread arrived, when the Passover
lamb had to be sacrificed. 8Jesus sent Peter and John, saying,
“Go and prepare the Passover meal for us to eat.”
9
They asked Him, “Where do You want us to prepare it?”
10
He replied, “When you go into the city, you will meet a
man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him into the house he
enters, 11and say to the owner of the house, ‘ The Teacher asks
you, “Where is the guest room, where I can eat the Passover
with My disciples?”’ 12 Then he will show you a large upper room
that is furnished. Make preparations there.” 13So they went and
found everything just as He had told them, and they prepared
the Passover meal.
14
When the hour came, Jesus sat at the table, and the twelve
apostles sat with Him. 15 Then He said to them, “I have earnestly
desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16For I tell
you, I will not eat it again until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of
God.”
17
Then He took the cup, and after giving thanks He said,
“Take this and share it among yourselves. 18For I say to you, I
will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God
comes.” 19 Then He took the bread, and after giving thanks, He
broke it and gave it to them, saying “This is My body, which is
given for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 20Likewise, He
took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the New Covenant
in My blood, which is poured out for you.
21
“But Look! The hand of My betrayer is with Me on the table.
22
Truly the Son of Man will go as it has been determined, but
woe to that man who betrays Him!” 23 Then they asked each
other which one of them would do such a thing.
24
A dispute arose among the disciples as to which one of
them was the greatest. 25So Jesus said to them, “The kings of
the Gentiles lord it over their subjects, and those who exercise
authority over them are called ‘friends of the people.’ 26But you
must not be like that! On the contrary, the greatest among you
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Luke 22
must be like the youngest, and the one who leads must be like
a servant. 27For who is the greatest, the one sitting at the table
or the one serving? It is the one sitting at the table, is it not?
But I am among you as one who serves.
28
“You are the ones who have remained with Me in My trials.
And I bestow on you a kingdom, just as My Father has bestowed
29
one on Me, 30so that you may eat and drink at My table in My
kingdom. And you will sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes
of Israel.”
31
Then the Lord said, “Simon, Simon, look! Satan has
demanded to sift you like wheat, 32but I have petitioned the
Father for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have
turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
33
But Peter said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You
both to prison and to death!”
34
Jesus replied, “I say to you, Peter, the rooster will not crow
today until you have denied knowing Me three times.”
35
Jesus said to them, “When I sent you without a moneybag,
traveller’s bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?”
They replied, “Nothing at all.”
36
Then He said to them, “But now, whoever has a moneybag
should take it, and likewise a traveller’s bag. And whoever has
no sword should sell his coat and buy one. 37For I tell you that
this Scripture must be fulfilled concerning Me:
‘And He was numbered with the transgressors.’

(Isaiah 53:12)
Indeed, what is written about Me is nearly completed.”

38
The disciples said, “Lord, look, here are two swords.”
He replied, “That is enough.”
39
Then Jesus left and went to the Mount of Olives, as was
His custom, and His disciples followed Him. 40 When He reached
the place He was going, He said to them, “Pray that you will not
enter into temptation.” 41 Then He withdrew from them about
a stone’s throw away, fell on His knees, and began to pray,
42
“Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. However,
not My will but Yours be done.” 43 Then an angel from heaven
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Luke 22
appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44Being in anguish, He

prayed more intensely. And His sweat was like drops of blood
falling to the ground. 45When He got up from prayer, He went
to His disciples, and found them sleeping on account of grief.
46
So He said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Get up, and pray
that you will not enter into temptation.”
47
As Jesus was saying this, a crowd appeared. And one of the
twelve, named Judas, was leading them. He came up to Jesus
to kiss Him. 48But Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying
the Son of Man with a kiss?”
49
When His disciples saw what was about to happen, they
said to Him, “Lord, should we attack them with our swords?”
50
Then one of them struck the high priest’s slave, cutting off
his right ear.
51
But Jesus responded, “Enough of this!” And He touched
the man’s ear and healed him.
52
Then Jesus said to the chief priests, the officers of the temple
guard, and the elders who had come for Him, “Have you come
out with swords and clubs, as if I were some kind of bandit?
53
I was in the temple with you every day, and you did not lay
a hand on Me. But this is your hour, when darkness reigns.”
54
Then they arrested Him, led Him away, and brought Him
to the high priest’s house. Peter, meanwhile, followed at a
distance. 55And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of
the courtyard, and sat down together, Peter sat down with them.
56
When a slave-girl saw him sitting by the fire, she looked at
him closely and said, “This man was also with Him.”
57
Peter, however, denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know
Him.”
58
A little while later, someone else saw him and said, “You
are also one of them.”
Peter, however, denied Him again, saying, “Man, I am not!”
59
About an hour later another person insisted, “Certainly
this man was with Him, for he is a Galilean.”
60
Then Peter denied Him again, saying, “Man, I do not know
what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was
still speaking, the rooster crowed. 61 Then the Lord turned and
looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the words that Jesus
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Luke 23
had spoken to him: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny
Me three times.” 62 Then Peter went outside and wept bitterly.
63
The men who were guarding Jesus began to mock Him and
beat Him. 64 They blindfolded Him, and kept hitting Him in the
face, saying, “Prophesy! Who is it who hit You?” 65And they said
many other blasphemous things against Him.
66
When day came, the elders of the people, the chief priests,
and the teachers of the law assembled together and brought Him
before the Sanhedrin, saying, 67“If You are the Christ, tell us!”
But He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe Me.
68
And if I ask you a question, you will not answer Me or let Me
go. 69But from now on, the Son of Man will sit at the right hand
of Almighty God.”
70
Then they all asked, “Are You, then, the Son of God?”
Jesus answered, “You are correct.”
71
And they said, “What further evidence do we need? We have
heard it from His own mouth!”
23 Then the entire Sanhedrin got up and brought Him before

Pilate. 2And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found
this Man subverting our nation and forbidding us to pay taxes
to Caesar, even saying that He is Christ—a King!”
3
Then Pilate asked Him a question, “Are You the King of the
Jews?”
Jesus answered and said to him, “You are correct.”
4
Then Pilate said to the chief priests and the crowds, “I find
this Man guilty of no crime.”
5
But they kept insisting, “He stirs up the people throughout
all Judea with His teaching. He began in Galilee, and now He
is here.”
6
When Pilate heard this, he asked if Jesus was from Galilee.
7
And when Pilate found out that Jesus was from Galilee, the
jurisdiction of Herod Antipas, he sent Him to Herod. For Herod
was in Jerusalem at that time.
8
Herod was very glad to see Jesus, because he had heard
much about Him. He had wanted to see Jesus for a long time,
and hoped to see Him perform some kind of miraculous sign.
9
So Herod asked Him many questions, but Jesus made no reply.
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Luke 23
10
And the chief priests and the teachers of the law stood and
viciously accused Him. 11 Then Herod and his soldiers mocked
Him, and despised Him. They dressed Him in a magnificent
robe and made fun of Him, and then sent Him back to Pilate.
12
That day Pilate and Herod became friends with one another.
Before this they had been enemies.
13
Then Pilate called together the chief priests, the leaders, and
the people, 14and said to them, “You brought this Man to me as
one who misleads the people. But I have examined Him before
you, and I have not found this Man guilty of any of the crimes
of which you have accused Him of doing. 15Neither did Herod,
so he sent Him back to us. Look! He has done nothing worthy
of death. 16 Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.”
17
Now Pilate was obligated to release one prisoner to them
at the feast. 18So they all cried out in unison, saying, “Away
with this Man! Release Barabbas to us!” 19(Barabbas had been
thrown into prison for a rebellion that had occurred in the city,
and for murder.) 20Pilate, however, wanting to release Jesus,
addressed them again. 21But they kept crying out, “Crucify
Him! Crucify Him!”
22
Then Pilate said to them a third time, “Why? What wrong
has this Man done? I have not found any reason to put Him to
death. Therefore, I will punish Him and then release Him.” 23But
they persisted with loud voices, demanding that He be crucified.
And the voices of the people and the chief priests prevailed.
24
So Pilate decided to grant them their request. 25He released
Barabbas, who had been thrown into prison for rebellion and
murder, just as they asked. He gave them what they desired,
and handed Jesus over to be killed.
26
As the soldiers led Jesus away, they grabbed hold of a man
from the city of Cyrene, named Simon, who was on his way in
from the country. They put the cross on him, and made him
carry it behind Jesus. 27A large crowd of people followed Him,
including some women who were weeping and wailing for Him.
28
But Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem,
do not weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children!
29
Look! The days will come when you will say, ‘ Blessed are the
barren women, and the wombs that never bore children, and
the breasts that never nursed!’ 30Indeed,
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Luke 23
‘ The people will say to the mountains,

“Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’
(Hosea 10:8)
For if they do these things when the tree is green, what will
31
happen when it is dry?”

32
Two others, who were criminals, were also led away with
Him to be put to death. 33When they came to the place called
“The Skull,” they crucified Him there with the two criminals—one
on His right, and one on His left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father,
forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And the
soldiers divided His clothes among themselves by casting lots.
35
While the people stood there watching, the leaders also
ridiculed Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself
if He is the Christ, the chosen One of God!”
36
The soldiers also came up and mocked Him. They offered
Him vinegar, 37saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save
Yourself!” 38 There was a sign above Him that was written in
Greek, Latin, and Hebrew:
THIS IS
39
Then one of the criminals hanging there hurled insults at Him,
saying, “If You are the Christ, save Yourself and us!”
40
But the other criminal rebuked him, saying, “Do you not
fear God, since you are undergoing the same punishment? 41We
are punished justly, for we are getting what we deserve for our
deeds, but this Man has done nothing wrong.”
42
Then he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come
into Your kingdom!”
43
Jesus answered him, “Truly I say to you, today you will be
with Me in Paradise.”
44
At around noon, darkness fell upon the entire land until
three in the afternoon. 45 The sun stopped shinning, and the
veil of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus cried out with
a loud voice and said, “Father, into Your hands I commit My
spirit!” After He said this, He died.
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Luke 24
47
Upon seeing this, the officer who was guarding Jesus
glorified God, saying, “Truly this Man was righteous!” 48When
all the people who had gathered for this event saw what had
happened, they beat their chests and went away. 49But all those
who knew Him, including the women who had followed Him
from Galilee, stood watching from a distance.
50
Now there was a man named Joseph, who was a member
of the Sanhedrin. He was a good and righteous man, 51 who had
not agreed with the decision and actions of the Sanhedrin. He
was from the Jewish city of Arimathea, and he was waiting for
the kingdom of God. 52He approached Pilate and asked for the
body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen, and
placed it in a tomb that was cut out of the rock, where no one
had ever been laid.
54
It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.
55
The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed
Joseph, and saw the tomb and how His body was laid. 56 Then
they went back and prepared fragrant spices and ointments.
And they rested on the Sabbath as commanded.
24 But on the first day of the week, very early in the morning,
they went to the tomb, carrying the fragrant spices that
they had prepared. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the
tomb, 3but when they went in, they did not find the body of the
Lord Jesus. 4 While they were puzzled about this, two men in
shining clothes suddenly stood beside them. 5 The women were
terrified and bowed their faces to the ground, but the men said
to them, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?
6
He is not here—He has risen! Remember what He told you while
He was still in Galilee: 7‘ The Son of Man must be delivered into
the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and on the third day be
raised again.’” 8 Then they remembered His words. 9 When they
returned from the tomb, they reported all these things to the
eleven and to all the rest. 10 The women who told this to the
apostles were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary (the mother of
James), and some others who were with them.
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Luke 24
11
Their words seemed like nonsense to the men, and they
did not believe them. 12But Peter got up and ran to the tomb,
stooped down, and saw the linen strips lying by themselves.
Then he went away, wondering what had happened.
13
That same day two of them were walking to a village called
Emmaus, which was about seven miles from Jerusalem. 14 They
were talking to each other about all that had happened. 15While
they were talking and discussing these things, Jesus Himself
came near and began walking with them. 16But their eyes were
kept from recognizing Him. 17And Jesus said to them, “What
are you discussing together as you walk along, which is making
you so sad?”
18
Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered and said to
Him, “Are You the only one visiting Jerusalem who does not
know what has happened there in the last few days?”
19
Jesus said to them, “What things?”
They replied, “The things concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who
was a prophet, powerful in both deed and word before God and
all the people. 20Our chief priests and leaders handed Him over
to be condemned to death, and He was crucified. 21We were
hoping that He was the One who was going to redeem Israel.
But it has already been three days since these things happened.
22
However, some of our women amazed us. Early this morning
they went to the tomb, 23but did not find His body there. And
they came back and told us that they had seen a vision of
angels, who said that He was alive. 24Some of our men went to
the tomb and found it exactly as the women had said. However,
they did not see Him.”
25
Then Jesus said to them, “How foolish you are, and how
slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! 26Was
it not necessary for the Christ to suffer these things and then
to enter into His glory?” 27 Then beginning with Moses and all
the Prophets, He explained to them all that was written about
Himself in the Scriptures.
28
As they approached the village where they were headed,
Jesus acted as though He were going further. 29But they strongly
urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is nearly evening, and
the day is almost gone.” So He went in to stay with them. 30While
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Luke 24
He was at the table with them, He took the bread, and after
giving thanks, He broke it and gave it to them. 31 Then their
eyes were opened and they recognized Him. But He vanished
from their sight. 32 Then they said to one another, “Did not our
hearts burn within us while He was talking to us on the road
and explaining the Scriptures to us?”
33
That very hour they got up and returned to Jerusalem.
There they found the eleven and those who were gathered
together with them, 34saying, “The Lord has really risen! He has
appeared to Simon!” 35 Then the two described to them what
had happened on the road, and how they had recognized Jesus
when He broke the bread.
36
As they were talking about this, Jesus Himself stood in
their midst and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 37They were
startled and terrified, because they thought that they were seeing
a ghost. 38But Jesus said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why
do doubts arise in your hearts? 39Look at My hands and My feet.
It is I Myself! Go ahead, touch Me and see. For a ghost does
not have flesh and bones as you see that I have.” 40After saying
this, He showed them His hands and feet. 41And while they
were still in disbelief on account of their joy and amazement,
Jesus asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42So
they handed Him a piece of broiled fish and some honeycomb.
43
And He took them and ate them in their presence.
44
Then Jesus said to them, “While I was still with you I
spoke these words to you: everything written about Me in the
Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled.”
45
Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures,
46
and said to them, “It is written that the Christ would suffer
and rise from the dead on the third day, 47and that repentance
and the forgiveness of sins would be preached in His name to
all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of
these things. 49Look! I am sending the promise of My Father
upon you, so stay in the city of Jerusalem until you have been
clothed with power from on high.”
50
Then He led them out as far as the town of Bethany, and He
lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51While He was blessing
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Luke 24
them, He departed from them and was taken up into heaven.63

52
They worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great
joy. 53And they were continually in the temple, praising and
thanking God. Amen.
63
The town of Bethany was located on the Mount of Olives.
When Christ returns He will touch foot on the Mount of Olives
(Zechariah 14:3-4). Jesus will return in the same way He left
(Acts 1:9-12).
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John 1
John
1 In the beginning was the Word,
and the Word was with God,
and the Word was God.
2
He was with God in the beginning.
3
All things were created by Him,
and not one thing that was created
could exist without Him.
4
He was the source of life,
and His life gives light to all mankind.
5
The Light shines through the darkness,
and the darkness can never expel it.
There was a man named John, who was sent from God.
6
7
He came as a witness to testify of the Light, so that everyone
might believe through his testimony. 8John was not the Light,
but came to testify of the Light.
9
Indeed! The true Light,
which shines on all mankind,
was coming into the world.
10
He was in the world,
and He created the world,
but the world did not know Him.
11
He came to His own homeland,
but His own people did not receive Him.
But to all who received Him and believed in His name, He

12
gave the right to become children of God. 13 They were not born
by natural birth, or by man’s efforts, or because they were
Abraham’s descendants—on the contrary, they were born of God.
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John 1
The Word became flesh,

14
and lived among us.

We have seen His glory,
the glory of the Father’s one and only Son,
full of grace and truth.
15
John testified about Him, crying out, “This is the One I
spoke about when I said, ‘ He who comes after me is greater
than I, because He existed before me.’”
16
Out of His fullness we have all received
grace upon grace.
17
For the law was given through Moses,
but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.
Nobody has ever seen God—

18
but the one and only Son,

who is at the Father’s side,
has made Him known.
19
This is the testimony that John gave when the Jewish
leaders in Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who
are you?” 20He did not deny it but openly acknowledged: “I am
not the Messiah.”
21
“Then who are you?” they enquired. “Are you Elijah?”
“No, I am not,” said John.
“Are you the Prophet?”
“No,” answered John.
22
“Who are you then?” they asked. “For we need to give an
answer to those who sent us. Who do you claim to be?”
23
John replied, “As Isaiah the prophet said:
‘ I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,

make straight the way of the Lord.’”
(Isaiah 40:3)
Now these men, who had been sent by the Pharisees, 25asked
24
him, “If you are not the Messiah, Elijah, or the Prophet, then
why are you baptizing the people?”
26
John answered, “I baptize with water. However, in your
midst stands One you do not know. 27He is the One who comes
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John 1
after me. He is greater than I, for I am not even worthy to untie

His sandals.” 28 This happened on the east side of the Jordan
River at Bethabara, where John was baptizing.
29
The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said,
“Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!
30
He is the One I told you about when I said, ‘ He who comes
after me is greater than I, because He existed before me.’ 31I
did not know who He was, but I came baptizing with water so
that He might be revealed to Israel.”
32
John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending
from heaven like a dove and resting upon Him. 33I did not know
who He was, but the One who sent me to baptize with water
said to me, ‘The One on whom you see the Spirit descending and
resting upon is the One who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’
34
I have testified of what I have seen: He is the Son of God.”
35
The following day John was once again standing there
with two of his disciples. 36He saw Jesus walking by, and said,
“Look! The Lamb of God!” 37After hearing him say this, the two
disciples followed Jesus.
38
And when Jesus turned around and saw them following,
He asked them, “What do you want?”
They said, “Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are You
staying?”
39
“Come and see,” He replied. So they went and saw where
He was staying, and stayed with Him for the rest of the day. It
was about four o’clock in the afternoon.
40
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who
heard John and followed Him. 41The first thing Andrew did
was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the
Messiah” (which means “the Anointed One” or “the Christ”).
42
Andrew took him to Jesus, who looked at him and said,
“You are Simon, the son of John. You will be called Cephas”
(which means “Peter”).
43
The next day Jesus decided to go to Galilee, where He found
Philip. “Follow Me,” Jesus said to him. 44Now Philip was from
Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.
45
Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found
the One Moses wrote about in the Law, as did the prophets:
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John 2
Jesus, the son of Joseph, from the town of Nazareth.”

46
“Can anything good come out of Nazareth?” asked Nathanael.
“Come and see,” replied Philip.
47
Jesus saw Nathanael coming towards Him and remarked,
“Look! A true Israelite, in whom there is no deceit.”
48
“How do You know me?” asked Nathanael.
Jesus answered, “Before Philip called you, I saw you under
the fig tree.”
49
“Rabbi,” said Nathanael, “You are the Son of God! You are
the King of Israel!”
50
Jesus replied, “Do you believe this just because I told you
that I saw you under the fig tree? You will see greater things
than this!” 51 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to
you, you will see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending
and descending on the Son of Man.”
2 Three days later, there was a wedding in the town of Cana

in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, 2and Jesus and His
disciples were also invited to the wedding. 3When the wine ran
out, Jesus’ mother said to Him, “They have no more wine.”
4
“Dear woman,” Jesus said, “what does that have to do with
you and Me? My time has not yet come.”
5
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever He tells you.”
6
Nearby were six stone waterpots, which the Jews used for
ceremonial washing, each with a capacity of twenty to thirty
gallons.
7
Jesus told them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” So they
filled them up to the brim. 8“Now take some out,” said Jesus,
“and bring it to the man in charge of the banquet.” So they did.
9
When the man in charge tasted the water that had turned
into wine, he called the bridegroom (he did not know where it
had come from, but the servants who brought the water knew).
10
“Everyone usually serves the best wine first,” he said. “Then,
after the guests have been drinking for a while, they serve the
cheaper wine. But you have kept the best until now!”
11
Jesus did this, the first of His miraculous signs, in the town
of Cana in Galilee. He displayed His glory, and His disciples
believed in Him. 12After this He went to the town of Capernaum
for a few days with His mother, His brothers, and His disciples.
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John 3
13
The Jewish Passover was near, so Jesus went down to
Jerusalem. 14 In the temple He found moneychangers, and
people selling cattle, sheep, and doves. 15So He made a whip
out of ropes and drove them all out of the temple—the sheep,
cattle, and the moneychangers—dumping out their money and
overturning their tables. 16And He said to those selling doves,
“Get these things out of here! Do not make My Father’s house
a house of merchandise!”
17
His disciples later recalled that it was written:
“The zeal of Your house has consumed Me.”

(Psalm 69:9)
18
The Jewish leaders challenged Him by saying, “What miraculous
sign can You show us, to prove that You have authority to do
this?”
19
“Destroy this temple,” Jesus answered, “and in three days
I will raise it up.”
20
“It has taken forty-six years to build this temple,” they
responded, “and in three days You will raise it up?”
21
But the temple He was speaking about was His body. 22After
He was raised from the dead, His disciples remembered what
He had said, and they believed the Scriptures and the words
that Jesus had spoken.
23
While He was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many
saw the miraculous signs that He was doing and believed in His
name. 24But Jesus did not trust the crowds, because He knew
the true nature of all men. 25Nobody needed to tell Him about
anyone, because He already knew what was in their hearts.
3 Now there was a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a Jewish

leader, 2 who came to Jesus at night. “Rabbi,” he said, “we
know that You are a Teacher sent by God. For no one could do
the miraculous signs that You do, unless God were with Him.”
3
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man
is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
4
“How can a man be born again,” asked Nicodemus, “when
he is old? Is a man able to enter his mother’s womb a second
time, and be born again?”
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John 3
5
Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man
is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom
of God.64 6What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born
of the Spirit is spirit. 7Do not be surprised that I said to you,
‘ You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it wishes;
you can hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes
from or where it goes. It is the same with everyone who is born
of the Spirit.”
9
“How can this be possible?” asked Nicodemus.
10
“You are a teacher of Israel,” said Jesus, “and you do not
know this? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know,
and we testify of what we have seen, yet you do not receive our
testimony. 12If I tell you about earthly things and you do not
believe, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things?
13
No man has gone up to heaven except He who came down
from heaven—the Son of Man, who is from heaven. 14Just as
Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness,65 so must the
Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should
not perish, but have eternal life.
16
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only
Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but should
have eternal life. 17In fact, God did not send His Son into the
world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.
18
The man who believes in Him is not condemned, but the man
who does not believe has already been condemned, because he
has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 The
reason they stand condemned is this: light has come into the
world, but they loved darkness more than light, because their
deeds were evil. 20For every man who practices evil hates the
light, and does not come to the light for fear that his deeds will
be exposed. 21But the man who practices the truth comes to
the light, so that it may be perfectly clear that his deeds were
accomplished through God.”
22
After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the countryside
of Judea, where He spent some time with them baptizing. 23John
was also baptizing at Aenon, near Salim, because there was an
64
“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born again through
the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” (Titus 3:5).
65
Numbers 21:8
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John 4
abundance of water there. The people came to him and were

baptized, 24for John had not yet been thrown into prison.
25
Now a dispute arose between John’s disciples and some
of the Jews concerning purification. 26 They came to John and
said to him, “Rabbi, look! The Man who was with you on the
east side of the Jordan River, the One you testified about, He
is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him.”
27
“A man cannot receive anything unless it has been given to
him from heaven,” replied John. 28“You yourselves can testify
that I said, ‘ I am not the Messiah, but I have been sent ahead
of Him.’ 29 The one who gets the bride is the bridegroom, but
the best man who stands and listens to the bridegroom’s voice
celebrates joyfully. In the same way, my joy is complete. 30He
must increase, but I must decrease.
31
“He who comes from above, is above all. He who comes
from the earth belongs to the earth, and speaks about earthly
matters. He, however, who comes from heaven, is above all. 32He
testifies of what He has seen and heard, but nobody accepts His
testimony. 33 The man who accepts His testimony acknowledges
that God is true. 34Since He is sent by God He speaks the words
of God, for God has given Him the Spirit without measure. 35 The
Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands.
36
Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever
does not believe in the Son will not see life. Instead, the wrath
of God remains on him.”
4 When Jesus knew that the Pharisees had heard that He was
making and baptizing more disciples than John 2(though
Jesus was not baptizing the people, His disciples were), 3He
left Judea and went back to Galilee.
4
While He was passing through Samaria, 5He came to a
town called Sychar, near the plot of land that Jacob had given
to his son Joseph. 6Since Jacob’s well was there, and since
Jesus was tired from His journey, He sat down at the well. It
was about noon.
7
A Samaritan woman came to draw some water.
“May I have a drink,” Jesus said to her. 8(His disciples had
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John 4
gone into the town to buy some food.)

9
The Samaritan woman asked Him, “Why would a Jew ask
for a drink from a Samaritan woman like me, when Jews do
not associate with Samaritans?”
10
Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who
it is that is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him
and He would have given you living water.”
11
“But Sir,” the woman said, “You have nothing to draw water
with, and the well is deep, from where will You get this living
water? 12Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us
this well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his
livestock?”
13
“Everyone who drinks of this water,” replied Jesus, “will
thirst again. 14But whoever drinks of the water that I will give
him will never thirst again. The water that I will give him will
become a well of water in him, springing up to eternal life.”
15
“Sir,” said the woman, “give me this water, so that I will
never thirst again, or need to come to this well again.”
16
“Go,” Jesus said to her, “get your husband and come back.”
17
“I do not have a husband,” replied the woman.
“You are right,” said Jesus, “in saying that you do not have a
husband. 18You have had five husbands, and the man you are
living with now is not your husband. You have told the truth.”
19
“Sir,” the woman responded, “I see that You are a prophet.
20
Our fathers worshiped on this mountain.66 You Jews, however,
say that Jerusalem is the place where men must worship.”
21
“Believe Me, dear woman,” said Jesus, “the time is coming
when you will not worship the Father on this mountain or in
Jerusalem. 22You worship what you do not know. We worship
what we know, because salvation is from the Jews. 23Yet the
time is approaching, and is now here, when the true worshipers
will worship the Father in spirit and in truth. For they are the
kind of worshipers the Father desires. 24God is Spirit, and those
who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.”
25
“I know that the Messiah is coming,” said the woman, “the
One who is called the Christ. When He comes, He will explain
everything to us.”
66
Mount Gerizim
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John 4
26
Jesus said to her, “I, the One who is speaking to you, am
He.”
27
At that moment His disciples returned, and they were
surprised to find Him talking with the woman. But nobody
dared to ask, “What do You want?” or “Why are You talking
with her?” 28 Then the woman left her water jug, went into the
town, and said to everyone, 29“Come, see a Man who told me
everything that I have ever done. Could He possibly be the
Christ?” 30 Then the people left the town and went to see Jesus.
31
In the meantime His disciples begged Him, saying, “Rabbi,
You should eat something.”
32
“I have food to eat that you do not know about,” He told
them.
33
“Did someone bring Him something to eat?” said the disciples
to one another.
34
“My food,” explained Jesus, “is to do the will of Him who
sent Me, and to finish His work. 35Do you not say, ‘After four
months the harvest comes’? Look! I say to you, lift up your
eyes and look at the fields, because they are ripe and ready to
harvest. 36Already the reaper is receiving wages and gathering
fruit for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may rejoice
together. 37For this saying is true: ‘one sows, another reaps.’ 38I
sent you to reap what you have not laboured for. Others have
laboured for it, and you will share in their labour.”
39
Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him
because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me everything that
I have ever done.” 40 The Samaritans came and asked Him to
stay with them, so He stayed there for two days. 41And many
more believed because of the words He spoke.
42
They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because
of what you said, for we ourselves have heard and know that
He is truly the Saviour of the world—the Christ!”
43
Two days later, He left and went to Galilee. 44(Jesus Himself
testified that a prophet has no honour in his own country.)
45
When He arrived in Galilee, the Galileans welcomed Him
because of all the things that He had done in Jerusalem at the
Passover Feast. For they, too, had been at the Feast.
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John 5
46
Jesus went back to the town of Cana in Galilee, where He
had turned the water into wine. Now in the town of Capernaum
there was a nobleman whose son was sick. 47When he heard
that Jesus had returned from Judea to Galilee, he went to
Jesus and asked Him if He would come and heal his dying son.
48
“Unless you see signs and wonders,” Jesus remarked, “you
will not believe.”
49
“Sir,” begged the nobleman, “come to Capernaum before
my son dies.”
50
“Go,” replied Jesus, “your son will live.” And the man believed
what Jesus said and left. 51While he was on his way, his slaves
met him and said, “Your son is alive and well!”
52
He asked them at what time his son had recovered.
“The fever left him,” they said, “yesterday, at one o’clock in
the afternoon.”
53
Then the father realized that this was the very hour when
Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and his entire
household believed. 54 This was the second miraculous sign that
Jesus did in the town of Cana in Galilee—which He performed
after He had come back from Judea.
5 Some time after this, there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus
went down to Jerusalem. 2Near the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem
there was a pool, which was called Bethesda in Aramaic. It had
five covered porches. 3Lying under these porches were a large
number of the sick, the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed, who
were waiting for the stirring of the water. 4Every so often, an
angel came and stirred the water of the pool. Whoever entered
the pool first, after the stirring of the water, was healed of
whatever disease they had. 5Now there was a man present who
had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying
there, He knew that he had been there for a long time. So He
asked him, “Do you want to be healed?”
7
“Sir,” the sick man replied, “I have no one to throw me
into the pool when the water is stirred. So when I try to enter,
someone else gets in before me.”
8
“Get up,” Jesus said to him, “pick up your mat and walk!”
9
Instantly the man was healed, and he picked up his mat and
walked.
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John 5
Now, because this happened on the Sabbath, 10 the Jewish

leaders said to the man who was healed, “It is the Sabbath! It
is not lawful for you to carry your mat!”
11
But he replied, “The Man who healed me told me to pick
up my mat and walk.”
12
So they asked him, “Who is the Man who told you to pick
up your mat and walk?” 13But the man who was healed had no
idea, because Jesus had disappeared into the crowd.
14
Later on Jesus found him in the temple and said to him,
“Look! You have been healed. Sin no more, or else something
worse might happen to you.” 15 Then the man went to the Jewish
leaders and told them that it was Jesus who had healed him.
16
Therefore the Jewish leaders persecuted Jesus, and sought
to kill Him, because He had done this on the Sabbath.
17
Jesus responded to them, “To this very day My Father
continues to work, and so must I.” 18Because of this, the Jewish
leaders sought to kill Him all the more. For not only did He
break the Sabbath, but He also said that God was His Father—
making Himself equal to God.
19
Therefore, Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you,
the Son can do nothing by Himself. He can only do what He
sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also
does. 20 The Father loves the Son and shows Him all that He
does. He will show Him even greater works than these, so that
you will marvel. 21Just as the Father raises the dead and gives
them life, so the Son also gives life to whomever He chooses.
22
The Father does not judge anyone. Instead, He has handed
over all judgment to the Son, 23so that everyone will honour the
Son just as they honour the Father. Whoever does not honour
the Son does not honour the Father who sent Him.
24
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears My word and
believes in the One who sent Me has eternal life. He will not
be condemned, because he has already passed from death to
life. 25 Truly, truly, I say to you, the time is approaching, and is
now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God,
and those who hear it will live. 26Just as the Father has life in
Himself, so also He has granted the Son to have life in Himself.
27
And the Father has given Him authority to pass judgment,
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John 6
because He is the Son of Man. 28Do not marvel at this. For the
time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear the
Son’s voice, 29and will come out—those who have done good,
to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the
resurrection of judgment. 30By Myself I can do nothing. Whatever
I hear, I judge. My judgment is just, because I do not seek My
own will, but the will of the Father who sent Me.
31
“If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid. 32 There
is Someone else who testifies about Me, and I know that His
testimony about Me is valid. 33 You have sent messengers to
John, and he has testified to the truth. 34However, I do not
accept man’s testimony. I only mentioned this, so that you may
be saved. 35John was a burning lamp that shone brightly, and
for a season you were willing to rejoice in his light.
36
“But I have a testimony greater than John’s—the very works
that the Father has given Me to complete. The works that I do
testify about Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37And the Father
who sent Me also testifies about Me. Never at any time have
you heard His voice or seen His form. 38And you do not have
His word living in you, because you do not believe in the One
He sent. 39You search the Scriptures, because you think that in
them you have eternal life, yet these very Scriptures testify about
Me. 40But you refuse to come to Me, so that you may have life.
41
“I do not accept man’s praise. 42But I know you, that you
do not have God’s love within you. 43I have come in My Father’s
name, and you do not accept Me. But if someone else comes in
his own name, you will accept him. 44So how can you believe
when you accept praise from one another, but do not seek the
praise that comes from the one and only God?
45
“Do not think that I will accuse you before the Father. Your
accuser is Moses, in whom you have placed your hope. 46If you
believed Moses, you would believe Me, because Moses wrote
about Me. 47But if you do not believe what he wrote, how will
you believe My words?”
6 Some time later, Jesus crossed over to the other side of the
Sea of Galilee (also called, the Sea of Tiberias). 2A large crowd
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John 6
followed Him, because they saw the miraculous signs that He

had performed on the sick. 3Jesus went up on a hillside and
sat there with His disciples. 4(The Jewish Passover Feast was
drawing near.) 5When Jesus lifted up His eyes and saw a large
crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where will we
buy bread to feed these people?” 6Jesus said this to test Philip,
for He already knew what He was going to do.
7
Philip answered, “$16,000 worth of bread would not be
enough for each of them to receive a little.” 67
8
One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to
Him, 9“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two
fish, but how can that be enough for so many?”
10
“Have the people sit down,” said Jesus. There was plenty
of grass in that spot. So the people sat down, about five thou-
sand in number. 11Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and gave
them to the disciples. The disciples handed them out, as well
as the fish, giving those sitting down as much as they desired.
12
When they were filled, Jesus said to His disciples, “Gather
up the leftover pieces, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 Then they
gathered up the leftover pieces of the five barley loaves, which
the people had eaten, filling up twelve baskets.
14
When the people saw this miraculous sign, which Jesus
had performed, they said, “This is truly the Prophet who is to
come into the world.” 15Jesus, well aware that they were going
to grab Him and make Him king, withdrew again to the hillside
by Himself.
16
When evening came, His disciples went down to the sea.
17
It was already dark, but Jesus had not yet joined them. They
got into the boat and began to cross the sea to Capernaum. 18A
strong wind began blowing and the sea became choppy. 19When
they had rowed for about three or four miles, they saw Jesus
walking on the sea. As He approached the boat, they became
terrified. 20“It is I!” said Jesus. “Do not be afraid!” 21 Then they
67
“Two hundred denarii worth of bread would not be enough
for each of them to receive a little.” A denarius was a day’s
wages. In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10
an hour. $10×8hours=$80. So one day’s wages is $80(CAD).
$80×200=$16,000. So two hundred denarii is $16,000(CAD).
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John 6
willingly took Him into the boat, and instantly the boat reached
its destination.
22
The next day the crowd stood on the other side of the sea
waiting for Jesus. They had seen that Jesus and His disciples
had arrived in one boat, and that His disciples had left in the
boat without Him. 23Some boats came from the city of Tiberias,
which is near the place where they had eaten the loaves after
the Lord had given thanks. 24When the crowd saw that neither
Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and
went to the town of Capernaum to look for Jesus.
25
When they found Him on the other side of the sea, they
asked Him, “Rabbi, when did You get here?”
26
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you are
looking for Me not because of the miraculous signs that you
saw, but because you ate the loaves and were filled. 27Do not
work for food that perishes, but for food that lasts to eternal
life, which the Son of Man will give to you. On Him God the
Father has placed His seal of approval.”
“What does God want us to do?” they asked Him.

28
“What God wants you to do,” Jesus replied, “is to believe

29
in the One He sent.”

30
“What miraculous sign will You perform,” they asked, “so
that we can see it and believe You? What will You do? 31Our
fathers ate manna in the wilderness, as it is written,
‘ He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

(Psalm 78:24)
32
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, My Father was
the One who gave them the bread from heaven, not Moses. But
now My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 The
true bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven
and gives life to the world.”
“Sir,” they said, “give us this bread all the time.”

34
“I am the Bread of Life,” said Jesus. “Whoever comes to Me

35
will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst.

36
But as I told you before, you have seen Me and still do not
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John 6
believe. 37Everyone the Father gives to Me will come to Me, and

I will never turn away anyone who comes to Me. 38For I have
come down from heaven not to do My own will, but the will of
Him who sent Me. 39And this is the will of the Father who sent
Me: that I should not lose anyone He has given to Me, but that
I should raise them up on the last day. 40Indeed, this is the
will of Him who sent Me: that all who see the Son and believe
in Him should have eternal life, and that I will raise him up on
the last day.”
41
Then the Jews started complaining about Him, because He
said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 They said,
“Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother
we know? So how can He say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”
43
“Stop complaining among yourselves,” replied Jesus. 44“No
one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him,
and I will raise him up on the last day. 45It is written in the
Prophets,
‘And they will all be taught by God.’

(Isaiah 54:13)
Therefore, everyone who hears and learns from the Father

comes to Me. 46Nobody has seen the Father except the One
who is from God—only He has seen the Father. 47Truly, truly,
I say to you, he who believes in Me has eternal life. 48I am the
Bread of Life. 49Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and
died. 50But whoever eats this bread, which comes down from
heaven, will never die. 51I am the Living Bread that has come
down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever.
This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”
52
Then the Jews argued with one another, saying, “How can
He give us His flesh to eat?”
53
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you
eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have
no life in you. 54Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has
eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55My flesh
truly is food, and My blood truly is drink. 56Whoever eats My
flesh and drinks My blood lives in Me, and I in him. 57Just as
the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so
the one who feasts on Me will live because of Me. 58 Whoever eats
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John 7
this bread, which came down from heaven, will live forever—
unlike the manna that your fathers ate and died.” 59Jesus said
this while teaching in the synagogue in the town of Capernaum.
60
When they heard this, many of His disciples said, “This
message is absurd. Who can accept it?”
61
When Jesus knew within Himself that His disciples were
complaining about this, He said to them, “Does this offend you?
62
What if you were to see the Son of Man going up to where
He was before? 63It is the Spirit that gives life; the flesh profits
nothing. The very words I have spoken to you are spirit and
life, 64 yet some of you refuse to believe.” Jesus knew from the
beginning which ones would not believe, and which one would
betray Him. 65Jesus went on to say, “That is why I told you that
no one can come to Me unless the Father draws him.”
66
From that time on, many of His disciples turned away and
no longer followed Him. 67“Do you want to leave too?” Jesus
asked the twelve.
68
“Lord,” Simon Peter answered, “to whom would we go? You
have the words of eternal life. 69We believe and know that You
are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”
70
Jesus replied, “Did I not choose the twelve of you, and yet
one of you is a devil?” 71He was speaking about Judas Iscariot,
the son of Simon, who was one of the twelve disciples—the one
who was going to betray Him.
7 After this Jesus went throughout Galilee, avoiding Judea

because the Jewish leaders wanted to kill Him. 2Now the
Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was drawing near. 3 Therefore Jesus’
brothers said to Him, “Leave here and go to Judea, so that Your
disciples can see the works You are doing. 4 Those who desire
to be in the public eye do not hide what they can do. If You can
do these things, then show Yourself to the world.” 5For even
His brothers did not believe in Him.
6
“My time has not yet come,” replied Jesus, “but for you
any time is right. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me,
because I testify that its works are evil. 8You go down to the
feast. I am not going right now, because the right time for Me
has not yet come.” 9Having said this, He stayed behind in Galilee.
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John 7
10
But after His brothers left, He also went down to the feast—
not openly, but secretly. 11The Jewish leaders were looking for
Him at the feast, saying, “Where is He?” 12 There was a lot of
whispering about Him among the crowds. Some said, “He is
a good Man.” While others said, “No, He deceives the people.”
13
But no one spoke publicly about Him, because they feared
the Jewish leaders.
14
Halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple and
began to teach. 15 The Jewish leaders marvelled, saying, “How
does He know the Scriptures so well without an education?”
16
“My teaching is not My own,” said Jesus. “It is from Him who
sent Me. 17Whoever wants to do God’s will, will know whether
this teaching is from God or whether I speak on My own. 18He
who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory. But He
who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him—He is true, and
there is no unrighteousness in Him. 19Has not Moses given you
the law? Yet none of you keep the law—if you did, then why are
you trying to kill Me?”
20
“You have a demon!” the crowd replied. “Who is trying to
kill You?”
21
“I did one miracle,” said Jesus, “and you all marvelled.
22
Moses gave you circumcision, and so you circumcise a man
on the Sabbath—although circumcision did not originate with
Moses, but with the patriarchs. 23So if a man can be circumcised
on the Sabbath to avoid breaking the law of Moses, then why
are you angry with Me for making a man completely whole on
the Sabbath? 24Do not judge only by what you see, but make
righteous judgments.”
25
Some of the residents of Jerusalem said, “This is the Man
they want to kill, is it not? 26But, look! He is speaking publicly,
and they have not said a word to Him. Maybe our leaders have
discovered that He truly is the Christ? 27But we know where
He is from. When the Christ comes, no one will know where
He is from.”
28
As Jesus was teaching in the temple, He cried out and said,
“You know Me! You know where I am from! I have not come on
My own—but He who sent Me is true, and you do not know Him!
29
But I know Him, because I am from Him, and He sent Me!”
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John 7
30
They wanted to arrest Him, but no one laid a hand on Him
because His time had not yet come. 31But many in the crowd
believed in Him and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do
more miraculous signs than this Man?”
32
The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things
about Him. So the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers
to arrest Him.
33
“I am with you for a little while longer,” said Jesus, “and
then I will go back to Him who sent Me. 34You will look for Me,
but you will not find Me. And where I go, you cannot come.”
35
The Jews said to one another, “Where will He go, if we will
not be able to find Him? Will He go to those who are scattered
among the Greeks, and teach the Greek-speaking Jews? 36What
does He mean when He says, ‘ You will look for Me, but you will
not find Me,’ and ‘ Where I go, you cannot come’?”
37
On the last and most important day of the feast, Jesus
stood up and cried out, saying,
“If any man is thirsty,

let him come to Me and drink!
38
“Whoever believes in Me,
as the Scriptures declare,
rivers of living water will flow
from his innermost being!”
39
Jesus was speaking about the Spirit, whom those believing
in Him were about to receive. For the Holy Spirit had not yet
been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
40
When the crowd heard these words, many of them said,
“This is truly the Prophet.” 41Others said, “This is the Christ.”
But others said, “How can the Christ come out of Galilee? 42Does
not the Scriptures say that the Christ will be a descendant of
David, from the town of Bethlehem where David lived?” 43So
the crowd was divided because of Him. 44Some of them wanted
to arrest Him, but no one laid hands on Him.
45
Then the officers returned to the chief priests and the
Pharisees. “Why did you not bring Him in?” they demanded.
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John 8
46
“We have never heard anyone talk like this before,” replied
the officers.
47
“Have you also been deceived?” said the Pharisees. 48“Have
any of the leaders or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49As for this
crowd, they are ignorant of the law and are under God’s curse.”
50
Nicodemus, one of the Jewish leaders—the one who had
come to see Jesus at night—said to them, 51“Does our law
condemn a man without first giving him a hearing to find out
what he has done?”
52
“Are you also from Galilee?” they remarked. “Search the
Scriptures and you will see that no prophet comes out of Galilee!”
53
After this everyone left and went home.
8 Jesus, however, went to the Mount of Olives. 2Early in the

morning He returned to the temple. All the people came to
Him, and He sat down and taught them. 3 The teachers of the
law and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught
in adultery, and stood her in front of everyone. 4 They said to
Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery.
5
In the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So
what do You say?” 6 They said this to trap Him, so that they
could bring charges against Him.
But Jesus stooped down, as if He never heard them, and
wrote on the ground with His finger. 7 When they continued
questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Whoever
among you is without sin, let him throw the first stone at her.”
8
And once again He stooped down and wrote on the ground.
9
Those who heard this were convicted by their conscience and left
one by one, beginning with the oldest, until only Jesus was left
with the woman still standing there. 10When Jesus straightened
up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her, “Dear woman,
where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”
11
She replied, “No one, Sir.”
Jesus said to her, “Then I do not condemn you either. Go,
and sin no more.”
12
Jesus spoke to the people again, saying, “I am the Light of
the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but
will have the light of life.”
13
Then the Pharisees said to Him, “You testify about Yourself,
196
John 8
so Your testimony is not valid.”

14
Jesus answered them, “Even if I testify about Myself, My
testimony is valid, because I know where I came from and
where I am going. But you do not know where I come from or
where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh; I judge no
one. 16But even if I judge, My judgment is true, because I am
not alone—for the Father who sent Me is with Me. 17It is also
written in your Law that the testimony of two men is valid. 18I
testify about Myself, and the Father who sent Me also testifies
about Me.”
19
“Where is Your Father?” they asked.
“You do not know Me or My Father,” Jesus answered. “If you
knew Me, you would also know My Father.” 20Jesus spoke these
words in the treasury, while He was teaching in the temple. No
one arrested Him, because His time had not yet come.
21
“I am going away,” Jesus said again. “You will look for Me,
and you will die in your sin. Where I am going, you cannot come.”
22
“Will He kill Himself?” said the Jewish leaders. “Is that why
He says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come’?”
23
“You are from below,” Jesus said to them, “I am from above.
You are from this world, I am not from this world. 24 That is why
I said that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that
I am He, you will die in your sins.”
25
Then they asked Him, “Who are You?”
Jesus answered, “I am exactly who I have been claiming to
be all along. 26I have much to say in judgment of you. But the
One who sent Me is true, and what I have heard from Him I
tell the world.” 27 They did not realize that He was speaking to
them about the Father. 28So Jesus said to them, “When you
lift up the Son of Man, then you will realize that I am He and
that I do nothing on My own but only speak what the Father
has taught Me. 29He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has
not left Me alone, for I always do the things that please Him.”
30
As He spoke these words, many believed in Him.
31
To the Jews who believed in Him, Jesus said, “If you continue
in My word, you are truly My disciples. 32And you will know the
truth, and the truth will set you free.”
33
“We are Abraham’s descendants!” they responded. “We
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John 8
have never been anyone’s slaves! So how can You say, ‘ You
will be set free’?”
34
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever
sins is a slave to sin. 35A slave does not remain in the family
forever, but a son remains forever. 36So if the Son sets you
free, you are free indeed. 37I know that you are Abraham’s
descendants. Yet you are trying to kill Me, because My word
has no place in you. 38I speak of what I have seen in My Father’s
presence, and you do what you have seen from your father.”
39
“Our father is Abraham,” they replied.
“If you were Abraham’s children,” Jesus said, “you would do
the works that Abraham did. 40But you are trying to kill Me, a
Man who has told you the truth—the truth that I have heard
from God. Abraham did not do such things! 41You do the works
of your father!”
“We are not illegitimate children!” they exclaimed. “We have
one Father, and that is God!”
42
“If God were your Father,” replied Jesus, “you would love Me,
because I came here from God. I did not come on My own, but
God sent Me. 43Why do you not understand what I am saying?
It is because you are unable to hear My message. 44You belong
to your father, the devil! And you are determined to carry out
your father’s desires, for he was a murderer from the beginning!
He has never stood for the truth, because there is no truth in
him. When he tells a lie, he speaks what comes naturally to
him. He is a liar, and the father of lies. 45But because I speak
the truth, you do not believe Me. 46Which one of you convicts
Me of sin? And if I speak the truth, why do you not believe Me?
47
Those who belong to God listen to God’s words. But you do
not hear them, because you do not belong to God.”
48
“We said it right,” replied the Jewish leaders, “You are a
Samaritan and are demon-possessed!”
49
“I am not demon-possessed,” responded Jesus, “but I honour
My Father and you dishonour Me. 50I do not seek My own glory,
but there is One who seeks it, and He is the Judge. 51Truly, truly,
I say to you, if anyone keeps My word, he will never see death.”
52
“Now we know that You are demon-possessed!” exclaimed
the Jewish leaders. “Abraham died, as did the prophets, and
You say, ‘ If anyone keeps My word, he will never taste death.’
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John 9
53
Are You greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The
prophets died as well. Who do You think You are?”
54
“If I give Myself glory,” answered Jesus, “My glory is nothing.
My Father, whom you claim is your God, is the One who gives
Me glory. 55You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said that
I did not know Him, then I would be a liar like you. But I do
know Him, and I keep His word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced
at the thought of seeing My day. He saw it, and was glad.”68
57
“You are not even fifty years old,” said the Jewish leaders,
“and You have seen Abraham?”
58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before
Abraham existed, I AM!”69
59
Then they picked up stones to throw at Him. But Jesus
walked through their midst, hid Himself, and left the temple.
9 As Jesus walked along, He saw a man who was blind from

birth. 2His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this
man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3
“Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” Jesus answered.
“It happened so that God’s works could be displayed in him.
4
While it is daytime, I must do the works of Him who sent Me.
Night is coming, when nobody is able to work. 5While I am in
the world, I am the Light of the world.”
6
After saying this, He spit on the ground and made some
mud with His saliva. Then He put the mud on the blind man’s
eyes, 7and said to him, “Go and wash in the pool of Siloam”
(which means “sent”). So the man went and washed himself,
and came out seeing.
8
Then his neighbours, who had seen him previously begging,
said, “Is this not the man who used to sit begging?” 9Some said,
“It is him.” Others said, “No, he only looks like him.”
But the man exclaimed, “It is me!”
10
So they asked him, “How were your eyes opened?”
11
He answered, “The Man called Jesus made some mud and
put it on my eyes, then He told me to go and wash in the pool of
Siloam. So I went and washed myself, and I received my sight!”
68
Genesis 22:1-13; Hebrews 11:17-19; Hebrews 11:13
69
Exodus 3:14
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John 9
Then they asked him, “Where is He?”

12
The man replied, “I do not know.”

13
Then they brought the man, who had been blind, to the
Pharisees—14for Jesus had made the mud and opened his eyes
on the Sabbath. 15 Therefore the Pharisees asked him how he
had received his sight.
The man said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed,
and now I can see.”
16
Then some of the Pharisees said, “This Man is not from
God, because He does not keep the Sabbath.”
But others said, “How can a sinner do such miraculous
signs?” So they were divided.
17
They questioned the man again, “What do you have to say
about Him, since He opened your eyes?”
“He is a prophet,” the man replied.
18
The Jewish leaders did not believe him, that he had been
blind, and had received his sight, until they summoned his
parents, 19and asked them, “Is this your son, the one you say
was born blind? How is it that he now sees?”
20
His parents answered, “We know that he is our son, and
that he was born blind. 21But as to how he now sees, or who it
was who opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age—ask
him. He can speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because
they feared the Jewish leaders, who had already agreed that they
would expel anyone from the synagogue who confessed Him as
Christ. 23 That is why his parents said, “He is of age—ask him.”
24
They summoned the former blind man a second time, and
said to him, “Give glory to God, because we know that this Man
is a sinner.”
25
“Whether He is a sinner or not, I do not know,” replied the
man. “All I know is this: I once was blind, but now I see!”
26
“What did He do to you?” they asked him again. “How did
He open your eyes?”
27
“I told you already,” answered the man, “but you did not
listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become
His disciples too?”
28
Then they insulted him and said, “You are His disciple, but
we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God spoke to Moses,
but as for this Man, we do not know where He is from.”
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John 10
30
“Now that is astonishing!” the man exclaimed. “You do not
know where He is from, yet He opened my eyes! 31We know that
God does not listen to sinners. On the contrary, He listens to
God-fearing people who do His will. 32Since the world began,
nobody has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a man
who was born blind. 33If this Man were not from God, He could
do nothing.”
34
“You were born full of sin,” they said, “and you are trying
to teach us?” And they threw him out.
35
When Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, He found
the man and said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”
36
The man answered, “Who is He, Sir, so that I can believe
in Him?”
37
Jesus said to Him, “You have seen Him. In fact, He is talking
to you right now.”
38
“Lord,” the man said, “I believe!” And he worshiped Him.
39
Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so
that those who do not see may see, and that those who see
may become blind.”
40
Some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard this and
asked, “Are we also blind?”
41
“If you were blind,” answered Jesus, “you would have no
sin. But since you say, ‘We see,’ your sin remains.
10 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter the sheep
pen through the gate, but climbs in some other way, he
is a thief and a bandit. 2But He who enters through the gate
is the Shepherd of the sheep. 3 The gatekeeper opens the gate
for Him, and the sheep hear His voice. He calls His own sheep
by name and leads them out. 4When He leads His sheep out,
He goes in front of them, and the sheep follow Him because
they know His voice. 5 They will not follow a stranger, but will
flee from him, because they do not know the stranger’s voice.”
6
Jesus told them this parable, but they did not understand
what He was talking to them about. 7So Jesus said to them
again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the Gate for the sheep.
8
All who came before Me were thieves and bandits, but the
sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the Gate! If anyone enters
201
John 10
through Me, he will be saved, and he will go in and out, and will find
pasture. 10The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy. However, I
have come so that they may have life abundantly.
11
“I am the Good Shepherd! The Good Shepherd lays down
His life for the sheep. 12 The hired hand is not the shepherd, and
the sheep are not his own. So when he sees a wolf coming, he
forsakes the sheep and flees. Then the wolf attacks the sheep
and scatters them. 13He flees because he is a hired hand and
does not care about the sheep. 14I am the Good Shepherd! I know
My sheep, and they know Me—15just as the Father knows Me,
and I know the Father—and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16I
have other sheep that are not from this pen. I must lead them
too. They will listen to My voice, and there will be one flock and
one Shepherd.
17
“My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life, that I
may take it up again. 18No one takes it from Me, but I lay it
down voluntarily. I have authority to lay it down, and I have
authority to take it up again. This commandment I received
from My Father.”
19
These words caused even more division among the Jews.
And many of them said, “He is demon-possessed and out of
20
His mind! Why listen to Him?”

21
Others said, “These are not the words of someone who is
demon-possessed. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
22
It was now winter and the Feast of Dedication70 was being
celebrated in Jerusalem. 23As Jesus was in the temple walking
in Solomon’s porch, 24the Jewish leaders surrounded Him and
asked, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the
Christ, tell us plainly.”
25
Jesus answered them, “I have told you, but you do not
believe Me. The works that I do in My Father’s name testify
about Me, 26but you do not believe because you are not My
sheep. 27My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they
follow Me. 28I give them eternal life. They will never perish, and
no one can steal them out of My hand. 29My Father, who has
given them to Me, is greater than all, and no one can steal them
out of My Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.”
70
Hanukkah
202
John 11
31
Once again the Jewish leaders picked up stones to stone
Him. 32But Jesus responded, “I have shown you many good
works from My Father. So which of these works are you going
to stone Me for?”
33
The Jewish leaders answered Him, “We are not stoning You
for any good works, but for blasphemy—because You, a mere
man, claim to be God.”
34
Jesus replied, “Is it not written in your law,
‘ I have said you are gods’?

(Psalm 82:6)
35
So if the men, to whom this word of God was directed at, were
called ‘gods’—and the Scripture cannot be altered—36 then why
do you say of Him, whom the Father has sanctified, and sent
into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’ just because I said, ‘ I
am the Son of God’?
37
“If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me.
But if I do them, though you do not believe Me, believe the
38
works, so that you may know and believe that the Father is in
Me, and that I am in Him.” 39Once again they wanted to arrest
Him, but He escaped from their hands.
40
Jesus crossed over to the east side of the Jordan River once
again, to the place where John first started baptizing. Jesus
stayed there, 41and many people came to Him.
“John never did any miraculous signs,” they said, “but every-
thing John said about this Man was true.” 42And many believed
in Him there.
11 Now there was a man by the name of Lazarus who had

become sick. He was from the town of Bethany, where
Mary and her sister Martha lived. 2(This was the same Mary
who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil, and wiped His feet
with her hair—it was her brother Lazarus who was sick.) 3His
sisters sent for Jesus, saying, “Lord, look! The one whom You
love is sick.”
4
When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end
in death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may
be glorified through it.”
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John 11
5
Now Jesus loved Martha, her sister Mary, and Lazarus. 6Yet
when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed two more days
in the place where He was at. 7Then Jesus said to His disciples,
“Let us go back to Judea.”
8
“Rabbi,” replied His disciples, “the Jewish leaders wanted
to stone You, and You are going back again?”
9
“Are there not twelve hours of daylight?” said Jesus. “Whoever
walks in the daylight will not stumble, because they see the
light of this world. 10But whoever walks in the night stumbles,
because there is no light for them to see.”
11
After Jesus said this, He added, “Our friend Lazarus is
sleeping, but I am going there to wake him up.”
12
“Lord,” replied His disciples, “if he is sleeping, he will
recover.”
13
His disciples thought that He was talking about sleep, when
Jesus was actually talking about his death. 14So Jesus told them
plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15And for your sakes I am glad that I
was not there, so that you may believe. Now let us go to him.”
16
Then Thomas (whose name means “twin”), said to his fellow
disciples, “Let us go too, so that we may die with Him.”
17
When Jesus arrived, He found that Lazarus had already
been in the tomb for four days. 18Now the town of Bethany was
about two miles from Jerusalem, 19and many of the Jews had
come to comfort Martha and Mary concerning their brother.
20
When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to
meet Him. Mary, meanwhile, was sitting in the house.
21
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You would have been here,
my brother would not have died. 22But even now I know that
God will give You whatever You ask Him.”
23
“Your brother will rise again,” said Jesus.
24
“I know he will rise again,” replied Martha, “in the resurrection
at the last day.”
25
“I am the Resurrection and the Life,” Jesus said to her.
“Whoever believes in Me will live, even if he dies, 26and everyone
who lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”
27
“Yes, Lord,” she replied, “I believe that You are the Christ,
the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”
28
After saying this, Martha went back and secretly called
204
John 11
her sister Mary. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and He is

calling for you.” 29As soon as Mary heard this, she quickly got
up and went to Him. 30Jesus had not yet come into town, but
was still at the place where Martha had met Him. 31When the
Jews who were comforting Mary in the house saw how quickly
she got up and left, they followed her, saying, “She is going to
weep at the tomb.”
32
When Mary came to the place where Jesus was and saw
Him, she fell down at His feet and said to Him, “Lord, if You
would have been here, my brother would not have died.”
33
When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had
come with her weeping also, He was deeply moved in spirit
and troubled. 34“Where have you laid him?” He asked.
“Lord,” they replied, “come and see.”
35
Jesus wept.
36
So the Jews said, “See how He loved him.”
37
But some of them said, “Could not this Man, who opened
the eyes of the blind, have prevented him from dying?”
38
When Jesus came to the tomb, He was deeply moved once
again. The tomb was a cave, and a stone covered the entrance.
39
“Remove the stone,” Jesus said.
“Lord,” said Martha, the dead man’s sister, “by now there
will be a terrible smell. He has been dead for four days.”
40
“Did I not tell you,” said Jesus, “that if you believe you will
see the glory of God?” 41So they removed the stone from the
tomb where Lazarus was laid. Then Jesus lifted up His eyes,
and said, “I thank You, Father, for hearing Me. 42I know that
You always hear Me. But I am saying this for the sake of those
standing here, so that they may believe that You sent Me.” 43After
saying this, He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come
out!” 44And the dead man came out. His hands and feet were
wrapped with linen strips, and his face with a cloth. “Unwrap
him,” said Jesus, “and let him go!”
45
After seeing what Jesus had done, many of the Jews who
had come to visit Mary believed in Him. 46But some of them
went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done.
47
Then the chief priests and the Pharisees called a meeting of
the Sanhedrin. “What are we going to do?” they said. “This Man
is performing many miraculous signs! 48If we let Him continue
205
John 12
doing these things, the entire nation will believe in Him. Then
the Romans will come and destroy our temple and our nation!”
49
But one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year,
said to them, “You know nothing at all! 50Consider this: it is
better for us if one man dies on behalf of the people than for the
whole nation to perish.” 51Now Caiaphas did not say this on his
own. But as high priest that year, he was actually prophesying
that Jesus would die on behalf of the nation—52not only for the
nation, but also for the children of God who were scattered
abroad, so that He could gather them together and make them
one.
53
And from that very day they plotted to kill Him. 54 Therefore
Jesus no longer walked publicly among the Jews. Instead He
went to a region near the wilderness, to a town called Ephraim,
and stayed there with His disciples.
55
The Jewish Passover was near, and many from the
countryside went down to Jerusalem to purify themselves in
preparation for the Passover. 56 They kept looking for Jesus, and
as they stood in the temple they asked one another, “What do
you think? Is He coming to the feast?” 57Now the chief priests
and the Pharisees had given orders that if anyone knew where
He was, they should report it to them, so that they could arrest
Him.
12 Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to the town of

Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised
from the dead. 2 They prepared a meal for Him there in His
honour. Martha served, while Lazarus was one of those sitting
at the table with Jesus. 3 Then Mary took a pound of fragrant
oil, made of pure nard. It was very expensive. And she anointed
Jesus’ feet with it, and then wiped His feet dry with her hair.
And the house was filled with the fragrance of the oil.
4
Then Judas Iscariot (the disciple who was later to betray
Him) said, 5“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for $24,000,71
71
“Why was this fragrant oil not sold for three hundred de-
narii, and given to the poor?” A denarius was a day’s wages.
In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10 an hour.
$10×8hours=$80. So one day’s wages is $80(CAD). $80×300=
$24,000. So three hundred denarii is $24,000(CAD).
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John 12
and given to the poor?” 6He said this not because he cared for
the poor, but because he was a thief. He was in charge of the
moneybag, and would help himself to what was put into it.
7
“Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “She has kept this for the day
of My burial. 8 You will always have the poor among you, but
you will not always have Me.”
9
A large number of the Jews heard that Jesus was there and
went to see Him, and also to see Lazarus whom He raised from
the dead. 10 Therefore the chief priests decided to kill Lazarus
too. 11For on account of him many of the Jews were leaving
them and believing in Jesus.
12
The next day those attending the feast heard that Jesus was
coming to Jerusalem. So a large crowd 13 took palm branches
and went out to meet Him, crying out,
“Hosanna!
in the name of the Lord,
the King of Israel!”
(Psalm 118:25-26)
After finding a young donkey Jesus sat on it, just as it is

14
written,
“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion!

15
Look! Your King is coming,

sitting on a donkey’s colt.”
(Zechariah 9:9)
His disciples did not understand these things at first. However,

16
after Jesus was glorified, they remembered that these things

had been written about Him, and that these things had been
done to Him.
17
Now the crowd that was with Jesus when He called Lazarus
from the tomb, and raised him from the dead, went around
testifying about Him. 18 That is why the crowd went out to meet
Him, because they heard that He had performed this miraculous
sign. 19At this, the Pharisees said to one another, “See, we are
getting nowhere. Look, the whole world has gone after Him!”
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John 12
20
Among those who had come to worship at the feast were
some Greeks. 21 They came up to Philip, who was from the town
of Bethsaida in Galilee. “Sir,” they said, “we want to see Jesus.”
22
So Philip went and told Andrew, and then Andrew and Philip
went and told Jesus.
23
Jesus said to them, “The time has come for the Son of
Man to be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain
of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains only a single
seed. But if it dies, it will produce an abundant harvest. 25He
who loves his life will lose it, but he who hates his life in this
world will preserve it for eternal life. 26If any man serves Me,
he must follow Me. And where I am, there My servant will be
also. And if any man serves Me, My Father will honour him.
27
“Now My heart is troubled, and what should I say? ‘Father,
save Me from this hour of trial’? No, it is for this hour that I
have come. 28Father, glorify Your name!” Then a voice came from
heaven and said, “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.”
29
Upon hearing this, some in the crowd said, “It thundered.”
While others said, “An angel has spoken to Him.”
30
Jesus answered, “This voice came for your sake, not Mine.
31
Now is the judgment of this world. Now the ruler of this world
will be cast out. 32And when I am lifted up from the earth, I
will draw all men to Me.” 33He said this to indicate what kind
of death He would die.
34
The crowd responded, “We have heard from the Law that
the Christ will live forever, so how can You say, ‘The Son of Man
must be lifted up’? Who is this ‘Son of Man’?”
35
Then Jesus said to them, “For a little while longer the Light
is with you. Walk while you have the Light, so that the darkness
does not overtake you. The one who walks in the darkness does
not know where he is going. 36While you have the Light, believe
in the Light, so that you may be children of the Light.” After
saying these things, Jesus left and hid from them.
37
Even though He had done many miraculous signs in their
presence, they still did not believe in Him. 38 This was to fulfill
the word of Isaiah the prophet, when he said:
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John 13
“Lord, who has believed our report?

And to whom has the arm of the Lord
been revealed?”
(Isaiah 53:1)
39
They could not believe, just as Isaiah said again:
40
“He has blinded their eyes,
and hardened their hearts.
with their eyes,
and I would heal them.”
(Isaiah 6:10)
Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’ glory and spoke about
41
Him.
42
Now many of the leaders believed in Him. But they did not
confess Him, because they feared that the Pharisees would
expel them from the synagogue. 43 This was because they loved
the praise of men more than the praise of God.
44
Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in Me, does
not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me! 45And whoever sees
Me, sees Him who sent Me. 46I have come into the world as a
light, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in
darkness. 47If anyone hears My words and does not believe, I do
not judge him—for I came not to judge the world, but to save
it. 48He who rejects Me and does not accept My words has one
who judges him: the very words that I have spoken will judge
him on the last day. 49I have not spoken on My own, but the
Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how
to say it. 50And I know that His commands bring eternal life.
Therefore I say exactly what the Father has told Me to say.”
13 It was just before the Passover Feast, and Jesus knew that
His time had come to leave this world and to return to
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John 13
the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He
loved them to the end.
2
It was now supper, and the devil had already put into the
heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray Jesus.
3
Jesus knew that the Father had placed everything into His
hands, and that He had come from God and was going back to
God. 4 Therefore He got up from the table, removed His outer
garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 Then He
poured some water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’
feet, wiping them dry with the towel that was wrapped around
Him.
6
He then came to Simon Peter. “Lord,” asked Peter, “are You
going to wash my feet?”
7
“You do not know what I am doing now,” answered Jesus,
“but you will know later on.”
8
“No,” said Peter, “You will never wash my feet!”
“Unless I wash you,” replied Jesus, “you have no fellowship
with Me.”
9
“Lord,” said Simon Peter, “not only my feet, but also my
hands and my head.”
10
Jesus said, “Those who have bathed are completely clean
and only need to wash their feet. You are clean, but not all of
you.” 11For He knew who would betray Him. That is why He
said, “Not all of you are clean.”
12
After He had washed their feet and put on His garments,
He returned to His seat and said to them, “Do you know what
I have done for you? 13 You call Me ‘ Teacher’ and ‘ Lord,’ and
you are right, for that is what I am. 14Now if I, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one
another’s feet. 15Since I have given you this example, you should
do the same as I have done for you. 16 Truly, truly, I say to you,
a slave is not greater than his master, or a messenger greater
than the one who sent him. 17If you know these things, you
will be blessed if you do them.
18
“I am not referring to all of you—I know the ones I have
chosen. But this must happen to fulfill the Scripture:
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John 13
‘ The one eating bread with Me

has lifted up his heel against Me.’
(Psalm 41:9)
19
I am telling you this now before it happens, so that when it
does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I say
to you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts Me, and whoever
accepts Me accepts the One who sent Me.”
21
After Jesus had said this, He was troubled in spirit, and
testified, “Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray Me.”
22
Then the disciples looked at one another, puzzled as to
whom He was talking about. 23Now one of His disciples, whom
He loved, was sitting by His side. 24So Simon Peter motioned to
him to ask Jesus whom He was talking about. 25 Then leaning
into Jesus, he asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”
26
Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece
of bread once I have dipped it into the bowl.” Then He dipped
the bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27As
soon as Judas took the bread, satan entered into him. “What
you are about to do, do quickly!” Jesus said to him. 28But no
one at the table knew what He meant. 29 They thought that,
since Judas was in charge of the moneybag, Jesus was telling
him to buy supplies for the feast, or to give something to the
poor. 30After taking the bread, Judas left at once. It was night.
31
After he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is
glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32If God is glorified in
Him, God will glorify the Son in Himself, and will glorify Him
immediately. 33Little children, I am with you for a little while
longer. You will look for Me, but as I told the Jewish leaders,
‘ Where I am going, you cannot come.’
34
“I am giving you a new commandment: love one another.
Just as I have loved you, you must also love one another. 35If you
love one another, everyone will know that you are My disciples.”
“Lord,” asked Simon Peter, “where are You going?”

36
“Where I am going,” answered Jesus, “you cannot follow

now, but you will follow later.”
37
“Lord,” Peter asked, “why can I not follow You now? I will
lay down my life for You.”
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John 14
38
Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for Me?
Truly, truly, I say to you, before the rooster crows, you will
deny Me three times.
14 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, and

believe in Me also. 2In My Father’s house there are many
dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you. I am
going there to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare
a place for you, I will come back again and will take you with
Me, so that where I am you may be also. 4You know where I
am going, and you know the way.”
5
“Lord,” Thomas said to Him, “we do not know where You
are going, so how can we know the way?”
6
Jesus answered him, “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.
No one comes to the Father except through Me. 7If you really
knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on you
do know Him, and have seen Him.”
8
“Lord,” said Philip, “show us the Father and that will be
good enough for us.”
9
Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip,
and you still do not know Me? Whoever has seen Me has seen
the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? 10Do you
not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in
Me? The words that I speak to you do not come from Me, but
from the Father who lives and works in Me. 11Believe Me when
I say that I am in the Father and that the Father is in Me. If
not, then believe Me on account of the works that I do. 12 Truly,
truly, I say to you, whoever believes in Me will also do the works
that I do. In fact, they will do even greater works than these,
because I am going to My Father. 13I will do whatever you ask
in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If
you ask for anything in My name, I will do it.
15
“If you love Me, you will keep My commandments. 16I will
ask the Father, and He will give you another Comforter, who
will stay with you forever—17the Spirit of Truth, whom the world
cannot receive, because it does not see Him or know Him. But
you know Him, because He lives with you, and will be in you.
18
I will not forsake you like orphans. On the contrary, I will
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John 15
come back for you. 19Soon the world will no longer see Me, but
you will see Me. And because I live, you will live also. 20In that
day you will know that I am in My Father, and that you are in
Me, and that I am in you. 21Whoever has My commandments
and keeps them is the one who loves Me. Whoever loves Me
will be loved by My Father, and I will love him and will reveal
Myself to him.”
22
Then Judas Lebbaeus (also called Thaddaeus), asked Him,
“Lord, how is it that You will show Yourself to us and not to
the world?”
23
“If anyone loves Me,” Jesus said, “he will keep My word.
Then My Father will love him, and We will come to him and
will make Our home with him. 24 Those who do not love Me, do
not keep My words. And the words that you hear are not Mine,
but the Father’s who sent Me.
25
“I have said these things to you while I am still here with
you. 26But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will
send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you
of everything that I have told you.
27
“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you, such as
the world cannot give. So do not let your hearts be troubled or
afraid. 28You heard Me say, ‘ I am going away, but I will come
back for you.’ If you loved Me, you would have rejoiced when I
said, ‘ I am going to the Father.’ For My Father is greater than
I. 29I have told you this now, before it happens, so that when
it does happen, you will believe. 30I will not speak to you for
much longer, because the ruler of this world is coming. He has
nothing on Me. 31But I will do as My Father has commanded
Me, so that the world will know that I love the Father. Now get
up, let us go.
15 “I am the True Vine, and My Father is the Vinedresser. 2He

cuts off every branch in Me that does not bear fruit. And
He cleanses every branch that bears fruit, pruning it so that it
can bear even more fruit. 3As for yourselves, you are already
clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4Abide
in Me, and I will abide in you. Just as the branch cannot bear
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John 15
fruit from itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you
unless you abide in Me.
5
“I am the Vine, and you are the branches. If you abide in
Me, and I in you, then you will bear much fruit. But apart from
Me, you can do nothing. 6If anyone does not abide in Me, he is
like a withered branch that is thrown away. All such branches
are gathered up, thrown into the fire, and burned.
7
“If you abide in Me and My words abide in you, ask for
whatever you want and it will be done for you. 8My Father is
glorified in this: that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be
My disciples.
9
“Just as the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now
abide in My love. 10If you keep My commandments you will abide
in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and
abide in His love. 11I have told you this so that My joy may abide
in you, and so that your joy may be full.
12
“My commandment is this: that you love one another, just
as I have loved you. 13Greater love has no man than this: that
he lays down his life for his friends. 14You are My friends if you
do what I command you. 15I no longer call you slaves, because
a slave does not know what his master is doing. Instead, I have
called you friends, for everything that I have heard from My
Father I have revealed to you. 16You have not chosen Me, but
I have chosen you and have appointed you to go out and bear
fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you
ask for in My name. 17 These commandments I have given to
you, so that you will love one another.
18
“If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me first. 19If
you belonged to the world, you would be loved by the world.
But you do not belong to the world, because I chose you out of
the world, and for this reason the world hates you. 20Remember
what I told you: ‘A slave is not greater than his master.’ If they
persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept
My word, they will also keep yours. 21They will do all these
things to you because of My name, for they do not know the
One who sent Me.
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John 16
22
“If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not
be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin.
23
Whoever hates Me, also hates My Father. 24If I had not done
the works among them that nobody else did, they would not be
guilty of sin. But now they have seen and hated both Me and
My Father. 25However, this is to fulfill the word that is written
in their Law: ‘They hated Me for no reason.’ 72
26
“When the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from
the Father—the Spirit of Truth who comes from the Father—He
will testify about Me. 27And you also will testify, because you
have been with Me from the beginning.
16 “I have told you this, so that you will not stumble and lose
your faith. 2You will be expelled from the synagogues. In
fact, the time is coming when those who kill you will think that
they are doing God a service. 3 They will do these things to you
because they do not know the Father or Me. 4I have told you all
of this so that when these things happen, you will remember
that I warned you about them. I never told you about these
things in the beginning, because I was with you.
5
“But now I am going back to Him who sent Me, yet none of
you asks Me where I am going. 6And now your hearts are filled
with grief because of what I have said. 7Nevertheless, I tell you
the truth: it is better for you that I go away, because if I do not
go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I go, I will
send Him to you. 8When He comes, He will convict the world
of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9of sin, because
they do not believe in Me; 10of righteousness, because I am going
to My Father, and you will no longer see Me; 11of judgment,
because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
12
“I have so much more to tell you, but you cannot bear it now.
13
However, when the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you
into all truth. He will not speak on His own, but He will speak
what He hears, and He will show you things to come. 14He will
glorify Me, because He will take of what is Mine and will show
it to you. 15All that the Father has is Mine. That is why I said,
‘ He will take of what is Mine and will show it to you.’
72
Psalm 35:19, 69:4
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John 16
16
“In a little while you will not see Me, and then after a little
while you will see Me again, because I am going to the Father.”
17
Then His disciples said to one another, “What does He
mean when He says, ‘ In a little while you will not see Me, and
then after a little while you will see Me again,’ and, ‘ Because I
am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept saying, “What does He
mean when He says, ‘ In a little while’? We do not understand
what He is saying.”
19
Since Jesus knew that they wanted to ask Him about this,
He said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant
when I said, ‘ In a little while you will not see Me, and then
after a little while you will see Me again’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to
you, you will weep and mourn, but the world will rejoice. You
will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. 21When a woman is
about to give birth, she experiences pain. But when her baby
is born she forgets the pain, because she is happy that a child
has been born into the world. 22In the same way, you are full of
grief now. But I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice,
and nobody will take your joy away from you.
23
“On that day you will not ask Me for anything. Truly, truly,
I say to you, whatever you ask the Father for in My name, He
will give it to you. 24So far you have not asked for anything in
My name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be full.
25
“Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming
when I will no longer do so. Instead, I will tell you plainly about
the Father. 26When that day comes you will ask in My name.
In saying this, I do not mean that I will ask the Father on your
behalf. 27On the contrary, the Father Himself loves you because
you have loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28I
came from the Father and entered the world. Now I am leaving
the world and returning to the Father.”
29
“See,” said His disciples, “now You are speaking plainly
and not in riddles. 30Now we know that You know all things.
For You know our questions even before we ask them—for this
reason, we believe that You came from God.”
31
“Now do you believe?” replied Jesus. 32“Look! The time is
coming, and is already here, when you will be scattered, each
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John 17
to his own home. You will leave Me, and I will be alone. Yet I
am not alone, because My Father is with Me. 33I have said these
things to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world
you will have tribulation. But take courage! I have overcome
the world!”
17 After Jesus said this, He lifted up His eyes to heaven and

said, “Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son, so that
Your Son may glorify You. 2For You have given Him authority
over all people, so that He might give eternal life to all those
You have given to Him. 3And this is eternal life: to know You,
the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent. 4I have
brought You glory on earth by accomplishing the work that You
gave Me to do. 5And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence
with the glory that I shared with You before the world began.
6
“I have revealed Your name to the men whom You gave to
Me from this world. They were Yours, You gave them to Me, and
they have obeyed Your word. 7Now they know that everything
You have given to Me comes from You. 8For I have given them
the words You gave to Me, and they have accepted them. They
know that I have truly come from You, and they believe that
You have sent Me. 9I am praying for them. I am not praying for
the world but for those You have given to Me, because they are
Yours. 10All that is Mine is Yours, and all that is Yours is Mine.
And My glory is shown through these men. 11I will no longer
be in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming
back to You. Holy Father, protect those You have given to Me
by Your name, so that they may be one as We are one. 12While
I was with them in the world, I protected them in Your name.
Those You have given to Me I have guarded, and none of them
has been lost except for the son of destruction, so that the
Scripture would be fulfilled.
13
“And now I am coming to You. But I am saying these things
while I am still in the world, so that My joy may be made full in
them. 14I have given them Your word and the world has hated
them, because they do not belong to this world, just as I do not
belong to this world. 15I am not praying that You will take them
out of this world, but that You will protect them from the evil
one. 16 They do not belong to this world, just as I do not belong
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John 18
to this world. 17Sanctify them through Your truth—Your word

is truth. 18Just as You have sent Me into the world, I have also
sent them into the world. 19For their sakes I sanctify Myself, so
that they too may be sanctified through the truth.
20
“I pray not only for them, but also for those who will believe
in Me on account of their message. 21May they all be one, Father,
just as You are in Me and I am in You. May they also be one
in Us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.
22
And the glory that You have given to Me, I have given to them,
so that they may be one just as We are one—23I in them and
You in Me. May they have perfect unity, so that the world may
know that You have sent Me and that You have loved them as
You have loved Me.
24
“Father, I want those You have given to Me to be with Me
where I am, so that they may see My glory—the glory that You
have given to Me, because You loved Me before the foundation
of the world. 25Righteous Father! The world does not know You,
but I know You, and these men know that You have sent Me.
26
I have made Your name known to them, and will continue to
make it known, so that Your love for Me may be in them, and
that I Myself may be in them.”
18 After Jesus said these things, He and His disciples crossed

the Kidron Valley and went into a garden. 2Judas, who
betrayed Him, also knew about this place. For Jesus had
often met there with His disciples. 3Judas came there with a
detachment of Roman soldiers and some officers from the chief
priests and the Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns,
and weapons. 4Since Jesus knew everything that was going to
happen to Him, He went out and said, “Who are you looking for?”
5
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.
“I am He,” Jesus said to them.
(And Judas, who betrayed Him, was also standing there
with them.) 6When Jesus said, “I am He,” they fell backward
to the ground.
7
“Who are you looking for?” Jesus asked again.
“Jesus of Nazareth,” they said.
8
“I told you that I am He,” said Jesus. “If you are looking for
Me, then let these men go.” 9He did this to fulfill what He had
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John 18
said earlier, “I have not lost any of those You have given to Me.”
10
Then Simon Peter drew his sword and cut off the right ear
of Malchus, the high priest’s slave. 11Then Jesus said to Peter,
“Put your sword away! Should I not drink the cup that the
Father has given to Me?”
12
Then the detachment of Roman soldiers and their
commander, together with the Jewish officers, arrested Jesus
and tied Him up. 13 They took Him first to Annas, who was the
father-in-law of Caiaphas, the high priest that year. 14It was
Caiaphas who had told the Jewish leaders, “It is better if one
man dies on behalf of the people.”
15
Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. Since the
other disciple was an acquaintance of the high priest, he was
able to go into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus. 16Peter,
however, stood outside the gate. So the other disciple, who
was an acquaintance of the high priest, went and spoke to the
gatekeeper and brought Peter in. 17The slave-girl tending the
gate asked Peter, “Are you not one of His disciples?”
“No, I am not,” said Peter, denying Him.
18
Now the slaves and officers had made a fire, because it was
cold. They stood around the fire warming themselves, and Peter
also stood there warming himself with them.
19
Meanwhile, the high priest asked Jesus about His disciples
and His teaching. 20“I have spoken publicly to the world,” Jesus
answered. “I have always taught in the synagogues and in the
temple, where all the Jews gather. I did not say anything in
secret. 21Why are you asking Me? Ask those who heard Me.
They know what I said.”
22
When Jesus said this, one of the officers standing there
hit Him. “Is that how You answer the high priest?” exclaimed
the officer.
23
“If I said something wrong,” answered Jesus, “testify of what
was wrong. But if I am right, why did you hit Me?” 24 Then Annas
sent Jesus, who was still tied up, to Caiaphas the high priest.
25
Simon Peter, meanwhile, was standing there warming
himself. “Are you not one of His disciples?” they asked.
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John 18
“No, I am not,” said Peter, denying Him.

26
Then one of the high priest’s slaves, a relative of the man
whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden
with Him?” 27But Peter denied Him again, and immediately the
rooster crowed.
28
Early in the morning they led Jesus from Caiaphas’ house
to the Praetorium. However, because they wanted to eat the
Passover meal, they did not defile themselves by entering the
Praetorium. 29 Therefore Pilate went out to them and asked,
“What charges are you bringing against this Man?”
30
“If this Man were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would
not have handed Him over to you!”
31
“You take Him,” responded Pilate, “and judge Him according
to your own law.”
“We are not allowed to put anyone to death!” exclaimed the
Jewish leaders. 32 This happened to fulfill what Jesus had said
when He indicated what kind of death He would die.
33
Then Pilate went back into the Praetorium and summoned
Jesus. “Are You the King of the Jews?” he asked.
34
“Are you asking this on your own,” Jesus replied, “or have
others told you about Me?”
35
“Am I a Jew?” responded Pilate. “It was Your own people
and chief priests who handed You over to me. What have You
done?”
36
“My kingdom is not of this world,” Jesus replied. “If My
kingdom were of this world, My servants would have fought to
prevent Me from being arrested by the Jewish leaders. But as
it is, My kingdom is not from here.”
37
“You are a king then?” Pilate asked.
Jesus replied, “You are correct in saying that I am a king. I
was born and came into the world for this reason: to testify to
the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice.”
38
“What is truth?” Pilate asked Him.
After saying this he went back out to the Jewish leaders, and
said to them, “I find Him guilty of no crime. 39But you have a
custom, in which I release a prisoner to you at Passover. So
how about it, do you want me to release the King of the Jews?”
40
“No, not Him!” they cried out. “Give us Barabbas!” (Now
Barabbas was a bandit.)
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John 19
19 Then Pilate took Jesus and had Him whipped. 2 The soldiers
wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head. Then they
dressed Him in a purple robe, 3and said, “Hail, King of the
Jews!” And they hit Him.
4
Then Pilate went outside again, and said to them, “Look! I
will bring Him out to you, so that you may know that I do not
find Him guilty of any crime.” 5 Then Jesus was brought out,
wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. “Look!” Pilate
said. “Here is the Man!”
6
When the chief priests and the officers saw Him, they cried
out, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”
“You take Him and crucify Him,” said Pilate. “I do not find
Him guilty of any crime.”
7
The Jewish leaders responded, “We have a law, and according
to that law He must die, because He claimed to be the Son of
God!”
8
When Pilate heard this, he became even more afraid. 9He
went back into the Praetorium and asked Jesus, “Where are
You from?” But Jesus made no reply. 10So Pilate said to Him,
“Are You not going to speak to me? Do You not realize that I
have the authority to crucify You or to free You?”
11
Jesus answered, “You would have no authority over Me if
it were not given to you from above. But those who handed Me
over to you are guilty of a greater sin.”
12
From that moment on, Pilate tried to release Him. However,
the Jewish leaders cried out, “If you release Him, you are no
friend of Caesar! Whoever claims to be a king opposes Caesar!”
13
When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out. Then Pilate
sat down on the judgment seat at the place called “The Stone
Pavement” (which in Aramaic is called “Gabbatha”). 14Now it
was the Preparation Day of the Passover, about noon. “Look!”
said Pilate to the Jews. “Here is your King!”
15
“Away with Him!” they cried out. “Away with Him! Crucify
Him!”
“Should I crucify your King?” asked Pilate.
“We have no king but Caesar!” the chief priests answered.
16
Then Pilate handed Jesus over to them to be crucified.
So the soldiers took Jesus and led Him away. 17Carrying His
own cross, Jesus made His way to the place called “The Place
221
John 19
of the Skull” (which in Aramaic is called “Golgotha”). 18 There

they crucified Him along with two other men, one on each side,
with Jesus in the middle. 19Pilate also wrote a sign and had it
placed on the cross, which said:
JESUS OF NAZARETH
20
The sign was written in Aramaic, Greek, and Latin. Many of
the Jews read this sign, because the place where Jesus was
crucified was near the city. 21The Jewish chief priests said to
Pilate, “Do not write, ‘ The King of the Jews.’ But write, ‘ He
claimed to be the King of the Jews.’”
22
Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.”
23
When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they took His clothes
and divided them into four shares, one for each soldier, with
the under-robe remaining. The under-robe was seamless, woven
in one piece from top to bottom. 24 Therefore they said to one
another, “Let us not tear it. Instead, let us cast lots to see
who will get it.” This happened so that the Scripture would be
fulfilled that said,
“They divided My garments among them,

and cast lots for My clothing.”
(Psalm 22:18)
And that is exactly what the soldiers did.

25
Standing near the cross of Jesus was His mother, His
mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Cleopas, and Mary Magdalene.
26
Now when Jesus saw His mother there, and the disciple whom
He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Dear woman,
look, here is your son.” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Look,
here is your mother.” And from that time on, this disciple took
her into his home.
28
After this, knowing that everything had now come to its
appointed end, Jesus, in order to fulfill Scripture, said, “I am
thirsty.”73 29A jar full of vinegar was there, so the soldiers soaked
a sponge in the vinegar, placed it on a hyssop branch, and put
73
Psalm 22:15, 69:21
222
John 20
it to His mouth. 30Jesus received the vinegar, and then cried

out, “It is finished!” Then He bowed His head and died.
31
It was Preparation Day, and the Jewish leaders did not want
their bodies to remain on the crosses during the Sabbath—
especially because it was an important Sabbath. So they asked
Pilate to have their legs broken and their bodies taken down.
32
Therefore the soldiers went and broke the legs of the first man,
as well as the other man who was crucified with Him. 33But
when they came to Jesus and saw that He was already dead,
they did not break His legs. 34Instead, one of the soldiers pierced
His side with a spear, and immediately blood and water came
out. 35 The disciple who saw this has testified about it, and his
testimony is true. He knows that he is telling the truth, and
he has testified so that you also may believe. 36 These things
happened so that the Scripture would be fulfilled:
“Not one of His bones will be broken.”

(Psalm 34:20; Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12)
37
And again, another Scripture says,
“They will look on the One they have pierced.”

(Zechariah 12:10)
38
After this, Joseph, a man from the city of Arimathea, asked
Pilate for the body of Jesus. He was a disciple of Jesus—but
only secretly, because he feared the Jewish leaders. Pilate
gave him permission, and he went and took the body of Jesus.
39
Nicodemus, the one who had come to see Jesus at night, also
went with Joseph. He brought with him a mixture of myrrh
and aloes, weighing about seventy-five pounds. 40 Then they
took Jesus’ body and wrapped it with linen strips and spices,
according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Near the place
where He was crucified there was a garden, and in it there was
a new tomb in which no one had ever been laid. 42Now since it
was the Jewish Preparation Day, and since the tomb was close
by, they laid Jesus there.
20 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark,
Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone
223
John 20
had been removed from the tomb’s entrance. 2So she ran off
and went to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus
loved. “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb,” she said,
“and we do not know where they have put Him!”
3
So Peter and the other disciple left for the tomb. 4 They both
ran together, but the other disciple out ran Peter and made it to
the tomb first. 5He stooped down and saw the linen strips lying
there, but he did not go in. 6Following him, Simon Peter arrived
and entered the tomb. He saw the linen strips lying there, 7and
the cloth that had covered His face—it was not lying with the
linen strips, but was wrapped up in a place of its own. 8 Then
the other disciple, who had arrived at the tomb first, also went
inside. After seeing this, he believed Mary Magdalene. 9(At that
time they did not understand from the Scriptures that Jesus
had to rise from the dead.)
10
So the disciples went back to the place where they were
staying. 11Mary, however, stood weeping outside the tomb. As
she wept, she stooped down and looked inside the tomb. 12She
saw two angels dressed in white, sitting where Jesus’ body had
been—one at the head, and one at the feet. 13“Dear woman,”
the angels said, “why are you weeping?”
“They have taken my Lord away,” she replied, “and I do not
know where they have put Him.”
14
As she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing
there, but did not recognize Him. 15“Dear woman,” asked Jesus,
“why are you weeping? Who are you looking for?”
Thinking that He was the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if
you have carried Him away, please tell me where you have put
Him, and I will take Him away.”
16
Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned to Him and cried out,
“Rabboni!” (which means “Teacher”).
17
“Do not cling to Me,” Jesus said, “for I have not yet ascended
to My Father. Instead, go to My brothers and tell them, ‘ I am
ascending to My Father and your Father—to My God and your
God.’” 18So Mary Magdalene went and told the disciples that she
had seen the Lord, and that He had said these things to her.
19
That evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were
gathered together. They had locked the doors out of fear of the
224
John 21
Jewish leaders. Even so, Jesus came and stood in their midst,
and said to them, “Peace be with you.” 20After saying this, He
showed them His hands and side. When the disciples saw the
Lord they rejoiced. 21Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with
you. As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” 22After He
had said this, He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy
Spirit. 23If you tell anyone that their sins are forgiven, because
they have believed in Me, indeed they are forgiven. If you tell
anyone that their sins are not forgiven, because they have not
believed in Me, indeed they are not forgiven.”
24
Now one of the twelve disciples, Thomas (whose name means
“twin”), was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other
disciples said to Thomas, “We have seen the Lord!”
But Thomas said to them, “Unless I see the nail marks in His
hands, put my finger into the nail marks, and put my hand into
His side, I will not believe.”
26
A week later His disciples were inside again, and Thomas was
with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and
stood in their midst. “Peace be with you,” He said. 27“Put your
finger here,” He said to Thomas, “and look at My hands. Take
your hand and put it into My side. Do not doubt! Just believe!”
28
“My Lord and My God!” exclaimed Thomas.
29
Jesus said to him, “You believe Thomas, because you have
seen Me. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
30
In the presence of His disciples, Jesus did many other
miraculous signs that are not recorded in this book. 31But these
things have been recorded so that you may believe that Jesus
is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may
have life in His name.
21 After these things, Jesus once again showed Himself to

His disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This was how He
showed Himself: 2Simon Peter, Thomas (whose name means
“twin”), Nathanael from the town of Cana in Galilee, the sons of
Zebedee, and two of His other disciples were together.
3
“I am going fishing,” Simon Peter said to them.
“We are coming with you,” said the others. So they went and
got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.
225
John 21
4
It was now early in the morning, and Jesus stood on the
shore. His disciples, however, did not know that it was Jesus.
5
“Children,” Jesus called out, “do you have any fish?”
“No!” they answered.
6
“Cast your net to the right side of the boat,” said Jesus,
“and you will catch some.” So they cast in their net, and were
unable to pull it in because of the large number of fish.
7
Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the
Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on
his outer garment (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the
sea. 8 The other disciples followed in the boat, dragging the net
of fish. They were not far from shore, only about three hundred
feet away. 9When they made it to shore, they saw a charcoal
fire there, with fish on it, and some bread.
10
“Bring some of the fish you have just caught,” said Jesus.
11
So Simon Peter went and dragged the net to shore. It was full
of large fish, a hundred and fifty-three in all. And even with that
many fish, the net was not torn. 12“Come and eat breakfast,”
said Jesus. But none of the disciples dared to ask Him, “Who
are You?” because they knew that it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus
came and took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same
with the fish. 14 This was now the third time that Jesus showed
Himself to His disciples after He had been raised from the dead.
15
After breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of
John, do you love Me more than these others do?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “You know that I am Your friend.”
“Then feed My lambs,” said Jesus.
16
“Simon, son of John,” said Jesus a second time, “do you
love Me?”
“Yes, Lord,” Peter answered, “You know that I am Your friend.”
“Then take care of My sheep,” said Jesus.
17
“Simon, son of John,” said Jesus a third time, “are you
My friend?”
Peter was grieved because Jesus asked him a third time,
“Are you My friend?”
“Lord,” Peter replied, “You know all things! You know that I
am Your friend!”
“Then feed My sheep,” said Jesus. 18“Truly, truly, I say to you,
when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where
you wished. But when you grow old, you will stretch out your
226
John 21
hands, and someone else will dress you and will take you where
you do not wish to go.” 19Jesus said this to indicate what kind
of death Peter would die to glorify God. After this, Jesus said
to him, “Follow Me.”
20
Then Peter turned around, and saw the disciple whom
Jesus loved following them—the one who had leaned into Jesus
during supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?”
21
When Peter saw this disciple, he asked Jesus, “Lord, what
about him?”
22
Jesus said to Peter, “If I want him to remain until I return,
what is that to you? You follow Me!” 23So word spread among
the brothers that this disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not
say to Peter that he would not die, but, “If I want him to remain
until I return, what is that to you?”
24
This is the disciple who testifies about these things, and has
put these things into writing. And we know that his testimony
is true.
25
There are many other things that Jesus did. If they were
written down one by one, I suppose the world itself could not
contain the books that would be written. Amen.
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Acts 1
Acts
1 Dear Theophilus, in my previous book74 I wrote about
everything that Jesus began to do and teach, 2 until the day
He was taken up to heaven, after giving commandments through
the Holy Spirit to the apostles He had chosen.
He presented Himself to them alive, after His suffering, by

3
many convincing proofs. He was seen by them for forty days,

during which He spoke about the kingdom of God.
Gathering them together, He gave them this command: “Do

4
not leave Jerusalem, but wait for what My Father has promised,
as I told you earlier. 5For John truly baptized with water, but
in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
While He was with them they asked Him, “Lord, are You
6
going to restore the kingdom to Israel now?”

7
He said to them, “It is not for you to know the dates or the
times that the Father has fixed by His Own authority. 8But
you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you,
and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and
Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
After saying these things, He was taken up before their very

9
eyes, into the clouds and out of sight. 10Suddenly, as they were
staring into the sky, two men dressed in white stood beside
them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here
staring into the sky? This Jesus, who has been taken from you
into heaven, will come back in the same way that you saw Him
go into heaven.”
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the

12
Mount of Olives, which is a Sabbath day’s walk from Jerusalem.

13
When they arrived, they went up to the upper room where
Peter, James, John, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew,
Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and
74
Luke, the beloved physician (Colossians 4:14), was the author
of Acts. His first book was the Gospel of Luke.
228
Acts 1
Judas Lebbaeus the son of James were staying. 14With one mind
they all continued in prayer and supplication, along with the
women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and the Lord’s brothers.
15
In those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples,
a group numbering about a hundred and twenty people, and
said, 16“Men, brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled, which
the Holy Spirit foretold through the mouth of David concerning
Judas, who became the guide of those who arrested Jesus.
17
He was one of us and had received a portion in this ministry.”
18
(With the reward of his wickedness a field was purchased. He
hung himself and fell headfirst, his body burst open at the mid-
section, and all his intestines gushed out. 19When everyone in
Jerusalem heard about this, they called the field in Aramaic:
“Akeldama,” which means, “Field of Blood.”)
20
“For it is written in the book of Psalms:
‘ Let his house be deserted,

and let no one live in it,’
(Psalm 69:25)
and,
‘ Let another take his office.’

(Psalm 109:8)
Therefore we must choose one of the men who accompanied

21
us during the entire time that the Lord Jesus went in and out
among us, 22beginning with the baptism of John until the day
that Jesus was taken up from us—one of these men must
become a witness with us of His resurrection.”
23
So they picked two men: Joseph, called Barsabbas, who
was also known as Justus, and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed,
“Lord, You know the hearts of all men. Show us which of these
two men You have chosen 25 to receive a portion of this ministry
and apostleship, which Judas abandoned to go to the place
where he belongs.” 26 Then they cast their lots, and the lot fell
to Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.
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Acts 2
2 On the day of Pentecost they were all gathered in the same

place with one mind. 2Suddenly the sound of a violent roaring
wind came from heaven and filled the entire house where they
were sitting. 3 They saw what appeared to be separate tongues
of fire, which rested on each one of them. 4And they were all
filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues
as the Spirit enabled them to speak.
5
Now there were devout Jews living in Jerusalem from every
nation under heaven. 6When they heard this sound, a crowd
gathered in confusion, because each person heard them speaking
in his own language. 7 They all marvelled in amazement and
said to one another, “Look! These men who are speaking, are
they not Galileans? 8If this is so, how come we all hear them
speaking in our own native language? 9 We all come from different
places: Parthia, Media, Elam, Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia,
Pontus, Asia, 10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the areas of Libya
near Cyrene, Rome, 11Crete, and Arabia. So how is it that we all,
both Jews and converts to Judaism, hear them speaking in our
own languages about the wonderful works of God?”
12
They were all amazed and puzzled, and asked one another,
“What does this mean?”
13
But others mocked and said, “They are drunk on sweet wine.”
14
Then Peter stood up with the eleven, raised his voice and said
to them, “Men of Judea and all you residents of Jerusalem, listen
carefully to me and I will tell you what this means. 15 These men
are not drunk as you suppose, for it is only nine in the morning.
16
On the contrary, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
17
‘In the last days, God says,
I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh.
Your sons and your daughters will prophesy,
your young men will see visions,
and your old men will dream dreams.
18
In those days I will pour out My Spirit
on My menservants and on My maidservants,
and they will prophesy.
19
I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below—
blood, fire, and plumes of smoke.
230
Acts 2
20
The sun will be turned to darkness,
and the moon to blood,
before the coming of the great
and notable day of the Lord.
21
But whoever calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved.’
(Joel 2:28-32)
22
“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth was a
Man approved by God. God showed this to you by performing
miracles, wonders, and signs through Him—as you yourselves
know. 23He was handed over to you according to the predetermined
purpose and foreknowledge of God, and you crucified and killed
Him by the hands of lawless men. 24But God raised Him from
the dead and freed Him from the suffering of death, because it
was impossible for death to keep its grip on Him. 25David said
this about Him:
‘I see that the Lord is always before me;

because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken.
26
Therefore my heart is glad
and my tongue rejoices.
Furthermore, my body will rest in hope.
27
For You will not leave my soul
among the dead,
or let Your Holy One see decay.
28
You have shown me the paths of life,
and You will fill me with joy
in Your presence.’
(Psalm 16:8-11)
29
“Men, brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch
David died and was buried—his tomb is here among us to this
day. 30But David was a prophet and knew that God had promised
him on oath that from his descendants the Christ would come
to sit on his throne. 31Since David foresaw this, he spoke about
the resurrection of the Christ, saying,
‘His soul was not left among the dead,

and His flesh did not see decay.’
(Psalm 16:10)
231
Acts 2
32
“God raised this Jesus from the dead, and we are all
witnesses of this. 33He has been exalted to the right hand of
God. And the Father has given Him the promised Holy Spirit,
whom He has now poured out—which is what you are seeing and
hearing. 34For David did not ascended into heaven, yet he said,

35
(Psalm 110:1)
36
“So let the entire house of Israel know beyond any doubt that
God made Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ!”
37
Now when they heard this, they were pierced to the heart,
and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Men, brothers, what
should we do?”
38
Peter replied, “Each one of you must repent and be baptized
in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.
Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 This promise
belongs to you and to your children and to all who are far off;
it is for as many as the Lord our God calls!”
40
And with many more words Peter testified and pleaded,
saying, “Be saved from this warped generation!” 41Those who
gladly received his message were baptized, and about three
thousand souls were added to them that day. 42And they faithfully
devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to
the breaking of bread, and to prayer.
43
Fear came over everyone, and many wonders and signs
were performed through the apostles. 44And all the believers
were united together and shared everything. 45 They sold their
property and possessions, and distributed the proceeds to
anyone among them who was in need. 46With one mind they met
daily at the temple, and broke bread in their homes together.
With sincere hearts they ate their food with gladness, 47praising
God and having favour with all the people. And day by day the
Lord added to the church those who were being saved.
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Acts 3
3 One afternoon Peter and John went to the temple at the time
of prayer, which is at three o’clock. 2Now a man who was
lame from birth was being carried to the temple. Every day his
friends would lay him down at the gate called Beautiful, so that
he could beg from those who were entering the temple. 3When
he saw Peter and John about to enter the temple, he begged
them for some money. 4But Peter and John stared him straight
in the eyes, and Peter said, “Look at us!” 5So the man gave them
his attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then
Peter said, “Silver and gold I do not have, but what I have I give
to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and
walk!” 7Then Peter grabbed him by the right hand and helped
him up, and immediately his feet and ankles became strong.
8
He leaped to his feet and began to walk. Then he entered the
temple with Peter and John, walking and leaping and praising
God! 9When everyone saw him walking and praising God, 10 they
were filled with wonder and amazement. They realized that
he was the beggar, who always sat at the temple gate called
Beautiful. 11While the lame man who was healed clung to Peter
and John, all the people ran to them in great amazement to the
place called Solomon’s Porch.
12
When Peter saw this, he said to the people, “Men of Israel,
why are you so amazed at this? Why are you staring at us, as
though we have made this man to walk by our own power or
godliness? 13 The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of
our fathers, glorified His Son Jesus, whom you handed over and
rejected before Pilate, even though Pilate had decided to let Him
go. 14You rejected the Holy and Righteous One, requesting that a
murderer be released to you instead. 15You killed the Author of
life, whom God raised from the dead. We are witnesses of this!
16
It is through faith in His name—the name of Jesus—that this
man whom you see and know has been healed. It is the faith
that comes through Him that has given this man his complete
healing in front of you all.
17
“Now, brothers, I know that you acted ignorantly just as your
leaders did. 18But God declared beforehand by the mouth of all
His prophets that the Christ would suffer, and He has fulfilled
this. 19 Therefore repent and turn to God so that your sins may
be wiped away, so that times of refreshing may come from the
presence of the Lord, 20and so that He may send the Christ, who
233
Acts 4
was proclaimed to you beforehand—Jesus. 21He must remain

in heaven until it is time for all things to be restored, just as
God said long ago through the mouth of all His holy prophets.
22
For Moses truly said to our fathers,
‘ The Lord your God will raise up

for you a Prophet like me
from among your brothers.
You must listen to everything He tells you.
23
Anyone who fails to listen to that Prophet
will be completely cut off
from among his people.’
(Deuteronomy 18:15, 19)
24
“Samuel, and all the prophets who followed after him,
foretold of these days. 25And you are heirs of the prophets, and
of the covenant that God made with our fathers. For God said
to Abraham,
‘ Through your seed will all the families

of the earth be blessed.’
(Genesis 22:18, 26:4)
26
God raised up His Son Jesus and sent Him to you first, so
that He might bless you by turning each of you from your sinful
ways.”
4 While Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests,
the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees rushed
over to them. 2 They were enraged because Peter and John
were teaching the people, and were preaching through Jesus
the resurrection of the dead. 3So they arrested Peter and John
and put them in custody until the next day, because it was
already evening. 4But many of those who heard their message
believed, and the number of men who believed grew to about
five thousand.
5
The next day the leaders, elders, and teachers of the law
assembled in Jerusalem. 6Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John,
Alexander, and many of the high priest’s relatives were there.
234
Acts 4
7
They made Peter and John stand before them and asked, “By
what power or by what name have you done this?”
8
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Leaders
of the people, and elders of Israel! 9If we are being questioned
today about a good deed that was done for a lame man—as
to how he was healed—10 then you and all the people of Israel
must know this: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth,
whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that
this man stands before you in good health.
11
‘ The Stone that
you builders have rejected,
has become the Cornerstone.’
(Psalm 118:22)
There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name

12
under heaven given to men by which we must be saved!”

13
As soon as they saw the boldness of Peter and John,
and recognized that neither man had any special training or
education, they marvelled and realized that they had been
with Jesus. 14But they could not say anything against them,
because it was evident that the man who was standing with
them had been healed. 15So they ordered Peter and John to
leave the Sanhedrin, and then they consulted with one another,
16
saying, “What should we do to these men? A notable miracle
has truly been performed through them and is known by all
the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17But to
prevent this from spreading any further among the people, we
must threaten and warn them not to speak to anyone in the
name of Jesus again.”
18
So the Sanhedrin called them back in, and commanded them
not to speak or teach in the name of Jesus again. 19But Peter
and John replied, “You judge if it is right in God’s sight for us
to listen to you rather than to God. 20As for us, we cannot stop
talking about what we have seen and heard.” 21After threatening
Peter and John further, they released them. There was no way
they could punish them, because all the people glorified God
for what had happened. 22For the man who was miraculously
healed was over forty years old.
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Acts 4
23
After Peter and John were released, they returned to their
own people and reported what the chief priests and the elders had
said to them. 24When they heard this, they raised their voices to
God with one mind and said: “Sovereign Lord, You made heaven
and earth, the sea, and everything in them. 25You spoke by the
Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant David, saying,
‘ Why do the nations rage

and the peoples plot in vain?
26
The kings of the earth stand opposed,
and the rulers make plans together
against the Lord
and against His Anointed One.’
(Psalm 2:1-2)
27
For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles
and the people of Israel, made plans together against Jesus—
Your holy Son, whom You anointed. 28 They did what Your
hand and Your will predestined to happen. 29Now, Lord, look
at their threats and give Your slaves great boldness to speak
Your word. 30Stretch out Your hand to heal, and to perform
signs and wonders through the name of Your holy Son Jesus.”
31
After they had finished petitioning God, the place where
they were meeting shook, and they were all filled with the Holy
Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
32
All the believers were one in both heart and soul. They
did not consider their possessions as their own, but shared
everything. 33With great power the apostles testified about the
resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great favour was upon them
all. 34Not one of them was in need, because those who owned
land or houses sold them and brought the money from the
sales 35and laid it at the apostles’ feet. Then it was distributed
to each one who was in need.
36
There was a man named Joseph, a Levite from the Island of
Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “Son
of Encouragement”). 37He sold a field he owned, then brought
the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.
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5 Now there was a man named Ananias, who along with his wife
Sapphira, sold a piece of property. 2With his wife’s knowledge
he secretly kept a portion of the money, and brought the rest and
laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 Then Peter said, “Ananias! Why has
satan so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit
by secretly keeping a portion of the money that you received
for the land? 4Before you sold it, was it not yours? After you
sold it, was not the money yours? How could you set your heart
on doing such a thing? You have not lied to man, but to God!”
5
When Ananias heard these words, he collapsed and died. And
great fear came upon all who heard of it. 6 Then the young men
got up, wrapped his body, and carried him out and buried him.
7
About three hours later his wife came in, unaware of what
had happened. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you
received for your land?”
She replied, “Yes, it is the price.”
9
Then Peter said to her, “How could the two of you agree to
test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of those who have
buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you
out as well!” 10Immediately she collapsed at his feet and died.
When the young men came in and found her dead, they carried
her out and buried her beside her husband. 11And great fear
came upon the whole church, and upon all who heard of it.
12
Through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders
were performed among the people. And all the believers were of
one mind and met together at Solomon’s porch. 13No one else
dared to join them, even though all the people highly respected
them. 14Nevertheless, large numbers of men and women believed
and were added to the Lord. 15 They even carried the sick into
the streets and laid them on beds and mats, hoping that Peter’s
shadow might fall on them as he passed by. 16Many people also
came from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing the sick and
those who were possessed by unclean spirits, and they were
all healed.
17
At this, the high priest and all his associates from the party
of the Sadducees were filled with jealousy and took action.
18
They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.
19
But an angel of the Lord came during the night and opened
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Acts 5
the jail doors and led them out, saying, 20 “Go and stand in
the temple and tell the people all about the message of eternal
life!” 21After hearing this, they entered the temple at dawn and
began to teach.
When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called
together the Sanhedrin—all the elders of the children of Israel.
Then they sent orders to the jail to have the apostles brought
to them. 22But when the officers arrived, they did not find the
apostles in jail. So they went back and reported, 23“We found
the jail securely locked and the guards standing at their posts,
but when we opened the doors we found no one inside!” 24When
the high priest and the captain of the temple guard heard this,
they were puzzled as to what had happened.
25
Then someone came and told them, “Look! The men you
put in jail are standing in the temple teaching the people!”
26
Then the captain went with his officers and brought them
back without force, because they were afraid of being stoned
by the people. 27 They brought the apostles in and stood them
before the Sanhedrin. And the high priest questioned them,
28
saying, “Did we not give you strict orders not to teach in this
name? Look! You have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and
are determined to bring this Man’s blood upon us!”
29
But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God,
not man! 30 You killed Jesus by hanging Him on a cross, but
the God of our fathers raised Him from the dead. 31God has
exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Saviour, so that
Israel might repent and receive forgiveness for their sins. 32We
are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom
God has given to those who obey Him.”
33
When the Sanhedrin heard this, they became enraged and
wanted to kill them. 34But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher
of the law who was respected by all the people, stood up in the
Sanhedrin and ordered the apostles to be put outside for a
few moments. 35 Then he said to the Sanhedrin, “Men of Israel,
weigh carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36For some
time ago Theudas rose up, claiming to be someone great, and
about four hundred men joined him. But he was killed, and all
his followers were scattered and came to nothing. 37After him,
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Acts 6
in the days of the census, Judas the Galilean rose up and led
a revolt. But he was killed, and all his followers were scattered.
38
So here is my advice to you: stay away from these men and
leave them alone. If this plan or this work is of man, it will fail.
39
But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. In fact,
you might actually find that you are fighting against God!” 40So
they took Gamaliel’s advice. They called in the apostles and had
them whipped. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name
of Jesus, and let them go. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin,
rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer disgrace for
the name of Jesus. 42And every day, in the temple and from
house to house, they did not stop teaching and preaching the
good news that Jesus is the Christ.
6 In those days, as the disciples continued to increase, the Greek-

speaking Jews complained against the Hebrew-speaking Jews
that their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution
of food. 2So the twelve apostles called all the disciples together
and said, “It would not be right for us to neglect the word of
God to wait on tables. 3 Therefore brothers, choose seven men
from among you who are reputable and full of the Holy Spirit
and wisdom, and we will appoint them over this task. 4But we
will devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.”
5
This suggestion pleased everyone. So they chose Stephen, a
man who was full of faith and the Holy Spirit. They also chose
Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a
former convert to Judaism from the city of Antioch. 6 They were
brought to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.
7
The word of God continued to spread, and the number of
disciples in Jerusalem greatly increased, and a large group of
priests became obedient to the faith.
8
Now Stephen, a man full of faith and power, performed great
wonders and signs among the people. 9Opposition arose from
the synagogue of the freedmen, whose members were comprised
of Jews from the cities of Cyrene and Alexandria and from the
provinces of Cilicia and Asia. They argued with Stephen, 10but
they were unable to stand against the wisdom and the Spirit
by whom he spoke.
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11
So they persuaded some men to say, “We heard Stephen
saying blasphemous things against Moses and God.” 12 This
stirred up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law. So
they rushed over and seized Stephen, and brought him before
the Sanhedrin. 13 They presented false witnesses who said, “This
man never stops speaking blasphemous words against this holy
place and against the law. 14We have heard him say that this
Jesus of Nazareth will destroy the temple, and will change the
customs that Moses handed down to us.”
15
All those sitting in the Sanhedrin stared at Stephen, because
his face looked like the face of an angel.
7 Then the high priest asked Stephen, “Is this true?”

2
Stephen answered, “Men, brothers, and fathers, listen up!
Before our father Abraham lived in Haran, the God of glory
appeared to him in Mesopotamia. 3God said to him,
‘Leave your country and your relatives,

and go to the land that I will show you.’
(Genesis 12:1)
4
“So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in
Haran. After his father died, God brought him to this land where
we now live. 5God gave him no inheritance here, not even one
square foot. But God promised to give the land to him and to his
descendants after him for a possession—even though Abraham
was too old to have children. 6 This is what God said:
‘ Your descendants will be aliens

in a foreign land,
and they will be enslaved
and oppressed for four hundred years.
7
But I will judge the nation
that enslaves them,’ God said,
‘and afterwards they will leave that land
and will come and worship
Me in this place.’
(Genesis 15:13-14)
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Acts 7
8
Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. So
when Abraham fathered Isaac he circumcised him on the eighth
day, as did Isaac when he fathered Jacob, and Jacob when he
fathered the twelve patriarchs.
9
“Now the patriarchs became jealous of Joseph and sold him
as a slave into Egypt, but God was with him. 10God delivered
him from all his troubles and gave him favour and wisdom in
the presence of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who appointed him
governor over Egypt and over his entire household. 11Eventually
a famine covered the entire land of Egypt and Canaan, causing
great suffering, and our fathers could not find any food. 12 When
Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers
on their first trip. 13On their second trip, Joseph revealed his
identity to his brothers, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s
family. 14 Then Joseph sent and invited his father Jacob and all
his relatives, seventy-five people in all. 15So Jacob went down
to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16 Their bodies were
carried to Shechem and buried in the tomb that Abraham had
purchased from the sons of Hamor.
17
“When the time drew near for God to fulfill the promise
that He swore to Abraham, our people increased and multiplied
in Egypt. 18 Then another king who did not know Joseph rose
up. 19 This king exploited our race and oppressed our fathers,
forcing them to abandon their infants so that they would die.
20
“Moses was born at this time. He was beautiful to God, and
he nursed for three months in his father’s house. 21When he
was left outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and raised him
as her own son. 22So Moses was trained in all the wisdom of
the Egyptians, and he was powerful in both words and deeds.
23
“When Moses was forty years old, he decided in his heart to
visit his brothers—the children of Israel. 24When he saw one of
them being mistreated, Moses came to his defence and avenged
him by killing the Egyptian. 25Moses thought his brothers would
understand that God was going to deliver them by his hand,
but they did not understand. 26 The next day when Moses saw
two of his brothers fighting, he tried to make peace between
them. He said, ‘Men, you are brothers, why are you mistreating
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Acts 7
each other?’ 27But the man who was mistreating his neighbour
pushed Moses aside and said,
‘ Who made you our ruler and judge?

28
Do you want to kill me like
you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’
(Exodus 2:14)
29
After he said this, Moses fled to the land of Midian. There he
lived as a foreigner, and fathered two sons.
30
“Forty years later, when Moses was in the desert of Mount
Sinai, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the flames of
a burning bush. 31When Moses saw this, he marvelled at the
sight. And when he approached to take a closer look, the voice
of the Lord said to him,
32
‘ I am the God of your fathers,
the God of Abraham,
the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob.’
(Exodus 3:6)
Moses became terrified and did not dare to look. 33

Then the
Lord said to him,
‘ Take off your sandals,

for you are standing on holy ground.
34
I have certainly seen the oppression
of My people in Egypt.
I have heard their groaning,
and I have come down to deliver them.
Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’
(Exodus 3:5-10)
35
“This Moses, whom they rejected by saying,
‘ Who made you our ruler and judge?’

(Exodus 2:14)
was the man God sent to be their ruler and deliverer, by the
hand of the angel who appeared to him in the burning bush.
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Acts 7
36
This Moses led them out of Egypt. He performed many signs
and wonders in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the
wilderness for forty years. 37This is the same Moses who told
the children of Israel,
‘ The Lord your God will raise up

for you a Prophet like me
from among your brothers.
You must listen to Him.’
(Deuteronomy 18:15)
38
This Moses was with our fathers in the congregation in the
wilderness. The angel spoke to him at Mount Sinai, and he
received living words to give to us.
39
“But our fathers would not obey him. They rejected him,
and their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40 They said to Aaron,
‘ Make us gods who will go before us.

As for this Moses,
who led us out of the land of Egypt,
we do not know what has happened to him.’
(Exodus 32:1)
41
In those days they made a calf idol. And as they offered sacrifices
to it, they rejoiced at what their hands had made. 42 Then God
turned away from them and let them worship the sun, moon,
and stars. As it is written in the book of the prophets,
‘ Did you offer Me sacrifices and offerings

in the wilderness for forty years,
O house of Israel?
43
No! You carried the shrine of Molech
and the star of your god Rephan,
the idols you made to worship.
So I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’
(Amos 5:25-27)
44
“In the wilderness our fathers had the tent of testimony,
which God had commanded Moses to make according to the
pattern that he had seen. 45 The next generation brought it with
Joshua when they took possession of the nations that God drove
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Acts 8
out before them, and that is where it remained until the time of
David. 46Although David found favour with God and desired to
provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob, 47it was Solomon
who built a house for Him. 48However, the Most High does not
dwell in a man-made temple! As the prophet says,
49
‘ Heaven is My throne,
and the earth is My footstool.
What kind of house can you build for Me,
says the Lord,
or what place can you build for My rest?
50
Did not My hands make all these things?’
(Isaiah 66:1-2)
51
“You stubborn people have uncircumcised hearts and ears!
You always oppose the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did!
52
Which one of the prophets did your fathers not persecute?
They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous
One, whom you have now betrayed and murdered! 53 You received
the law that was instituted by angels, but you have not kept it!”
54
When they heard this, they gnashed their teeth in rage. 55But
Stephen, who was full of the Holy Spirit, stared into heaven
and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand
of God. 56“Look,” he exclaimed, “I see heaven open and the Son
of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
57
Then they cried out with a loud voice and covered their
ears as they all rushed over to Stephen. 58 They dragged him
outside of the city and then began to stone him. Meanwhile,
his accusers took off their coats and laid them at the feet of a
young man named Saul.
59
As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus,
receive my spirit!” 60 Then he fell to his knees, and cried out with
a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” After
Stephen had said this, he died.
8 Now, as for Saul, he was pleased with the death of Stephen.
And on that day a great persecution broke out against the
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Acts 8
church in Jerusalem, and everyone except the apostles were

scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria. 2Some
Godly men buried Stephen and mourned greatly for him. 3But
Saul viciously attacked the church. He went from house to
house dragging off both men and women to put in jail. 4However,
those who were scattered went about preaching the good news
of the word.
5
Now Philip went up to the city of Samaria and proclaimed
Christ to them. 6 When the crowds heard Philip and saw the
miraculous signs that he performed, they all listened carefully
to what he said. 7Unclean spirits screamed as they came out of
many who were possessed, and many who were paralyzed and
lame were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.
9
Now there was a man named Simon who had practiced
sorcery in that city for a long time. He amazed the people of
Samaria and claimed that he was someone great. 10Everyone
paid attention to him, both small and great, saying, “This man
is the great power of god.” 11They paid attention to Simon,
because he had amazed them with his sorcery for a long time.
12
But when they heard Philip preaching the good news about
the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, the men and
women believed and were baptized. 13Simon himself believed
and was baptized. He followed Philip around and was amazed
by the great signs and miracles that he saw.
14
When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had
received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them.
15
When they arrived, they prayed for them to receive the Holy
Spirit. 16For they had been baptized in the name of the Lord
Jesus, but the Holy Spirit had not yet fallen on any of them.
17
So Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received
the Holy Spirit.
18
When Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through
the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money.
19
“Give me this power too,” Simon said, “so that everyone I lay
my hands on will receive the Holy Spirit.”
20
But Peter replied, “May your money perish with you, because
you thought that you could obtain the gift of God with money!
21
You have no portion or share in this matter, because your
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Acts 8
heart is not right before God. 22Repent of your wickedness and

petition God, maybe He will forgive you for thinking this in your
heart. 23For I perceive that you are poisoned by bitterness and
bound by sin.”
24
Simon answered, “Petition the Lord for me, so that none of
the things that you have mentioned will happen to me.”
25
After they had finished testifying and preaching the word
of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, proclaiming the gospel
in many Samaritan villages along the way.
26
Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up, and go
along the desert road that goes south from Jerusalem down
to Gaza.” 27So Philip got up and went. On the road he saw an
Ethiopian eunuch, who had come to Jerusalem to worship. He
was a high-ranking official in charge of the entire treasury of
Candace, the queen of Ethiopia. 28On his way back home, he
sat in his chariot reading from the prophet Isaiah.
29
The Spirit said to Philip, “Approach the chariot and stay
close to it.” 30As Philip ran near, he heard the eunuch reading
from the prophet Isaiah.
So Philip asked him, “Do you understand what you are
reading?”
31
The eunuch answered, “How can I, unless someone guides
me through it?” So he invited Philip to climb up and sit with him.
32
The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter.

And as a lamb is silent before its shearer,
He did not open His mouth.
33
In His humiliation He was denied justice.
Who can speak of His descendants?
For His life was taken from the earth.”
(Isaiah 53:7-8)
34
The eunuch asked Philip, “Please tell me who the prophet
is talking about? Is he talking about himself or someone else?”
35
Then Philip, beginning with this Scripture, told him the good
news about Jesus.
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Acts 9
36
As they were travelling along the road, they came to some
water. The eunuch said, “Look! Here is some water. What
prevents me from being baptized?”
37
Philip said, “As long as you believe with all your heart, you
can be baptized.”
The eunuch answered and said, “Yes, I believe that Jesus
Christ is the Son of God.” 38So he ordered the chariot to stop;
they both went down to the water, and Philip baptized the
eunuch. 39As soon as they came up out of the water, the Spirit
of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch never saw him
again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip found himself in the
city of Ashdod, and from there he preached the gospel to every
town he passed through until he came to the city of Caesarea.
9 Meanwhile, Saul continued breathing out murderous threats

against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest 2and
asked him to write letters to the synagogues in Damascus,
giving him authority to arrest any man or women that he found
belonging to “the Way,” so that he could bring them to Jerusalem.
3
As Saul was nearing the city of Damascus on his journey,
a light from heaven suddenly shone around him. 4He fell to the
ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are
you persecuting Me?”
5
Saul asked, “Who are you, Lord?”
The Lord replied, “I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.
It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 75
6
Trembling and astonished, Saul asked, “Lord, what do you
want me to do?”
The Lord said to him, “Get up and go into the city, there you
will be told what you must do.”
7
The men who were travelling with him stood speechless,
because they heard the voice but saw no one. 8When Saul got
up from the ground and opened his eyes, he could not see. So
they led him by the hand into the city of Damascus. 9He was
without sight for three days, and did not eat or drink.
75
This is talking about an ox-goad, which is a long stick with
a pointed end used for prodding oxen when ploughing. A stub-
born ox would kick back against the goad that was urging him
forward, only to inflict harm on itself.
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Acts 9
10
Now there was a disciple in Damascus named Ananias.
The Lord spoke to him in a vision, “Ananias!”
Ananias answered, “Here I am, Lord.”
11
The Lord said to him, “Get up and go to Straight Street, to
the house of Judas. Ask for a man named Saul, from the city
of Tarsus. He is praying there right now. 12In a vision he has
seen a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him,
so that he can see again.”
13
But Ananias answered, “Lord, many have told me about
the evil things this man has done to Your saints in Jerusalem.
14
Now he has come here and the chief priests have given him
authority to arrest everyone who calls on Your name.”
15
But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! For I have chosen this
man as My vessel, to take My name to the Gentiles, and to their
kings, and to the children of Israel. 16 Therefore, I will show him
how much he must suffer for My name.”
17
So Ananias went and entered the house. He laid his hands
on Saul and said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared
to you on the road as you were coming, has sent me to you
so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy
Spirit.” 18Immediately, something that looked like scales fell
from Saul’s eyes, and he regained his sight. Then he got up and
was baptized. 19After he ate some food, he was strengthened.
Saul spent a few days with the disciples in Damascus. 20And

right away he began preaching about Jesus in the synagogues,
saying, “He is the Son of God!”
21
All who heard him were amazed and said, “In Jerusalem,
did he not viciously attack everyone who calls on this name?
Has he not come here for the same purpose, to arrest and bring
them to the chief priests?” 22But Saul continued to increase
in strength, and confounded the Jews living in Damascus by
proving that Jesus was the Christ.
23
After many days the Jews plotted to kill him. 24 They carefully
watched the city gates day and night to kill him, but Saul became
aware of their plot. 25So his disciples took him in the night and
lowered him down in a basket through a window in the wall.76
26
When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples.
76
2 Corinthians 11:32-33
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Acts 9
But they were all afraid of him, because they did not believe
that he was a true disciple. 27Barnabas, however, took him and
brought him to the apostles. He explained to them how Saul
had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had heard His voice,
and how in Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of
Jesus. 28So Saul went all over Jerusalem with them,77 29speaking
boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus. He talked and debated
with the Greek-speaking Jews, but they attempted to kill him.
30
Once the brothers learned of this, they brought him up to the
city of Caesarea and sent him off to the city of Tarsus.
31
Then the church throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria
enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. The church
continued to multiply as it walked in the fear of the Lord and
in the comfort of the Holy Spirit.
32
As Peter travelled about, he went to visit the saints living
in the town of Lod. 33 There he found a paralyzed man named
Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years. 34Peter said
to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ is healing you! Get up and make
your bed!” And immediately Aeneas got up. 35Everyone living
in the town of Lod and the Plain of Sharon saw Aeneas and
turned to the Lord.78
36
Now there was a disciple in the town of Joppa named
Tabitha, which means “Gazelle.” She was distinguished for
her good works and acts of charity. 37During this time she
became sick and died, and they washed her body and laid it
in an upper room. 38When the disciples heard that Peter was
in Lod, which is near Joppa, they sent two men to request for
him to come without delay.
39
So Peter got up and went with them, and when he arrived
they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood weeping
as they showed him the coats and clothes that Tabitha had made
for them while she was still alive. 40Peter sent them all out and
knelt down and prayed. Then he turned to her body and said,
77
Paul only stayed in Jerusalem for fifteen days (Galatians 1:18).
78
“I am the rose of Sharon, the lily of the valleys” (Song of Songs
2:1). The Plain of Sharon runs along the Mediterranean coast
between Joppa and Mount Carmel. It is about 50 miles long.
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Acts 10
“Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, saw Peter, and sat up.
41
Peter gave her his hand and helped her up, then called in
the saints and widows and presented her to them alive. 42 This
became known throughout the whole town of Joppa, and many
believed in the Lord. 43And Peter stayed in Joppa for a while
with a tanner named Simon.
10 There was a man in the city of Caesarea named Cornelius.

He was an officer of the Italian Regiment. 2He and his
household were devout and God-fearing. He was very charitable
to the poor and petitioned God continually. 3About three o’clock
one afternoon he clearly saw an angel of God coming to him in
a vision, saying, “Cornelius!”
4
He stared at the angel in terror and said, “What is it, Lord?”
The angel replied, “Your prayers and acts of charity have gone
up as a memorial offering before God. 5Now send messengers
down to the town of Joppa to summon a man named Simon
Peter. 6He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by
the sea. Peter will tell you what you must do.” 7After the angel
left, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier
who was one of his personal attendants. 8Cornelius explained
everything to them and sent them to Joppa.
9
The next day at about noon, as they were nearing the town,
Peter went up on the roof to pray. 10He became very hungry and
wanted to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell
into a trance. 11He saw heaven open, and something that looked
like a large sheet was let down to earth by its four corners. 12In
it were all kinds of four-footed animals, wild beasts, reptiles,
and birds. 13 Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter, kill and
eat something.”
14
But Peter said, “No, Lord! I have never eaten anything that
is common or unclean!”
15
The voice said to him a second time, “What God has cleansed,
you must not call common.” 16 This happened three times, and
then the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
17
While Peter was pondering the meaning of the vision he
had seen, the men sent by Cornelius found Simon’s house and
stood at the gate. 18 They called out and asked if Simon Peter
was staying there. 19While Peter was pondering the vision, the
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Acts 10
Spirit said to him, “Look! Three men are looking for you. 20Now
get up and go downstairs, and do not hesitate to go with them,
because I have sent them.”
21
So Peter went down to the men Cornelius had sent, and
said, “I am the one you are looking for. Why have you come?”
22
They replied, “We were sent by Cornelius, a Roman officer.
He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is well respected by
all the Jewish people. He was told by a holy angel to summon
you to his house, so that he may hear what you have to say.”
23
So Peter invited them in to spend the night. The next day Peter
left with them, accompanied by some of the brothers from the
town of Joppa. 24 The next day they entered the city of Caesarea.
Cornelius was waiting for them, and had invited his relatives
and close friends. 25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and
fell prostrate at his feet. 26But Peter pulled him up and said,
“Stand up! I am only a man.”
27
As he talked with Cornelius, he entered and found a large
group of people. 28Peter said to them, “You know that it is
unlawful for a Jewish man to associate or visit with Gentiles.
But God has shown me not to call any man common or unclean.
29
So when I was summoned, I came promptly. Now I ask, why
have you summoned me?”
30
Cornelius answered, “Four days ago I was fasting and
praying in my house at this very hour, at three o’clock in the
afternoon, when suddenly a man dressed in bright clothing
stood in front of me. 31He said to me, ‘Cornelius, your prayers
and acts of charity have been remembered before God. 32Now
send messengers down to the town of Joppa to summon a man
named Simon Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose
house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.’ 33So I
sent for you immediately, and you have done well in coming.
Now we are all present before God, to hear everything God has
commanded you to say.”
34
Then Peter opened his mouth and said, “Now I truly
understand that God is no respecter of persons. 35In every
nation He accepts the man who reveres Him and does what is
righteous.
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36
“You know the message that God sent to the children of
Israel—He announced the gospel of peace through Jesus Christ,
who is Lord of all. 37You know what happened throughout Judea,
beginning in Galilee, after the baptism that John preached.
38
You know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy
Spirit and with power. You know that He went around doing
good and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil,
because God was with Him.
39
“We are witnesses of everything He did, both in Judea and
in Jerusalem. They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree, 40but
God raised Him to life on the third day. God allowed Him to be
seen, 41not by everyone, but only by those witnesses whom God
had chosen in advance—by us, who ate and drank with Him
after He rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to
the people and to testify that He is the God-appointed Judge
of both the living and the dead. 43All the prophets testify about
Him, that through His name everyone who believes in Him will
receive forgiveness of sins.”
44
While Peter was still speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on everyone
who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who came
with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Spirit had
also been poured out on the Gentiles—46for they heard them
speaking in tongues and magnifying God. 47 Then Peter said,
“Can anyone object to them being baptized with water, since
they have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48So Peter
commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then
they asked Peter to stay for a few more days.
11
2
The apostles and the brothers throughout Judea heard
that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.
But when Peter went down to Jerusalem, the circumcised
believers criticized him. 3 They said, “You went in and ate with
uncircumcised men!”
4
Then Peter began to explain everything in order, saying, 5“I
was in the town of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision.
I saw what looked like a large sheet that was let down from
heaven by its four corners. It came down right in front of me.
6
As I examined it closely, I saw all kinds of four-footed animals,
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Acts 11
wild beasts, reptiles, and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice say to me,
‘Get up, Peter, kill and eat something.’ 8But I said, ‘ No, Lord!
I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean!’ 9 The
voice from heaven said to me a second time, ‘ What God has
cleansed, you must not call common.’ 10 This happened three
times, and then the sheet was taken back up into heaven.
11
“Immediately after this, three men arrived at the house where
I was staying. They had been sent from the city of Caesarea
to find me. 12 The Spirit told me to go with them, without any
hesitation. These six brothers also accompanied me, and we
entered the man’s house. 13He told us that he had seen an angel
standing in his house. The angel said to him, ‘Send messengers
down to the town of Joppa to summon a man named Simon
Peter. 14He will tell you how you and your entire household can
be saved.’
15
“While I was speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as
He fell on us at the beginning. 16 This reminded me of what the
Lord had said: ‘John truly baptized with water, but you will be
baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17So if God gave them the same
gift that He gave to us when we believed in the Lord Jesus
Christ, then who was I to oppose God?”
18
When they heard this, they calmed down and glorified God,
saying, “To the Gentiles God has also granted repentance that
leads to life.”
19
Now some of those who were scattered by the persecution
that broke out after Stephen’s death travelled as far as Phoenicia,
Cyprus, and the city of Antioch, preaching the word only to the
Jews. 20But then some men from Cyprus and Cyrene came to
the city of Antioch, and they preached the gospel of the Lord
Jesus to the Greeks as well. 21The Lord’s hand was with them,
and a large number of them believed and turned to the Lord.
22
When the church in Jerusalem heard about this, they sent
Barnabas to the city of Antioch. 23When Barnabas arrived and
saw the grace of God, he rejoiced and encouraged them all to
whole heartedly cling to the Lord. 24He was a good man who was
full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a large number of people
were added to the Lord.
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Acts 12
25
Then Barnabas went to the city of Tarsus to look for Saul.
After Barnabas found Saul, he brought him back to Antioch.
26
For an entire year they met together with the church in Antioch,
and taught a large number of people. The disciples were first
called “Christians” in Antioch.
27
During this time some prophets from Jerusalem went up
to the city of Antioch. 28One prophet named Agabus stood up,
and through the Spirit he foretold of a great famine that would
cover the entire Roman world. This prophecy was fulfilled during
the reign of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples in Antioch,
each according to what they could afford, decided to send aid
to the brothers living in Judea. 30 They followed through with it,
and sent it to the elders in Jerusalem by the hands of Barnabas
and Saul.
12 It was around this time that King Herod Agrippa persecuted

some of those who belonged to the church. 2He killed
James, the brother of John, with the sword. 3When Herod saw
how much this pleased the Jews he also arrested Peter. This
happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. 4After Herod
had Peter arrested, he put him in prison and handed him over
to be guarded by four squads of four soldiers each. After the
Passover Herod intended to put him on trial before the people.
5
But while Peter was in prison, the church continually prayed
to God for him.
6
Now it was the night before Herod was to bring him to trial,
and Peter had fallen asleep between the two soldiers he was
chained to—two other soldiers stood in front guarding the door of
his prison cell. 7Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before him
and a light shone in his prison cell. The angel struck Peter on the
side and woke him up, saying, “Get up quickly!” Then the chains
fell from Peter’s hands. 8 The angel said to him, “Dress yourself
and put on your sandals.” And Peter did so. Then the angel
told him, “Put on your coat and follow me.” 9As Peter followed
him out, he thought he was seeing a vision—not realizing that
what the angel was doing was actually real. 10After passing the
first and second guard posts, they came to the iron gate that
leads to the city. The gate opened by itself, and they walked out.
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Acts 12
They walked the length of one street, and then the angel suddenly
left him.
11
When Peter came to his senses, he said, “Now I truly know
that the Lord has sent His angel to rescue me from the hand
of Herod, and from everything the Jewish people were hoping
would happen.”
12
After Peter became aware of this, he went to the house of
Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered
together praying. 13Peter knocked on the porch door, and a
servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When
she recognized Peter’s voice, she became so overjoyed that she
forgot to open the door. Instead, she ran back and told the rest
of them that Peter was standing at the porch. 15 They said to
her, “You are crazy!” But since she kept insisting that it was
true, they said, “It must be his angel.” 16Meanwhile, Peter kept
knocking. When they finally opened the door and saw him, they
were stunned. 17Peter signalled to them with his hand to be
silent, and he explained to them how the Lord had led him out
of prison. He said, “Tell all this to James (the son of Alphaeus)
and the brothers.” Then he left and went to another place.
18
At daybreak the soldiers were in a panic, because they
could not find Peter. 19Herod searched for him, but could not
find him. After Herod questioned the guards, he commanded
them to be led away for execution. Then Herod left Judea, and
stayed in the city of Caesarea for a while.
20
Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and
Sidon. So they persuaded Herod’s servant Blastus, who was in
charge of the king’s bedchamber, to help them. Then they came
with one mind to ask for peace, because their cities depended
on Herod for their food supply. 21On an appointed day Herod
sat on his throne, dressed in royal apparel, and addressed the
crowd. 22 The people cried out, “This is the voice of a god, not
of a man!” 23Immediately an angel of the Lord struck Herod
down, because he did not give glory to God, and he was eaten
by worms and died. 24But the word of God grew and increased.
25
After Barnabas and Saul delivered the aid contribution,
they left Jerusalem, taking John Mark with them.
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Acts 13
13 Now these were the prophets and teachers in the church

at Antioch: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius from
Cyrene, Manaen, who had grown up with Herod the governor,
and Saul. 2One day as they were worshiping the Lord and fasting,
the Holy Spirit said, “Set Barnabas and Saul apart for Me, for
the work to which I have called them to do.” 3After fasting and
praying, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.79
4
After they had been sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went
down to the city of Seleucia, and from there they sailed to the
Island of Cyprus. 5Arriving in the city of Salamis, they preached
the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. And John Mark was
their assistant. 6 They travelled through the whole island and
came to the city of Paphos. There they found a Jewish sorcerer,
a false prophet named Bar-Jesus. 7He was closely associated
with the governor, Sergius Paulus, who was an intelligent man.
The governor wanted to hear the word of God, so he summoned
Barnabas and Saul. 8But Elymas the sorcerer (as his name is
translated) opposed them and tried to turn the governor away
from the faith. 9But Saul, also known as Paul, being filled with
the Holy Spirit, stared directly at him and said, 10 “You are full
of all deceit and fraud, you are a son of the devil, an enemy of
all that is righteous! Will you ever stop perverting the right ways
of the Lord? 11Now, look! The Lord’s hand is upon you. For a
time you will be blind and will not see the sun.” And instantly
mist and darkness fell upon him, and he went around seeking
someone to lead him by the hand. 12 When the governor saw
this, he believed, because he was amazed at the teaching about
the Lord.
13
Then Paul and his companions left the city of Paphos and
sailed to Perga, a city in the province of Pamphylia, where John
Mark left them and returned to Jerusalem. 14 They left Perga and
arrived in the city of Pisidia Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered
the synagogue and sat down. 15After the reading of the Law and
the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent a message to them,
saying, “Men, brothers, if you have a word of encouragement
for the people, you may speak.”
16
So Paul stood up, signalled to them with his hand to be
silent, and said, “Men of Israel, and those who revere God, listen!
79
The start of Paul’s first missionary journey (A.D. 46-48).
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Acts 13
17
The God of the people of Israel chose our fathers. He exalted
the people when they lived as foreigners in the land of Egypt, and
with an uplifted arm He led them out of Egypt. 18For a period of
about forty years He endured their manners in the wilderness.
19
He destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, divided
their land by lot, and gave it to the people of Israel. 20All this
took about 450 years. After that, God gave them judges until
the time of Samuel the prophet. 21Then they asked for a king.
So God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man from the tribe
of Benjamin, who ruled for forty years. 22But God removed Saul
as their king and raised up David, whom God testified about
when He said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after
My own heart, who will do all I desire.’
23
“From this man’s descendants God has raised up Jesus as
Israel’s Saviour, just as He promised. 24Before Jesus came, John
preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.
25
As John was completing his race, he said, ‘ Who do you think
I am? I am not the Christ! But look! He is coming after me, and
I am not worthy to untie the sandals on His feet.’
26
“Men, brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family, and those
among you who revere God, this message of salvation has been
sent to us. 27The residents of Jerusalem and their leaders did
not recognize who Jesus was, or understand the words of the
prophets that are read every Sabbath, so they fulfilled the words
of the prophets by condemning Him. 28Although they found no
legitimate grounds for the death penalty, they asked Pilate to
put Him to death. 29When they had fulfilled all that was written
about Him, they took Him down from the cross and laid Him
in a tomb. 30But God raised Him from the dead! 31He was seen
for many days by those who came down with Him from Galilee
to Jerusalem, and they are now His witnesses to the people.
32
“And we proclaim the good news to you, that is, the promise
made to our fathers. 33 This promise God has fulfilled for us,
their descendants, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the
second Psalm,
‘ You are My Son,

today I have become Your Father.’
(Psalm 2:7)
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Acts 13
God raised Him from the dead so that He would never decay.
34
As He said,
‘ I will give you the holy and sure

blessings promised to David.’
(Isaiah 55:3)
35
In another place God says,
‘ You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’

(Psalm 16:10)
36
“After David had served God’s purpose in his own generation
he died. He was buried with his fathers, and his body decayed.
37
But the One God raised from the dead did not see decay.
38
“Therefore, brothers, you must understand what we are
telling you: through Jesus there is forgiveness for your sins,
39
and everyone who believes in Him is justified from everything
that you could not be justified from by the law of Moses. 40So
beware that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
‘ Look, you mockers,

41
be amazed and perish!

For I will do a work in your day
that you would not believe,
even if someone told you.’”
(Habakkuk 1:5)
42
As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, they
were invited to speak more about these things on the next
Sabbath. 43After the synagogue had been dismissed, many of
the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed them. So
Paul and Barnabas spoke to them and urged them to continue
in the grace of God.
44
The next Sabbath, almost the entire city gathered to hear
the word of God. 45But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were
filled with jealousy. They insulted Paul and tried to contradict
everything he said. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas boldly said, “We
had to speak the word of God to you first. But since you have
rejected it, and have considered yourselves unworthy of eternal
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Acts 14
life, we will go to the Gentiles—47as the Lord has commanded

us to do:
‘ I have made you a light to the Gentiles,

to bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”
(Isaiah 49:6)
48
When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified
the word of the Lord. All who had been appointed for eternal
life believed. 49And the word of the Lord spread throughout the
entire region. 50But the Jews stirred up the devout women of
influence and the leading men of the city, and Paul and Barnabas
were persecuted and driven out of that area. 51So they shook
the dust off their feet in protest and went to the city of Iconium.
52
And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.
14 The same thing happened in the city of Iconium. Paul and

Barnabas entered the Jewish synagogue and spoke with
such power that a large number of Jews and Greeks believed.
2
But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned
their minds against the brothers. 3Paul and Barnabas stayed
in Iconium for a long time. They spoke boldly in the Lord,
who confirmed the message of His grace by performing signs
and wonders through their hands. 4But the people of Iconium
were divided. Some sided with the Jews and others with the
apostles. 5Eventually both the Gentiles and Jews, together with
their leaders, planned to attack and stone them. 6But when
they became aware of it, they fled to the Lycaonian cities of
Lystra and Derbe, and to the surrounding region, 7where they
preached the gospel.
8
In Lystra there sat a man who was unable to use his feet. He
was born crippled and had never walked. 9As he was listening
to Paul speak, Paul looked straight at him and saw that he
had faith to be healed. 10So Paul said with a loud voice, “Stand
up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk.
11
When the Lycaonian’s saw what Paul had done, they
shouted in their language, “The gods have come down to us in
human form!” 12 They called Barnabas “Zeus” and Paul “Hermes,”
because he was the main speaker. 13 Then the priest of Zeus,
whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and
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Acts 14
garlands to the city gates. He intended, along with the crowd,

to offer sacrifices to them.
14
But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about
this, they tore their clothes and ran into the crowd, shouting,
15
“Men! Why are you doing this? We are human beings just
like you! We have come to announce the good news to you, so
that you may turn from these worthless things and serve the
living God—the God who made heaven and earth, the sea, and
everything in them! 16In past generations, God allowed all the
nations to go their own way. 17Yet He never left them without
proof of His existence. For in His kindness He gives you rain
from heaven and crops in their seasons, and He fills your hearts
with food and gladness.” 18Even with these words, Paul and
Barnabas could hardly stop the crowd from sacrificing to them.
19
Then some Jews from the cities of Pisidia Antioch and
Iconium came to Lystra and stirred up the crowd against them.
They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, because
they thought he was dead. 20But after the disciples surrounded
him, he got up and entered the city. The next day he left with
Barnabas for the city of Derbe.
21
They preached the gospel in Derbe and made many disciples.
Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Pisidia Antioch,
22
strengthening the hearts of the disciples and encouraging them
to continue in the faith, saying, “We must endure many trials
and persecutions before entering the kingdom of God.” 23After
Paul and Barnabas had appointed elders in each church they
prayed and fasted, committing them to the Lord in whom they
had put their trust. 24 Then they travelled through the region of
Pisidia and came to the province of Pamphylia. 25 They preached
the word in the city of Perga, and then went to the city of Attalia.
26
From there they sailed back to the city of Antioch, where
they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they
had now completed.80 27When they arrived, they gathered the
church together. They told them everything that God had done
through them, testifying of how God had opened a door of faith
to the Gentiles. 28And they remained there with the disciples
for a long time.
80
The end of Paul’s first missionary journey.
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Acts 15
15 Now some men from Judea went up to the city of Antioch,

teaching the Gentile believers this doctrine: “Unless you
are circumcised according to the law of Moses you cannot be
saved.” 2Paul and Barnabas strongly disagreed and argued with
them. So the church decided to send Paul and Barnabas, along
with some other believers, to Jerusalem to talk to the apostles
and elders about this question. 3 The church sent them on their
way. And as they travelled through Phoenicia and Samaria they
told the believers about the conversion of the Gentiles, which
brought great joy to them all.
4
When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by
the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported all
that God had done through them. 5But some believers from the
party of the Pharisees stood up and said, “The Gentiles must be
circumcised; they must be required to keep the law of Moses.”
6
So the apostles and elders met together to look into this
matter. 7After much debate, Peter stood up and said to them,
“Men, brothers! You know that in the early days God chose me
from among you, so that through my mouth the Gentiles would
hear the gospel message and believe. 8And God, who knows the
heart, showed that He accepted the Gentiles by giving them
the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us. 9God made no distinction
between them and us, for He cleansed their hearts by faith.
10
So why are you testing God by putting a yoke on the disciples’
necks that neither we nor our fathers were able to bear? 11No!
We believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord
Jesus Christ, just as they are.”
12
Then the entire crowd listened quietly as Barnabas and Paul
told of all the signs and wonders that God had performed through
them among the Gentiles. 13After they finished speaking, James
answered and said, “Men, brothers, listen to me. 14Simon has
told us how God first selected a people for His name from among
the Gentiles. 15 This lines up with the words of the prophets,
as it is written:
16
‘After this I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
I will rebuild its ruins
and set it up again,
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Acts 15
17
so that the rest of mankind
may seek the Lord—
including all the Gentiles
who are called by My name,
says the Lord, who does all these things.’
(Amos 9:11-12)
18
For God has known all His works from eternity.
19
“This is my opinion: we should not trouble the Gentiles
who are turning to God. 20Instead, we should write and tell
them to abstain from food that has been defiled by idols, from
sexual immorality, from eating the meat of strangled animals,
and from consuming blood. 21For many generations the law
of Moses, which prohibits these things, has been preached in
every city and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”
22
Then the apostles and elders, together with the whole
church, decided to choose some of their own men to go with
Paul and Barnabas to the city of Antioch. They chose Judas, who
was called Barsabbas, and Silas, who were both leading men
among the brothers. 23 They sent a letter with them, which said:
From: The apostles and elders, your brothers.
To: The Gentile brothers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia,
Greetings!
24
We have heard that some men who came from us have
troubled you with their doctrine. They have upset your hearts
by telling you that you must be circumcised and keep the
law. We did not authorize them to do this! 25So we all decided
to choose some of our own men to send to you with our
beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26who have risked their lives
for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore we have
sent Judas and Silas to confirm what we have decided. 28For
it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to place any
greater burden on you then these requirements: 29 to abstain
from food that has been sacrificed to idols, from consuming
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Acts 16
blood, from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from

sexual immorality. If you stay away from these things, you
will do well.
Farewell.
30
As soon as they were sent off, they went up to the city of
Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered
the letter. 31When they read it, the people rejoiced and were
comforted. 32 Then Judas and Silas, who were also prophets,
encouraged and strengthened the brothers with many words.
33
After spending some time there, the brothers sent them back
to the apostles in peace. 34But Silas decided to turn back, and
stayed in Antioch. 35Paul and Barnabas, along with many others,
continued teaching and preaching the word of the Lord in the
city of Antioch.
36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us revisit the
brothers in every city where we have preached the Lord’s word,
and see how they are doing.” 37Barnabas wanted to take John
Mark with them. 38But Paul thought that it was a bad idea,
because he had previously left them in the province of Pamphylia
and had not continued with them in the work of the gospel.
39
They had such a sharp disagreement that they went their
separate ways. Barnabas took John Mark and sailed to the
Island of Cyprus. 40Paul, however, chose Silas, and departed
after the brothers had committed him to the grace of God.81
41
Paul travelled through the provinces of Syria and Cilicia,
strengthening the churches.
16 Paul went to the city of Derbe and then to the city of Lystra,
where he met a disciple named Timothy. His mother was a
Jewish believer, but his father was a Greek. 2 The brothers from
the cities of Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. 3Paul
wanted Timothy to go with him, but all the Jews living in that
area knew that his father was a Greek, so Paul took Timothy
and circumcised him.
4
As they travelled from one city to another, they delivered the
decisions made by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the
81
The start of Paul’s second missionary journey (A.D. 49-52).
263
Acts 16
Gentile believers to obey. 5So the churches were strengthened

in the faith, and daily their numbers increased.
6
Paul and Silas travelled through the province of Galatia to
the region of Phrygia, but the Holy Spirit would not allow them
to enter the province of Asia to preach the word. 7When they
came to the border of the region of Mysia, they went north and
tried to enter the province of Bithynia, but the Spirit would
not allow them to. 8So they passed through the region of Mysia
until they reached the city of Troas. 9 That night Paul had a
vision: a man from the province of Macedonia was standing
there begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”
10
After Paul had seen the vision we immediately planned to go
to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach
the gospel to them.
11
From the city of Troas we sailed straight to the Island of
Samothrace, and the next day we sailed to the city of Neapolis.
12
From there we travelled to the city of Philippi, a Roman colony,
the leading city of that part of Macedonia. And we stayed there
for a few days. 13On the Sabbath we went outside of the city to a
riverbank, where we thought the Jews might gather for prayer.
We sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there.
14
A woman named Lydia was among them. She was a convert to
Judaism from the city of Thyatira, a merchant of purple cloth.
As she listened, the Lord opened her heart to respond to what
Paul was saying. 15After Lydia and her family were baptized,
she begged us, “If you are convinced that I believe in the Lord,
then come to my home and stay with us.” And she compelled
us to stay with her.
16
One day as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-
girl met us along the way. She was possessed by a spirit of
divination, and her fortune-telling earned her master’s a lot of
money. 17She followed behind Paul and the rest of us, crying
out, “These men are slaves of the Most High God, who proclaim
the way of salvation to us!”
18
She did this for many days, until Paul became so annoyed
that he turned to the spirit and said, “I command you in the name
of Jesus Christ to come out of her!” And instantly it came out.
19
When her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone,
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Acts 16
they grabbed Paul and Silas and dragged them to the market
square to face the authorities. 20 They brought them before the
Roman officials and said, “These Jewish men are causing a lot
of trouble in our city! 21They are teaching unlawful customs,
which we Romans cannot accept or observe!” 22A crowd formed
against Paul and Silas, and the officials ordered them to be
stripped and beaten with rods. 23After giving them a severe
beating, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to
guard them securely. 24Upon receiving such an order, the jailer
threw Paul and Silas into the dungeon and secured their feet
in the stocks.
25
Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing
hymns to God, while the other prisoners were listening. 26Suddenly
there was a great earthquake that shook the foundations of
the prison, and immediately all the doors were opened, and
everyone’s chains came loose. 27When the jailer woke up and
saw the prison doors open, he assumed that the prisoners had
escaped and drew his sword to kill himself. 28But Paul cried
out with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself! We are
all here!”
29
The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell down trembling
before Paul and Silas. 30 Then the jailer brought them out of the
dungeon and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”
31
They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you
and your household will be saved.” 32 Then they spoke the word
of the Lord to him and his entire household. 33 That same hour
of the night the jailer took them and washed their wounds.
Immediately after this, the jailer and his entire household were
baptized. 34 Then he brought Paul and Silas up to his house and
set food before them, and he and his entire household rejoiced
because they now believed in God.
35
The next morning the Roman officials sent their officers to
tell the jailer, “Release those men!”
36
The jailer told Paul, “The officials have sent word to release
you. So now you can leave. Go in peace.”
37
But Paul said to the officers, “Although we are Roman
citizens they beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into
prison, and now they want us to leave secretly? No! Let them
personally come to release us!”
265
Acts 17
38
The officers reported these words to the Roman officials,
and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens,
they were terrified. 39So the officials came and pleaded with
them. Then they brought them out and begged them to leave
the city. 40After leaving the prison they went to Lydia’s house,
where they saw the brothers and encouraged them. Then they
departed.
17 After travelling through the cities of Amphipolis and

Apollonia, Paul and Silas came to the city of Thessalonica,
where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2Paul entered the
synagogue, as was his custom, and reasoned with them from
the Scriptures for three Sabbaths. 3He explained and presented
evidence that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead,
saying, “This Jesus I am telling you about is the Christ.” 4Some
of the Jews believed and joined Paul and Silas, along with a
large group of God-fearing Greeks and a number of prominent
women.
5
But the unbelieving Jews became jealous. They gathered
some wicked men from the marketplace, formed a mob, and
started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason’s house in an
effort to bring Paul and Silas out to the people. 6But they did
not find them, so they dragged Jason and some of the brothers
before the city officials, shouting, “These men have caused
trouble all over the world, and now they have come here too!
7
Jason has welcomed them, even though they all oppose Caesar’s
decrees. They say there is another king, whose name is Jesus!”
8
When the crowd and the city officials heard this, they became
agitated. 9But they released Jason and the others after they
had posted bond.
10
As soon as it was night, the brothers sent Paul and Silas to
the city of Berea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish
synagogue. 11Now the people of Berea were more noble than
those in Thessalonica, for they willingly received the word and
examined the Scriptures daily to see if their teaching was true.
12
Therefore many of the Jews believed, along with a number of
prominent Greek men and women.
13
But when the Jews in Thessalonica found out that Paul
266
Acts 17
was preaching the word of God in Berea, they went there and
stirred up the crowds. 14So the brothers immediately sent Paul
to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. 15 Those
who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and then left
with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as
possible.
16
While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit became
troubled, because he saw that the city was full of idols. 17So he
debated in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing
Greeks, and with the people in the marketplace every day.
18
Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers began to debate with
Paul. Some mocked him, saying, “What does this seed picker
wish to say?” Others said, “He seems to be a preacher of foreign
gods.” They said this because Paul was proclaiming the good
news about Jesus and the resurrection. 19 Then they took Paul
and brought him to the Areopagus,82 and asked him, “Can you
tell us more about this new doctrine you are teaching? 20Our
ears are hearing some strange things, and we would like to
know what they mean.” 21For all those in Athens, native and
foreigner, spent their spare time either discussing or listening
to the latest ideas.
22
So Paul stood before the Areopagus and said, “Men of
Athens, I can see that you are extremely religious in every
way. 23As I walked around and carefully examined the objects
of your worship, I found an altar with this inscription: ‘ To an
unknown god.’ You worship a god that you do not know, but I
will tell you about Him.
24
“He is the God who made the world and everything in it;
He is Lord of heaven and earth, and He does not live in man-
made temples. 25No human hands can serve Him. He has no
need of anything, because He gives everyone life and breath
and everything else that is needed. 26From one man God has
made every nation that lives on the face of the earth, and He
has set the timelines and boundaries of every nation. 27God did
this so that they would look for Him and perhaps reach out and
find Him, though He is not far from any of us. 28For in Him we
live and move and exist. As some of your own poets have said,
82
The Areopagus, “The Hill of Mars,” was the highest court in
Athens.
267
Acts 18
‘ We are also His offspring.’ 29So if we are God’s offspring, we

must not think of God as an image of gold or silver or stone
that is made by the skill and imagination of man.
30
“God overlooked such ignorance in the past, but now He
commands all men everywhere to repent. 31For God has set a
day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He
has appointed. And God has proved this to everyone by raising
this Man from the dead.”
32
When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some
mocked him. But others said, “We would like to hear you again
on this subject.” 33 Then Paul left the Areopagus. 34However,
some men joined Paul and became believers. Among them
was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, a woman named
Damaris, and some others.
18 After this, Paul left Athens and travelled to the city of

Corinth. 2 There Paul met a Jew named Aquila, a native of
the province of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with
his wife Priscilla, because Claudius Caesar had ordered all the
Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3because they were
tent-makers by trade just as he was, and he stayed with them
and worked together with them.
4
Paul spoke in the synagogue every Sabbath, trying to
persuade both Jews and Greeks. 5 When Silas and Timothy
arrived from the province of Macedonia, Paul was compelled
by the Spirit to testify to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
6
But when they opposed and insulted Paul, he shook the dust
from his clothes in protest and said, “Your blood is on your own
heads! I am innocent! From now on I will go to the Gentiles!”
7
Then Paul left the synagogue and went next door to the
house of a Gentile named Justus, who was a worshiper of
God. 8Now Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and his entire
household believed in the Lord. And after hearing Paul, many
of the Corinthians believed and were baptized.
9
One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be
frightened! Keep on speaking and do not be silent. 10I am with
268
Acts 18
you, and no one will attack or harm you, for I have many people
in this city.” 11So Paul stayed in the city of Corinth for a year
and a half, teaching the word of God among the people.83
12
While Gallio was governor of the province of Achaia, the
Jews rose up together against Paul and dragged him into court.
13
They said, “This man is persuading people to worship God in
ways that are contrary to the law.”
14
Just as Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to
the Jews, “If this were truly a case of some injustice or serious
crime, it would be reasonable for me to listen to you Jews. 15But
if it is a question about words and names and of your law, look
after it yourselves. I will not be a judge of such matters.” 16And
he threw them out of his court. 17Then all the Greeks grabbed
Sosthenes, the leader of the synagogue, and beat him in front
of the court. Gallio, however, did not care.
18
After Paul had remained in the city of Corinth for a while,
he left the brothers and went to the town of Cenchrea. There
he shaved his head because of a vow. Then he sailed for Syria,
taking Priscilla and Aquila with him. 19 They stopped at the city
of Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila. While Paul was
there, he entered the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews.
20
They asked him to stay longer, but he declined. 21As he was
leaving, he said, “By all means I must keep the upcoming feast
in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you again if it is God’s
will.” Then he set sail from Ephesus.
22
After Paul arrived at the city of Caesarea, he went down to
Jerusalem and greeted the church. Then he went back up to
the city of Antioch.84 23Paul stayed there for a while, then left
and travelled back through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia,
strengthening all the disciples.85
24
Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos came to the city of Ephesus.
He was a native of Alexandria, an intelligent man who was well
versed in the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way
83
It is believed that during this 18 month period in Corinth
Paul wrote 1 & 2 Thessalonians.
84
The end of Paul’s second missionary journey.
85
The start of Paul’s third missionary journey (A.D. 53-57).
269
Acts 19
of the Lord, and with a zealous spirit he accurately spoke and

taught about the things of the Lord, although he only knew
about John’s baptism. 26When Aquila and Priscilla heard him
speaking boldly in the synagogue, they took him aside and
explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27And when
Apollos decided to cross over to the province of Achaia, the
brothers in Ephesus encouraged him and wrote to the disciples
there to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those
who had believed through grace. 28For Apollos powerfully refuted
the Jews publicly, proving through the Scriptures that Jesus
was the Christ.
19 While Apollos was in the city of Corinth, Paul travelled

through the interior and came to the city of Ephesus.86
There Paul found some disciples, 2and asked them, “Did you
receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”
They replied, “No, we have never even heard of the Holy Spirit.”
3
So Paul asked them, “Then what baptism did you receive?”
And they replied, “John’s baptism.”
4
Paul said, “John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance.
But John told the people to believe in the One who was to come
after him, that is, in Christ Jesus.” 5After hearing this, they
were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6When Paul laid
his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they
spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7There were about twelve
men in total.
8
Then Paul entered the synagogue and spoke boldly for three
months, arguing persuasively about the kingdom of God. 9But
when some of them became stubborn and would not believe, and
began to publicly speak against the Way, Paul left the synagogue.
He took the disciples with him, and held discussions daily in
the school of Tyrannus. 10 This continued for two years. And
all those living in the province of Asia, both Jews and Greeks,
heard the word of the Lord Jesus.
11
God performed extraordinary miracles through the hands
of Paul. 12When handkerchiefs and aprons that had touched
86
Paul wrote 1 Corinthians near the end of his stay in Ephesus
on his third missionary journey.
270
Acts 19
his body were brought to the sick, their diseases were healed
and evil spirits left them.
13
Now there were some Jewish exorcists who travelled from
place to place trying to use the name of the Lord Jesus to cast
out evil spirits, saying, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul
preaches, I command you to come out!” 14It was the seven sons
of a Jewish chief priest named Sceva who were doing this.
15
One day an evil spirit answered and said, “I know Jesus,
and I am familiar with Paul, but who are you?” 16 Then the
man who was possessed by the evil spirit leaped on them, and
overpowered them with such force that they fled from the house
naked and wounded.
17
When this became known, fear fell upon all the Jews and
Greeks living in the city of Ephesus, and the name of the Lord
Jesus was magnified. 18Many of those who believed came and
openly confessed their evil deeds. 19And many of those who
had practiced magic gathered their scrolls and burned them in
front of everyone. They added up their value and found them
to be worth four million dollars.87 20So the word of God spread
mightily with power.
21
After this, Paul felt compelled by the Spirit to travel
through the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia and then on
to Jerusalem. He said, “After I have gone to Jerusalem, I must
also visit Rome.” 22After sending two of his helpers, Timothy
and Erastus, to the province of Macedonia, Paul stayed awhile
longer in the province of Asia.
23
During that time a great disturbance broke out in the
city of Ephesus concerning the Way. 24It started because of
a silversmith named Demetrius. He made silver shrines of
the Greek goddess Artemis and provided a lot of work for the
craftsmen in Ephesus. 25He gathered the craftsmen together,
along with those working in similar trades, and said, “Men, you
87
“They added up their value and found them to be worth fifty
thousand drachmas.” A drachma was worth about a day’s wag-
es. In Canada where I am from, minimum wage is $10(CAD) an
hour. $10×8hours=$80. So a day’s wages where I am from is
$80(CAD). 50,000×80=4,000,000. So fifty thousand drachmas
is worth about $4,000,000(CAD).
271
Acts 19
know that our prosperity depends on this business. 26As you

have seen and heard, this man Paul says that man-made gods
are not real. He has persuaded and misled large numbers of
people not only in Ephesus, but throughout the entire province
of Asia. 27 There is a danger not only that our business will
be discredited, but also that the temple of the great goddess
Artemis will be considered worthless. Then, even though the
entire province of Asia and the whole world worships her, her
glory will be destroyed.”
28
When they heard this they became enraged and cried out,
saying, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The whole city was
in an uproar. The crowd grabbed Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s
travelling companions from the province of Macedonia. And with
one mind they rushed over to the theatre. 30Paul wanted to go
in and address the crowd, but the disciples would not let him.
31
Some of the officials of the province of Asia, who were Paul’s
friends, sent a message begging him not to enter the theatre.
32
Meanwhile, some shouted one thing and some another. The
crowd was confused, and most of them did not know why they
were there. 33 The Jews in the crowd pushed Alexander out in
front. So Alexander motioned with his hand to make his defence
before the people. 34But when they realized that Alexander was
a Jew, they all cried out with one voice for about two hours:
“Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!”
35
After the city clerk quieted the crowd down he said, “Men
of Ephesus! Everyone knows that the city of Ephesus is the
guardian of the temple of the great goddess Artemis, whose image
fell from heaven. 36Since these facts are indisputable, you must
quiet down and do nothing rash. 37The men you brought here
are not temple-robbers or blasphemers of our goddess. 38So if
Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a complaint against
anyone, the courts are open and there are officials available.
They can press charges in court. 39If you have any further
complaints, they must be settled in the legal assembly. 40For we
are in danger of being charged with rioting today, since there
is no explanation that we can give to justify this mob.” 41After
the city clerk said this, he dismissed the assembly.
272
Acts 20
20 After the uproar was over, Paul summoned the disciples

and embraced them. Then he left for the province of
Macedonia. 2Paul travelled through Macedonia,88 greatly
encouraging the believers, and then came to the province of
Achaia. 3He stayed in Achaia for three months.89 When he was
about to sail to Syria, the Jews plotted against him. So Paul
decided to go back through Macedonia. 4 These are the men who
accompanied Paul to the province of Asia: Sopater, who was
from the city of Berea; Aristarchus and Secundus, who were
from the city of Thessalonica; Gaius, who was from the city of
Derbe; Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus, who were from
the province of Asia. 5 These men went ahead and waited for
us in the city of Troas. 6 We sailed from the city of Philippi after
the Feast of Unleavened Bread. Five days later we joined them
in Troas, where we stayed for seven days.
7
On the first day of the week, the disciples gathered together
to break bread, and since Paul was going to leave the next day,
he continued preaching until midnight. 8 There were many
lamps in the upper room where we were gathered. 9Sitting in
a window was a young man named Eutychus, who fell into a
deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. While he was sleeping, he
fell from the third story and was picked up dead. 10Paul went
down, threw himself on Eutychus, and embraced him, saying,
“Do not be disturbed! He is alive!” 11Then Paul went back up,
broke bread, and ate. He talked for a long time, until daybreak,
and then left. 12 They took the young man home alive, and were
greatly comforted.
13
We boarded the ship without Paul, and sailed for the city of
Assos. There we intended to pick him up as arranged, because
he wanted to go on foot. 14After Paul met up with us in Assos, we
took him aboard and went to the city of Mitylene. 15 The next day
we sailed past the Island of Chios. The following day we reached
the Island of Samos, and stayed at the town of Trogyllium. A day
later we arrived at the city of Miletus. 16For Paul had decided
to sail past the city of Ephesus to avoid spending more time in
the province of Asia. He was in a hurry to get to Jerusalem, if
possible, by the day of Pentecost.
88
Paul wrote 2 Corinthians during this time in Macedonia.
89
Paul wrote the book of Romans during this three month pe-
riod in the city of Corinth.
273
Acts 20
17
From Miletus Paul sent a message to Ephesus, summoning
the elders of the church. 18 When they arrived, Paul said to
them, “You know how I conducted myself the entire time that
I was with you, from the first day that I set foot in the province
of Asia. 19I served the Lord with great humility and with many
tears throughout the trials that I went through when the Jews
plotted against me. 20You know that I never failed to tell you
what was profitable, and that I taught you publicly and from
house to house. 21I earnestly testified to both Jews and Greeks
that they must repent and turn to God and put their faith in
our Lord Jesus Christ.
22
“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not
knowing what will happen to me there. 23However, the Holy
Spirit warns me in every city that chains and suffering await
me. 24Nevertheless, I do not worry about these things, I do not
consider my life of any value. My goal is to finish my race with
joy, and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus—the
ministry of testifying about the gospel of God’s grace.
25
“Now I know that none of you whom I have preached the
kingdom of God to, will ever see my face again. 26 Therefore,
today you are witnesses that I am innocent of the blood of all
of you. 27For I never failed to tell you about the whole plan of
God. 28Pay attention to yourselves and to the entire flock over
which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, shepherding
God’s church, which He bought with His own blood. 29I know
that after I leave, vicious wolves will come in among you and
will not spare the flock. 30Some of your own men will rise up
and teach distorted doctrines in order to lure the disciples into
following them. 31So watch out! Remember that for three years,
both night and day, I never stopped warning each one of you
with tears.
32
“Now I commit you to God and to the message of His grace,
which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance with
all those who are sanctified. 33I did not covet anyone’s silver,
gold, or clothing. 34You know that I worked with my own hands
to supply my needs and the needs of my companions. 35In every
way I have shown you that we must work hard like this in order
to help the sick and feeble, remembering the words of the Lord
Jesus when He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
274
Acts 21
36
After saying this, Paul knelt down with all of them and
prayed. 37They all wept bitterly as they threw their arms around
Paul’s neck and kissed him. 38What grieved them most of all
was Paul’s statement that they would never see his face again.
Then they escorted him to the ship.
21 After we had torn ourselves away from them, we sailed

straight to the Island of Cos. The next day we sailed to the
Island of Rhodes, and from there to the city of Patara. 2 There we
found a ship that was crossing over to Phoenicia, so we boarded
it and set sail. 3After sighting the Island of Cyprus, we passed
it on our left and sailed on to Syria. We landed at the city of
Tyre, where our ship unloaded its cargo. 4We found the disciples
and stayed with them for seven days. Through the Spirit they
warned Paul not to go to Jerusalem. 5When it was time to go, we
left and continued on our journey. All the disciples, along with
their wives and children, escorted us outside of the city. Then
we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6After embracing one
another, we boarded the ship, and they returned to their homes.
7
We departed from the city of Tyre and sailed to the town of
Ptolemais, where we greeted the brothers and stayed with them
for one day. 8 The next day we sailed to the city of Caesarea, and
stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the
Seven.90 9Philip had four virgin daughters who all prophesied.
10
Several days later a prophet named Agabus arrived from
Judea. 11He came over to us and took Paul’s belt, he bound his
own hands and feet with it and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit
says: ‘This is how the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who
owns this belt and will hand him over to the Gentiles.’” 12When
we heard this, we all begged Paul not to go down to Jerusalem.
13
But Paul replied, “Why are you weeping? You are breaking
my heart! I am not only ready to be bound, but also to die in
Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus!”
14
Since Paul could not be persuaded, we held our peace and
said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
15
After this, we packed up and went down to Jerusalem.
16
Some of the disciples from the city of Caesarea came along with
90
Acts 6:5
275
Acts 21
us. They brought us to our host Mnason, a native of Cyprus,

who was one of the early disciples.
17
When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers gladly welcomed
us.91 18 The next day we went with Paul to visit James, and all
the elders were present. 19After greeting them, Paul explained
in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his
ministry.
20
When they heard this, they glorified the Lord and said, “You
see brother, how many thousands of Jews have believed, and
all of them are zealous for the law. 21They have been told that
you teach all the Jews living among the Gentiles to forsake the
law of Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or to
follow our customs. 22What should we do? Once they hear that
you have come, it is inevitable that a crowd will gather. 23So
this is what you must do: we have four men who have taken a
vow. 24 Take these men and purify yourself along with them, and
pay for them to have their heads shaved. Then everyone will
realize that the rumours about you are not true, and that you
walk in obedience to the law. 25As for the Gentile believers, we
have written them concerning our decision: they must abstain
from food that has been defiled by idols, from consuming blood,
from eating the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual
immorality.”
26
The next day Paul took the men and purified himself along
with them. Then he entered the temple, and he announced to
the priest when their days of purification would end and when
their offerings would be presented. 27 When the seven days
were almost up, some Jews from the province of Asia noticed
Paul at the temple. They stirred up all the people and grabbed
Paul, 28crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who
teaches everyone everywhere against our people, the law of
Moses, and this temple! Furthermore, he has brought Greeks
into the temple and has defiled this holy place!” 29For they had
previously seen Trophimus, a Gentile from the city of Ephesus,
with Paul in Jerusalem, and thought that Paul had brought
him into the temple.
30
The people rushed together and grabbed Paul, they dragged
91
The end of Paul’s third missionary journey.
276
Acts 22
him out of the temple and immediately shut the gates, and the
whole city was in an uproar. 31As they were about to kill Paul,
word reached the commander of the Roman regiment that all
Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32Immediately the commander took
some of his officers and soldiers and ran down to the people.
When they saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped
beating Paul.
33
The commander went over and grabbed Paul and commanded
his soldiers to bind him with two chains. Then the commander
inquired who Paul was and what he had done. 34Some shouted
one thing and some another. And since the commander was
unable to find out anything because of the uproar, he commanded
the soldiers to take Paul to the fortress. 35When Paul reached
the stairs, the mob became so violent that the soldiers had to
carry him. 36 The mob followed, shouting, “Away with him!”
37
As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the fortress,
he asked the commander, “May I speak to you?”
The commander replied, “Do you know Greek? 38Are you not
the Egyptian who started a rebellion some time ago and led four
thousand assassins into the desert?”
39
Paul answered, “I am a Jew from the distinguished city of
Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia. I beg you to let me speak to
the people.”
40
So Paul, with the commander’s permission, stood on the
stairs and signalled to the people with his hand. As soon as it
was quiet, Paul said to them in Aramaic:
22 “Men, brothers, and fathers, listen to my defence!” 2When

they heard him speaking in Aramaic, they quieted down
even more. Then Paul continued, 3“I am a Jew, born in the
city of Tarsus, in the province of Cilicia, but brought up here
in Jerusalem. I was educated under Gamaliel, and thoroughly
trained in the law of our fathers. I was as zealous for God as
all of you are today. 4I persecuted the followers of the Way, and
some were even put to death. I arrested both men and women
and threw them into prison. 5 The high priest and the entire
Sanhedrin can testify to this. They also gave me letters to bring
to the brothers in Damascus, so that I could arrest them and
bring them to Jerusalem to be punished.
277
Acts 22
6
“Around noontime, as I was nearing the city of Damascus,
a bright light from heaven suddenly shone around me. 7I fell to
the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul! Saul! Why
are you persecuting Me?’
8
I asked, ‘ Who are you, Lord?’
He replied, ‘ I am Jesus of Nazareth, the One you are
persecuting.’ 9 The men who were with me saw the light and
became afraid, because they did not understand the voice of
the One who was speaking to me.
10
I asked, ‘ Lord, what do you want me to do?’
And the Lord said to me, ‘Get up and go into the city of
Damascus, there you will be told about everything that you
have been appointed to do.’ 11I could not see because of the
glory of the light, so my companions led me by the hand into
Damascus.
12
“Now there was a godly man named Ananias, who walked
according to the law and was highly respected by all the Jews
living in Damascus. 13He came and stood beside me and said,
‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ And instantly I looked up
and saw him.
14
Then Ananias said, ‘ The God of our fathers has chosen
you to know His will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear
the sound of His voice. 15You will be His witness to all men of
what you have seen and heard. 16Now what are you waiting for?
Get up! Call on the name of the Lord, so that your sins may be
washed away, and be baptized!’
17
“When I returned to Jerusalem, I was praying in the temple
and fell into a trance.92 18I saw the Lord saying to me, ‘ Hurry!
Get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receive your
testimony about Me.’
19
I replied, ‘ Lord, they know that I went from synagogue
to synagogue imprisoning and beating those who believed in
You. 20And when the blood of Your witness Stephen was shed,
I consented to his death. I even stood and guarded the coats
of those who were killing him.’
21
But the Lord said to me, ‘Go! I am sending you far away
to the Gentiles!’”
92
This happened three years after Paul’s conversion (Galatians
1:15-18).
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Acts 23
22
They listened to Paul up to this point, and then raised their
voices and said, “Rid the earth of this man! He is not fit to live!”
23
As they shouted, they threw off their coats and tossed dust into
the air. 24 The commander ordered the soldiers to bring Paul into
the fortress. He told them to whip and interrogate him, so that
he could find out why the people were yelling at him like this.
25
But as they were tying him up to be whipped, Paul asked
the officer standing there, “Is it legal for you to whip a Roman
citizen without a trial?”
26
When the officer heard this he went and reported it to the
commander, saying, “Do you realize what you are doing? This
man is a Roman citizen!”
27
The commander went and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a
Roman citizen?”
“Yes,” Paul answered.
28
The commander said, “I acquired my citizenship with a
large sum of money.”
Paul replied, “But I was born a Roman citizen.”
29
Immediately, those who were about to examine him withdrew.
The commander became afraid when he realized that he had
tied up a Roman citizen.
30
The next day the commander, intending to find out exactly
what the Jews were accusing him of, commanded the chief
priests and the entire Sanhedrin to assemble. Then he unchained
Paul and brought him down to stand before the Sanhedrin.
23 Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Men,

brothers, to this very day I have lived before God with a
clear conscience.” 2 Then the high priest Ananias ordered those
who were standing beside Paul to slap him on the mouth. 3In
response, Paul said to him, “God will slap you, you whitewashed
wall! You sit there and judge me according to the law, yet you
have violated the law by ordering them to slap me!”
4
Those who were standing beside Paul said, “Do you dare
insult God’s high priest?”
5
Paul answered, “Brothers, I was not aware that he was the
high priest. For it is written,
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Acts 23
‘ You must not curse the ruler of your people.’”

(Exodus 22:28)
6
When Paul realized that the Sanhedrin was comprised of
both Sadducees and Pharisees, he cried out, “I am a Pharisee,
brothers, just as my father was a Pharisee! I am on trial because
of my hope that the dead will be resurrected!” 7After Paul said
this, the Pharisees and Sadducees began to argue, and the
Sanhedrin was divided. 8For the Sadducees say that there is
no resurrection, angels, or spirits. But the Pharisees believe
in them all. 9 There was a great commotion. Then some of the
teachers of the law, who were Pharisees, stood up and argued,
“We find nothing wrong with this man. But if a spirit or an angel
has spoken to him, let us not fight against God!” 10 The dispute
escalated so much that the commander feared they would tear
Paul to pieces. So he commanded the soldiers to go down and
take Paul by force, and to bring him back into the fortress.
11
That night the Lord stood by his side and said, “Take courage,
Paul! Just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, you
must also testify about me in Rome.”
12
The next morning the Jews formed a secret alliance, and
bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they
had killed Paul. 13 There were more than forty men involved in
this plot. 14 They went to the high priest and the elders and said,
“We have bound ourselves with an oath not to eat anything until
we have killed Paul. 15Now this is what you must do: you and
the Sanhedrin must ask the commander to bring him to you
tomorrow, so that you may investigate his case in more detail.
And we will kill him before he gets here.”
16
But when the son of Paul’s sister heard about the ambush,
he went to the fortress and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one
of the officers over and said, “Bring this young man to the
commander, because he has something to tell him.”
18
So the officer took him to the commander and said, “Paul,
the prisoner, called me over. He asked me to bring this young
man to you, because he has something to tell you.”
19
Then the commander took him by the hand, led him aside
privately, and asked, “What do you want to tell me?”
20
The young man said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to
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Acts 23
bring Paul before the Sanhedrin tomorrow, so that they may

investigate his case in more detail. 21Do not believe them, because
more than forty men are planning to ambush him. They have
taken an oath not to eat or drink until they have killed him,
and they are ready and waiting for your consent.”
22
The commander dismissed the young man, cautioning
him, “Do not tell anyone what you have told me.” 23 Then the
commander summoned two of his officers and said, “Prepare two
hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen
to leave for the city of Caesarea at nine o’clock tonight. 24Provide
horses for Paul to ride, and bring him safely to Governor Felix.”
25
Then he wrote a letter to the Governor, which said:
26
From: Claudius Lysias.
To: His Excellency, Governor Felix,
Greetings!
27
The Jews seized this man and were about to kill him, but
I came with my troops and rescued him. When I realized that
he was a Roman citizen, 28I wanted to find out exactly what
the Jews were charging him with. So I brought him before
their Sanhedrin. 29I found out that he was being accused
of questions regarding their law, but there was no charge
against him that was worthy of death or imprisonment.
30
When it was reported to me that the Jews were plotting to
kill this man, I immediately sent him to you. I also ordered
his accusers to present their charges before you.
Farewell.
31
So the soldiers did what they were commanded, and took
Paul to the city of Antipatris during the night. 32 The next day
the horsemen took Paul to the city of Caesarea, while the rest
returned to the fortress in Jerusalem. 33 When the horsemen
arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor
and presented Paul to him. 34 The governor read the letter and
asked Paul what province he was from. When he learned that
Paul was from the province of Cilicia, 35he said, “I will hear
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Acts 24
your case when your accusers get here.” Then he gave orders
to confine Paul in Herod’s palace.
24 Five days later the high priest Ananias went up to the

city of Caesarea with some of the elders and an attorney
named Tertullus, and they presented their case against Paul
to the governor. 2When Paul was called in, Tertullus presented
his case: “We have enjoyed much peace, because of the reforms
that you have made to this nation through your foresight. 3We
are always thankful for what you have done, most excellent
Felix, and we acknowledge this everywhere we go. 4But in order
not to take up anymore of your time, I beg you to kindly listen
to us for a moment.
5
“We have found this man to be a plague that stirs up riots
among all the Jews throughout the world. He is a ringleader
of the Nazarene sect. 6He even tried to desecrate the temple,
so we arrested him. We were going to judge him according to
our law. 7But commander Lysias came with great force and
took him from our hands, 8and commanded us to present our
case to you. By examining him for yourself, you will become
fully acquainted with the accusations we are bringing against
him.” 9Then the other Jews joined in, alleging that these things
were true.
10
Then the governor signalled for Paul to speak. So Paul
responded, “I know that you have been a judge over this nation
for many years, so I gladly make my defence. 11You will find that
I arrived in Jerusalem twelve days ago to worship. 12My accusers
did not find me stirring up a crowd or arguing with anyone in
the temple, the synagogues, or in the city. 13 They cannot prove
their accusations against me. 14But I will confess that I am a
follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I worship the God
of our fathers and believe everything that is written in the Law
and the Prophets. 15I have the same hope in God as these men
have—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous
and unrighteous from the dead. 16 That is why I always try to
have a clear conscience before God and man.
17
“After several years, I returned to Jerusalem to bring a
charitable gift to my nation and to offer sacrifices. 18I was neither
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Acts 25
with a crowd nor causing a disturbance. When my days of

purification were almost complete, some Jews from the province
of Asia saw me in the temple—19they are the ones who should
be here accusing me, if they have anything against me. 20Or else
these men should state what crime they found me guilty of when
I stood before the Sanhedrin, 21other than what I shouted when
I stood before them: ‘ I am on trial before you today because of
my hope in the resurrection of the dead!’”
22
Then Felix, who had a detailed knowledge of the Way,
adjourned the hearing, saying, “When commander Lysias comes,
I will decide your case.” 23Felix commanded an officer to guard
Paul. He was to give Paul some freedom, and was to allow his
friends to visit him and to take care of his needs.
24
Several days later, Felix came with his Jewish wife Drusilla.
He sent for Paul and listened to him talk about faith in Christ.
25
As Paul spoke to them about righteousness, self-control, and
the coming judgment, Felix became afraid and said, “Go now,
when I have time I will summon you.” 26Felix sent for Paul
frequently and talked with him, hoping that Paul would bribe
him.
27
Two years later, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus.
But since Felix wanted to do the Jews a favour, he left Paul in
prison.
25
2
Three days after Festus arrived in the province of Judea,
he went down from the city of Caesarea to Jerusalem.
There the high priest and the Jewish elders presented their case
against Paul. 3 They asked Festus to bring Paul to Jerusalem
as a favour to them, because they were planning to ambush
and kill him on the way. 4But Festus told them that Paul would
be kept in Caesarea, and that he himself was returning there
shortly. 5Festus said, “Let some competent men come with me
to Caesarea, and if he has done anything wrong, they can make
their accusations against him.”
6
Festus stayed in Jerusalem for about ten days and then
went up to the city of Caesarea. The next day he sat on the
judgment seat and summoned Paul. 7When Paul was brought
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Acts 25
in, the Jews who had come up from Jerusalem stood around
him, bringing many serious charges against him that they could
not prove. 8 Then Paul made his defence: “I have not committed
any offence against the Jewish law or against the temple or
against Caesar.”
9
Then Festus, wanting to do the Jews a favour, asked Paul,
“Are you willing to stand trial before me at Jerusalem?”
10
But Paul replied, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment
seat where I ought to be tried. I have not wronged the Jews,
as you very well know. 11If I have truly done something wrong
and worthy of death, then I am willing to die. But if none of
their accusations are true, then no one has the right to hand
me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”
12
After Festus talked with his advisers, he said, “You have
appealed to Caesar, to Caesar you will go!”
13
A few days later King Agrippa and his sister Bernice arrived
in the city of Caesarea to congratulate Festus. 14Since they were
staying there for several days, Festus explained Paul’s case to
the king, saying, “Felix left a man here in prison. 15When I was
in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the Jewish elders presented
their case against him and asked me to pronounce judgment
on him. 16I told them that it was contrary to Roman law to
sentence a man to death, until he has met his accusers face
to face, and has had an opportunity to defend himself against
the charges laid against him.
17
“When they came here with me, I did not delay. The next
day I sat on the judgment seat and summoned the man. 18When
his accusers stood up, they did not bring any criminal charges
against him like I thought they would. 19Instead, they argued
with him about certain matters regarding their religion and
about a dead man named Jesus, who Paul said was alive. 20I
had no idea how to investigate these claims, so I asked Paul
if he would be willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there on
these charges. 21But Paul appealed to Caesar, so I commanded
him to be kept in custody until I could send him to Caesar.”
22
Then King Agrippa said to Festus, “I would like to hear this
man.”
Festus replied, “Tomorrow you will hear him.”
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Acts 26
23
The next day King Agrippa and Bernice entered the auditorium
with royal splendour, accompanied by the commanders and the
prominent men of the city. Then Festus gave the command, and
Paul was brought in. 24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all who
are present, look at this man. The whole Jewish community has
petitioned me in both Caesarea and Jerusalem, shouting that
he should no longer live. 25I found that he has done nothing
worthy of death. But since he has appealed to Caesar, I have
decided to send him to Rome. 26But I have nothing definite
to write to Caesar about him. So I have brought him before
all of you, especially before you, King Agrippa, so that I may
have something to write after we examine him. 27For it seems
unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without indicating the
charges against him.”
26 Then King Agrippa said to Paul, “You may now speak on

your own behalf.”
So Paul stretched out his hand and made his defence: 2“King
Agrippa, I am very fortunate to make my defence before you
today concerning all the accusations the Jews have brought
against me, 3for I know that you are well acquainted with all
the Jewish customs and controversies. Therefore I beg you to
listen to me patiently.
4
“All the Jews know how I have lived my life, both in my own
country and in Jerusalem, from the beginning of my youth.
5
They have known me from the beginning, if they will admit it,
because I was a member of the Pharisees—the strictest party
of our religion. 6And now I stand here on trial because of my
hope in the promise that God made to our fathers. 7This is the
promise that the twelve tribes of Israel hope to attain as they
earnestly serve God night and day. The Jews are bringing these
accusations against me, King Agrippa, because of this hope!
8
What? Do you think it is impossible for God to raise the dead?
9
“I once thought I should do everything possible to oppose
the name of Jesus of Nazareth, 10and that is exactly what I
did in Jerusalem. I received authority from the chief priests to
imprison many of the saints, and I cast my vote against them
when they were put to death. 11In synagogue after synagogue I
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Acts 26
punished them frequently, trying to force them to blaspheme.

My rage was so great against them that I even persecuted them
in foreign cities.
12
“On one such occasion, I was heading for the city of
Damascus with the permission and authority of the chief priests.
13
At about noon, King Agrippa, as I was travelling along the
road, I saw a light from heaven that was brighter than the sun,
shining around me and my companions. 14 We all fell to the
ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul! Saul!
Why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against
the goads.’ 15I asked, ‘ Who are You, Lord?’ He answered, ‘ I am
Jesus, the One you are persecuting. 16Now get up and stand on
your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as My servant
and witness. You will testify of what you have seen, and what
I will show you. 17I will deliver you from your own people and
from the Gentiles. I am sending you to the Gentiles, 18to open
their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the
power of satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness for
their sins and an inheritance among those who are sanctified
by faith in Me.’
19
“So, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly
vision. 20First I preached to those in Damascus, then to those
in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that
they should repent and turn to God—showing their repentance
by their deeds. 21That is why the Jews grabbed me in the temple
and tried to kill me. 22But I have received God’s help to this very
day, so that I can stand and testify to both small and great,
preaching nothing but what the prophets and Moses said would
happen—23that the Christ would suffer and be the first to rise
from the dead, and by doing so would proclaim light to our
people and to the Gentiles.”
24
At this part of Paul’s defence, Festus shouted, “You are
insane, Paul! All that learning has made you crazy!”
25
But Paul replied, “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,
because the words I speak are true and rational. 26And since
King Agrippa knows about these things, I can speak frankly
to him. I am sure that none of this has escaped his attention,
because it was not done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you
believe the prophets? I know you believe them.”
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Acts 27
28
Then King Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that you can
persuade me to become a Christian so quickly?”
29
Paul replied, “Whether quickly or not, I pray to God that
not only you, but everyone listening to me today, might become
as I am, except for these chains!”
30
After Paul finished speaking, King Agrippa, governor Festus,
Bernice, and those who were sitting with them got up. 31As they
were leaving, they said to one another, “This man has done
nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.”
32
Then King Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have
been released if he had not appealed to Caesar.”
27 When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, Paul

and some other prisoners were delivered to an officer of
the imperial regiment named Julius. 2We boarded a ship from
the city of Adramyttium, which was headed for various ports
along the coast of the province of Asia. We were accompanied
by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from the city of Thessalonica.
3
The next day we arrived at the city of Sidon. There Julius
kindly allowed Paul to visit his friends, so that they could care
for his needs. 4We left Sidon and sailed up along the northern
side of the Island of Cyprus, because the winds were against
us. 5 Then we crossed over the sea and sailed along the coast
of the provinces of Cilicia and Pamphylia until we reached the
city of Myra in the province of Lycia. 6 There the officer found an
Alexandrian ship headed for Italy, and put us aboard it. 7After
sailing slowly for many days, we neared the city of Cnidus with
great difficulty. Since the wind was against us, we sailed down
to the Island of Crete. We sailed around the Cape of Salmone,
and then along the southern side of the island. 8We sailed with
great difficulty along the coast of Crete until we came to a place
called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.
9
We had lost a lot of time and it was now too risky to sail,
for the Day of Atonement had already past. So Paul warned
them, 10“Men, I can see that this voyage will be hazardous, not
only endangering the ship and its cargo but also our lives.”
11
But the officer believed the helmsman and the ship’s captain
rather than Paul. 12Since Fair Havens was not a suitable place
to spend the winter, the majority of the crew decided to sail
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Acts 27
along the coast. They hoped to somehow make it to Phoenix, a

harbour of Crete, which faced both southwest and northwest,
where they could spend the winter safely.
13
When a gentle south wind began to blow, the crew thought
that they had obtained what they wanted. So they raised the
anchor and sailed close to the shore of Crete. 14But soon after
we experienced a gale force wind called the Northeaster. 15 The
ship was caught in the storm and could not face the wind, so
the crew gave up and let the wind carry us along. 16We passed
to the left of a small island called Clauda, where we were barely
able to secure the ship’s lifeboat. 17After hoisting the lifeboat
aboard, the crew bound ropes around the ship’s hull to reinforce
it. They feared being driven across to the sandbars of Syrtis, so
they lowered the sail and drifted along. 18 The next day, as the
storm violently tossed the ship to and fro, they began throwing
the ship’s cargo overboard. 19On the third day, the crew threw
the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. 20Since the
storm continued to rage against us, and we had not seen the
sun or stars for many days, we lost all hope of being saved.
21
The crew had not eaten for quite some time, so Paul stood
among them and said, “Men, if only you had listened to me.
If you had not sailed from Crete, you would have avoided all
this damage and loss. 22But take courage! No man will lose his
life, only the ship will be destroyed. 23For an angel of the God
to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me last night
24
and said, ‘ Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before
Caesar. Look! God has granted you the safety of everyone who
is sailing with you.’ 25So take courage, men! For I have faith in
God that everything will turn out exactly as I have been told.
26
Nevertheless, we will run aground on some island.”
27
On the fourteenth night, at about midnight, as we were
being tossed about in the Adriatic Sea, the crew thought that we
were approaching land. 28So they took soundings and found the
water to be 120 feet deep. A little while later they took another
sounding and found the water to be 90 feet deep. 29Fearing that
they would be driven into the rocks, they dropped four anchors
from the ship’s stern and prayed for day to come. 30In an attempt
to abandon the ship, the crew lowered the lifeboat into the sea.
They acted as if they were going to lower anchors from the ship’s
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Acts 28
bow, 31but Paul said to the officer and the soldiers, “If these
men do not remain aboard the ship, you cannot be saved!” 32So
the soldiers cut the ropes of the lifeboat and let it drift away.
33
Just before daybreak, Paul begged them all to eat some
food. He said, “You have been so anxious that you have gone
without food for fourteen days. 34For your own safety I beg you
to eat some food. For none of you will lose a single hair from
your head.” 35After he said this, Paul took some bread and gave
thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began
to eat. 36 This encouraged everyone and they all ate some food.
37
Altogether there were 276 of us on board the ship. 38After
they had enough to eat, they lightened the ship by tossing the
wheat into the sea.
39
When day came they saw land, but did not recognize it.
When they discovered a bay with a sandy beach, they decided
to try and run the ship aground. 40So they cut loose the anchors
and left them in the sea. Then they untied the ropes that held
the rudders, raised the foresail to the wind, and headed for the
beach. 41But they crossed an area where two currents met, and
the ship struck a sandbar. The bow was stuck and would not
move, and the stern broke up because the waves were so violent.
42
The soldiers decided to kill the prisoners, so that none of
them could swim off and escape. 43But the officer wanted to save
Paul, so he put an end to their plans. He commanded those who
could swim to jump overboard first, so that they could make it
to land. 44 The rest were to follow on planks and other pieces of
the ship. In this way everyone made it to shore safely.
28 Once we were safely on shore, we learned that the island

was called Malta. 2 The islanders were very kind to us.
They made a fire in the cold and rain and welcomed all of us.
3
As Paul gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire,
a viper darted out of the heat and bit down on his hand. 4When
the islanders saw the viper hanging from Paul’s hand, they said
to one another, “This man must be a murderer! Though he has
escaped from the sea, justice will not permit him to live.” 5But
Paul shook the viper off into the fire and was not harmed. 6 They
expected Paul to swell up or suddenly drop dead, so they watched
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Acts 28
and waited for a long time, but nothing unusual happened to

him. So they changed their minds and said that he was a god.
7
The governor of the island, Publius, owned land nearby. He
welcomed us kindly and entertained us for three days. 8It so
happened that Publius’ father was sick in bed with fever and
dysentery. So Paul went in and prayed for him; he laid hands
on him, and he was healed. 9After this, the rest of the islanders
who were sick came to him and were healed. 10 They honoured
us with many honours. And when we were about to sail, they
supplied us with everything we needed.
11
After three months we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that
had wintered at the island—it had the twin sons of Jupiter,
Castor and Pollux, as its figurehead. 12We stopped at the city
of Syracuse and stayed there for three days. 13From Syracuse
we sailed up to the city of Rhegium. The next day a south
wind began to blow, and the following day we came to the city
of Puteoli. 14 There we found some believers who invited us to
stay with them for a week. After this we left for Rome. 15When
the brothers heard about us, they came as far as the town of
Appius’ market and the town of Three Inns to meet us. When
Paul saw them, he thanked God and was encouraged. 16When
we arrived in Rome, the officer delivered the prisoners to the
captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed to live by himself,
with a soldier guarding him.
17
Three days later Paul called the Jewish leaders together.
When they had assembled, he said to them, “Men, brothers,
although I have done nothing against our people or against
the customs of our fathers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and
was handed over to the Romans. 18After they examined me,
they wanted to release me, because I had committed no crime
worthy of death. 19But when the Jews objected, I had no choice
but to appeal to Caesar—even though I actually had no charges
to bring against my own people. 20 That is why I have asked to
see you and to speak with you. For I am bound with this chain
because I believe in the hope of Israel.”
21
They answered Paul, “We have received no letters from
Judea concerning you, and none of the Jewish brothers who
have come from there have reported or mentioned anything
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bad about you. 22But we are interested in hearing what you

believe, because we know that people everywhere are speaking
against this sect.”
23
So a day was set, and on that day a large number of Jews
came to his residence. From morning until evening Paul explained
and testified about the kingdom of God, trying to persuade them
about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. 24Some
were persuaded by what Paul said, but others would not believe.
25
Unable to agree among themselves, they left after Paul made
this one last statement: “The Holy Spirit was right when He
said to our fathers through Isaiah the prophet,
26
‘Go to this people and say:
you will hear with your ears
but never understand,
you will look with your eyes
but never see.
27
For the heart of this people
has become calloused.
They hear with dull ears,
and have closed their eyes.
with their eyes,
or hear with their ears,
and I would heal them.’
(Isaiah 6:9-10)
28
“Let it be clearly understood that God’s salvation has been
sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!” 29After Paul said this,
the Jews left debating among themselves.
30
Paul stayed in Rome for two full years in his own rented
place, welcoming everyone who came to visit him.93 31With all
boldness, and without hindrance, Paul proclaimed the kingdom
of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.
93
During Paul’s first imprisonment in Rome he wrote Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians, and Philemon.
291
Romans 1
Romans
1 From: Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle
and set apart for the gospel of God. 2 This is the gospel that
God promised beforehand through His prophets in the Holy
Scriptures. 3 This gospel is about His Son, who according to
the flesh was a descendant of David. 4He was declared the Son
of God when He was raised from the dead in power through
the Spirit of holiness. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through
Him we have received this grace and apostleship, to promote
obedience to the message of faith among all the Gentiles for
His name’s sake. 6And you were also called from among the
Gentiles to belong to Jesus Christ.
To all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to

7
be saints:
Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ!
8
First of all, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of
you, because your faith is being reported throughout the whole
world. 9For God, whom I serve in my spirit by preaching the
gospel of His Son, is my witness that I do not stop mentioning
you in my prayers. 10In my prayers, I always petition God that
somehow by His will I may now finally succeed in coming to you.
11
For I long to see you, so that I may impart some spiritual gift
to strengthen you, 12so that we may be mutually encouraged
by one another’s faith.
Brothers, I want you to know that I intended to visit you

13
on many occasions, so that I might reap a harvest among you

as I have among the other Gentiles, but I was prevented until
now. 14I am obligated to preach the gospel to both Greeks and
foreigners, to both the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am
very eager to preach the gospel to you who live in Rome.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; it is the

16
powerful means by which God brings salvation to all who

believe—first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17For it is revealed
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in the gospel that the righteousness of God is only obtained,

from start to finish, by faith. As it is written:
“The righteous will live by faith.”

(Habakkuk 2:4)
18
From heaven God shows his displeasure against all the
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold back the
truth by their wickedness. 19What can be known about God is
obvious to them, because God has made it obvious to them.
20
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes,
His eternal power and Godhead, have been clearly seen and
understood from what has been made. That is why men are
without excuse. 21For they knew about God, but still refused
to glorify Him as God, or express their gratitude. Instead, they
became foolish in their reasoning, and their foolish hearts were
darkened. 22Professing to be wise, they became fools. 23And they
exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made in
the likeness of mortal man, birds, animals, and reptiles.
24
So God gave them over to the lusts of their hearts, to
impurity, and to the shameful degrading of their bodies with one
another. 25 They exchanged God’s truth for a lie, and worshiped
and served what was created instead of the Creator—who is
blessed forever! Amen.
26
That is why God has given them over to their degrading
lusts. Even their women have exchanged their natural sexual
relations for one that is not natural. 27Likewise, the men have
also forsaken their natural sexual relations with a women,
and have burned with lust for one another; men committing
indecent acts with men, and receiving within themselves the
due penalty for their error.
28
Since they did not like to acknowledge God, God gave them
over to a destitute mind and let them do what is improper.
29
They have become filled with all unrighteousness, fornication,
wickedness, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder,
strife, deceit, and maliciousness. They are gossipers, 30slanders,
and God-haters. They are despiteful and arrogant. They are
braggers. They are inventors of evil. They are disobedient to
their parents. 31 They are without understanding. They are
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covenant-breakers. They are without natural affection. They

are unforgiving and unmerciful. 32Although they know God’s
righteous judgment, that those who do such things are worthy
of death, they not only do these things but are pleased with
those who practice them.
2 The man who judges someone else is without excuse. For

in judging others you condemn yourself, because you also
do the same things you judge others for doing. 2Now we know
that God’s judgment is according to the truth and is against
those who do such things. 3Do you think you will escape God’s
judgment when you judge someone, and yet practice the same
things they do? 4Or do you despise the riches of His kindness,
tolerance, and patience, being ignorant of the fact that God’s
kindness leads you to repentance? 5But because of the hardness
of your unrepentant hearts you are storing up wrath against
yourselves for the day of wrath, when the righteous judgment
of God will be revealed. 6For He will repay each man according
to his deeds. 7 Those who persist in doing good deeds, because
they desire to obtain glory and honour and immortality, will
receive eternal life. 8But those who contend against God, and
obey unrighteousness instead of the truth, will receive wrath
and indignation. 9 There will be tribulation and distress for the
soul of every man who does evil—first for the Jew, then for the
Gentile. 10But there will be glory, honour, and peace for everyone
who does good—first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 11For
there is no favouritism with God.
12
Whoever sins apart from the law will also perish apart from
the law, and whoever sins under the law will be judged by the
law. 13 Those who hear the law are not justified before God, only
the doers of the law will be justified before God. 14For if the
Gentiles, who do not possess the law, instinctively do what is
required by the law, even though they do not have the law, they
are a law to themselves—knowing right from wrong. 15 They show
that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their
own conscience bears witness to this, because their thoughts
either accuse or defend them. 16 This will happen on the day
when God will judge the secrets of men through Jesus Christ,
as my gospel declares.
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17
Now if you call yourself a Jew, and if you rely on the law and
boast in God, 18and if you know His will and approve of what is
more excellent, because you have been instructed in the law;
19
if you are confident that you are a guide for the blind and a
light for those in darkness, 20and an instructor of the foolish
and a teacher of infants, because you have the embodiment of
knowledge and truth in the law—21then you who teach others, do
you not teach yourself? You who teach against stealing, do you
steal? 22You who teach against adultery, do you commit adultery?
You who detest idols, do you commit idolatrous acts? 23You who
boast about the law, do you break the law and dishonour God?
24
Just as it is written:
“God’s name is blasphemed among the

Gentiles because of you.”
(Isaiah 52:5; Ezekiel 36:22)
25
Circumcision only profits you if you keep the law, but
if you break the law, your circumcision will be counted as
uncircumcision. 26If those who are uncircumcised keep the
law’s requirements, will not their uncircumcision be counted
as circumcision? 27Those who are physically uncircumcised
but keep the law, will condemn those who have been given the
written law and circumcision but have violated it. 28No man is
a Jew just because he is one outwardly, neither is circumcision
just something that is outward and physical. 29For a real Jew
is one inwardly, and true circumcision is circumcision of the
heart, done by the Spirit, not by the law. That man’s praise will
not come from men, but from God.
3 What advantage is there in being a Jew, or what profit is

there in circumcision? 2A lot! First of all, they were entrusted
with the words of God. 3What if some did not believe? Will their
unbelief stop God’s faithfulness? 4Never! Let God be true and
every man a liar, as it is written,
“That You may be justified when You speak

and triumph when You
are called into question.”
(Psalm 51:4)
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Romans 3
5
So if God’s righteousness is displayed because of our
unrighteousness, what should we say? Is God unrighteous for
punishing us? (Humanly speaking). 6Never! Otherwise, how
could God judge the world?
7
If through my lie God’s truth is displayed more abundantly
and brings Him glory, then why am I condemned as a sinner?
8
Why not say, as some report and slanderously accuse us
of saying, “Let us do evil, so that good may come”? Their
condemnation is deserved.
9
So then, are we Jews better off than the Gentiles? Not at
all! For we have already accused both Jews and Gentiles of all
being under sin.
10
As it is written:
“There is no one righteous, not one!

11
There is no one who understands,
there is no one who seeks God.
12
They have all turned away,
they have all become useless.
There is no one who does good, not even one!”
(Psalm 14:1-3, 53:1-3)
13
“Their throats are an open grave,
and with their tongues they speak deceit.”
(Psalm 5:9)
“The poison of vipers is on their lips.”

(Psalm 140:3)
14
“Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.”
(Psalm 10:7)
15
“Their feet are quick to shed blood.
16
Destruction and calamity lie in their path.
17
The way of peace they do not know.”
(Isaiah 59:7-8; Proverbs 1:16)
18
“There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
(Psalm 36:1)
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Romans 4
19
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those
who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced
and the whole world may be found guilty before God. 20 Whoever
observes the law cannot be justified in God’s sight, because the
purpose of the law is to show us that we are sinners.
21
But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been
revealed, the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it, 22 that
God’s righteousness is only obtained through faith in Jesus
Christ. It is for all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile—there
is no difference. 23For all have sinned and fall short of the glory
of God. 24 We are justified freely by God’s grace through the
redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God presented Him as
the sacrifice of atonement, which can only be obtained through
faith in His blood. God demonstrated His righteousness by
patiently waiting to deal with the sins committed in the past.
26
He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present
time, for He is just and He is the One who justifies those who
have faith in Jesus.
27
Where then is boasting? It is excluded! On what principle is
boasting excluded, on the principle of works? No, it is excluded
on the principle of faith. 28So we conclude that a man is justified
by faith apart from the works of the law. 29Or is God only the
God of the Jews? Is He not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, He
is the God of the Gentiles too. 30For there is only one God, and
He will justify both the circumcised and the uncircumcised by
the same faith. 31Do we then make the law void by this faith?
Never! On the contrary, we uphold the law.
4 So what can we say concerning what our forefather Abraham

found? 2If Abraham was justified by works, then he could
boast—but not before God! 3For what does the Scripture say?
“Abraham believed God,

and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
(Genesis 15:6)
4
When a man works, his pay is not credited to him as a gift
but what he is owed. 5 Those who do not live by works, but believe
in God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited to them
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as righteousness. 6David also describes the blessedness of the

man whom God credits with righteousness apart from works:
7
“Blessed are those whose transgression
is forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
8
Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will
not count against him.”
(Psalm 32:1-2)
9
Therefore, is this blessing only for the circumcised or also
for the uncircumcised? We have told you that Abraham’s faith
was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Therefore, how was
it credited? Was he circumcised or uncircumcised? He was
uncircumcised, not circumcised! 11He received circumcision as
a sign and seal of the righteousness that he had by faith before
he was circumcised. He is the father of all who believe and are
uncircumcised, so that righteousness can also be credited to
them as well. 12He is also the father of the circumcised who are
not only circumcised, but who also walk in the same footsteps
of faith as our father Abraham did when he was uncircumcised.
13
For the promise that Abraham and his descendants would
be heir of the world did not come through the law, but through
the righteousness of faith. 14If those who observe the law are
heirs, then faith is useless and the promise is worthless. 15 The
law brings wrath. But where there is no law, there is no violation
of the law.
16
That is why the promise is obtained by faith, so that it
may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s
descendants—not only for those who have the law but also
for those who possess the same faith as Abraham, who is the
father of us all. 17As it is written:
“I have made you a father of many nations.”

(Genesis 17:5)
So Abraham believed God, who gives life to the dead and

calls things into existence that do not exist. 18Against all hope
Abraham believed in hope, so that he would become the father
of many nations, as he had been told:
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“So will your descendants be.”

(Genesis 15:5)
19
Abraham was not weak in his faith, though he knew that his
body was about a hundred years old and that Sarah’s womb
was dead. 20He did not doubt God’s promise in unbelief, but
instead, his faith was strong, and he gave glory to God. 21For
Abraham was fully persuaded that God was able to accomplish
what He had promised. 22 Therefore,
“it was credited to him as righteousness.”

(Genesis 15:6)
23
The words “it was credited to him” were not only written for
Abraham, 24but also for us. It will also be credited to us, if we
believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He
was delivered over to death because of our sins, and was raised
to life for our justification.
5 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have

peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Through
Him we have obtained access, by faith, to this grace in which
we stand. Therefore, we boast in our hope of God’s glory. 3But
that is not all. We also boast in tribulations, knowing that
tribulation produces endurance, 4endurance produces character,
and character produces hope. 5And hope does not disappoint
us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts by
the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.
6
For while we were still helpless, Christ came at the proper
time and died for the ungodly. 7Most people would not be willing
to die for an upright man, though some might be willing to die
for a good friend. 8But this is how God demonstrated His love
to us: while we were sinners, Christ died for us. 9Now that
we have been justified by Christ’s blood, how much more will
we be saved from God’s wrath through Him! 10For if we were
reconciled to God through the death of His Son while we were
His enemies, how much more will we be saved through the life
of His Son now that we have been reconciled! 11 That is not all,
we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through
whom we have now received reconciliation.
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12
Sin entered the world through one man, and death came as
a result of sin. Therefore death came to all mankind, because
all have sinned. 13Sin was in the world before the law was
given. But where there is no law, no one is charged with sin.
14
Nevertheless, death reigned from the time of Adam until the
time of Moses, even over those who did not sin in the same way
as Adam did when he broke God’s commandment. Now Adam
was symbolic of the One who was to come. 15But the free gift
is not like the offense. For if many died because of the offence
of one man, how much more will God’s grace and the free gift
that came by the grace of one Man, Jesus Christ, abound to
many! 16 The free gift is not like the one man’s sin. For God’s
judgment of Adam’s one sin brought condemnation, but the free
gift came after many offences and brought justification. 17For
if by the offence of one man, death reigned through that one
man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant
grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the
one Man, Jesus Christ!
18
One offence brought condemnation to all men, but one
righteous act brought justification and life to all men. 19For
through the disobedience of one man many were made sinners,
but through the obedience of one Man many will be made
righteous.
20
The law was given so that sin would increase. But where
sin increased, grace increased even more, 21so that, just as sin
reigned in death, grace might also reign through righteousness
to bring eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
6 What should we say then? Do we continue to sin so that

grace may increase? 2Never! If we have died to sin, how can
we still live in sin? 3Do you not know that all who have been
baptized into Christ Jesus have been baptized into His death?
4
We have been baptized into His death and have been buried
with Him, in order that just as Christ was raised from the dead
by the Father’s glory, we too may live in newness of life.
5
Since we have been united with Him in the likeness of His
death, we will also be united with Him in the likeness of His
resurrection. 6 We know that our old man was crucified with
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Christ so that the body of sin might be destroyed, that we should

no longer be slaves to sin. 7Whoever has died with Christ has
been set free from sin. 8And if we have died with Christ, we
believe that we will also live with Him. 9We know that Christ has
been raised from the dead and can no longer die, because death
no longer has dominion over Him. 10In His death He died to sin
once and for all, but now that He lives He lives for God. 11So
count yourselves dead to sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus.
12
Do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its
lusts. 13Do not devote any part of your body to sin, as instruments
of unrighteousness. But devote yourselves to God, as those who
have been raised from death to life, devoting the parts of your
body to God, as instruments of righteousness. 14For sin will
not have dominion over you, because you are not under the
law but under grace.
15
So what should we do then? Should we sin because we
are not under the law but under grace? Never! 16Do you not
know that when you devote yourselves as obedient slaves, you
are slaves to that which you obey—whether to sin that brings
death, or to obedience that brings righteousness? 17But thanks
be to God! For you were once slaves to sin, but now you have
wholeheartedly obeyed the pattern of teaching that was delivered
to you. 18And since you have been set free from sin, you have
become slaves of righteousness. 19I am speaking to you in simple
human terms, because your flesh is weak. Just as you once
devoted the parts of your body as slaves of impurity, doing one
lawless act after another, now devote the parts of your body as
slaves of righteousness, which leads to holiness.
20
When you were slaves to sin, you were free from righteousness.
21
In the past you did things you are now ashamed of, but what
fruit did you reap from doing those things that end in death?
22
But now you have been set free from sin and have become
God’s slaves, now you reap the fruit of holiness, which results
in eternal life. 23For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of
God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
7 Do you not know, brothers—I speak to those who know the

law—that the law only has authority over a man for as long as
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he lives? 2A married woman is bound to her husband by the law

for as long as he lives. But if her husband dies, she is released
from the law concerning her husband. 3Now if her husband is
alive and she marries another man, she is called an adulteress.
But if her husband dies, she is free from the law and can marry
another man without being an adulteress. 4So, my brothers,
you have also died to the law through Christ’s body, so that
you may belong to someone else, to Him who was raised from
the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God. 5For when
we lived according to the flesh, the sinful passions aroused by
the law were at work in our bodies and bore fruit for death.
6
But now we have died to the law that once bound us and have
been released from it. So now we serve God in the new way of
the Spirit, not in the old way of the letter of the law.
7
What should we say? Is the law sinful? Never! On the contrary,
without the law, I would not have become aware of sin. I would
not have known what coveting was if the law had not said, “You
must not covet.” 94 8But sin, seizing an opportunity through the
commandment, aroused all kinds of covetous desires within me.
For apart from the law, sin is dead. 9I was once alive apart from
the law. But when the commandment came, sin came to life
and I died. 10So the commandment that was meant to bring life
actually brought death! 11For sin, seizing an opportunity through
the commandment, deceived me and used the commandment
to kill me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment
is holy, righteous, and good.
13
So has what is good become death to me? Never! But in
order that sin would be exposed as sin, it produced death in
me through what was good, so that through the commandment
sin would become utterly sinful. 14For we know that the law is
spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold as a slave to sin. 15I do not
know why I do the things that I do. For I do not do the things
that I want to do, but the things that I hate to do! 16And if I do
not do the things that I want to do, then my conscience agrees
that the law is good. 17So it is no longer I who do it, but sin
living in me. 18I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in
my flesh. For I want to do what is right, but I find that I lack
the power to resist doing what is wrong! 19For I do not do the
good that I want to do, but instead, I do the evil that I do not
94
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Romans 8
want to do! 20Now if I do the things that I do not want to do,

then it is no longer I who do it, but sin living in me.
21
So I find this principle at work in me: when I want to do
good, evil is always tempting me! 22Even though my inner man
delights in God’s law, 23I see this principle at work in my body—it
is at war with my mind, making me a captive to the law of sin
that is already in my body. 24What a wretched man I am! Who
will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God
through Jesus Christ our Lord!
So in my mind I am a slave to God’s law, but in my flesh I

am a slave to the law of sin.
8 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are

in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh
but according to the Spirit. 2For in Christ Jesus the law of the
Spirit of life has set us free from the law of sin and death. 3For
what was impossible for the law to accomplish—because of
the weakness of the flesh—God accomplished by sending His
own Son in the likeness of sinful man, in order to condemn the
sins of the flesh, 4so that the righteous requirements of the law
would be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh,
but according to the Spirit. 5Those who walk according to the
flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who
walk according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of
the Spirit. 6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the
Spirit is life and peace. 7The mind of the flesh is hostile towards
God and does not submit to God’s law, because it is impossible
for it to do so. 8 Those who walk according to the flesh cannot
please God.
9
But you do not walk according to the flesh, but according
to the Spirit, because the Spirit of God lives in you. Whoever
does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Christ.
10
But if Christ is in you, although your body is dead because
of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11So if the
Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He
who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal
bodies through His Spirit who lives in you.
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12
Brothers, we are not indebted to the flesh, so we are not
obligated to live according to it. 13If you live according to the
flesh, you will die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the
works of the body, you will live. 14For all who are led by the
Spirit of God are sons of God. 15For you did not receive a spirit
that makes you a slave to fear again, but you have received the
Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba! Father!” 95 16 The
Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are God’s
children. 17And if we are His children, then we are heirs—heirs
of God and co-heirs with Christ—provided we share in His
sufferings, so that we may also share in His glory.
18
I have come to this conclusion: that our present sufferings
are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed
to us. 19Even creation longs and eagerly waits for the sons of
God to be revealed. 20Creation has been made subject to decay,
but not voluntarily. For God subjected it to decay in the hope
21
that creation itself would also be set free from its slavery to
corruption, so that it would share in the glorious freedom of
God’s children. 22 We know that to this very day all creation
groans as if suffering the pains of child birth. 23Not only does
creation groan, but we who have the firstfruits of the Spirit also
groan within ourselves as we eagerly wait for our adoption—the
redemption of our bodies. 24We have this hope because we have
been saved. Hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for
what they already have? 25But if we hope for what we do not
see, we will continue to eagerly wait for it.
26
Likewise, the Spirit also helps us in our weakness, for we do
not know what we should pray, but the Spirit Himself intercedes
for us with groans that are too deep for words. 27And the Father
who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because
the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to God’s will.
28
And we know that God makes all things work together
for the good of those who love Him, for those who have been
called according to His purpose. 29God also predestined those
He foreknew to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, so that
He would be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those
He predestined, He also called. And those He called, He also
justified. And those He justified, He also glorified.
95
Abba is the Aramaic word for father.
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Romans 9
31
So what can we say about all of this? If God is for us, who
can be against us? 32Now if God did not even spare His own
Son but delivered Him up for us all, will He not freely give us all
things since He has given us His Son? 33Who will bring a charge
against God’s elect? Certainly not God, because He is the One
who justifies us! 34Who will condemn us? Certainly not Christ,
who died—who better yet, was raised to life—who is now at the
right hand of God interceding for us! 35Who will separate us from
the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution,
or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written:
“For Your sake we are put to death all day long.

We are counted as sheep for the slaughter.”
(Psalm 44:22)
37
But in all these things we are more than conquerors through
Him who loved us. 38For I am persuaded that neither death, nor
life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present,
nor things to come, 39nor height, nor depth, nor anything else
in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God,
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
9 I speak the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience

also bears witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that in my heart I have
great sadness and unending grief. 3For I wish that I myself were
cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my
fellow countrymen, who are my very flesh and blood, 4my fellow
Israelites! For all of this belongs to the Israelites: the adoption
as God’s chosen people, the glory, the covenants, the giving of
the law, the temple worship, and the promises. 5 To them belong
the patriarchs, from whom Christ descended, who is God over
all, and who is blessed forever! Amen.
6
It is not as though God’s word has failed. For not everyone who
has descended from Israel belongs to Israel. 7And not everyone
who is a descendant of Abraham is Abraham’s children. On the
contrary,
“It is through Isaac that your descendants

will be named.”
(Genesis 21:12)
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Romans 9
8
Meaning: it is not Abraham’s natural children who are God’s
children, but it is the children to which the promise refers to who
are Abraham’s descendants. 9For this is what the promise said:
“At the appointed time I will return,

and Sarah will have a son.”
(Genesis 18:10, 14)
10
So our father Isaac was born, and later married Rebekah
who gave birth to twins. 11But even before the twins were born
or had done anything good or bad—in order that the purpose
of God’s election would stand, an election not based on works
but on God’s calling—12she was told:
“The older will serve the younger.”

(Genesis 25:23)
13
As it is written:
“Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”

(Malachi 1:2-3)
14
So what should we say then? Is God unjust for doing this?
Never! 15For God said to Moses:
“I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy,

and I will have compassion on whom
I will have compassion.”
(Exodus 33:19)
So then, it does not depend on a person’s desire or effort but

16
on God’s mercy. 17Like the Scripture says about Pharaoh,
“For this very purpose I raised you up,

that I might demonstrate
My power through you,
and that My name might
be declared throughout the whole earth.”
(Exodus 9:16)
Therefore, God has mercy on whom He desires, and He hardens

18
whom He desires.
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Romans 9
19
You may say to me, “Then why does God still find fault with
us? After all, who can resist His will?” 20But who are you, O man,
to question God? Should you, who were formed, say to Him who
formed you, “Why did you make me this way?” 21Does not the
potter have the right to use the same lump of clay to make one
vessel for honourable use, and another for dishonourable use?
22
What if God—desiring to demonstrate His wrath and make
His power known—patiently endured the vessels of wrath, which
were prepared for destruction? 23What if He did this in order
to make the riches of His glory known to the vessels of mercy,
which He had previously prepared for glory—24even to us, whom
God has also called, not only from the Jews but also from the
Gentiles? 25As God says in Hosea:
“I will call those who were not My people,

‘My people.’
And I will call her ‘loved,’
who was not loved.”
(Hosea 2:23)
“And in the place where it was said to them,

26
‘You are not My people,’

there they will be called
sons of the living God!”
(Hosea 1:10)
Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel,

27
“Though the number of the sons of Israel

are like the sand of the sea,
yet only a remnant will be saved.
28
For the Lord will fulfill His word in justice,
and He will quickly execute it on the earth.”
(Isaiah 10:22-23)
Just as Isaiah foretold,

29
“Unless the Lord of Hosts had left us a remnant,

we would have become like Sodom,
we would have resembled Gomorrah.”
(Isaiah 1:9)
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Romans 10
30
What then should we say? That the Gentiles who did
not pursue righteousness have obtained righteousness, a
righteousness that is by faith. 31But Israel, who pursued the
law of righteousness, did not attain righteousness through the
law. 32Why? Because they tried to attain it by works instead of
by faith, and so they stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. 33As
it is written:
“Look, I lay in Zion a Stumbling Stone

and a Rock of offense,
and whoever believes in Him will
not be ashamed.”
(Isaiah 8:14, 28:16)
10 My heart’s desire, brothers, and my petition to God

concerning Israel, is for their salvation. 2For I can testify
that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is without knowledge.
3
They did not know God’s righteousness, so they tried to establish
their own instead of submitting to God’s righteousness. 4But
Christ is the end of the law, so that all who believe in Him will
be made righteous.
5
For Moses wrote about the righteousness of the law:
“The man who practices these things

will live by them.”
(Leviticus 18:5)
6
But the righteousness that comes by faith says, “Do not say in
your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (That is, to bring Christ
down), 7or ‘Who will go down into the depths?’ (That is, to bring
Christ up from the dead).” 8But what does it say?
“The word is near you,

it is in your mouth and in your heart.”
That is, the word of faith that we preach: 9that if you confess
with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10For
it is with your heart that you believe and are made righteous,
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Romans 10
and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. 11As
the Scripture says:
“Whoever believes in Him will not be ashamed.”

(Isaiah 28:16)
For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile. They all

12
belong to the same Lord who is rich toward all who call on
Him, 13for,
“Whoever calls on the name of the Lord

will be saved.”
(Joel 2:32)
14
But how can they call on Him if they have not believed in
Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have not heard
about Him? And how can they hear about Him unless someone
preaches about Him? 15And how can they preach if they are not
sent? As it is written,
“How beautiful are the feet of those

who announce peace and good news!”
(Isaiah 52:7)
16
But they did not all obey the good news. For Isaiah says:
“Lord, who has believed our report?”

(Isaiah 53:1)
So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the word of God.
17
But I ask, have they not heard? Yes they have!

18
“Their voice has gone throughout all the earth,

their words to the ends of the world.”
(Psalm 19:4)
19
But I ask, did Israel not understand? First Moses says:
“I will provoke you to jealousy by those

who are not a nation.
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Romans 11
I will provoke you to anger by a nation

without understanding.”
(Deuteronomy 32:21)
20
And Isaiah boldly says:
“I was found by those who did not seek Me.

I have shown Myself to those
who did not ask for Me.”
(Isaiah 65:1)
21
But to Israel He says:
“All day long I have stretched out My hands

to a disobedient and rebellious people.”
(Isaiah 65:2)
11 Now I ask, has God rejected His people? Never! I am also

an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of
Benjamin. 2God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew.
Or do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah? How
he pleaded to God against Israel,
3
“Lord, they have killed Your prophets
and have torn down Your altars.
I am the only one left,
and they are seeking my life!”
(I Kings 19:10, 14)
4
But what did God say in response to him?
“I have reserved seven thousand men for

Myself who have not bowed
their knee to Baal!”
(I Kings 19:18)
5
In the same way, at the present time, God has also chosen
a remnant by grace. 6And if it is by grace, it is no longer by
works. Otherwise, grace would no longer be grace. 7So what is
the conclusion? Israel did not obtain what it was seeking; the
elect obtained it, but the rest were hardened, 8as it is written:
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Romans 11
“God has given them a spirit of slumber,

and to this very day He has given them
eyes that do not see
and ears that do not hear!”
(Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaiah 29:10)
9
And David says:
“Let their table become a snare and a trap,

a stumbling block
and a punishment for them.
10
Let their eyes be darkened
so that they cannot see,
and bend their backs continually.”
(Psalm 69:22-23)
11
Now I ask, have they stumbled and fallen permanently?
Never! On the contrary, because of their transgression salvation
has come to the Gentiles, in order to provoke the Jews to jealousy.
12
But if their transgression means riches for the world, and if
their loss means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will
their fullness bring!
13
I am talking to you Gentiles, because I am an apostle to the
Gentiles. I work hard in this glorious ministry of mine, 14in the
hope that I may somehow provoke my people to jealousy and
save some of them. 15For if their rejection means reconciliation
for the rest of the world, will not their acceptance mean life
from the dead?
16
If the dough offered as firstfruits is holy, so is the whole
batch of dough. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 17Now
if some of the branches were broken off, and you, a wild olive
branch, were grafted in among the other branches and are now
partakers with them of the rich root of the olive tree, 18 then
do not boast that you are better than the branches that were
broken off. If you boast about such things, remember this: you
do not support the root, but the root supports you.
19
Now if you say, “The branches were broken off so that I could
be grafted in.” 20 That is true. They were broken off because of
their unbelief, but you stand only because of your faith. So do
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Romans 11
not be arrogant, but be afraid! 21For if God did not spare the
natural branches, He will not spare you either! 22Notice how
God is both kind and stern: stern to those who fell, but kind to
those who continue in His kindness! But if you do not continue
in His kindness, you will also be cut off! 23And if they do not
continue in their unbelief they will be grafted in, for God is
able to graft them in again. 24For if you were cut from an olive
tree that is naturally wild, and contrary to nature were grafted
into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier will the natural
branches be grafted back into their own olive tree!
25
I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brothers,
because I do not want you to become conceited: Israel has
become partially hardened until the full number of the Gentiles
has come in. 26In this way all Israel will be saved, as it is written:
“The Deliverer will come from Zion,

and He will turn ungodliness
away from Jacob.
27
And this is My covenant with them
when I take away their sins.”
(Isaiah 59:20-21, 27:9)
28
As far as the gospel is concerned, they are enemies for
your sake. But as far as election is concerned, they are loved
for the sake of the patriarchs. 29For God’s gifts and calling are
irrevocable. 30For you were once disobedient to God, but now you
have obtained mercy because of their disobedience. 31Likewise,
they have now become disobedient so that they may also obtain
mercy, just as you have obtained mercy. 32For God has handed
all men over to disobedience, so that He may show mercy to all.
33
Oh, the depths of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of
God! How unsearchable are His judgments! How untraceable
are His ways!
“For who has known the mind of the Lord?

34
Or who has become His adviser?”

(Isaiah 40:13)
312
Romans 12
35
“Who has given to God,
that God should repay him?”
(Job 41:11)
36
For all creation originates from Him, was created by Him, and
is for His glory. To Him be the glory forever! Amen.
12 Therefore I urge you, brothers, by God’s mercy, to present

your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable
to God, for this is your spiritual act of worship. 2Do not be
conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing
of your mind. Then you will be able to discern what God’s good,
acceptable, and perfect will is.
3
I ask every one of you, through the grace that God has given
to me, not to think more highly of yourselves than you should.
But instead, think soberly about the measure of faith that God
has given to you. 4For each person has one body with many
body parts, but not all the body parts have the same function.
5
It is the same with all of us. We are many, but in Christ we
are all one body, and we are all connected to one another. 6 We
have different gifts according to the grace given to us. If your
gift is prophecy, then prophesy according to the measure of
faith that has been given to you. 7If it is serving, then serve. If
it is teaching, then teach. 8If it is encouraging, then encourage
others. If it is giving, then give generously. If it is leadership,
then lead diligently. And if it is compassion, then cheerfully
show compassion.
9
Your love must be sincere. Utterly detest what is evil, and
cling to what is good. 10Love one another with brotherly affection,
preferring to honour one another above yourselves. 11Never be
lacking in zeal, but serve the Lord with spiritual fervour. 12Rejoice
in hope, be patient in affliction, and pray continually. 13Share
with the saints who are in need, and practice hospitality.
14
Bless those who persecute you. Bless them, and do not
curse them. 15Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with
those who weep. 16Always think of one another in the same way
you think of yourselves. Do not think that you are better than
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Romans 13
others, but associate with those of low position, and do not

become conceited.
17
Do not repay anyone evil for evil, and always make it your
goal to do what is right in the sight of all men. 18If possible, as
far as it concerns you, be at peace with all men. 19Do not take
revenge, beloved, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written,
“Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,

says the Lord.”
(Deuteronomy 32:35)
20
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him.
If he is thirsty, give him a drink.
For in doing this, you will heap burning
coals on his head.”
(Proverbs 25:21-22)
21
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
13 Everyone must submit to the governing authorities. For

there is no authority except for what God has allowed,
and those who are in authority have been instituted by God.
2
Therefore, whoever rebels against the governing authority
rebels against what God has instituted, and those who rebel
will bring judgment on themselves. 3 Those who do what is good
have no fear of the authorities, but those who do what is evil
have something to fear. Do you want to live without fear of the
authorities? Then do what is good, and they will commend you
for it. 4For they are God’s servants to do you good. But if you
do evil then be afraid, for they bear the sword for a reason.
They are God’s servants, who have been instituted to carry out
justice and to punish all evildoers. 5 Therefore you must submit
to them, not only because they can punish you, but also for
the sake of your conscience. 6 That is why you pay your taxes,
because they are God’s servants, who have been instituted to
attend to these duties. 7Give to everyone what you owe them:
if taxes, then taxes. If customs, then customs. If respect, then
respect. If honour, then honour.
8
Do not be in debt to anyone. Your only debt should be to
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Romans 14
love one another, because those who love one another have
fulfilled the law. 9For the commandments,
“You must not commit adultery,

you must not steal,
you must not covet,”
along with any other commandments there may be, are summed
up in this one commandment:
“You must love your neighbour as yourself.”

(Leviticus 19:18)
10
Love does no wrong to its neighbour. Therefore love is the
fulfillment of the law.
11
Follow this commandment, since you know that time is
short. It is the hour to wake up from your sleep, because our
salvation is now nearer than when we first believed. 12 The night is
almost gone, and the day approaches. Therefore we must cast off
the works of darkness and put on the armour of light. 13We must
live decently, as in the daytime. For wild parties, drunkenness,
promiscuity, sensuality, strife, and jealousy cannot be a part
of our lives! 14 Therefore we must clothe ourselves with the Lord
Jesus Christ, instead of thinking of the lusts of the flesh.
14
2
Welcome the man who is weak in faith, but not for the
purpose of arguing with him about disputable matters.
One man believes that he can eat anything, while another
man with weak faith eats only vegetables. 3 The man who eats
everything must not despise the man who eats only vegetables,
and the man who eats only vegetables must not judge the man
who eats everything, for God has accepted them both. 4 Who
are you to judge another man’s servant? To his own master he
stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make
him stand.
315
Romans 14
5
One man may think that one day is more holy than another,
while another man may think that every day is alike. Each
man should be fully convinced in his own mind. 6 The man who
observes one day, does so to the Lord. The man who observes
no day, does so to the Lord. The man who eats meat, does so
to the Lord, and gives thanks to God. The man who abstains
from meat, does so to the Lord, and gives thanks to God. 7For
no one lives for himself, and no one dies for himself. 8If we live,
we live for the Lord. If we die, we die for the Lord. So whether
we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9For this reason Christ
died and rose to life again, so that He would be Lord of both
the living and the dead. 10Why do you judge your brother? Or
why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before
the judgment seat of Christ.96 11For it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord,

every knee will bow to Me,
and every tongue will confess to God.”
(Isaiah 45:23)
12
So then, each one of us will have to give an account of himself
to God. 13So let us no longer judge one another! Instead, let us
decide not to put a stumbling block or snare in our brother’s way.
14
I know, and I am persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that no
food in itself is unclean. But if a man thinks that something
is unclean, then it is unclean to him. 15If what you eat causes
your brother grief, then you are no longer walking in love.
Do not destroy your brother by what you eat, because Christ
died for him! 16Otherwise, people will criticize you for doing
something that you think is good. 17For the kingdom of God
does not consist of eating and drinking, but of righteousness,
peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Those who serve Christ in
this way are pleasing to God and approved by men.
19
So let us pursue what brings peace and edification to one
another. 20Do not destroy God’s work for the sake of food. All
food is clean, but it is wrong for a man to eat anything that
96
Immediately after the rapture of the church we will stand
before the judgment seat of Christ. Our works will be examined,
and we will receive crowns and rewards based on the works we
have done for the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:10).
316
Romans 15
might cause his brother to stumble. 21It is not good to eat meat
or to drink wine, or to do anything else that might cause your
brother to stumble. 22Keep whatever you believe concerning
these matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the man
who does not feel condemned by what he approves. 23But the
man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he is not
acting in faith. And everything that is not done in faith is sin.
15
2
We who are strong in faith should bear the weaknesses of
those who are weak in faith, rather than pleasing ourselves.
Each one of us should please our neighbour for his good,
so that we can build him up. 3For even Christ did not please
Himself, as it is written,
“The insults of those who insult You

have fallen on Me.”
(Psalm 69:9)
4
For all that was previously written was written for our
instruction, so that we might be encouraged by the Scriptures
and hold patiently to our hope. 5Now may the God of patience and
encouragement give you the same attitude toward one another
as Christ Jesus had, 6so that with one mind and one voice you
may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7
Therefore accept one another, just as Christ accepted you,
for the glory of God. 8I tell you that Christ became a servant
to the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, in order to confirm the
promises given to the patriarchs, 9so that the Gentiles might
glorify God for His mercy, as it is written:
“Therefore I will acknowledge You among the

Gentiles, and will sing praises to Your name.”
(2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49)
10
Again it says:
“Rejoice, O Gentiles, with His people.”

(Deuteronomy 32:43)
11
And again:
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Romans 15
“Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles!

Praise Him, all you people!”
(Psalm 117:1)
12
Again Isaiah says:
“One will rise up from the root of Jesse,

who will rule over the Gentiles,
and the Gentiles will put their hope in Him.”
(Isaiah 11:10)
13
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as
you put your trust in Him, so that you may abound in hope by
the power of the Holy Spirit.
14
I myself am persuaded, brothers, that you yourselves are
full of goodness, and that you are filled with all knowledge and
are able to warn one another. 15Brothers, I have written you very
boldly on some points in order to refresh your memory. For God
has given me the grace 16to be a minister of Christ Jesus with
the priestly ministry of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that
I might present the Gentiles as an acceptable offering to God,
which has been sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 17 Therefore I will
boast in Christ Jesus concerning the things of God. 18But I will
not dare to speak about anything except for what Christ has
accomplished through me, in bringing the Gentiles to obedience
by my words and deeds, 19by the power of signs and wonders
through the power of God’s Spirit. For I have fully preached
the gospel of Christ from Jerusalem all the way around to the
province of Illyricum. 20I strive to preach the gospel where the
name of Christ is not known, so that I do not build on another
man’s foundation. 21Just as it is written:
“Those who have never been

told about Him will see, and those who have
never heard will understand.”
(Isaiah 52:15)
22
That is why I have often been detained from coming to
you. 23But now I have no more opportunities in these regions.
And since I have longed to visit you for many years, 24I will
try to visit you when I travel to Spain. I hope to see you when
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Romans 16
I pass through, and after I have enjoyed your company for a

while you can send me on my way. 25But right now I am going
to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26For the churches in
the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make
a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.
27
They were pleased to do this, and in fact they are indebted to
them. If the Gentiles have shared in the spiritual blessings of
the Jews, then they should also share their material blessings
with the Jews. 28 Therefore, when I have accomplished this and
have delivered this fruit of theirs, I will pass through and visit
you on my way to Spain. 29I know that when I come to you, I
will come to you with the full blessing of Christ.
30
Now I urge you, brothers, by the Lord Jesus Christ and by
the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggles by earnestly
praying to God on my behalf. 31Pray that I will be rescued from
the unbelievers in Judea and that my ministry in Jerusalem will
be well-received by the saints, 32so that I will be able to come
to you with joy, if it is God’s will, and be refreshed with you.
33
Now may the God of peace be with you all. Amen.
16 I introduce our sister Phoebe to you. She is a servant

of the church in the town of Cenchrea. 2Welcome her in
the Lord in a manner worthy of the saints, and assist her in
whatever she may need help with, for she has helped me and
many others.
3
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus,
4
who have risked their necks for my life. I am not the only one
who is grateful to them, for all the Gentile churches are grateful
to them as well.
5
Also greet the church that meets in their home. Greet my
beloved friend Epaenetus, who was the first convert to Christ
in the province of Achaia. 6Greet Mary, who has worked hard
for you. 7Greet Andronicus and Junias, my fellow countrymen
and my fellow-prisoners. They are notable among the apostles,
and they were in Christ before I was.
8
Greet Ampliatus, my beloved friend in the Lord. 9Greet
Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and my beloved friend
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Romans 16
Stachys. 10Greet Apelles, who is approved in Christ. Greet those

in the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my fellow
countryman. Greet those in the house hold of Narcissus who
are in the Lord.
12
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, for these two women have
worked hard for the Lord. Greet my beloved friend Persis,
because she has also worked hard for the Lord. 13Greet Rufus,
who is chosen by the Lord, and his mother, who has also been
a mother to me. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas,
Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15Greet Philologus
and Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and all the saints
who are with them.
16
Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of
Christ send you their greetings.
17
Now I urge you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause
divisions and who put stumbling blocks in your way that are
contrary to the doctrine you were taught. Avoid such people!
18
For these men do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their
own stomachs. Through smooth talk and flattery they deceive
the hearts of unsuspecting people. 19Everyone has heard of your
obedience, therefore I rejoice over you. But I want you to be
wise concerning what is good, and innocent concerning what is
evil. 20 The God of peace will soon crush satan under your feet.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
21
Timothy, my fellow-worker, greets you, as do my fellow
countrymen Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater.
22
I, Tertius, the one who is writing this letter for Paul, send
you my greetings in the Lord.
23
Gaius, who is my host and the host of the whole church,
greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus,
greets you. 24May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with
you all. Amen.
25
Now to God who is able to establish you according to my
gospel, the message of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
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Romans 16
of the mystery that has been hidden since the world began, 26but
has now been made known through the prophetic writings by
the commandment of the eternal God, so that all nations might
obey Him and put their faith in Him—27to the only wise God be
glory forever and ever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
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1 Corinthians 1
1 Corinthians
1 From: Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ by the
will of God, and our brother Sosthenes.
To the church of God in the city of Corinth, to those who

2
are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be saints, and to

all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord and
theirs—Jesus Christ:
3
Jesus Christ!
I always thank God for you, because of the grace that God has
4
given to you in Christ Jesus. 5For in Him you have been made
rich in every way, in all speech and all knowledge, 6because the
testimony of Christ has been confirmed in you, 7so that you do
not lack any spiritual gift as you eagerly wait for the coming of
our Lord Jesus Christ. 8He will make you firm until the end, so
that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9
For God is faithful, and He has called you into fellowship with
His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.
I urge you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

10
to be in agreement with one another, so that there may be no

divisions among you, and to be perfectly united in mind and
purpose. 11My brothers, some members of Chloe’s family have
reported to me that there is infighting among you. 12I mention
this because each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow
Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ
divided? Paul was not crucified for you, was he? Or were you
baptized in Paul’s name?
I thank God that I did not baptize any of you, except Crispus
14
and Gaius, 15so that no one can say that they were baptized in
my name. 16Oh yes, I also baptized the household of Stephanas.
As for the rest, I do not remember baptizing anyone else. 17For
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel—but
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1 Corinthians 1
not with words pertaining to the wisdom of this world, otherwise

the cross of Christ would be emptied of its power.
18
For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who
are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved it is the
power of God. 19For it is written:
“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,

and the understanding of the prudent
I will reject.”
(Isaiah 29:14)
20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is
the philosopher of this age? Has God not turned the wisdom of
this world into foolishness? 21Since God in His wisdom ordained
that the world through its wisdom would never know God, it
pleased God through the foolish message of the gospel to save
those who believe. 22 That is why the Jews ask for signs and the
Greeks search for wisdom. 23But we preach Christ crucified,
which is a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the
Gentiles. 24But to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks,
Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25For the
foolishness of God is wiser than man, and the weakness of God
is stronger than man.
26
Look, brothers, not many of you were wise, not many of
you were powerful, and not many of you were of noble birth
when you were called. 27But God has chosen the foolish things
of this world to put the wise to shame, and God has chosen
the weak things of this world to put the strong to shame. 28God
has chosen what is lowly in the world, what is despised, and
what is nothing, to destroy what the world thinks is important,
29
so that no man may boast before God. 30It is because of God
that you are in Christ Jesus—God has made Him our wisdom,
our righteousness, our sanctification, and our redemption.
31
Therefore, as it is written,
“Let the man who boasts, boast in the Lord.”

(Jeremiah 9:24)
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1 Corinthians 2
2
2
Brothers, when I came and proclaimed the testimony of
God to you, I did not come with eloquent words or wisdom.
For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ
and Him crucified. 3I came to you in weakness and fear, and I
trembled greatly. 4My message and my preaching were not with
persuasive words of human wisdom, but with a demonstration of
the Spirit’s power, 5so that your faith would not rest on human
wisdom but on God’s power.
6
We speak wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom
of this world, or of the rulers of this world, who are passing
away. 7On the contrary, we speak about the mystery of God’s
wisdom that was previously hidden, which God ordained for
our glory before the world began. 8None of the rulers of this
world understood this wisdom, for if they had, they would not
have crucified the Lord of glory.
9
But as it is written,
“No eye has seen, no ear has heard,

neither has it entered into the heart
of man what God has prepared for
those who love Him.”
(Isaiah 64:4)
10
But God has revealed these things to us by His Spirit. For
the Spirit searches all things, even the deep mysteries of God.
11
What man knows the thoughts of another man except for that
man’s own spirit within him? Likewise, no one knows God’s
thoughts except for the Spirit of God. 12 We have not received
the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that
we can know all that God has freely given to us.
13
When we speak about these things we do not use words
taught by human wisdom but words taught by the Spirit,
interpreting spiritual things with spiritual words. 14 The natural
man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are
foolishness to him and he cannot understand them, because
they can only be understood from a spiritual standpoint. 15 The
spiritual man is able to understand all these things, but he
himself cannot be understood by the natural man.
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16
“For who has known the mind of the Lord
that he may instruct Him?”
(Isaiah 40:13)
But we have the mind of Christ!
3 Brothers, I could not speak to you as I would to spiritual

men, but as to carnal men—as to infants in Christ. 2I fed
you with milk, not meat, because you were not ready for it. And
you are still not ready for it, 3because you are still carnal! When
there is jealousy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not
carnal and walk as carnal men do? 4When one says, “I follow
Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not carnal?
5
After all, who is Apollos? And who is Paul? We are only
servants through whom you believed. The Lord gave each of
us a task to do. 6I planted, Apollos watered, but God made it
grow. 7So neither the planter nor the waterer is important, but
only God who makes it grow. 8 The planter and the waterer work
together, and each will be rewarded for their own labour.
9
For we are God’s fellow-workers. And you are God’s field,
God’s building. 10By the grace God has given to me, I have
laid a foundation like a skilled architect and builder, and now
someone else is building on it. But each man should be careful
how he builds on this foundation. 11For no man can lay any other
foundation except for the one that has already been laid, which
is Jesus Christ. 12Now if any man builds on this foundation using
gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw, 13each man’s
work will become apparent. For the day of judgment will bring
it to light. It will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test the
quality of each man’s work. 14If a man’s work survives, that is,
what he has built on the foundation, he will receive a reward.
15
If a man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss. He will be
saved, but only like one escaping through the fire.
16
Do you not know that you are the temple of God, and that
the Spirit of God lives in you? 17If any man destroys the temple
of God, God will destroy him. For the temple of God is holy,
and you are that temple!
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18
Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks
that he is wise in this world, let him become a fool so that he
may become wise. 19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness
in God’s sight. For it is written:
“He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

(Job 5:13)
20
And again,
“The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise,

that they are worthless.”
(Psalm 94:11)
So do not boast about men. For all things belong to you,

21
whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death

22
or the present or the future—all things belong to you, 23and you

belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.
4 You should regard us as servants of Christ and stewards

of the mysteries of God. 2Every steward must prove himself
to be trustworthy. 3But it means nothing to me if I am judged
by you or by any human court. In fact, I do not even judge
myself. 4My conscience is clear, but that does not mean that I
am innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore do not
judge anything before the appointed time, but wait until the
Lord comes. He will shed light on what is hidden in darkness
and will reveal the inner motives of our hearts. Then each man’s
praise will come from God.
6
I have used Apollos and myself to illustrate these things
to you, brothers, so that you may learn from us not to think
beyond what the Scriptures say. Then you will not take pride
in one man against another. 7What makes you so great? What
do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it,
then why do you boast as though you did not receive it?
8
Have you already become full and content? Have you already
become rich? Have you become kings without us? I wish that
you had become kings, so that we could reign with you! 9I
think that God has put us apostles on display at the end of
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the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We

have become a spectacle to the whole earth, both to angels
and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise
in Christ! We are weak, but you are strong! You are honoured,
but we are dishonoured! 11To this very hour we are hungry,
we are thirsty, we are poorly clothed, we are mistreated, and
we are homeless. 12 We labour and work with our own hands.
When we are ridiculed, we bless. When we are persecuted, we
patiently endure. 13 When we are slandered, we continue making
our appeal. To this present day we have become the filth and
scum of the whole earth.
14
I am not writing these things to shame you, but to warn
you because you are my beloved children. 15Even if you had
ten thousand overseers in Christ, you would not have many
fathers. But in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the
gospel. 16 Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. 17 That is why I
have sent Timothy to you, my beloved and faithful son in the
Lord. He will remind you of my walk in Christ, which is what I
teach everywhere in every church.
18
Some of you have become arrogant, as though I were not
coming to you. 19If it is the Lord’s will, I will come to visit you
soon. Then I will not only find out what these arrogant people
are saying, but what power they really have. 20For the kingdom
of God is not a matter of words, but of power. 21So what do you
prefer: that I come to you with a rod, or with love and a meek
spirit?
5 There are rumours of incest among you. This kind of sexual

immorality is not even tolerated among the pagans. A man
has his father’s wife! 2 This should have grieved you. And you
should have removed this man from your midst. But instead,
you have become arrogant! 3Although I am absent in body, I
am with you in spirit, and I have already judged the man who
did this as if I were present with you. 4Now, when you meet
together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, I will be with
you in spirit, along with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ.
5
At this time, you must deliver this man over to satan for the
destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the
day of the Lord Jesus.
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6
Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little
yeast will affect the whole lump of dough? 7Get rid of the old
yeast so that you may be a new lump of dough, a lump without
yeast, as you really are. For Christ, our Passover Lamb has been
sacrificed. 8So let us no longer observe the feast with the old
yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the yeast-free bread
of sincerity and truth.
9
When I wrote my previous letter to you, I told you not to
associate with sexually immoral people. 10 I do not mean the
people of this world who are sexually immoral, or greedy, or who
are con artists, or idolaters, otherwise you would have to leave
this world! 11But now I am writing to tell you not to associate
with anyone who professes to be a brother but who is sexually
immoral, or greedy, or verbally abusive, or a con artist, or an
idolater, or a drunk. Do not even eat with such people!
12
It is not my business to judge outsiders, now is it? But is it
not your business to judge those inside the church? 13God will
judge those outside. Remove that wicked man from among you.
6 Does anyone among you, if he has a complaint against his

fellow brother, dare to go to court before the pagan judges,
instead of before the saints! 2Do you not know that the saints
will judge the world? And if you will judge the world, then are
you not capable of judging smaller matters such as these? 3Do
you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the
things concerning this life! 4 Therefore, if you have any disputes
concerning the things of this life, why do you stand before
judges who have no standing in the church? 5I am saying this
to shame you. Is there not a wise man among you who is able
to judge between his brothers? 6But instead, one brother goes to
court against another brother, and this in front of unbelievers!
7
To have such lawsuits against your brothers is a complete
failure for you. Why not just be wronged? Why not just be cheated?
8
But instead, you do wrong and cheat others, and you do this
to your own brothers! 9Do you not know that the unrighteous
will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. No
fornicators, or idolaters, or adulterers, or homosexuals, or
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sodomites, 10or thieves, or those who are greedy, or those who

are drunkards, or those who are verbally abusive, or those who
are con artists, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11That is what
some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified,
and you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by
the Spirit of our God.
12
“For me, everything is permitted”—but not everything is
good and profitable. “For me, everything is permitted”—but I will
not be enslaved by anything. 13“Food is meant for the stomach,
and the stomach for food”—but one day God will do away with
them both. The body is not meant for sexual immorality but
for the Lord, and the Lord for the body. 14Just as God raised
the Lord from the dead, He will also raise us up by His power.
15
Do you not know that your bodies are joined together with
Christ? Should I then take what is joined together with Christ
and join it together with a prostitute? Never! 16Do you not
know that the man who joins himself together with a prostitute
becomes one body with her? For it is written,
“The two will become one flesh.”

(Genesis 2:24)
But the man who joins himself together with the Lord is one
17
spirit with Him.

18
So flee from all sexual immorality. For all other sins a man
commits are outside his body, but the man who commits sexual
immorality sins against his own body. 19Do you not know that
your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who lives in you, whom
you have received from God? You are not your own, 20 you were
bought for a price. Therefore glorify God with your body and
spirit, for they are both His.
7 Now to answer the questions that you wrote to me about:

it is good for a man not to marry a woman. 2But in order to
avoid fornication, each man should have his own wife and each
woman her own husband. 3 The husband must give his wife
the love and kindness he owes her, and the wife must give her
husband the love and kindness she owes him. 4The wife does
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not have authority over her own body, but her husband does.
Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own
body, but his wife does. 5Do not deprive one another of these
things unless you both consent to do so for a set time, so that
you may fully devote yourselves to prayer and fasting. But after
this time has ended, come back together again so that satan will
not be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
6
I say this only as a suggestion, not as a command. 7I wish all
men were unmarried like me. But each man has his own gift
from God—one this, and another that.
8
Now I say this to the unmarried and to the widows: it is good
for them to remain unmarried like me. 9But if they do not have
self-control they should get married, for it is better to marry
than to burn with passion.
10
To the married I give this command—not I, but the Lord:
a wife must not separate from her husband. 11But if she does
separate, she must remain unmarried or be reconciled to her
husband. And the husband must not divorce his wife.
12
I, not the Lord, say this to the rest of you: if any brother
has an unbelieving wife who desires to live with him, he must
not divorce her. 13And if a woman has an unbelieving husband
who desires to live with her, she must not divorce him. 14For the
unbelieving husband has been sanctified on account of his wife,
and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified on account of her
husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now
they are holy. 15But if the unbeliever departs, let them depart.
The brother or sister is not bound in such circumstances, for
God has called us to live in peace. 16 Wife, how do you know
whether you will save your husband? Husband, how do you
know whether you will save your wife?
17
Every man should live the life that the Lord has assigned
to him, and should remain in the same situation that he was
in when God called him. This is my rule for all the churches.
18
Were you circumcised when you were called? Then do not
become uncircumcised. Were you uncircumcised when you were
called? Then do not become circumcised. 19Both circumcision
and uncircumcision mean nothing; what matters is keeping
God’s commandments. 20Each man should remain in the same
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situation that he was in when God called him. 21 Were you a

slave when God called you? Do not let it bother you; but if you
can gain your freedom, then do so. 22For the man who was a
slave when the Lord called him, is the Lord’s freedman. And the
man who was a free man when the Lord called him, is Christ’s
slave. 23You were bought for a price, so do not become slaves of
men. 24Brothers, each man should remain in the same situation
that he was in when God called him.
25
Now concerning virgins: I do not have a command from the
Lord for you, but I will give you my opinion as one who by the
Lord’s mercy is trustworthy. 26In view of the present distress,
I think that it is good for a man to remain as he is. 27Are you
bound to a wife? Do not seek a divorce. Are you unmarried?
Do not seek a wife. 28But if you do get married, you have not
sinned. And if a virgin gets married, she has not sinned. But
those who get married in this present distress will experience
many troubles, of which I want to spare you from.
29
Brothers, I tell you that time is growing short. From now
on those who have wives should live as if they had none. 30And
those who weep should live as if they did not weep, those who
rejoice should live as if they did not rejoice, those who buy
should live as if they did not possess anything, 31and those who
use the things of this world should not become consumed by
them, because this world in its present form is passing away.
32
I want you to be free from concern. An unmarried man is
concerned with the things of the Lord, with how he can please
Him. 33But a married man is concerned with the things of this
world, with how he can please his wife. 34 There is also the same
difference between a wife and a virgin. An unmarried woman
is concerned with the things of the Lord, with how she can be
holy in both body and spirit. But a married woman is concerned
with the things of this world, with how she can please her
husband. 35I say this for your own benefit, not to restrain you,
but to promote what is honourable, so that you may serve the
Lord without distraction.
36
If a father thinks that he is acting unfairly towards his
virgin daughter by not allowing her to marry, and if she is old
enough and he feels that she ought to marry, then let the father
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do as he pleases. He is not sinning. Let her marry. 37But if a

father has firmly decided in his heart that his daughter should
remain a virgin, because she has no desire to marry and is not
engaged, and he has decided in his heart to keep her a virgin,
he does well. 38So the father who gives his virgin daughter in
marriage does well, but the father who does not give her in
marriage does even better.
39
A wife is bound by law to her husband for as long as he
lives. But if her husband dies, she is free to marry whomever
she wishes, but only if he serves the Lord. 40In my opinion she
would be happier if she remained single, and I think that I have
been inspired by the Holy Spirit to say this.
8 Now to answer your questions concerning meat that has been

sacrificed to idols. We know that we all have knowledge, and
we know that knowledge puffs up, but that love builds up. 2If
any man claims to have knowledge, but does not act in love,
he really does not know very much at all. 3But if anyone loves
God, he is known by God.
4
Now about eating food that has been sacrificed to idols: we
know that there is no idol in the world that is real, and that
there is only one God. 5Even though there are many so-called
gods and lords, whether in heaven or on earth, 6for us there is
only one God—the Father, through whom all things exist, and
through whom we exist. And there is also only one Lord—Jesus
Christ, through whom God created all things, and through
whom God gave us life.
7
But not everyone has this knowledge. Some still think that
idols are real. So when they eat food that has been sacrificed
to idols, their weak conscience is defiled. 8 The food we eat does
not make us any better or worse before God, whether we eat
food that has been sacrificed to idols or not.
9
But make sure that your freedom does not become a
stumbling block to those who are weak. 10 You may have this
knowledge, but what if someone with a weak conscience sees you
eating at the temple of an idol? Would they not be encouraged
to eat what has been sacrificed to idols? 11Then the brother with
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the weak conscience, whom Christ died for, would be destroyed

because of your knowledge. 12And when you sin against your
brothers by wounding their weak conscience, you sin against
Christ. 13So if meat causes my brother to stumble, I will never
eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.
9 Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus

Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2Even if
I am not an apostle to others, I am definitely an apostle to you.
For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord.
3
My defence to those who scrutinize me is this: 4do we not
have the right to eat and drink? 5Do we not have the right to
take along a believing wife as the Lord’s brothers, Cephas, and
the other apostles do? 6Or do only Barnabas and I have to work
for a living? 7What soldier ever pays his own wages? Who plants
a vineyard and does not eat its fruit? Or who tends a flock and
does not drink its milk?
8
Am I speaking from a human perspective? Or does not the
Law also speak of these things? 9For it is written in the Law of
Moses,
“Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading

out the grain.”
(Deuteronomy 25:4)
Is God only concerned about oxen? 10Or did He say this mainly
for us? It was written for us, because the man who ploughs and
the man who threshes should do so in the hope of sharing the
crops. 11If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it wrong
for us to reap a material harvest from you? 12If others have the
right to share in your material blessings, how much more do we?
But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we patiently

endured all things so that we would not hinder the gospel
of Christ. 13Do you not know that those who minister in the
temple eat the food of the temple, and those who serve at the
altar receive a share of what is offered on the altar? 14In the
same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the
gospel should make their living from the gospel.
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15
But I have not made use of any of these rights. And I am
not writing these things in the hope of receiving anything from
you. I would rather die than let anyone deprive me of my reason
for boasting! 16I cannot boast about preaching the gospel, for I
am obligated to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!
17
If I had chosen to preach on my own initiative, I would have
a reward for that. But that was not the case; God called me
to preach, and so I have been entrusted with a stewardship.
18
So what then is my reward? My reward is this: to preach the
gospel of Christ free of charge, without using any of my rights
in preaching it.
19
Although I am a free man, I have made myself a slave to all
men, so that I may win many. 20 To the Jews I became like a Jew,
so that I might win the Jews. To those under the law I became
like one under the law, so that I might win those under the law,
though I myself am not under the law. 21To those without the
law I became like one without the law, so that I might win those
without the law, though I am not without God’s law because I
am under Christ’s law. 22 To the weak I became weak, so that
I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, so
that by all means possible I might save some. 23I do this for
the sake of the gospel, so that I may partake in its blessings
along with you.
24
Do you not know that all those who run in a race run, but
only one receives the prize? So run to win the prize! 25Everyone
who strives to win, exercises self-discipline in all areas. They
do it to receive a corruptible crown, but we do it to receive an
incorruptible crown. 26 Therefore I do not run aimlessly or box
like someone shadowboxing. 27Instead, I beat my body and make
it my slave, so that after I have preached to others, I myself will
not be disqualified.
10 Brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant of the fact

that our fathers where all under the cloud and that they
all passed through the sea. 2In the cloud and in the sea they
were all baptized as followers of Moses. 3 They all ate the same
spiritual food, 4and all drank the same spiritual drink. They all
drank from the spiritual Rock that accompanied them, and that
Rock was Christ. 5But God was not pleased with most of them,
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so He struck them down in the wilderness.

6
Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we
would not lust after evil things as they did. 7Do not be idolaters
as some of them were, for it is written:
“The people sat down to eat and drink,

and then got up to celebrate.”
(Exodus 32:6)
8
Do not commit fornication as some of them did, for twenty-
three thousand of them died in one day. 9Do not test Christ
as some of them did, and were killed by snakes. 10And do not
grumble as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying
angel. 11These things happened to them as examples, and they
were written down as a warning to us who live in the last days.
12
So if anyone thinks he is standing firm, he should watch
that he does not fall! 13No temptation has overtaken you except
for what is common to man. But God is faithful! He will not
let you be tempted beyond what you are able to bear. On the
contrary, in your temptation God will provide a way of escape,
so that you will be able to bear it.
14
Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I am speaking
to intelligent people, so judge for yourselves if what I am saying
is true. 16 When we bless the blessed cup at the Lord’s table,
do we not share in the blood of Christ? And when we break
the bread, do we not share in the body of Christ? 17Since there
is one loaf, we who are numerous are one body, for we are all
partakers of the one loaf.
18
Look, do not the Israelites who eat the sacrifices participate
in the altar? 19So what am I saying? That an idol is anything?
Or that a sacrifice offered to an idol is anything? 20No! What
I am trying to say is this: the offerings that pagans sacrifice
are sacrificed to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to
participate with demons. 21You cannot drink from both the cup
of the Lord and from the cup of demons. And you cannot be a
partaker of both the table of the Lord and the table of demons.
22
Are we trying to provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger
than He is?
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23
“Everything is permitted”—but not everything is good and
profitable. “Everything is permitted”—but not everything is
edifying. 24Let no one seek his own good, but the good of others.
25
Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, but for the sake
of your conscience do not ask any questions. 26For,
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.”

(Psalm 24:1)
27
If an unbeliever invites you for a meal and you want to go,
then eat whatever is put before you, but for the sake of your
conscience do not ask any questions. 28However, if someone tells
you, “This meat has been sacrificed to an idol,” then do not eat
it for the sake of the man who pointed it out and for the sake of
conscience—29his conscience, that is, not yours. Do you want
your freedom to be judged by another man’s conscience? 30You
may eat with thankfulness, but do you want to be criticized for
what you give thanks for?
31
Therefore, whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do
it all for the glory of God. 32Do not become a stumbling block
to anyone, whether to Jews or to Greeks or to God’s church.
33
But do as I do, for I try to please everyone in everything I do,
not seeking my own good but the good of others, so that they
may be saved.
11 Imitate me, as I imitate Christ. 2I praise you for remembering

me in everything, brothers, and for keeping the precepts
that I delivered to you. 3I want you to know that Christ is the
head of every man, and that man is the head of the woman,
and that God is the head of Christ. 4Any man who prays or
prophesies with his head covered dishonours his head, which is
Christ. 5Any woman who prays or prophesies without wearing a
covering on her head dishonours her head, which is man, and
she is no different than a woman who has shaved her head. 6If
a woman does not cover her head in public worship, then she
should cut off her hair. And if it is shameful for a woman to
cut off her hair or to shave her head, then she should wear a
covering. 7A man should not cover his head in public worship,
because he is the image and glory of God. But the woman is the
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glory of man. 8For man was not created from woman, but woman
was created from man. 9And man was not created for woman,
but woman was created for man. 10For this reason, and because
the angels are watching, a woman should wear a covering on
her head to show that she is under man’s authority. 11But in
the Lord women are not independent of men, and men are not
independent of women. 12Woman was created from man, but
man is born from woman—all this comes from God.
13
Judge for yourselves: is it proper for a woman to pray to God
with her head uncovered? 14Does not even nature itself teach
you that it is disgraceful for a man to have long hair? 15But a
woman’s long hair is her glory, because her hair has been given
to her as a covering. 16And if anyone wants to argue about this,
we have no other custom—neither do any of God’s churches.
17
In giving you these next commands, I cannot commend
you. For when you assemble together, it is not for better but for
worse! 18First of all, I hear that when you assemble together as
a church, there are divisions among you, and I partly believe
it. 19For there must be divisions among you, so that it may
become evident who is approved by God among you. 20When
you assemble together, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21For
each person eats his own supper without waiting for anyone
else; one goes hungry, while another has too much. 22Do you
not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise God’s
church and humiliate the poor who have nothing? What should
I say to you? Should I commend you? I will not commend you!
23
For I passed on to you what I received from the Lord: that
the Lord Jesus Christ, on the night He was betrayed, took bread,
24
and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take
this and eat it. For this is My body, which is broken for you. Do
this in remembrance of Me.” 25In the same way, after supper
He also took the cup and said, “This cup is the new covenant
in My blood; do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance
of Me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread and drink this cup,
you proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.
27
Whoever eats this bread or drinks this cup of the Lord in
an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body
and blood of the Lord! 28 That is why a man should examine
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himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. 29For
any man who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and
drinks judgment on himself, because he did not recognize the
Lord’s body. 30 That is why many of you are feeble and sick, and
some have died. 31If, however, we would examine ourselves,
we would not be judged. 32 But when the Lord judges us, He
disciplines us, so that we will not be condemned with the world.
33
Therefore, when you assemble together to eat the Lord’s
Supper, my brothers, wait for one another. 34If any man is hungry
he should eat at home, so that when you assemble together
it may not lead to judgment. And when I come I will give you
further instructions concerning the matters that still remain.
12 Now, brothers, I do not want you to be ignorant about

spiritual gifts. 2 You know that when you were pagans,
you were enticed and led astray to worship idols that cannot
speak. 3 Therefore I want you to know that no one speaking by
the Spirit of God can say, “Jesus is cursed,” and no one can
say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit.
4
There are various gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are
various ministries, but the same Lord. 6 There are various effects,
but the same God who works all these gifts in everyone. 7Each
person has been given the manifestation of the Spirit for the
good of the body of Christ. 8 Through the Spirit one person is
given the gift of the word of wisdom, and according to the same
Spirit another is given the gift of the word of knowledge. 9By the
same Spirit another is given the gift of faith, and by the same
Spirit another is given the gift of healing. 10 To another the gift
of the working of miracles, to another the gift of prophecy, and
to another the gift of discerning spirits, to another the gift of
speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to another the gift
of interpreting tongues.97 11All these are the work of one and the
same Spirit, who distributes these gifts to each one individually
according to His will.
97
The nine gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Revelation
gifts: gift of wisdom, gift of knowledge, gift of discerning spirits.
Power gifts: gift of faith, gift of healing, gift of miracles. Prophetic
gifts: gift of prophecy, gift of tongues, gift of interpreting tongues.
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12
Although the body has many parts, it is one body; all the
parts of the body, which are many, make up one body—it is
the same with the body of Christ. 13For by one Spirit we were
all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether
slave or free, we were all made to drink of one Spirit. 14For the
body is not just made up of one part, but of many parts.
15
If the foot says, “I am not a hand, so I am not a part of the
body,” does that mean it is not a part of the body? 16And if the
ear says, “I am not an eye, so I am not a part of the body,” does
that mean it is not a part of the body? 17If the whole body were
an eye, how could it hear? If the whole body were an ear, how
could it smell? 18But God, according to His will, placed each
one of the body parts in the body. 19What would become of the
body if it had only one body part?
20
There are many body parts, but only one body. 21The eye
cannot say to the hand, “I do not need you.” Neither can the
head say to the feet, “I do not need you.” 22On the contrary,
the weakest body parts are even more necessary. 23For we
give greater honour to the body parts that we think are less
honourable. And we clothe our unpresentable parts with greater
modesty, 24 while our presentable parts have no need to be
clothed. But God has put the body together, and He has given
greater honour to the parts that lacked honour. 25He did this so
that there would be no division in the body, so that the different
parts would equally care for one another. 26If one part suffers,
then every part suffers with it. If one part is honoured, then
every part rejoices with it.
27
You are the body of Christ, you are all individual parts of
it. 28In the church God has appointed first apostles, second
prophets, third teachers; after that, those with the gift of
miracles, and those with the gift of healing; after that, helpers,
administrators, and those with the gift of speaking in different
kinds of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all
teachers? Do all operate in the gift of miracles? 30Do all have the
gift of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? 31But
eagerly desire the greater gifts—yet I will show you something
far better than this.
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1 Corinthians 13-14
13 If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but do not

have love, I have become like a noisy gong or a clanging
cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and
have all knowledge, and if I have the faith to move mountains,
but do not have love, I am nothing. 3If I give all my possessions
to feed the poor, and if I surrender my body to be burned, but
do not have love, I gain nothing.
4
Love is patient, love is kind, love does not envy, love does
not boast, love is not arrogant. 5Love is not rude, love is not self-
seeking, love is not easily irritated, and love keeps no record of
wrong. 6Love does not rejoice in injustice, but always rejoices
in the truth. 7Love always protects, love always believes, love
always hopes, love always endures.
8
Love never fails! But the gift of prophecy will cease, the gift
of tongues will come to an end, and the gift of knowledge will
pass away. 9For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10But
when perfection comes, then what is imperfect will be abolished.
11
When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a
child, and I reasoned like a child. But when I became a man,
I gave up my childish ways. 12Now we see things obscurely
through a mirror, then we will see things face to face. I know
in part now, but when the time comes, I will know everything
fully as God has fully known me.
13
Now these three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But
the greatest of these is love.
14 Pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially

the gift of prophecy. 2For whoever speaks in tongues does
not speak to men but to God; no one can understand what they
are saying, because they are speaking mysteries in the Spirit.
3
But whoever prophesies speaks to men for their edification,
encouragement, and comfort. 4Whoever speaks in tongues
edifies himself, but whoever prophesies edifies the church. 5I
wish all of you spoke in tongues, but I wish even more that you
all prophesied. The man who prophesies is greater than the
man who speaks in tongues, unless he can interpret so that
the church may be edified.
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6
Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking in tongues, how
will that benefit you, unless I speak to you either by revelation,
by knowledge, by prophecy, or by teaching? 7If lifeless things
like the flute or harp do not produce distinct notes, how will
anyone know what tune is being played? 8And if a trumpet
does not give a distinct sound, who will prepare for battle? 9It
is the same with you, if you speak in a tongue that cannot be
understood, who will understand what you are saying? You
will just be speaking into the air. 10 There are many different
languages in the world, and none of them is without meaning.
11
If I do not understand the meaning of the language, then I am
a foreigner to the one who is speaking and he is a foreigner to
me. 12It is the same with you. Since you are so zealous to have
spiritual gifts, seek to excel in the gifts that edify the church.
13
Therefore, whoever speaks in tongues should pray that they
may be able to interpret them. 14For if I pray in tongues my
spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. 15So then what should
I do? When I pray, I will pray with both my spirit and my mind.
And when I sing, I will sing with both my spirit and my mind.
16
For if you praise God with your spirit, how can someone else
say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, when they do not understand
what you are saying? 17You may be giving thanks well enough,
but the other person is not edified.
18
I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
But in the church I would rather speak five understandable
19
words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

20
Brothers, do not think like children. Be like infants
concerning evil, but in your thinking be like adults. 21In the
law it is written:
“With foreign tongues and strange lips

I will speak to this people,
but even then they will not listen to Me,
says the Lord.”
(Isaiah 28:11-12)
22
So tongues are a sign for unbelievers, not for believers.
And prophecy is for believers, not for unbelievers. 23If the whole
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church assembles together and everyone is speaking in tongues,

and an unbeliever or person without understanding of these
things walks in, will they not say that you are crazy? 24But if
everyone is prophesying, and an unbeliever or person without
understanding of these things walks in, will they not be convicted
and condemned by all that is said. 25 Then the secrets of their
heart will become apparent, and they will fall on their face and
worship God, declaring that God is truly among you.
26
What is our conclusion, brothers? When you assemble
together, if you have a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a tongue,
or an interpretation, all these things must be done for the
edification of the church. 27If someone speaks in a tongue, two
or three at the most should speak one at a time, and someone
must interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, then the person
with the tongue should be silent and speak between himself
and God. 29Let two or three prophets speak, while the others
carefully judge what is said. 30And if something is revealed to
a person who is seated, they must let the first person finish.
31
You can all prophesy one by one, so that everyone may learn
and be encouraged. 32 The spirit of a prophet is controlled by the
prophet. 33For God is not a God of disorder but a God of peace.
As in all the churches of the saints, 34women must be silent

in church. They are not allowed to speak out, but must be
submissive, as the law says. 35If they want to learn something
they can ask their own husbands at home, for it is shameful
for a woman to speak out in church.
36
Did the word of God originate with you? Or has it come to
you alone? 37If any man claims to be a prophet or to be spiritual,
he should acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the
Lord’s commands. 38But if anyone wants to be ignorant, let
him be ignorant.
39
Therefore, brothers, eagerly desire to prophesy, and do
not forbid speaking in tongues. 40But all things must be done
decently and in order.
15 Now let me remind you, brothers, of the gospel that I

preached to you, which you have accepted and firmly
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stand on. 2By this gospel you are saved, that is, if you hold fast
to the word that I preached to you; unless, of course, you have
believed in vain.
3
The first thing I delivered to you, was what I had received:
that Christ died for our sins as the Scriptures predicted, 4 that
He was buried, that He rose again on the third day as the
Scriptures predicted, 5and that He appeared to Cephas and
then to the twelve. 6After that He appeared to over five hundred
brothers at once—most of these brothers are still alive, but
some have died. 7Next He appeared to James, then to the rest
of the apostles. 8And last of all, though I was like a miscarried
fetus, He also appeared to me.
9
For I am the most unworthy of all the apostles, and I do
not even deserve to be called an apostle, because I persecuted
God’s church. 10But by the grace of God I am what I am, and
His grace towards me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked
much harder than the rest of the apostles—yet not I, but the
grace of God that was with me. 11So whether it was I or they,
we all preach the same gospel in which you believed.
12
Now if we preached that Christ has been raised from the
dead, then why do some of you say that there is no resurrection
of the dead? 13If there is no resurrection of the dead, then
not even Christ has been raised. 14And if Christ has not been
raised, then our preaching is worthless, and your faith is also
worthless. 15Furthermore, we would be found guilty of giving
false testimony about God, because we have testified that God
raised Christ from the dead. But God did not raise Christ from
the dead, if the dead are not raised. 16For if the dead are not
raised, then not even Christ has been raised. 17And if Christ has
not been raised, then your faith is worthless and your sin still
remains. 18 Then those who have died in Christ have perished!
19
And if our hope in Christ is only for this life, then we should
be pitied more than all other men.
20
But Christ has in fact risen from the dead, and He has
become the firstfruits of those who have died. 21Since death
came through one man, the resurrection of the dead also came
through one Man. 22For through Adam all die, but through Christ
all will be made alive. 23But concerning the resurrection of the
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dead, each man has his proper order: Christ the firstfruits, then
those who belong to Christ at His coming. 24 Then after Christ
has abolished all rule and all authority and power, the end will
come, and He will hand over the kingdom to God the Father.
25
For Christ must reign until He has put all His enemies under
His feet. 26 The last enemy to be abolished is death.
27
For,
“God has put all things under His feet.”

(Psalm 8:6)
But when it says, “all things have been put under Him,” this
clearly excludes God, who has put all things under Christ.
28
When all things have been put under His authority, then the
Son will also put Himself under the authority of the One who
has put all things under Him—that God may be all in all.
29
How would it profit those who are baptized on behalf of
the dead, if the dead are not raised? And if the dead are not
raised, then why would anyone be baptized on behalf of the
dead? 30And why do we put ourselves in constant danger? 31I
face death daily—this is true, just as my boasting about you in
Christ Jesus our Lord is true. 32If, according to human motives,
I fought wild beasts in Ephesus, what did I gain? If the dead
are not raised,
“Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we die!”

(Isaiah 22:13)
33
Do not be deceived: “Bad company corrupts good character.”
Come back to your senses as you should, and stop sinning!
34
For some of you are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame.
35
But someone might ask, “How are the dead raised? What
kind of body will they have?” 36You fool! What you sow does not
come to life unless it dies first. 37What you sow is not the body
you will have, but only a seed—maybe of wheat or some other
grain. 38But God gives it the body He desires it to have, for He
gives each seed its own body.
39
Not all flesh is the same: men have one kind of flesh,
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animals another, fish another, and birds another. 40 There are

also heavenly bodies and earthly bodies. The heavenly bodies
have one kind of glory, and the earthly bodies another. 41 The
sun has one kind of glory, the moon another, and the stars
another. Even the stars differ from one another in glory.
42
That is how it will be with the resurrection of the dead. The
body that is sown is perishable, but the body that is raised is
imperishable. 43It is sown in dishonour, it is raised in glory. It
is sown in frailty, it is raised in power. 44It is sown a natural
body, it is raised a spiritual body. If there is a natural body,
there is also a spiritual body. 45As it is written,
“The first man Adam became a living being.”

(Genesis 2:7)
But the last Adam became a life-giving spirit.

46
The spiritual does not come first—the natural comes first,
then the spiritual. 47The first man was from the dust of the
earth, but the second Man is the Lord from heaven. 48 Those
who belong to the earth are like the man of dust, but those who
belong to heaven are like the Man of heaven. 49Just as we now
bear the image of the man from the dust, we will also bear the
image of the Man from heaven.
50
I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit
the kingdom of God, neither can the perishable inherit the
imperishable. 51Look, I will tell you a mystery: not all of us will
die, but all of us will be changed! 52In a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye, at the sound of the last trumpet, the dead will be
raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53It is necessary
for the perishable to be clothed with the imperishable, and the
mortal to be clothed with immortality. 54When the perishable
has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal has
been clothed with immortality, then what has been written will
be fulfilled:
“Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

(Isaiah 25:8)
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“O death, where is your victory?

55
O death, where is your sting?”

(Hosea 13:14)
56
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But
thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord
Jesus Christ!
58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and unmovable,
always excelling in the work of the Lord, knowing that your
labour in the Lord is not in vain.
16 Now concerning the collection for the saints in Jerusalem:

do what I directed the Galatian churches to do. 2On the
first day of the week, each one of you should set aside and save
a portion of your earnings, so that no collections will need to
be made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send letters along
with the men you have approved and they will carry your gift to
Jerusalem. 4If it is best for me to go along, they can go with me.
5
First I must travel through the province of Macedonia, but
after I have travelled through Macedonia I will come to visit you.
6
Perhaps I will stay with you for a while or even spend the winter
with you, and then you can send me on my way to wherever I
may go. 7I do not want to cross over to see you now and only
make a passing visit. But I hope to spend some time with you
afterwards, if the Lord permits.
8
But for now I will remain in the city of Ephesus until Pentecost.
For a great and powerful door of opportunity has opened for
9
me, and many oppose me.

10
If Timothy comes, make sure he has nothing to fear while
he is with you, for he is doing the Lord’s work, just as I am. 11Do
not let anyone despise him. But send him on his way in peace
so that he may return to me, because I am expecting him along
with the other brothers.
12
Now concerning our brother Apollos, I strongly urged him to
visit you with the other brothers. However, he does not want to
visit you right now, but he will come when he has the opportunity.
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13
Be vigilant, stand firm in the faith, be men of courage, and
be strong. 14Whatever you do must be done in love.
15
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first
converts in the province of Achaia, and that they have devoted
themselves to the ministry of the saints. Therefore I urge you,
brothers, 16 to submit to people like them and to anyone else
who is a fellow-worker and labourer.
17
I rejoiced when Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus
arrived, because they supplied what was lacking from you.
18
They have not only refreshed my spirit, but yours as well.
Therefore, acknowledge people like them.
19
The churches in the province of Asia greet you. Aquila and
Priscilla greet you in the Lord, and so does the church that
meets in their house. 20All the brothers here greet you. Greet
one another with a holy kiss.
21
Now I, Paul, greet you with my own hand writing. 22Whoever
does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be cursed! Maranatha!
(Our Lord is coming!)
23
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! 24
My
love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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2 Corinthians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
and from our brother Timothy.
To the church of God in the city of Corinth, and to all the

saints throughout the province of Achaia:
2
Jesus Christ!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

3
the Father of mercy and the God of all comfort. 4He is the One
who comforts us in all our afflictions, so that we can comfort
those who are going through any kind of affliction with the
same comfort we ourselves have received from God. 5For just
as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so also the comfort
of God abounds in us through Christ. 6If we are afflicted, it is
for your comfort and salvation. And if we are comforted, it is
for your comfort and salvation. Then you will be encouraged
to patiently endure the same sufferings that we also endure.
7
And our hope for you is firm, because we know that just as
you share in our sufferings, you will also share in our comfort.
8
We do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about the
afflictions that we suffered in the province of Asia. We were
weighed down so far beyond our own ability that we even
despaired of life. 9Indeed, we felt like we had received a death
sentence. But this happened so that we would not trust in
ourselves, but in God who raises the dead. 10And God delivered
us from such a great death, and He will deliver us again! For we
have put our hope in Him that He will continue to deliver us.
11
And because you have been helping us through your prayers,
many people will give thanks to God when they see the answer
to your prayers for our deliverance.
For we take pride in this: that our conscience testifies that

12
in this world, and especially among you, we have conducted

ourselves in holiness and godly sincerity—not in worldly wisdom,
but in the grace of God. 13We write nothing that is not publicly
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2 Corinthians 2
read and acknowledged as true. And I hope that you will always
acknowledge this, 14even if not all of you acknowledge us, so
that you can boast of us as we will boast of you on the day of
the Lord Jesus.
15
Because of this confidence, I intended to visit you first, so
that you might benefit twice. 16I had planned to visit you on
my way to Macedonia, and again on my way back, and then to
have you send me on my way to Judea. 17So when I planned
this, did I do it lightly? Or did I make these plans according to
the flesh by saying “Yes” when I really meant “No”? 18Just as
God is faithful, our message to you is not “Yes” and then “No.”
19
For Christ Jesus, the Son of God, was preached among you
by Silas, Timothy, and I. And our preaching was not “Yes” and
then “No,” but in Christ it has always been “Yes!” 20For all God’s
promises are both “Yes” and “Amen” in Christ, and so we give
glory to God through Him. 21Now it is God who establishes us
together with you in Christ, and who has anointed us; 22it is
God who has put His seal on us, and who has put His Spirit
in our hearts as a pledge of what is to come.
23
I call God as my witness, that the reason I did not come
to Corinth was in order to spare you. 24For we did not want to
exercise authority over your faith, but to work with you for your
joy—for by faith you stand.
2 I decided not to visit you again in sadness. 2For if I grieve

you, then who will make me happy? Definitely not you,
whom I have grieved.
3
I wrote what I did, so that when I do come, I will not be
saddened by those who should make me happy. And I am
confident that what makes me happy will also make you happy.
4
For I wrote to you out of great affliction and anguish of heart,
and with many tears—not to grieve you, but to let you know
the abundance of my love for you.
5
The man who has caused you grief has not grieved me as
much as he has grieved—not to put it too severely—all of you.
6
The punishment that the majority of you have given this man
is sufficient. 7Now you must forgive and comfort him, or else he
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might be overcome with overwhelming sorrow. 8 Therefore I urge

you to reaffirm your love for him. 9One reason I wrote to you was
to test you, to see if you are obedient in all things. 10Whoever
you forgive, I also forgive. And whoever I have forgiven, I have
forgiven in the presence of Christ for your sake, 11so that satan
may not outsmart us—for we are not ignorant of his schemes!
12
When I came to the city of Troas with the gospel of Christ,
the Lord opened a door for me. 13But my spirit had no relief,
because I was unable to find my brother Titus. So I said farewell
to those at Troas and departed for the province of Macedonia.
14
But thanks be to God, who always leads us triumphantly
through Christ and spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of
Christ through us in every place. 15 To God we are the fragrance
of Christ among those who are being saved and among those
who are perishing. 16 To the one we are an aroma that leads to
death, and to the other we are an aroma that leads to life. And
who is competent of such a task? 17 We do not peddle God’s
word as many others do, but before God we speak sincerely in
Christ as men sent from God.
3
2
Are we starting to commend ourselves again? Or do we need,
like others, letters of recommendation to you or from you?
You are our letter, written in our hearts, which is known and
read by all men. 3It is clear that you are Christ’s letter, the
result of our ministry, a letter not written by ink but by the
Spirit of the living God, a letter not written on stone tablets but
on human hearts.
4
Such is the confidence we have through Christ before God.
5
We do not claim that we are competent in ourselves, because
our competence comes from God. 6It is God who has made us
competent ministers of the new covenant, a covenant that is
not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the
Spirit gives life.
7
Now if the ministry that brought death was engraved in
letters of stone and came with such glory that the children of
Israel could not gaze at the face of Moses because of the glory
of his face, even though the glory was fading, 8 then how much
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2 Corinthians 4
more glorious will the ministry of the Spirit be? 9If the ministry
that brought condemnation was glorious, then how much more
glorious will the ministry be that brings righteousness! 10For
the old covenant was glorious, but its glory cannot compare
with the surpassing glory of the new covenant. 11And if that
which was fading away came with glory, then how much more
glorious is that which is everlasting!
12
Therefore, since we have such a hope, we speak boldly.
13
We are not like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that
the children of Israel could not gaze upon the glory that was
fading away. 14 Their hearts were hardened, for to this very day
the same veil remains when the old covenant is read, because
only in Christ is the veil removed. 15 To this very day when the
Law of Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16But when
anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. 17For the Lord is
the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
18
So all of us with unveiled faces, as if seeing the Lord’s glory in
a mirror, are being changed into His likeness from one degree
of glory to another by the Spirit of the Lord.
4 Since God in His mercy has given us this ministry, we do not

faint. 2But instead we have renounced secret and shameful
ways, and we do not walk deceitfully or distort God’s word.
But we make our appeal to every man’s conscience by clearly
presenting the truth in the sight of God. 3And if our gospel is
hidden, it is hidden from those who are perishing. 4For the god
of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe,
to prevent them from seeing the light of the glorious gospel
of Christ, who is the image of God. 5 We do not preach about
ourselves, but we preach that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that
we are your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6For the same God who
said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” has shone in our hearts
the light of the knowledge of God’s glory, which is revealed in
the face of Jesus Christ.
7
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, which shows
that this infinite power comes from God and not from us. 8We are
afflicted on every side, but not hemmed in. We are confounded,
but not in despair. 9We are persecuted, but not abandoned. We
are struck down, but not destroyed. 10We always carry the death
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of the Lord Jesus in our bodies, so that the life of Jesus may be
manifest in our bodies. 11We who are still alive are constantly
being delivered over to death for the sake of Jesus, so that the
life of Jesus may be manifest in our mortal bodies. 12So death
works in us, but life works in you.
13
It is written,
“I believed, therefore I have spoken.”

(Psalms 116:10)
And since we have that same spirit of faith, we also believe and
therefore speak. 14We know that God, who raised the Lord Jesus
from the dead, will also raise us up through Jesus, and will
present us with you. 15All this is for your sakes, so that God’s
abundant grace may cause much thanksgiving to abound to
the glory of God.
16
Therefore we do not faint. Though our bodies are perishing
on the outside, we are being renewed day by day on the inside.
17
For this present affliction, which is only small and momentary,
is producing an eternal glory that far outweighs all this. 18So
we do not look to the things that are seen, but to the things
that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporary,
but the things that are not seen are eternal.
5 We know that when this tent (our earthly body) is destroyed,

we will have an eternal house in heaven—not made by human
hands, but made by God. 2We groan because we desire to be
clothed with our heavenly dwelling. 3For if we are clothed we
will not be found naked. 4While we are in this tent we groan and
are burdened, not because we desire to lay aside our earthly
bodies, but because we desire to be clothed with our heavenly
bodies, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5It
is God who has prepared us for this very thing and has given
us His Spirit as a pledge of what is to come.
6
Therefore we always take courage, even though we know that
while we are at home in this body we are absent from the Lord.
7
We walk by faith, not by sight. 8 Therefore we take courage,
even though we would rather be absent from this body and at
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2 Corinthians 6
home with the Lord. 9So whether at home or absent, we strive

to please Him. 10For all of us must appear before the judgment
seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive our due reward
for what we have done in this body, whether good or bad.98
11
Therefore, since we know the fear of the Lord, we persuade
others, but God knows our motives, and I hope you know our
motives as well. 12We are not trying to commend ourselves to
you again, but are giving you an opportunity to boast about
us, so that you can answer those who boast about outward
appearances rather than what is in the heart. 13If we are insane,
it is for God’s sake. If we are sane, it is for your sake. 14For
Christ’s love compels us, and brings us to this conclusion: that
if One died for all, then all were dead in sin. 15He died for all,
so that those who live should no longer live for themselves but
for the One who died and rose again.
16
So from now on we do not look at anyone according to the
flesh. We used to look at Christ according to the flesh, but we
no longer do so. 17If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.
Old things have passed away, all things have become new! 18All
this comes from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through
Jesus Christ, and has given us this ministry of reconciliation:
19
that through Christ, God was reconciling the world to Himself
by not counting men’s sins against them. And He has entrusted
us with this message of reconciliation.
20
Therefore, we are Christ’s ambassadors, and through us God
is calling you. So we beg you on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled
to God. 21For God made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us,
so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.
6 As God’s fellow-workers, we beg you not to receive God’s

grace in vain. 2For God says,
98
Immediately after the rapture of the church we will stand
before the judgment seat of Christ. We will be judged on how
faithfully we served the Lord in our actions and deeds, or lack
of, and He will reward us accordingly. The motives of our hearts
will be laid bare! There is no punishment for believers at the
judgment seat of Christ, because our sins were atoned for at
the cross (Romans 14:10-12).
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2 Corinthians 6
“In the time of favour I heard you,

and in the day of salvation I helped you.”
(Isaiah 49:8)
Look, now is the time of favour! Now is the day of salvation!

3
We put no stumbling block in anyone’s way, so that no
fault may be found with our ministry. 4Instead, we demonstrate
that we are God’s ministers in every way: in great endurance;
in afflictions, lack, and distress; 5in beatings, imprisonments,
and riots; in hard work, sleeplessness, hunger, and fasting; 6in
purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness; in the Holy Spirit,
and in sincere love; 7in the word of truth, and in the power of
God; with weapons of righteousness in both the right hand
and the left; 8 through honour and dishonour, bad report and
good report; considered impostors, yet true; 9unknown, yet well
known; condemned to death, yet alive; punished, yet not killed;
10
sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich;
having nothing, yet possessing everything.
11
We have spoken openly to you Corinthians with our hearts
opened wide! 12 We have not held back our love for you, but you
have held back your love for us. 13I ask you, as if you were my
own children, to pay us back in the same way: open wide your
hearts to us!
14
Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what
partnership does righteousness have with lawlessness? Or
what fellowship does light have with darkness? 15What harmony
is there between Christ and Belial?99 Or what portion does a
believer have with an unbeliever? 16What agreement does the
temple of God have with idols? For we are the temple of the
living God—just as God said:
“I will dwell in their midst,

and walk among them.
I will be their God,
and they will be My people.”
(Exodus 29:45; Leviticus 26:12)
(Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27)
99
Belial means “worthlessness,” and refers to satan.
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2 Corinthians 7
“Therefore depart from among them,

17
and be separate, says the Lord.

Touch no unclean thing,
and I will receive you.”
(Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41)
18
“I will be a Father to you,
and you will be My sons and daughters,
says the Lord Almighty.”
(2 Samuel 7:14)
7 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us cleanse

ourselves from all that defiles the body and spirit, perfecting
holiness out of reverence for God.
2
Make room in your hearts for us. We have not wronged
anyone, we have not corrupted anyone, and we have not taken
advantage of anyone. 3I am not saying this to condemn you.
As I told you before, you are in our hearts, and we would be
willing to live or die with you. 4I have great confidence in you.
And I have boasted much about you. I have been filled with
encouragement. And in all our afflictions my joy overflows.
5
When we arrived here in the province of Macedonia, our
bodies had no rest. We were afflicted on every side. We had
conflicts on the outside and fears on the inside. 6But God, who
comforts the depressed, comforted us by the arrival of Titus.
7
We were not only comforted by his arrival, but also by the
comfort he had received from you. For he told us about your
longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me, which made me
rejoice even more!
8
If I grieved you by my previous letter, I do not regret it. I did
regret it at first, but now I see that my letter only grieved you
for a while. 9So now I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but
because your grief led to repentance. This grief was according
to God’s will, and so you were not injured by us in any way.
10
Godly grief produces an unregrettable repentance that leads to
salvation, but worldly grief produces death. 11See what diligence
this Godly grief has produced in you: what earnestness to clear
yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, what
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2 Corinthians 8
zeal, what retribution. In every way you have proved yourselves

to be innocent in this matter. 12 The reason I had previously
written to you was not because of the one who did the wrong,
or because of the one who was wronged, but so that you could
see how devoted to us you are in the sight of God.
13
All this has given us comfort. In addition to our comfort,
we greatly rejoiced when we saw how happy Titus was, for his
spirit was refreshed by all of you. 14For I had boasted to Titus
about you, and I was not put to shame. Just as everything
we told you was true, so our boasting of you to Titus was also
true. 15And his deep affection for you abounds all the more
as he recalls how obedient all of you were when you received
him with fear and trembling. 16 Therefore I rejoice, because in
everything I have confidence in you.
8 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace that God

has given to the churches in the province of Macedonia. 2In a
great test of affliction, their abundant joy and deep poverty has
overflowed in rich generosity. 3For I testify that by their own free
will they gave as much as they were able, even more than they
could afford. 4 They begged us earnestly to let them participate
in this gracious gift to the saints in Jerusalem. 5But they did
not do as we expected, for they gave themselves to the Lord first
and then to us, as was God’s will. 6So we have urged Titus to
finish this gracious gift, which he had previously started among
you. 7Just as you abound in everything—in faith, in word, in
knowledge, in all earnestness, and in your love for us—make
sure that you also abound in this grace of giving.
8
This is not a command, but a test of how genuine your love
is when compared to the earnestness of others. 9For you know
the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though He was rich, for
your sake He became poor, so that through His poverty you
might become rich.
10
In my opinion, I think that it is best for you to finish what
you previously started. Last year you were not only the first to
give, but the first with the desire to do so. 11Now finish what you
have started, so that your readiness to give may be matched
by your willingness to finish—by giving what you can. 12For if
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2 Corinthians 9
a person is ready and willing to give, then the gift is acceptable

according to what they have, not according to what they do
not have.
13
Not that others should receive relief at your expense, but that
there may be equality. 14At this present time your abundance can
supply their need, and when you are in need their abundance
can supply you, so that there may be equality. 15As it is written:
“Those who gathered much

had nothing left over,
and those who gathered little had enough.”
(Exodus 16:18)
16
But thank God for putting the same dedication into the
heart of Titus as we have for you. 17For Titus willingly accepted
our request and has eagerly left to visit you. 18We also sent a
brother along with him who is praised by all the churches for
his work in the gospel. 19 This brother has been appointed by the
churches to accompany us in the ministry of this gracious gift,
which is for the glory of the Lord Himself, and is proof of your
readiness to help. 20 We want to avoid any criticism concerning
the ministry of this liberal gift. 21So we consider beforehand
what is honourable, not only in the sight of the Lord but also
in the sight of man.
22
We also sent our brother with them. He has proven to be
diligent in many ways, and on many occasions, and now he
is even more zealous because of his great confidence in you.
23
Titus is my partner and fellow-worker among you, and our
brothers are messengers of the churches and an honour to
Christ. 24 Therefore, show these men your love, and prove to all
the churches that our boasting about you is true.
9 I do not need to write anything further to you about this

ministry to the saints. 2For I know how eager you are, and
I have been boasting to the Macedonians, that you in Achaia
started making preparations for this gift since last year, and your
zeal has stirred up most of them. 3I have sent these brothers
to you, so that our boasting about you in this matter will not
be in vain, and so that you will be prepared just like I said you
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would be. 4Otherwise, if any of the Macedonians come with me

and find that you are not prepared, we would be ashamed of
our confidence in you, not to mention how you would feel. 5So
I thought that I should urge the brothers to go ahead of us in
order to prepare this blessing, which you previously promised,
so that it will be ready as a blessing and not as something that
is forced.
6
Remember this: those who sow sparingly will reap sparingly,
and those who sow generously will reap generously. 7Each of you
should decide in your own heart what amount to give. Do not
be grieved or pressured, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8For God
is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in every matter
and in every way you will always have everything you need, so
that you can abound in every good work. 9As it is written,
“He has scattered abroad,

he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever.”
(Psalm 112:9)
10
For God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread for
eating, will supply and multiply your seed and will increase
the harvest of your righteousness. 11You will be made rich in
every way so that you can always be generous, and through us
your generosity will cause others to give thanks to God. 12 The
ministry of this gift will not only supply the needs of the saints,
but will also cause many to overflow with thanksgiving to God.
13
For when they see the proof of this ministry they will glorify
God, because you have been obedient to your confession of
the gospel of Christ, and because you have been generous in
sharing with them and everyone else. 14And when they pray for
you, they will long for you because of the surpassing grace God
has given to you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
10 Now I, Paul, appeal to you with the meekness and

gentleness of Christ—I who am humble in person, but
bold when absent! 2I beg you that when I come I will not have
to be as bold and daring as I expect to be toward some people
who think that we walk according to the flesh. 3For though we
walk in this body of flesh, we do not wage war according to the
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flesh. 4 The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but are
mighty through God for the tearing down of strongholds. 5We
refute every philosophy and every high thing that exalts itself
against the knowledge of God, bringing into captivity every
thought to the obedience of Christ. 6We will be ready to punish
all disobedience, once your obedience is complete.
7
Do you only look at the outward appearance of things?
If anyone is confident that he belongs to Christ, he should
consider again that we belong to Christ just as much as he
does. 8For even if I boast somewhat more of our authority—the
authority that the Lord has given to us for building you up, not
for tearing you down—I would not be ashamed. 9I do not want
you to think that I am trying to frighten you with my letters.
10
For some say, “His letters are weighty and forceful, but in
person he is weak, and his words are worthless.” 11These people
should realize that what we say in our letters when absent, we
will do when present.
12
We would never dare to put ourselves into the same class
as these people, or even compare ourselves with those who
commend themselves. Without wisdom they measure themselves
by themselves, and compare themselves with themselves. 13We
will not boast beyond proper boundaries. We will only boast
within the boundary lines that God has assigned to us, which
extends as far as you. 14We are not going beyond our boundaries,
as would be the case if we had not reached you, for we were
the first to reach you with the gospel of Christ. 15Neither do
we go beyond our boundaries by boasting of the work others
have done. On the contrary, we hope that as your faith grows,
you will help us to greatly enlarge our boundary lines. 16 Then
we can preach the gospel in the regions beyond you. For we
will not boast of things already done in the boundary lines of
another man.
17
“Let the man who boasts, boast in the Lord.”
(Jeremiah 9:24)
It is not the man who commends himself who is approved,

18
but the man whom the Lord commends.
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11 I wish that you would bear with a little of my foolishness,

but you are already doing that. 2I am jealous for you with
a godly jealousy, because I promised you in marriage to one
husband, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
3
I fear that somehow, just as the serpent deceived Eve by his
craftiness, your minds might also be led astray from your sincere
devotion to Christ. 4For if someone comes and preaches a different
Jesus than the Jesus we preached, or a different spirit than the
Spirit you received, or a different gospel than the gospel you
accepted, you are willing to bear with them!
5
I do not think that I am inferior to those “super-apostles.” 6I
may not be a skilled speaker, but I do have knowledge, and we
have made all of this clear to you in every way.
7
Or was I wrong to humble myself by preaching the gospel of
God to you free of charge, so that you could be exalted? 8I robbed
other churches by taking wages from them in order to minister
to you. 9When I was present with you and was in need, I was
not a burden to anyone of you, for the brothers who came from
Macedonia fully supplied my needs. In every way I kept myself
from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so. 10Just
as the truth of Christ is in me, no one in the regions of Achaia
will stop me from boasting about this. 11Why? Is it because I do
not love you? God knows that I do!
12
And I will continue doing what I am doing, so that I may
put an end to the boasting of those who consider themselves
equal to us. 13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers,
who pretend to be apostles of Christ. 14And no wonder, for even
satan pretends to be an angel of light. 15So it is no surprise if
his servants also pretend to be servants of righteousness. But
in the end they will be punished for their deeds.
16
Again I say, do not think of me as a fool. But if you do, then
receive me as you would receive a fool, so that I may also boast
a little! 17When I confidently boast like this I am not speaking
as the Lord would speak, but as a fool would speak. 18Since
many boast according to the flesh, I will also boast. 19You gladly
tolerate fools because you are so wise! 20You tolerate anyone
who enslaves you, who devours all that you have, who takes
advantage of you, who exalts himself above you, and anyone
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2 Corinthians 12
who slaps you in the face. 21I am ashamed to say that we are too
weak for that! What anyone else dares to boast about (I speak
as a fool), I also dare to boast about.
22
Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I.
Are they Abraham’s descendants? So am I. 23Are they servants
of Christ? I speak as a fool, but I have served Him far more. I
have worked much harder, been in prison more often, suffered
more floggings, and have faced death more frequently. 24Five
times I received thirty-nine lashes from the Jews. 25 Three times
I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was
shipwrecked, and I was adrift at sea for a night and a day. 26I
have travelled frequently, I have been in danger from rivers, in
danger from bandits, in danger from my own countrymen, in
danger from the Gentiles, in danger in the city, in danger in the
wilderness, in danger at sea, and in danger from false brothers.
27
I have laboured and toiled, gone without sleep, been hungry and
thirsty, fasted often, and have been cold and naked. 28Besides
all this, I am overwhelmed daily with my concern for all the
churches. 29Who is weak, and I do not sympathize with their
weakness? Who is enticed into sin, and I do not burn with anger?
30
If I am compelled to boast, I will boast of the things that
show my weakness. 31The God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ, who is blessed forever, knows that I am not lying! 32 The
governor in Damascus, who was under King Aretas, guarded
the city of Damascus in order to arrest me. 33But I was lowered
in a basket through a window in the city wall, and escaped from
his hands.
12 I am compelled to boast, even though it is not profitable. I

will go on to visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I know
a man in Christ who fourteen years ago—whether it was in the
body or out of the body I do not know, only God knows—was
snatched up to the third heaven. 3I know that this man—whether
it was in the body or out of the body I do not know, only God
knows—4was snatched up to paradise and heard inexpressible
words, which a man is not permitted to speak. 5I will boast
about this kind of man, but I will not boast about myself, except
about my weaknesses. 6If I wanted to boast I would not be a fool,
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because I would be speaking the truth. But I will refrain, so that

no one will think more of me than what they see or hear me do.
7
To keep me from becoming conceited because of these
extraordinary revelations, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a
messenger of satan, to strike me repeatedly, so that I would
not become conceited. 8 Three times I begged the Lord to take
it away from me. 9But He told me, “My grace is sufficient for
you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” So I will gladly
boast about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest
on me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in all weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and calamities that I suffer for the
sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
11
I boasted like a fool, but you have compelled me to do so.
I should have been commended by you, for I am not inferior to
those “super-apostles,” even though I am nothing. 12 The signs
of an apostle were performed among you with all perseverance
by signs, wonders, and miracles. 13How were you inferior to the
other churches, except that I myself was not a burden to you?
Forgive me of this wrong!
14
I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be
a burden to you. I do not desire your possessions, but you.
For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but
parents for their children. 15So I will gladly spend and expend
myself for your souls. Even though the more I love you, the
less you love me.
16
Be that as it may, I have never been a burden to you, though
some say that I was crafty and took you by trickery! 17Did I
take advantage of you through any of the men I sent to you?
18
When I urged Titus to visit you and sent our brother along
with him, did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in
the same spirit and in the same footsteps? 19Do you think that
we have been defending ourselves before you this whole time?
No, we have been speaking before God in Christ, and everything
we do, beloved, is for your edification. 20I am afraid that when
I come I may not find you as I wish, and that you may not
find me as you wish. I am afraid that I may find quarrelling,
jealousy, anger, strife, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder.
21
I am afraid that when I come again, my God may humble me
before you, and that I may mourn over many of those who have
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continued in their sins and have not repented of the impurity,

sexual immorality, and sensuality that they have practiced.
13 This is the third time that I am coming to visit you.

“At the mouth of two or three witnesses
every matter must be established.”
(Deuteronomy 19:15)
2
Therefore, I write to those who have continued in their sins
and to all the rest. What I said before, when I was present with
you the second time, I will say again while absent: if I come
again, I will not spare those people—3since you are looking for
proof that Christ is really speaking through me; Christ who is
not weak in dealing with you, but who is mighty among you.
4
Although He was crucified in weakness, He now lives by God’s
power. Although we are weak like He was, when dealing with
you, we will be alive with Him by God’s power.
Examine yourselves to see if you are still in the faith. Test

5
yourselves! Do you not know that Jesus Christ lives in you?—

unless, of course, you fail to pass the test! 6I hope you realize
that we have not failed the test. 7We pray to God that you will
not do what is evil. Our desire is not to show you that we are
approved by God, but that you will do what is right, even if it
seems like we have failed. 8For we cannot do anything against
the truth, but only for the truth. 9We rejoice whenever we are
weak and you are strong, and we pray for your restoration. 10I
write these things while I am absent from you, so that when I
am present I will not have to be harsh in my use of authority—
the authority that the Lord has given to me for building you
up, not for tearing you down.
11
Now, brothers, I say farewell. Be restored, be comforted,
be of one mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace
will be with you.
Greet one another with a holy kiss.

12 13
All the saints here
greet you.
14
May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God,
and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all! Amen.
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Galatians 1
Galatians
1 From: Paul, an apostle, who was sent neither from men nor
by man but by Jesus Christ and God the Father who raised
Him from the dead, 2and from all the brothers who are here
with me.
To the churches in the province of Galatia:
Grace and peace to you from God the Father and our Lord
3
Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins so that He might
deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our
God and Father. 5 To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting the One who

6
called you by the grace of Christ and are following a different

gospel, 7when there is no other gospel! There must be some who
are troubling you, who are determined to pervert the gospel of
Christ. 8But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach
a different gospel than the one we have preached to you, let
him be cursed! 9As we have said before, and now say again: if
anyone preaches a different gospel than the gospel you have
received, let him be cursed!
Am I trying to gain favour with man or God? Or do I seek

10
to please man? If I were still trying to please man, then I would

not be a slave of Christ.
I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I preached

11
to you did not come from man. 12I did not receive it from man
nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation from
Jesus Christ.
13
For you have heard of my former way of life in Judaism,
how I greatly persecuted God’s church and tried to destroy it.
14
I had advanced in Judaism far beyond many of my Jewish
peers, because I was extremely zealous for the traditions of my
forefathers.
15
But when God, who separated me from my mother’s womb
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Galatians 2
and called me by His grace, was pleased 16 to reveal His Son to

me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not
immediately go and consult with flesh and blood. 17Niether did
I go down to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before
I was, but instead I went into Arabia and then returned again
to Damascus.
18
Then three years later I went down to Jerusalem so that I
could personally meet Peter, and I stayed with him for fifteen
days. 19I never saw any of the other apostles except the Lord’s
brother James. 20God is my witness that what I am writing to
you is no lie.
21
After that I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. 22 The
churches of Christ in Judea did not even personally know me.
23
This is all they had heard: “The man who once persecuted us
is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” 24And
they gave glory to God because of me.
2 Then I went again to Jerusalem fourteen years later with

Barnabas, and I took Titus along with me. 2I went there
because of a revelation. I declared to them the gospel that I
preach among the Gentiles. But I did this privately with those
of reputation, for fear that somehow I had been running or had
run my race in vain. 3Not even my companion Titus, who was
a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised. 4Even though false
brothers had snuck in secretly to spy on the freedom we have
in Christ Jesus, in order to bring us into bondage. 5Not for a
moment did we yield in submission to them, so that the truth
of the gospel might remain with you.
6
And those of reputation—whatever they were makes no
difference to me, for God does not judge by outward appearances—
those of reputation did not add anything to my message. 7On the
contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted with preaching the
gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been entrusted
with preaching the gospel to the circumcised. 8For God, who
worked through Peter as an apostle to the circumcised, also
worked through me as an apostle to the Gentiles. 9And when
James, Cephas, and John, who were reputed as pillars of the
church, recognized the grace that was given to me, they gave
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Galatians 3
me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship. They encouraged

us to go to the Gentles, while they went to the circumcised.
10
Their only request was that we remember the poor, the very
thing I was eager to do.
11
But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face,
because he was at fault. 12When Peter first came, he ate with
the Gentiles. But afterward, when some men came from James,
he withdrew and separated himself from the Gentiles, because
he feared those of the circumcision party. 13The rest of the Jews
acted hypocritically along with him, and even Barnabas was
led astray by their hypocrisy.
14
When I saw that they were not walking in line with the
truth of the gospel, I said to Peter in front of them all, “Why do
you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews, when you yourself
live like a Gentile and not like a Jew? 15We are Jews by birth,
and not Gentile sinners. 16We know that a man is not justified
by obeying the law, but only through faith in Christ Jesus. We
have also believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified
by faith in Christ and not by obeying the law, for no flesh will
be justified by the works of the law. 17But if while seeking to be
justified in Christ we are found to be sinners, does that make
Christ a minister of sin? Never! 18For if I rebuild what I have
destroyed, I prove that I am a transgressor. 19For through the
law I died to the law, so that I might live for God. 20I have been
crucified with Christ and no longer live, but Christ lives in me.
Now, the life I live in this body, I live by faith in the Son of God
who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21I do not cast aside the
grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law, then
Christ died for nothing!”
3 You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you not to obey

the truth? For Christ Jesus was clearly portrayed before
your eyes as crucified. 2I only desire to learn one thing from
you: did you receive the Spirit by doing the works of the law,
or by believing what you heard by faith? 3Are you so foolish?
Having started with the Spirit, can you finish with the flesh?
4
Have you suffered so much for nothing—unless it was really
all for nothing?
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Galatians 3
5
Does God supply you with the Spirit and work miracles
among you because you do the works of the law, or because
you believe what you heard by faith? 6Consider this:
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited

to him as righteousness.”
(Genesis 15:6)
7
Therefore, understand this: those who believe by faith
are sons of Abraham. 8 The Scripture foresaw that God would
justify the Gentiles by faith, when the gospel was announced
beforehand to Abraham through a promise:
“Through you all nations will be blessed.”

(Genesis 12:3)
So those who believe by faith are blessed along with Abraham,

9
who believed by faith.

10
Everyone who does the works of the law are under a curse,
for it is written,
“Cursed is everyone who does not continue

doing all that is written
in the Book of the Law!”
(Deuteronomy 27:26)
11
It is clear that no man is justified by the law before God, for,
“The just will live by faith.”

(Habakkuk 2:4)
12
The law is not by faith; on the contrary,
“The man who practices these things will

live by them.”
(Leviticus 18:5)
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a

13
curse for us. For it is written,
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Galatians 3
“Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.”

(Deuteronomy 21:23)
14
Jesus Christ redeemed us in order that the blessing promised
to Abraham would come to the Gentiles through Him, so that
we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
15
Brothers, here is a human illustration. No man can add or
subtract from a covenant that has been confirmed. 16Now the
promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. It does not
say “And to your seeds,” which refers to many, but it refers to
one, “And to your seed,” who is Christ. 17This is my point: the
law, which came 430 years later, does not cancel the covenant
that was previously confirmed by God in Christ, otherwise the
promise would have been abolished. 18For if the inheritance
comes through the law, then it no longer comes through a
promise, but God gave it to Abraham through a promise.
19
So why was the law given? It was added to define
transgressions, and was instituted through angels by the hands
of a mediator (Moses), until the seed (Jesus) to whom the promise
referred had come. 20A mediator represents more than one, but
God is one.
21
So is the law against the promises of God? Never! For if a law
had been given that was able to impart life, then righteousness
would have truly come through the law. 22But the Scripture
shows that all are imprisoned under sin, so that the promise,
which is by faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to all who
believe. 23Before faith came we were kept in custody under the
law, imprisoned until faith was to be revealed. 24So the law was
our guardian to lead us to Christ, so that we might be justified
by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under
a guardian.
26
You are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. 27For
all who were baptized into Christ have clothed themselves with
Christ. 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or
female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29And if you belong
to Christ, then you are Abraham’s descendants, and heirs
according to the promise.
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Galatians 4
4
2
What I am saying is this: as long as the heir is a child, he is
no different than a slave, even though he owns everything.
He is under guardians and stewards until the time set by
his father. 3It was the same when we were children, we were
slaves to the elementary principles of this world. 4But when
the appointed time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman,
born under the law, 5 to redeem those who were under the law,
so that He could adopt us as sons.
6
And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His
Son into our hearts, the Spirit who cries out, “Abba, Father!”100
7
So you are no longer a slave but a son. And if you are a son,
then you are an heir of God through Christ.
8
In the past, when you did not know God, you were slaves to
what by nature were not gods. 9But now that you know God—or
more accurately, are known by God—how can you turn again
to those weak and poor elementary principles? Do you desire to
be enslaved by them all over again? 10You are observing special
days, months, seasons, and years! 11I fear for you, that perhaps
my labour among you was in vain!
12
Brothers, I beg you: become like me, for I became like you.
You have not wronged me. 13You know how sick I was when I
first preached the gospel to you. 14Yet you did not despise or
reject me on account of my sickness. But instead you received
me as if I were an angel of God, or as if I were Christ Jesus
Himself. 15What has happened to your joy? I can testify that if it
were possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and
given them to me. 16So have I now become your enemy because
I am telling you the truth?
17
These false teachers are zealous for you, but their motives
are not good. They desire to isolate you from us, so that you
will be zealous for them. 18It is always good to be zealous for
what is good, and not only when I am present with you. 19My
little children, I am once again suffering labour pains for you,
and this will continue until Christ is formed in you. 20I wish
I were present with you now, so that I could change my tone,
because I am puzzled about you!
100
Abba is the Aramaic word for father.
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Galatians 5
21
Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not
listen to the law? 22For it is written that Abraham had two sons,
one by the slave woman and one by the free woman. 23 The son
of the slave woman was born according to the flesh, but the
son of the free woman was born according to a promise. 24 These
two women are symbolic of two different covenants. The slave
woman, Hagar, represents the covenant from Mount Sinai,
because her children are born into slavery. 25Hagar represents
Mount Sinai in Arabia, and she corresponds to present-day
Jerusalem, which is in slavery along with her children. 26But
the Jerusalem that is above is free, and she is our mother.
27
For it is written,
“Rejoice, O barren woman,

who has not given birth!
Break out with joyful shouts,
you who have no labour pains!
For the children of the desolate woman will be
more numerous than the children of the
woman with a husband!”
(Isaiah 54:1)
28
Now we, brothers, like Isaac, are children of the promise.
29
But just as it was at that time, the son who was born according
to the flesh persecuted the son who was born according to the
Spirit, so it is now. 30But what does the Scripture say?
“Cast out the slave woman and her son,

for the son of the slave woman will not
be heir with the son of the free woman.”
(Genesis 21:10)
Therefore, brothers, we are not children of the slave woman

31
but of the free woman.
5 For freedom Christ has set us free. So stand firm, and do

not become ensnared again by a yoke of slavery. 2Look!
I, Paul, tell you that if you become circumcised, Christ will
be of no benefit to you! 3Again, I testify to every man: if you
become circumcised, then you will be obligated to keep the
whole law. 4 Those trying to be justified by the law have been
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Galatians 5
cut off from Christ and have fallen from grace! 5But through the
Spirit, by faith, we wait for the hope of righteousness. 6For in
Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters;
what matters is faith working through love.
7
You were running your race well. Who has hindered you
from obeying the truth? 8Such persuasion does not come from
the One who calls you. 9A little yeast ferments the whole lump of
dough. 10 I am confident in the Lord that you will take no other
view. But the one who is troubling you will bear his judgment,
whoever he may be.
11
Brothers, if I am still preaching circumcision, then why am
I still being persecuted? If that were the case, then the offence
of the cross would be abolished. 12I wish those troubling you
would castrate themselves!
13
For you, brothers, were called to freedom. So do not use
your freedom to gratify the flesh, but to serve one another in
love. 14For the whole law is fulfilled in one command:
“You must love your neighbour as yourself.”

(Leviticus 19:18)
Beware, if you bite and devour one another, you might destroy
15
one another!
16
So I say this: walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the
desires of the flesh. 17For the flesh desires what is contrary to
the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are
opposed to one another, so that you do not do what you want to
do. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.
19
Now the works of the flesh are obvious: adultery, fornication,
impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, drugs and witchcraft, hatred,
quarrelling, jealousy, rage, strife, divisions, factions, 21envy,
drunkenness, wild partying, and similar things. I warn you, as
I have warned you before, that those who practice such things
will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience,
kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23meekness, and self-control.
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Galatians 6
There is no law against such things! 24 Those who belong to

Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh along with its passions
and desires. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the
Spirit. 26Let us not become self-conceited, provoking and envying
one another.
6 Brothers, if a man is overtaken by any sin, those who are

spiritual should restore him gently in a spirit of meekness.
Watch yourself, or you may also be tempted. 2Bear one another’s
burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. 3If
anyone thinks that he is something, when he is nothing, he
deceives himself. 4Every man should examine his own actions.
Then he can be proud of himself alone, without comparing
himself to others. 5For each man will have his own load to carry.
6
Those who are taught the word should share all good things
with their teacher.
7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. Whatever a
man sows, he will reap. 8 Those who sow to please their flesh,
will reap decay from the flesh, but those who sow to please the
Spirit, will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9Let us not grow
weary of doing good, for in due time we will reap a harvest if
we do not faint. 10So then, whenever we have an opportunity,
let us do good to all, especially to the family of faith.
11
See how large my letters are when I write in my own
handwriting. 12 Those who want to look good concerning the
flesh, only compel you to be circumcised, because they do not
want to be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13For those who
are circumcised do not even keep the law, yet they want you to
be circumcised so that they can boast about your flesh. 14But
may I never boast about anything except for the cross of our Lord
Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me,
and I to the world! 15For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision
nor uncircumcision matters; what matters is a new creation.
16
May peace and mercy rest upon all who walk by this rule,
and upon the true Israel of God!101
101
May peace and mercy rest upon all who walk by this rule,
and upon all those Jews who believe in Jesus Christ!
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Galatians 6
17
From now on let no man cause me trouble, for I bear the
scars of the Lord Jesus on my body.
18
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit,
brothers! Amen.
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Ephesians 1
Ephesians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God. To
the saints in the city of Ephesus who are faithful in Christ
Jesus:
2
Jesus Christ!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

3
who through Christ has blessed us with every spiritual blessing

in the heavenly realms. 4For God in His love chose us in Christ
before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in
His sight. 5He predestined to adopt us as His sons through Jesus
Christ, according to the pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of
His glorious grace that He has favourably given to us through
the Beloved One.
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness

7
of sin, according to the riches of God’s grace, 8 which God has

abundantly given to us in all wisdom and insight. 9For God
revealed the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure
that He purposed in Christ: 10 that when the time is fully complete,
He will gather all things in heaven and on earth together under
the headship of Christ. 11Through Christ we have obtained an
inheritance, which was predestined according to the purpose
of God who works all things out according to the counsel of His
will, 12so that we, who first hoped in Christ, might bring praise
and glory to God.
You also put your hope in Christ after hearing the word of
13
truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed in Him

you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is the
pledge guaranteeing our inheritance until God redeems those
He has purchased for the praise of His glory.
Therefore, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus

15
and your love for all the saints, 16I have not stopped giving
thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers. 17I pray that
the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give
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Ephesians 2
you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him.

18
I also pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so
that you may understand the hope of His calling, the riches of
His inheritance in the saints, 19and the surpassing greatness
of His power toward us who believe; all this is according to the
working of His mighty power, 20which God used when He raised
Christ from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the
heavenly realms, 21far above all rule and authority, power and
dominion, and every name that can be named—not only in this
present age, but also in the age to come.
22
God has put everything under His feet and has made Him
head over everything for the church, 23which is Christ’s body,
the fullness of Christ who fills all in all.
2 You were once dead because of your trespasses and sins. 2In
the past you walked according to the ways of this world and
according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is
presently at work in the sons of disobedience. 3We all previously
lived like them, walking after the lusts of the flesh by fulfilling
the desires of our flesh and mind; we were by nature children
of wrath just like them.
4
But God—who is rich in mercy, because of the great love with
which He loved us—5made us alive with Christ even though we
were dead in our transgressions—for by grace you have been
saved. 6For in Christ Jesus, God has raised us up with Christ
and has seated us with Him in the heavenly realms, 7so that in
the ages to come He might show us the surpassing riches of His
gracious kindness towards us in Christ Jesus. 8For by grace you
have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, for it
is the gift of God; 9it is not by works, so that no man may boast.
10
For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do
the good works that God prepared in advance for us to walk in.
11
Remember that you who are Gentiles by birth were previously
called “the uncircumcised” by those who call themselves “the
circumcised”—a circumcision, which is made in the flesh by
the hands of men. 12At that time you were separated from
Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to
the covenants of promise, living in this world without hope and
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Ephesians 3
without God. 13But now in Christ Jesus, you who were once far
off have been brought near through the blood of Christ.
14
For Christ is our peace, and He has made both groups
one by tearing down the wall of division. 15He abolished in
His flesh the hostility of the law with its commandments and
decrees, making peace between the two by creating in Himself
one new man out of the two, 16 that through the cross He might
reconcile both groups to God, making them into one body, thus
killing their hostility. 17He came and proclaimed the good news
of peace to you who were far off, and to those who were near.
18
For through Christ both groups have access to the Father by
one Spirit.
19
Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but
fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.
20
You have been built on the foundation of the apostles and
prophets, and Jesus Christ Himself is the Chief Cornerstone. 21In
Him the whole building is being joined together and is growing
into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 Through Christ you Gentles
are also being built together to become a dwelling place where
God lives by His Spirit.
3 For this reason, I, Paul, have become a prisoner of Christ

Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles. 2Surely you have heard
that God has made me a steward of His grace to you Gentiles. 3I
received this mystery by revelation, as I briefly wrote before. 4So
as you read this, you will be able to understand my knowledge
in the mystery of Christ. 5In past generations this mystery was
not made known to men, but now it has been revealed by God’s
Spirit to His holy apostles and prophets. 6 This is the mystery:
that through the gospel the Gentiles are fellow heirs, members
of the same body, and partakers of God’s promise in Christ. 7I
have become a minister of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace,
which He has given to me through the working of His power.
8
Although I am the very least of all the saints, I was given this
grace of preaching the unsearchable riches of Christ to the
Gentiles, 9 to shed light on this mysterious plan that through
the ages has been hidden in God, who created all things by
Jesus Christ, 10 that the manifold wisdom of God might be made
known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the
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Ephesians 4
heavenly realms. 11 This was according to God’s eternal purpose

that He carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord, 12in whom
we can boldly approach God with confidence through faith
in Him. 13So I ask you not to be disheartened because of the
troubles that I suffer on your behalf—they are for your benefit.
14
For this reason I bow my knees before the Father of our
Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in heaven and on
earth is named. 16I pray that according to His glorious riches He
would strengthen your inner man with power through His Spirit,
17
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. I also
pray that you will be rooted and grounded in love, 18so that you
may be able to comprehend with all the saints, how wide, how
long, how high, and how deep Christ’s love is, 19and that you
may know the love of Christ, which surpasses all knowledge,
so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
20
Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond
all we ask or think, according to His power that is at work
within us, 21to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus
throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen.
4 I, Paul, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner

worthy of the calling to which you have been called, 2 with
all humility and meekness, bearing patiently with one another
in love, 3being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit through
the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as
when you were called you were called to one hope—5one Lord,
one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is above
all, who is everywhere, and who lives in us all.
7
But each one of us has been given a certain measure of grace
according to the gift of Christ. 8 That is why it says:
“When He ascended on high,

He led captivity captive,
and gave gifts to men.”
(Psalm 68:18)
9
Does not the words “He ascended” mean that He also
descended to the lower parts, that is, descended to the earth?
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Ephesians 4
10
The One who descended is also the same One who ascended
far above all the heavens, so that He would fill everything.
11
Christ gave apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and
teachers, 12for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the
ministry, and for the edification of the body of Christ, 13until
we all become united in the faith and in the full knowledge of
God’s Son, becoming a fully grown man that measures up to
the maturity and stature of Christ’s fullness. 14 Then we will no
longer be infants tossed to and fro and carried about by every
wind of doctrine, which is taught by cunning men in their
craftiness and deceitful schemes. 15Instead, by speaking the
truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Christ who is the
head. 16From Him the whole body is joined and held together by
every contributing joint. And when each one of the parts does
its work, the body grows and edifies itself in love.
17
Therefore I say this, and testify in the Lord: you must no
longer walk as the other Gentiles do, because they walk in the
foolishness of their thinking. 18 Their minds are full of darkness,
and they are alienated from the life of God, because of their
ignorance and their hard hearts. 19 They have become apathetic
and have given themselves over to sensuality, greedily practicing
every kind of impurity.
20
But that is not what you have learned about Christ! 21If
you have truly heard about Him, and have been taught about
Him according to the truth in Jesus, 22 then cast off the old man
along with its former behaviour, for it is corrupted by deceitful
desires. 23Instead, be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and
put on the new man, which is created after God’s likeness in
true righteousness and holiness.
25
Therefore cast off falsehood,
“let every man speak the truth to

his neighbour,”
(Zechariah 8:16)
for we are all members of one body.
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Ephesians 5
26
“When you are angry, do not sin.”
(Psalm 4:4)
Do not let the sun go down without dealing with your anger,
27
or give the devil a place of opportunity. 28 Those who steal must
stop stealing and start working, using their own hands for what
is good, so that they may have something to share with those in
need. 29Do not let any corrupt words come out of your mouth,
but only speak what is good and useful for edification, so that
those who hear will benefit. 30Do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit,
by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Remove
all bitterness, rage, anger, quarrelling, and slander from among
you, along with all hatred. 32Be kind and tender-hearted to one
another, forgiving one another just as God forgave you in Christ.
5 As beloved children be imitators of God. 2Walk in love, just

as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as an offering
and sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling fragrance.
3
Let there be no sexual immorality, impurity, or greed even
mentioned among you, because these things are improper for the
saints. 4Let there be no obscenity, foolish talk, or course joking
among you, because these things are improper, but instead
give thanksgiving. 5For we know that no sexually immoral,
impure, or greedy idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom
of Christ and God. 6Let no man deceive you with empty words,
for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the
sons of disobedience. 7So do not be participants with them.
8
You were once darkness, but in the Lord you are now light.
So walk as children of the light. 9For the fruit of the Spirit
consists of all goodness, righteousness, and truth. 10So examine
what is acceptable to the Lord. 11And do not participate in the
unfruitful works of darkness, but instead refute and expose
them. 12For it is shameful even to speak of the things they have
done in secret.
13
Everything that is exposed by the light becomes visible, and
where everything is visible there is light. 14That is why it says,
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Ephesians 5
“Wake up, sleeper, arise from the dead,

and Christ will shine upon you.”102
15
So be careful how you live; do not be unwise, but wise.
16
Spend your time wisely, because the days are evil.
17
Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the Lord’s
will is. 18Do not get drunk with wine, and indulge in immorality,
but instead be filled with the Holy Spirit, 19speaking to one
another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and
playing music with your hearts to the Lord, 20always giving
thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ, 21submitting to one another in the fear of God.
22
Wives, submit to your husbands, as you would to the Lord.
23
For the husband is the head of the wife, just as Christ is
the head of the church. The church is His body, and He is its
Saviour. 24Just as the church submits to Christ, wives must
also submit to their husbands in everything.
25
Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church. For
He gave Himself up for the church, 26so that He might sanctify
and cleanse it by washing it with the water of the word, 27in
order to present a glorious church to Himself—a church without
spot or wrinkle or any other kind of blemish, a church that is
holy and blameless. 28In the same way, husbands ought to love
their wives as they do their own bodies. The man who loves his
wife loves himself. 29For no man hates his own body. On the
contrary, he nurtures and cares for it. Just as Christ nurtures
and cares for the church. 30 We are members of His body—of
His flesh and of His bones.
31
“For this reason a man will leave his father
and the two will become one flesh.”
(Genesis 2:24)
32
This is a great mystery; of course, I am speaking about Christ
and the church. 33Nevertheless, every man must love his wife
as he loves himself, and every wife must respect her husband.
102
Quoted from an unknown source, but may allude to Isaiah
26:19 and Isaiah 60:1-3.
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Ephesians 6
6 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is

right. 2“Honour your father and mother” (this is the first
commandment with a promise), 3“so that it may go well with
you, and that you may live long on the earth.”103
4
Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but nurture
them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
5
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling
and with a sincere heart, as you would Christ. 6Do not be people-
pleasers, only working hard when your master is watching.
But work as Christ’s slaves, doing God’s will from your heart.
7
Serve them with kindness, as you would the Lord—not man.
8
Remember that the Lord will reward every man for whatever
good he does, whether he is slave or free.
9
Masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten
them, for you know that both their Master and yours is in
heaven, and that He shows no favouritism.
10
Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power
of His might. 11And put on the full armour of God, so that you
will be able to stand firm against the devil’s schemes. 12For we
do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers,
against the authorities, against the powers who govern this
dark world, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in
the heavenly realms.
13
Therefore put on the full armour of God, so that you will
be able to stand against the enemy in the day of evil, and after
you have done everything, stand firm. 14 Therefore, stand firm!
Have the belt of truth buckled around your waist, put on the
breastplate of righteousness, 15and shoe your feet with the
preparation of the gospel of peace. 16Also take up the shield of
faith, for with it you will be able to extinguish all the flaming
arrows of the evil one. 17And take the helmet of salvation and
the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18Pray in the
Spirit at all times with all kinds of prayers and petitions, always
watching persistently, making petitions for all the saints. 19Pray
for me also, that God will give me the right words to say when
I open my mouth to speak, so that I will have the boldness to
103
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Ephesians 6
preach the mystery of the gospel, 20for which I am an ambassador

in chains, so that I will be able to speak as boldly as I should.
21
Now Tychicus, who is a beloved brother and faithful minister
in the Lord, will tell you everything about how I am and what
I am doing. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so
that you may know how we are doing, and that he may comfort
your hearts.
23
Peace to the brothers, may love combined with faith be
yours from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24Grace
be to all who sincerely love our Lord Jesus Christ! Amen.
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Philippians 1
Philippians
1 From: Paul and Timothy, slaves of Christ Jesus. To all the
saints of Christ Jesus who live in the city of Philippi, together
with the overseers and deacons:
2
Jesus Christ!
I thank my God whenever I remember you. 4Whenever I pray

3
for all of you, I always make my petitions with joy. 5For you
have been my fellow partners in the gospel from the first day
until now. 6I am confident of this: that He who began a good
work in you will continue doing so until He finishes it on the
day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to think this way about
all of you, because I hold you in my heart. For whether I am
in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, you are all
partakers with me of grace. 8God is my witness of how I long
for all of you with the tender mercies of Jesus Christ.
And I pray that your love will abound even more and more
9
in all knowledge and discernment. 10I pray that you will be

able to approve what is true and genuine, so that you may be
sincere and blameless until the day of Christ, 11being filled with
the fruit of righteousness through Jesus Christ, to the glory
and praise of God.
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to

12
me has happened for the advancement of the gospel. 13It has

become apparent throughout the whole praetorian guard and
to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14Many of the
brothers have become confident in the Lord because of my
chains, and they are speaking the word more courageously
without fear.
Some truly preach Christ out of envy and strife, but others
15
out of goodwill. 16 Those who proclaim Christ out of strife are not
sincere, and they are adding affliction to my chains. 17But the
others do it out of love, knowing that I have been appointed to
defend the gospel. 18But why should I worry about that? For in every
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way Christ is being proclaimed, whether with false motives or

true. And for this reason I rejoice, and will continue to rejoice.
19
I know that because of your petitions and the help of the
Spirit of Jesus Christ, this will turn out for my deliverance. 20I
eagerly expect and hope that I will not be ashamed of anything,
but that with all boldness, now as always, Christ will be magnified
in my body, whether by life or death. 21For to me, to live is Christ,
and to die is gain. 22If living in this body means more fruitful
work for me, then what should I choose? I do not know! 23I am
hard-pressed and cannot choose between the two: I long to
depart and be with Christ, which is far better, 24but for you it is
more necessary that I remain in the body. 25Convinced of this, I
know that I will stay and will continue helping all of you for your
advancement and joy in the faith. 26 Then, when I return to you
again, you may boast about what Christ Jesus has done for me.
27
I ask only that you live in a manner worthy of the gospel
of Christ. Then, whether I come to see you or remain absent, I
will hear that you are standing firm, united in one Spirit, with
one mind, striving together in the faith of the gospel, 28without
being frightened in anyway by your opponents—which is a sign
to them that they will perish, but that you will be saved, and
that by God. 29For on behalf of Christ, you have not only been
given the privilege to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.
30
And now you are in the same conflict that you previously saw
me in, and still hear that I am in.
2 Now if you have any encouragement in Christ, if you have

any comfort from His love, if you have any fellowship with
His Spirit, and if you have any sympathy and compassion, 2 then
make my joy complete by being like-minded with one purpose,
united as one with the same love. 3Do not do anything out of
strife or self-conceit, but in humility think of others as better
than yourselves. 4Do not only look out for your own interests,
but also for the interests of others.
5
Have the same attitude in yourselves as Christ Jesus:
6
Who, although He existed in the form of God,
did not consider His equality with God
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Philippians 2
as something to hold on to.

7
Instead He emptied Himself,
took on the form of a slave,
and was born in the likeness of men.
8
And when He appeared as a man,
He humbled Himself
and became obedient to the point of death—
death on the cross!
9
Therefore God has highly exalted Him
and has given Him the name
that is above all names,
10
that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11
and every tongue will confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
12
Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always been
obedient—not only in my presence, but now even more so in
my absence—work out your salvation with fear and trembling.
13
For God is the One working in you to produce the desires and
actions that accomplish His purpose.
14
Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that
you may become blameless and innocent children of God, who
are faultless in the midst of a twisted and perverse generation,
among whom you shine like lights in the world, 16as you hold
on to the word of life, so that I will be able to boast on the day
of Christ because I did not run or labour in vain.
17
But even though I am being poured out like a drink offering
on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice
with all of you. 18In the same way, you should also be glad and
rejoice with me.
19
Now I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly,
so that I may be encouraged when I learn of your well-being. 20I
have no one else who is like-minded, with such genuine care for
your welfare. 21For everyone else looks out for their own interests,
not those of Christ Jesus. 22But you know that Timothy has
proven himself trustworthy, like a son with his father he has
served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 Therefore, I hope to
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Philippians 3
send him as soon as I learn of my circumstances. 24

And I trust
in the Lord that I will also come shortly.
25
I think it is necessary to send Epaphroditus back to you.
He is a brother, fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier with me, and
he is the messenger that you sent to minister to my needs. 26He
longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard that he
was sick. 27For truly he was sick and close to death. But God had
mercy on him, not only on him but also on me, to keep me from
sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am very eager to send him
back, that you may see him again and rejoice, and that I may
not be so worried. 29Give him a joyful welcome in the Lord, and
honour men like him. 30For he almost died for the work of Christ,
risking his life to supply the help that you could not give me.
3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. I have no problem

writing to you the same things over again, because it is for
your own safety.
2
Beware of those dogs, those evil workers, those mutilators
of the flesh! 3For we are the true circumcision, we who worship
by the Spirit of God, who boast in Christ Jesus, and who put
no confidence in the flesh. 4Yet I have some basis for having
confidence in the flesh. And if anyone else thinks that he can
place his confidence in the flesh, I can even more:
5
I was circumcised on the eight day;
I am a descendant of Israel,
from the tribe of Benjamin;
I am a Hebrew of Hebrew parents;
according to the law, a Pharisee;
6
according to zeal, I persecuted the church;
according to legalistic righteousness,
blameless.
7
These things were once valuable to me, but now I count them
as loss for the sake of Christ. 8I truly count everything a loss
compared to the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my
Lord. For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count
it all as rubbish so that I may gain Christ, 9and may be found
in Him, not having a righteousness of my own that is based on
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the law—but having a righteousness from God that is based

on faith in Christ. 10I want to know Christ, I want to know the
power of His resurrection, I want to share in the fellowship of
His sufferings, I want to become like Him in His death, 11so that
somehow I may attain the resurrection of the dead.
12
I have not obtained it yet, or have been perfected yet, but I
am pursuing to take hold of it because Christ Jesus took hold of
me. 13Brothers, I know that I have not taken hold of it yet. But
this one thing I do: I forget what is behind and reach for what is
ahead. 14I am pursuing after the goal, the prize of God’s upward
calling in Christ Jesus.
15
Everyone who is mature should think like this. And if
anyone thinks otherwise, God will reveal these things to him.
16
Nevertheless, we must continue walking according to the
standard we have already attained.
17
Imitate what I do brothers, and closely watch those who
walk according to the example that we have given you. 18As I
have often told you, and in tears I say it again: many walk as
enemies of the cross of Christ. 19 Their end is destruction, their
god is their stomach, their glory is their shame, and their minds
are on earthly things. 20But our citizenship is in heaven, and
from there we eagerly await the return of our Saviour, the Lord
Jesus Christ. 21He will transform our lowly bodies to be like
His glorious body, by the working of His power—which brings
everything under His authority.
4 Therefore, my beloved brothers whom I long for, my joy and

crown, stand firm in the Lord my beloved.
2
I beg Euodia, and I beg Syntyche, to agree in the Lord. 3I also
ask you, my loyal companion, to help these women, for they have
struggled with me in the gospel, along with Clement and the rest
of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the Book of Life.
4
Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I say, rejoice!
5
Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord’s coming
is near!
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Philippians 4
6
Do not worry about anything, but in every situation make your
requests known to God by prayers, petitions, and thanksgiving.
7
Then God’s peace, which surpasses all understanding, will
guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable,
whatever is righteous, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable—if anything is virtuous, if anything
is praiseworthy—think about these things. 9Practice whatever
you have learned, received, heard, and seen in me. And the
God of peace will be with you.
10
I greatly rejoice in the Lord, because you have once again
renewed your concern for me. Truly you have been concerned
for me, but have not had the opportunity to show it. 11I am not
saying this because I have need of anything, for I have learned to
be content no matter what circumstances I am in. 12I know how
to live by humble means, and I know how to live in abundance. I
have learned the secret of living in any and every circumstance,
whether full or hungry, whether prospering or in need. 13I can
do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
14
Nevertheless, it was good of you to share in my afflictions.
15
As you Philippians know, after I first preached the gospel
to you, when I departed from the province of Macedonia, not
even one church shared with me in this matter of giving and
receiving except for you alone. 16Even when I was in need in
Thessalonica, you sent me aid not only once but twice. 17It is
not gifts that I desire; what I desire is that fruit may be credited
to your account. 18I have been supplied in all abundance now
that I have received the gifts you sent with Epaphroditus. They
are a sweet smelling fragrance, an acceptable sacrifice that is
well-pleasing to God. 19And my God will supply all your needs
according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus. 20To God our
Father be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
21
Greet all the saints in Christ Jesus. The brothers who
are with me greet you, 22as do all the rest of the saints here,
especially those of Caesar’s household.
23
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Amen.
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Colossians 1
Colossians
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and
our brother Timothy. 2 To the saints and faithful brothers in
the city of Colosse who are in Christ:
Jesus Christ!
3
We always pray for you, giving thanks to God the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4For we have heard of your faith in
Christ Jesus and your love for all the saints, 5 which stems
from the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, which you
have previously heard about in the word of truth—the gospel.
6
It has come to you and to the whole world bearing fruit and
growing, as it has been doing in you since the day you first
heard it and understood the truth of God’s grace. 7You learned
about the gospel from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-slave, who
is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf. 8He has told us
of your love in the Spirit.
9
For this reason, since the day we first heard about this, we
have not stopped praying for you. We have been asking God to
fill you with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom
and understanding, 10so that you may walk in a manner worthy
of the Lord, pleasing Him in all things, bearing fruit in every
good work, and growing in the knowledge of God, 11so that by
His glorious might you may be strengthened with all power to
patiently endure all things with joy, 12always giving thanks to
the Father, who has enabled us to share in the inheritance of
the saints of light. 13For He has rescued us from the powers of
darkness and has transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved
Son, 14in whom we have redemption through His blood—the
forgiveness of sins.
Christ is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all

15
creation. 16For through Him all things were created in heaven

and on earth, things visible and invisible, whether kings or lords
or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him
and for Him. 17He existed before everything, and He sustains
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Colossians 2
all things. 18Christ is the head of the body, which is the church.
He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He will
be superior in all things. 19For the Father was pleased to have
all His fullness live in Christ, 20and to reconcile all things to
Himself through Christ, whether things on earth or in heaven,
by making peace through the blood Christ shed on the cross.
21
In the past you were alienated from God with a hostile
attitude towards Him, because of your evil works. 22But now
God has reconciled you by the death of Christ’s physical body,
in order to present you holy and blameless and without fault
before Him. 23 That is, only if you remain in the faith, having
a firm foundation, not being moved or swayed from the hope
of the gospel that you have heard—the gospel that has been
proclaimed to all creation under heaven, and of which I, Paul,
have become a minister.
24
Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, because I
am filling up what is lacking in my flesh concerning Christ’s
afflictions, which is for the sake of His body—the church, 25of
which I have become a minister according to the stewardship
that God has given to me for your sake, so that I might fully
preach the word of God; 26 the mystery that has been hidden for
ages and generations but now has been revealed to the saints,
27
to whom God chose to make known the glorious riches of
this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the
hope of glory.
28
We proclaim Christ, warning and teaching every man with
all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ
Jesus. 29For this purpose I work hard and struggle according
to the working of His power that works within me.
2 I want you to know how much I struggle for you and for those
at Laodicea, and for all those who have not seen my face
in person. 2I want their hearts to be encouraged and united in
love, being rich in every way, because they are fully assured in
their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God the
Father, which is Christ. 3In Him are hidden all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge. 4I am telling you this, so that no one will
deceive you with persuasive words. 5Although I am physically
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absent, I am present with you in spirit, and I rejoice when I see

how orderly and firm your faith in Christ is.
6
Now that you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, you must
walk in Him, 7being rooted and built up in Him, established in
the faith as you were taught, and abounding with thanksgiving.
8
Beware that no man robs your faith through philosophies
and empty delusions that are according to the traditions of
men and according to the elementary principles of this world,
rather than according to Christ. 9For in Christ all the fullness
of the Godhead lives in bodily form. 10And you are complete in
Christ, who is the head over all rule and authority.
11
In Him you were also circumcised, but not by a circumcision
performed by human hands. Instead it was a circumcision that
stripped off the sinful nature, a circumcision performed by
Christ. 12You were buried with Him in baptism and were raised
with Him through your faith in the working of God, who raised
Him from the dead. 13You were once dead in your transgressions
and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, but God made
you alive with Christ by forgiving us of all our transgressions.
14
He cancelled the charges that were written against us regarding
the decrees of the law that stood against us, taking them out
of the way by nailing them to the cross. 15Having stripped the
rulers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them,
triumphing over them by the cross.
16
Let no man judge you by what you eat or drink, or in respect
to a festival, new moon, or Sabbath. 17These things are a shadow
of what was to come: Christ Himself. 18Let no man who delights
in false humility and the worship of angels cause you to be
disqualified from receiving the prize. These men investigate
things they have not seen and are puffed up for no reason by
their fleshly minds. 19 They are not holding to the head, from
whom the whole body is nourished and joined together by its
joints and ligaments as God makes it grow.
20
If you died with Christ to the elementary principles of this
world, then why are you submitting to its rules as though you
still belonged to it? 21“Do not handle, do not taste, and do not
touch!” 22 These rules will all perish with use, because they are
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Colossians 3
only the commandments and teachings of men. 23 These rules

may have the appearance of wisdom because of their self-
imposed worship, false humility, and harsh discipline of the
body, but they are useless when it comes to conquering the
desires of the flesh.
3 If you were raised with Christ, then seek the things from
above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. 2Set
your mind on the things above, not on earthly things. 3For you
have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4When
Christ who is your life appears, then you will also appear with
Him in glory.
5
So put to death whatever is earthly in you: fornication,
impurity, lust, perversion, and greed—which is a form of idolatry.
6
For because of these things the wrath of God will come upon
the sons of disobedience. 7You once walked in these ways when
you lived among them. 8But now you must put them all away:
anger, rage, hatred, slander, and all filthy talk from your mouth.
9
Do not lie to one another since you have stripped off the old
man with his practices, 10and have put on the new man who
is being renewed in the knowledge of his Creator’s image—11in
Him there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised,
foreigner, savage, slave or free; but Christ is all, and in all.
12
Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe
yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, meekness,
and patience, 13bearing with one another and forgiving each
other. If anyone has a complaint against another, forgive them as
Christ forgave you. 14And above all these things clothe yourselves
with love, which binds everything together perfectly. 15And let
the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, because you were called
into one body to live in peace. And always be thankful. 16Let
the word of Christ live in you richly, as you teach and warn one
another with all wisdom, as you gratefully sing psalms, hymns,
and spiritual songs in your hearts to the Lord. 17And whatever
you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus,
giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is proper in the Lord.
Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter towards them.
19
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Colossians 4
20
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is well-
pleasing to the Lord. 21Fathers, do not provoke your children,
or they will become disheartened. 22Slaves, obey your earthly
masters in everything. Do not be people-pleasers, only working
hard when you are being watched, but work wholeheartedly
because you fear God. 23In whatever you do, work with all your
heart, working for the Lord and not for men, 24knowing that you
will receive an inheritance as your reward, because the Master
you serve is Christ. 25But those who do wrong will be repaid for
the wrong they have done, for there is no partiality with God.
4 Masters, be just and fair to your slaves, knowing that you

also have a Master in heaven.
2
Devote yourselves to prayer, watching vigilantly with an
attitude of thanksgiving. 3Also pray that God will open a door
for us to preach the word, the mystery of Christ, for which I
am in chains. 4Pray that I will be able to preach this message
as clearly as I should.
5
Behave wisely toward unbelievers, making the most of every
opportunity. 6Always speak graciously, seasoned with salt, so
that you may know how to answer everyone.
7
Tychicus will tell you everything about me. He is a beloved
brother, who is a faithful minister and fellow-slave in the Lord.
8
I have sent him to you for this very purpose, so that you may
know how we are doing, and so that he may comfort your
hearts. 9With him I have sent Onesimus, our faithful and beloved
brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is
happening here.
10
Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, greets you. So does Mark,
the cousin of Barnabas, whom you received instructions about:
that if he comes to you, welcome him. 11And Jesus, who is
called Justus, also greets you. These men are the only ones of
the circumcision who are my fellow-workers for the kingdom
of God, and they have been a comfort to me.
12
Epaphras, a slave of Christ, who is one of you, greets you.
He always struggles for you in prayer, praying that you may
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stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. 13I bear
witness that he is very zealous for you and for those in the
cities of Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician,
greets you, along with Demas. 15Greet the brothers in Laodicea,
along with Nymphas and the church that meets in his house.
16
After this letter has been read among you, make sure it is
read to the church of Laodicea. And likewise, read the letter that
I sent to Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus: “See to it that you fulfill
the ministry that you have received from the Lord.”
18
I, Paul, greet you with my own hand writing. Remember
my chains. Grace be with you! Amen.
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1 Thessalonians 1-2
1 Thessalonians
1 From: Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of the
Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Jesus Christ!
We always give thanks to God for all of you as we remember

2
you in our prayers. 3In the presence of our God and Father we
constantly remember your work of faith, your labour of love,
and your endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 We
know, brothers, that God loves you and has chosen you. 5For
our gospel not only came to you in word but also in power, with
a demonstration of the Holy Spirit and great conviction. You
know how we lived among you; we were your examples.
You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of

6
much tribulation, you received the word with the joy of the
Holy Spirit. 7You became an example to all the believers in the
provinces of Macedonia and Achaia. 8And the word of the Lord
has echoed out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia,
but also in every place where your faith in God has become
known. As a result, we do not need to say anything. 9For they
themselves tell us about the way you welcomed us, and how
you turned from idols to serve the living and true God. 10 They
also tell us that you are waiting for God’s Son to come from
heaven, whom He raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues
us from the coming wrath.
2 Brothers, you know that our visit to you was not in vain.
2
As you know, before we came to you we suffered and were
mistreated in the city of Philippi. Yet we were bold in our God,
and told you about His gospel in spite of much opposition. 3For
our appeal does not stem from error, impurity, or deceit.
On the Contrary, we have been approved by God and

4
entrusted with the gospel. We do not speak to please men

but God, who tests our hearts. 5As you know, we did not use
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1 Thessalonians 2
flattering words or put on an act to get your money. God is our

witness! 6Niether did we seek praise from men, not from you
or anyone else. As apostles of Christ we could have asserted
our authority. 7But instead, we were gentle among you, like a
nursing mother cherishing her own children. 8 We had such
great affection for you that we were not only willing to share
the gospel of God with you but also our own lives, because you
had become very dear to us. 9Brothers, you remember how we
laboured and toiled when we preached the gospel of God to you.
We worked night and day, so that we would not be a burden
to any of you.
10
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous,
and blameless we were among you believers. 11You know that
we encouraged each one of you, comforting and urging you as a
father would his own children. 12We did this so that you would
walk in a manner worthy of God, who has called you into His
kingdom and glory.
13
And we also thank God continually for this: when you
received the word of God, which you heard from us, you did
not accept it as the word of men, but you accepted it for what
it truly is—the word of God, which works in you who believe.
14
For you, brothers, became imitators of God’s churches in
Judea, which are in Christ Jesus. You suffered the same things
from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, 15who
killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have
also persecuted us. They do not please God and are hostile to
all men. 16 They are always trying to hinder us from preaching
to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. By doing this they
are always filling up their sins. But God’s wrath is upon them
to the end.
17
Brothers, although we have been separated from you for a
short time—in person but not in our hearts—we eagerly desire
to see your face. 18 We wanted to come to you. Truly I, Paul,
wanted to several times, but satan hindered us. 19For who is
our hope, our joy, and our crown of boasting in the presence of
our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Is it not you? 20For you
are our glory and joy!
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1 Thessalonians 3-4
3 When we could no longer bear it, we thought it best to stay

behind in Athens, 2and sent our brother Timothy to you.
He is a minister of God and a fellow-worker along with us in
the gospel of Christ. We sent him to strengthen and encourage
you in your faith, 3so that no one would be moved by these
afflictions. For you know that we have been appointed to face
such things. 4In fact, when we were with you, we told you
beforehand that we were going to suffer tribulation. And as
you know, it came to pass. 5So when I could no longer bear it,
I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that
somehow the tempter might have tempted you and our labour
might have been in vain.
6
But Timothy has just returned from visiting you, and he has
brought us good news about your faith and love. He has told us
that you always have good memories of us and that you long to
see us, just as we also long to see you. 7Therefore, brothers, in
all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you
because of your faith. 8It brings great joy to our lives, knowing
that you are standing firm in the Lord.
9
And how can we give God enough thanks for you, for all the
joy that you have given to us in the presence of God? 10Night
and day we petition God most earnestly that we may see you
in person and supply what is lacking in your faith.
11
Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus
Christ, direct us your way. 12May the Lord make you increase
and abound in love for one another, and for all men, as our love
does for you. 13And may the Lord strengthen your hearts, so that
you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and
Father when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all His saints.
4 You received instructions from us on how you must walk in

order to please God, brothers, but now we ask and encourage
you in the Lord Jesus to do so more and more. 2For you know
the instructions we gave to you through the Lord Jesus.
3
For it is God’s will that you should be sanctified: that you
abstain from sexual immorality. 4Each of you must know how
to control his own body in holiness and honour, 5not in lustful
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passion like the Gentiles who do not know God. 6No man should
go beyond proper limits and take advantage of his brother in
this matter, for the Lord will punish all who do such things,
just as we have already told you and warned you. 7For God did
not call us to be impure, but to be holy. 8 Therefore, anyone who
rejects these instructions is not rejecting man, but God, who
gives you His Holy Spirit.
9
We do not need to write to you about brotherly love, because
God has taught you to love one another. 10And you truly have
shown your love to all the brothers throughout Macedonia. But
we encourage you, brothers, to love them even more. 11You must
strive to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working
with your own hands, just as we instructed you. 12 Then you
can walk honestly in your dealings with unbelievers, without
needing a thing.
13
I do not want you to be ignorant about those who have
died, brothers, because I do not want you to grieve like those
who have no hope. 14For if we believe that Jesus died and rose
again, we must also believe that God will bring with Jesus those
who have died in Him.
15
We say this to you by the word of the Lord: we who remain
alive until the coming of the Lord will not go up before those
who have died. 16For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven,
with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, with the trumpet
of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17Then we who
remain alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds
to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the
Lord. 18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.
5 Brothers, we do not need to write to you about times and

seasons, 2for you know perfectly well that the day of the Lord
will come like a thief in the night. 3When they say, “Peace and
security,” then destruction will suddenly come on them like a
pregnant woman with labour pains, and they will not escape.
4
But you brothers are not in darkness, that this day should
overtake you like a thief. 5For you are all sons of the light and
sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness.
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6
So let us not fall asleep like others do, but let us stay awake and
be sober. 7For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who
get drunk, get drunk at night. 8But we belong to the day, so let
us be sober. Let us put on faith and love as a breastplate, and
the hope of salvation as a helmet. 9For God has not appointed
us to suffer wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord
Jesus Christ. 10He died for us so that, whether we are dead or
alive, we may live together with Him.
11
Therefore encourage and build up one another, as you are
already doing. 12Now, brothers, we ask you to respect those
who work hard among you, who preside over you in the Lord,
and who warn you. 13You should highly respect and love them
because of the work they do. Live in peace with one another.
14
We urge you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, to encourage
the disheartened, to help the weak, and to be patient with
everyone. 15See to it that no one repays anyone evil for evil.
Instead, always pursue what is good for one another and for
everyone else.
16
Rejoice always! 17Pray without ceasing! 18In everything give
thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.
19
Do not quench the Spirit. 20Do not despise prophecy. 21Test
all things, and hold on to what is good. 22Abstain from every
appearance of evil.
23
Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely,
and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24The One who calls you
is faithful, and He will accomplish it.
25
Brothers, pray for us. 26Greet all the brothers with a holy
kiss. 27I bind you, with an oath by the Lord, to have this letter
read to all the holy brothers.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! Amen.
28
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2 Thessalonians 1-2
2 Thessalonians
1 From: Paul, Silas, and Timothy. To the church of the
Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
2
Jesus Christ!
We must always give thanks to God for you brothers, as is

3
right, because your faith is growing by leaps and bounds, and

your love for one another continues to increase. 4 Therefore we
boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith
in all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.
5
These things not only indicate that God’s judgment is right, but
that you will also be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for
which you are suffering. 6For in His justice God will repay those
who afflict you with affliction, 7and He will give rest to you who
are afflicted and to us as well, when the Lord Jesus comes from
heaven in flaming fire with His mighty angels. 8He will punish
those who do not know God, and those who do not obey the gospel
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 They will pay the penalty of eternal
destruction, they will be cut off from the presence of the Lord
and from the glory of His power, 10when He comes on that day
to be glorified in His saints and to be admired by all who have
believed—including you, because you believed our testimony.
For this reason we always pray that our God may count
11
you worthy of His calling, and that through His power you may
fulfill every good desire and work of faith. 12 Then the name of
our Lord Jesus Christ will be glorified in you, and you in Him,
according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2
2
Now, brothers, concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus
Christ and our being gathered to meet Him: we beg you,
do not be easily shaken in your mind or frightened because
of a prophecy, message, or letter that was supposedly from
us, claiming that the day of the Lord has already come. 3Do
not let anyone deceive you in any way. For that day will not
come until there is first a great falling away from the truth
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2 Thessalonians 2
and the man of sin is revealed, the son of destruction. 4He will
oppose and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is
worshiped. He will sit in the temple of God as if he is God, and
he will proclaim that he himself is God.
5
Do you not remember? I told you about these things when
I was with you. 6You know what presently restrains him, so
that he may be revealed in his proper time. 7For the mystery
of lawlessness is already at work, but the One who presently
restrains it will continue to do so until He moves out of the
way. 8And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord
will kill with the breath of His mouth—destroying him by the
splendour of His coming.104 9 The coming of the lawless one is
according to the work of satan, with all kinds of false miracles,
signs, and wonders. 10With all unrighteousness he will deceive
all who are perishing, because they refused to love the truth
that would save them. 11For this reason, God will send them
a strong delusion so that they will believe a lie. 12 Then all who
take pleasure in unrighteousness and have not believed the
truth will be condemned.
13
We must always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by
the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning to be
saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through faith
in the truth. 14He called you to this through our gospel, so that
you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15Therefore,
brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that we taught
you, whether it was through our preaching or our letters.
16
May our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God our Father,
who loves us and has given us eternal comfort and good hope
by His grace, 17comfort your hearts and strengthen you in every
good thing you say and do.
104
This mystery of lawlessness reminds Me of “Mystery Babylon.”
Mystery Babylon (Revelation 17) stems from Nimrod and the
tower of Babel (Genesis 10:8-12, 11:1-9), where God confound-
ed the language of the people, restraining them from creating
a one world religion, economy, and government. Just as God
restrained this spirit of antichrist then, He is doing the same
today. The Holy Spirit is restraining this lawlessness as we
speak. However, once the church is raptured, the Holy Spirit
will stop restraining this spirit of antichrist (1 John 4:3). Then
the antichrist will be revealed.
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2 Thessalonians 3
3
2
Finally, brothers, pray for us that the word of the Lord will
spread rapidly and be honoured, just as it was with you.
Also pray that we will be rescued from wicked and evil men,
for not all men have faith.
3
But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and
guard you from the evil one. 4And we are confident in the Lord
concerning you, that you are doing, and will continue to do, all
that we have commanded you. 5May the Lord direct your hearts
into the love of God and the patient endurance of Christ.
6
Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord
Jesus Christ: stay away from every brother who walks in a
disorderly manner, and who does not walk according to the
tradition that you have received from us. 7You know what you
must do to imitate us. For we did not behave in a disorderly
manner when we were among you, 8neither did we eat anyone’s
bread without paying for it. Instead we laboured and toiled,
working night and day, so that we would not be a burden to
any of you. 9It is not that we did not have the right to this kind
of support, but instead we gave you an example to imitate.
10
While we were with you, we gave you this command: “If
anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.” 11We hear that
some among you are walking in a disorderly manner. They do
not work and are busybodies. 12We command and encourage
such people in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and to
earn their own bread.
13
Brothers, do not grow weary of doing good. 14If anyone does
not obey what we say in this letter, take note of him. Do not
associate with him, so that he may feel ashamed. 15Do not think
of him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
16
Now may the Lord of peace Himself always give you peace
in every way. The Lord be with you all.
17
I, Paul, write this greeting in my own handwriting to prove
that this letter is really from me. This is the way I write.
18
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.
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1 Timothy 1
1 Timothy
1 From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment
of God our Saviour and the Lord Jesus Christ our hope.
2
To Timothy, my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus
Christ our Lord!
As I was departing for the province of Macedonia, I urged you

3
to remain in the city of Ephesus, so that you could command

certain people not to teach false doctrines, 4or to pay attention
to myths and endless genealogies. These things promote
disputes rather than God’s work—which is by faith. 5 The goal
of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart, a
good conscience, and a sincere faith. 6But some have missed
the mark and have turned astray to meaningless babble. 7They
desire to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand
what they are talking about or what they constantly affirm.
We know that the law is good if a man uses it lawfully. 9We

8
know that the law is not made for the righteous but for the
lawless and disobedient, the ungodly and sinner, the unholy
and wicked, for those who kill their fathers and mothers, for
murderers, 10homosexuals, sodomites, kidnappers, liars, false
witnesses, and for those who do whatever else is contrary to
the sound doctrine 11that comes from the glorious gospel of the
blessed God, which He entrusted to me.
I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has empowered me,

12
because He considered me faithful and appointed me to

the ministry. 13Even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a
persecutor, and a man full of arrogance and hatred, I received
mercy because I did it in ignorance and unbelief. 14 The Lord’s
grace was abundantly poured out on me, along with the faith and
love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a trustworthy statement
that deserves full acceptance: Christ came into the world to save
sinners, of whom I am the worst. 16But for this reason I received
mercy, so that Jesus Christ might show His immeasurable
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1 Timothy 2-3
patience in me, the worst of all sinners, as an example to those

who would believe in Him for eternal life. 17Now to the King who
is eternal, immortal, and invisible, to Him who alone is God,
be glory and honour forever and ever. Amen.
18
Timothy, my son, I have entrusted these commands to
you based on the prophecies previously spoken over you, so
that you may fight the good fight—19holding on to faith and a
good conscience, which some have rejected, causing their faith
to become shipwrecked. 20Among these are Hymenaeus and
Alexander, whom I have delivered over to satan so that they
may learn not to blaspheme.
2 I urge you first of all to make petitions, prayers, intercession,

and thanksgiving for all men, 2 for kings and for all those
in authority, so that we may live quiet lives in all godliness
and honesty. 3 This is good and acceptable in the sight of God
our Saviour, 4 who desires all men to be saved and to come to
a full knowledge of the truth. 5For there is one God, and one
Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, 6 who
gave Himself as a ransom for all—the testimony given at the
proper time. 7For this reason I was appointed as a preacher,
an apostle, and a teacher of faith and truth to the Gentiles. I
am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying.
8
I want men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands, without
anger or arguing. 9I also want women to dress in a modest
way that shows respect and self-control. Not with braids, gold,
pearls, or expensive clothing, 10but with good works that are
proper for women who profess godliness. 11Women must learn
quietly and submissively. 12I do not allow women to teach or
to have authority over men. Instead, they must remain silent.
13
For Adam was created first, then Eve. 14And it was not Adam
who was deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and fell
into transgression. 15So God punished women with the pain of
childbirth, but He will save them if they continue in faith, love,
holiness, and self-control.
3 Here is a trustworthy statement: if any man desires to be

an overseer, he desires a good work. 2An overseer must
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1 Timothy 4
be blameless. He must be the husband of one wife. He must

be sober-minded, self-controlled, well behaved, hospitable,
and able to teach. 3He must not be a drinker. He must not be
quarrelsome. He must not be greedy for filthy lucre, but instead
he must be gentle. He must not be a brawler or a lover of money.
4
And he must rule his own household well, raising children
who respectfully obey him. 5For if a man does not know how to
rule his own household, how can he care for God’s church? 6He
must not be a new convert, or he might become self-conceited
and fall into the same condemnation as the devil. 7He must also
have a good reputation with those outside the church, so that
he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.
8
Likewise, deacons must be honourable. They must not be
two-faced. They must not be addicted to wine, or greedy for
filthy lucre. 9 They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a
clean conscience. 10 These men must be tested first, and then, if
they are found blameless, they can serve as deacons. 11Likewise,
their wives must be honourable. They must not be slanders,
but sober-minded and faithful in all things. 12A deacon must be
the husband of one wife, and he must rule his children and his
own household well. 13 Those who have served well as deacons
will gain a good standing for themselves, and a greater boldness
in their faith in Christ Jesus.
14
I hope to visit you soon, so I am writing these things to you
15
in case I get delayed, so that you will know how to behave
yourself in God’s household, which is the church of the living
God, the pillar and foundation of the truth. 16Without dispute,
the mystery of godliness is great:
God appeared in the flesh.

He was justified in the Spirit.
He was seen by angels.
He was proclaimed among the nations.
He was believed on in the world.
And He was taken up in glory.
4 The Spirit distinctly says that in the last times some will
fall away from the faith. They will adhere to deceiving spirits
and the doctrines of demons, 2which are taught by hypocritical
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1 Timothy 5
liars whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.

3
They forbid marriage and command people to abstain from
certain foods, which God created to be eaten with thanksgiving
by those who believe and know the truth. 4Everything God has
made is good, and nothing should be rejected if it is accepted
with thanksgiving, 5because it is sanctified through the word
of God and prayer.
6
If you warn the brothers of these things, you will be a good
minister of Jesus Christ. Then you will be nourished up by the
words of faith and by the good doctrine that you have followed.
7
Reject godless myths and old wives’ tales, and train yourself
to be godly. 8Physical training is profitable for a little while, but
godliness is profitable for all things, holding promise for this
life and the life to come. 9 This is a trustworthy statement that
deserves full acceptance. 10Certainly, we work hard and are
criticised, because our hope rests in the living God, who is the
Saviour of all men—especially of those who believe. 11Declare
these things and teach them.
12
Do not let anyone despise you because of your youth, but
be an example to the believers in word, in action, in love, in
spirit, in faith, and in purity. 13Until I come, attend to the public
reading of Scripture, so that you can encourage and teach the
people. 14Do not neglect the spiritual gift that you received
through prophecy when the elders laid their hands on you.
15
Pay careful attention to these things and give yourself fully
to them, so that your progress will be apparent to all. 16Pay
careful attention to yourself and to your teaching. Continue
in these things, for if you do, you will save both yourself and
those who listen to you.
5 Do not rebuke an older man, but encourage him like a father.

Treat younger men as brothers, 2older woman as mothers,
and younger women as sisters, with all purity.
3
Help those who are truly widows. 4But if a widow has children
or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice godliness
toward their own family by repaying their parents, for this is
acceptable in God’s sight. 5A widow who is truly left alone sets
her hope on God and continues in petitions and prayers night
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1 Timothy 5
and day. 6But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even
while she is alive. 7Declare these things as well, so that they
may be blameless. 8If a man does not provide for his relatives,
especially for his own household, then he has denied the faith
by his own actions and is worse than an unbeliever.
9
A widow cannot be listed among the widows supported by
the church unless she is over the age of sixty, has been the
wife of one husband, 10and has been recognized for her good
works—such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,
washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble, and
devoting herself to every good work.
11
But refuse to put younger widows on such a list, for they
will grow restless and will not remain devoted to Christ in this
way, for they will desire to get remarried. 12 Then they will become
guilty of breaking their first pledge. 13Besides, they will learn
to become idle and will go from house to house. Not only will
they become idle, but they will also start to gossip and meddle
in other people’s affairs, saying things they should not say.
14
So I want younger widows to remarry, to bear children, and
to look after their own households, not giving unbelievers any
reason to criticize them. 15For some have already turned aside
to follow satan. 16If a believer has a widow in their family, they
must help them, so that the church will not be burdened by
them; then the church can help those widows who are alone.
17
The elders who lead well are counted worthy of double
honour, especially those who labour at preaching and teaching.
18
For the Scripture says:
“You must not muzzle an ox while

it is threshing the grain”
(Deuteronomy 25:4)
and,
“The worker is worthy of his hire.”

19
Do not except an accusation against an elder unless there are
two or three witnesses. 20Publicly rebuke all who sin, so that the
rest will also fear. 21I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus
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1 Timothy 6
Christ and the elect angels, to obey these instructions without

prejudice, and to do nothing out of favouritism. 22Do not lay
your hands hastily on any man for the purpose of ordination,
or you may share in their sins. Keep yourself pure!
23
Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine for your
stomach and your frequent ailments.
24
The sins of some men are obvious and can be seen before
judgment, while the sins of others are only revealed afterwards.
25
Likewise, good deeds are obvious, and those that are not
cannot stay hidden.
6 All who are under the yoke of slavery must consider their
masters worthy of all respect, so that the name of God and
His doctrine will not be blasphemed. 2The slave who has a
believing master must not despise him because he is a brother.
Instead, they should serve him more zealously because the one
who benefits from their help is a beloved believer. Teach and
encourage these things.
3
If any man teaches another doctrine that does not agree
with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and with the
doctrine that is according to godliness, 4then he is conceited and
understands nothing. He is morbidly interested in controversies
and disputes, which only cause envy, strife, slander, evil
suspicions, 5and constant friction between men whose corrupt
minds are destitute of the truth. They think that godliness is a
means of gaining money. Depart from such people.
6
But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7For we did
not bring anything into this world, and we cannot carry any-
thing out. 8If we have food and clothing, we will be content. 9But
those who want to get rich fall into temptation and are snared
by many foolish and hurtful desires that cause men to sink into
ruin and destruction. 10For the love of money is a root of all
kinds of evil, which some have lusted after and have been led
astray from the faith—piercing themselves with many sorrows.
11
But you, man of God, must flee from these things and pursue
righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, and meekness.
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1 Timothy 6
12
Fight the good fight of faith. Seize hold of the eternal life to
which you were called when you made the good confession
before many witnesses. 13I command you before God, who gives
life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who made the good
confession when He testified before Pontius Pilate, 14 to keep
this commandment without spot or blame until the appearing
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15His appearing will be revealed at
the proper time by God, who is the blessed and sole Ruler, the
King of kings and Lord of lords. 16He alone is immortal, and
He lives in unapproachable light. No man has seen Him or can
see Him. To Him be honour and everlasting dominion! Amen.
17
Command those who are rich in this present world not to
be arrogant, or to place their hope in the uncertainty of riches,
but to place their hope in the living God, who richly gives us all
things for our enjoyment. 18Command them to do good, to be
rich in good works, to be generous, and to be ready to share.
19
By doing this they will be storing up treasure for themselves
as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold
of everlasting life.
20
Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you. Avoid
empty, fruitless discussions and the opposing theories of
what is falsely called knowledge, 21 which some have professed
concerning the faith and have missed the mark.
Grace be with you! Amen.
409
2 Timothy 1
2 Timothy
1From: Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, sent
to proclaim the promise of life in Christ Jesus. 2 To Timothy
my beloved son:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ
Jesus our Lord!
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience as my

3
forefathers did, while I continually keep you in my prayers

both day and night. 4I remember your tears and long to see
you, so that I may be filled with joy. 5I remember the sincere
faith that is in you. It first lived in your grandmother Lois and
in your mother Eunice, and I am convinced that it also lives in
you. 6For this reason I remind you to keep rekindling the gift
of God, which was given to you when I laid my hands on you.
7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a Spirit of power,
love, and self-discipline.
So do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, or of

8
me His prisoner. Instead, by the power of God, join with me in

suffering for the gospel. 9For God has saved us and called us
with a holy calling, not according to our works but according
to His purpose and grace, which He gave to us in Christ Jesus
before time began. 10 This grace has now been revealed by the
appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who has destroyed
death and brought life and immortality to light through the
gospel. 11For the sake of this gospel I was appointed a preacher,
an apostle, and a teacher to the Gentiles. 12 That is why I am
suffering these things, but I am not ashamed. For I know whom
I have believed, and I am persuaded that He is able to guard
what I have entrusted to Him until the day He comes.
With faith and love in Christ Jesus, hold on to the pattern

13
of sound teaching that you heard from me. 14Guard this good
deposit of the truth through the Holy Spirit who lives in you.
You know that everyone in the province of Asia has turned

15
their backs on me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16May
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2 Timothy 2
the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because

he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17For
when he came to Rome, he searched diligently and found me.
18
May the Lord grant him to find mercy on the day the Lord
returns! You know very well how much he ministered to me in
Ephesus.
2 My son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2And

the things that you have heard me say in the presence of
many witnesses, entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach
others. 3You must suffer hardship as a good soldier of Jesus
Christ. 4No soldier gets involved in the affairs of civilian life,
because he wants to please his commanding officer. 5Likewise,
an athlete cannot win the prize unless he competes by the rules.
6
The farmer who works the land should be the first to receive
a share of the crops. 7Consider what I have said, and the Lord
will help you to understand everything.
8
Remember Jesus Christ, who was a descendant of David,
who was raised from the dead, which is the gospel that I preach.
9
For the sake of this gospel I have suffered hardship and have
been shackled like a criminal, but God’s word has not been
bound! 10 Therefore I endure all these things for the sake of the
elect, so that they may also obtain salvation in Christ Jesus
along with eternal glory.
11
Here is a trustworthy statement:
if we died with Him, we will also live with Him.

12
If we endure, we will also reign with Him.
If we deny Him, He will also deny us.
13
If we are faithless, He remains faithful,
because He cannot contradict Himself.
14
Remind them of these things and warn them before God not
to argue over words, because it is of no profit and will destroy
those listening. 15Diligently present yourself to God as one who is
approved, a worker who has no reason to be ashamed, because
he correctly handles the word of truth. 16Avoid wicked and
fruitless discussions, for those who engage in such things will
become more ungodly. 17Their words will spread like gangrene.
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Like Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have turned away from the
truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and
in doing so they have destroyed the faith of some. 19Nevertheless,
God’s foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The
Lord knows those who are His,”105 and “Everyone who professes
the name of Christ must depart from iniquity.”
20
In a large house there are not only vessels of gold and
silver, but also of wood and clay. Some vessels are used for
honourable purposes, and some for dishonourable purposes.
21
If a man cleanses himself from what is dishonourable, he will
be a vessel of honour that has been sanctified and made useful
to the Master and prepared for every good work. 22Flee from
youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace,
together with all those who call on the Lord with a pure heart.
23
Avoid foolish and stupid arguments, because you know that
they cause controversy. 24A servant of the Lord must not quarrel.
Instead, he must be kind to everyone, he must be able to teach,
and he must be patient. 25He must gently instruct those who
oppose him, in the hope that God will grant them repentance,
that they will come to the knowledge of the truth, 26and that
they will come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil,
who has held them captive to do his will.
3 Know this: in the last days difficult times will come. 2For men
will be lovers of themselves, and lovers of money. They will
be boastful, and arrogant. They will be blasphemers. They will
be disobedient to their parents. They will be ungrateful, and
unholy. 3 They will be without natural affection. They will be
unforgiving, slanderous, and without self-control. They will be
cruel. They will be haters of what is good. 4They will be disloyal,
rash, and conceited. They will be lovers of pleasure, rather than
lovers of God. 5 They will have an appearance of godliness, but
will reject its power. Avoid such men! 6For these are the kind of
men who sneak into households and ensnare foolish women,
who are loaded down with sins and led astray by all kinds of
lusts, 7always learning but never able to come to the knowledge
of the truth. 8Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses,
these men also oppose the truth. They are men with corrupt
minds, who are rejected concerning the faith. 9But they will not
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Numbers 16:5; Nahum 1:7
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2 Timothy 4
advance any further, because their foolishness will be evident

to all, as in the case of Jannes and Jambres.
10
But you have closely followed my doctrine, my way of life,
my purpose, my faith, my patience, my love, my endurance,
11
and the persecutions and hardships that I suffered in the cities
of Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured,
but the Lord rescued me from them all! 12 Truly, all who desire
to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. 13For evil
men and impostors will become worse and worse, deceiving
and being deceived. 14But you must continue in what you have
learned and are assured of, because you know from whom
you have learned it. 15Since childhood you have known the
Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise concerning
salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
16
All Scripture is God-breathed and is helpful for teaching,
for convicting, for correcting, and for instructing people in
righteousness, 17so that the man of God may be competent and
fully equipped for every good work.
4 I charge you in the presence of God and the Lord Jesus Christ,
who will judge the living and the dead when He appears to
establish His kingdom: 2preach the word; be prepared in season
and out of season; warn, rebuke, and encourage with all patience
and teaching. 3For there will be a time when people will not put
up with sound doctrine. Instead, they will follow their own lusts
and will gather together teachers for themselves who will tickle
their ears. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and
will turn astray to myths. 5But you must be sober-minded in
all things, enduring hardships, doing the work of an evangelist,
and fulfilling your ministry.
6
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering,
and the time of my departure has come. 7I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, and I have kept the faith.
8
Now a crown of righteousness awaits me, which the Lord, the
righteous Judge, will give to me on that day—and not only to
me, but also to all who have loved His appearing.
9
Timothy, come to me as soon as possible. 10For Demas has
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2 Timothy 4
deserted me, because he loves this present world, and has gone
to the city of Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to the province
of Galatia, and Titus to the region of Dalmatia. 11Only Luke
is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is
useful to me in my ministry. 12I have sent Tychicus to the city
of Ephesus. 13When you come, bring the cloak that I left with
Carpus in the city of Troas. And bring the scrolls, especially
the parchments.
14
Alexander the coppersmith has done me a lot of harm, but
the Lord will repay him for what he has done. 15You must also
beware of him, because he has greatly opposed our message.
16
At my first defence no one stood with me, because they had
all deserted me. May it not be counted against them!
17
But the Lord stood with me and empowered me to fully
proclaim the gospel for all the Gentiles to hear. And I was rescued
from the lion’s mouth. 18 The Lord will rescue me from every evil
deed and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To
Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen.
19
Greet Priscilla and Aquila, and the household of Onesiphorus.
20
Erastus stayed in the city of Corinth, and I left Trophimus in
the city of Miletus because he was sick.
21
Make every effort to come before winter. Eubulus greets
you, as do Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and all the brothers.
22
May the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be
with you! Amen.
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Titus 1
Titus
1 From: Paul, a slave of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ,
sent to proclaim the faith to God’s elect and to proclaim the
knowledge of the truth that is according to godliness, 2 which
is based on the hope of eternal life that God, who cannot lie,
promised before time began. 3At the proper time He revealed
His word, through the preaching that was entrusted to me, by
the command of God our Saviour.
4
To Titus, my true son in the faith that we share:
Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ our Saviour!
I left you on the Island of Crete, so that you could finish

5
what was left incomplete and appoint elders in every city as I

directed you. 6An elder must be blameless, the husband of one
wife. His children must be believers, without any accusations of
being wild and disobedient. 7For an overseer must be blameless,
because he is God’s steward. He cannot be arrogant, quick-
tempered, drunk, violent, or greedy for filthy lucre. 8Instead
he must be hospitable, a lover of good, sober-minded, just,
holy, and self-controlled. 9He must hold fast to the trustworthy
message that he was taught, so that he can encourage others
with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it.
For there are many rebellious men whose words are empty
10
and deceitful, especially those belonging to the circumcision

group. 11They must be silenced, because they are leading whole
households astray by teaching things they should not teach—
and all this for the sake of filthy lucre. 12Even one of their own
prophets has said, “Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, and
lazy gluttons.” 13 This testimony is true! Therefore rebuke them
sharply, so that they will be sound in the faith 14and will stop
paying attention to Jewish myths and to the commandments
of men who have turned away from the truth. 15All things are
pure to those who are pure. But to those who are defiled and
unbelieving nothing is pure, even their minds and consciences
have been defiled. 16 They profess to know God, but by their
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Titus 2-3
actions they deny Him. They are detestable, disobedient, and

unfit to do any good work.
2 But you must teach about the things that line up with sound
doctrine: 2older men must be sober-minded, honourable, self-
controlled, and sound in faith, love, and endurance. 3Likewise,
older women must behave reverently. They must not slander
anyone or be enslaved to wine, because they must teach what
is right. 4 They must train the younger women to love their
husbands and children, 5 to be self-controlled and pure, to take
care of their homes, to be kind, and to be submissive to their
husbands, so that the word of God will not be blasphemed.
6
Likewise, encourage the younger men to be sober-minded.
7
Always set an example by doing good works. In your teaching
be pure, honest, and sincere, 8 teaching what is sound and
beyond reproach, so that those who oppose you will be ashamed,
because they have nothing bad to say about us.
9
Slaves must obey their masters in everything, being well-
pleasing and never talking back. 10 They must not steal, but
must be good and faithful in everything, so that the teaching
of God our Saviour will be attractive in every way.
11
For the grace of God, which brings salvation to all men,
has appeared. 12It instructs us to deny all ungodliness and
worldly desires, and to live disciplined, righteous, and godly
lives in this present age, 13 while waiting for the blessed hope
and glorious appearance of our great God and Saviour Jesus
Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us so that He could redeem us
from all iniquity and purify a special people for Himself—a
people who are zealous to do good works.
15
Teach these things, and encourage and rebuke with all
authority. Let no one despise you.
3 Remind them to submit to the governing officials and

authorities, to be obedient, and to be ready to do every good
work. 2 They must not slander anyone or be quarrelsome. Instead,
they must be peaceable and gentle, showing true humility toward
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Titus 3
all men. 3In the past we were also foolish, disobedient, and
deceived. We were enslaved by all kinds of lusts and pleasures,
living in wickedness and envy. We were hateful, and we hated
one another. 4But when the kindness of God our Saviour and
His love for mankind appeared, 5He saved us—not because of
the righteous works we had done, but because of His mercy—
through the baptism of a new birth, a renewal by the Holy Spirit,
6
whom He richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ our
Saviour, 7so that being justified by His grace, we might become
heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
8
What I have said is trustworthy. And I want you to constantly
declare these things, so that those who believe in God may
be careful to devote themselves to good works, because these
things are good and profitable for everyone.
9
But avoid foolish disputes, genealogies, debates, and quarrels
about the law, because they are unprofitable and worthless.
10
After the first and second warning reject the man who causes
divisions, 11because you know that such a man is perverted and
sinful; he is self-condemned.
12
When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, come to the city of
Nicopolis as soon as possible, because I have decided to winter
there. 13Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their
journey, so that they lack nothing. 14Our people must also learn
to devote themselves to good works and to help those in need,
so that they will not be unfruitful.
15
All those with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the
faith. Grace be with you all! Amen.
417
Philemon
Philemon
1
From: Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and from Timothy
our brother. To Philemon our beloved brother and fellow-worker,
2
to Apphia our beloved sister, to Archippus our fellow-soldier,
and to the church that meets in your home:
3
Jesus Christ!
I always thank my God when I remember you in my prayers,

4
5
because I hear of your love for all the saints and the faith that
you have in the Lord Jesus. 6I pray that you will be active in
sharing your faith, as you gain the knowledge of every good
thing that you have in Christ Jesus. 7For we have great joy and
comfort in your love, brother, because the hearts of the saints
have been refreshed by you.
8
Although I have enough authority to command you in Christ
to do what is proper, 9I would rather make my appeal to you in
love. I, Paul, an old man who is now a prisoner of Jesus Christ,
10
appeal to you concerning my son Onesimus, whose father I
became while in my chains. 11Onesimus, whose name means
“Useful,” was once useless to you, but now he has become
useful to both of us.
In sending him back to you, I am sending a part of my very

12
own heart. 13I wanted to keep him with me, so that on your
behalf he could minister to me while I am in these chains for
the gospel. 14But I did not want to do anything without your
consent, so that any good deed you do will be done willingly
and not because you were forced to do it.
Perhaps he was separated from you for a while so that you

15
could have him back forever, 16no longer as a slave, but more
than a slave, as a beloved brother—especially to me, but how
much more to you, both as a man and as a brother in the Lord.
So if you consider me a partner, then receive him as you

17
would receive me. 18And if he has wronged you or owes you
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Philemon
anything, then charge it to my account. 19I, Paul, am writing

this in my own handwriting: I will repay it, not to mention that
you owe me your very self. 20 Yes, brother, let me have this joy
from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in the Lord.
21
I am writing to you because I am confident of your obedience,
knowing that you will do even more then I ask. 22One more thing,
prepare a place for me to stay. For I trust that your prayers will
be answered and I will be returned to you.
23
Greetings from Epaphras, my fellow-prisoner in Christ
Jesus, 24and from my fellow-workers Mark, Aristarchus, Demas,
and Luke.
25
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit!
Amen.
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Hebrews 1
Hebrews
1 In the past God spoke many times and in many ways to our
fathers through the prophets. 2But in these last days God
has spoken to us through His Son, whom He appointed heir
of all things, and through whom He also made the universe.
3
The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact likeness
of God’s essence. The Son sustains all things by the power of
His word. After He had provided purification for our sins, He
sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 4And so He
has become far more noble than the angels, and the name He
has inherited is far more excellent than theirs.
5
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
“You are My Son,

today I have become Your Father”?
(Psalm 2:7)
And again,
“I will be His Father,

and He will be My Son”?
(2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13)
And when God brought His firstborn Son into the world He said,
6
“Let all of God’s angels worship Him.”

(Psalm 97:7)
7
And He says concerning the angels,
“He makes His angels winds,

His servants flames of fire.”
(Psalm 104:4)
8
But concerning the Son He says,
“Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever,

and the sceptre of righteousness is the
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Hebrews 2
sceptre of Your kingdom.

9
You loved righteousness
and hated wickedness.
Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You
with the oil of gladness
above Your companions.”
(Psalm 45:6-7)
10
And again,
“In the beginning, Lord, You laid the

foundations of the earth,
and the heavens are the
works of Your hands.
11
They will be destroyed, but You will remain.
Like a garment they will all wear out.
12
You will fold them up like a coat,
and they will be changed.
But You are the same,
and Your years will never end.”
(Psalm 102:25-27)
13
To which of the angels did God ever say,
“Sit at My right hand,

until I make Your enemies a
footstool for Your feet”?
(Psalm 110:1)
Are they not all just ministering spirits, which are sent out to
14
serve those who will inherit salvation?
2 Therefore we must pay great attention to the things we have

heard, lest at any time we drift away from them. 2For if the
word spoken through angels was firm, and every transgression
and disobedience received its just punishment, 3how then can
we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation
was first preached by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by
those who heard Him. 4God verified their testimony by various
signs, wonders, miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which He
distributed according to His will. 5For God did not choose the
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Hebrews 2
angels to rule the world to come, which is what we have been

talking about. 6But someone has testified somewhere, saying,
“What is man that You remember him,

or the son of man that You visit him?
7
You have made him a little
lower than the angels;
You have crowned him
with glory and honour,
and have appointed him over
the works of your hands.
8
You have put all things in subjection
under his feet.”
(Psalm 8:4-6)
When God put all things under man’s subjection, He left nothing
that was not subject to him. Yet we still do not presently see
all things subject to man. 9But we do see that Jesus, who was
made a little lower than the angels, is now crowned with glory
and honour because He suffered death, so that by the grace of
God He might taste death for everyone. 10For it was proper for
God, by whom and through whom everything exists, to bring
many sons to glory by perfecting the Author of their salvation
through suffering. 11Now both Jesus, who sanctifies, and those
He has sanctified, all have the same Father. That is why Jesus
is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12saying,
“I will declare Your name to My brothers.

In the midst of the congregation
I will sing praise to You.”
(Psalm 22:22)
13
Again,
“I will put My trust in Him.”

(Isaiah 8:17)
And again,
“Here I am, and the children God has given Me.”

(Isaiah 8:18)
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Hebrews 3
14
Since the children are flesh and blood, Jesus also became
flesh and blood, so that through His death He could abolish
the one who had the power of death—that is, the devil—15and
free those who were slaves all their lives to the fear of death.
16
He did not come to help angels, but to help the descendants
of Abraham. 17So He had to become like His brothers in every
way, in order to become a merciful and faithful High Priest in
the things pertaining to God, so that He could atone for the sins
of the people. 18And since He Himself suffered and was tempted,
He is able to help those who are being tempted.
3 Therefore, holy brothers, since you are partakers of the

heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our
confession, Christ Jesus. 2He was faithful to God who appointed
Him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. 3But Jesus
has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, just as
the one who builds a house has more honour than the house
itself. 4For every house is built by someone, but God has built
all things. 5Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant,
testifying about the things God would reveal in the future. 6But
Christ is a Son over God’s house. And we are God’s house, if
we hold fast to our hope until the end, speaking boldly and
boasting of it.
7
Therefore, like the Holy Spirit says:
“Today, if you hear His voice,

8
do not harden your hearts
like you did when you provoked Me in
the time of testing in the wilderness,
9
when your fathers tested and tried Me
and saw My works for forty years.
10
Therefore I was grieved with that generation,
and said, ‘ Their hearts always go astray,
and they do not know My ways.’
11
So I swore an oath in My wrath,
‘ They will not enter into My rest.’”
(Psalm 95:7-11)
12
Brothers, beware that you do not have an evil and unbelieving
heart that causes you to depart from the living God. 13But
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Hebrews 4
encourage one another daily, while it is called “Today,” so that

none of you become hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. 14For
we have become partakers of Christ, if we firmly hold onto our
original confidence until the end. 15As it is said:

do not harden your hearts
like you did when you provoked Me.”
(Psalm 95:7-8)
16
Who was it who heard God and still provoked Him? Was it
not the people Moses led out of Egypt? 17Who was God grieved
with for forty years? Was it not with those who sinned, whose
corpses fell in the wilderness? 18And who did God swear would
not enter His rest? Was it not the people who disobeyed? 19So
we see that it was impossible for them to enter His rest because
of their unbelief.
4 Therefore, while the promise of entering His rest still stands,

be cautious that none of you fall short of it! 2For the gospel
was also preached to us, just as it was to them, but the word
that was preached to them was of no profit, because those who
heard it did not mix it with faith. 3But since we have believed,
we enter that rest. Just as God said,
“So I swore an oath in My wrath,

‘ They will not enter into My rest.’”
(Psalm 95:11)
Nevertheless, God’s work had already been finished since the

creation of the world. 4For somewhere God spoke about the
seventh day:
“And on the seventh day God

rested from all His works.”
(Genesis 2:2)
5
But in the previous passage God said,
“They will not enter into My rest.”

(Psalm 95:11)
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Hebrews 5
6
Therefore, God’s rest is reserved for some to enter, but those
who formerly had the gospel preached to them did not enter
because of unbelief. 7So God designated another day, “Today,”
which He spoke about through David a long time later:

do not harden your hearts.”
(Psalm 95:7-8)
8
For if Joshua had given them rest, then God would not have
spoken later about another day. 9So there is a Sabbath rest
reserved for God’s people. 10For those who have entered God’s
rest will also rest from their own works, as God rested from His.
11
So we must make every effort to enter into that rest, so that
no one may fall by following their example of unbelief. 12For the
word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged
sword, penetrating deep to divide both soul and spirit, both joints
and marrow, and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions
of the heart. 13No creature is hidden from God’s sight, but all
things are naked and exposed before His eyes, and we will have
to give an account to Him.
14
Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has gone to
heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.
15
We do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize with
our frailty, for He was tempted in every way that we are, but He
did not sin. 16So let us boldly approach the throne of grace, so
that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
5 Every high priest is chosen among men and is ordained to

represent the people in the things of God, to offer both gifts
and sacrifices for their sins. 2He is able to have compassion on
those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is
also subject to frailty. 3And since he is frail, he must not only
offer sacrifices for the sins of the people but also for his own sins
as well. 4No man can bestow this honour upon himself; instead,
he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.
5
Likewise, Christ did not bestow upon Himself the honour
of becoming a High Priest. On the contrary, God said to Him,
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Hebrews 6
“You are My Son,

today I have become Your Father.”
(Psalm 2:7)
6
Just as He said in another place,
“You are a Priest forever,

according to the order of Melchizedek.”
(Psalm 110:4)
7
While Jesus lived on earth, He offered both prayers and
petitions with intense cries and tears to the only One who
could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His
reverence for God. 8Although He was God’s Son, He learned
obedience through His suffering. 9After this was complete and
He was found perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation
for all who obey Him. 10For God said that He was a High Priest
according to the order of Melchizedek. 11We have much to say
about this Melchizedek, but it is difficult to explain because
your hearing has become so dull.
12
Although you should have become teachers by now, you
still need someone to teach you the elementary principles of
God’s word. You still need milk, not solid food! 13For everyone
who needs milk is not skilled in the word of righteousness; he
is an infant. 14But solid food is for the mature, who through
practice have trained their senses to discern both good and evil.
6 So let us leave the elementary principles of Christ and move

on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance
from dead works, faith in God, 2the doctrine of baptisms, the
laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal
judgment. 3God permitting, we will move on.
4
It is impossible for those who have once been enlightened,
who have tasted the heavenly gift, who have become partakers
of the Holy Spirit, 5who have tasted the goodness of God’s word
and the powers of the world to come, 6 to be restored back to
repentance if they have fallen away; it is as if they are crucifying
the Son of God all over again, because they are putting Him to
public shame.
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Hebrews 7
7
When land soaks up the rain that frequently falls on it and
produces vegetation that is useful to the farmer, it will receive
a blessing from God. 8But when land produces thorns and
thistles it is worthless and will soon be cursed, and in the end
it will be burned.
9
Even though we have spoken of these things, beloved, we
are confident of better things for you—things that accompany
salvation. 10For God is not unjust; He will not forget your work.
He will not forget how you have laboured with love for His name
by ministering to the saints, as you still do. 11We want every
one of you to show this same diligence, so that you will be fully
sure of your hope to the end. 12 Then you will not become lazy,
but will imitate those who through faith and patience have
inherited the promises.
13
For when God made His promise to Abraham, He had no one
greater to swear by, so He swore an oath by Himself, 14saying,
“I will surely bless you and bless you;

I will surely increase you and increase you.”
(Genesis 22:17)
15
So Abraham waited patiently until he obtained the promise. 16For
even men swear an oath by someone greater than themselves,
because an oath confirms what is sworn and puts an end to all
disputes. 17And since God wanted to fully show the heirs of the
promise that His purpose was unchangeable, He confirmed it
by an oath, 18so that by two unchangeable things, in which it
is impossible for God to lie, we can take great comfort—that is,
we who have fled to take hold of the hope set before us.
19
This hope is an anchor for our soul. It is both secure and
firm. It enters behind the veil into the Holy of Holies, 20where a
Forerunner has entered on our behalf—Jesus, who has become
a High Priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.
7 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God

Most High. He met Abraham when he was returning from
slaughtering the kings and blessed him. 2Abraham divided
a tenth of all the spoil and gave it to Melchizedek. First, the
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Hebrews 7
name Melchizedek means, “King of Righteousness.” Second,

king of Salem means, “King of Peace.” 3He was without father
or mother, without genealogy, without birth or death. Like the
Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
4
See how great Melchizedek was, even the patriarch Abraham
gave him a tenth of the best spoils! 5 The descendants of Levi
who receive the priest’s office are commanded according to the
law to collect a tenth from the people, that is, their brothers,
who are also descendants of Abraham. 6But Melchizedek,
whose genealogy is not traced from Levi, collected a tenth from
Abraham, and he blessed Abraham, who received the promises.
7
Without question the lesser person is blessed by the greater.
8
Tithes are collected by priests who will die, but in the case of
Melchizedek, it is declared that he lives. 9It is as if Levi, who
collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham. 10Levi, so
to speak, was in the body of his forefather when Melchizedek
met Abraham.
11
If perfection could have been attained under the Levitical
priesthood, through which the people had been given the law,
then why was there still need for another Priest to come in the
order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? 12When the
priesthood changes, the law must also change. 13 The One we
are talking about belonged to another tribe that cannot serve
at the altar.
14
It is obvious that our Lord descended from Judah. And
Moses never mentioned anything about the tribe of Judah
when he spoke about the priesthood. 15 This became even more
evident when another Priest like Melchizedek came, 16 who did
not become a Priest according to the commandments of the law
regarding His line of descent, but according to the power of an
endless life. 17For it is declared:
“You are a Priest forever,

according to the order of Melchizedek.”
(Psalm 110:4)
18
In fact, the former commandment has been cancelled
because it was weak and useless. 19For the law made nothing
perfect, but now a better hope has been introduced by which
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Hebrews 8
we draw near to God. 20It was not without an oath that God
confirmed Him as Priest. Others became priests without an oath,
21
but with an oath He became a Priest when God said to Him:
“The Lord has sworn

and will not change His mind,
‘ You are a Priest forever,
according to the order of Melchizedek.’”
(Psalm 110:4)
22
And so Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.
23
Many have become priests, but death prevented them from
continuing. 24But He remains forever, so He has an everlasting
Priesthood. 25 Therefore He is able to completely save those who
draw near to God through Him, because He lives forever to
intercede for them.
26
Such a High Priest is suitable for us, because He is holy,
innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above
the heavens. 27He does not need, as the other high priests do,
to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins and then for the
sins of the people, because He did this once and for all when
He offered Himself up. 28For the law appoints frail men as high
priests. But the oath that came after the law appointed the Son,
who has been made perfect forever.
8 Here is the main point of what we are saying: we have such

a High Priest as this, who sat down at the right hand of the
throne of the Majesty in heaven. 2He ministers in the Holy of
Holies, in the true tabernacle, which the Lord set up—not man.
3
Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,
so He had to offer something too. 4If He were on earth, He would
not be a priest, because there are already priests on earth
who offer the gifts required by the law. 5But they only serve at
a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven.
That is why Moses was warned before building the tabernacle,
when God said,
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Hebrews 8
“See to it that you make all things

according to the pattern that
was shown to you on the mountain.”
(Exodus 25:40)
6
But Jesus has obtained a far superior ministry than theirs,
just as the covenant that He is Mediator of is more superior,
because it is established on better promises.
7
There would not have been any need for a second covenant
if the first covenant was perfect. 8But God found fault with the
people and said:
“Look, the days are coming, says the Lord,

when I will make a new covenant
with the house of Israel
and with the house of Judah.
9
Not like the covenant I made with their fathers
on the day I took them by the hand
to lead them out of the land of Egypt;
for they did not continue in My covenant,
so I rejected them, says the Lord.
10
But this is the covenant I will make with the
house of Israel after those days,
says the Lord:
I will put My laws in their minds,
and I will write them on their hearts,
and I will be their God,
and they will be My people.
11
And no man will teach his neighbour
or brother, saying, ‘know the Lord,’
because all will know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest.
12
I will forgive their iniquities;
their sins and transgressions
I will remember no more.”
(Jeremiah 31:31-34)
13
When God called this covenant “new,” He made the first
covenant obsolete, and what is obsolete and aging will soon
disappear.
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Hebrews 9
9 Now the first covenant had regulations for worship and

an earthly sanctuary. 2A tent with two rooms was set up.
The first room was the outer sanctuary, which is called the
Holy Place. In it was placed the lamp stand, the table, and the
showbread. 3Behind the second veil was the inner sanctuary,
which is called the Holy of Holies. 4 The golden altar of incense
was in front of the veil in the outer sanctuary, but the Ark of
the Covenant was behind the veil in the inner sanctuary. The
Ark of the Covenant was covered with gold. Inside it was the
golden jar of manna, Aaron’s staff that had budded, and the
stone tablets of the covenant. 5Above the Ark were the cherubim
of Glory. The cherubim stretched above the Ark’s cover, which
is called the mercy seat. But we cannot explain these things
right now.
6
After these things were built, the priests could regularly
enter the outer sanctuary to perform their ministry. 7But only
once a year could the high priest alone enter behind the second
veil, and never without blood, which he offered for himself and
for the sins that the people had committed in ignorance. 8By
this, the Holy Spirit was indicating that the way into the Holy of
Holies had not yet been revealed because the first tabernacle was
still standing. 9It was symbolic for this present time, indicating
that the gifts and sacrifices offered were not able to cleanse the
conscience of the worshiper, 10because they were based on laws
concerning food, drink, ceremonial washing, and regulations
pertaining to the body, which would last until a better system
could be introduced.
11
But Christ has appeared as High Priest of the good things
that have come. He entered through the greater and more perfect
tabernacle, which is not made by human hands and is not a
part of this creation. 12He did not enter with the blood of goats
and calves, but He entered the Holy of Holies once and for all
with His own blood and obtained eternal redemption for us.
13
For if the blood of bulls and goats and the ashes of a heifer
sprinkled on those who are defiled can only cleanse the body;
14
then how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the
eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, cleanse our
conscience from dead works, so that we may serve the living
God? 15 That is why Christ is the Mediator of the new covenant,
because He died as a ransom for the transgressions committed
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Hebrews 10
under the first covenant, so that those who are called may
receive the promise of an eternal inheritance.
16
Where there is a will, there must be proof that the person
who wrote it is dead. 17A will does not go into effect when the
man who wrote it is still alive; it only goes into effect after he
is dead. 18 That is why even the first covenant was not put
into effect without blood. 19For when Moses had spoken every
commandment of the law to all the people, he took the blood of
calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop,
and sprinkled both the scroll and all the people. 20 Then he said,
“This is the blood of the covenant,

which God has commanded you to obey.”
(Exodus 24:8)
He also sprinkled the tabernacle and all its vessels of service

21
with blood. 22According to the law almost everything is cleansed by

blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.
23
Therefore the tabernacle and all its vessels had to be
cleansed with the blood of these sacrifices, because they where
copies of the things in heaven—but the things in heaven itself
required a far better sacrifice. 24For Christ did not enter the
Holy of Holies built by human hands, which is only a copy of
the true one; on the contrary, He entered heaven itself and is
there now in the presence of God on our behalf. 25 The high priest
enters the Holy of Holies year after year with blood that is not
his own, but Christ did not offer Himself over and over again.
26
Otherwise He would have had to suffer over and over again
since the creation of the world, but instead He appeared once at
the end of the ages to cancel sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27It
has been appointed for man to die once, and after that comes
judgment. 28In the same way Christ was offered once to bear the
sins of many, and will appear a second time, not to bear sin,
but to bring salvation to those who are eagerly expecting Him.
10 The law was a shadow of the good things to come, not

the good things themselves. So the sacrifices continually
offered year after year can never make those who draw near
to worship perfect. 2If that were the case, would they not have
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Hebrews 10
stopped being offered, since the worshipers would have no longer

been conscience of their sins and would have been cleansed
once and for all? 3Instead, these sacrifices remind them of their
sins year after year, 4because it is impossible for the blood of
bulls and goats to take away sins.
5
That is why, when Christ came into the world, He said:
“Sacrifice and offering You did not desire,

but You prepared a body for Me;
6
with burnt offerings and sin offerings
You have taken no pleasure.
7
Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do Your will,
O God, as it is written about Me in the
scroll of the book.’”
(Psalm 40:6-8)
8
First He said, “You did not desire or take pleasure in sacrifices
and offerings, burnt offerings and sin offerings,” which are
offered according to the law. 9 Then He said, “Look, I have come
to do Your will, O God.” He takes away the first to establish the
second. 10For this reason, because He was obedient to God, we
have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus
Christ once and for all.
11
Every priest stands ministering day after day, offering again
and again the same sacrifices that can never take away sins.
12
But this Priest offered one sacrifice for sins forever, and then
sat down at the right hand of God, 13 where He remains waiting
until His enemies have been made a footstool for His feet. 14For
by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified.
15
The Holy Spirit also testifies to us about this, for after saying,
16
“This is the covenant that I will make with
them after those days, says the Lord:
I will put My laws in their hearts
and I will write them on their minds.”
(Jeremiah 31:33)
17
He then adds,
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Hebrews 10
“Their sins and transgressions

I will remember no more.”
(Jeremiah 31:34)
And when these things are forgiven, there is no longer any

18
need to offer sacrifices for sin.

19
Therefore, brothers, we can boldly enter the Holy of Holies
by the blood of Jesus, 20by a new and living way that He opened
for us through the veil, that is, His body. 21And since we have
a great High Priest over the house of God, 22let us draw near to
God with a sincere heart and a sure faith, since our hearts have
been sprinkled clean from a guilty conscience and our bodies
have been washed with pure water. 23Let us hold fast to the
confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised
is faithful. 24And let us think of how we can urge one another
on to love and good works. 25Do not forsake the assembling of
ourselves, as is customary for some, but encourage one another
all the more, since you see the day of His return drawing near.
26
For if we willingly reject Christ after we have received the
knowledge of the truth, then there is no longer any sacrifice for
our sins, 27but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of the
fiery indignation that will consume God’s enemies. 28Anyone who
rejected the Law of Moses was put to death without mercy by
the testimony of two or three witnesses. 29How much worse do
you think a man’s punishment deserves to be if he has trampled
the Son of God under foot and has counted the blood of the
covenant, by which he was sanctified, as something unholy,
and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? 30For we know Him
who said,
“Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”

(Deuteronomy 32:35)
And again,
“The Lord will judge His people.”

(Deuteronomy 32:36)
31
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God!
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Hebrews 11
32
But remember the former days after you had been
enlightened, how you endured a great struggle of suffering. 33At
times you were exposed to public insults and persecutions, and
at other times you helped those who were suffering the same
things. 34For you had compassion on me in my chains. You also
accepted the seizure of your property with joy, knowing that
you yourselves had a better and lasting possession in heaven.
35
Therefore do not throw away your confidence, which has great
reward. 36You need to patiently endure, so that when you have
done God’s will, you can receive what He has promised.
37
“For in just a little while,
He who is coming will come
and will not delay.
38
But the just will live by faith,
and if he shrinks back,
My soul will not take pleasure in him.”
(Habakkuk 2:3-4)
39
But we are not like those who shrink back and are eternally
damned; on the contrary, we are like those who believe and
are saved.
11 Now faith is the confidence of things hoped for, the evidence

of things not seen. 2For by faith the men of old obtained a
good testimony. 3By faith we understand that the universe was
formed by God’s command—what we now see was not made
of any visible thing.
4
By faith Abel offered God a better sacrifice than Cain. For
God spoke well of Abel’s gift and he obtained the testimony
of being a righteous man, and even though he is dead, his
testimony still speaks.
5
By faith Enoch was translated to heaven and did not see
death; he could not be found, because God had translated him.
Before Enoch was translated, he obtained the testimony of being
well-pleasing to God. 6Without faith it is impossible to please
God, and those who approach God must believe that He exists
and that He rewards those who seek Him.
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Hebrews 11
7
By faith Noah, after God warned him of things not yet seen,
moved in reverent fear to build an ark to save his family. By
his faith he condemned the world, and became heir of the
righteousness that comes by faith.
8
By faith Abraham, when called to depart for a place he would
later receive as an inheritance, obeyed and left. He left without
knowing where he was going. 9By faith Abraham lived in the
promised land like a stranger in a foreign country. He lived in
tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were co-heirs of the same
promise. 10Abraham was looking forward to the city with eternal
foundations, whose founder and builder is God.
11
By faith Sarah was able to give birth, even though she was
too old, because she believed that God was faithful and would
fulfill His promise. 12From this one man, Abraham, who was as
good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in
the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore.
13
All these people died believing by faith, even though they
had not yet received the promises they saw them from afar and
believed, embracing and confessing that they were foreigners and
strangers on earth. 14 Those who say such things show that they
are looking for a homeland. 15If they truly missed the country
they had left, they could have returned. 16But instead they
longed for a better homeland, a heavenly homeland. Therefore
God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared
a city for them.
17
By faith Abraham, when tested by God, offered Isaac as
a sacrifice. Abraham, who had received God’s promises, was
ready to sacrifice his only son Isaac. 18 The one whom God had
spoken of when He said,
“Through Isaac your descendants

will carry your name.”
(Genesis 21:12)
19
Abraham believed that God was able to raise Isaac from the
dead, and figuratively speaking, Abraham did receive him back
from the dead.
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Hebrews 11
20
By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau regarding their future.
21
By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed Joseph’s two sons, and
worshiped while leaning on the top of his staff.
22
By faith Joseph, when dying, spoke about the exodus of
the sons of Israel, and gave orders concerning his bones.
23
By faith Moses, after he was born, was hidden by his parents
for three months, because they saw that the child was beautiful,
and they did not fear the king’s commandment.
24
By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called
the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. 25He chose to be mistreated
with God’s people, instead of enjoying the pleasures of sin for
a short time. 26He believed that suffering shame for the sake of
Christ was worth more than all the treasures of Egypt, and so
he kept his eyes on the reward.
27
By faith Moses left Egypt without fearing the king’s anger,
and he persevered because he kept his eyes on the invisible God.
28
By faith Moses kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood,
so that the destroyer of the firstborn would not touch them.
29
By faith the Israelites crossed the Red Sea as if it were dry
land, but the Egyptians that followed were drowned.
30
By faith the walls of Jericho fell after being encircled for
seven days. 31By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with
those who were disobedient, because she received the spies in
peace.
32
What more can I say? There is not enough time for me to tell
you about Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel,
and the prophets. 33By faith they overthrew kingdoms, laboured
in righteousness, obtained God’s promises, and shut the mouths
of lions. 34 They quenched flames of fire, escaped death by the
sword, and their weakness was turned to strength. They became
mighty in war and put foreign armies to flight. 35Women had
their dead raised to life again. Others were tortured to death,
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Hebrews 12
because they refused to renounce their faith in exchange for

their freedom, so that they could obtain a better resurrection.106
36
Some were mocked and whipped, while others were chained
and imprisoned. 37They were stoned, they were enticed to
renounce their faith, they were sawn in two, and they were put
to death by the sword. They wandered around in sheepskins and
goatskins, destitute, afflicted, and mistreated. 38 They wandered
about in deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in
the ground. The world was not worthy of them!
39
All these people obtained a good testimony on account of
their faith, but none of them received all that God had promised.
40
But God provided something better for us, so that only together
with us would they be made perfect.107
12 Therefore, since we have such a great cloud of witnesses

surrounding us, let us cast off every weight and sin that so
easily entangles us, and let us patiently run the race set before
us. 2Let us look to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith,
who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising its
shame, and is seated at the right hand of God’s throne.
3
Consider Jesus, who endured such hostility from sinners, so
that your hearts do not grow weary and faint. 4For you have not
yet wrestled against sin and resisted it to the point of sweating
blood. 5And do not forget these encouraging words that speak
of you as sons:
“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline,

or faint when He rebukes you.
6
For the Lord disciplines those He loves,
and He punishes everyone He accepts as a son.”
(Proverbs 3:11-12)
7
If God disciplines you, then He is dealing with you as a son,
for what son is not disciplined by his father? 8If God does not
106
This may refer to 2 Maccabees 7
107
But God provided better things for us, the fulfillment of the
promise: Christ, through whom the Old Testament saints and
the New Testament saints are made perfect.
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Hebrews 12
discipline you as He does with all His children, then you are
not His sons, but illegitimate children! 9If our earthly fathers
disciplined us and we respected them for it, then how much
more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
10
Our fathers disciplined us for a short time according to what
seemed good to them, but God disciplines us for our good, so
that we may share in His holiness. 11No discipline is enjoyable
at the time, because it is painful. But after we have been trained
by it, it produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness. 12 Therefore,
“Lift up your tired hands that hang down,

and strengthen your feeble knees.”
(Isaiah 35:3)
13
“Make level paths for your feet,”
(Proverbs 4:26)
so that the lame who follow will not turn aside, but instead
become healed.
14
Pursue peace with everyone, and pursue holiness, for
without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15See to it that no
one falls short of God’s grace and that no bitter root grows up
to cause trouble, because it will defile many. 16See to it that no
one among you is a fornicator or a godless person like Esau,
who sold his birthright for a single meal. 17For you know what
happened afterward, when he desired to inherit the blessing,
he was rejected and could not change his father’s mind, even
though he sought the blessing with tears.
18
You have not come to a tangible mountain that was set
ablaze and covered by darkness, gloom, and storm. 19 You have
not come to a trumpet blast so awesome, and a voice so terrifying,
that those who heard it begged that no more words be spoken,
20
because they were terrified of the command:
“If even an animal touches the mountain,

it will be stoned,
or shot through with arrows.”
(Exodus 19:12-13)
21
The sight was so terrifying that Moses said,
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Hebrews 13
“I am trembling and afraid.”

(Deuteronomy 9:19)
22
But you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living
God, to the heavenly Jerusalem. You have come to thousands
upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, 23 to the church
of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, to God,
who is the Judge of all mankind, to the spirits of righteous
men made perfect, 24 to Jesus the Mediator of a new covenant,
and to the sprinkled blood that speaks of better things than
Abel’s offering.
25
See to it that you do not refuse to listen when God speaks.
For if the Israelites did not escape when they refused to listen
to Moses who warned them on earth, then how much less will
we escape if we turn away from Christ who warns us from
heaven. 26At that time His voice shook the earth, but now He
has promised,
“Once again I will shake not only the earth,

but also the heavens.”
(Haggai 2:6)
By saying “once again,” God made it clear that He would remove

27
all that can be shaken—that is, everything that is not eternal

of all He created—so that what cannot be shaken will remain.
28
Therefore, since we are receiving an unshakable kingdom,
let us be thankful and worship God in a worthy manner with
all reverence and adoration.
29
“For our God is a consuming fire.”
(Deuteronomy 4:24)
13
3
Let brotherly love continue. 2Do not forget to be hospitable,
for by doing so some have unknowingly entertained angels.
Remember those in prison as if you were in prison with them,
and those who are mistreated as if you were also suffering.
4
Marriage must be honoured by all, and the marriage bed kept
undefiled, because God will judge all fornicators and adulterers.
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Hebrews 13
5
Live your life without being greedy for filthy lucre, and be
content with what you have, for God has said,
“I will never leave you, nor forsake you.”

(Deuteronomy 31:6)
6
Therefore we can confidently say,
“The Lord is my helper. I will not fear.

What can man do to me?”
(Psalm 118:6)
7
Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you.
Consider how they have lived their lives from beginning to end,
and imitate their faith. 8Jesus Christ is the same yesterday,
today, and forever! 9Do not be led astray by all kinds of strange
teachings. It is good for our hearts to be established by God’s
grace, not by ceremonial foods, which is of no benefit to those
who eat them.
10
We have an altar from which those ministering at the
tabernacle have no right to eat. 11For the blood of animals
is brought into the Holy of Holies by the high priest as a sin
offering, but their bodies are burned outside the camp. 12In
the same way Jesus suffered outside the city gate, so that He
could sanctify the people through His own blood. 13So let us go
to Him outside the camp, bearing His shame. 14For we do not
have a permanent city here, but we are looking for the city that
is to come. 15 Therefore, through Jesus, let us continually offer
a sacrifice of praise to God—the fruit of our lips confessing His
name. 16Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for
God is pleased with such sacrifices.
17
Obey your leaders and submit to them, so that their work
will be a joy instead of a heartache—which would be unprofitable
for you. They watch over you, because they are responsible for
your souls and must give an account.
18
Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience,
and we desire to conduct ourselves honourably in all things. 19I
beg you earnestly to pray that I may be restored to you soon.
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Hebrews 13
20
Now may the God of peace—who through the blood of the
eternal covenant raised our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd of
the sheep, from the dead—21prepare you for every good work,
so that you can do His will. May He accomplish in you what
is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the
glory forever and ever. Amen.
22
Brothers, I urge you to listen patiently to these encouraging
words, for I have only written you a short letter. 23 You should be
aware that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes
soon, we will both come to see you.
24
Greet all your leaders and all the saints. The saints from
Italy send you their greetings.
25
Grace be with you all! Amen.
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James 1
James
1 From: James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To the twelve tribes scattered abroad:
Greetings!
My brothers, count it all joy when you are surrounded by

2
various trials, 3because you know that the testing of your faith
produces patience. 4But you must let patience finish its work
so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5Now
if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who bountifully
gives to all without rebuke, and it will be given to him. 6But he
must ask in faith without doubting, because those who doubt
are like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.
7
Such a man should not expect to receive anything from the
Lord, 8because he is double-minded and unstable in all his ways.
Let the poor brother boast about his high position. 10But
9
let the rich brother boast about his low position, because he
will perish like the flowers of the field. 11For the sun rises with
scorching heat and dries up the grass; the flowers fall off and
their beauty and appearance perish. In the same way, the rich
man will fade away in his endeavours.
12
Blessed is the man who perseveres through temptation!
For when he is tested and approved, he will receive the crown
of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13No
one who is being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by
God.” God cannot be tempted by evil, and He does not tempt
anyone. 14But each man is tempted by his own lusts, which
entrap and entice him. 15When lust becomes pregnant, it gives
birth to sin. And when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.
Do not be led astray, my beloved brothers. 17Every good

16
and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of
lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18By His will
He has given birth to us through the word of truth, so that we
would be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.
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James 2
19
So then, my beloved brothers, let every man be quick to
hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger, 20because a man’s anger
does not produce God’s righteousness.
21
Therefore cast off all filthiness and evil, and humbly accept
the word planted in you, for it is able to save your souls.
22
Do not be only hearers of the word, and so deceive yourselves,
but also be doers of the word. 23For if a man is only a hearer
of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his
own face in a mirror, 24and after looking at himself he leaves
and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the man who
has closely looked at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and
continues in it, has not become a forgetful hearer, but a doer
of what it says, and he will be blessed in what he does.
26
If anyone among you thinks he is religious but does not
bridle his tongue, he deceives his own heart and his religion is
worthless. 27Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father
is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to
keep oneself unstained by the world.
2 My brothers, concerning your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus

Christ, do not show favouritism. 2Now suppose a man comes
into your synagogue wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and
a beggar also comes in wearing shabby clothing, 3and you look
at the man wearing fine clothing and say to him, “You sit over
here in a good place,” and you say to the beggar, “You stand
over there,” or “Sit here at my feet.” 4Have you not discriminated
among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?
5
Listen, my beloved brothers: has not God chosen the poor of
this world to be rich in faith and to be heirs of the kingdom that
He promised to those who love Him? 6But you have despised
the poor! Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into
court? 7Do they not blaspheme the beautiful name by which
you are called?
8
If, on the other hand, you fulfill the royal law according to
the Scripture,
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James 2
“You must love your neighbour as yourself,”

(Leviticus 19:18)
you are doing well. 9But if you show favouritism, you are
committing a sin, and are convicted under the law as a
transgressor. 10If a man keeps the whole law and then stumbles
only once, he has become guilty of violating the whole law.
11
For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not
murder.” If you do not commit adultery, but commit murder,
you have become a violator of the law.108 12So speak and act
in love, as one who will be judged by the law of liberty. 13For
judgment without mercy will be shown to the one who has not
been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
14
My brothers, what profit is there if a person claims to have
faith, but has no works? Is that kind of faith able to save them?
15
Now suppose a brother or sister is naked and lacks daily food,
16
and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warm and well
fed,” but you do not give them what their body needs, what
profit is that? 17So faith by itself, without works, is dead.
18
You might argue, “One has faith, while another has works.”
Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith
by my works! 19You believe that there is one God. That is good!
Even the demons believe that and tremble! 20You foolish man,
do you want proof that faith without works is dead? 21Was not
Abraham our father justified by works when he offered his son
Isaac on the altar? 22You see that his faith co-operated with his
works, and by his works his faith was made perfect. 23And so
the Scripture was fulfilled that said,
“Abraham believed God,

and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
(Genesis 15:6)
And so he was called God’s friend.109 24You see that a man is

justified by works and not by faith alone.
108
Exodus 20:13-14; Deuteronomy 5:17-18
109
2 Chronicles 20:7; Isaiah 41:8
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James 3
25
Likewise, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by
works when she hid the spies and sent them off by another way?
26
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith
without works is dead.
3
2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers,
because you know that we will be judged more strictly.
For we all stumble in many ways. If a man does not stumble
in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to bridle
his whole body. 3Look, we put bits into the mouths of horses
to make them obey us, so that we can steer their bodies. 4And
look at ships: although they are large and are driven by strong
winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the
captain desires. 5In the same way, the tongue is only a small
part of the body, yet it boasts of great things.
Look at how a small fire can ignite a whole forest! 6 The tongue
is also a fire, a world of iniquity among the parts of the body. It
defiles the whole body, sets the course of our life on fire, and is
ignited by hell. 7For every kind of animal, bird, reptile, and sea
creature can be tamed or has been tamed by mankind, 8but
no man can tame the tongue. It is an unrestrainable evil, full
of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless our God and Father, and
with it we curse men who have been made in the image of God.
10
From the same mouth comes both blessing and cursing. My
brothers, this should not be! 11Does a spring pour out both
sweet and bitter water from the same hole? 12My brothers, can
a fig tree produce olives? Or a grapevine, figs? Neither can a
salt spring produce sweet water.
13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show
it by his good behaviour, by works done in the meekness of
wisdom. 14But if you have bitter feelings of envy and self ambition
in your hearts do not boast of your wisdom, because you will
be lying against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not come from
above, but is worldly, unspiritual, and demonic. 16For where
there is envy and self ambition, there will be disorder and every
kind of evil work. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure,
then peaceable, gentle, submissive, full of mercy and good
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James 4
fruits, impartial, and sincere. 18And the fruits of righteousness

are sown in peace by those who make peace.
4
2
What is the cause of the fights and quarrels among you? Is
it not your lustful desires that battle within your bodies?
You set your heart on what you do not have, so you murder
and covet. You cannot obtain what you want, so you quarrel
and fight. You do not have what you want, because you do
not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with
evil motives, because you want to spend what you get on your
lustful desires. 4You adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not
know that friendship with the world is hatred towards God?
Whoever chooses to be a friend of the world is an enemy of God.
5
Do you think the Scriptures speak in vain when they tell us
about the intense jealously of the Spirit that lives in us?
6
But the grace that God gives to us is greater, which is why
it says:
“God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.”
(Proverbs 3:34)
7
Therefore, submit to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee
from you. 8Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.
Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you
double-minded. 9Realize your own misery, and mourn and weep.
Let your laughter turn to mourning, and your joy to sadness.
10
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
11
Do not slander one another, brothers. Whoever slanders
or judges his brother, slanders and judges the royal law. And
if you judge the law you are no longer a doer of the law, but a
judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge who is able
to save and destroy. But who are you to be judging others?
13
Those who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this city
for one year to trade and make a profit,” come now, 14you do not
even know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It
is just a mist that appears briefly and then vanishes. 15Instead
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James 5
you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and we will do
this or that.” 16But, as it is, you boast in your self-confidence.
All such boasting is evil.
17
Anyone who knows the right thing to do, but does not do
it—sins.
5 Come now, you rich people, weep and howl over the miseries
about to come upon you. 2Your riches have rotted and your
clothes have been eaten by moths. 3Your gold and silver have
corroded, and their corrosion will be a testimony against you,
and will devour your flesh like fire. You have heaped up treasure
in the last days! 4Look! The wages you have fraudulently kept
back from the workers who harvested your fields is crying out
against you, and the outcry of the harvesters has reached the
ears of the Lord of Hosts. 5You have lived on earth in luxury
and pleasure. You have fattened your hearts for the day of
slaughter. 6You have condemned and murdered the righteous,
who did not oppose you.
7
Therefore, brothers, be patient until the coming of the Lord,
just as a farmer waits for his beloved crop to grow, waiting
patiently for it until it receives the autumn and spring rains.
8
You, too, must be patient. Your hearts must be steadfast,
because the coming of the Lord is near.
9
Do not grumble against one another, brothers, or you will
be condemned. Look! The Judge stands at the door! 10Brothers,
for an example of suffering and patience, take the prophets who
spoke in the name of the Lord. 11As you know, we call those
who have endured: blessed. You have heard of Job’s patience,
and you saw what the Lord did for him in the end. The Lord is
compassionate and merciful.
12
Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or by
earth or by anything else. But let your “Yes” be yes, and your
“No” be no, so that you may not fall under condemnation.
13
Is anyone among you suffering hardship? Let him pray. Is
anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms of praise. 14Is anyone sick
among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let
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James 5
them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the
Lord. 15And the prayer offered in faith will heal the one who is
sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed
any sins, he will be forgiven. 16Confess your sins to one another,
and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer
of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17When Elijah, a
man like us, prayed earnestly that it would not rain, it did not
rain on the ground for three and a half years. 18 Then he prayed
again, and the heavens gave rain, and the ground produced
its crops.
19
Brothers, if anyone among you strays from the truth, and
someone turns him back, 20know this: whoever turns a sinner
back from the error of his way will save his soul from death,
and will cover up a multitude of sins.
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1 Peter 1
1 Peter
1 From: Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those living as
foreigners throughout the provinces of Pontus, Galatia,
Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 who have been chosen
according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through the
sanctifying work of the Spirit, to be obedient and to be sprinkled
by the blood of Jesus Christ:
May grace and peace abound to you!
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! It

3
is because of His great mercy that we have been born again into
a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the
dead, 4and into an inheritance that will not decay because it is
pure and unfading and is kept in heaven for you.
5
For through faith God’s power protects you, until this
salvation is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6And you
greatly rejoice in this, even though it is necessary for you to be
grieved for a little while by various trails. 7These trials test your
faith—which is much more precious than gold, which perishes
even though it is tested by fire—so that your faith will prove
worthy of praise, honour, and glory when Jesus Christ appears.
8
Although you have not seen Him, you love Him. Although you
have not seen Him, you believe in Him. And so you rejoice with
joy unspeakable and full of glory, 9because you are receiving
the goal of your faith—the salvation of your souls.
This salvation was pondered and searched out by the

10
prophets who prophesied of the grace that would come to you.

11
They searched for the time and circumstances to which the
Spirit of Christ within them was declaring when He testified
beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and the glory that would
follow. 12It was revealed to them that they were not serving
themselves, but you, when they prophesied of these things. And
these things have now been announced to you by those who
have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was
sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things!
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1 Peter 2
13
Therefore, prepare your minds for action, be sober-minded,
and set your hope completely on the grace that will be given to
you when Jesus Christ appears. 14As obedient children, do not
conform to the former lusts you had when you were ignorant.
15
But just as He who called you is holy, be holy in all your
behaviour. 16For it is written:
“Be holy, for I am holy.”

(Leviticus 11:44-45, 19:2, 20:7)
17
If you call on the Father, who without partiality judges
each man according to his own works, then spend your time
as foreigners on earth in reverent fear. 18For you know that you
were not redeemed from the empty lifestyle you inherited from
your forefathers with perishable things like silver or gold, 19but
you were redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb
without spot or blemish. 20For this purpose He was chosen
before the creation of the world, and has been revealed in these
last times for your sake. 21Through Christ you believed in God,
who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so now your
faith and hope are in God.
22
Since your souls have been purified by obeying the truth
through the Spirit and has produced in you a sincere brotherly
love, fervently love one another with a pure heart. 23For you have
been born again, not by perishable seed, but by imperishable
seed, through the word of God that lives and endures forever.
24
For,
“All flesh is like grass,

and all the glory of man is like
the flowers of the field.
The grass withers and the flowers fall off,
25
but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
(Isaiah 40:6-8)
And this word is the gospel that was preached to you.
2 Therefore cast off all hatred, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and

slander. 2Desire the pure milk of the word, like newborn
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1 Peter 2
babies, so that by it you may grow in your salvation, 3because

you have tasted that the Lord is good.
4
So draw near to Him, the Living Stone, who was rejected
by men but chosen by God and precious to Him. 5 You also,
like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house, a holy
priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God
through Jesus Christ. 6As the Scripture says:
“Look! I lay a Stone in Zion,

a chosen and precious Cornerstone,
and those who believe in Him
will not be ashamed.”
(Isaiah 28:16)
7
He is precious to those who believe, but to those who
disbelieve,
“The Stone that the builders rejected

has become the Cornerstone,”
(Psalm 118:22)
8
and,
“A Stone of stumbling
and a Rock of offense.”
(Isaiah 8:14)
They disobey the word, and so they stumble just as God

appointed.
9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy
nation, an acquired people, chosen to proclaim the praises of
Him who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.
10
Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people.
Once you had not received mercy, but now you have received
mercy.
11
Beloved, I urge you as foreigners and strangers in this
world to abstain from the fleshly lusts that war against the
soul. 12Live in good behaviour among the pagans, so that if they
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1 Peter 3
slander you as evildoers, they may see your good works and
glorify God in the day of visitation.
13
For the Lord’s sake, submit to every authority established
among men: whether to the king, who is ruler, 14or to his
governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do evil,
and to praise those who do good. 15For it is God’s will that by
doing good you may silence the ignorance of foolish men. 16As
free men do not use your freedom as an excuse for doing evil, for
you are God’s slaves. 17Honour everyone, love the brotherhood
of believers, revere God, and honour the king.
18
Slaves, submit to your masters with all respect. Do not
submit only to those who are good and gentle, but also to those
who are unjust. 19For it is acceptable to God if a person endures
grief and unjust suffering because they are conscience of Him.
20
For what glory is there if you sin and patiently endure your
punishment? But if you do good and patiently endure suffering,
this is acceptable to God. 21You were called for this purpose
because Christ suffered for you. He left you an example so that
you could follow in His footsteps:
22
“He committed no sin,
neither was any deceit found in His mouth.”
(Isaiah 53:9)
When insulted He did not insult back, when suffering He made

23
no threats, but gave Himself to the One who judges justly. 24He
Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might
die to sin and live in righteousness.
“By His stripes you were healed.”

(Isaiah 53:5)
25
For you were like sheep gone astray, but now you have turned
to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
3 Wives, in the same way, submit to your husbands. Then, if

they do not believe the word, it may be possible to win them
over without words but by your behaviour. 2For they will see
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1 Peter 3
your pure and reverent lives. 3Your adornment must not be

only outward, such as braided hair, gold jewellery, or fine
clothes. 4But let the inner man of your heart be adorned with
the imperishable beauty of a meek and quiet spirit, which is of
great value in God’s sight. 5For this is how the holy women of the
past, who hoped in God, adorned themselves. They submitted
to their husbands. 6Just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, and called
him lord. You have become her daughters if you do what is good
without being overcome by fear.
7
Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with
understanding; though they are the weaker vessel, honour
them as fellow-heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your
prayers will not be hindered.
8
Finally, you should all be like-minded and compassionate.
You should love each other as brothers, always being tender-
hearted and humble. 9Do not repay evil with evil or insult with
insult, but with blessing, because you know that you were called
to do this, so that you might inherit a blessing. 10For,
“The man who desires to live a long

and prosperous life must keep
his tongue from evil
and his lips from speaking deceit.
11
He must turn from evil and do good;
he must seek peace and pursue it.
12
For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous,
and His ears are open to their petitions,
but the face of the Lord
is against those who do evil.”
(Psalm 34:12-16)
13
Who will harm you if you imitate and follow what is good?
But even if you suffer for the sake of righteousness, you are
14
blessed.
“Do not fear what they fear or be troubled.”

(Isaiah 8:12)
15
But set God apart as Lord of your hearts, and always be
ready to give an answer to everyone who asks about your hope,
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1 Peter 4
answering with meekness and respect. 16Do this with a good

conscience, so that those who slander you as evildoers may be
ashamed, because they have falsely accused you of your good
Christian behaviour. 17It is better to suffer for doing good, if it
is God’s will, than to suffer for doing evil.
18
Christ Himself suffered for sins once and for all, the just
for the unjust, so that He could bring us to God. He was put to
death in the flesh, but made alive in the Spirit. 19By the Spirit
He went and made a proclamation to the spirits in prison—20 to
those who disobeyed long ago, when God waited patiently in
Noah’s day, during the building of the ark. In it only a few, eight
souls, were saved by means of water. 21This is symbolic of what
also saves us now: baptism. It is not a baptism that washes dirt
from the body, but a baptism by which we profess God with
a clear conscience. This baptism is only possible because of
the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven
and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and
powers subject to Him.
4 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, you must

also arm yourselves with the same attitude. Those who suffer
in the flesh have ceased from sinning. 2They no longer spend
the rest of their time living in the flesh and following the lusts
of men, but instead they follow God’s will.
3
For you spent enough time in the past living like the pagans,
indulging in sensuality, lust, drunkenness, partying, drinking-
bouts, and detestable idolatries. 4They think it is strange that
you do not indulge with them in their immorality, so they slander
you. 5But they will have to give an account to God, who is ready
to judge the living and the dead. 6 That is why the gospel was
preached to those who are now dead, so that even though they
would be judged in the flesh according to men, they might live
in the Spirit according to God.
7
The end of all things is near. So be sober-minded, always
watching and praying. 8Above all things, love one another deeply,
because love covers up a multitude of sins. 9Be hospitable to
one another without complaining. 10Whatever gift you have
received, use it to minister to one another as good stewards
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1 Peter 5
of the manifold grace of God. 11If anyone speaks, they should

speak the words of God. If anyone serves, they should serve
with the strength God gives, so that in all things God may be
glorified through Jesus Christ. To God be the glory and dominion
forever and ever. Amen.
12
Do not be astonished at the fiery trials that have come to
test you, beloved, as if something strange were happening to
you. 13But rejoice that you share in the sufferings of Christ, so
that you may be full of joy when His glory is revealed. 14If you
are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed!
For the Spirit of glory, God’s Spirit, rests upon you! Truly, they
blaspheme Christ, but you glorify Him. 15Do not suffer as a
murderer, thief, criminal, or meddler. 16But if you suffer as a
Christian, do not be ashamed, but for this reason glorify God.
17
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God.
And if it begins with us, then what will the outcome be for those
who disobey the gospel of God? 18And,
“If it is difficult for the righteous to be saved,

then what will happen to the
ungodly and sinner?”
(Proverbs 11:31)
Therefore, those who suffer according to God’s will should

19
commit their souls to their faithful Creator and should continue

doing what is good.
5 I beg the elders among you, as a fellow-elder and witness

of Christ’s sufferings, and as a partaker of the glory to be
revealed: 2shepherd God’s flock that is among you. Watch over
it not because you have to, but because you want to. Do not do
it for the sake of filthy lucre, but do it because you are willing.
3
Do not lord it over those entrusted to you, but be an example
to the flock. 4 Then, when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will
receive a crown of glory that will never fade away.
5
Likewise, young people, obey your elders. All of you must
submit to one another and clothe yourselves with humility. For,
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1 Peter 5
“God opposes the proud,

but gives grace to the humble.”
(Proverbs 3:34)
6
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God,
so that He may exalt you in due time, 7casting all your cares
on Him, because Him cares for you!
8
Be sober-minded and vigilant! Your adversary, the devil,
prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
9
Resist him, being firm in the faith, because you know that your
brothers throughout the world are suffering the same things.
10
After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace,
who has called us into His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will
Himself perfect, establish, strengthen, and make you firm. 11To
Him be the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
12
Silas, whom I regard as a faithful brother, has helped me
to write this short letter to you, encouraging you, and testifying
that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it!
13
Your fellow Christians in Babylon send you greetings, and
so does Mark, my son in Christ.
14
Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace to all of you
who are in Christ Jesus! Amen.
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2 Peter 1
2 Peter
1 From: Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. To
those who have obtained a faith as precious as ours through
the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ:
May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the

2
knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord!
His divine power has given us everything pertaining to life

3
and godliness through the knowledge of Him who called us by

His own glory and virtue. 4And because of His glory and virtue
He has given us His great and precious promises, so that by
them you may become partakers of the divine nature and escape
the world’s corruption that is caused by lust.
For this very reason, give all diligence to add virtue to your
5
faith; to virtue, knowledge; 6 to knowledge, self-control; to self-

control, perseverance; to perseverance, godliness; 7to godliness,
brotherly love; and to brotherly love, unconditional love. 8If you
possess these qualities in abundance, you will not be inactive
or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9But if
you lack these qualities you are blind; you are short-sighted and
have forgotten that you have been cleansed from your past sins.
Therefore, brothers, be diligent to make your calling and

10
election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall away,
11
and you will be greatly welcomed into the eternal kingdom of
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Therefore, I cannot neglect to continually remind you of

12
these things, although you already know them and have been
firmly established in the truth you now have. 13I think it is
right, as long as I live in the tent of this body, to stir you up by
reminding you of these things. 14For I know that I will soon lay
aside the tent of this body, as our Lord Jesus Christ has made
clear to me. 15 Therefore I will diligently remind you of these
things, so that after my death you will always remember them.
16
We did not make up clever stories when we told you about
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2 Peter 2
the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. On the contrary,
we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17For He received honour
and glory from God the Father when the voice from the Majestic
Glory spoke to Him, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I
am well-pleased.” 18We ourselves heard this voice from heaven
when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
19
Therefore, we have the prophetic word reaffirmed! And you
will do well to pay attention to it, like a lamp shining in a dark
place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your
hearts. 20First of all, you must understand that no prophecy
in Scripture came from the prophet’s own interpretation. 21For
no prophecy ever came from the will of man. Instead, holy men
spoke from God as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 But there were also false prophets among the people, just
as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly
introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who
bought them, bringing swift destruction upon themselves. 2Many
will follow their destructive ways, and the way of the truth will be
maligned because of them. 3In their greed they will exploit you
with deceptive words. But the judgment decreed against them
from long ago is not idle, and their destruction is not asleep.
4
For if God did not spare the angels who sinned, but cast
them down into hell, and confined them with chains of darkness
to detain them for judgment, 5and if the ancient world was not
spared—except for eight people, including Noah, who was a
preacher of righteousness—when God brought a flood upon the
world of the ungodly, 6and if God overthrew and condemned the
cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by turning them into ashes, as
a warning to those who would live ungodly lives in the future,
7
and if God delivered righteous Lot, who was oppressed by the
lustful behaviour of the wicked—8though he was a righteous man
his righteous soul was tormented, because he lived among them
day after day, seeing and hearing their lawless deeds—9then the
Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trials, and also how
to detain the unrighteous under punishment until the day of
judgment. 10 This punishment is especially for those who walk
after the flesh and its unclean lusts, and for those who despise
authority. These false teachers are daring and arrogant, and are
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2 Peter 2
not even afraid to slander angelic beings. 11 Though angels, who

are greater in strength and power, do not even bring slanderous
accusations against them before the Lord.
12
But these false teachers speak slanderously about things they
do not understand. They are like irrational animals, creatures
of instinct, born only to be captured and destroyed. In their
corruption they will utterly perish. 13 They are about to receive
the reward of unrighteousness. They count it pleasurable to
indulge in sensual pleasures in the daytime. They are stains and
blemishes, who indulge in deceit while feasting with you. 14 Their
eyes are full of adultery. They cannot stop sinning. They entice
unstable souls, and have trained their hearts to be greedy. They
are accursed children! 15 They have forsaken the straight path
and have gone astray. They have followed the way of Balaam,
the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness. 16But
Balaam was rebuked for his own transgression: a speechless
donkey spoke with a man’s voice and restrained the prophet’s
madness. 17These false teachers are springs without water,
clouds carried by storm, for whom the blackest darkness is
reserved forever.
18
They speak arrogant words that are worthless, using the
lustful desires of the flesh to entice those who have almost
escaped from the influences of those living in error. 19 They
promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of
corruption; for a man is a slave to whatever defeats him. 20For
if after they have escaped the pollution of the world by knowing
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ and are again entangled by
it and defeated, they will become even worse in the end than
they were in the beginning. 21It would have been better if they
had never known the way of righteousness, than to have known
it and turned away from the holy commandment that was
committed to them. 22 This is a true proverb concerning them:
“A dog returns to its own vomit.”

(Proverbs 26:11)
Yes, “A sow that is washed goes back to wallowing in the mud!”
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2 Peter 3
3 Beloved, this is now the second letter I have written to you.

In both letters I have tried to stir up your pure minds by
reminding you of these things, 2so that you will remember the
words that were spoken in the past by the holy prophets, and
the commandments that our Lord and Saviour gave through
us apostles.
3
First of all, you must know that mockers will come in the
last days who will walk after their own lusts. 4 They will say,
“Where is the promise of His coming? Our fathers have died and
everything remains the same, just as it has since the beginning
of creation.” 5But they choose to ignore this fact: that by the
word of God the heavens existed long ago and the earth was
formed out of water and by water, 6 which also destroyed the
world at that time by a great flood of water. 7By the same word
the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire,
being kept until the day of judgment when ungodly men will
be destroyed.
8
Beloved, do not be ignorant of this one thing: that one day
to the Lord is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is
like one day. 9 The Lord is not slow in fulfilling His promise, as
some people count slowness. Instead, He is patient with us,
not wanting any to perish, but for all to come to repentance.
10
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night,
the heavens will perish with a great noise, the elements will be
destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its entire works
will be burned up. 11Since all these things will be destroyed,
should you not behave in a holy and godly manner, 12as you
anticipate and accelerate the coming of the day of God? For in
that day the heavens will be destroyed by fire, and the elements
will melt with intense heat. 13But we are anticipating God’s
promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness
dwells.
14
Therefore, beloved, since you are anticipating these things,
be diligent, so that He will find you in peace without spot or
blemish. 15Remember that our Lord’s patience means salvation.
Our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you about this with the
wisdom that God has given to him. 16Paul speaks about these
things in all his letters. Some things he writes about are difficult
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2 Peter 3
to understand, which ignorant and unstable men pervert, as

they do the remaining Scriptures, to their own destruction.
17
Beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware that you
are not led astray by the error of wicked men and fall from your
firm position. 18But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord
and Saviour Jesus Christ.
To Him be the glory both now and forever! Amen.
462
1 John 1-2
1 John
1 He is the Word of Life!
He existed from the beginning.
We have heard Him speak,
and we have seen Him with our own eyes.
We have looked upon Him,
and our hands have touched Him.
2
He was with the Father,
and He appeared to us.
Life appeared,
and we have seen Him.
We testify of Him,
and declare His eternal life to you.
3
We declare to you what we have seen and heard,
so that you can also have fellowship with us.
And our fellowship is with the Father,
and with His Son Jesus Christ.
4
We write these things to you,
so that your joy may be full.
This is the message that we have heard from Him and declare
5
to you: God is light, and there is no darkness in Him at all. 6If we

say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in the darkness,
we lie and do not follow the truth. 7But if we walk in the light
as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and
the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
8
If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves and the
truth is not in us. 9If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just
to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10
If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a
liar, and His word is not in us.
2 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that

you will not sin. But if anyone sins, we have an Advocate
with the Father: Jesus Christ, the righteous One. 2He is the
463
1 John 2
atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins, but
also for the sins of the whole world.
3
We know that we have come to know Christ if we keep His
commandments. 4Whoever says, “I know Him,” but does not keep
His commandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. 5But
whoever keeps His word, God’s love has truly been perfected in
him. This is how we know that we are in Christ: 6 whoever says
that he abides in Christ must also walk as He walked.
7
Beloved, I am not writing you a new commandment, but an
old commandment that you have had from the beginning. This
old commandment is the message that you have already heard.
8
On the other hand, I am writing you a new commandment;
its truth is seen in Christ and in you, because the darkness is
departing and the true light is already shining.
9
Whoever says he is in the light but hates his brother is still
in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother abides in the light,
and there is nothing in him that will cause him to stumble. 11But
whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around
in the darkness. He cannot see where he is going, because the
darkness has blinded his eyes.
12
Little children, I am writing to you because your sins have
been forgiven on account of His name.
13
Fathers, I am writing to you because you know Him who
existed from the beginning.
Young men, I am writing to you because you have overcome

the evil one.
Little children, I am writing to you because you know the

Father.
14
Fathers, I am writing to you because you know Him who
existed from the beginning.
Young men, I am writing to you because you are strong,

because the word of God abides in you, and because you have
overcome the evil one.
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1 John 2
15
Do not love the world, or the things in the world. If anyone
loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16For all
that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes,
and the pride of life—is not of the Father, but is of the world.
17
The world is passing away along with its lusts, but those who
do God’s will live forever.
18
Little children, it is the last hour. You have heard that the
antichrist is coming, and even now there are many antichrists.
Therefore we know that it is the last hour. 19 They departed from
us, but they did not belong to us. If they had belonged to us,
they would have stayed with us. For when they departed, it was
apparent that they did not belong to us.
20
But you have received an anointing from the Holy One, and
you know all things concerning the truth. 21I am not writing to
you because you do not know the truth, but because you know
it, and because no lie comes from the truth.
22
Who is a liar? Is it not the man who denies that Jesus is
the Christ? The man who denies the Father and the Son is an
antichrist. 23Whoever denies the Son does not have the Father.
Whoever confesses the Son also has the Father.
24
Let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you.
If what you have heard from the beginning abides in you, then
you will abide in the Son and in the Father. 25And this is the
promise that He promised: eternal life.
26
I am writing these things to you concerning those who are
leading you astray. 27As for you, the anointing that you received
from Christ abides in you. You do not need anyone to teach
you concerning the truth, because His anointing teaches you
about all things. The Holy Spirit teaches the truth and does not
lie. So live in Christ as the Holy Spirit has taught you. 28Now,
little children, abide in Him. Then, when He appears, we can
be confident and unashamed before Him at His coming.
29
If you know that He is righteous, then you know that everyone
who does what is righteous is born of Him.
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1 John 3
3 See what love the Father has bestowed on us: we are called
God’s children! The reason why the world does not know us
is because it did not know Him. 2Beloved, even though we are
now God’s children, it has not yet been revealed what we will be
like when Christ appears. But we know that when He appears
we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He is. 3Whoever
has this hope in Christ purifies himself, just as Christ is pure.
4
Whoever abides in sin is violating God’s law, for sin is the
violation of the law of God. 5But you know that He appeared to
take away our sins, and that there is no sin in Him. 6Whoever
abides in Him does not continue to sin. Whoever continues to
sin has not seen Him or known Him.
7
Little children, let no man lead you astray. Whoever abides in
righteousness is righteous, just as Christ is righteous. 8Whoever
abides in sin is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning
from the beginning. But the Son of God appeared in order to
destroy the devil’s work. 9Whoever has been born of God does
not abide in sin, because God’s seed abides in them. They
cannot abide in sin, because they are born of God.
10
This is how God’s children and the devil’s children are
known: whoever does not abide in righteousness or does not
love his brother does not belong to God. 11The message you
heard from the beginning is this: we must love one another.
12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed
his brother. Why did he kill him? Because his works were evil
and his brother’s were righteous.
13
My brothers, do not be surprised if the world hates you.
14
We know that we have passed from death to life, because we
love our Christian brothers. Whoever does not love his brother
abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer,
and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.
16
This is how we know what love is: Christ laid down His life
for us. And we should also lay down our lives for our brothers.
17
Whoever has worldly possessions, and sees a brother in need,
but has no compassion in his heart for him, how can God’s
love abide in him?
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1 John 4
18
My little children, we must not only love one another with
words or language, but also with actions and truth. 19By this
we will know that we belong to the truth, and our hearts will be
confident before Him. 20But even if our hearts condemn us, God
is greater than our hearts, and He knows all things. 21Beloved, if
our hearts do not condemn us, we have confidence before God.
22
And we will receive whatever we ask from Him, because we
keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight.
23
This is His commandment: to believe in the name of His Son
Jesus Christ, and to love one another as He commanded us.
24
Whoever keeps God’s commandments abides in God, and
God abides in him. We know that He abides in us, because He
has given us His Spirit.
4 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test every spirit to

see whether they are from God, because many false prophets
have gone out into the world. 2 This is how you know if they
have the Spirit of God: every person who confesses that Jesus
Christ has come in the flesh is of God. 3And every person who
does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not
of God, but is of the spirit of antichrist. You have heard that the
antichrist is coming, but the spirit of antichrist is now already
at work in the world.
4
Little children, you are from God and have overcome them.
For greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.
5
These false prophets and teachers are from the world. Therefore
they speak from the world’s viewpoint, and the world listens to
them. 6We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us,
but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how
we know if they have the Spirit of truth or the spirit of error.
7
Let us love one another, beloved, because love comes from
God. Whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.
8
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.
9
God revealed His love to us by sending His one and only Son
into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 This is love:
not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son
to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. 11Beloved, if God loved
us this way, then we must also love one another.
467
1 John 5
12
No one has ever seen God. But if we love one another, God
abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 We know that we
abide in Him and that He abides in us, because He has given us
His Spirit. 14We have seen and testify that the Father has sent
His Son to be the Saviour of the World. 15 Whoever confesses
that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him and he abides
in God. 16And we have come to know and have believed the love
that God has for us.
God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and

God abides in him. 17In this way love is perfected in us, so that
we can be confident on the day of judgment, because we are
like Him in this world. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect
love casts out fear, because fear is associated with punishment.
Those who fear have not been perfected in love. 19 We love Him,
because He first loved us.
20
Whoever says, “I love God,” but hates his brother is a liar.
Whoever does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot
love God whom he has not seen. 21For God has given us this
commandment: whoever loves God must also love his bother.
5 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God,

and whoever loves the Father will also love His children. 2We
know that we love God’s children by loving God and keeping
His commandments. 3 This is how we love God: we keep His
commandments. His commandments are not a burden, 4because
those who are born of God overcome the world. This is the victory
that has overcome the world: our faith. 5 Who overcomes the
world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.
6
Jesus Christ came by water110 and blood; not only by water,
110
Jesus came to suffer and die on the cross (water, represent-
ing a type of baptism) and to shed His blood for the sins of all
mankind (Luke 12:50; Mark 10:38; Matthew 20:22-23).
1 John 5:6: Jesus Christ came to suffer and die on the cross
and to shed His blood for the sins of all mankind; He came not
only to suffer and die, but He came to suffer and die on the
cross and to shed His blood for the sins of all humanity. And
the Spirit testifies of this, because the Spirit is the truth.
468
1 John 5
but by water and blood. And the Spirit testifies of this, because
the Spirit is the truth. 7There are three that testify in heaven:
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are
one. 8And there are three that testify on earth: the Spirit, the
water, and the blood; and these three are in agreement.111
9
If we accept man’s testimony, then we must accept God’s
testimony because it is greater. And God’s testimony is of His
Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony
in his heart. But whoever does not believe God has made Him
out to be a liar, because he does not believe the testimony that
God has given about His Son. 11And this is God’s testimony:
God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 Those
who have the Son have life. And those who do not have the Son
of God do not have life. 13I am writing these things to you who
believe in the name of God’s Son, so that you may know that
you have eternal life, and so that you may continue believing
in the name of God’s Son.
14
This is the confidence that we have in God’s presence: if
we ask for anything that is according to His will, He hears us.
15
And if we know that He hears us when we ask, we know that
He will give us what we ask for.
16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin that is not
the unpardonable sin, he should pray, and God will give him
life—that is, unless he has committed the unpardonable sin.
There is an unpardonable sin, but I am not asking you to pray
in such circumstances.112 17All unrighteousness is sin, but not
all sins are this bad; there are different degrees of sin.
18
We know that everyone who is born of God does not sin,
for the One who is born of God guards him, and the evil one
cannot touch him.
111
There are three that testify of this in heaven: the Father, the
Son, and the Holy Spirit; and these three are one. And there are
three that testify of this on earth: the Spirit, Christ’s suffering
and death, and the blood that He shed on the cross (Hebrews
12:24); and these three are in agreement.
112
The unpardonable sin is blasphemy of the Holy Spirit (Mat-
thew 12:31-32; Mark 3:29).
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1 John 5
19
We know that we belong to God, and that the whole world
is under the control of the evil one.
20
We also know that the Son of God has come and has given
us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true. And
we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the
true God, and He is eternal life.
21
Little children, keep yourselves from idols! Amen.
470
2 John
2 John
1
From: The elder
To: The chosen lady and her children, whom I love in the
truth—and not only I, but everyone who knows the truth. 2We
love you because of the truth that abides in us, which will be
with us forever.
3
May grace, mercy, and peace be with you from God the
Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, in
truth and love.
4
I rejoiced greatly when I found out your children were walking
in the truth, just as the Father has commanded. 5And now,
dear lady, I am not writing you a new commandment, but a
commandment that we have had from the beginning: that we
love one another. 6And this is love: to walk according to God’s
commandments. Since you have heard this commandment from
the beginning, walk in love.
7
Many deceivers have gone out into the world. They do not
acknowledge that Jesus Christ came in the flesh. They are
deceivers and antichrists. 8Beware that you do not lose what
we have worked for, so that you may receive your full reward.
9
Whoever deviates from Christ’s teaching and does not abide
in it, does not have God. But whoever abides in Christ’s teaching
has both the Father and the Son. 10If anyone comes to you and
does not bring this teaching, do not receive him into your house
or even greet him. 11Whoever greets him shares in his evil works.
12
I have many things to write, but I do not want to use paper
and ink. I hope instead to come to you, and to speak face to
face, so that our joy may be full.
13
The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
471
3 John
3 John
1
From: The elder
To: The beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth.

2
Beloved, I pray that you are in good health and are prospering
in all things, just as your soul prospers. 3I rejoiced greatly when
the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, and
of your walk in the truth. 4I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children are walking in the truth.
5
Beloved, you are faithful in the work you are doing for the
brothers, even though they are strangers to you. 6 They have
testified of your love before the church. You will do well to
send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. 7For
on behalf of His name they went out, taking nothing from the
Gentiles. 8We should support such men, so that we may be
fellow-workers for the truth.
9
I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to be first,
will not recognize our authority. 10So if I come, I will point out
what he is doing. Not only does he gossip maliciously about
us, but he does not receive the brothers either. Instead, he
tries to prevent those who are willing to receive the brothers
by expelling them from the church. 11Beloved, do not imitate
what is evil, but what is good. Whoever does what is good is
from God. But whoever does what is evil has not seen God.
12
Demetrius has received a good testimony from everyone, and
by the truth itself. We also testify of this, and you know that
our testimony is true.
13
I have many things to write, but I do not want to use pen
and ink. 14I hope instead to see you soon, and to speak face to
face with you.
Peace be with you! Your friends here greet you. Greet our
friends there by name.
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Jude
Jude
1
From: Jude, a slave of Jesus Christ and a brother of James.
To those who have been called, who have been sanctified by

God the Father and kept by Jesus Christ:
2
May mercy, peace, and love abound to you!
3
Beloved, my plan was to write to you about the salvation
we share. Instead, I must write and ask you to defend the
faith that was once and for all entrusted to the saints. 4For
certain men have crept in unnoticed. Their condemnation was
previously written about long ago. They are ungodly men who
have perverted the grace of our God in order to excuse their
immorality. They also deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus
Christ.
5
Though you already know this, I want to remind you again:
although Jesus saved His people out of the land of Egypt, He
ended up destroying those who did not believe. 6Even the angels
who did not keep their rank, but left their own habitation, He
has kept in darkness with everlasting chains for judgment
on the great day. 7Similarly, Sodom and Gomorrah and its
surrounding cities gave themselves over to fornication and
went after strange flesh. They serve as an example of those who
suffer the punishment of eternal fire.
8
In a similar way, these dreamers defile their flesh and despise
authority. They even slander angelic beings. 9But even the
archangel Michael—when he contended with the devil and argued
about the body of Moses—did not dare to bring a slanderous
accusation against him, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” 10 These
men speak evil of things they do not understand. Like animals
without reason, they are destroyed by their natural instinct.
11
Woe to them! They have gone the way of Cain, and for profit
they have greedily ran into the error of Balaam, and they will
perish like Korah did in his rebellion.
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Jude
12
These men are in your love feasts. They are like dangerous
rocks hidden in the sea. They feast among you without fear.
They are shepherds who only feed themselves. They are like
waterless clouds carried off by the wind. They are like leafless
trees that do not produce fruit, which have been uprooted—
twice dead. 13 They are like wild waves of the sea, which foam
up their own shame. They are like wandering stars, for whom
the blackest darkness has been reserved forever.
14
Even Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied about
them, saying, “Look! The Lord comes with thousands upon
thousands of His holy ones, 15 to execute judgment on all and
to convict all the ungodly of all their ungodly works that they
have committed in wickedness, and of all the harsh things that
ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.”
16
These men are grumblers and complainers who follow their
own lusts. Their mouths speak arrogantly, and they flatter
people for their own advantage. 17But you, beloved, be mindful
of the words that were spoken beforehand by the apostles of our
Lord Jesus Christ. 18 They told you, “In the last times there will
be mockers who will follow their own ungodly lusts.” 19 These
men cause divisions among you. They are carnal, and do not
have the Spirit.
20
But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy
faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. 21Keep yourselves in God’s love
as you wait for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ, which will
result in eternal life.
22
Concerning those who have gone astray, handle every case
differently: have mercy on some, 23but save others with fear—
snatching them out of the fire, detesting even the clothing that
is defiled by the flesh.
24
Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling and
to bring you into His glorious presence without fault and with
great joy, 25 to the only wise God our Saviour, be glory, majesty,
power, and authority, both now and forever! Amen.
474
Revelation 1
Revelation
1 This is the revelation that God gave to Jesus Christ, to show

His servants what must happen shortly. His angel revealed
this revelation to His slave John, by using signs and symbols.
2
This man, John, testifies of all he has witnessed concerning the
word of God and Jesus Christ. 3Blessed is the man who reads the
words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and
obey what is written in it, for the time of its fulfillment is near!
4
From: John
To the seven churches in the province of Asia:
Grace and peace to you from Him who is, who was, and who
is to come, and from the sevenfold Spirit before His throne,113
5
and from Jesus Christ—the faithful witness, who is the firstborn
from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.
To Him who loves us, who has washed our sins away by His
blood, 6and who has made us kings and priests to His God and
Father—to Him be the glory and power forever and ever! Amen.
7
Look! He is coming in the clouds.
Every eye will see Him,
including those who have pierced Him.
And all the tribes of the land
will wail because of Him.
Yes and Amen!
8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,
the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord,
113
The sevenfold Spirit, or the seven Spirits, are symbolic of
the fullness of the Holy Spirit—Isaiah 11:2: He is the Spirit of
the Lord, the Spirit of Wisdom, the Spirit of Understanding, the
Spirit of Counsel, the Spirit of Power, the Spirit of Knowledge,
and the Spirit of the fear (reverence, respect) of the Lord. The
number seven means fullness, completeness, perfection.
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Revelation 1
“who is, who was, and who is to come,

the Almighty.”
9
I, John, your brother and partner in the suffering, kingdom,
and perseverance that are in Jesus Christ, was on the Island
of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of
Jesus Christ.114 10On the Lord’s day I was in the Spirit, and
behind me, I heard a loud voice that sounded like a trumpet.
11
The voice said, “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and
the Last. Write down everything you see in a book and send
it to the seven churches in the province of Asia: the church of
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia,
and Laodicea.”
12
Then I turned toward the voice to see who was speaking to
me, and I saw seven golden lamp stands. 13In the middle of the
seven lamp stands, I saw One who looked like the Son of Man.
He was wearing a robe that reached down to His feet, with a
golden sash around His chest. 14His head and hair were white
like wool, as white as snow. And His eyes were like flames of
fire. 15His feet were like bronze glowing in a fiery furnace, and
His voice was like the sound of many waters. 16In His right hand
He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-
edged sword. And His face shone like the sun in all its brilliance.
17
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as if I were dead. But He
put His right hand on me and said, “Do not fear! I am the First
and the Last. 18I am the Living One. I was dead, but look—I am
alive forever and ever! Amen. And I have the keys of hell and
death. 19Now write down what you have already seen—what you
presently see—and what you will see next. 20Here is the mystery
of the seven stars that you saw in My right hand and the seven
golden lamp stands: the seven stars are the angels of the seven
churches, and the seven lamp stands are the seven churches.
114
The apostle John, now an old man, was exiled to the Island
of Patmos during the reign of Emperor Domitian. After Domi-
tian died in 96 A.D., John was released and returned to the
city of Ephesus. It is believed that John died around 100 A.D.
of natural causes.
476
Revelation 2
Church in Ephesus
2 “Write this to the angel of the church in Ephesus:
‘These are the words of Him who holds the seven stars in His
right hand and who walks among the seven golden lamp stands.
2
I know your deeds, your hard work, and your perseverance. I
know that you cannot stand evil people. You have tested those
who pretended to be apostles, and have found them to be liars.
3
You have held up patiently, and have worked hard for My
name’s sake without growing weary. 4But I have this against
you: you have forsaken your first love! 5Remember how far you
have fallen, repent, and do the things you did at first. If you
do not repent, I will come to you quickly and will remove your
lamp stand from its place. 6But I commend you for this: you
hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever
has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
To him who overcomes, I will permit to eat of the tree of life that
is in the midst of God’s paradise.’
Church in Smyrna
8
“Write this to the angel of the church in Smyrna:
‘ These are the words of Him who is the First and the Last,
who died and came to life again. 9I know your works, your
suffering, and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander
you have endured from those who call themselves Jews but are
not—they really belong to satan’s synagogue. 10Do not fear what
you are about to suffer. Look! The devil is going to throw some
of you into prison to test you, and you will be persecuted for
ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown
of life. 11Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches. He who overcomes, will not be harmed by the
second death.’115
115
The second death is when death and hell are thrown into
the lake of fire. Those whose names are not found written in
the book of life will suffer eternal punishment in the lake of fire
(Revelation 20:6, 11-15, 21:8).
477
Revelation 2
Church in Pergamos
12
“Write this to the angel of the church in Pergamos:
‘ These are the words of Him who has the sharp two-edged
sword. 13I know your works, and where you live—you live where
satan’s throne is. Yet you hold on to My name. You have not
denied your faith in Me, even during the days when My faithful
witness Antipas was killed in your city—the city where satan
lives. 14But I have a few things against you: there are some
among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught
Balak how to put a stumbling block before the Israelites in
order to tempt them to eat food that was sacrificed to idols and
to commit fornication. 15You also have some among you who
hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans, which I hate. 16Repent!
If not, I will come to you quickly and will fight against them
with the sword of My mouth. 17Whoever has an ear, let him hear
what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes, I
will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white
stone with a new name written on it, which only he will know.’
Church in Thyatira
18
“Write this to the angel of the church in Thyatira:
‘ These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are
like flames of fire and whose feet are like glowing bronze. 19I
know your works, your love, your service, your faith, and your
perseverance—that you are doing more now than you did at first.
20
But I have a few things against you: you allow that woman
Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My
servants into committing fornication and eating food that has
been sacrificed to idols. 21I have given her time to repent of her
fornication, but she has not repented. 22Look! I will throw her
onto a sickbed, and I will cause those who commit adultery with
her to suffer greatly, unless they repent of her works. 23I will
strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I
am He who searches the minds and hearts of every person, and
that I will give to each person what his works deserve. 24But I
say this to the rest of you in Thyatira, who do not hold to her
teaching and have not learned what they call the “deep secrets of
478
Revelation 3
satan”: I will not put any other burden on you. 25Just hold on to
what you have until I come. 26 To him who overcomes and keeps
My works to the end, I will give authority over the nations. 27He
will receive the same authority that I received from My Father:
“He will rule the nations with an iron sceptre,

and will smash them like clay pottery.”
(Psalm 2:9)
28
I will also give him the morning star. 29 Whoever has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Church in Sardis
3 “Write this to the angel of the church in Sardis:
‘These are the words of Him who has the sevenfold Spirit of God
and the seven stars. I know your works. You have a reputation
of being alive, but you are dead. 2Wake up, and strengthen
what remains, before it dies. For I have not found your works
complete in the sight of My God. 3So remember what you have
received and heard, and obey it, and repent! If you do not wake
up, I will come to you like a thief—at an hour you do not expect.
4
Nevertheless, there are a few people in Sardis who have not soiled
their clothes. They will walk with Me in white, because they are
worthy. 5He who overcomes will be dressed in white. I will never
erase his name from the book of life, and I will acknowledge his
name before My Father and His angels. 6Whoever has an ear, let
him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’
Church in Philadelphia
7
“Write this to the angel of the church in Philadelphia:
‘These are the words of Him who is holy and true, who has the
key of David. He opens doors that no one can shut, and shuts
doors that no one can open. 8I know your works. Look! I have
opened a door for you that no one can shut. For with very little
strength you have kept My word and have not renounced My
name. 9Look! I will make those who belong to satan’s synagogue—
479
Revelation 4
those liars who call themselves Jews but are not—come and bow
down at your feet. Then they will know that I have loved you.
10
Since you have patiently kept My word, I will keep you from
the hour of trial that will come upon the whole world to test the
inhabitants of the earth. 11Look! I am coming soon. Hold on to
what you have, so that no one will take away your crown. 12He
who overcomes, I will make a pillar in the temple of My God,
and he will never leave it. I will write on him the name of My
God and the name of the city of My God—the new Jerusalem,
which will come down out of heaven from My God—and My new
name. 13 Whoever has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says
to the churches.’
Church in Laodicea
14
“Write this to the angel of the church in Laodicea:
‘These are the words of Him who is True, the Faithful and
True Witness, the Source of God’s creation. 15I know your works,
that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were one or
the other! 16But since you are lukewarm, neither hot nor cold,
I will vomit you out of My mouth! 17You say, “I am rich, I have
become wealthy, I need nothing.” But you do not realize that
you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked. 18I advise
you to buy gold from Me that has been refined in the fire, so that
you can be rich; and white robes, so that you can be clothed,
and so that your shame and nakedness will not be exposed; and
eye salve to rub into your eyes, so that you can see. 19I rebuke
and discipline all those I love, so be zealous and repent! 20Look!
I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears My voice and
opens the door, I will come in to him, and will fellowship with
him, and he will fellowship with Me. 21To him who overcomes, I
will permit to sit with Me on My throne, just as I overcame and
sat down with My Father on His throne. 22Whoever has an ear,
let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
4 After this I looked and saw an open door in heaven. And the
same voice that sounded like a trumpet said to me, “Come
up here, and I will show you what must happen after this.”
2
Immediately, I was in the Spirit. I saw a throne in heaven, and
480
Revelation 4
there was One sitting on the throne.116 3 The One sitting on the
throne looked like a jasper and sardius stone. And an emerald
green rainbow encircled His throne. 4Around the throne were
twenty-four other thrones, and I saw twenty-four elders sitting
on these thrones. They were dressed in white robes and had
golden crowns on their heads. 5From the throne came flashes
of lightning, thunder, and rumbling. Seven lamps were burning
before the throne—these lamps represent the sevenfold Spirit
of God. 6In front of the throne was a glassy sea, like crystal.
Around the throne, on each side, were four living creatures.

They were covered with eyes, front and back. 7The first living
creature was like a lion. The second living creature was like a
calf. The third living creature had a face like a man. The fourth
living creature was like a flying eagle. 8Each of the four living
creatures had six wings. Their bodies and their wings were
covered with eyes—even under their wings. Day and night they
never stop saying,
116
This parallels the rapture of the church. The first three
chapters of the Book of Revelation talk about the church age.
But immediately after the church age, John sees an open door
in heaven and hears a voice like a trumpet, saying, “Come up
here, and I will show you what must happen after this (the
church age).” And instantly John was before God’s throne. The
same thing will happen with the church (1 Thessalonians 4:16-
17). The church will be raptured before the tribulation period
(1 Thessalonians 1:10, 5:9-10; 2 Thessalonians 2:7-8; Revela-
tion 3:10). We, the church, will escape the wrath of God (the
tribulation period). When the Holy Spirit removes the church,
then the lawless one will be revealed (2 Thessalonians 2:7-8).
Seventy weeks are decreed for Israel (Daniel 9:24-27). At the end
of the sixty-ninth week, the Messiah (Jesus) was cut off (Daniel
9:26) and the clock stopped. When this happened, the church
age started. After the church age, the clock will start again, and
the seventieth week of Daniel will begin. It will begin with the
antichrist signing a seven year peace treaty with Israel. Indeed,
the church will be raptured at the end of the church age, and
then the antichrist will be revealed. He will sign a seven year
peace treaty with Israel, which will start the seventieth week.
At the end of the seventieth week/tribulation period, Jesus will
come again (The second coming of Christ).
481
Revelation 5
“Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty,

who was, and is, and is to come.”
9
Whenever the living creatures give glory and honour and thanks
to Him who sits on the throne—to Him who lives forever and
ever—10 the twenty-four elders fall down before Him who sits
on the throne. As they worship Him who lives forever and ever,
they cast their crowns before His throne, saying,
“You are worthy, O Lord,

11
to receive glory and honour and power.

For You created all things,
and because of Your will
they exist and were created.”
5 Next I saw a scroll in the right hand of the One who was sitting
on the throne. It had writing on both sides and was sealed
with seven seals. 2I also saw a mighty angel, who proclaimed
with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the scroll and to
break its seals?” 3But no one in heaven or on earth or under
the earth was able to open the scroll or to look inside it. 4I could
not stop weeping, because no one was found worthy to open
and read the scroll or to look inside it. 5 Then one of the elders
said to me, “Do not weep. Look! The Lion of the tribe of Judah,
the Root of David, has overcome. He is able to open the scroll
and to break its seven seals.”
6
Then I looked and saw a Lamb that appeared to be slain.
He was standing between the throne, the four living creatures,
and the elders. He had seven horns and seven eyes—which
represent the sevenfold Spirit of God, who is sent out into all
the earth. 7The Lamb came and took the scroll from the right
hand of Him who sits on the throne. 8And when the Lamb took
the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders
fell down before Him. Each one had a harp and a golden bowl
full of incense, which represent the prayers of the saints. 9And
they sang a new song:
“You are worthy to take the scroll

and to break its seals.
482
Revelation 6
For You were slain,

and Your blood has bought for God
people from every tribe and language
and people and nation.
10
And You have made them kings
and priests for our God,
and they will reign on the earth.”
11
Then I looked and heard the voices of the living creatures,
the elders, and all of the millions and hundreds of millions of
angels surrounding the throne. 12With a loud voice they said:
“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

to receive power and riches and wisdom
and strength and honour
and glory and blessing!”
13
Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and
under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them say:
“To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

be blessing and honour and glory and power
forever and ever!”
14
And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” And the twenty-four
elders fell down and worshiped Him who lives forever and ever.
First Seal Judgment
6 I watched as the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals.

Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice
of thunder, “Come and see!” 2I looked and saw a white horse.
Its rider had a bow, and he was given a crown. He went out as
a conqueror, determined to conquer the world.117
Second Seal Judgment
When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second
3
117
The first seal starts off the tribulation period when the anti-
christ signs a seven year peace treaty with Israel (Daniel 9:27).
483
Revelation 6
living creature say, “Come and see!” 4 Then another horse went
out. It was fiery red. Its rider was given a large sword and the
authority to take peace from the earth so that men would kill
one another.118
Third Seal Judgment

5
When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living
creature say, “Come and see!” Then I looked and saw a black
horse, and its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. 6 Then I
heard a voice from among the four living creatures say, “Two
pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for
a day’s wages, but do not harm the oil and the wine!”
Fourth Seal Judgment

7
When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the voice of
the fourth living creature say, “Come and see!” 8I looked and
saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hell
followed him. They were given authority to kill over a quarter
of the earth’s population by sword, famine, plague, and by the
wild animals of the earth.
Fifth Seal Judgment

9
When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar
the souls of those who had been martyred because of God’s
word and the testimony they had given.119 10 They cried out
with a loud voice, saying, “Lord, holy and true, how long before
You judge and avenge our blood on those living on the earth?”
11
Each one was given a white robe and was told to wait a little
longer, until the martyrdom of their fellow-slaves and brothers
was completed.
118
The ten kings of Revelation 17:12 might possibly come out
of the shadows when this second seal is opened.
119
These are martyred tribulation saints.
484
Revelation 7
Sixth Seal Judgment

12
When the Lamb broke the sixth seal, I looked and saw a
great earthquake. The sun became black like sackcloth, and
the moon became like blood. 13 The stars of heaven fell to the
earth, like unripe figs falling from a fig tree when shaken by
a strong wind. 14 The heavens disappeared like a scroll being
rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved from its
place. 15 Then the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals,
the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free man, hid
themselves in the caves and the rocks of the mountains. 16 They
cried out to the mountains and to the rocks, “Fall on us and
hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from
the wrath of the Lamb! 17For the great day of His wrath has
come, and who can stand?”
7 After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners

of the earth. They were holding back the four winds of the
earth so that no wind could blow on the earth, the sea, or on
any tree. 2 Then I saw another angel coming from the east with
the seal of the living God. He cried out with a loud voice to the
four angels who had been given authority to harm the earth
and the sea, saying, 3“Do not harm the earth, the sea, or the
trees, until we have put a seal on the foreheads of the slaves
of our God.”120 4 Then I heard the number of those who were
sealed, and the total was, 144,000 from every tribe of Israel:121
5
From the tribe of Judah
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Reuben
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Gad
12,000 were sealed,
6
from the tribe of Asher
12,000 were sealed,
120
The seal written on their foreheads is the name of the Lamb
and of His Father (Revelation 14:1). This is in sharp contrast
to the number of the beast, which numerically spells the anti-
christ’s name. The mark of the beast (Rev. 13:16-18).
121
God will supernaturally protect these 144,000 Jews and
they will preach the gospel to the world.
485
Revelation 7
from the tribe of Naphtali

12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Manasseh
12,000 were sealed,
7
from the tribe of Simeon
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Levi
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Issachar
12,000 were sealed,
8
from the tribe of Zebulun
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Joseph
12,000 were sealed,
from the tribe of Benjamin
12,000 were sealed.
9
After this, I looked and saw a great multitude that no man
could count. They were from every nation, tribe, people, and
language. They were standing before the throne and before the
Lamb dressed in white robes and holding palm branches in
their hands.122 10And they cried out with a loud voice, saying,
“Salvation comes from our God,

who sits on the throne,
and from the Lamb!”
11
All the angels stood around the throne, the elders, and the
four living creatures. They fell facedown before the throne and
worshiped God, 12saying,
“Amen!
Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanks
and honour and power and strength
belong to our God forever and ever!
Amen!”
13
Then one of the elders asked me, “Who are these people
dressed in white robes? Where did they come from?”
14
I answered him, “You know, sir.”
Then he said to me, “These are the people who have come
122
These are martyred tribulation saints.
486
Revelation 8
out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and
made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 That is why they
stand before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in
His temple. And He who sits on the throne will pitch His tent
over them. 16 They will never be hungry or thirsty again, and
the heat of the sun will no longer make them weary. 17For the
Lamb at the center of the throne will shepherd them and will
lead them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away
every tear from their eyes.”
Seventh Seal Judgment
8 When the Lamb broke the seventh seal, there was silence in
heaven for about half an hour. 2 Then I saw the seven angels
who stand before God, and they were given seven trumpets.
3
Another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer.
He was given a large amount of incense to offer with the prayers
of all the saints, which he offered on the golden altar before
the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, along with the prayers
of the saints, ascended up before God from the angel’s hand.
5
Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar,
and tossed it to the earth, and there came rumbling, thunder,
flashes of lightning, and an earthquake.
6
Then the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared
to blow them.
First Trumpet Judgment

7
The first angel blew his trumpet, and hail and fire mixed
with blood were tossed to the earth. A third of the earth was
burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the
green grass was burned up.
Second Trumpet Judgment

8
The second angel blew his trumpet, and something that
looked like a massive burning mountain was tossed into the sea.
487
Revelation 9
A third of the sea became blood, 9a third of the sea creatures

died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.
Third Trumpet Judgment

10
The third angel blew his trumpet, and a massive star fell
from heaven, blazing like a torch. It fell on a third of the rivers
and springs of water. 11The name of the star was “Bitterness.”
A third of the water became bitter, and many people died from
drinking the toxic water.
Fourth Trumpet Judgment

12
The fourth angel blew his trumpet, and a third of the sun,
moon, and stars were struck, so that a third of them became
dark. The day was without a third of its light, and the night
as well.
13
Then I saw an angel flying through the air, and I heard him
cry out with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe, to those living on the
earth, because of the remaining trumpet blasts that the three
angels are about to blow!”
Fifth Trumpet Judgment
9 The fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had
fallen from heaven to earth, and he was given the key to the
bottomless pit. 2He opened the bottomless pit, and plumes of
smoke billowed out like the smoke of a massive furnace, and
the sun and sky became dark from the smoke of the pit. 3 Then
locusts came out of the smoke and descended to the earth, and
they were given the power to sting like scorpions. 4 They were
told not to harm the grass, plants, or trees of the earth, but
only those people who did not have the seal of God on their
foreheads. 5 The locusts were not allowed to kill them, but only
to torment them for five months. The torment inflicted on them
was like the torment of a scorpion sting. 6In those days men
will seek death, but will not find it. They will long to die, but
death will elude them.
488
Revelation 9
7
The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their
heads they wore what looked like crowns of gold, and their faces
looked human. 8 They had long hair like a woman, and teeth
like a lion. 9 They had breastplates like iron, and their wings
sounded like the sound of many chariots and horses charging
into battle. 10 They had tails that stung like scorpions, and they
had the power to harm men for five months. 11The angel of the
bottomless pit is their king. His name in Hebrew is “Abaddon,”
and his name in Greek is “Apollyon.”123
12
The first woe has passed. But look! There are still two more
woes to come!
Sixth Trumpet Judgment

13
The sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from
the four horns of the golden altar that is before God. 14 The voice
said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four
angels who are bound at the great Euphrates River.” 15 Then
the four angels who had been prepared for this very hour, day,
month, and year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16I
heard the number of horsemen in their army: it was 200 million!
17
The horses and riders I saw in the vision were wearing
fiery red, blue, and yellow breastplates. The horses had heads
like lions. And fire, smoke, and brimstone came out of their
mouths. 18A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues
of fire, smoke, and brimstone that came out of their mouths.
19
The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails.
They had tails like a snake, and their heads caused great harm.
20
Everyone who was not killed by these plagues refused to
repent of the works of their hands and continued to worship
demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood—
idols that cannot see, hear, or walk! 21They refused to repent
of their murders, drugs and witchcraft, sexual immorality, or
of their thefts.
123
The names “Abaddon” and “Apollyon” both mean “destroyer.”
489
Revelation 10 -11
10 Next I saw another mighty angel coming down from heaven.

He was clothed with a cloud, and a rainbow was over
his head. His face shone like the sun, and his feet were like
pillars of fire. 2In his hand was a small open scroll. He placed
his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the land. 3And he
cried out with a loud voice like a roaring lion. When he cried
out, the voices of the seven thunders spoke. 4When the seven
thunders spoke, I was about to write down what was said.
But I heard a voice from heaven say to me, “Seal up what the
seven thunders have said and do not write it down.” 5 Then the
angel, the one I had seen standing on the sea and on the land,
lifted his hand to heaven. 6He swore an oath by Him who lives
forever and ever, who created the heavens, the earth, the sea,
and everything in them: “There will be no further delay. 7When
the time comes for the seventh angel to blow his trumpet, the
mystery of God will be fulfilled, just as He announced to His
servants the prophets.”
8
Then the voice from heaven spoke to me again and said,
“Go and take the small open scroll from the hand of the angel
who is standing on the sea and on the land.” 9So I went over
to the angel and asked him to give me the small scroll. He said
to me, “Take it and eat it. In your mouth it will be as sweet as
honey, but it will turn bitter in your stomach.” 10So I took the
small scroll from the angel’s hand and ate it. In my mouth it
was as sweet as honey, but after I ate it, it turned bitter in my
stomach. 11Then he said to me, “You must prophesy again about
many peoples, nations, languages, and kings.”
11 Then I was given a measuring stick and told, “Go and

measure the temple of God and the altar, and count the
number of worshipers there. 2But do not measure the outer
court of the temple. Leave it out, because it has been given to
the Gentiles. They will trample the holy city for 42 months. 3I
will give authority to My two witnesses, and they will prophesy
for 1,260 days, dressed in sackcloth.”124 4These two witnesses
are the two olive trees and the two lamp stands that stand
before the God of the earth. 5If anyone tries to harm them, fire
124
These two witnesses will probably be “Enoch” (Genesis 5:24;
Hebrews 11:5) and the prophet “Elijah” (2 Kings 2:11). God took
them both up to heaven alive.
490
Revelation 11
will come out of their mouth and will devour their enemies.
This is how anyone who tries to harm them will die. 6 These
two witnesses have authority to shut up the sky, so that it will
not rain during the days they are prophesying. They also have
authority to turn the waters into blood, and to strike the earth
with any kind of plague as often as they desire.
7
When they finish their testimony, the beast that comes out of
the bottomless pit will declare war on them and will overpower
and kill them. 8Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city,
which is symbolically called “Sodom” and “Egypt,” where also
their Lord was crucified.125 9For three and a half days people
from every tribe, language, and nation will see their bodies,
and will not allow them to be buried. 10 Those who live on the
earth will joyfully celebrate their death, and will give gifts to
one another, because these two prophets had tormented those
living on the earth.
11
But after three and a half days God’s Spirit of Life entered
them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those
who saw them. 12 Then they heard a loud voice from heaven,
which said to them, “Come up here!” And they went up to heaven
in a cloud, while their enemies watched them. 13At that very
hour there was a great earthquake that destroyed a tenth of
the city. Seven thousand people died in the earthquake, and
the survivors were terrified and gave glory to the God of heaven.
14
The second woe has passed. But look! The third woe is
coming quickly.
Seventh Trumpet Judgment

15
The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud
voices in heaven, saying,
“The kingdom of this world has become

the kingdom of our Lord and His Christ,
and He will reign forever and ever!”
125
The city of Jerusalem.
491
Revelation 12
16
And the twenty-four elders, who were sitting on their thrones
before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying,
“We thank You, Lord God Almighty,

who is, who was, and who is to come,
because You have taken Your great power
and have begun to reign.
“The nations were angry,

18
but Your wrath has come.

Now is the time to judge the dead,
and to reward Your servants,
Your prophets and saints,
and everyone who reveres Your name,
both small and great,
and to destroy those who
have caused destruction on the earth.”
19
Then God’s temple in heaven was opened, and the ark
of His covenant was seen inside His temple. And there came
flashes of lightning, rumbling, thunder, an earthquake, and a
great hailstorm.
12 Then a great sign appeared in heaven: there was a woman

clothed with the sun, with the moon beneath her feet, and
on her head was a crown of twelve stars.126 2She was pregnant
and cried out in pain, because she was about to give birth.
3
Then another sign appeared in heaven: there was a great red
dragon127 with seven heads, ten horns, and seven crowns on
his heads. 4His tail swept a third of the stars out of heaven
and tossed them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the
woman who was about to give birth, so that he could devour
her Child when she gave birth. 5But she gave birth to a Son, a
male Child, who will rule all the nations with an iron sceptre.
And her Child was snatched up to God and to His throne. 6 The
126
This woman represents the nation of Israel and the twelve
stars represent the twelve tribes of Israel (Genesis 37:5-11).
127
The great red dragon is satan. Satan is the power behind
the antichrist and his kingdom. Satan is the source behind all
rebellion against God and His Son (Revelation 17:9-14; Daniel
7:7-8, 20, 24).
492
Revelation 12
woman fled into the wilderness, to a place that God had prepared
for her, where she would be nourished for 1,260 days.
7
Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought
against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back.
8
But the dragon and his angels were defeated and lost their
place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was thrown out—that old
serpent, who is called the devil and satan, the one who deceives
the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth with all his
angels.
10
Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying,
“Now the salvation and the power

and the kingdom of our God,
and the authority of His Christ have come.
For the accuser of our brothers
has been thrown out,
the one who continually accuses them
before our God day and night.
“And they overcame him

11
by the blood of the Lamb

and by the word of their testimony.
They did not love their lives,
even when faced with death.
“Therefore rejoice,
12
you heavens and you who live in them!

But woe to the inhabitants of
the earth and the sea,
because the devil has come down to you!
He is inflamed with rage,
because he knows that his time is short!”128
13
When the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the
earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male
Child. 14But the woman was given two wings like a great eagle,
so that she could fly to her place in the wilderness. There she
would be nourished for a time, times, and half a time, away
128
Satan will be thrown down to the earth midway through the
tribulation period.
493
Revelation 13
from the serpent’s reach. 15 The serpent spewed water out of

his mouth like a river in order to sweep the woman away in a
torrent. 16But the earth helped the woman by opening its mouth
and swallowing the river that came from the dragon’s mouth.
17
Then the dragon became enraged at the woman and went off
to wage war against the rest of her offspring—those who keep
God’s commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus Christ.
13 I stood on the seashore, and I saw a beast coming up out

of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, and on his
horns were ten crowns, and each of his heads had a blasphemous
name written on them.129 2 The beast looked like a leopard, but
had feet like a bear and a mouth like a lion. The dragon gave
the beast his power, his throne, and great authority.130 3One of
the heads of the beast looked like it had a deadly wound, but
the deadly wound was healed. And the whole earth followed the
beast in amazement.131 4 They worshiped the dragon because he
had given the beast his authority, and they also worshiped the
beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who can make war with
him?” 5 The beast was given a mouth to speak arrogant words
and blasphemies, and to exercise his authority for forty-two
129
The beast represents the antichrist and his kingdom, the
Revived Roman Empire. The beast has ten horns that repre-
sent ten kings (Daniel 7:24); his seven heads represent seven
hills (Rome) (Revelations 17:9), and his crowns represent the
power and authority that the ten kings will hand over to him
(Revelation 17:12-13). The ten kings will arise out of the Revived
Roman Empire, and their tentacles of power will reach world-
wide. These ten kings will hand over their power and authority
to the antichrist.
130
This relates to Daniel’s dream of the four beasts (Daniel 7:
1-7). The leopard is symbolic of Greece, the bear is symbolic of
Medo-Persia, and the lion is symbolic of Babylon. The Revived
Roman Empire will have some of the attributes of these three
former kingdoms. The antichrist’s power, throne, and authority
come from satan.
131
The antichrist will be assassinated, but satan will bring him
back to life again (Revelation 13:12-14; Zechariah 11:17). Satan
will try to copy the resurrection of Jesus Christ, because he is
a deceiver.
494
Revelation 13
months.132 6He opened his mouth to blaspheme God—insulting

His name, His dwelling place, and those living in heaven. 7 The
beast was allowed to wage war against the saints and to overcome
them. And he was given authority over every tribe, language, and
nation. 8All those living on the earth will worship the beast—
everyone, that is, except those whose names were written in the
book of life, which belongs to the Lamb, who was slain, before
the foundation of the world. 9 Whoever has an ear, let him hear.
Whoever is destined for captivity,

10
will go into captivity!

Whoever is destined to die by the sword,
will die by the sword!
During this time the saints must have great perseverance and
faith!
11
Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. He
had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like a dragon.133 12He
was given the same authority as the first beast, and he made the
earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast, whose deadly
wound was healed. 13He performed great signs in front of men,
even making fire come down from heaven to earth.134 14 The second
beast deceived those living on the earth with the signs that he
was allowed to perform on behalf of the first beast. He told them
to make an image of the first beast, who once was wounded by
the sword and yet lived. 15He had authority to give life to the
132
Daniel 7:8, 7:25
133
This second beast is the False Prophet (Revelation 16:13,
19:20, 20:10).
134
Satan will try to copy the Trinity. The Trinity: Father, Son,
and Holy Spirit. The false trinity: dragon, beast, and false proph-
et. The false prophet will pretend that he is the prophet Elijah.
Elijah is the forerunner to the Messiah (Malachi 4:5)—one of the
two witnesses (Revelation 11:3). A notable miracle in Elijah’s
ministry was that fire came down from heaven (1 Kings 18:30-
39; 2 Kings 1:9-14). The false prophet will pretend to be the
prophet Elijah by making fire come down from heaven, because
he wants to deceive the Jews into thinking that the antichrist
is their messiah. Both the antichrist and the false prophet will
be Jewish, because Jesus and Elijah were both Jewish.
495
Revelation 14
image of the beast so that it could speak, and to put to death all
who would not worship the image of the beast. 16He also made
everyone, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave,
to receive a mark on their right hand or on their forehead. 17No
one could buy or sell unless they had the mark, which is the
name of the beast or the number of his name. 18 This requires
wisdom: let those with understanding count the number of the
beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is 666.
14 Then I looked and saw the Lamb standing on mount Zion,

and with Him were the 144,000 who had His name and His
Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2And I heard a sound
from heaven that sounded like the rushing of many waters and
like the sound of loud thunder. The sound I heard was like the
sound of harpists playing their harps. 3 They sang a new song
before the throne, the four living creatures, and the elders. No
one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been
redeemed from the earth. 4 They did not become defiled with
women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He
goes. They were redeemed from among men, the firstfruits to
God and to the Lamb. 5No lie was found in their mouths, for
they are blameless before God’s throne.
6
Next I saw another angel flying through the air with the
everlasting gospel to proclaim to the inhabitants of the earth—to
every nation, tribe, language, and people. 7He cried out with a
loud voice, saying,
“Revere God and give Him glory,

because the hour of His judgment has come!
Worship Him who made heaven and earth,
the sea and the springs of water!”
8
A second angel followed, exclaiming,
“Fallen, fallen is the great city of Babylon,

because she has made all the nations drink
the wine of her wrath and fornication!”
9
A third angel followed them, crying out with a loud voice,
“Whoever worships the beast and his image, and receives his
496
Revelation 14
mark on their forehead or on their hand, 10 will drink the wine

of God’s wrath, which has been mixed undiluted into the cup of
His anger. And they will be tormented by fire and brimstone in
the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb. 11The smoke of
their torment will go up forever and ever. There will be no rest
day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or
for anyone who receives the mark of his name.” 12During this
time the saints who keep God’s commandments and their faith
in Jesus must have great perseverance.
13
Next I heard a voice from heaven that said, “Write this down:
blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.”
“Yes,” says the Spirit, “they will rest from their hard work,
for their deeds follow them.”
14
Then I looked and saw a white cloud, and sitting on the
cloud was One who looked like the Son of Man. He had a gold
crown on His head and a sharp sickle in His hand.135 15Another
angel came from the temple and cried out with a loud voice to
the One who was sitting on the cloud, “Take Your sickle and
reap, because Your hour to reap has come, for the harvest of
the earth is ripe!” 16So the One who was sitting on the cloud
swung His sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested.
17
Then another angel came from the temple in heaven, and
he also had a sharp sickle. 18From the altar came another angel
who was in charge of the fire. He cried out with a loud voice and
said to the angel with the sharp sickle, “Take your sharp sickle
and gather the clusters of grapes from the earth’s vine, because
its grapes are ripe!” 19So the angel swung his sickle over the
earth. Then he gathered the earth’s grapes and tossed them into
the great winepress of God’s wrath. 20 The grapes were trampled
in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the
winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for two hundred miles.136
135
The One who looked like the Son of Man is Jesus Christ
(Revelation 1:13; Daniel 7:13-14).
136
This is talking about the battle of Armageddon, when the na-
tions go to Israel to fight for world supremacy and fight against
the Lord Jesus when He returns (Zechariah 14:2-3; Revelation
19:19). This battle will be in several stages (Daniel 11:40-45),
climaxing with Christ’s return. Just think! Israel is 263 miles
from north to south.
497
Revelation 15 -16
15 Then I saw another sign in heaven. It was great and

marvellous. There were seven angels with the seven last
plagues. God’s wrath will be completed once these plagues are
poured out.
2
Next I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed with fire.
Those who overcame137 the beast, his image, his mark, and the
number of his name, were standing on the glassy sea. They
were all holding harps, which God had given to them. 3And they
sang the song of God’s servant Moses and the song of the Lamb:
“Great and marvellous are your works,

Lord God Almighty,
just and true are Your ways,
King of the nations.
4
Who will not fear You, O Lord,
and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy,
and all the nations will come
and bow down before You,
because Your righteous acts
have been revealed.”
5
After this, I looked and saw that the temple—the tent of
testimony—was opened in heaven. 6 The seven angels who had
the seven plagues came out of the temple. They were clothed
in bright clean linen with golden sashes around their chests.
7
One of the four living creatures handed the seven angels seven
golden bowls filled with the wrath of God, who lives forever and
ever. 8 Then the temple was filled with smoke from the glory and
power of God, and no one was able to enter the temple until the
seven plagues of the seven angels were completed.
First Bowl Judgment
16 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple say to the seven
angels, “Go and pour out the seven bowls of God’s wrath
onto the earth.” 2So the first angel went and poured out his
bowl onto the earth, and vile, malignant sores broke out on
those who had the mark of the beast and worshiped his image.
137
These are martyred saints from the tribulation.
498
Revelation 16
Second Bowl Judgment
The second angel poured out his bowl into the sea, and it
3
became like the blood of a dead man, and every living thing
in the sea died.
Third Bowl Judgment
The third angel poured out his bowl into the rivers and
4
springs of water, and they became blood. 5 Then I heard the

angel who was in charge of the waters say,
“You are righteous Lord—

who is, who was, and who is to come—
because You have passed
judgment on them.
6
Since they have shed the blood
of Your saints and prophets,
You have given them blood to drink—
just as they deserve!”
7
Then I heard another voice from the altar say,
“Yes, Lord God Almighty,

true and righteous are Your judgments!”
Fourth Bowl Judgment
The forth angel poured out his bowl onto the sun, causing
8
it to scorch men with fire. 9Men were scorched with intense

heat, and blasphemed the name of God, who had authority
over all these plagues. But still, they did not repent and give
Him glory.
Fifth Bowl Judgment
The fifth angel poured out his bowl onto the throne of the
10
beast, and his kingdom became so dark that men gnawed their
499
Revelation 16
tongues in agony.138 11And they blasphemed the God of heaven

because of their pains and sores. But still, they did not repent
of their deeds.
Sixth Bowl Judgment

12
The sixth angel poured out his bowl onto the great Euphrates
River, and its waters dried up, preparing the way for the kings
of the east to cross it.139 13Next, I saw three unclean spirits
that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouths of the
dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. 14 These demonic
spirits perform miraculous signs to gather the kings of the whole
world for battle on the great day of God Almighty. 15Look! As
a thief comes, so will I! Blessed is the man who stays awake,
who keeps his clothes on so that he will not stumble around
naked and ashamed. 16And the demonic spirits gathered the
kings of the earth together to the place that in Hebrew is called
“Armageddon.”
Seventh Bowl Judgment

17
The seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air. Then
a loud voice came from the temple in heaven, from the throne,
which said, “It is done!” 18 Then there came rumbling, thunder,
flashes of lightning, and a great earthquake. The earthquake’s
magnitude was so great that in all of human history there had
never been one like it. 19 The great city140 split into three parts,
and the cities of the nations fell, for God remembered Babylon
the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the wrath
of His anger. 20Every island fled and the mountains were not
found. 21Large hailstones, weighing about one hundred pounds
each, fell from the sky on men. But still, men blasphemed God,
because the plague of hail was so utterly devastating.
138
This fifth bowl judgment is poured out on the city of Rome
and the Revived Roman Empire (Revelation 17, 18).
139
Revelation 9:16
140
The city of Rome (Revelation 17, 18).
500
Revelation 17
17 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls
came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the judgment
of the great prostitute who sits on many waters. 2 The kings
of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the
inhabitants of the earth have become drunk on the wine of
her fornication.” 3 Then the angel carried me away in the Spirit
into the wilderness. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet
beast that was covered with blasphemous names. It had seven
heads and ten horns. 4 The woman was clothed in purple and
scarlet, and wore gold and precious stones and pearls. She
had a gold cup in her hand that was full of the abominations
and uncleanness of her fornication. 5 Written on her forehead
was a name, a mystery:
Babylon the Great,

the Mother of Prostitutes
and of the Abominations of the Earth.
6
I saw that the woman was drunk on the blood of the saints—
the blood of the witnesses of Jesus. I was astonished and stared
at her with great amazement. 7The angel asked me, “Why are
you so amazed? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and
of the beast she sits on—the beast with seven heads and ten
horns.141 8 The beast that you saw once existed, now does not,
yet will soon come up from the bottomless pit and will go to
destruction. The inhabitants of the earth—whose names have
not been written in the book of life from the foundation of
the world—will be amazed when they see the beast that once
existed, now does not, yet will come again.142
9
“This requires a mind with wisdom: the seven heads
represent seven hills where the woman sits, 10and the seven
hills also represent seven kings. The first five have fallen, one
is currently in power, and the other has not yet come; but
141
Mystery Babylon is speaking about the false church. After
the rapture of the true church, all religions will merge into a
one world religion—the false church. Mystery Babylon stems
from Nimrod and the tower of Babel, where the first organized
false religion was started in rebellion against God—the root of
all false religion (Genesis 10:8-12, 11:1-9).
142
This verse alludes to both the antichrist (Revelation 13:3,
12, 14) and the Roman Empire (Daniel 2:40-43).
501
Revelation 17
when he does come, his reign will be short.143 11 The beast that
once existed, but now does not, is the eighth king. He belongs
to the seven, and will go to his destruction.144 12 The ten horns
you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom,
but they will receive authority to rule with the beast for one
hour.145 13 These kings will have one mind, and they will give
their power and authority to the beast. 14 They will wage war
against the Lamb, but the Lamb will be victorious over them,
because He is Lord of lords and King of kings. And those who
are with Him are His called, chosen, and faithful followers.”
15
Then the angel said to me, “The waters where the prostitute
sits, represent people, multitudes, nations, and languages.
16
The ten horns and the beast you saw will hate the prostitute.
They will make her desolate and naked. They will eat her flesh
and will burn her with fire.146 17For God has put this into their
hearts to carry out His purpose. With one mind they will give
their kingdom to the beast, so that God’s words will be fulfilled.
18
The woman you saw represents the great city that rules over
the kings of the earth.”147
143
The prostitute sits on seven hills, which is Rome—the Vat-
ican. The headquarters of the one world religion, the false
church, will be at the Vatican. The seven kings represent seven
kingdoms/empires, which are: Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Me-
do-Persia, Greece, Rome, and the Revived Roman Empire. The
antichrist’s kingdom will only last for a short time.
144
The eighth king is the antichrist.
145
These ten kings will arise out of the Revived Roman Empire,
and their tentacles of power will reach worldwide (Daniel 7:23-
24). These ten kings will hand over their power and authority
to the antichrist.
146
The ten kings and the antichrist will destroy the false church
halfway through the tribulation when the antichrist comes to
power.
147
In John’s time, Rome was the great city that ruled over the
kings of the earth. The name, the mystery written on the pros-
titute’s forehead, was “Babylon the Great,” which represents
the city of Rome. The mystery: Babylon the Great is the city
of Rome (1 Peter 5:13).
502
Revelation 18
18 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven

with great authority, and his glory lit up the earth. 2He
cried out with a mighty voice, saying,
“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the Great!148

She has become a home for demons,
a refuge for every evil spirit,
and a refuge for every unclean
and detestable bird.
3
“For all the nations have drunk from
the wine of her passionate fornication.
The kings of the earth have committed
fornication with her, and the merchants
of the earth have become rich from
her wealth and luxury.”
4
Then I heard another voice from heaven, saying,
“My people, come out of her!

Do not take part in her sins,
or else you will receive her plagues.
5
For her sins have reached heaven,
and God has remembered her iniquities.
6
“Repay her for what she has done to others!
Repay her double as her works deserve!
Make her drink a double portion
from her own cup!
“Give her just as much torment and sorrow,

7
as she gave herself glory and luxury.

In her heart she says, ‘I sit as a queen,
148
Chapter 17 dealt with “religious/ecclesiastical Babylon,”
while chapter 18 deals with “commercial/political Babylon.”
Religious/ecclesiastical Babylon (the false church) will be de-
stroyed by the antichrist and the ten kings halfway through
the tribulation period. And commercial/political Babylon will
be destroyed near the end of the tribulation period. In chapter
17 the Vatican and the false church will be destroyed. And in
chapter 18 the city of Rome, the headquarters of the antichrist’s
political and economical system, will be destroyed.
503
Revelation 18
I am not a widow, and I will not

see mourning.’
8
“For this reason, her plagues of death,
mourning, and famine will come
upon her in one day.
She will be consumed by fire,
for the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”
9
The kings of the earth who committed fornication with her
and lived in her luxury will weep and wail over her when they
see the smoke of her destruction. 10 Terrified by her torment
they will stand at a distance, saying,
“Woe, woe, to the great city of Babylon,

the strong city!
For in one hour your judgment has come!”
11
The merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her,
because no one buys their cargo anymore. 12No one buys their
cargo of gold, silver, precious stones, and pearls; fine linens
made of purple, silk, and scarlet; vessels made of citron wood,
ivory, and other precious woods, bronze, iron, and marble;
13
cinnamon, incense, ointment, frankincense, wine, oil, fine
flour, wheat, cattle, sheep, horses, chariots, and the bodies and
souls of men. 14 The merchants will cry out, saying,
“The fruit you longed for is gone!

All your riches and splendour are lost,
and you will never find them again!”
15
The merchants who became rich from her will stand at a
distance. Terrified by her torment they will weep and mourn,
16
saying,
“Woe, woe, to the great city!

She was clothed in fine linen
made of purple and scarlet,
and wore gold and precious stones
and pearls!
17
In one hour such great wealth
has been destroyed!”
504
Revelation 18
Every ship captain, passenger, sailor, and all those who make
their living from the sea, will stand at a distance. 18 They will cry
out when they see the smoke of her destruction, saying, “What
other city was like this great city?” 19 They will throw dust on
their heads and cry out as they weep and mourn, saying,
“Woe, woe, to the great city that made

all ship owners rich from her wealth!
For in one hour she has been destroyed!
20
“Rejoice over her, you inhabitants of heaven,
and you holy apostles and prophets,
for God has judged her on your behalf!”
21
Then a mighty angel lifted up a stone. It was the size of a
large millstone. And he tossed it into the sea, saying,
“With such violence the great city of Babylon

will be thrown down,
never to be found again!
22
“The sound of musicians playing their harps,
flutes, and trumpets
will never be heard in you again.
No craftsman of any trade
will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
23
The light of a lamp
will never shine in you again.
The voice of bride and groom
“Your merchants were

the great men of the earth,
and all the nations were deceived
by your sorcery.
24
“In her was found the blood of the prophets
and saints, and all those who were killed
on the earth.”
505
Revelation 19
19 After this I heard the voice of a great multitude in heaven,

saying,
“Hallelujah!
Salvation, glory, honour, and power
belong to the Lord our God!
2
True and righteous are His judgments.
For He has judged the great prostitute
who corrupted the earth with her fornication,
and has taken vengeance on her
for the blood of His slaves.”
3
Once again they cried out, saying,
“Hallelujah!
Her smoke goes up forever and ever!”
4
Then the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell
down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne, saying,
“Amen! Hallelujah!”
5
Then a voice came from the throne, saying,
“Praise our God,

all His slaves who revere Him,
both small and great!”
6
Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the
sound of many waters, like the sound of loud thunder, saying,
“Hallelujah!
For the Lord God Almighty reigns!
“Let us rejoice and celebrate

7
and give Him glory!

For the marriage of the Lamb has come,
and His bride has made herself ready.149
149
The marriage of the Lamb will take place after the rapture,
after the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians
5:10). His bride is the church (Ephesians 5:22-32; 2 Corinthi-
ans 11:2).
506
Revelation 19
8
Fine linen, bright and clean,
has been given to her to wear.”
For the fine linen represents the righteousness of the saints.

9
Then the angel told me to write this down: “Blessed are those
who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb!” And he
added, “These are the true words of God.” 10 Then I fell at his
feet to worship him, but the angel said to me, “Do not worship
me! I am a fellow-slave, just like you and your brothers who
hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony
of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
11
Then I looked, and heaven was opened, and I saw a white
horse. Its Rider was called Faithful and True. In righteousness
He judges and wages war. 12His eyes were like flames of fire;
on His head were many crowns, and He had a name written
on Him that only He knew. 13 The robe He wore was stained
with blood, and His name is “The Word of God.” 14 The armies
of heaven followed Him on white horses, clothed in fine linen
that was white and clean. 15Out of His mouth came a sharp
sword to strike down the nations. He will rule them with an
iron sceptre. He will tread the winepress of the wrath and anger
of God Almighty. 16And on His robe and on His thigh, He has
this name written:
King of kings
and
Lord of lords.
17
Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried out
with a loud voice to all the birds flying in the air, “Come! Gather
together for the great feast of God. 18Come and eat the flesh
of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horse and rider, and of
everyone—both free and slave, small and great!” 19 Then I saw
the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies gathered
together to wage war against the Rider on the white horse and
His army. 20But the beast was captured, along with the false
prophet who had preformed miraculous signs on his behalf,
deceiving those who had received the mark of the beast and
507
Revelation 20
who had worshiped his image. And they were both thrown alive
into the lake of fire that burns with brimstone. 21 The rest of
them were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of
the Rider who sat on the white horse, and all the birds gorged
themselves on their flesh.
20
2
Next I saw an angel coming down from heaven with the
key to the bottomless pit and a large chain in his hand.
He grabbed the dragon, that old serpent, who is the devil and
satan, and bound him for a thousand years. 3 The angel threw
him into the bottomless pit, locked it, and sealed it over him, so
that he could no longer deceive the nations until the thousand
years were over. After that, he will be released for a short time.
4
Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them were given
authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been
beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God.
They had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not
received his mark on their forehead or hand. They came to life
and reigned with Christ for a thousand years—5they are a part
of the first resurrection.150 But the rest of the dead will not
come back to life until the thousand years are over. 6Blessed
and holy are those who have a part in the first resurrection!
The second death has no authority over them. They will be
priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with Him for
a thousand years.
7
When the thousand years are over, satan will be released
from his prison. 8He will go out one last time to deceive the
nations in every corner of the earth—Gog and Magog—to gather
them together for battle, and their number will be like the sand
150
This is the resurrection of life, which is best described in
the Lord’s own words: “I am the Resurrection and the Life.
Whoever believes in Me will live, even if he dies, and everyone
who lives and believes in Me will never die” (John 11:25-26;
John 5:24-30). Those who are a part of the first resurrection
will receive glorified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-57; 1 Corin-
thians 15:20-23; 1 John 5:11-12).
508
Revelation 21
of the sea.151 9 They marched across the earth and surrounded

the camp of the saints and the beloved city, but fire came out of
heaven from God and consumed them. 10And the devil who had
deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone,
where the beast and the false prophet were. There they will be
tormented day and night forever and ever.
11
Next I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat on it, from
His presence the earth and the heavens fled and disappeared.152
12
And I saw the dead, both small and great, standing before
God, and the books were opened. Another book was opened,
which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to
what was written in the books concerning their works. 13 The sea
gave up its dead, and death and hell gave up their dead, and
each person was judged according to their works. 14 Then death
and hell were thrown into the lake of fire—this is the second
death. 15And anyone whose name was not found written in the
book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there
was no more sea. 2And I, John, saw the holy city, the new
Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 Then I heard a loud
voice from heaven that said, “Look, the tabernacle of God is with
men! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God
Himself will be with them, and He will be their God. 4And God
151
In this verse Gog and Magog is the name used for the nations
that will rebel against Jesus Christ at the end of the millennial
reign. This is not the same Gog and Magog found in Ezekiel 38
and 39, which talks about the battle of Gog and Magog (Russia
and its allies). In Ezekiel 38 and 39 Russia and its allies march
against Israel, but God supernaturally defeats them; this battle
will probably take place before the tribulation (In fact, there will
most likely be a small space of time between the rapture and
the tribulation period when this battle will probably take place).
152
The Great White Throne Judgment will take place after the
millennial reign of Christ. This final judgment will not be for the
righteous, but for the wicked. Those who did not except God’s
gift of salvation through Jesus Christ will stand before God to
receive their judgment. There will be no excuses (Romans 1:20).
509
Revelation 21
will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more
death or sorrow or crying or pain, because the former things
have disappeared.”
5
And He who sits on the throne said, “Look, I make all things
new!” He also said to me, “Write this down, because these words
are true and faithful.” 6 Then He said to me, “It is done! I am
the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him
who is thirsty, I will give freely from the fountain of the water
of life. 7He who overcomes will inherit all these things, and I
will be his God and he will be My son. 8But the cowardly, the
unbelieving, the detestable, the murderers, the fornicators,
those involved with drugs and witchcraft, the idolaters, and
all liars, their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and
brimstone—this is the second death.”
9
Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls
full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come! I
will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.”153 10 The angel
carried me away in the Spirit to a high majestic mountain and
showed me the great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out
of heaven from God. 11It shone with the glory of God, and its
brilliance was like a very precious gemstone—like a crystal-
clear jasper stone. 12Its walls were great and high, with twelve
angels guarding its twelve gates, and the names of the twelve
tribes of the sons of Israel were inscribed on its gates. 13 There
were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the
south, and three on the west. 14 The wall of the city had twelve
foundations, and the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb
were inscribed on them.
15
The angel who spoke with me had a gold measuring stick to
measure the city, its twelve gates, and its walls. 16 The city was
square, and its length and width were the same. He measured
the city and found its length, width, and height to be 1,400 miles
each. 17 The angel measured the walls by a human measuring
system, and they were 216 feet high. 18Its walls were made of
jasper and the city was made of pure gold, as transparent as
glass. 19 The foundations of the city walls were decorated with
all kinds of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper,
153
This is a contrast between Babylon and the New Jerusa-
lem, between the prostitute and the bride.
510
Revelation 22
the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald,

20
the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite,
the eight beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprasus, the
eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21The twelve gates
were twelve pearls, each gate made from a single pearl. The
streets of the city were pure gold, as transparent as glass.
22
I saw no temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty
and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun
or the moon to shine on it, because the glory of God is its light,
and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The nations will walk in its light,
and the kings of the earth will bring their glory and honour into
it. 25Its gates will never close, because there will be no more
night there. 26And the glory and honour of the nations will be
brought into it. 27No impure thing, detestable person, or liar
will enter it, but only those whose names are written in the
Lamb’s book of life.
22 Next the angel showed me the pure river of the water of

life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God
and of the Lamb. 2It flowed down the middle of the main street,
and the tree of life lined both sides of the river. It produced
twelve fruit harvests, one every month. And the leaves of the
tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 There will no longer be
any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the
city, and His slaves will serve Him. 4 They will see His face, and
His name will be written on their foreheads. 5 There will be no
more night. Never again will they need a lamp or the light of
the sun, because the Lord God will be their light. And they will
reign forever and ever.
6
Then the angel said to me, “These words are faithful and
true, and the Lord God of the holy prophets has sent His angel
to show His slaves what must happen soon.”
7
“Look! I am coming soon. Blessed are those who obey the
words of the prophecy in this book.”
8
I, John, am the one who saw and heard these things. And
when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet
of the angel who showed me these things. 9But he said to me,
511
Revelation 22
“Do not worship me! I am a fellow-slave with you, and with your
brothers the prophets, and with those who obey the words of
this book. Worship God!”
10
Then the angel said to me, “Do not seal up the words of
the prophecy in this book, because the time is near. 11Let the
unjust continue to live unjustly, let the filthy continue to live
in filthiness, let the righteous continue to live in righteousness,
and let the holy continue to live in holiness.”
12
“Look! I am coming soon. My reward is with Me, and I will
repay each person for what he has done. 13I am the Alpha and
the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.
14
“Blessed are those who obey My commandments, for they
will have the privilege of entering through the gates into the
city, and they will have the privilege of eating from the tree of
life. 15Outside the city are the dogs—those involved with drugs
and witchcraft, the fornicators, the murderers, the idolaters,
and everyone who loves to lie. 16I, Jesus, have sent My angel
to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and
the Offspring of David, the Bright Morning Star.” 17The Spirit
and the bride say, “Come!” Whoever hears, let him say, “Come!”
Whoever is thirsty, let him come! Whoever desires, let him drink
freely of the water of life!
18
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy in
this book: if any man adds to them, God will add to him the
plagues that are written in this book. 19And if any man takes
away any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will take
away his part in the book of life, the holy city, and the things
that are written in this book.
20
He who testifies about these things says, “Yes, I am coming
soon!”
Amen! Yes, come, Lord Jesus!

21
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all!
Amen.
512
Psalm 1-2
Psalms
1 Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the
ungodly, who does not stand around with sinners, and who
does not sit together with scoffers. 2Instead, his delight is in the
law of the LORD. On His law he meditates both day and night.
3
He is like a tree that is planted by streams of water, which
bears its fruit in season. His leaves will not wither, and he will
prosper in all that he does.
Not so with the ungodly! They are like chaff that the wind
4
blows away. 5 The ungodly will not escape judgment, and sinners
will not stand in the assembly of the righteous. 6For the LORD
knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly
will perish.
2 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The
kings of the earth stand opposed, and the rulers make plans
together against the LORD and against His Anointed One, say-
ing, 3“We will rebel! We will tear off these chains and throw off
these shackles!”
The One enthroned in heaven laughs. The Lord mocks them.

4
He will rebuke them in His wrath, and He will terrify them in

5
His fury. 6He will say, “I have set My King on Zion, My holy
mountain.”
I will declare the decree of the LORD: “The LORD said to

7
Me, ‘ You are My Son, today I have become Your Father. 8Ask
of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and
the ends of the earth for Your possession. 9 You will break them
with an iron sceptre, and will smash them like clay pottery.’”
Therefore, O kings, act wisely! Be warned, O rulers of

10
the earth! 11Serve the LORD with reverence, and rejoice with
trembling. 12Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in
your ways, for His wrath can flare up quickly. Blessed are all
those who put their trust in Him!
513
Psalm 3-4
A psalm of David. When he fled from his son Absalom.
3 LORD, how countless are my enemies! How numerous are

those who rise up against me! 2How numerous are those
who say of my soul, “God will not deliver him.” Selah (Pause)154
But You, O LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, and

3
the lifter of my head. 4I cried out to the LORD with my voice,

and He heard me from His holy mountain. Selah
I lie down and sleep, then I wake up again, because the

5
LORD sustains me. 6I am not afraid of the tens of thousands

of people who have set themselves against me on every side.
Arise, O LORD! Save me, O my God! For You have struck

7
all my enemies on the jaw. You have broken the teeth of the
ungodly. 8Victory comes from the LORD! May Your blessing be
upon Your people. Selah
For the choir director: A psalm of David.

To be accompanied by stringed instruments.
4 Answer me when I call, O my righteous God! When I was

hemmed in, You made a wide opening. Have mercy on me,
and answer my prayer.
How long, O men, will you continue to dishonour me? How

2
long will you love foolish things and chase after lies? Selah
Know this: the LORD has set apart the godly for Himself.
3
Indeed, the LORD will hear me when I call out to Him.
When you are angry, do not sin. Instead, quietly search your
4
heart as you lie in bed. Selah
154
The exact meaning of Selah is not known. It could mean a
pause, rest, or interlude; a pause where one would reflect and
meditate on what was said (Psalm 9:16). It could also be some
sort of musical term, meaning: to hold the note, to sing it loud-
ly, to gradually get louder and louder or quieter and quieter; a
repeat, where you would repeat that line or verse.
514
Psalm 5
5
Offer sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the
LORD.
6
Many say, “Who can show us anything good?” O LORD, let
the light of Your face shine upon us! 7 You have put more joy in
my heart than those who have bountiful harvests of grain and
new wine. 8I will lie down and sleep peacefully, for You alone,
O LORD, make me live in safety.

To be accompanied by the flute.
5 Listen to my words, O LORD, consider my innermost thoughts.

2
Hear the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for I pray
to You. 3In the morning You will hear my voice, O LORD. In
the morning I will bring my requests before you, and I will wait
expectantly.
4
O God, You are not pleased with wickedness. Evil cannot
dwell with You. 5 The arrogant will not stand in Your sight. You
hate all evildoers. 6 You will destroy those who speak lies. The
LORD detests a bloodthirsty and deceitful man.
7
But as for me, in the abundance of Your lovingkindness I
will enter Your house. I will bow toward Your holy temple in
reverence of You. 8Lead me in Your righteousness, O LORD,
so that my enemies will not triumph over me. Make Your path
straight before me.
9
For their mouths do not speak the truth. Their hearts are
utterly wicked. Their throats are like an open grave. Their
tongues are full of flattery. 10Hold them guilty, O God! Let them
fall by their own schemes. Cast them out because of their many
sins, for they have rebelled against You.
11
But let all those who trust in You be glad! Let them con-
tinually shout for joy, because You defend them. Let those who
love Your name rejoice in You. 12For You, O LORD, will bless the
righteous. Like a shield, You will surround them with favour.
515
Psalm 6-7

To be accompanied by an eight-stringed lyre.
6 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline me

in Your wrath! 2Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am feeble!
Heal me, O LORD, for my bones are in anguish! 3My soul is in
deep anguish! How long, O LORD, how long until You come to
my aid?
4
Turn, O LORD, and rescue my soul! Save me for the sake of
Your lovingkindness. 5For in death there is no memory of You.
Who will give You thanks from the grave?
6
I am exhausted from my groaning. All night long I soak my
pillow with weeping and drench my bed with tears. 7My eyes
deteriorate from grief. They grow dim because of all my enemies.
8
Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the LORD
has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The LORD has heard my
petition. The LORD will accept my prayer. 10Let all my enemies
be ashamed and full of anguish! Let them turn back and be
suddenly ashamed!
A song of David, which he sang to the LORD

concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite.
7 O LORD my God, in You do I take refuge. Save me from all

who persecute me—rescue me! 2Otherwise, he will tear me
apart like a lion. He will rip me to pieces, and no one will be able
to rescue me. 3O LORD my God, if I have done wrong, if there
is guilt on my hands, 4if I have betrayed a friend by repaying
him evil for good, or if I have unjustly plundered someone who
was not my enemy, 5 then let my enemy pursue me until he
overtakes me. Let him trample my life into the ground and lay
my honour in the dust. Selah
6
Arise, O LORD, in Your anger! Stand up against the rage
of my enemies! Awake for me, for You have ordained justice!
7
Indeed, let the crowds of people gather around You, and come
take Your seat as Judge. 8For the LORD will judge the peoples.
516
Psalm 8
Judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness and my

integrity. 9Let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end,
but establish the righteous. For You are a righteous God who
examines the innermost thoughts and motives.
10
My defender is God, who saves the upright in heart. 11God
is a righteous judge, a God who is angry with the wicked every
day. 12If a man does not repent, God sharpens His sword. Indeed,
He has bent His bow and made it ready. 13He has prepared His
deadly weapons. His flaming arrows are ready to shoot.
14
Look, the wicked conceive evil. They become pregnant with
mischief and give birth to lies. 15They dig a pit and make it deep,
and then fall into the trap they have made. 16 Their mischief will
come back on them, and their violence will come down on their
own heads. 17But I will thank the LORD for His righteousness!
I will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High!

To be accompanied by a Gittite harp.
8 O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the

earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens!
2
Out of the mouths of babes and nursing infants You have
ordained praise, because of Your adversaries, that You might
silence the enemy and the avenger.
3
When I look at the heavens Your fingers have made, and I
see the moon and stars You set in place, 4I ask, “What is man
that You remember him, and the son of man that You visit
him?” 5For You have made him a little lower than the angels,
and have crowned him with glory and honour. 6You have given
him dominion over the works of Your hands. You have put all
things under his feet: 7all the sheep and cattle and wild ani-
mals, 8 the birds of the air and fish of the sea, and everything
that passes through the ocean currents.
9
O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!
517
Psalm 9

To the tune of “Death of the Son.”
9 I will praise You, O LORD, with all my heart! I will declare

all Your wonderful works! 2I will rejoice and be glad in You!
I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!
3
When my enemies retreated, they stumbled and perished
before You. 4For You upheld my just cause; You sat on Your
throne and judged righteously. 5You have rebuked the nations.
You have destroyed the wicked. You have blotted out their
names forever and ever. 6My enemies are no more; they have
been completely destroyed. You have uprooted their cities, and
all memory of them is gone.
7
But the LORD reigns forever! He has established His throne
for judgment. 8He judges the world with righteousness. He fairly
administers judgment for the people. 9The LORD is a refuge for
the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. 10 Those who know
Your name will trust You, O LORD, for You have not forsaken
those who seek You.
11
Sing praises to the LORD, who reigns in Zion! Declare His
works among the people! 12For He who avenges murder remem-
bers; He has not forgotten the cries of the afflicted.
13
Have mercy on me, O LORD! See how I suffer at the hands
of those who hate me. Lift me up from the gates of death, 14so
that I may declare all Your praises. In the gates of the daughter
of Zion, let me rejoice in Your salvation.
15
The nations have fallen into the pit they have made, and
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. 16 The LORD
makes His character known by the judgment He executes.
The wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion
(meditation) Selah (Pause)
17
The wicked will go down to hell, as will all the nations that
forget God. 18 The needy will not always be forgotten, and the
hope of the poor will not perish forever.
19
Arise, O LORD! Do not let man prevail! Let the nations be
518
Psalm 10
judged in Your presence. 20Strike them with terror, O LORD!

Let the nations know that they are only mortal men! Selah
10 Why, O LORD, do You stand so far away? Why do You

hide Yourself in times of trouble?
2
The wicked arrogantly hunt down the afflicted; let them be
caught in the schemes they have devised. 3 The wicked brag about
their selfish ambitions, and those who are greedy curse and
despise the LORD. 4 The wicked, with their arrogant countenance,
will not seek God. God is not in any of their thoughts. 5 Their
ways are always twisted, and Your laws are far from their sight.
They scoff at all their enemies. 6 They say in their hearts, “We will
be secure from generation to generation without any troubles.”
7
Their mouth is full of cursing, deceit, and oppression. Under
their tongue is mischief and wickedness. 8 They lie in ambush
near the villages, waiting to murder the innocent. Their eyes are
always looking for helpless victims. 9 They wait like a lion hiding
in the thickets. They wait to catch the helpless. They catch the
helpless and drag them off in their nets. 10 Their victims are
thrown down and crushed, defeated by those stronger than them.
11
In their hearts the wicked say, “God is not paying attention.
His face is turned away. He does not see what is happening.”
12
Arise, O LORD! Lift up Your hand, O God, and punish
the wicked! Do not forget the afflicted! 13 Why do the wicked
despise God? In their hearts they say, “God will not hold me
accountable.” 14 You, however, have seen their conduct. You
have noticed their mischief and anger, and You will punish
them accordingly. The helpless entrust themselves to You. You
are the helper of the fatherless. 15Break the arm of the wicked
and the evildoer! Call their wickedness into account and fully
punish them.
16
The LORD is King forever and ever. The godless nations will
perish from His land. 17O LORD, You have heard the desires of
the afflicted. You will strengthen their hearts. You will listen
carefully to them. 18 You will defend the fatherless and the
oppressed, so that no earthly mortal may terrify them again.
519
Psalm 11-12
11 I take refuge in the LORD! Therefore, how can you say to

me, “Flee to the mountains like a bird! 2Look, the wicked
bend their bow. They place their arrow on the string, so that
they may secretly shoot at the upright in heart. 3If the founda-
tions of law and order fall apart, what can the righteous do?”
4
The LORD is in His holy temple. The LORD’s throne is in
heaven. His eyes see everything. He closely examines the sons
of men. 5 The LORD tests the righteous, but His soul hates the
wicked and those who love violence. 6Upon the wicked He will
rain down snares, fire, and brimstone; a scorching wind will
be the portion of their cup. 7For the LORD is righteous, and He
loves righteousness. The upright will see His face.

To be accompanied by an eight-stringed lyre.
12 Help, O LORD, for the godly have disappeared! The faithful

have vanished from among the sons of men! 2Everyone
lies to their neighbour; with flattering lips and a double heart
they speak.
3
May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that
speaks proud and boastful things. 4These people say, “With
our tongues we will be victorious. Our lips are our own—who
is our master?”
5
But the LORD replies, “Because of the oppression of the
poor, because of the groaning of the needy, I will now arise! I
will rescue them from those who ensnare them.” 6 The words
of the LORD are pure, like silver refined in a furnace, purified
seven times.
7
You, O LORD, will be a hedge around the poor and needy.
You will protect them from this evil generation forever. 8 The
wicked prowl about on every side, when vileness is exalted
among the sons of men.
520
Psalm 13-14
13 How long will You forget me, O LORD? Forever? How long
will You hide Your face from me? 2How long must I con-
tinue making decisions on my own? Oh, what sorrow fills my
heart! How long will my enemies be exalted over me?
3
Look at me! Answer me, O LORD my God! Give light to my
eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death! 4Otherwise, my enemies
will say, “I have overcome him!” Then my foes will rejoice at
my downfall.
5
But as for me, I have trusted in Your lovingkindness. In-
deed, my heart will rejoice in Your deliverance. 6I will sing to
the LORD, because He has been generous to me.
14 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They

are corrupt, and their deeds are detestable. There is no
one who does good.
2
The LORD looks down from heaven on the sons of men to
see if there is anyone who understands, if there is anyone who
seeks God. 3All have gone astray, all have become corrupt. There
is no one who does good, not even one!
4
Do all the workers of wickedness—who eat up My people as
they eat bread, and do not call on the LORD—have any knowl-
edge? 5Fear and terror await them, because God is with those
who are righteous. 6You have humiliated the afflicted, but the
LORD is their refuge.
7
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When
the LORD restores the fortunes of His people, Jacob will rejoice,
and Israel will be glad!
521
Psalm 15 -16
A psalm of David.
15 O LORD, who may visit Your sanctuary? Who may dwell

on Your holy mountain?
2
He who walks uprightly, practices righteousness, and speaks
the truth from his heart. 3He does not slander with his tongue.
He does not harm his friend. He does not insult his neighbour.
4
He despises those who are vile, but honours those who revere
the LORD. He keeps his oath even when it hurts, and does not
go back on his word. 5He lends his money without charging
interest. He does not take a bribe against the innocent.
He who does these things will never be shaken.
A poem of David.
162
Protect me, O God, for I have put my trust in You.
I have said to the LORD, “You are my Lord! Apart from You,
I have nothing good.” 3As for the saints in the land, they are
the noble ones in whom is all my delight. 4 Those who run after
other gods increase their sorrows. I will not participate in their
drink offerings of blood, or speak their names with my lips.
5
The LORD is my allotted portion and my cup. You make my
lot secure. 6 The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant
places. Indeed, I have a wonderful inheritance! 7I will bless the
LORD who counsels me. Even at night He instructs my heart.
8
I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my
right hand, I will not be shaken.
9
Therefore my heart is glad, and my tongue rejoices. Fur-
thermore, my body will rest in hope. 10For You will not leave my
soul among the dead, or let Your Holy One see decay. 11You will
make known to me the path of life. You will fill me with joy in
Your presence. At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
522
Psalm 17
A prayer of David.
17 Hear, O LORD, my plea for justice! Pay attention to my cry!

Listen to my prayer, which does not come from deceitful
lips. 2Pronouce the verdict of my innocence, for Your eyes see
what is right.
3
You have tested my heart. You have examined me during the
night. You have tried me and found nothing. I have determined
that I will not sin with my mouth. 4As for the works of men—by
the word of Your lips, I have kept myself from the paths of the
violent. 5My steps have closely followed Your paths. My feet
have not slipped.
6
I have called on You, O God, because You will answer me.
Turn Your ear to me and hear my words. 7Show me the wonders
of Your lovingkindness, for with Your right hand You save those
who trust in You—You save them from their enemies who rise
up against them. 8Protect me as You would protect the pupil
of Your eye. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings. 9Protect
me from the wicked who oppress me, from my ruthless enemies
who surround me. 10 They close up their hardened hearts. They
speak arrogantly with their mouths. 11They have tracked me
down, and they now surround me. They have fixed their eyes
on me, and they intend to throw me to the ground. 12Like hun-
gry lions, they desire to tear me apart. Like young lions, they
secretly wait in ambush.
13
Arise, O LORD, confront them! Throw them down! With
Your sword, deliver my soul from the wicked! 14With Your hand,
O LORD, deliver me from men—from men of this world, whose
portion is in this life. You fill their bellies with Your provision,
their sons are satisfied, and they leave their wealth to their
children.
15
However, as for me, I will see Your face in righteousness! I
will be satisfied when I awake and see Your appearance!
523
Psalm 18
For the choir director: A psalm of David, the servant of

the LORD. He sang the words of this song to the LORD
on the day that the LORD delivered him from the hand
of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. He said:
18 I love You, O LORD, my strength! 2 The LORD is my rock,

my fortress, and my deliverer. My God is my rock, in whom
I take refuge. He is my shield, and the horn (strength) of my
salvation, my high tower.
3
I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised, and
I will be saved from my enemies.
4
The cords of death entangled me, and the torrents of de-
struction terrified me. 5 The cords of the grave wrapped around
me, and the snares of death trapped me. 6In my distress I called
upon the LORD. I cried out to my God. From His sanctuary He
heard my voice. My cry reached His ears.
7
Then the earth trembled and quaked. The foundations of
the mountains shook. They trembled because He was angry.
8
Smoke billowed from His nostrils, and a devouring fire came
from His mouth, setting coals ablaze. 9He lowered the heavens
and came down. Dark clouds were under His feet. 10He rode
on a cherub, and flew swiftly on the wings of the wind. 11He
wrapped Himself in darkness. His canopy around Him was dark,
dense, rain clouds. 12Flashes of lightning went before Him. His
dense clouds rained down hailstones and burning coals. 13 The
LORD thundered from heaven. The Most High raised His voice
amid the hailstones and burning coals. 14He shot His arrows
and scattered His enemies. He shot His lightning and threw
them into confusion. 15At Your rebuke, O LORD, at the blasting
breath of Your nostrils, the bottom of the sea became visible,
and the foundations of the earth were exposed.
16
He reached down from above and grabbed me. He pulled me
out of deep waters. 17He rescued me from my powerful enemies,
and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me.
18
They attacked me in my time of distress, but the LORD was
my protector. 19He brought me out into a spacious place. He
rescued me, because He was pleased with me.
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Psalm 18
20
The LORD has rewarded me according to my righteousness.
He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands.
21
For I have kept the ways of the LORD, and have not wickedly
departed from my God. 22All His laws are before me, and I have
not turned from His decrees. 23I have been upright before Him,
and I have kept myself from sin. 24 Therefore the LORD has
rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to the
cleanness of my hands in His sight.
25
With the merciful, You will show Yourself merciful. With
the upright, You will show Yourself upright. 26With the pure,
You will show Yourself pure. With the perverse, You will show
Yourself hostile. 27You will rescue those who are afflicted, but
will humble those with proud eyes. 28O LORD, You keep my
lamp burning. My God illuminates the darkness around me.
29
With You I can charge a troop of men. With my God I can
scale a wall.
30
As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the LORD is
flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him. 31For who
is God, except the LORD? Who is the Rock, except our God?
32
It is God who clothes me with strength, and makes my way
perfect. 33He makes my feet like those of a deer, and causes
me to stand on the mountain heights. 34He trains my hands for
battle, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. 35You have
given me the shield of Your salvation. Your right hand sustains
me. Your favour makes me great. 36You made a wide path for
my feet, so that I do not slip.
37
I pursued my enemies and overtook them, and did not turn
back until they were defeated. 38I struck them down, and they
could not get back up. They fell beneath my feet. 39You clothed
me with strength for battle, and made my enemies fall before
me. 40You made my enemies turn their backs to me, and I de-
stroyed those who hated me. 41They cried out for help, but there
was no one to save them. They cried out to the LORD, but He
did not answer them. 42I ground them to powder, like dust in
the wind. Like dirt in the street, I swept them away.
43
You have delivered me from the attacks of the people. You
have made me the head of the nations. A people whom I have
not known serve me. 44Foreigners submit to me. As soon as they
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Psalm 19
hear of me, they obey me. 45Foreigners lose heart, and come
out of their strongholds trembling.
46
The LORD lives! Blessed be my Rock! May the God of my
salvation be exalted! 47It is God who avenges me, who subdues
nations under me. 48He delivers me from my enemies. Indeed,
You exalt me above those who rise up against me. You rescue
me from violent men. 49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O
LORD, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Your name.
50
He gives great victories to His king, and shows lovingkindness
to His anointed, to David and his descendants forever.
To the choir director: A psalm of David.
19 The heavens declare the glory of God, and the skies pro-
claim His handiwork. 2Day after day they continually
speak; night after night they display knowledge. 3 They speak
without using words; their voice is not heard. 4 Their message
has gone throughout all the earth, their words to the ends of
the world. In the heavens He has pitched a tent for the sun.
5
It comes out of its chamber like a radiant bridegroom. Like a
champion, it is excited to run its course. 6It rises from one end
of the heavens and makes its circuit to the other end; nothing
is hidden from its heat.
7
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul. The
testimony of the LORD is sure, making the foolish wise. 8 The
precepts of the LORD are right, making the heart merry. The
commands of the LORD are pure, giving light to the eyes. 9 The
reverence of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The laws of
the LORD are true; they are altogether righteous. 10 They are
more precious than gold, even the purest of gold; sweeter than
honey, even honey dripping from the comb. 11Moreover, by them
Your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
12
Who can discern all his errors? Cleanse me from all un-
conscious sins. 13Also keep Your servant from wilful sins. Let
them not have dominion over me! Then I will be upright, and
I will be innocent of great transgression. 14Let the words of my
mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight,
O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
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Psalm 20-21
20 May the LORD answer you in the day of trouble! May

the name of the God of Jacob protect you! 2May He send
you help from His sanctuary, and give you support from Zion!
3
May He remember all your sacrifices, and accept your burnt
offerings. Selah
May He give you your heart’s desire, and fulfill all your plans.
4
5
May we shout for joy over your victory, and lift up our banners
in the name of our God. May the LORD fulfill all your petitions.
Now I know that the LORD saves His anointed king. He will
6
answer him from His holy heaven, with the saving strength of
His right hand. 7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,
but we will remember the name of the LORD our God. 8 They
will collapse and fall, but we will rise up and stand firm.
9
Save us, O LORD! May the King answer us when we call.
21 The king rejoices in Your strength, O LORD! How greatly

he rejoices in Your deliverance! 2You have given him his
heart’s desire, and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah
For You go before him with blessings of goodness, and put

3
a crown of pure gold on his head. 4He asked You for life, and
You gave it to him—long life forever and ever. 5His honour is
great because of Your deliverance. Splendour and majesty You
have bestowed upon him. 6For You have blessed him and made
him a blessing forever. You have made him glad with the joy of
Your presence. 7For the king trusts in the LORD, and through
the lovingkindness of the Most High he will not be shaken.
Your hand will catch all Your enemies. Your right hand
8
will catch those who hate You. 9You will make them like a fiery
furnace in the time of Your anger. The LORD will swallow them
up in His wrath, and fire will devour them. 10You will destroy
their offspring from the earth, their descendants from among
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Psalm 22
the sons of men. 11For they plotted evil against You. They de-
vised a wicked plan, but they will not succeed. 12For You will
make them turn their backs in retreat, when You aim Your
bow at their faces.
13
Be exalted, O LORD, in Your strength! We will sing and
praise Your power!

To the tune of “Doe of the Dawn.”
22 My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are

You so far from helping me, so far from the words of my
groaning? 2O my God, by day I cry out, but You do not answer;
by night, but I find no rest. 3 Yet You are holy, enthroned on
the praises of Israel. 4Our fathers trusted in You. They trusted,
and You delivered them. 5 They cried out to You, and escaped.
They trusted in You, and were not put to shame.
6
But I am a worm and not a man. I am scorned by men and
despised by people. 7All who see me mock me. They insult me
with their lips. They shake their heads and say, 8“He trusts in
the LORD! Let Him deliver him! Let Him rescue him, since He
delights in him!”
9
But You are the One who took me out of the womb. You
made me trust in You when I was on my mother’s breasts. 10I
was cast upon Your protection and care from birth. From my
mother’s womb You have been my God. 11Do not be far from
me! For trouble is near, and there is no one to help.
12
Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan
have encircled me. 13 They open their mouths to devour me, like
hungry roaring lions. 14I am poured out like water, and all my
bones are out of joint. My heart is like wax; it melts within me.
15
My strength is dried up like broken pottery, and my tongue
sticks to the roof of my mouth. You have placed me in the dust
of death. 16Dogs have surrounded me. A crowd of evildoers has
hemmed me in. They have pierced my hands and my feet. 17I
can count all my bones. People look and stare at me. 18 They
divide my garments among them, and cast lots for my clothing.
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Psalm 23
19
O LORD, do not remain far off! O my Strength, come quickly
to my aid! 20Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life
from the power of these dogs! 21Save me from the mouth of
these lions! Rescue me from the horns of these wild oxen! You
have answered me!
22
I will declare Your name to my brothers! In the midst of the
congregation I will praise You! 23All who revere the LORD, praise
Him! All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him! Stand in awe of
Him, all you descendants of Israel! 24For He has not neglected
or ignored the suffering of the afflicted. He has not hidden His
face from them, but has listened to their cries for help.
25
Because of You, I will give praise in the great congregation.
I will fulfill my vows before those who revere You. 26 The afflicted
will eat and be satisfied. Those who seek the LORD will praise
Him. Their hearts will enjoy life forever. 27All the ends of the
earth will remember the LORD and will turn to Him. All the
families of the nations will worship before Him. 28For kingship
belongs to the LORD. He rules over the nations.
29
All the healthy will eat and worship, all the dying will bow
down before Him—all mortals, who cannot preserve their lives.
30
Our descendants will serve Him. Future generations will be told
about the Lord. 31They will go and declare His righteousness to
a generation not yet born. They will proclaim what He has done!
A psalm of David.
23 The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not want. 2He makes

me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside
the still waters. 3He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of
righteousness for His name’s sake.
4
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of
death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me. Your rod and
Your staff, they comfort me.
5
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my ene-
mies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows. 6Surely
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Psalm 24-25
goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and
I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
A psalm of David.
24 The earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it; the world,

and those who live in it. 2For He founded it on the seas,
and established it on the waters.
3
Who may go up to the mountain of the LORD? Who can
stand in His holy place? 4He who has clean hands and a pure
heart, who has not lifted up his soul to what is false, and who
has not sworn an oath deceitfully. 5He will receive a blessing
from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salva-
tion. 6Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek
Your face, O God of Jacob. Selah
7
Lift up your heads, O you gates! Be lifted up, O you ancient
doors, so that the King of glory may come in! 8Who is this King
of glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in
battle! 9Lift up your heads, O you gates! Be lifted up, O you an-
cient doors, so that the King of glory may come in! 10Who is this
King of glory? The LORD of Hosts, He is the King of glory! Selah
A psalm of David.
25 To You, O LORD, do I lift up my soul. 2O my God, I trust

in You. Do not let me be ashamed. Do not let my enemies
triumph over me. 3Let no one who waits on You be ashamed,
but let those who sin without cause be ashamed.
4
Show me Your ways, O LORD, teach me Your paths. 5Lead
me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my
salvation. All day long I wait for You. 6Remember, O LORD,
Your tender mercies and Your lovingkindness, for they are
from everlasting. 7Do not remember the sins of my youth or
my transgressions. For the sake of Your goodness, O LORD,
remember me according to Your lovingkindness!
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Psalm 26
8
Good and upright is the LORD; therefore He will instruct
sinners in His ways. 9He will guide the humble in what is right,
and will teach them His ways. 10All the ways of the LORD are
full of lovingkindness and faithfulness, for those who keep His
covenant and His decrees.
11
For Your name’s sake, O LORD, forgive my sin, for it is
great. 12Who is the man who reveres the LORD? God will in-
struct him in the way he should choose. 13His soul will live in
prosperity, and his descendants will inherit the land. 14 The
intimate fellowship of the LORD is for those who revere Him,
and He will show them His covenant. 15My eyes are always on
the LORD, for He will pull my feet out of the net.
16
Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am lonely and
oppressed. 17The anguish of my heart has increased; bring me
out of my distress. 18Look on my affliction and pain, and forgive
all my sins. 19Look at my enemies, for they are many! They hate
me with violent hatred. 20Protect my soul, and deliver me. Do not
let me be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. 21Show Yourself
upright and perfect; preserve me, for I wait on You.
22
Deliver Israel, O God, from all their troubles!
A psalm of David.
26
2
Judge me favourably, O LORD, for I have walked in
integrity. I have trusted in the LORD without wavering.
Examine me, O LORD, and search me; test the motives of my
heart. 3For Your lovingkindness is before my eyes, and I have
walked in Your truth. 4I do not associate with deceitful men or
fellowship with hypocrites. 5I hate the gatherings of evildoers,
and I will not associate with the wicked. 6I will wash my hands
in innocence, and I will walk around Your altar, O LORD. 7I
will raise my voice in thanksgiving, and I will tell of all Your
wonderful works. 8O LORD, I love the sanctuary where You live,
the place where Your glory dwells.
9
Do not sweep my soul away with sinners, or my life with
bloodthirsty men. 10For they carry out wicked schemes, and their
right hands are full of bribes. 11But as for me, I will walk with
531
Psalm 27
integrity. Deliver me, and be merciful to me. 12My feet stand on

level ground. In the great congregation I will bless the LORD.
A psalm of David.
27
2
The LORD is my light and my salvation. Whom will I fear?
The LORD is the strength of my life. Whom will I dread?
When evildoers advance against me to devour my flesh, my
enemies and foes will stumble and fall. 3If an army is encamped
against me, my heart will not fear. If war breaks out against
me, I will remain confident.
4
This is the one thing I ask of the LORD, which I earnestly
desire: to live in the house of the LORD all the days of my life,
to see the LORD’s beauty, and to seek Him in His sanctuary.
5
For in the day of trouble He will hide me in His dwelling. He
will conceal me in the shelter of His sanctuary. He will place
me on a high rock. 6 Then my head will be exalted above my
enemies who surround me, and I will offer sacrifices at His
sanctuary with shouts of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises
to the LORD.
7
Hear me, O LORD, when I cry out with my voice! Have mercy
on me, and answer me! 8When You said, “Seek My face,” my
heart said to You, “Your face, O LORD, I will seek.” 9Do not hide
Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger, for
You have been my helper. Do not abandon me or forsake me,
O God of my salvation! 10Even if my father and mother forsake
me, the LORD will take me in.
11
Teach me Your ways, O LORD, and lead me on a level path
because of my enemies. 12Do not hand me over to the desires
of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen up against me,
such as breathe out violence. 13I would have fainted, if I had
not believed that I would see the LORD’s goodness in the land
of the living.
14
Wait on the LORD! Be of good courage, and He will strength-
en your heart! Yes, wait on the LORD!
532
Psalm 28-29
A psalm of David.
28 To You, O LORD, I cry out! O my Rock, do not turn a deaf

ear to me. For if You remain silent, I will be like those
who go down to the pit. 2Listen to the sound of my petitions
when I cry out to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your
Most Holy Place.
3
Do not drag me off with the wicked, with those who do evil,
who speak peace to their neighbours while evil is in their hearts.
4
Repay them for their deeds, and for their wicked endeavours.
Repay them for what their hands have done, and give them
what they deserve. 5For they do not consider the works of the
LORD, or what His hands have done. Therefore He will tear
them down, and will not build them up again.
6
Blessed be the LORD! For He has heard the sound of my
petitions! 7The LORD is my strength and my shield. My heart
trusts in Him, and He helps me. Therefore my heart rejoices,
and with my song I will praise Him.
8
The LORD is the strength of His people. He is a fortress
of salvation for me, His anointed king. 9Save Your people and
bless Your inheritance! Be their shepherd and carry them in
Your arms forever!
A psalm of David.
29 Acknowledge the LORD, O heavenly angels, acknowledge

the LORD’s glory and strength! 2Acknowledge the LORD
for the glory of His name! Worship the LORD because of His
holy splendour!
3
The voice of the LORD is heard over the sea. The God of
glory thunders. The voice of the LORD thunders over the mighty
sea. 4The voice of the LORD is powerful. The voice of the LORD
is majestic. 5The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars. Yes, the
voice of the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6He makes the
mountains of Lebanon to leap like a calf; Mount Hermon like
a young wild ox. 7The voice of the LORD strikes with flashes of
lightning. 8 The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness. The
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Psalm 30
voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice

of the LORD frightens the deer, so that they give birth prema-
turely. The voice of the LORD strips the forest bare. And in His
temple everyone shouts, “Glory!” 10 The LORD sits enthroned
over the deluge of rain. Indeed, the LORD sits enthroned as
King forever.
11
The LORD gives strength to His people. The LORD blesses
His people with peace.
A psalm of David. A song used at the dedication

of the temple.
30 I will exalt You, O LORD, for You have lifted me up, and
have not let my enemies rejoice over me. 2O LORD, my
God, I cried out to You, and You healed me. 3O LORD, You have
brought up my soul from the grave. You have kept me alive, so
that I would not go down to the pit.
4
Sing praises to the LORD, O you saints of His, and give
thanks as you remember His holiness. 5For His anger last only
a moment, but His favour lasts a lifetime. Weeping may last for
the night, but shouts of joy will come in the morning!
6
In my prosperity, I once said, “I will never be moved.” 7By
Your favour, O LORD, You made me to stand as firm as a
strong mountain. But then You hid Your face from me, and I
was terrified. 8I cried out to You, O LORD. To the LORD I made
my petition: 9“What will You gain if my blood is shed, if I go
down to the pit? Will the dust praise You? Will it declare Your
truth? 10Hear me, O LORD, and have mercy on me! O LORD,
be my helper!”
11
You have turned my mourning into dancing. You have
removed my sackcloth, and have clothed me with gladness.
12
Therefore my heart will sing praise to You, and will not be
silent. O LORD, my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
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Psalm 31
31 I put my trust in You, O LORD! Let me never be ashamed!

Deliver me in Your righteousness! 2 Turn Your ear to me,
and rescue me quickly! Be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress
to save me! 3You, indeed, are my rock and my fortress. There-
fore, lead me and guide me for Your name’s sake. 4Pull me out
of the net they have laid for me, for You are my refuge. 5Into
Your hands I commit my spirit, for You have redeemed me, O
LORD God of truth.
6
I hate those who worship worthless idols. As for me, I trust
in the LORD. 7I will rejoice and be glad in Your lovingkindness,
for You have seen my misery. You have known the troubles of
my soul, 8and You have not handed me over to my enemies.
Instead, You have set my feet in a spacious place.
9
Have mercy on me, O LORD, for I am in distress. My eyes are
deteriorating from grief—my soul and body as well. 10My life is
consumed with grief, and my years with groaning. My strength
fails me because of my sin, and my bones waste away. 11I am
ridiculed by all my enemies, especially my neighbours. My ac-
quaintances dread me, and those who see me in the streets flee
from me. 12Like a dead man, I am forgotten from their hearts. I
am discarded like broken pottery. 13For I have heard the slan-
der of many. Terror is all around me! They conspire together
against me, plotting to take my life.
14
But I trust in You, O LORD! I say, “You are my God!” 15My
future is in Your hands. Rescue me from the hands of my ene-
mies, from those who persecute me. 16Make Your face to shine
upon Your servant. Save me in Your lovingkindness. 17Let me
not be ashamed, O LORD, for I have called upon You. Let the
wicked be ashamed. Let them be silent in the grave. 18Let their
lying lips be silenced, for they speak arrogantly against the
righteous with pride and contempt.
19
How great is Your goodness, which You have stored up for
those who revere You, which You have prepared in the sight
of all men, for those who trust in You. 20In the shelter of Your
presence You will protect them from the plots of men. In Your
dwelling place You will hide them from accusing tongues.
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Psalm 32
21
Blessed be the LORD, for He showed His wonderful lovin-
gkindness to me while in a besieged city. 22For in my alarm I
said, “I am cut off from before Your eyes!” Yet You heard the
sound of my petitions when I cried out to You.
23
Love the LORD, all you saints of His! The LORD preserves
the faithful, but the arrogant He repays in full. 24Be of good
courage, and He will strengthen your heart, all you who hope
in the LORD!
A psalm of David. For the purpose of instruction.
32 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin

is covered! 2Blessed is the man whose sin the LORD does
not count against him, and in whose spirit is no deceit!
3
When I kept silent and did not confess my sin, my bones
wasted away, and I groaned all day long. 4Day and night Your
hand was heavy upon me. My strength dried up like a summer
drought. Selah
5
Then I confessed my sin to You. I did not cover up my in-
iquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD.”
And then You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah
6
Therefore, let all those who are godly pray to You while there
is still time. Then the great floodwaters of judgment will not
touch them. 7You are my hiding place. You will protect me from
trouble. You will surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah
8
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.
I will counsel you and keep my eye upon you. 9Do not be like
a horse or mule, which is without understanding, which must
be controlled by a bit and bridle to make them obedient.
10
Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but lovingkindness
surrounds those who trust in the LORD. 11Rejoice in the LORD,
and be glad, O you righteous! Shout for joy, all you upright in
heart!
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Psalm 33
33 Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, for it is fitting for

the upright to praise Him! 2Praise the LORD with the
harp! Make music to Him with the ten-stringed lyre! 3Sing to
Him a new song! Play skilfully amid shouts of joy! 4 The word of
the LORD is right, and all His works are done in faithfulness.
5
He loves righteousness and justice. The earth is full of the
LORD’s lovingkindness.
6
By the word of the LORD the heavens were created, and by
the breath of His mouth all the stars were made. 7He gathered
the waters of the ocean into their place, and stored its deep
waters in vast reservoirs. 8Let the whole earth revere the LORD!
Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him! 9For
He spoke, and it came into existence! He commanded, and it
appeared!
10
The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations, and foils the
plans of the peoples. 11But the LORD’s plans stand firm forever,
the plans of His heart from generation to generation. 12Blessed
is the nation whose God is the LORD, the people whom He has
chosen for His own inheritance.
13
The LORD looks down from heaven and sees all the sons
of men. 14From His dwelling place He looks down on all the in-
habitants of the earth. 15He made the heart of every man, and
He knows the thoughts and motives of all their actions. 16No
king is saved by a large army, and a warrior is not delivered by
his great strength. 17It is useless to rely on a horse for victory,
because it cannot save you by its great strength.
18
Look! The eyes of the LORD are on those who revere Him,
on those who hope in His lovingkindness. 19Indeed, He deliv-
ers their soul from death, and He keeps them alive in famine.
20
Our soul waits for the LORD. He is our help and our shield.
21
Our heart rejoices in Him, because we trust in His holy name.
22
Let Your lovingkindness rest upon us, O LORD, for we put
our hope in You.
537
Psalm 34
A psalm of David. When he pretended to be insane

before Abimelech, who drove him away.
34 I will bless the LORD at all times. His praise will always
be on my lips. 2My soul will make its boast in the LORD;
the afflicted will hear and be glad. 3Magnify the LORD with me,
and let us exalt His name together.
4
I sought the LORD, and He answered me. He delivered me
from all my fears. 5We looked to Him, and became radiant with
joy; our faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried out, and
the LORD heard him, and saved him from all his troubles. 7The
angel of the LORD encamps around those who revere Him, and
He rescues them.
8
Taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man
who trusts in Him! 9Revere the LORD, you saints of His, for
those who revere Him lack nothing. 10Even young lions some-
times lack food and go hungry, but those who seek the LORD
will not lack any good thing. 11Come, O children, listen to me. I
will teach you what it means to revere the LORD. 12Would you
like to live a long and prosperous life? 13 Then keep your tongue
from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Turn from evil
and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
15
The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears
listen to their cries. 16 The face of the LORD is against those
who do evil, to cut off all memory of them from the earth. 17 The
righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them, and delivers them
from all their troubles. 18 The LORD is near to those who are
broken hearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
19
Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD
delivers him from them all. 20He protects all his bones; not one
of them will be broken.
21
Evil will kill the wicked, and those who hate the righteous
will be condemned. 22 The LORD will redeem the soul of His ser-
vants, and none of those who trust in Him will be condemned.
538
Psalm 35
A psalm of David.
35 Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me! Fight

against those who fight against me! 2 Take Your shield
and armour, and rise up to help me! 3Use Your spear, and stop
those who pursue me. Say to me, “I am your deliverance!” 4Let
those who seek after my soul be disgraced and humiliated. Let
those who plot my ruin be turned back in shame. 5Let them be
like chaff in the wind, with the angel of the LORD driving them
away. 6Let their path be dark and slippery, with the angel of
the LORD pursuing them. 7For no reason they hid their net for
me. For no reason they dug a pit for my soul. 8Let destruction
come on them unexpectedly. Let them be caught in the net they
hid. Let them fall into it and be destroyed.
9
Then my soul will find joy in the LORD; it will rejoice in His
salvation. 10All my bones will say, “Who is like You, O LORD,
who rescues the afflicted from those who are too strong for them,
and the poor and needy from those who rob them?”
11
Violent witnesses rise up. They demand answers to things
I know nothing about. 12 They repay me evil for good. My soul is
devastated. 13Yet when they were sick, my clothing was sack-
cloth. I afflicted my soul with fasting, but my prayers returned
unanswered. 14I went about mourning, as if they were my friend
or brother. I bowed my head in grief, as one who mourns for
a mother. 15But when I stumbled, they gathered together and
rejoiced. My accusers gathered together against me, and I never
saw it coming. They slandered me, and would not stop. 16Like
godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me.
17
Lord, how long will You watch and not respond? Rescue
my soul from their attacks, my precious life from these young
lions. 18 Then I will give You thanks in the great congregation; I
will praise You before all the people. 19Do not let those who are
my enemies without cause gloat over me. Do not let those who
hate me for no reason look at me maliciously. 20For they do not
speak words of peace, but make up false accusations against
the peaceful people in the land. 21They open their mouths wide
against me and say, “Aha! Aha! Our own eyes have seen it!”
539
Psalm 36
22
O LORD, You have seen all this. Do not remain silent. Do
not be far from me, O Lord. 23 Wake up, and rise to my defence.
Take up my cause, my God and my Lord. 24Judge me, O LORD
my God, according to Your righteousness. Do not let them gloat
over me. 25Do not let them say in their hearts, “Aha! We got what
we wanted!” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up!”
26
Let those who rejoice at my distress be disgraced and humil-
iated. Let those who magnify themselves against me be clothed
with shame and dishonour. 27Let those who favour my righteous
cause shout for joy and celebrate. Let them continually say,
“May the LORD be magnified, for He delights in the welfare of
His servant!” 28 Then my tongue will declare Your righteousness,
Your praise all day long!
For the choir director: A psalm of David,

the servant of the LORD.
36 Sin speaks to the wicked deep within their hearts. There is

no fear of God before their eyes. 2 They flatter themselves
in their own eyes, even when their iniquity is utterly detestable.
3
The words of their mouths are wicked and deceptive. They have
stopped doing what is wise and good. 4 They plot evil on their
beds. They deliberately choose a path that is not good. They
do not reject what is evil.
5
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your
faithfulness to the clouds. 6Your righteousness is like the high-
est mountains, Your justice is like the ocean depths. You, O
LORD, preserve both man and beast.
7
How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! The sons of
men take refuge under the shadow of Your wings. 8 They are
filled from the abundance of Your house, and You allow them
to drink from the river of Your pleasures. 9For with You is the
fountain of life; in Your light we see light.
10
Continually pour out Your lovingkindness on those who
know You, and Your righteousness on the upright in heart. 11Do
not let the foot of the arrogant trample me down, and do not
let the hand of the wicked drive me away. 12Indeed, those who
540
Psalm 37
practice evil have fallen! They have been thrown down, never
to rise again!
A psalm of David.
37 Do not fret when the wicked prosper! Do not be envious

of those who do wrong! 2For they will soon be cut down
like grass. They will wither away like tender young plants.
3
Trust in the LORD and do good. Dwell in the land and feed
on His truth. 4Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give
you the desires of your heart.
5
Commit your ways to the LORD! Trust in Him, and He will
act. 6He will make your righteousness to shine like the dawn,
and your innocence like the noonday sun.
7
Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret
when the wicked prosper in their ways, when they carry out
their evil plans.
8
Refrain from anger, and turn from wrath. Do not fret—it
only leads to evil. 9For the wicked will be cut off, but those who
wait on the LORD will inherit the land.
10
Yet a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more;
though you look for them, they will not be found. 11But the
meek will inherit the land, and will delight themselves in an
abundance of peace.
12
The wicked plot against the righteous; they gnash their
teeth at them. 13But the Lord laughs at them, for He sees that
their day of reckoning is coming.
14
The wicked have pulled out their swords, and bent their
bows, to bring down the afflicted and needy, to kill those who
walk uprightly. 15But their swords will pierce their own hearts,
and their bows will be broken.
16
The little that the righteous have is better than the wealth
541
Psalm 37
of many evildoers. 17For the arms of the wicked will be broken,

but the LORD upholds the righteous.
18
The LORD knows all the days of the upright; their inher-
itance will be forever. 19 They will not be disappointed in times
of trouble; in days of famine they will be satisfied.
20
But the wicked will perish. The enemies of the LORD will
vanish like the flowers of the field. They will vanish like smoke.
21
The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous are
kind and giving. 22 Those who are blessed by Him will inherit the
land, but those who are cursed by Him will be cut off.
23
The steps of a righteous man are ordered by the LORD,
and He delights in his ways. 24 Though he falls, he will not be
utterly cast down, for the LORD will pick him up by the hand.
25
I was young, and now I am old, yet I have not seen the
righteous forsaken, or their children begging for bread. 26Ev-
ery day the righteous are kind; they lend to others, and their
children are a blessing.
27
Depart from evil and do good, and you will dwell in the land
forever. 28For the LORD loves justice, and He will not forsake
His saints. They will be kept safe forever, but the descendants
of the wicked will be cut off. 29 The righteous will inherit the
land, and will dwell in it forever.
30
The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom; their tongues
speak what is just. 31The law of their God is in their hearts;
their feet will not slip.
32
The wicked keep their eyes on the righteous, seeking to kill
them. 33Ultimately, the LORD will not leave them in the hands
of the wicked; He will not by any means condemn them when
the wicked pronounce them guilty.
34
Wait on the LORD and keep His ways, and He will exalt
you to inherit the land. Indeed, you will see the wicked cut off.
35
I have seen the wicked and oppressive thriving like a flour-
542
Psalm 38
ishing tree growing in its native soil. 36Yet they passed away;
they were gone. I looked for them, but I could not find them.
37
Watch the blameless, observe the upright, their future is
peace. 38Sinners, however, will be utterly destroyed. Indeed, the
future of the wicked will be cut off.
39
But the salvation of the righteous comes from the LORD. He
is their fortress in times of trouble. 40 The LORD will help them,
and will deliver them. He will deliver them from the wicked, and
will save them, because they take refuge in Him.
A psalm of David. A reminder.
38 O LORD, do not rebuke me in Your anger or discipline

me in Your wrath. 2For Your arrows have pierced me,
and Your hand has pressed down on me. 3 There is no health
in my body because of Your anger. There is no strength in my
bones because of my sin. 4My iniquities loom over my head; like
a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me. 5My wounds fester
and stink because of my foolishness. 6I am bent over and full
of pain. I go around mourning all day long. 7My insides are full
of burning pain, and there is no health in my body. 8I am feeble
and utterly crushed. I groan because of the anguish of my heart.
9
O Lord, You know all that I desire; my groaning is not hid-
den from You. 10My heart is palpitating, and my strength is
gone. Even the light of my eyes has left me. 11My loved ones and
friends keep their distance from me, because of my affliction.
My neighbours also stand far off. 12 Those who seek my life lay
snares for me. Those who seek to harm me speak wickedly. All
day long they utter lies.
13
But like a deaf man, I do not hear. Like a mute, I do not
speak. 14Indeed, I have become like a man who cannot hear, like
a man who cannot open his mouth in defence. 15For in You, O
LORD, do I put my hope! You will answer me, O Lord my God!
16
For I said, “Do not let them gloat over me, or boast against
me when my foot slips.”
17
I am about to fall. My pain and sorrow are continually
543
Psalm 39
before me. 18I confess my iniquity. I am sorry for my sin. 19But

my enemies are vigorous and strong, and many hate me for no
reason. 20 They repay me evil for good; they attack me because
I follow after good. 21Do not forsake me, O LORD! O my God,
do not be far from me! 22Come quickly to my aid, O Lord, my
salvation!
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.
39 I said, “I will guard my ways, so that I will not sin with

my tongue. I will guard my mouth with a muzzle while
the wicked are in my presence.”
2
I was mute and silent. I held my peace, even from speaking
good. I became distressed and agitated. 3My heart grew hot
within me. While I was deep in thought, my anger burned.
Then I spoke with my tongue: 4“O LORD, let me know how my
life will end! Let me know the number of my days! Let me know
how temporary my life is! 5Look, You have made my life short
in length. My lifespan is as nothing in Your sight. Every man
at his best is but a breath.” Selah
6
Man walks about like a mere shadow. All his work is for
nothing. He heaps up wealth, but does not know who will get it.
7
Now, O Lord, what hope do I have? My only hope is in You!
8
Deliver me from all my transgressions; do not make me the
scorn of fools.
9
My tongue is tied, I cannot open my mouth, for You are
the One who has done this. 10 Turn aside from striking me, for
I cannot bear the blows of Your hand! 11When You rebuke and
punish a man for his sin, You consume, like a moth, what is
precious to him. Indeed, every man is but a breath. Selah
12
Hear my prayer, O LORD, and listen to my cry. Do not ignore
my tears. For I am a foreigner residing with You, a sojourner,
as were all my fathers. 13Look away from me, that I may have
some happiness before I go away and exist no more.
544
Psalm 40
40 I waited patiently for the LORD, and He turned to me and

heard my cry. 2He lifted me out of the pit of destruction,
out of the miry clay. He set my feet on a rock, and gave me a
firm place to stand. 3He has put a new song in my mouth, a
song of praise to our God. Many will see and fear, and will put
their trust in the LORD.
4
Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, who does not
seek help from those who are arrogant or from those who turn
aside to falsehood. 5Many, O LORD my God, are the wonderful
works that You have done. Your thoughts toward us are too
numerous to count. If I were to declare and speak of them, I
would not be able to recount them.
6
Sacrifice and offering You did not desire—this You revealed
to me—burnt offerings and sin offerings You did not require.
7
Then I said, “Look, I have come! It is written about me in the
scroll of the book. 8I desire to do Your will, O my God, for Your
law is within my heart.”
9
I have proclaimed Your righteousness in the great congre-
gation. Look! I have not shut my lips, O LORD, as You know.
10
I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart. I have
declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not con-
cealed Your lovingkindness and Your truth from the great con-
gregation.
11
Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O LORD.
Let Your lovingkindness and Your truth continually protect me.
12
Countless evils have surrounded me. My sins have overtaken
me, and I cannot see. They are more numerous than the hairs
of my head, and my heart fails me. 13Show me favour, O LORD,
and deliver me. Come quickly, O LORD, and help me.
14
Let those who seek the destruction of my soul be disgraced
and humiliated. Let those who desire my ruin be turned back
in shame. 15Let destruction be the reward of their shame, for
they say, “Aha! Aha!” 16Let all those who seek You rejoice and
be glad in You. Let those who love Your salvation continually
say, “The LORD be magnified!”
545
Psalm 41-42
17
But as for me, I am afflicted and needy; may the Lord be
mindful of me. You are my helper and my deliverer. Do not
delay, O my GOD!
41 Blessed is he who cares for the poor; the LORD will de-
liver him in times of trouble. 2 The LORD will protect him
and keep him alive; he will be blessed on the earth. You will
not hand him over to the desires of his enemies. 3 The LORD
will sustain him on his sickbed. He will completely restore him
from his bed of illness.
4
I said, “O LORD, have mercy on me! Heal my soul, for I have
sinned against You!” 5My enemies speak evil about me. They
say, “When will he die, and his name perish?” 6When they come
to visit me, they speak insincerely. Their wicked hearts gather
gossip. Once they leave, they spread it everywhere.
7
All who hate me whisper together against me; they plot my
downfall. 8 They say, “An evil disease has come upon him; he will
not get up again from where he lies.” 9Even my close friend whom
I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
10
O LORD, have mercy on me! Raise me up, so that I may
repay them! 11I know that You delight in me, because You have
not let my enemies triumph over me. 12Because of my integrity
You have helped me, and have set me in Your presence forever.
13
Blessed be the LORD God of Israel, from everlasting to
everlasting! Amen and amen!
For the choir director: A psalm of the descendants

of Korah. For the purpose of instruction.
42 As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants

for You, O God! 2My soul thirsts for God, for the living
God! When can I go to the sanctuary and worship in the pres-
ence of God? 3My tears have been my food both day and night,
546
Psalm 43
while people say to me all day long, “Where is your God?” 4I

pour out my soul when I remember the days gone by, when I
used to walk with the crowds, leading the festive procession to
the house of God, with a joyful voice of thanksgiving.
5
Why are you so depressed, O my soul? Why are you so
troubled inside? Place your hope in God, for I will once again
praise Him for the help of His presence!
6
O my God, my soul is troubled inside. Therefore I will re-
member You from here; from the land of the Jordan, in the area
of Mount Hermon—from Mount Mizar. 7Deep calls to deep at
the roar of Your waterfalls. All Your breakers and Your waves
have swept over me.
8
Yet the LORD will command His lovingkindness in the day-
time, and in the night His song will be with me, and I will pray
to the God of my life.
9
I will say to God my Rock, “Why have You forgotten me?
Why must I go around mourning because of the oppression of
my enemies?” 10 The taunts of my enemies cut to the bone. They
say to me all day long, “Where is your God?”
11
praise my God for the help of His presence!
43 Be my judge, O God, and argue my case against these

ungodly people. Deliver me from those who are deceitful
and wicked. 2For You are the God of my strength. Why have
You rejected me? Why must I go around mourning because of
the oppression of my enemies? 3Send out Your light and Your
truth, let them guide me; let them lead me to Your holy moun-
tain, to Your dwelling place. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God,
to God who is my joy and gladness. I will praise You with the
harp, O God, my God.
5
praise my God for the help of His presence!
547
Psalm 44

of Korah. For the purpose of instruction.
44 We have heard with our ears, O God; our fathers have

told us about the works You did in their days, in the days
of old. 2 You uprooted the nations with Your hand, and planted
our fathers in their place. You cut down their enemies, and
made our fathers to grow and flourish. 3 They did not conquer
the land by their own swords, or gain the victory by their own
strong arm. No! It was by Your right hand, Your strong arm,
and by the light of Your presence, for You had favour on them.
You are my King, O God, who commands victories for Jacob!

4
5
Through You we will push down our enemies. Through Your
name we will trample down those who rise up against us. 6I
will not trust in my bow, and my sword will not save me. 7No!
It was You who saved us from our enemies. It was You who
put our adversaries to shame. 8In God we boast all day long!
Indeed, we will praise Your name forever! Selah
But now You have rejected and disgraced us, and have not
9
gone out with our armies. 10 You made us retreat before our
enemies, and those who hate us have plundered us. 11You have
handed us over to be slaughtered like sheep, and have scat-
tered us among the nations. 12You have sold Your people for a
pittance, and have not profited by their sale. 13You have made
us a disgrace to our neighbours, a source of mockery and ridi-
cule to those around us. 14You have made us a joke among the
nations; they shake their heads at us. 15My disgrace is before
me all day long, and shame has covered my face, 16because of
the voices of those who insult and slander us, because of the
enemy who is out for revenge.
All this has happened to us, but we have not forgotten You
17
or broken Your covenant. 18Our hearts have not turned back,

and our steps have not strayed from Your path. 19Yet You have
crushed us in this place of jackals, and have covered us with
the shadow of death. 20If we had forgotten the name of our God
or stretched out our hands to another God, 21would not God
have found this out, since He knows the secrets of the heart?
22
Yet for Your sake we are put to death all day long. We are
counted as sheep for the slaughter.
548
Psalm 45
23
Wake up! Why are You sleeping, O Lord? Get up! Do not
reject us forever! 24Why do You hide Your face, and forget our
affliction and our oppression? 25Our souls have been brought
down to the dust; our bodies cling to the ground. 26Arise, and
help us! Redeem us for the sake of Your lovingkindness!
For the choir director: A wedding song. To the tune

of “Lilies.” A psalm of the descendants of Korah.
For the purpose of instruction.
45
writer.
Beautiful words overflow from my heart, as I recite my
verses for the king. My tongue is like the pen of a skilful
2
Among the sons of men, you are the most handsome. Grace
flows from your lips. Therefore God has blessed you forever.
3
Strap your sword to your side, O mighty warrior, with your
splendour and majesty! 4Ride out triumphantly in your majesty
for the cause of truth, humility, and righteousness! Let your
right hand perform awesome deeds! 5Your arrows are sharp;
they pierce the hearts of the king’s enemies. The nations fall
beneath your feet.
6
Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and the
sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Your kingdom. 7You
have loved righteousness and hated wickedness. Therefore God,
your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness above your
companions. 8All your garments are fragrant with myrrh, aloes,
and cassia. From out of your ivory palace comes celebration
and gladness. 9Kings’ daughters are among your noble women.
Your bride stands at your right hand wearing gold from Ophir.
10
Listen, O bride of the king. Observe, and pay close atten-
tion. Forget your homeland and your father’s house, 11and the
king will desire your beauty; honour him, for he is your lord.
12
The daughters of Tyre will come with a gift. The rich among
the people will seek your favour. 13In her chamber, the bride
looks glorious. Her gown is interwoven with gold. 14She will be
led to the king in embroidered work. Her virgin bridesmaids who
follow her will be brought to you. 15With gladness and rejoicing
they will be led in; they will enter the king’s palace.
549
Psalm 46-47
16
Your dynasty will be great. Your sons will be princes through-
out the earth. 17I will cause your name to be remembered from
generation to generation. Therefore the nations will praise you
forever and ever.
For the choir director: A song of the descendants

of Korah. To be sung soprano.
46 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in

times of trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, even if the
earth shakes and the mountains crumble into the depths of
the sea, 3even if the waters roar and foam and the mountains
shake at the surging waves. Selah
4
There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God,
the holy dwelling of the Most High. 5God is in the midst of her,
she will not be moved. God will help her when the morning
dawns. 6Nations rage, kingdoms crumble; God lifts His voice,
and the earth melts. 7 The LORD of Hosts is with us! The God
of Jacob is our refuge! Selah
8
Come and see the works of the LORD, the desolations He
has brought on the earth. 9He makes wars to cease in every
corner of the earth. He breaks the bow, and snaps the spear.
He burns the chariots with fire.
10
“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among
the nations. I will be exalted in the earth.”
11
The LORD of Hosts is with us! The God of Jacob is our
refuge! Selah

of Korah.
47 Clap your hands, all you people! Shout to God with a

voice of triumph! 2For the LORD Most High is awesome!
He is the great King over all the earth! 3He has subdued nations
under us; He has put them under our feet. 4He has chosen our
inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved. Selah
550
Psalm 48
5
God has ascended with shouts of joy. The LORD has as-
cended with the sound of trumpets. 6Sing praises to God, sing
praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! 7For God is
King of all the earth! Sing praises with a psalm of instruction!
8
God reigns over the nations! God sits on His holy throne! 9 The
rulers of the nations assemble, along with the people of the
God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God. He
is highly exalted!
A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.
48 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised, in the city

of our God, on the mountain of His holiness!
2
Jerusalem is beautiful in elevation, the joy of the whole
earth—from Mount Zion, to the north of it the temple—the city
of the great King. 3God has made Himself known in her fortifi-
cations as a high tower of refuge and defence.
4
When the kings assembled, when they advanced together,
5
they saw her and were astonished; they became terrified and
fled. 6 Trembling seized them there; anguish, like a woman giv-
ing birth; 7destruction, like the ships of Tarshish breaking up
in an east wind.
8
What we have heard is true, for we have seen it with our
own eyes in the city of the LORD of Hosts, in the city of our
God. Indeed, God will establish her forever. Selah
9
We have thought of Your lovingkindness, O God, in the midst
of Your temple. 10Like Your name, O God, Your praise reaches
to the ends of the earth. Your right hand is full of righteous-
ness. 11Let Jerusalem rejoice! Let the daughters of Judah be
glad because of Your judgments!
12
Walk about Jerusalem, go around her, and count her tow-
ers. 13 Take note of her defences and examine her fortresses,
so that you can tell the next generation about them. 14For this
God is our God, forever and ever! He will guide us forevermore!
551
Psalm 49

of Korah.
49 Hear this, all you people! Listen, all you inhabitants of

the world, 2both low and high, rich and poor alike! 3My
mouth will speak wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will
give you insight. 4I will turn my attention to a proverb. I will
explain my riddle with a harp.
5
Why should I fear in times of trouble, when the wicked lie
in wait to surround me? 6 They trust in their wealth, and brag
about their great riches. 7Yet no man can redeem his brother
from death, or pay God a ransom for his own life. 8For the re-
demption of their soul is too costly, and no payment will ever
be sufficient enough 9for them to live forever and not experience
death.
10
Everyone can see that the wise die, as do the foolish and
the ignorant. They all perish and leave their wealth to others.
11
In their hearts they think that their family’s wealth will last
forever, and that their family estates will last for endless gen-
erations. They even name their lands after themselves. 12But
man, despite his wealth, will not last. Like an animal, he too
will perish. 13 This is the fate of those who are foolish, and of
their successors, who delight in their mindset. Selah
14
Like sheep, they are led to the grave; death will be their
shepherd. The upright will prevail over them in the morning.
Their bodies will rot, and the grave will be their home. 15But
God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He
will receive me. Selah
16
Do not be afraid when a man becomes rich, when the wealth
of his household increases. 17For when he dies he cannot take
anything with him. His wealth will not follow him down to the
grave. 18 Though he considers himself blessed during his lifetime,
and though men praise him for his prosperity, 19he will join
his fathers; he will never again see the light of day. 20A wealthy
man without understanding is like an animal—like an animal,
he too will perish.
552
Psalm 50
A psalm of Asaph.
50
2
The Mighty One, God the LORD, has spoken. He has
summoned the inhabitants of the earth from east to west.
From Mount Zion, perfect in beauty, God shines brightly. 3Our
God is coming, and He will not be silent. Fire devours before
Him, a violent storm rages around Him. 4He calls heaven and
earth as witnesses, so that He may judge His people: 5“Gather
My saints to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by
sacrifice.” 6Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God
Himself is Judge. Selah
7
“Listen, O My people, and I will speak; O Israel, and I will
testify against you. I am God, your God. 8I will not rebuke you
for your sacrifices or for your burnt offerings, which are always
before me. 9I do not need bulls from your stalls or goats from
your pens, 10because every animal in the forest is Mine, and the
cattle on a thousand hills. 11I know every bird in the mountains,
and all the animals in the field are Mine. 12If I were hungry I
would not tell you, for the world is Mine and everything in it.
13
Do I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14Let
thanksgiving be your sacrifice to God, as you perform your vows
to the Most High. 15Then call on Me in the day of trouble, and
I will deliver you, and you will glorify Me.”
16
But God says to the wicked: “What right do you have to
recite My laws, or to mention My covenant with your mouth?
17
For you hate instruction, and you cast My words behind you.
18
When you see a thief, you delight in him. And you associate
with adulterers. 19You use your mouth for evil, and your tongue
devises deceit. 20You sit around and talk about your brother;
you slander your own mother’s son. 21When you did these
things, I kept silent, and you thought that I was just like you.
But now I will rebuke you! I will lay out all My charges against
you! 22Consider this carefully, you who forget God! Otherwise, I
will tear you apart, and no one will be able to deliver you. 23 The
man who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice honours Me. To
the man who walks in My ways, I will show him the salvation
of God.”
553
Psalm 51
For the choir director: A psalm of David. When Nathan

the prophet came to him after he had committed
adultery with Bathsheba.
51 Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your lovingkind-

ness. According to the multitude of Your tender mercies,
blot out my transgressions. 2Wash me thoroughly from my
iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3For I acknowledge my
transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4Against You,
only You, have I sinned. I have done what is evil in Your sight.
You are justified when You speak, and faultless when You judge.
5
Indeed, I was born a sinner. I was a sinner from the moment
my mother conceived me. 6However, You desire truth in the
innermost thoughts of my heart, and in the depths of my heart
You teach me wisdom.
7
Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean. Wash me, and
I will be whiter than snow. 8Let me hear joy and gladness. Let
the bones that You have crushed rejoice again. 9Hide Your face
from my sins, and blot out all my iniquities. 10Create in me a
pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11Do
not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your
Holy Spirit away from me!
12
Restore to me the joy of Your salvation. Sustain me, by
giving me a willing spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors
Your ways, and sinners will turn back to You. 14Save me from
the guilt of bloodshed, O God, O God of my salvation; then my
tongue will joyfully sing of Your righteousness. 15Open my lips,
O Lord, and my mouth will proclaim Your praise.
16
You do not desire a sacrifice. Otherwise, I would offer one.
With a burnt offering You do not take pleasure. 17The sacrifice
that God desires is a broken spirit. A broken and repentant
heart, O God, You will not despise. 18In Your good pleasure,
show favour to Zion; build up the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then
You will be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with
burnt offerings and whole burnt offerings; then bulls will be
offered on Your altar.
554
Psalm 52-53
For the choir director: A psalm of David. When Doeg

the Edomite went and told Saul: “David has gone to the
house of Ahimelech.” For the purpose of instruction.
52 Why do you brag about evil, O mighty warrior? God’s

lovingkindness is with me all day long! 2 Your tongue
plots destruction; it is like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
3
You love evil more than good, and lying more than speaking
the truth. Selah
4
You love all words that devour and destroy, O deceitful
tongue! 5God will likewise destroy you forever. He will snatch
you up and tear you from your tent. He will uproot you from
the land of the living. Selah
6
The righteous will see it and be in awe. They will laugh at
him, saying, 7“Look! Here is the man who refused to make God
his refuge. Instead, he trusted in his great wealth and took
refuge in his wickedness.”
8
But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. Indeed, I
will trust in God’s lovingkindness forever and ever. 9I will praise
You forever, because of what You have done. In the presence of
the saints, I will wait on Your name, for it is good.
For the choir director: A sombre song. A psalm of David.

53 The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are
corrupt, and have done what is detestable and wicked.
There is no one who does good. 2God looks down from heaven
on the sons of men to see if there is anyone who understands, if
there is anyone who seeks God. 3Every one of them has turned
aside. They have all become corrupt. There is no one who does
good, not even one!
4
Do the workers of wickedness—who eat up My people as they
eat bread, and do not call on God—have any knowledge? 5 They
will be filled with fear and terror, even when there is nothing to
fear. Indeed, God will scatter the bones of your enemies; you
will put them to shame, for God has rejected them.
555
Psalm 54-55
6
Oh, that salvation for Israel would come out of Zion! When
God restores the fortunes of His people, Jacob will rejoice, and
Israel will be glad!

When the Ziphites went and told Saul: “Is not David
hiding among us?” To be accompanied by stringed
instruments. For the purpose of instruction.
54 Save me, O God, by Your name! Defend me with Your

might! 2Hear my prayer, O God! Listen to the words of my
mouth! 3For strangers have risen up against me, and violent men
seek after my soul. They have not set God before them. Selah
4
Look, God is my helper! The Lord is the One who sustains
my soul. 5He will repay my enemies for their evil. Destroy them
in Your faithfulness.
6
I will sacrifice a freewill offering to You. I will praise Your
name, O LORD, for it is good. 7For He has delivered me from all
my troubles, and my eyes have seen the defeat of my enemies.

55 Listen to my prayer, O God! Do not ignore my petition!

2
Open Your ears, and hear my complaint! I am restless
and distraught, 3because of the threats of the enemy, because
of the oppression of the wicked. They bring disaster upon me,
and in their wrath they persecute me.
4
My heart is distressed within me, and the terrors of death
have fallen upon me. 5Fear and trembling have come upon me,
and horror has overwhelmed me. 6I said to myself, “If only I
had the wings of a dove, so that I could fly away and find rest!
7
Indeed, I would flee far away and stay in the wilderness. Selah
8
I would quickly escape from the raging wind and tempest.”
9
O Lord, destroy and confuse their counsel! For in the city
556
Psalm 56
I see violence and strife, 10which roam about its walls day and
night, causing trouble and misery in the midst of it. 11Wicked-
ness is in the midst of it; oppression and deceit do not depart
from its streets.
12
If an enemy were insulting me, I could bear it. If a foe were
rising up against me, I could hide myself from him. 13But it is
you, my equal, my companion, my close friend. 14We had sweet
fellowship together, and used to walk with the crowds to the
house of God.
15
Let destruction seize my enemies. Let them go down to the
grave alive, for evil resides within them.
16
As for me, I will call upon God, and the LORD will save
me. 17Evening, morning, and noon, I will pray and cry out, and
He will hear my voice. 18He will safely rescue my soul from the
battle that rages against me, for many oppose me. 19God, who
is enthroned from of old, will hear me and afflict them. Selah
For They refuse to change their ways, because they do not
revere God.
20
My companion has attacked those who were at peace with
him, breaking his covenant. 21The words of his mouth were
smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were
softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.
22
Cast your burdens on the LORD, and He will sustain you.
He will never allow the righteous to be moved.
23
But You, O God, will bring the wicked down to the pit of
destruction. Bloodthirsty and deceitful men will not live out
half their days, but I will trust in You.
For the choir director: A poem of David.

When the Philistines seized him in Gath.
To the tune of “Silent Dove among Strangers.”
56 Be merciful to me, O God, for men want to devour me.

Daily they attack and oppress me. 2My enemies want to
557
Psalm 57
devour me all day long. Indeed, there are many who attack me,
O Most High.
3
When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4I will praise God for
His word. I will put my trust in God. I will not fear what mortal
man can do to me.
5
All day long they twist my words. All their thoughts are evil
against me. 6 They gather together and hide themselves. They
watch my steps as they lie in wait for my soul. 7Will they es-
cape in spite of such wickedness? In anger, O God, cast these
people down!
8
You have kept count of my wanderings. Put my tears in Your
bottle; are they not in Your book? 9When I cry out to You, then
my enemies will turn back. This I know, because God is for me!
10
I will praise God for His word. Indeed, I will praise the LORD
for His word. 11I will put my trust in God. I will not fear what
mortal man can do to me.
12
I will fulfill my vows to You, O God. I will offer thank offer-
ings to You. 13For You have delivered my soul from death, and
have kept my feet from stumbling, so that I may walk before
God in the light of the living!

When he fled from Saul into the cave.
To the tune of “Do not Destroy.”
57 Be merciful to me, O God! Be merciful to me! For my soul

trusts in You. I will take refuge in the shadow of Your
wings until danger passes by. 2I will cry out to God Most High,
to God who accomplishes all things for me. 3He will send help
from heaven to deliver me; He will rebuke those who want to
devour me. Selah
God will send His lovingkindness and His truth.
4
My soul is among lions. I lie down among those who burn
with rage. Their teeth are like spears and arrows, and their
tongues are like sharp swords.
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Psalm 58
5
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be
over all the earth!
6
They have prepared a net for my feet. My soul is distressed.
They have dug a pit for me, but they have fallen into it. Selah
7
My heart is steadfast, O God! My heart is steadfast! I will
sing and give praise! 8Wake up, my soul! Wake up, harp and
lyre! I will wake up at dawn! 9I will praise You, O Lord, among
the people. I will sing praises to You among the nations. 10For
Your lovingkindness reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness
to the clouds.
11
Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your glory be
over all the earth!

To the tune of “Do not destroy.”
58 Does your silence really speak justice, O rulers? Do you

judge uprightly, O sons of men? 2No! In your hearts you
practice injustice! Your hands deal out violence in the land.
3
From birth the wicked turn aside; from birth they go astray
and become liars. 4Their poison is like the poison of a snake.
They are like a deaf viper that shuts its ears, 5that does not
listen to the voice of the charmer, no matter how skilful the
charmer may be.
6
O God, break the teeth in their mouths! O LORD, knock out
the fangs of the young lions! 7Let them wash away like a flood
of water. When they bend their bows, let their arrows fall short.
8
Let them be like a snail, which melts away as it moves along;
like a baby born dead, who never sees the sun.
9
Quicker than burning thorns can heat up a pot; His wrath,
like a whirlwind, will sweep away their lives. 10 The righteous
will rejoice when they see Your vengeance; they will wash their
feet in the blood of the wicked. 11Then people will say, “Truly
there is a reward for the righteous! Truly there is a God who
judges on earth!”
559
Psalm 59
For the choir director: A poem of David. When Saul sent

men to watch his house in order to kill him.
To the tune of “Do not destroy.”
59 Deliver me from my enemies, O my God! Defend me

from those who rise up against me! 2Deliver me from the
workers of iniquity! Save me from bloodthirsty men! 3Look! They
lie in wait for my soul. The mighty gather themselves together
against me, O LORD, but not because of any transgression or
sin of mine. 4 They prepare to attack me, even though I have
done nothing wrong. Wake up and look! Help me! 5Awake, O
LORD God of Hosts, O God of Israel, to punish all the nations.
Show no mercy to those wicked traitors! Selah
6
They return at evening, growling like dogs as they prowl
about the city. 7Look what pours out of their mouths! Swords
are on their lips, for they say, “Who can hear us?” 8But You,
O LORD, will laugh at them. You will scoff at all the nations.
9
O my Strength, I will wait for You! For God is my high tower.
10
My God of lovingkindness will go before me. God will let me
see the defeat of my enemies.
11
Do not slay them, or my people will forget. Instead, scat-
ter them by Your power; bring them down, O Lord, our shield.
12
Because of the sins of their mouths, and the words of their
lips, and the curses and lies they utter, let them be caught in
their pride. 13Consume them in Your wrath, consume them till
they are no more. Let them know that God rules in Jacob, and
to the ends of the earth. Selah
14
They return at evening, growling like dogs as they prowl
about the city. 15 They wander around looking for food, but will
stay out all night unsatisfied.
16
But as for me, I will sing of Your power. Indeed, I will sing
of Your lovingkindness in the morning. For You have been my
high tower, a refuge in the day of my trouble. 17O my Strength,
I will sing praises to You! For God is my high tower, the God
who shows me lovingkindness!
560
Psalm 60-61
For the choir director: A poem of David. When David

fought Aram Naharaim and Aram Zobah, and when
Joab returned and killed twelve thousand Edomites in
the Valley of Salt. To the tune of “Lily of the Testimony.”
For the purpose of teaching.
60 O God, You have rejected us. You have scattered us. You
have been angry. Restore us again! 2 You have shaken
the land and split it open. Repair its fractures, for it is quak-
ing. 3You have shown Your people hard times. You have made
us drink wine that makes us stagger. 4You have raised up a
banner for those who revere You, so that it may be displayed
on account of the truth. Selah
5
Answer us, and save us with Your right hand, so that Your
beloved ones may be delivered! 6God has spoken in His holi-
ness: “I will rejoice, I will divide up Shechem, and portion out
the valley of Succoth. 7Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine.
Ephraim is the helmet of My head, and Judah is My sceptre.
8
Moab, however, is My washtub; on Edom I will cast My sandal,
and over Philistia I will shout in triumph.”
9
Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to
Edom? 10Is it not You, O God—the One who has rejected us?
And You, O God—the One who did not go out with our armies?
11
Give us help against our enemies, for the help of man is use-
less. 12 Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who will
tread down our enemies.

61 Hear my cry, O God! Pay attention to my prayer! 2From

the ends of the earth I will cry out to You when my heart
is faint. Lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3For You
have been a refuge for me, a strong tower from the enemy. 4I
will dwell in Your sanctuary forever. I will take refuge in the
shelter of Your wings. Selah
5
For You, O God, have heard my vows. You have given me
the inheritance of those who revere Your name. 6You will add
561
Psalm 62-63
to the days of the king’s life! May his years continue for many
generations! 7May he abide before God forever! Appoint Your
lovingkindness and truth to protect him. 8 Then I will sing praises
to Your name forever, as I fulfill my vows day after day.
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of David.
62 My soul waits quietly for God alone, for my salvation

comes from Him. 2He alone is my rock and my salvation,
my high tower—I will not be greatly shaken.
3
How long will you attack a man? Will all of you tear him
down like a leaning wall or a tottering fence? 4Surely they plan
to cast him down from his high position. They delight in lies;
they bless with their mouths, but they curse inwardly. Selah
5
O my soul, wait silently for God alone, for my hope comes
from Him. 6He alone is my rock and my salvation, my high tow-
er—I will not be shaken. 7In God is my salvation and my glory.
God is my strong rock, my refuge. 8 Trust in Him at all times, O
people! Pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge! Selah
9
Surly men of low estate are but a breath of air, and men of
high estate are but a delusion. When weighed on a balance, they
amount to nothing; together they weigh less than a breath of air.
10
In fraud, do not trust. In extortion, do not vainly hope. If
your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11
God has spoken once; twice I have heard this: that You, O
God, are full of power; 12that You, O Lord, are full of lovingk-
indness. Surely You reward every man according to his works.
A psalm of David. When he was in the wilderness

of Judah.
63 O God, You are my God. Early in the morning I will seek

You. My soul thirsts for You. My flesh yearns for You, in a
dry and thirsty land, where there is no water. 2I have seen You
in the sanctuary, and have gazed upon Your power and Your
562
Psalm 64-65
glory. 3My lips will praise You, because Your lovingkindness is

better than life. 4 Therefore, I will bless You as long as I live. I
will lift up my hands in Your name.
5
You satisfy my soul more than the richest of food. My mouth
will praise You with joyful lips, 6 when I remember You on my
bed, and meditate on You during the night watches. 7In the
shadow of Your wings I will sing for joy, because You have been
my help. 8My soul clings to You. Your right hand sustains me.
9
Those who seek to destroy my life will go down into the
depths of the earth. 10 They will be given over to the power of the
sword; they will be food for jackals. 11But the king will rejoice in
God. All who swear by Him will boast, but the mouth of those
who speak lies will be shut.
64 Hear my voice, O God, as I make my complaint! Protect

my life from my terrifying enemies! 2Hide me from the
secret plots of the wicked, from the mob of evildoers, 3 who
sharpen their tongues like swords, who aim bitter words like
arrows, 4 who shoot from ambush at the innocent, and who
shoot without warning and without fear. 5 They encourage one
another in their evil plans, plotting how to secretly lay snares,
saying, “Who will see our snares?” 6 They devise evil, saying,
“We have devised the perfect plan!” The human heart and mind
are indeed crafty.
7
But God will shoot them with His arrows; without warning
they will be wounded. 8 Their own tongues will cause their down-
fall, and all who see them will shake their heads. 9 Then all men
will fear; they will declare the works of God, and will ponder all
that He has done. 10 The righteous will be glad in the LORD, and
they will trust in Him. All the upright in heart will praise Him.
For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David.
65 Praise awaits You in Zion, O God. To You we will fulfill

our vows. 2All men will come to You, because You answer
563
Psalm 66
prayer. 3Indeed, when we were overwhelmed by sin, You atoned

for our transgressions. 4Blessed are those You choose, those
You invite to live in Your courts! We will be satisfied with the
goodness of Your house—Your holy sanctuary.
5
You answer us with awesome deeds of righteousness, O God
of our salvation—the hope of all the ends of the earth, and of
the farthest seas. 6By Your strength You formed the mountains.
You are clothed with power. 7You quieted the raging seas, their
pounding waves, and the uproar of the nations. 8 Those who live
in the remotest parts of the earth stand in awe of Your signs.
From where the sun rises to where it sets, from east to west,
You are praised.
9
You visit the earth and water it, greatly enriching it with the
river of God, which is full of water, thus providing the people
with grain, just as You have ordained. 10 You soak the ploughed
ground with rain, drenching its soil. You soften it with showers,
and bless its crops. 11 You crown the year with Your bounty,
and wherever You go You leave an overflow of Your abundance.
12
The pastures in the wilderness become fertile, and the hills
blossom with joy. 13Flocks clothe the meadows, and grain covers
the valleys. They shout for joy and sing together.
For the choir director: A song. A psalm.
66 Shout joyfully to God, all the earth! 2Sing about the splen-
dour of His name! Give Him praise and glory! 3Say to God,
“How awesome are Your works! Your enemies will submit to
You because of Your great power. 4All the earth will bow down
and worship You! They will sing praises to You! They will sing
praises to Your name!” Selah
5
Come and see the works of God. His deeds are awesome to-
ward the sons of men. 6He turned the Red Sea into dry land.155
His people also passed through the Jordan River on foot.156 For
such deeds we rejoice in Him. 7He rules forever by His power.
His eyes watch the nations. Do not let the rebellious be lifted
up with pride. Selah
155
Exodus 14:21-22
156
Joshua 3:14-17
564
Psalm 67
8
Praise our God, O you people! Let the sound of His praise
be heard! 9He has kept us alive, and has kept our feet from
slipping. 10For You, O God, have tested us. You have refined us,
as silver is refined. 11You let our enemies trap us in their net.
You have placed a heavy burden on our backs. 12You let our
enemies trample over us. We went through fire and through
water, but You brought us to a place of overflowing abundance.
13
I will go to Your house with burnt offerings. I will fulfill my
vows to You. 14I will fulfill the vows that my lips have uttered,
the vows that came out of my mouth when I was in trouble. 15I
will offer You burnt offerings of fattened animals, along with the
fragrant smoke of rams. I will sacrifice bulls and goats. Selah
16
Come and hear, all you who revere God, and I will declare
what He has done for my soul. 17I cried out to Him with my
mouth, and praised Him with my tongue. 18If I had cherished
sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. 19But truly
God has heard me. He has paid attention to the voice of my
prayer. 20Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or
removed His lovingkindness from me!
For the choir director: A song. A psalm.

67 May God be gracious to us, and bless us, and make His
face to shine upon us. Selah
2
May Your ways be known upon the earth, Your salvation
among all nations. 3May the peoples praise You, O God! May
all the peoples praise You! 4May the nations be glad and sing
for joy, for You judge the peoples righteously, and guide the
nations of the earth. Selah
5
May the peoples praise You, O God! May all the peoples
praise You! 6May the earth yield its crops. May God, our God,
bless us. 7May God bless us, and may all the ends of the earth
revere Him.
565
Psalm 68
For the choir director: A song. A psalm of David.
68 Let God arise! Let His enemies be scattered! Let those who
hate Him flee before Him! 2As smoke is driven away, so
drive them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked
perish at the presence of God. 3But let the righteous be glad. Let
them rejoice before God. Indeed, let them rejoice with gladness.
Sing to God! Sing praises to His name! Exalt Him who rides
4
on the clouds! His name is the LORD! Rejoice before Him!
A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in

5
His holy dwelling place. 6God places the lonely in families. He

leads out the captives to prosperity. But the rebellious will live
in a dry land.
O God, when You led Your people out of Egypt, when You
7
marched them through the wilderness, Selah

8
the earth shook; the heavens also poured down rain at the
presence of God. Mount Sinai itself was moved at the presence
of God, the God of Israel. 9O God, You showered down abundant
gifts. You sustained Your inheritance when they were weary.
10
Then You settled Your people in the Promised Land. In Your
goodness, O God, You provided for Your people.
The Lord gave the word; great was the company of women
11
who proclaimed it: 12“Kings and their armies flee—they flee!”

The women at home divided the spoil. 13 The men who slept
among the campfires shared the plunder—doves with shiny
gold feathers and silver covered wings. 14 When the Almighty
scattered the kings in the Land of Canaan, it was like snow
falling on Mount Zalmon.
The mountains of Bashan are majestic mountains; the

15
mountains of Bashan are rugged. 16Why do you look with envy,

O rugged mountains, at Mount Zion, at the mountain God has
chosen for His dwelling place? Indeed, the LORD will dwell there
forever! 17 With thousands and millions of His chariots and
angels, the Lord came from Mount Sinai to His sanctuary.157
18
When He ascended on high, He led away captives. He received
157
2 Kings 2:11, 6:14-17
566
Psalm 68
tribute from men, even from the rebellious, so that the LORD
God might dwell there among them.
19
Blessed be the Lord, the God of our salvation, who bears
our burdens day after day. Selah
20
Our God is the God who saves; only from the Lord GOD comes
escape from death. 21But God will crush the heads of His en-
emies, the hairy scalps of those who continue in their sins.
22
The Lord said, “I will bring back My enemies from Bashan, I
will bring them back from the depths of the Red Sea, 23so that
your feet may crush your enemies in blood, so that the tongues
of your dogs may have their share!”
24
The people saw Your procession, O God—the procession
of my God and King into the sanctuary.158 25In front were the
singers, and the musicians were following behind. They were
accompanied by young women playing tambourines. 26Bless the
Lord, O descendants of Israel! Bless God in your assemblies!
27
Look! There comes Benjamin, the smallest tribe, leading the
procession; next the leaders of Judah with their company, fol-
lowed by the leaders of Zebulun and Naphtali.
28
God has decreed that you will be strong. Display Your
strength, O God, just as You have done before. 29Because of
Your holy sanctuary in Jerusalem, kings will bring gifts to You.
30
Rebuke Your enemies—the wild beasts among the reeds, the
herds of bulls with their calves—until they humbly bring bars
of silver as tribute. Scatter the nations who delight in war.
31
Ambassadors will come from Egypt. Ethiopia will stretch out
her hands to God.
32
Sing to God, O kingdoms of the earth! Sing praises to the
Lord! Selah
33
Sing to Him who rides across the heavens, the heavens of
old. Look, He thunders with His mighty voice! 34Acknowledge
God’s power! His power is in the clouds. His majesty is over
Israel. 35You are awesome, O God, in Your sanctuary. The God
of Israel is the One who gives strength and power to His people.
Praise be to God!
158
This verse is alluding to when David brought up the Ark of
the Covenant and set it in the tent that he had pitched for it.
(2 Samuel 6:12-19; 1 Chronicles 15-16:3)
567
Psalm 69

To the tune of “Lilies.”
69 Save me, O God, for the waters have come up to my neck.

2
I am sinking down into the mud, and there is no solid
ground. I am in deep water, and the currents overwhelm me.
3
I am exhausted from crying out to You, and my throat is sore.
My eyes fail as I wait for my God. 4 Those who hate me for no
reason are more numerous than the hairs of my head. Those
who want to destroy me are powerful. My enemies accuse me
falsely. What I did not steal, I must then restore.
5
O God, You know my foolishness. My sins are not hidden
from You. 6O Lord GOD of Hosts, do not let those who wait on
You be put to shame because of me. O God of Israel, do not let
those who seek You be disgraced because of me. 7For Your sake
I have endured insults, and shame has covered my face. 8I have
become a stranger to my brothers, a foreigner to my mother’s
sons. 9For the zeal of Your house has consumed me, and the
insults of those who insult You have fallen on me. 10 When I
wept and humbled my soul with fasting, I was insulted for it.
11
When I dressed in sackcloth, I was ridiculed for it. 12 Those
who sit at the city gate gossip about me, and I have become
the song of drunkards.
13
But as for me, O LORD, let my prayer come to You at an
acceptable time. O God, in the abundance of Your lovingkind-
ness, answer me with the truth of Your salvation. 14Rescue me
from the mud; do not let me sink! Deliver me from those who
hate me, and from out of the deep waters. 15Do not let the cur-
rents of water overwhelm me, or the deep waters swallow me
up. Do not let the pit shut its mouth on me.
16
Answer me, O LORD, for Your lovingkindness is good. Ac-
cording to the multitude of Your tender mercies, turn to me.
17
Do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in distress.
Answer me quickly! 18Draw near to my soul, and redeem it;
ransom me because of my enemies.
19
You know how I am insulted, shamed, and disgraced; all my
enemies are before You. 20 Their insults have broken my heart,
and I am in despair. I looked for sympathy, but there was none;
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Psalm 70
for comforters, but I found none. 21Instead, they gave me poison

for my food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink.
22
Let their table become a snare before them; when they are
at ease, let it become a trap. 23Let their eyes be darkened so
that they cannot see, and bend their backs continually. 24Pour
out Your wrath on them, and let Your burning anger overtake
them. 25Let their place be deserted, let none live in their tents.
26
For they persecute the one You have struck, and they gossip
about the pain of those You have wounded. 27Add iniquity to
their iniquity, and do not let them come into Your righteous-
ness. 28Erase them from the book of life, and do not let them
be recorded with the righteous.
29
But as for me, I am afflicted and in pain. Let Your salvation,
O God, protect me.
30
I will praise the name of God with a song, and I will magnify
Him with thanksgiving. 31This will please the LORD more than
offering cattle, more than sacrificing a bull with its horns and
hooves. 32 The afflicted will see my deliverance and rejoice. You
who seek God, let your hearts revive. 33For the LORD hears the
needy, and does not despise His own who are prisoners.
34
Let heaven and earth praise Him, the seas and all that move
in them! 35For God will save Zion and will build up the cities of
Judah, so that His people may live there and possess it. 36 The
descendants of His servants will inherit it, and those who love
His name will live there.
To the choir director: A psalm of David. A reminder.
70 Come quickly, O God, and deliver me! Come quickly,

O LORD, and help me! 2Let those who seek my life be
ashamed and humiliated. Let those who desire my ruin be
turned back in disgrace. 3Let them be turned back for the re-
ward of their shame, for they say, “Aha! Aha!” 4Let all those who
seek You rejoice and be glad in You. Let those who love Your
salvation always say, “Let God be magnified!” 5But as for me,
I am afflicted and needy. Come quickly to me, O God. You are
my helper and my deliverer. O LORD, do not delay!
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Psalm 71
71 In You, O LORD, do I put my trust! Let me never be

ashamed! 2Deliver me in Your righteousness, and help
me to escape! Turn Your ear to me, and save me! 3Be my rock
of refuge, where I can always go. Give the command to save me,
for You are my rock and my fortress. 4Deliver me, O my God,
from the hand of the wicked, from the grasp of the cruel and
unjust. 5For You are my hope, O Lord GOD. You have been my
confidence since I was young. 6I have relied on You since birth,
when You brought me out of my mother’s womb. Indeed, I will
always praise You!
7
I have become a sign to many, because You are my strong
refuge. 8My mouth is filled with Your praise and with Your glory
all day long. 9Do not cast me off in the time of old age. Do not
forsake me when my strength fails. 10For my enemies speak
against me, and those who lie in wait for my soul plot together,
11
saying, “God has forsaken him. Let us hunt him down and
seize him, for there is no one to rescue him.”
12
O God, do not be far from me! O my God, come quickly to
help me! 13Let the enemies of my soul be ashamed and utterly
defeated. Let those who seek my ruin be covered in disgrace
and humiliation. 14But as for me, I will always put my hope in
You. I will praise You more and more. 15All day long my mouth
will tell of Your righteous deeds and acts of salvation, though
they are too numerous for me to comprehend. 16I will go out in
the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteous
deeds—Yours alone.
17
O God, You have taught me since my youth, and to this day
I declare Your wonderful deeds. 18Even when I am old and grey,
O God, do not forsake me. Not until I can declare Your strength
to this generation, and Your power to all who are to come.
19
Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the heavens. You
have done great things, O God, who is like You? 20 Though You
have allowed me to experience many troubles and hardships,
You will revive me again. From the depths of the earth, You will
raise me up again. 21You will increase my greatness, and You
will surround me with Your comfort.
22
I will praise You with the harp for Your faithfulness, O my
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Psalm 72
God. I will sing praises to You with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.
23
My lips will shout for joy; they will sing praises to You, as well
as my soul, which You have redeemed. 24Indeed, my tongue will
talk of Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek my
ruin will be disgraced and humiliated.
A psalm of Solomon.
72 O God, give the king wisdom to judge justly. Give the

king’s son wisdom to judge righteously. 2May he judge
Your people with righteousness, and Your poor with justice.
3
May the mountains bring peace and prosperity to the people.
May the hills bring righteousness and justice. 4May he grant
justice for the poor of the people, and save the children of the
needy, and crush the oppressor. 5May they revere you as long
as the sun and moon endures, from generation to generation.
6
May he come down like rain on the cut grass, like showers
that water the earth. 7May the righteous flourish in his days,
and peace and prosperity abound until the moon is no more.
8
May he have dominion from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates
River to the ends of the earth. 9May the nomads of the desert
bow before him, and his enemies lick the dust. 10May the kings
of Tarshish and of the distant coastlands bring tribute to him.
May the kings of Sheba and Seba offer him gifts. 11May all kings
bow before him, and all nations serve him.
12
For he will rescue the needy when they cry out, the poor
also, and those who have no helper. 13He will have compassion
on the poor and needy, and will save the needy from death. 14He
will rescue them from oppression and violence, for their blood
is precious in his sight.
15
May he live long! May gold from Sheba be given to him. May
prayer be offered for him continually, and may he be blessed all
day long. 16May there be an abundance of grain throughout the
land. May it sway back and forth on the mountain tops. May its
crops sway like the cedars of Lebanon. May those who live in the
city flourish like the grass of the field. 17May his name endure
forever. May his name continue as long as the sun. May all na-
tions be blessed through him, and may they call him blessed.
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Psalm 73
18
Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who alone
does wonderful things! 19Blessed be His glorious name forever!
May the whole earth be filled with His glory! Amen and amen!
20
This concludes the prayer of David, the son of Jesse.
A psalm of Asaph.
73 Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.

2
But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps
had nearly slipped. 3For I was envious of the arrogant, when I
saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4All their lives they suffer no
pain; their bodies are strong and healthy. 5 They do not suffer
trouble and calamities like other men do; such things do not
touch them. 6Pride is their necklace, and violence covers them
like a garment. 7Their eyes bulge out from obesity; they obtain
whatever their heart desires. 8 They mock and speak wickedly.
In their arrogance they threaten oppression. 9 Their mouths
speak against heaven, and their tongues strut throughout the
earth. 10Nevertheless, my people turn to them and drink up all
they say. 11The wicked say, “How does God know? Does the
Most High have knowledge?” 12Look at these ungodly people!
They are always at ease, and their wealth continually increases.
13
Have I kept my heart pure, have I washed my hands in
innocence, for nothing? 14 Truly, I am afflicted all day long; I am
punished every morning.
15
If I would have expressed these thoughts to others, I would
have betrayed God’s people. 16When I tried to understand all
this, it was too painful to bear. 17That is, until I went into the
sanctuary of God. It was then, that I understood their end.
18
Indeed, You have placed them on slippery ground, and they
will fall to their destruction. 19How suddenly they are destroyed!
They are completely swept away by terrors! 20 When You arise
in judgment, O Lord, You will despise their image. They will
disappear, like a dream when one awakens.
21
When my heart was bitter, and I was pierced deep within,
I was foolish and ignorant; I was like a senseless beast before
22
You. 23Nevertheless, I am always with You, because You hold
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Psalm 74
me by my right hand. 24You will guide me with Your counsel,

and afterwards You will take me into glory. 25Whom have I in
heaven but You? There is nothing on earth that I desire except
You. 26My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength
of my heart and my portion forever.
27
Look, those who are far from You will perish. You will de-
stroy all those who are unfaithful to You. 28But as for me, it is
good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in You,
Lord GOD, so that I can declare all Your works.
A psalm of Asaph. For the purpose of instruction.
74
2
Why, O God, have You rejected us forever? Why does
Your anger smoulder against the sheep of Your pasture?
Remember the people You acquired long ago, the people You
redeemed to be Your very own. Remember Mount Zion, where
You dwell. 3 Turn your steps toward this endless ruin; the enemy
has desecrated everything in the sanctuary.
4
Your enemies have roared in the midst of Your meeting
place, and they have set up their banners as a sign of their
conquest. 5Like skilful men who cut down the trees of the for-
est, 6 they have struck down all its carved work with their axes
and hammers. 7They set Your sanctuary on fire. They defiled
the dwelling place of Your name, bringing it to the ground.
8
They said in their hearts, “Let us completely destroy them.”
They have burned down all the places in the land where God
was worshiped.
9
We see no miraculous signs. There are no prophets left, and
no one among us knows how long this will last. 10How long will
our enemies insult You, O God? Will our enemies blaspheme
Your name forever? 11Why do You hold back Your hand, Your
right hand? Pull it out from the folds of Your garment and de-
stroy them!
12
Yet God is my King of old. Throughout the earth He per-
forms His works of salvation. 13 You divided the Red Sea by
Your strength. You broke the heads of the sea monster (the
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Psalm 75
Egyptians) in the waters.159 14Indeed, You crushed the heads

of Leviathan and fed him to the creatures of the wilderness.
15
From the rock You opened up springs and streams. You dried
up the riverbed of the ever-flowing Jordan River.160 16 The day
is Yours, and the night is Yours. You have made the moon and
the sun. 17You have established all the boundaries of the earth.
You have made summer and winter.
18
Remember how the enemy has insulted You, O LORD, and
how foolish people have blasphemed Your name. 19Do not give
the soul of Your turtledove to wild beasts; do not forget the lives
of Your afflicted people forever.
20
Remember Your covenant, for the land is filled with dark-
ness and violence. 21Do not let the oppressed be turned back
in shame! Let the afflicted and needy praise Your name!
22
Arise, O God, and defend Your cause! Remember how these
foolish men insult You all day long! 23Do not forget the taunts
of Your enemies, the uproar of those who rise up against You,
which rises continually!
For the choir director: A song. A psalm of Asaph.

To the tune of “Do not Destroy.”
75 We give thanks to You, O God! We give thanks, because

Your name is near! We declare Your wonderful works!
2
“At My appointed time for judgment, I will judge righteously.
3
When the earth and all its inhabitants are unstable, it is I who
hold its pillars firm. Selah
4
“I say to the boastful, ‘Do not boast,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do
not lift up your horns (strength).161 5Do not lift up your horns
(strength) high, and do not speak arrogantly.’” 6For promotion
does not come from the east or from the west or from the south.
7
But God is the Judge. He brings one down, and lifts up another.
159
Exodus 14:21-31
160
Joshua 3:14-17
161
The horn is a symbol of strength.
574
Psalm 76
8
For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup of potent wine; it
is red, foaming, and mixed with spices. He will pour it out, and
all the wicked of the earth will drink it; they will drain it to the
very last drop.
9
But as for me, I will praise You forever! I will sing praises to
the God of Jacob! 10“All the horns (strength) of the wicked I will
cut off, but the horns (strength) of the righteous will be exalted.”
For the choir director: A song. A psalm of Asaph.

76 God is known in Judah. His name is great in Israel. 2His

abode is in Salem,162 His dwelling place in Zion. 3 There
He broke the fiery arrows of the bow, the shield, the sword, and
the weapons of war. Selah
4
You are more glorious and excellent than mountains filled
with wild game. 5 The brave-hearted lie plundered, they have
slept their last sleep. None of the men of war can lift their hands.
6
At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both horse and chariot have
sunk into a dead sleep.
7
You, Yourself, are to be revered! Who can stand before You
when You are angry? 8From heaven You pronounced judgment.
The earth feared and was still 9when God arose to judge, to
deliver all the afflicted of the land. Selah
10
The display of Your judgment on man will bring You praise,
and the survivors of Your wrath will be restrained.
11
Make vows to the LORD your God and fulfill them. Let all
the neighbouring lands bring tribute to Him, for He is to be
revered. 12He cuts down the pride of rulers. He is feared by the
kings of the earth.
Salem was the ancient name for Jerusalem (Genesis 14:18;

162
Hebrews 7:1).
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Psalm 77
For Jeduthun, the choir director: A psalm of Asaph.
77 I cried out to God with my voice! I cried out to God with

my voice, and He heard me! 2In the day of my trouble
I sought the Lord. All night long I stretched out my hands to
You. My soul refused to be comforted. 3I remembered God, and
I groaned. I meditated, and my spirit grew faint. Selah
You kept my eyes from sleeping. I was too troubled to speak.

4
5
I thought about the days of old, the years long past. 6I re-
membered my songs in the night, when my heart meditated
and my spirit pondered: 7“Will the Lord reject us forever? Will
He never show us His favour again? 8Has His lovingkindness
disappeared forever? Has His promises failed forever? 9Has God
forgotten to be gracious? In His anger, has He withdrawn His
tender mercies?” Selah
Then I said, “Although I am overwhelmed by all this, I will

10
remember the years when the right hand of the Most High was
with us. 11I will remember the deeds of the LORD. Indeed, I will
remember Your miracles of old. 12I will reflect on all Your works,
and meditate on Your deeds.”
Your ways, O God, are holy! What god is as great as our

13
God? 14You are the God who performs miracles. You have dis-
played Your strength among the peoples. 15With Your strong
arm You have redeemed Your people, the descendants of Jacob
and Joseph. Selah
The waters of the Red Sea saw You, O God, and were afraid.
16
The waters saw You, and the depths trembled. 17The clouds
poured down rain, the skies thundered, and Your lightning
flashed back and forth like arrows. 18 The voice of Your thunder
was in the whirlwind. Your lightning lit up the world. The earth
trembled and shook. 19Your path went through the Red Sea;
You passed through the mighty waters, but Your footprints
were not seen. 20You led Your people like a flock, by the hand
of Moses and Aaron.
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Psalm 78
A psalm of Asaph. For the purpose of instruction.
78 Listen, O my people, to my instruction! Pay attention to

the words of my mouth! 2I will open my mouth in para-
bles. I will utter riddles from long ago, 3 which we have heard
and known, which our fathers have told us. 4We will not keep
these truths from our children. We will tell the next generation
about the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, about His strength,
and the wonderful works He has done. 5For God established a
law for Jacob and gave instructions to Israel, commanding our
fathers to teach them to their children; 6 that the next genera-
tion, and the children not yet born, would know these truths
and would also teach them to their children; 7that they would
put their hope in God and would not forget God’s works, but
would keep His commandments; 8 that they would not be like
their fathers—a stubborn and rebellious generation, whose
hearts were unfaithful, and whose spirits were not true to God.
The men of Ephraim were armed with bows, yet they turned
9
back in the day of battle. 10 They did not keep God’s covenant,
and refused to walk in His law. 11They forgot His works, and
the wonders that He had shown them. 12He did miracles in the
sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the region of Zoan.
13
He divided the Red Sea and led them through it. He made the
waters stand up like a wall.163 14In the daytime He led them
with a pillar of cloud, and all night with a pillar of fire.164 15He
split the rocks in the wilderness, and gave them an abundance
of water to drink.165 16He made streams gush out of the rock,
and caused waters to run down like rivers.
But they continued to sin against Him by rebelling against

17
the Most High in the wilderness. 18In their hearts they tested
God by demanding the food they craved.166 19Indeed, they spoke
against God. They said, “Can God prepare a table in the wil-
derness? 20Yes, He struck the rock so that waters gushed out
163
Exodus 14:21-22
164
Exodus 13:21-22
165
This happened on two different occasions: Exodus 17:1-7;
Numbers 20:1-13.
166
This is speaking about Exodus 16 and Numbers 11. They
are two different events that happed at two different times.
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Psalm 78
and streams overflowed, but can He also give us bread? Can He

provide meat for His people?” 21When the LORD heard them,
He became furious; His fire broke out against Jacob, and His
wrath flared up against Israel, 22because they did not believe
God or trust His saving power. 23He gave a command to the
clouds above, and opened the doors of heaven. 24He rained down
manna for them to eat; He gave them bread from heaven. 25 They
ate the bread of angels. He sent them food in abundance. 26He
caused the east wind to blow in the heavens, and He brought
in the south wind by His might. 27He rained meat down on
them like dust, birds like the sand on the seashore. 28He made
them fall into the midst of their camp, all around their tents.
29
They ate until they were stuffed, for He had given them what
they craved. 30However, they would not turn away from their
cravings and kept on eating. So while the food was still in their
mouths, 31God’s wrath flared up against them, and He killed
the strongest among them, and struck down the finest young
men of Israel.
32
But in spite of all this, they kept on sinning. Despite His
wonders, they refused to believe. 33So He ended their days in
emptiness and failure, and their years in terror. 34 Whenever
He killed them, they would seek Him; they would turn back
and seek God earnestly. 35 They would remember that God was
their Rock, that God Most High was their Redeemer. 36However,
their words were false, and their tongues were insincere. 37Their
hearts were unfaithful, and they were not true to His covenant.
38
But He, being merciful, atoned for their iniquities, and did not
destroy them. Indeed, many times He turned His anger away
and did not stir up all His wrath. 39He remembered that they
were but flesh, a wind that passes and does not return again.
40
How often they rebelled against Him in the wilderness, and
grieved Him in the desert! 41Again and again they tested God,
and provoked the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember
the power of His hand, or the day He redeemed them from the
enemy, 43when He performed His miraculous signs in Egypt,
His wonders in the region of Zoan. 44He turned their rivers
into blood, so that they could not drink from their streams.167
45
He sent swarms of flies that bit them, and frogs that caused
167
The plagues that God sent on Egypt, Exodus 7-12.
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Psalm 78
devastation. 46He gave their crops to grasshoppers, and their

produce to locusts. 47He destroyed their grapevines with hail,
and their sycamore trees with sleet. 48He gave their cattle over
to hail, and their livestock to lightning bolts. 49He unleashed His
burning anger, wrath, indignation, and hostility against them,
by sending angels of destruction among them. 50He cleared a
path for His anger. He did not spare their souls from death,
but gave their lives over to plague. 51He struck down all the
firstborn sons in Egypt, the firstfruits of their strength in the
tents of Ham. 52But He led His people out like sheep, guiding
them trough the wilderness like a flock. 53He led them safely, so
that they were not afraid, but the sea engulfed their enemies.168
54
He brought them to the border of His holy land, to the hill
country His right hand had gained. 55He drove out the nations
before them. He divided the land by lot as an inheritance for
them, and settled the tribes of Israel in their tents.
56
But they tested God; they rebelled against the Most High,
and did not keep His statutes. 57They turned back, and acted
unfaithfully like their fathers. They went off course like an ar-
row shot from a defective bow. 58 They provoked Him to anger
with their high places, and moved Him to jealousy with their
idols. 59 When God heard them, He became very angry, and
He completely rejected Israel. 60He abandoned the sanctuary
at Shiloh, the tent where He dwelt among men. 61He delivered
His strength (the Ark of the Covenant) into captivity, His glory
into the hands of the enemy.169 62He gave His people over to
the sword, and He was very angry with His inheritance. 63Fire
devoured their young men, and their young women had no wed-
ding songs. 64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows
were not able to mourn them.
65
Then the Lord awoke, as if from sleep, like a warrior shout-
ing on account of wine. 66He struck His enemies, driving them
back. He put them to everlasting shame. 67Moreover, He re-
jected the sanctuary of Joseph; He did not choose the tribe of
Ephraim. 68But He chose the tribe of Judah, Mount Zion, which
He loved. 69 There He built His sanctuary like the heights of the
heavens, like the earth that He established forever. 70He chose
168
Exodus 14:26-28
169
1 Samuel 4
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Psalm 79
His servant David, whom He took from the sheep pens. 71He
took David from tending the sheep and made him the shep-
herd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. 72So David
shepherded them with a heart of integrity, and led them with
the skill of his hands.
A psalm of Asaph.
79 O God, the nations have invaded Your inheritance. They

have defiled Your holy temple, and have reduced Jerusa-
lem to ruins. 2 They have left the dead bodies of Your servants
as food for the birds to eat, and the flesh of Your saints for the
wild animals to devour. 3 They have spilled the blood of Your
people like water all around Jerusalem, and there is no one to
bury them. 4We have become a disgrace to our neighbours, an
object of ridicule and mockery to those around us.
5
How long, O LORD, will You be angry? Forever? Will Your
jealousy burn like fire? 6Pour out Your wrath on the nations
that do not know You, and on the kingdoms that do not call on
Your name. 7For they have devoured Jacob, and have destroyed
His homeland.
8
Do not count the sins of our fathers against us. Let Your
tender mercies come quickly to meet us, for we are brought
very low. 9Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your
name. For Your name’s sake, deliver us, and atone for our sins.
10
Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Before our
eyes, make it known among the nations that You avenge the
spilled blood of Your servants.
11
Let the groans of the captives come before You. By Your
great strong arm, save those condemned to death. 12Pay back
our neighbours sevenfold for the insults they have hurled at
You, O Lord. 13 Then we, Your people, the sheep of Your pas-
ture, will thank You forever. We will declare Your praise from
generation to generation.
580
Psalm 80-81
For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph.

To the tune of “Lilies of the Covenant.”
80 Hear us, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like

a flock! You who sit enthroned between the cherubim,
shine forth! 2Before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh, stir up
Your power! Come and save us! 3Restore us, O God, and make
Your face to shine upon us, so that we may be saved!
4
O LORD God of Hosts, how long will Your anger smoulder
against the prayers of Your people? 5You have fed them with
the bread of tears. You have given them a full cup of tears to
drink. 6You have made us an object of strife to our neighbours,
and our enemies mock us. 7Restore us, O God of Hosts, and
make Your face to shine upon us, so that we may be saved!
8
You uprooted a vine from Egypt. You drove out the nations
and planted it. 9 You cleared a place for it. It took root and
filled the land. 10 The mountains were covered with its shadow.
Its branches were like the cedars of Lebanon. 11It spread its
branches to the Mediterranean Sea, and its shoots to the Eu-
phrates River.
12
Why have You broken down its walls, so that everyone who
passes by picks its grapes? 13 Wild boars of the forest ravage
it, and wild animals devour it. 14Return, we beg You, O God of
Hosts! Look down from heaven and take notice! Take care of
this vine! 15Protect what Your right hand has planted, the son
You have raised up for Yourself. 16It has been burned with fire.
It has been cut down. Your people perish at the frown of Your
rebuke. 17Let Your hand be on the man at Your right hand, on
the son of man whom You have raised up for Yourself. 18 Then
we will not turn away from You. Revive us, and we will call on
Your name. 19Restore us, O LORD God of Hosts, and make Your
face to shine upon us, so that we may be saved!
For the choir director: A psalm of Asaph.

To be accompanied by a Gittite harp.
81 Sing praises to God our strength! Make a joyful noise to

the God of Jacob! 2Sing a song, strike the tambourine, and
581
Psalm 82
play delightful music on the harp and lyre. 3Blow the trumpet
at the new moon, at the full moon, on our feast day.170 4For
this is a statute for Israel, an ordinance of the God of Jacob.
5
He established it in Joseph for a testimony, when He led us
out of the land of Egypt, where we heard a language that we
did not understand.
6
“I removed the burden from his shoulder, and freed his
hands from carrying the basket. 7You called out in distress and
I delivered you. I answered you from the thundercloud at Mount
Sinai. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah
8
“Listen, O My people, and I will warn you! O Israel, if you
would only listen to Me! 9 You must not have any strange gods
among you. You must not bow down to any foreign gods. 10I am
the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
Open your mouth wide and I will fill it.
11
“But My people would not listen to My voice. Israel would
not obey Me. 12So I gave them over to their hard hearts. I let
them follow their own plans. 13Oh, that My people would lis-
ten to Me, that Israel would walk in My ways! 14 Then I would
quickly subdue their enemies, and turn My hand against their
adversaries. 15 Then those who hate the LORD would bow in
submission to Him, and their punishment would last forever.
16
Then I would feed you with the finest of wheat, and I would
satisfy you with honey from the rock.”
A psalm of Asaph.
82 God stands in the assembly of the mighty; He judges

among the judges: 2“How long will you judge unjustly,
and show favour to the wicked? Selah
3
“Defend the poor and fatherless, and do justice to the af-
flicted and needy. 4Deliver the poor and lowly, and free them
from the hands of the wicked.
170
This feast day is either the Feast of Passover or the Feast of
Tabernacles. It is actually a very complicated verse. However,
for me, verse 5 is pointing to the Feast of Passover.
582
Psalm 83
5
“These judges do not have knowledge or understanding! They
walk about in darkness! All the foundations of justice are shaken!
6
“I have said, ‘You are gods (judges); all of you are sons of
the Most High.’ 7But you will die like mortals, and will fall like
any other ruler.”
8
Arise, O God, to judge the earth! For all the nations are Your
inheritance.
A song. A psalm of Asaph.
83 O God, do not be silent! Do not be deaf! O God, do not be

idle! 2Look! Your enemies are in an uproar. Those who
hate You have lifted up their heads in arrogance. 3 They devise
cunning schemes against Your people, and conspire against
Your treasured ones. 4 They have said, “Come, let us destroy
them as a nation, so that the name of Israel may be remembered
no more!” 5For they have conspired together with one purpose.
They have made a covenant against You—6 the tents of Edom,
the Ishmaelites, Moab, the Hagrites, 7Gebal, Ammon, Amalek,
Philistia, and the inhabitants of Tyre. 8Even Assyria has joined
them; they have banded together with the descendants of Lot.171
Selah
9
Do to them as You did to Midian,172 as You did to Sisera and
Jabin at the Kishon River.173 10 They perished at Endor, and be-
came like manure on the ground. 11Make their nobles like Oreb
and like Zeeb,174 all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,175
12
who said, “Let us take possession of God’s pasturelands for
ourselves!” 13O my God, make them like tumbleweed, like chaff
before the wind! 14Like a fire that burns the forest, like a flame
that sets the mountains ablaze, 15so pursue them with Your
storm, and terrify them with Your tempest. 16Cover their faces
with shame, so that they may seek Your name, O LORD. 17Let
171
Descendants of Lot: Moab and Ammon (Genesis 19:30-38).
172
Judges 6-8
173
Judges 4
174
Judges 7:25
175
Judges 8:21
583
Psalm 84-85
them be ashamed and terrified forever. Let them perish in dis-

grace. 18Let them acknowledge that You alone—whose name is
the LORD—are the Most High over all the earth.

of Korah. To be accompanied by a Gittite harp.
84 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of Hosts! 2My

soul longs, and even faints for the courts of the LORD. My
heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. 3Even the sparrow
has found a home there; the swallow has found a nesting place
for herself, where she may have her young near Your altar, O
LORD of Hosts, my King and my God. 4Blessed are those who
dwell in Your house. They are always praising You. Selah
5
Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, whose heart is
set on going to Jerusalem to worship You. 6As they pass through
the Valley of Weeping, it will become a place of springs. Indeed,
the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. 7They will continue
to grow stronger and stronger, and each of them will appear
before God in Zion. 8O LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer.
Open Your ears, O God of Jacob. Selah
9
Look, O God our shield, look on the face of Your anointed king!
10
For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere!
I would rather stand at the house of my God, peering in through
the doors, than to dwell in the tents of the wicked.176 11For the
LORD God is our sun and shield. The LORD will give us grace
and glory. No good thing will He withhold from those who walk
uprightly. 12O LORD of Hosts, blessed is the man who trusts
in You!

of Korah.
85 O LORD, You have shown favour to Your land. You have

restored the fortunes of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the
176
He would rather spend his time at the house of the Lord,
even if he were never permitted to enter but could only look in,
than to send his time in the house of the wicked.
584
Psalm 86
iniquity of Your people. You have covered all their sin. Selah
3
You have withdrawn all Your wrath. You have turned away
from Your burning anger.
4
Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger
towards us to cease. 5Will You be angry with us forever? Will You
prolong Your anger from generation to generation? 6Will You not
revive us again, so that Your people may rejoice in You? 7Show
us Your lovingkindness, O LORD, and grant us Your salvation.
8
I will listen to the voice of the LORD God, for surely He will
speak peace to His people and to His saints. Yet they must not
turn back to their foolish ways! 9Surely His salvation is near to
those who revere Him, so that His glory may dwell in our land.
10
Lovingkindness and truth have met together. Righteousness
and peace have kissed each other. 11Truth springs up from the
earth, and righteousness looks down from heaven. 12Indeed, the
LORD will give what is good, and our land will yield its crops.
13
Righteousness will go before Him, and will prepare a path for
His footsteps.
A prayer of David.
86 Turn Your ear to me, O LORD, and answer me, for I am

afflicted and needy. 2Protect my soul, for I am godly. O
my God, save Your servant who trusts in You. 3Be merciful to
me, O Lord, for I cry out to You all day long. 4Give joy to the
soul of Your servant; for to You, O Lord, do I lift up my soul.
5
For You, O Lord, are good. You are ready to forgive, and are
abundant in lovingkindness to all who call upon You. 6Open
Your ears, O LORD, to my prayer. Pay attention to the sound
of my petitions. 7In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
for You will answer me.
8
O Lord, among the gods there is none like You, and none
of them has performed the deeds that You have performed. 9O
Lord, all the nations You have made will come and worship
before You. They will glorify Your name. 10For You are great,
and You perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God.
585
Psalm 87-88
11
Teach me Your ways, O LORD, so that I may walk in Your
truth. Give me an undivided heart, so that I may revere Your
name. 12I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart,
and I will glorify Your name forever. 13For great is Your lovin-
gkindness towards me. You have delivered my soul from the
depths of hell.
14
O God, arrogant men have risen up against me. A group of
violent men seek my life. They have not set You before them.
15
But You, O Lord, are a merciful and gracious God. You are slow
to anger, and abundant in lovingkindness and truth. 16 Turn to
me, and have mercy on me! Give Your strength to Your servant,
and save the son of Your maidservant. 17Show me a sign of Your
goodness, so that those who hate me may see it and be put to
shame. For You, O LORD, have helped me and comforted me.
A song. A psalm of the descendants of Korah.
87 The foundation of His city stands on the holy moun-

tains. 2 The LORD loves the gates of Zion more than all
the dwellings of Jacob. 3Glorious things are spoken of you, O
city of God. Selah
4
Among those who know Me in Egypt, Babylon, Philistia,
Tyre, and Ethiopia, I will record, “This one was born in Zion.”
5
Regarding Zion, it will be said, “This one and that one were
born in her, and the Most High Himself will establish her.” 6 The
LORD will record in the register of the nations, “This one was
born in Zion.” Selah
7
And the singers and musicians will declare, “All my foun-
tains are in the city of our God.”
For the choir director: A song of the descendants

of Korah. To the tune of “Suffering Affliction.” A psalm
of Heman the Ezrahite. For the purpose of instruction.
88 O LORD, God of my salvation, I cry out to You day and

night! 2Let my prayer come before You! Turn Your ear to
hear my cries! 3For my soul is overwhelmed with troubles, and
586
Psalm 89
my life draws near to the grave. 4I am numbered with those who

go down to the pit, like a man whose strength is gone. 5I am
abandoned among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave,
whom You remember no more, who are cut off from Your hand.
6
You have laid me in the lowest pit, in the darkest depths. 7Your
wrath presses down upon me, and You have afflicted me with
all Your pounding waves. Selah
8
You have removed my acquaintances far from me, making
me utterly repulsive to them. I am confined and cannot go out.
9
My eyes have deteriorated from weeping. I have stretched out
my hands and called out to You daily, O LORD. 10Will You show
wonders to the dead? Will the dead rise up and praise You? Selah
11
Will Your lovingkindness be declared in the grave? Or Your
faithfulness in the underworld? 12Will Your wonders be known
in the place of darkness? Or Your righteousness in the land of
oblivion? 13But I cry out to You, O LORD! Every morning my
prayer comes before You. 14O LORD, why do You reject me?
Why do You hide Your face from me?
15
Since childhood, I have been sick and close to death. I suffer
Your terrors; I am distraught. 16Your burning anger has swept
over me. Your terrors have destroyed me. 17Like a flood they
surround me all day long. They have completely engulfed me.
18
You have removed my loved ones and friends far from me,
and my acquaintances have left me in the dark.
A psalm of Ethan the Ezrahite.

89 I will sing of the LORD’s lovingkindness forever. With my

mouth I will make Your faithfulness known from genera-
tion to generation. 2For I will declare that Your lovingkindness
stands firm forever, and that You have established Your faithful-
ness in the heavens. 3 The LORD said, “I have made a covenant
with My chosen one, I have sworn to David My servant, 4‘I will
establish your offspring forever, and make your throne firm
from generation to generation.’” Selah
5
The heavens celebrate Your wonders, O LORD; multitudes
587
Psalm 89
of angels celebrate Your faithfulness. 6For who in the heav-

ens is equal to the LORD? Who among the mighty angels can
compare to the LORD? 7God is greatly feared in the assembly
of the angels, revered by all those around Him. 8O LORD God
of Hosts! Who is as mighty as You, O LORD? Your faithfulness
surrounds You. 9 You rule the raging of the sea. When its waves
rise, You still them. 10 You broke Egypt into pieces, like one who
is slain. You scattered Your enemies with Your strong arm.
11
Heaven and earth are Yours, the world and all that is in it,
for You founded them. 12 You created the north and the south.
Mount Tabor and Mount Hermon shout for joy at Your name.
13
Your arm is mighty, Your hand is strong, Your right hand is
victorious. 14Righteousness and justice are the foundation of
Your throne. Lovingkindness and truth go before You. 15Bless-
ed are those who understand the meaning and significance of
Your feasts of worship, for they will walk in the light of Your
presence, O LORD. 16In Your name they rejoice all day long,
and in Your righteousness they are exalted. 17For You are their
glorious strength, and by Your favour our horn (strength) will
be exalted. 18For the LORD is our shield; the Holy One of Israel
is our King.
19
Once You spoke in a vision to Your saints, and said, “I have
granted help to a warrior. I have exalted one chosen from the
people. 20I have found David My servant; with My holy oil I have
anointed him. 21My hand will always be with him. My arm will
also strengthen him. 22 The enemy will not exact tribute from
him. The sons of wickedness will not conquer him. 23I will crush
his foes before him, and strike down those who hate him. 24My
faithfulness and My lovingkindness will be with him, and in My
name his horn (strength) will be exalted. 25His dominion will
extend from the Mediterranean Sea to the Euphrates River.177
26
He will cry out to Me, ‘ You are my Father, my God, and the
Rock of my salvation.’ 27I will also make him the firstborn, the
highest of the kings of the earth.178 28Forever I will maintain
My lovingkindness towards him, and My covenant with him will
never end. 29I will establish his offspring forever, his throne as
long as the heavens endure. 30If his sons forsake My law and
do not walk in My judgments, 31if they break My statutes and
do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will punish their
177
Psalm 72:8
178
Colossians 1:15-20; Revelation 1:5, 19:16
588
Psalm 90
transgression with a rod, and their iniquity with lashes. 33But

I will not withdraw My lovingkindness from him or allow My
faithfulness to fail. 34I will not break My covenant or alter what
My lips have uttered. 35Once and for all I have sworn an oath
by My holiness—surely I will not lie to David—36his offspring
will endure forever, and his throne will last before Me like the
sun; 37it will be established forever like the moon, the faithful
witness in the sky.” Selah
38
But You have rejected and despised him. You are very
angry with Your anointed king. 39You have turned away from
the covenant of Your servant. You have thrown his crown to
the ground. 40 You have broken down all his walls. You have
made his fortifications a ruin. 41All who pass by plunder him.
He has become an object of ridicule to his neighbours. 42You
have exalted the right hand of his adversaries. You have made
all his enemies rejoice. 43You have also turned back the edge
of his sword, and have not let him stand in battle. 44You have
made his splendour cease, and have hurled his throne to the
ground. 45You have shortened the days of his youth. You have
covered him with shame. Selah
46
How long, O LORD, will You hide Yourself ? Forever? How
long will Your wrath burn like fire? 47Remember how short my
life is! Why have You made all men in vain? 48Who can live and
not see death? Who can deliver his soul from the power of the
grave? Selah
49
Where is Your former lovingkindness, O Lord, which You
swore to David in Your faithfulness? 50Remember, O Lord, how
Your servants are ridiculed, how I bear in my heart the insults
of so many people. 51Remember, O LORD, how Your enemies
have ridiculed me, how they have ridiculed every step of Your
anointed king.
52
Blessed be the LORD forever! Amen and amen!
A prayer of Moses, the man of God.
90 O Lord, You have been our dwelling place from gener-

ation to generation. 2Before the mountains were born,
589
Psalm 91
before You gave birth to the whole world, from everlasting to

everlasting, You are God.
3
You return man to the dust, saying, “Return, O sons of
men!” 4A thousand years in Your eyes are like a day that has
just passed by, like a watch in the night. 5You sweep their lives
away like a flood. They fall asleep. In the morning they are
like grass that springs up. 6In the morning it springs up and
flourishes, but in the evening it is cut down and dries up. 7For
we are consumed by Your anger, and we are terrified by Your
wrath. 8You have put our iniquities before You, our secret sins
into the light of Your presence. 9For all our days pass away
under Your wrath; we finish our years like a sigh.
10
The years of our life are seventy, or maybe eighty, if we
are strong. Yet the best of our years are full of toil and grief;
they pass quickly, and then we vanish. 11Who can fathom the
power of Your anger? Your wrath is equal to the reverence You
deserve. 12 Teach us how short our lives are, so that we may
gain a heart of wisdom.
13
Come back to us, O LORD! How much longer must we
wait? Have compassion on Your servants! 14Satisfy us in the
morning with Your lovingkindness, so that we may rejoice and
be glad all our days. 15Make us glad for as many days as You
have afflicted us, for as many years as we have seen adversity.
16
Let Your deeds be seen by Your servants. Let Your glory be
seen by their children. 17Let the favour of the LORD our God
rest upon us! Make our endeavours successful! Yes, make our
endeavours successful!
91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will

abide in the shadow of the Almighty. 2I will say of the
LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I
trust.” 3Surely He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler,
and from the deadly pestilence. 4He will cover you with His
feathers, and under His wings you will find refuge. His truth
will be your shield and armour. 5You will not fear the dangers
that come by night, or the arrows that fly by day, 6or the plagues
that lurk in darkness, or the disasters that strike at noon. 7A
thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right
590
Psalm 92
hand, but they will not come near you. 8Indeed, your own eyes
will see and observe the punishment of the wicked.
9
Because you have made the LORD your refuge, and the
Most High your resting place, 10no evil will overtake you, and
no plague will come near your dwelling. 11For He will give His
angels charge over you, to protect you in all your ways. 12 They
will lift you up with their hands, so that you will not dash your
foot against a stone. 13 You will tread on the lion and the viper.
You will trample the young lion and the serpent underfoot.
14
“Because he loves Me, I will rescue him. I will protect him,
because he knows My name. 15He will call on Me, and I will
answer him. I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him,
and I will honour him. 16I will satisfy him with long life, and I
will show him My salvation.”
A psalm. A song for the Sabbath Day.
92 It is a good thing to give thanks to the LORD, and to

sing praises to Your name, O Most High! 2It is a good
thing to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning, and Your
faithfulness at night, 3with the ten-stringed lyre, and with the
music of the harp.
4
For You, O LORD, have made me glad by what You have
done. I will shout for joy at the works of Your hands. 5O LORD,
how great are Your works! Your thoughts are too deep to fathom!
6
The ignorant do not know, and the foolish do not understand
this: 7though the wicked spring up like grass, and all evildoers
flourish, they will be destroyed forever.
8
But You, O LORD, are exalted forever! 9Look at Your ene-
mies, O LORD! Your enemies will surely perish; all those who
practice evil will be scattered! 10But You have exalted my horn
(strength) like that of a wild ox. You have anointed me with
fresh oil. 11My eyes have seen the defeat of my enemies. My ears
have heard the cries of the wicked who have fought against me.
12
The righteous will flourish like a palm tree. They will grow like
a cedar of Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of
the LORD will flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They will still
591
Psalm 93-94
bear fruit in their old age. They will be full of life and vitality.
15
They will declare, “The LORD is upright! He is my Rock, and
there is no unrighteousness in Him!”
93 The LORD reigns! He is clothed in majesty. The LORD

is clothed in majesty and armed with strength. Indeed,
He set the world in its place; it cannot be moved. 2Your throne
has always existed! Indeed, You are from everlasting!
3
The waves of the sea rise, O LORD, the waves of the sea
roar, the waves of the sea come crashing down. 4 The LORD on
high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty
breakers of the sea.
5
Your laws stand firm. Holiness adorns Your house, O LORD,
forever.
94 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongs! O God, to

whom vengeance belongs, show Yourself! 2Rise up, O
Judge of the earth! Pay back the arrogant! 3O LORD, how long
will the wicked, how long will the wicked triumph? 4How long
will they pour out arrogant words? How long will these evildoers
brag about themselves? 5 They crush Your people, O LORD, and
oppress Your inheritance. 6 They kill the widow and the foreigner,
and murder the fatherless. 7They say, “The LORD will not see.
The God of Jacob will not pay attention.”
8
Pay attention, you ignorant people! You fools, when will
you become wise? 9Does the One who made the ear not hear?
Does the One who formed the eye not see? 10Does the One who
disciplines the nations not punish? Does the One who teaches
man lack knowledge? 11The LORD knows the thoughts of man,
that they are worthless.
12
Blessed is the man You discipline, O LORD, the man You
teach from Your law. 13You will give him relief in times of ad-
versity, until a pit is dug for the wicked. 14For the LORD will
not abandon His people or forsake His inheritance. 15Indeed,
judgment will once again be founded on righteousness, and all
the upright in heart will follow it.
592
Psalm 95-96
16
Who will protect me from evildoers? Who will stand up
for me against the wicked? 17If the LORD had not helped me,
my soul would have soon lived in silence. 18 When I thought,
“My foot is slipping,” Your lovingkindness, O LORD, held me
up. 19 When my anxieties multiplied within me, Your comfort
brought me joy.
20
Can corrupt leaders be allied with You—leaders who use
their authority to defend wickedness? 21They band together
against the life of the righteous, and condemn the innocent to
death. 22But the LORD is my defence; my God is the rock of
my refuge. 23He will turn their iniquity back on them, and will
destroy them in their wickedness. Indeed, the LORD our God
will destroy them!
95 Come, let us sing to the LORD! Let us make a joyful

noise to the Rock of our salvation! 2Let us come into His
presence with thanksgiving! Let us make a joyful noise to Him
with songs of praise! 3For the LORD is a great God, a great King
above all gods. 4The depths of the earth are in His hand, and
the mountain peaks belong to Him. 5 The sea is His, because
He made it. His hands formed the dry land.
6
Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the
LORD our Maker. 7For He is our God, and we are the people of
His pasture, and the sheep in His hands. Today, if you hear His
voice: 8“Do not harden your hearts like you did at Meribah, like
you did on that day at Massah in the wilderness,179 9when your
fathers tested Me; they tried My patience, though they had seen
My works. 10For forty years I was grieved with that generation,
and said, ‘ They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they
have not known My ways.’ 11So I swore an oath in My wrath,
‘ They will not enter into My rest!’”
96 Sing to the LORD a new song! Sing to the LORD, all

the earth! 2Sing to the LORD! Bless His name! Proclaim
His salvation day after day. 3Declare His glory among the na-
tions, His wonders among all the peoples. 4For the LORD is
great, and greatly to be praised. He is to be revered above all
179
Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13
593
Psalm 97
gods. 5For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the LORD
made the heavens. 6Honour and majesty are in His presence.
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
7
Acknowledge the LORD, O families of the nations, acknowl-
edge the LORD’s glory and strength. 8Acknowledge the LORD
for the glory of His name! Bring an offering and come into His
courts! 9 Worship the LORD because of His holy splendour!
Tremble before Him, all the earth! 10Say among the nations, “The
LORD reigns!” Indeed, He set the world in its place; it cannot
be moved. He will judge the peoples fairly.
11
Let the heavens rejoice and the earth be glad. Let the sea
and everything in it resound with praise. 12Let the fields and
everything in them celebrate. Let all the trees of the forest sing
for joy 13before the LORD, for He comes, for He comes to judge
the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the
people with His truth.
97 The LORD reigns! Let the earth rejoice! Let all the coasts
and islands be glad! 2Clouds and darkness surround
Him. Righteousness and justice are the foundations of His
throne. 3A fire goes before Him, and burns up all His enemies.
4
His lightning lights up the world. The earth sees and trembles.
5
The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD, at
the presence of the Lord of all the earth. 6 The heavens declare
His righteousness, and all the people see His glory.
7
Everyone who worships carved images and brags about idols
will be put to shame. Worship Him, all you angels!
8
Zion heard and was glad, and the towns of Judah rejoiced,
because of Your judgments, O LORD. 9For You, O LORD, are
the Most High over all the earth. You are exalted far above all
gods. 10 Those who love the LORD hate evil, for He protects the
lives of His saints and delivers them from the hands of the
wicked. 11Light shines on the righteous, and gladness on the
upright in heart. 12Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous! Give
thanks as you remember His holy name!
594
Psalm 98-99
A psalm.
98 Sing to the LORD a new song, for He has done marvel-

lous things! His right hand and His holy arm have gained
Him the victory! 2 The LORD has made His salvation known.
He has revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations.
3
He has remembered His lovingkindness and His faithfulness
to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the
salvation of our God.
4
Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! Rejoice with
a loud shout, and sing praises! 5Sing praises to the LORD with
the harp, with the harp and the sound of singing! 6With trum-
pets and the sound of the horn, make a joyful noise before the
LORD our King!
7
Let the sea and everything in it resound with praise, along
with the world and all its inhabitants! 8Let the rivers clap their
hands. Let the mountains sing praises together 9before the
LORD, for He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world
with righteousness, and the people with fairness.
99
2
The LORD reigns, and the nations tremble! He sits en-
throned between the cherubim, and the earth quakes!
The LORD is great in Zion. He is exalted over all the nations.
3
Let them praise Your great and awesome name, for it is holy! 4O
mighty King, who loves justice, You have established fairness.
You have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. 5Exalt
the LORD our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy!
6
Moses and Aaron were among His priests, even Samuel
was among those who called upon His name; they called upon
the LORD, and He answered them. 7He spoke to them from
the pillar of cloud. They kept His laws and the decrees that He
gave them. 8O LORD our God, You answered them. You were
a God who forgave them, but also a God who punished their
sinful deeds. 9Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His holy
mountain, for the LORD our God is holy!
595
Psalm 100 -102
A psalm of praise.
100 Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth! 2Serve
the LORD with gladness! Come into His presence with
joyful singing! 3Know that the LORD, He is God! He has made
us, and not we ourselves. We are His people, and the sheep of
His pasture. 4Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts
with praise! Give thanks to Him, and bless His name! 5For the
LORD is good! His lovingkindness lasts forever, and His faith-
fulness lasts from generation to generation!
A psalm of David.
101 I will sing of Your lovingkindness and justice! To You,

O LORD, I will sing praises! 2I will be careful to live a
blameless life. When will You come to help me? I will conduct
myself with a heart of integrity in my own home. 3I will place
no wicked thing before my eyes. I hate the deeds of those who
turn aside from the truth; I will have nothing to do with them.
4
I will stay away from the perverse of heart. I will have nothing
to do with evil. 5I will not tolerate anyone who slanders their
neighbour in secret. I will not put up with anyone who is con-
ceited and arrogant.
6
My eyes are on the trustworthy of the land, so that they may
dwell with me. Those who walk in the way of integrity will serve
me. 7No one who practices deceit will dwell in my house. No one
who tells lies will remain in my presence. 8Every morning I will
destroy all the wicked of the land, cutting off all the evildoers
from the city of the LORD.
A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and

pours out his complaint before the LORD.
102 Hear my prayer, O LORD! Let my cry for help come

to You! 2Do not hide Your face from me in the day of
my distress! Turn Your ear and listen to me! In the day I call,
answer me quickly! 3For my days vanish like smoke, and my
bones burn like a furnace. 4My heart is broken. It is withered
like grass. I even forget to eat my bread, 5because of my moaning
596
Psalm 102
and groaning. My bones protrude from my skin. 6I am like a

desert owl, like an owl living among the ruins. 7I cannot sleep;
I feel like a sparrow that is alone on the roof. 8All day long my
enemies insult me. Those who are angry with me curse me. 9I
have eaten ashes like bread, and my tears fall into my drink,
10
because of Your anger and wrath, for You have picked me up
and thrown me down. 11My days are like a fading shadow. I
wither away like grass.
12
But You, O LORD, sit enthroned forever. Your fame will last
from generation to generation. 13You will arise and have mercy
on Zion, for it is time to show her favour; the appointed time
has come. 14For Your servants love her stones, and cherish her
dust. 15 The nations will revere the name of the LORD, and all
the kings of the earth Your glory. 16For the LORD will rebuild
Zion; He will appear in His glory. 17He will turn to the prayer of
the destitute; He will not despise their plea.
18
Let this be recorded for the generations to come, so that a
people yet to be created will praise the LORD. 19For He will look
down from His sanctuary above. From heaven the LORD will
look down on the earth, 20 to hear the groaning of the captives,
to release those who are condemned to death, 21so that they
may declare the name of the LORD in Zion, and His praise in
Jerusalem, 22when the peoples and the kingdoms gather together
to worship the LORD.
23
You have weakened my strength along the way. You have
shortened my days. 24 Therefore I pray, “O my God, do not take
me away in the midst of my days! Your years continue from
generation to generation. 25In the beginning You laid the founda-
tions of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands.
26
They will be destroyed, but You will remain. Like a garment
they will all wear out. You will change them like clothing, and
they will pass away. 27But You are the same, and Your years
will never end. 28 The children of Your servants will continue,
and their descendants will be established before You.”
597
Psalm 103
A psalm of David.
103 Bless the LORD, O my soul, and all that is within me,
bless His holy name! 2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and
forget none of His benefits:
3
He forgives all your sins.
He heals all your diseases.
4
He redeems your life from the pit.
He crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies.
5
He satisfies your old age with good things,
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6
The LORD executes righteousness and justice for all who
are oppressed. 7He revealed His ways to Moses, His deeds to the
children of Israel. 8 The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to
anger, and abounding in lovingkindness. 9He will not always
rebuke us; He will not be angry forever. 10He has not dealt with
us according to the measure of our sins, or repaid us as our
iniquities deserve.
11
For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is
His lovingkindness towards those who revere Him. 12As far as
the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgres-
sions from us. 13As a father has compassion on his children, so
the LORD has compassion on those who revere Him. 14For He
knows what we are made of; He remembers that we are but dust.
15
As for man, his days are like grass. Like a flower in the field
he flourishes. 16But when a hot wind blows over it, it withers and
is gone; there is no longer any trace of it. 17From everlasting to
everlasting the lovingkindness of the LORD rests on those who
revere Him, and His righteousness on their children’s children,
18
on those who keep His covenant, and on those who remember
to obey His commandments. 19 The LORD has established His
throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.
20
Bless the LORD, you angels of His, you mighty warriors
who carry out His orders and obey His commands! 21Bless the
LORD, all you heavenly hosts of His, you servants who carry
out His will! 22Bless the LORD, all you works of His, in all places
of His dominion! Bless the LORD, O my soul!
598
Psalm 104
104
2
Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are
very great! You are clothed with splendour and majesty.
You wrap Yourself in light as with a garment. You stretch out
the heavens like a tent. 3You laid the beams of Your chambers
on the water vapours above. You make the clouds Your char-
iot, walking on the wings of the wind. 4You make Your angels
winds, Your servants flames of fire.
5
You set the earth on its foundations, so that it will not be
moved forever and ever. 6Deep waters covered it like a garment.
The waters stood above the mountains.180 7At Your rebuke the
waters fled.181 At the voice of Your thunder they hurried away.
8
The mountains rose up, the valleys sunk down, and the wa-
ters ran down to the place You assigned for them. 9 You set a
boundary they cannot cross, so that they will never again cover
the earth.
10
He turns springs into streams, which wind their way through
the mountains, 11providing water for all the wild animals. Even
the wild donkeys drink from them and quench their thirst.
12
The birds of the sky live beside the streams, and sing among
the branches. 13From Your lofty chambers You send rain on the
mountains. The earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works.
14
You cause grass to grow for the cattle, and plants for man
to cultivate, providing food from the land, 15and wine that glad-
dens the hearts of man, oil to make their faces shine, and bread
that sustains their hearts.
16
The trees of the LORD flourish, the cedars of Lebanon that
He planted, 17where the birds make their nests. As for the stork,
it makes its home in the fir trees. 18 The high mountains are
for the wild goats. The rocks are a refuge for the rock badgers.
19
You made the moon to mark the seasons. The sun knows
when to set. 20You bring darkness, and it becomes night, when
all the animals of the forest prowl about. 21The young lions roar
after their prey, seeking their food from God. 22When the sun
rises, they go back and lie down in their dens. 23 Then men go
out to do their work, and labour until evening.
180
Genesis 1:2
181
Genesis 1:9-10
599
Psalm 105
24
O LORD, how countless are Your works! You made them
all so wisely. The earth is full of Your creations. 25Look at the
sea! So vast and wide! In it are creatures beyond number, living
things both large and small. 26Ships sail back and forth on it,
and You made the sea mammals to play in it.
27
All living things depend on You to provide them with the
food they need. 28When You provide for them, they gather it up.
When You open Your hand, they are filled with good things.
29
When You hide Your face, they are terrified. When You take
away their breath, they die and return to the dust. 30When You
send Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of
the earth.
31
The glory of the LORD will endure forever. The LORD will
rejoice in His works. 32He looks at the earth, and it trembles.
He touches the mountains, and they smoke. 33I will sing to the
LORD as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I am
alive. 34May my meditation be sweet to Him, for I will be glad
in the LORD. 35Let sinners vanish from the earth, and let the
wicked be no more. Bless the LORD, O my soul! Praise the LORD!
105 Give thanks to the LORD! Call on His name! Make His
deeds known among the people! 2Sing to Him, sing
praises to Him! Tell of all His wonderful works! 3Glory in His
holy name! Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice!
4
Seek the LORD and His strength! Seek His face continually!
5
Remember the wonderful works He has done, His miracles
and the judgments He has pronounced, 6O you descendants of
His servant Abraham, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones!
7
He is the LORD our God. His judgments are in all the earth.
8
He remembers His covenant forever, the word that He com-
manded for a thousand generations, 9 the covenant He made
with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. 10He confirmed
it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:
11
“To you I will give the land of Canaan, and it will be the lot of
your inheritance.”
12
When they were but a few men in number, very few, and
foreigners in the land, 13 they wondered from one nation to
600
Psalm 105
another, and from one kingdom to another. 14He let no one

oppress them. He even rebuked kings on their behalf: 15“Do
not touch My anointed ones, and do not harm My prophets!”
16
He called for a famine upon the land, cutting off its food
supply. 17God sent a man ahead of them—Joseph, who was sold
as a slave. 18 They shackled his feet with chains, his neck was
put in irons, 19until what he had foretold came true, until the
word of the LORD had tried and tested him. 20 Then Pharaoh
sent for him and released him; the ruler of the people set him
free. 21Pharaoh made Joseph master of his house, and ruler
over all his possessions. 22Joseph had the authority to discipline
Pharaoh’s officials and to instruct his advisers.
23
Then Israel came to Egypt; Jacob lived as a foreigner in
the land of Ham. 24 The LORD increased His people greatly, and
made them stronger than their enemies. 25He caused the hearts
of the Egyptians to hate His people, and to deal deceitfully with
His servants.
26
He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had cho-
sen. 27They performed His miraculous signs among the Egyp-
tians, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28He sent darkness,
and made the land dark.182 Indeed, Moses and Aaron did not
rebel against His words. 29He turned their water into blood, and
killed their fish. 30He made their land swarm with frogs, even
in the bedchambers of Pharaoh. 31He spoke, and there came
swarms of flies and gnats throughout their country. 32He gave
them hail instead of rain, and lightning flashed throughout
their land. 33He struck down their grapevines and fig trees,
and shattered the trees of their country. 34He spoke, and the
locusts came—grasshoppers without number. 35 They devoured
all the vegetation in their land, and ate up the produce of their
soil. 36 Then He struck down all the firstborn in their land, the
firstfruits of all their strength.
37
He brought His people out of Egypt with gold and silver,
and no one stumbled among His tribes. 38Egypt was glad when
they left, because the fear of Israel had fallen upon them.
He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give them

39
182
The plagues that God sent on Egypt, Exodus 7-12.
601
Psalm 106
light at night.183 40 The people asked for food, and He brought

them quail, and filled them with the bread of heaven.184 41He
split the rock, and water gushed out; it ran in the dry places
like a river.185 42For He remembered His holy promise to His
servant Abraham.
43
He brought His people out with joy, His chosen ones with
gladness. 44He gave them the lands of other nations. They took
possession of what others had worked for. 45All this happened,
so that they might keep His statutes and obey His laws. Praise
the LORD!
106 Praise the LORD! O give thanks to the LORD, for He is

good, for His lovingkindness endures forever! 2Who could
ever tell of all the mighty acts of the LORD, or fully declare all
His praise? 3Blessed are those who uphold justice, who practice
righteousness at all times.
4
Remember me, O LORD, when You show favour to Your people.
Vsit me with Your salvation. 5Let me experience the prosperity
of Your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of Your nation.
Let me celebrate with Your inheritance.
6
However, we have sinned like our fathers! We have commit-
ted iniquity! We have acted wickedly! 7Indeed, our fathers did
not appreciate Your wonders in Egypt. They did not remember
the abundance of Your lovingkindness. Instead, they rebelled
by the sea—the Red Sea.186 8Nevertheless, God saved them for
His name’s sake, so that He could make His power known. 9He
rebuked the Red Sea, and it dried up. He led them through the
depths, as if it were a desert.187 10He saved them from the hands
of their adversaries. He redeemed them from the hands of their
foes. 11The waters covered their enemies; not one of them sur-
vived.188 12Then they believed His promises, and sang His praise.
183
Exodus 13:21-22
184
Exodus 16
185
Exodus 17:1-7
186
Exodus 14:10-12
187
Exodus 14:21-22
188
Exodus 14:26-28
602
Psalm 106
13
However, they soon forgot His works. They did not wait for
His counsel, 14but greedily lusted in the wilderness, tempting
God in the desert. 15He gave them what they asked for, then
sent a wasting disease among them.189
16
In the camp they became envious of Moses. They also be-
came envious of Aaron, the LORD’s holy priest. 17The earth
opened up and swallowed Dathan, and engulfed the company
of Abiram. 18A fire broke out in their company. A flame burnt
up the wicked.190
19
They made a calf at Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai); they wor-
shiped a cast image.191 20 They exchanged their glorious God for a
statue of an ox that eats grass. 21They forgot God their Saviour,
who had done great things in Egypt, 22wonderful works in the
land of Ham, and awesome deeds at the Red Sea. 23 Therefore
He said He would destroy them—but Moses, His chosen one,
stood before Him to intercede, to turn away His wrath from
destroying them.
24
They rejected the pleasant land, and did not believe His
promise.192 25 They grumbled in their tents, and did not listen to
the LORD’s voice. 26So He raised His hand and swore an oath
against them that He would make them fall in the wilderness,
27
that He would make their descendants fall among the nations,
and would scatter them throughout the lands.
28
They joined themselves to Baal of Peor, and ate sacrifices
offered to lifeless idols.193 29 They provoked the LORD to anger
with their deeds, and a plague broke out among them. 30But
Phinehas stood up and executed judgment, and so the plague
was stopped. 31It was credited to him as righteousness, from
generation to generation and forever.
32
They also angered the LORD at the waters of Meribah, and
189
Numbers 11
190
Numbers 16:1-40
191
Exodus 32:1-4
192
Numbers 13-14
193
Numbers 25
603
Psalm 107
trouble came on Moses because of them,194 33for they aroused

his temper, and he spoke rashly with his lips.
34
They did not destroy the nations as the LORD had com-
manded them to do. 35Instead, they mixed with the nations and
learned their ways. 36 They worshiped their idols, which became
a snare to them. 37They even sacrificed their sons and daughters
to demons. 38 They shed innocent blood, the blood of their sons
and daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan,
and the land was polluted with blood. 39 They defiled themselves
by what they did. They prostituted themselves by their actions.
40
Therefore the anger of the LORD was kindled against His
people. He loathed His own inheritance. 41He gave them into
the hands of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over
them. 42 Their enemies oppressed them, and Israel was subdued
under their power. 43Many times He delivered them, but they kept
on rebelling deliberately, and were brought low by their sins.
44
Yet when He heard their cries, He looked on their distress.
45
For their sake He remembered His covenant, and had compas-
sion on them because of His great lovingkindness. 46He caused
them to be pitied by all those who held them captive.
47
Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the
nations, so that we may give thanks to Your holy name and
triumph in Your praise.
48
Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel, from everlasting to
everlasting! Let all the people say, “Amen!” Praise the LORD!
107 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lov-
ingkindness endures forever! 2Let the redeemed of the
LORD declare it, those whom He has delivered from the hand
of the enemy, 3and gathered from the lands, from the east and
west, from the north and south.
4
Some of them had wondered through desolate places in
the desert, finding no city to settle in. 5 They were hungry and
thirsty, and their souls fainted within them. 6When they cried
194
Numbers 20:1-13
604
Psalm 107
out to the LORD in their trouble, He delivered them from their

distress. 7He led them on a straight road, so they could find
a city to settle in. 8Let them give thanks to the LORD for His
lovingkindness, and for the wonderful deeds that He has done
for the sons of men! 9For He has satisfied the thirsty soul, and
has filled the hungry soul with good things.
10
Some of them had been sitting in darkness, in the shadow
of death, captives bound in misery and iron chains. 11For they
had rebelled against the commands of God, and despised the
instructions of the Most High. 12 Therefore, He humbled their
hearts with hard labour. They fell down, and there was no one
to help. 13When they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, He
saved them from their distress. 14He brought them out of dark-
ness, out of the shadow of death, and broke off their chains.
15
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
and for the wonderful deeds that He has done for the sons of
men! 16For He has broken down the bronze gates, and has cut
apart the iron bars.
17
Some of them had become fools on account of their rebel-
lious ways, suffering affliction due to their sins. 18 They had
lost their appetite for food, and had drawn near to the gates of
death. 19When they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, He
saved them from their distress. 20He sent His word and healed
them, and delivered them from their destruction. 21Let them give
thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness, and for the won-
derful deeds that He has done for the sons of men! 22Let them
sacrifice thank offerings, and recount His works with rejoicing.
23
Some of them had gone off to sea in ships, making their
living on the high seas. 24They witnessed the works of the LORD,
His wonderful deeds in the deep. 25At His command a violent
windstorm arose, making the waves high. 26 The sailors went
up towards the sky, then plunged down towards the depths,
as their courage melted away in their plight. 27 They reeled to
and fro and staggered like drunkards; all their wisdom and
skill was utterly useless. 28When they cried out to the LORD
in their trouble, He brought them out of their distress. 29He
calmed the storm, and the waves became still. 30 They rejoiced
when it calmed down, and He led them to their desired haven.
31
Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,
605
Psalm 108
and for the wonderful deeds that He has done for the sons of
men! 32Let them exalt Him in the congregation of the people,
and praise Him in the assembly of the elders.
33
He turned rivers into deserts, springs of water into dry
ground, 34and fruitful land into salty wastelands, because of
the wickedness of those who lived there. 35But He also turned
the desert into pools of water, and dry land into water springs.
36
There He brought the hungry to settle. And they built a city
where they could live. 37 They sowed fields, planted vineyards,
and yielded a fruitful harvest. 38He blessed them, and they mul-
tiplied greatly. He also increased the number of their livestock.
39
When their numbers decreased and they were humbled by
oppression, trouble, and sorrow, 40 the LORD showed His displea-
sure with their leaders and caused them to wander aimlessly in
desolate wastelands. 41Yet at the same time, He lifted the needy
out of their affliction and increased their families like flocks.
42
The righteous see all this and rejoice, but all the wicked will
shut their mouths. 43Whoever is wise, let them pay attention to
these things! Let them consider the lovingkindness of the LORD!
A song. A psalm of David.
108 My heart is steadfast, O God! I will sing and give praise

to You with all my heart! 2Wake up, harp and lyre! I
will wake up at dawn! 3I will praise You, O LORD, among the
peoples. I will sing praises to You among the nations. 4For Your
lovingkindness reaches beyond the heavens, Your faithfulness
to the clouds. 5Be exalted, O God, above the heavens! Let Your
glory be over all the earth!
6
Answer us, and save us with Your right hand, so that Your
beloved ones may be delivered! 7God has spoken in His holi-
ness: “I will rejoice, I will divide up Shechem, and portion out
the valley of Succoth. 8Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is Mine.
Ephraim is the helmet of My head, and Judah is My sceptre.
9
Moab, however, is My washtub; on Edom I will cast My sandal,
and over Philistia I will shout in triumph.”
606
Psalm 109
10
Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me
to Edom? 11Is it not You, O God—the One who has rejected
us? Is it not You, O God—the One who did not go out with our
armies? 12Give us help against the enemy, for the help of man
is useless. 13 Through God we will do valiantly, for it is He who
will tread down our enemies!
109 Do not remain silent, O God of my praise! 2For the

mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful
are opened against me. They speak against me with a lying
tongue. 3 They surround me with words of hatred, and attack
me for no reason. 4In return for my love they falsely accuse me,
even though I pray for them. 5 They repay me evil for good, and
hatred for love.
6
Appoint a wicked man to oppose him. Let an accuser stand at
his right hand. 7When he is judged, let him be found guilty. Let
his prayer be counted as sin. 8Let his days be few. Let another
take his office. 9Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a wid-
ow. 10Let his children wander around begging. Let them search
for bread far from their ruined homes. 11Let creditors seize all
that he has. Let strangers plunder the fruits of his labour. 12Let
no one show him kindness. Let no one have compassion on his
fatherless children. 13Let his descendants be cut off. Let their
names be blotted out in just one generation. 14Let the iniquity of
his fathers be remembered before the LORD. Let the sin of his
mother not be blotted out. 15Let their sins always remain before
the LORD. Let Him cut off their memory from the earth. 16For
he did not remember to show lovingkindness, but persecuted
the afflicted and needy, and sought to kill the brokenhearted.
17
Since he loved to curse others—let curses come upon him.
Since he did not delight in blessing others—let blessings be far
from him. 18Since he wore cursing as his garment—let curses
soak into his body like water, into his bones like oil. 19Let curses
wrap around him like a garment, like a belt he always wears.
20
Let this be the LORD’s payment to my accusers, to those who
speak evil against my soul.
21
For Your name’s sake, O GOD my Lord, act on my behalf.
607
Psalm 110 -111
Rescue me, for Your lovingkindness is good. 22For I am afflicted

and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. 23Like a fading
shadow I am passing away. I am brushed off like a locust. 24My
knees are weak from fasting. My body is skin and bones. 25I
have become an object of ridicule to my accusers. When they
see me, they shake their heads.
26
Help me, O LORD my God! Save me according to Your lov-
ingkindness! 27Then they will know that Your hand has done
this, that You, O LORD, have saved me. 28 They may curse, but
You will bless. Let those who rise up against me be ashamed,
but let Your servant rejoice. 29Let my accusers be clothed with
disgrace, and let them wear their shame like a robe. 30I will
greatly praise the LORD with my mouth. Yes, I will praise Him
among the multitude. 31For He will stand at the right hand of
the needy, to save them from those who unjustly accuse them.
A psalm of David.
110 The LORD said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until

I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”
2
The LORD will extend Your mighty sceptre from Zion. You
will rule over Your enemies. 3 Your people will willingly follow
You on Your day of battle. You will come in holy splendour, like
the dawn of a new day, full of strength and vigour.
4
The LORD has sworn and will not change His mind, “You
are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
5
The Lord is at Your right hand. He will shatter kings on the
day of His wrath. 6He will judge the nations, filling them with
dead bodies. He will shatter the rulers of many countries. 7He
will not faint along the way. He will lift up His head in victory.
111
gation.
Praise the LORD! I will praise the LORD with all my
heart, in the council of the upright and in the congre-
2
The works of the LORD are great, studied by all who delight
608
Psalm 112 -113
in them. 3His works are full of majesty and splendour, and His
righteousness endures forever. 4He has caused His wonderful
works to be remembered. The LORD is gracious and full of com-
passion. 5He has provided food for those who revere Him. He
will always remember His covenant. 6He has shown His people
the power of His works, by giving them the lands of other na-
tions for their inheritance. 7The works of His hands are truth
and justice, and all His precepts are trustworthy, 8established
forever and ever, carried out in truth and uprightness. 9He
provided redemption for His people. He ordained His covenant
forever. His name is holy and awesome.
10
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom. All who
obey His commandments have good understanding. His praise
endures forever!
112 Praise the LORD! Blessed is the man who reveres the
LORD, who greatly delights in His commandments! 2His
descendants will be mighty in the land. The generation of the
upright will be blessed. 3Wealth and riches are in his house,
and his righteousness endures forever. 4Light shines for the
upright in times of darkness. They are gracious, compassion-
ate, and righteous. 5A good man shows favour and lends. He
conducts his business prudently. 6He will never be shaken; the
righteous will be remembered forever. 7He will not be afraid of
bad news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD. 8His
heart is sustained, he will not be afraid. In the end he will look
in triumph on his enemies. 9He has scattered abroad, he has
given to the poor, his righteousness endures forever. His horn
(strength) will be exalted with honour. 10 The wicked will see
this and become angry. They will gnash their teeth and waste
away. The desires of the wicked will perish.
113 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O you servants

of His! Praise the name of the LORD! 2Blessed be the
name of the LORD, both now and forever! 3From the rising of
the sun to its going down, the LORD’s name is to be praised!
4
The LORD is exalted above all the nations, His glory above
the heavens! 5Who is like the LORD our God, who is enthroned
609
Psalm 114 -115
on high, 6who stoops down to look upon the heavens and the
earth? 7He raises up the poor from the dust, He lifts up the
needy from the dunghill, 8 to make them sit with nobles, with
the nobles of His people. 9He gives the barren woman a family,
making her the joyful mother of children. Praise the LORD!
114 When Israel came out of Egypt—the house of Jacob

from a people who spoke a different language—2Judah
became His sanctuary, Israel His kingdom.
3
The Red Sea saw this, and retreated;195 the Jordan River
was driven back.196 4 The mountains leaped like rams, the hills
like lambs.
5
O Red Sea, why did you retreat? O Jordan River, why did
you turn back? 6O mountains, why did you leap like rams? O
hills, why did you leap like lambs?
7
Tremble, O earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the pres-
ence of the God of Jacob, 8who turned the rock into a pool of
water, the hard rock into springs of water.197
115 Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the
glory, because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your
truth. 2Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” 3Our
God, however, is in heaven. He does whatever He pleases.
4
Their idols are silver and gold, made by the hands of men.
5
They have mouths, but cannot speak. They have eyes, but
cannot see. 6 They have ears, but cannot hear. They have noses,
but cannot smell. 7 They have hands, but cannot feel. They have
feet, but cannot walk. They cannot even make a sound with
their throats. 8All who make idols, and all who trust in them,
will become like them.
O Israel, trust in the LORD! He is your helper and your shield.

9
10
O house of Aaron, trust in the LORD! He is your helper and
195
Exodus 14:21-22
196
Joshua 3:14-17
197
Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13
610
Psalm 116
your shield. 11You who revere the LORD, trust in the LORD! He
is your helper and your shield. 12 The LORD has been mindful
of us. He will bless us. He will bless the house of Israel. He
will bless the house of Aaron. 13 The LORD will bless those who
revere Him, both small and great.
14
May the LORD increase the numbers of both you and your
children. 15May you be blessed by the LORD, who made heaven
and earth. 16 The heavens belong to the LORD, but the earth
He has given to the sons of men. 17The dead do not praise the
LORD, nor do any of those who go down to the silence of the
grave. 18But we will bless the LORD, both now and forever!
Praise the LORD!
116 I love the LORD, because He has heard my voice and

my petitions. 2I will call upon Him as long as I live,
because He has turned His ear towards me.
3
Indeed, the cords of death had me ensnared. The anguish of
the grave had its grip on me. Overwhelmed by affliction and grief,
4
I called on the name of the LORD: “O LORD, please save me!”
5
The LORD is gracious and righteous. Indeed, our God is
merciful! 6 The LORD protects those who sincerely trust in Him.
When I was helpless, He saved me. 7Return to your rest, O my
soul, for the LORD has been generous to you. 8For You have
delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet
from stumbling. 9I will walk before the LORD in the land of the
living.
10
I believed, therefore I have spoken: “I am greatly afflicted.”
11
I said in my alarm, “All men are liars!”
12
How can I repay the LORD for all the good He has done
for me? 13I will lift up the cup of salvation; I will offer a drink
offering, and call upon the name of the LORD. 14I will fulfill my
vows to the LORD in the presence of all His people.
15
Percious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.
I am indeed Your servant, O LORD. I am Your servant, the
16
son of Your maidservant. You have freed me from my chains.
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Psalm 117-118
17
I will sacrifice a thank offering to You, and will call upon
the name of the LORD. 18I will fulfill my vows to the LORD in
the presence of all His people, 19in the courts of the LORD’s
house—within you, O Jerusalem. Praise the LORD!
117 Praise the LORD, all you nations! Praise Him, all you
people! 2For His lovingkindness is great towards us,
and the truth of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD!
118 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His

lovingkindness endures forever! 2Let Israel say, “His
lovingkindness endures forever!” 3Let the house of Aaron say,
“His lovingkindness endures forever!” 4Let those who revere the
LORD say, “His lovingkindness endures forever!”
5
I cried out to the LORD in my distress. The LORD answered
me, and brought me into a spacious place. 6 The LORD is on
my side. I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7The LORD is
on my side. He is my helper. Therefore, I will look in triumph
on those who hate me.
8
It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence
in man. 9Indeed, it is better to trust in the LORD than to put
confidence in nobles.
10
All the nations surrounded me, but I cut them down in
the name of the LORD. 11They surrounded me. Indeed, they
surrounded me, but I cut them down in the name of the LORD.
12
They surrounded me like bees. However, they were consumed
like burning thorns. Indeed, I cut them down in the name of
the LORD! 13 They attacked and attacked, trying to make me
fall, but the LORD helped me. 14 The LORD is my strength and
song; He has become my deliverer.
15
Songs of joy and deliverance are in the tents of the righ-
teous: “The right hand of the LORD has done valiantly! 16The
right hand of the LORD is exalted! Indeed, the right hand of
the LORD has done valiantly!” 17I will not die, but I will live and
declare the works of the LORD. 18The LORD has disciplined me
severely, but He has not given me over to death.
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19
Open the temple gates of righteousness for me, so that I
may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 These
are the gates of the LORD, through which the righteous will
enter. 21I will praise You, for You have answered me, and have
become my deliverer. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has
become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD’s doing, and it is
marvellous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has
made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.
25
Please, O LORD, deliver us! Please, O LORD, grant us suc-
cess! 26Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. We
bless you from the house of the LORD. 27The LORD is God, and
He has shown us His light. Tie the festival sacrifice, with ropes,
to the horns of the altar. 28You are my God, and I will praise
You! You are my God, and I will exalt You! 29O give thanks to the
LORD, for He is good, for His lovingkindness endures forever!
119 Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk
in the law of the LORD. 2Blessed are those who keep
His statutes, who seek Him wholeheartedly. 3Indeed, they do
nothing unrighteous, they walk in His ways. 4You have com-
manded us to diligently keep Your precepts. 5Oh how I wish my
ways were committed to keeping Your decrees! 6 Then I would
not be ashamed when I look at all Your commandments. 7I will
praise You with an upright heart, as I learn Your righteous or-
dinances. 8I will keep Your decrees; do not utterly forsake me!
9
How can a young man keep his way pure? By living accord-
ing to Your word. 10Wholeheartedly I have sought You. Do not
let me wonder from Your commandments. 11I have treasured
Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You.
12
Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your decrees! 13With my
lips I declare all the ordinances You have spoken. 14I delight in
following Your statutes, as one delights in having great riches.
15
I will meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. 16I
will delight myself in Your decrees. I will not forget Your word.
17
Deal bountifully with Your servant, so that I may live and
keep Your word. 18Open my eyes, so that I may see the wonder-
ful things in Your law. 19I am a stranger on earth. Do not hide
Your commandments from me. 20My soul constantly aches and
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Psalm 119
longs for Your ordinances. 21You rebuke the arrogant, who are
cursed, who stray from Your commandments. 22Remove from
me their insults and scorn, for I have kept Your statutes. 23Even
though rulers sit and conspire against me, I, Your servant,
will meditate on Your decrees. 24Indeed, Your statutes are my
delight, they give me guidance.
25
My soul clings to the dust. Revive me according to Your word.
26
I confessed my ways, and You answered me. Teach me Your
decrees. 27Help me to understand the path of Your precepts, so
that I may meditate on Your wonderful works. 28My soul weeps
with sorrow; strengthen me according to Your word. 29Keep me
from deceitful ways, and give me the grace to obey Your law.
30
I have chosen the way of truth. I have set Your ordinances
before me. 31I cling to Your statutes. O LORD, do not let me be
ashamed! 32I run in the path of Your commandments, for You
have enlarged my heart.
33
Teach me, O LORD, the path of Your decrees, and I will
keep them to the end. 34Give me understanding, so that I may
keep Your law and obey it wholeheartedly. 35Lead me in the
path of Your commandments, for I delight in them. 36 Turn my
heart toward Your statutes, and not toward dishonest gain.
37
Turn my eyes from looking at what is worthless. Revive me in
Your ways. 38Fulfill Your promise to Your servant, so that You
may be revered. 39 Take away the insults that I dread, for Your
ordinances are good. 40Look, I long for Your precepts. Revive
me in Your righteousness.
41
Let Your lovingkindness come to me, O LORD, Your salva-
tion, as You promised. 42 Then I will have an answer for those
who insult me, for I trust in Your word. 43Do not snatch the
word of truth completely from my mouth, for I have placed my
hope in Your ordinances. 44I will always keep Your law, forever
and ever. 45I will walk in freedom, for I seek Your precepts. 46I
will speak of Your statutes before kings, and I will not be put to
shame. 47I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I
love. 48I will lift my hands in praise because of Your command-
ments, which I love. I will meditate on Your decrees.
49
Remember the promise You made to Your servant, in which
You have caused me to hope. 50Your promise revives me; it has
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Psalm 119
been my comfort in all my afflictions. 51 The arrogant have utterly

scorned me, but I have not departed from Your law. 52I have
remembered Your ordinances of old, O LORD, and I have taken
comfort in them. 53Burning indignation has seized me, because
of the wicked who forsake Your law. 54Your decrees have been
my songs in the place of my sojourning. 55I have remembered
Your name in the night, O LORD, and I have kept Your law.
56
This has been my practice, for Your precepts are dear to me.
57
You are my portion, O LORD. I have promised to keep
Your words. 58 Wholeheartedly I have sought Your favour, so
be merciful to me according to Your promise. 59I have consid-
ered my ways, and I have turned my steps to Your statutes. 60I
have hurried, I have not delayed to keep Your commandments.
61
Though the ropes of the wicked have wrapped around me, I
have not forgotten Your law. 62At midnight I will rise to give
thanks to You for Your righteous ordinances. 63I am a friend of
all who revere You, of all who keep Your precepts. 64O LORD,
the earth is full of Your lovingkindness. Teach me Your decrees.
65
You have been good to Your servant, O LORD, just as You
promised. 66 Teach me good judgment and knowledge, for I believe
in Your commandments. 67Before I was afflicted I went astray,
but now I keep Your word. 68You are good, and You do what is
good. Teach me Your decrees. 69 The arrogant have smeared me
with lies, but I will keep Your precepts wholeheartedly. 70Even
though their hearts are fat and prosperous, I will delight in
Your law. 71My affliction was good for me, because it made me
learn Your decrees. 72 The law from Your mouth is better to me
than thousands of pieces of gold and silver.
73
Your hands have made me and formed me. Give me un-
derstanding, so that I can learn Your commandments. 74 Then
those who revere You will see me and be glad, because I have
hoped in Your word. 75I know, O LORD, that Your decisions are
right, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76Please
let Your lovingkindness comfort me, just as You promised Your
servant. 77Let Your tender mercies come to me so that I may live,
for Your law is my delight. 78Let the arrogant be put to shame,
for they oppress me with lies. But as for me, I will meditate
on Your precepts. 79Let those who revere You and know Your
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Psalm 119
statutes turn to me. 80May my heart be blameless in keeping

Your decrees, so that I will not be put to shame.
81My soul grows faint, longing for Your deliverance. I have
placed my hope in Your word. 82My eyes grow faint, longing for
Your promise. I ask, “When will You comfort me?” 83For I am
like a wineskin dried up in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten
Your decrees. 84How long must Your servant wait? When will
You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The arro-
gant have dug pits for me, which violates Your law. 86All Your
commandments are trustworthy. Protect me from those who
persecute me for no reason. 87They have almost wiped me off
the face of the earth, but I have not abandoned Your precepts.
88
Revive me according to Your lovingkindness, so that I can
keep the statutes of Your mouth.
89
Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven. 90Your
faithfulness continues from generation to generation. You es-
tablished the earth, and it stands. 91Heaven and earth stand to
this day according to Your ordinances, for all things serve You.
92
If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished
in my affliction. 93I will never forget Your precepts, for by them
You have revived me. 94I am Yours, so please save me, for I have
sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but
I focus on Your statutes. 96I have seen a limit to all perfection,
but Your commandments are limitless.
97
How I love Your law! It is my meditation all day long. 98Your
commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they
are always with me. 99I have more understanding than all my
teachers, for I meditate on Your statutes. 100I have more un-
derstanding than my elders, for I keep Your precepts. 101I have
kept my feet from every evil path, so that I might keep Your
word. 102I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, for You
Yourself have taught me. 103How sweet are Your words to my
taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104Through Your pre-
cepts I gain understanding; therefore I hate every false way.
105
Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path.
106
I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, that I will keep Your
righteous ordinances. 107I am terribly afflicted. Revive me, O
LORD, according to Your word. 108Please accept the freewill
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Psalm 119
offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me Your ordinances.

109
My life is constantly in danger, yet I do not forget Your law.
110
The wicked have laid a snare for me, yet I have not strayed
from Your precepts. 111Your statutes are my inheritance forev-
er, for they are the joy of my heart. 112I have set my heart on
keeping Your decrees forever, even to the end.
113
I hate the double-minded, but I love Your law. 114You are
my hiding place and my shield. I place my hope in Your word.
115
Depart from me you evildoers, so that I can keep the command-
ments of my God. 116Sustain me according to Your promise, so
that I may live. Let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117Help me,
so that I can be delivered, so that I can focus on Your decrees
continually. 118You reject all those who stray from Your decrees,
for their own lies deceive them. 119You remove all the wicked of
the earth like dross. Therefore I love Your statutes. 120My flesh
trembles in reverence of You; I am afraid of Your judgments.
121
I have done what is just and right. Do not leave me to my
oppressors. 122Guarantee Your servant’s well-being. Do not let
the arrogant oppress me. 123My eyes grow faint, longing for Your
deliverance, longing for Your righteous promise. 124Deal with Your
servant according to Your lovingkindness, and teach me Your
decrees. 125I am Your servant. Give me understanding, so that I
may know Your statutes. 126It is time for You to act, O LORD, for
they have broken Your law. 127But I love Your commandments
more than gold, more than pure gold. 128Indeed, I consider all
Your precepts right, every one of them. I hate every false way.
129
Your statutes are wonderful, therefore I keep them. 130 The
revelation of Your word gives light. It gives understanding to
the simple. 131I open my mouth and pant with longing for Your
commandments. 132 Turn to me and have mercy on me, for You
deal justly with those who love Your name. 133Direct my steps
in Your word, and do not let any sin have dominion over me.
134
Deliver me from the oppression of man, so that I can keep
Your precepts. 135Make Your face to shine upon Your servant,
and teach me Your decrees. 136Rivers of water flow from my
eyes, because people do not keep Your law.
137
You are righteous, O LORD, and Your ordinances are up-
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Psalm 119
right. 138Your statutes, which You have commanded, are righ-

teous and very trustworthy. 139My zeal consumes me, because
my enemies have forgotten Your words. 140Your word is pure
and true, and Your servant loves it. 141I am small and despised,
yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142Your righteousness is an
everlasting righteousness, and Your law is true. 143 Trouble
and anguish have overtaken me, yet Your commandments are
my delight. 144Your righteous statutes are everlasting. Give me
understanding, and I will live.
145
I cry out with all my heart! Answer me, O LORD! I will keep
Your decrees! 146I cry out to You! Save me, so that I can keep
Your statutes! 147I rise before dawn and cry out to You. I place
my hope in Your word. 148My eyes anticipate the night watches,
so that I can meditate on Your word. 149Hear my voice accord-
ing to Your lovingkindness. Revive me, O LORD, according to
Your ordinances. 150 Those who pursue wickedness draw near;
they are far from Your law. 151You are near, O LORD, and all
Your commandments are true. 152Long ago I learned from Your
statutes, that You have established them forever.
153
Look on my affliction, and deliver me, for I have not for-
gotten Your law. 154Defend my cause and deliver me. Revive me
according to Your promise. 155Salvation is far from the wicked,
for they do not seek Your decrees. 156Great are Your tender
mercies, O LORD. Revive me according to Your ordinances.
157
Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I have not
turned aside from Your statutes. 158I look at those transgressors
with disgust, because they do not keep Your word. 159See how
I love Your precepts. Revive me, O LORD, according to Your
lovingkindness. 160 The foundation of Your word is truth, and
all Your righteous ordinances endure forever.
161
Rulers persecute me for no reason, but my heart stands in
awe of Your word. 162I rejoice in Your word, like one who finds
great spoil. 163I hate and despise falsehood, but I love Your law.
164
I praise You seven times a day because of Your righteous
ordinances. 165Those who love Your law have great peace; no
stumbling block is in their way. 166I wait for Your deliverance,
O LORD, and I follow Your commandments. 167My soul keeps
Your statutes, for I love them dearly. 168I keep Your precepts
and Your statutes, for You know all my ways.
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Psalm 120 -121
169
Let my cries come before You, O LORD. Give me under-
standing according to Your word. 170Let my petition come before
You, and deliver me according to Your promise. 171Let my lips
overflow with praise, for You have taught me Your decrees. 172Let
my tongue sing of Your word, for all Your commandments are
righteous. 173Let Your hand help me, for I have chosen Your
precepts. 174I long for Your deliverance, O LORD. Your law is my
delight. 175Let my soul live, so that I can praise You. Let Your
ordinances help me. 176I have wondered off like a lost sheep.
Seek Your servant, for I have not forgotten Your commandments.
A song for the worshipers going up to Jerusalem.198
120 In my distress I cried out to the LORD, and He answered

me. 2Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, and
from deceitful tongues. 3O deceitful tongue, what will be given
to you, or what will be done to you? 4You will be punished with
the sharp arrows of the warrior, and with the burning coals of
the broom tree.
5
Woe is me! It is as if I am a foreigner among the barbarians
of Meshech, as if I live among the savages of Kedar. 6I have
lived far too long with those who hate peace. 7I am for peace,
but when I speak, they are for war.
A song for the worshipers going up to Jerusalem.
121 I will lift my eyes up to the mountains. Where does my

help come from? 2My help comes from the LORD, the
Maker of heaven and earth.
3
He will not allow your foot to slip. He who protects you will
not slumber. 4Look! He who protects Israel will not slumber or
sleep!
5
The LORD is your protector. The LORD is the shade at your
right hand. 6The sun will not harm you by day or the moon by
night.
198
Deuteronomy 16:16
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Psalm 122-124
7
The LORD will protect you from all harm. He will protect
your soul. 8 The LORD will protect you as you come and go, both
now and forevermore.

A psalm of David.
122 I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the

house of the LORD!” 2Our feet will stand within your
gates, O Jerusalem.
3
Jerusalem is built as a city of fellowship and unity. 4 The
tribes of the LORD go up to Jerusalem to give thanks to the
name of the LORD, which is an ordinance for Israel. 5 Thrones
are in her for judging, the thrones of the house of David.
6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May all who love her pros-
per! 7May peace be within her walls, and prosperity within her
palaces!” 8For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, “May
peace be within you, O Jerusalem!” 9For the sake of the house
of the LORD our God, I will seek your good.
123 I lift up my eyes to You, the One enthroned in heaven.

2
As the eyes of a slave look to the hand of his master,
as the eyes of a slave-girl to the hand of her mistress, so our
eyes look to the LORD our God until He shows us favour.
3
Show us favour, O LORD, show us favour, for we have had
more than enough disrespect. 4We have had more than enough
ridicule from those who live at ease, more than enough disre-
spect from the arrogant.

A psalm of David.
124 If the LORD had not been on our side—let Israel re-
peat—2if the LORD had not been on our side when men
620
Psalm 125 -126
attacked us, 3then they would have swallowed us alive when

their anger burned against us. 4 Then the waters would have
engulfed us; the torrents would have swept over us. 5Indeed,
the raging waters would have swept over us and drowned us.
6
Blessed be the LORD, who did not let us be torn apart by our
enemies. 7We escaped like a bird from the snare of the fowler.
The snare broke, and we escaped. 8Our help is in the name of
the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.
125 Those who trust in the LORD are like Mount Zion,
which cannot be moved, but remains forever. 2As the
mountains surround Jerusalem, so the LORD surrounds His
people, both now and forevermore.
3
The sceptre of the wicked will not rest permanently on the
land allotted to the righteous, lest the righteous use their hands
to do evil.
4
Do good, O LORD, to those who are good, to those who are
upright in heart. 5But for those who turn aside to follow crooked
ways, the LORD will lead them away to be punished with the
workers of iniquity. Peace be upon Israel!
126 When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we

were like those who dreamed. 2Our mouths were filled
with laughter, and our tongues with singing. Among the nations
it was said, “The LORD has done great things for them.” 3 The
LORD has done great things for us, and we are glad!
4
Bring back the remaining captives, O LORD, as You bring
back the dried up streams of the Negev. 5 Those who sow with
tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 Those who go out weeping,
carrying seed for sowing, will return with songs of joy, carrying
bundles of grain with them.
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Psalm 127-129

A psalm of Solomon.
127 Unless the LORD builds the house, the builders labour
in vain. Unless the LORD guards the city, the guards
keep watch in vain. 2It is vain for a man to get up early and stay
up late, labouring hard for food to eat—for the LORD provides
for His beloved even while they sleep.
3
Look! Children are a gift from the LORD, and the fruit of
the womb is a blessing. 4Like arrows in the hand of a warrior,
so are children born in one’s youth. 5Blessed is the man whose
quiver is full of them. He will not be disappointed when they
confront their enemies at the city gate.
128 Blessed is everyone who reveres the LORD, who walks

in His ways! 2You will eat the fruit of your labour. You
will be happy, and it will be well with you. 3Your wife will be
like a fruitful vine within your house. Your children will be like
young olive trees around your table. 4 This is how the LORD will
bless the man who reveres Him.
5
May the LORD bless you from Zion, and may you see the
prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life! 6And may you
see your children’s children! Peace be upon Israel!
129 They have oppressed me greatly since my youth—let

Israel repeat—2 they have oppressed me greatly since my
youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 They ploughed
my back, making my wounds long and deep. 4But the LORD
is righteous; He has cut me free from the ropes of the wicked.
5
Let all who hate Zion be turned back in shame. 6Let them
be like grass that grows on the roof, which withers before it
can grow up. 7Indeed, it cannot fill the reaper’s hands, or the
arms of those who gather in the bundles of grain. 8Let those
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Psalm 130 -132
who pass by never say, “May the LORD’s blessing be upon you!
We bless you in the name of the LORD!”
130 Out of the depths I cry out to You, O LORD! 2Hear my

voice, O Lord! Let Your ears be attentive to the sound
of my petitions!
3
If You, O LORD, kept a record of sins, O Lord, who could
stand? 4But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be
revered.
5
I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in His word I place
my hope. 6My soul waits for the Lord more intently than watch-
men wait for the morning; indeed, more intently than watchmen
wait for the morning.
7
O Israel, place your hope in the LORD! For with the LORD
there is lovingkindness, and with Him there is abundant re-
demption. 8He will redeem Israel from all their sins.

A psalm of David.
131 O LORD, my heart is not arrogant. My eyes are not

conceited. I do not concern myself with matters too
great for me, or with things too difficult for me. 2Rather I am
like a little child, calm and quiet, on its mother lap. As a child
is dependent on its mother, so am I dependent on You.
3
O Israel, place your hope in the LORD, both now and for-
evermore!
132 O LORD, remember David and all his afflictions. 2Re-

member how he swore an oath to the LORD, and vowed
to the Mighty One of Jacob: 3“Surely I will not enter my house or
623
Psalm 133
get into my bed, 4I will not allow my eyes to sleep or my eyelids

to slumber, 5until I find a place for the LORD, a dwelling place
for the Mighty One of Jacob.”
6
When we heard of the whereabouts of the Ark in Ephra-
thah, we went and found it in the fields of Jaar. 7Let us go to
His dwelling place! Let us worship at His footstool! 8Arise, O
LORD, to Your resting place, You and the Ark of Your might!
9
Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness! Let Your saints
shout for joy!
10
For Your servant David’s sake, do not reject Your anointed
king! 11The LORD swore an oath to David in truth, an oath He
will not break: “I will place one of your own descendants on
your throne. 12If your sons keep My covenant and My statutes,
which I will teach them, then their sons will sit on your throne
forever.”
13
For the LORD has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His
dwelling place: 14“This is My resting place forever. I will dwell
here, for I have desired it. 15I will abundantly bless its food. I
will satisfy its poor with bread. 16I will clothe its priests with
salvation, and its saints will shout for joy. 17Here I will make
the horn (strength) of David grow. I have prepared a lamp (suc-
cessor) for My anointed king. 18I will clothe his enemies with
shame, but the crown he wears will shine and flourish.”

A psalm of David.
133 See how good and pleasant it is when brothers live

together in unity! 2It is like precious oil poured on the
head, running down on the beard—Aaron’s beard—and all the
way down to the bottom of his garments. 3It is like the heavy
dew of Mount Hermon, falling on Mount Zion. From Zion the
LORD commands His blessing—life everlasting.
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Psalm 134 -135
134 Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD,
who minister by night in the house of the LORD! 2Lift
up your hands in the sanctuary, and bless the LORD!
May the LORD, who made heaven and earth, bless you
3
from Zion!
135 Praise the LORD! Praise the name of the LORD! Praise
Him, O you servants of the LORD, 2who minister in the
house of the LORD, in the courts of the house of our God! 3Praise
the LORD, for the LORD is good! Sing praises to His name, for
it is lovely! 4For the LORD has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel
as His special possession.
I know that the LORD is great, that our Lord is above all
5
gods. 6 The LORD does whatever He pleases in heaven and on

earth, in the seas and all the depths. 7He makes the clouds
rise from the ends of the earth. He sends lightning and rain.
He brings the wind out from His storehouses.
He struck down the firstborn of Egypt, both man and beast.199

8
9
He sent signs and wonders into the midst of Egypt, against
Pharaoh and all his servants. 10He struck down many nations,
and killed mighty kings—11Sihon king of the Amorites, Og king
of Bashan, and all the kings of Canaan.200 12He gave their land
as an inheritance, an inheritance to His people Israel.
Your name, O LORD, endures forever, Your fame, O LORD,

13
from generation to generation. 14For the LORD will give justice

to His people, and will show compassion to His servants.
The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by the
15
hands of men. 16 They have mouths, but cannot speak. They

have eyes, but cannot see. 17They have ears, but cannot hear.
Indeed, there is no breath in their mouths. 18All who make idols,
and all who trust in them, will become like them.
199
Exodus 12:29
200
Numbers 21:21-35; Deuteronomy 2:24-37, 3:1-11
625
Psalm 136
19
Bless the LORD, O house of Israel! Bless the LORD, O house
of Aaron! 20Bless the LORD, O house of Levi! You who revere
the LORD, bless the LORD! 21Bless the LORD from Zion! Bless
Him who dwells in Jerusalem! Praise the LORD!
136 O give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, for His lov-
ingkindness endures forever. 2O give thanks to the God
of gods, for His lovingkindness endures forever. 3O give thanks
to the Lord of lords, for His lovingkindness endures forever.
4
O give thanks to Him who alone does great wonders, for
His lovingkindness endures forever. 5O give thanks to Him who
made the heavens with skill, for His lovingkindness endures
forever. 6O give thanks to Him who spread out the land above the
waters, for His lovingkindness endures forever. 7O give thanks
to Him who made the heavenly lights, for His lovingkindness
endures forever; 8 the sun to rule by day, for His lovingkindness
endures forever; 9the moon and stars to rule by night, for His
lovingkindness endures forever.
10
O give thanks to Him who struck down the firstborn of
Egypt, for His lovingkindness endures forever. 11O give thanks
to Him who brought Israel out of Egypt, for His lovingkindness
endures forever; 12 with a strong hand and an outstretched arm,
for His lovingkindness endures forever. 13O give thanks to Him
who divided the Red Sea, for His lovingkindness endures forever.
14
O give thanks to Him who led Israel through the midst of it,
for His lovingkindness endures forever; 15and swept Pharaoh
and his army into the Red Sea, for His lovingkindness endures
forever. 16O give thanks to Him who led His people through the
wilderness, for His lovingkindness endures forever.
17
O give thanks to Him who struck down great kings, for His
lovingkindness endures forever; 18and killed mighty kings, for
His lovingkindness endures forever; 19Sihon king of the Amor-
ites, for His lovingkindness endures forever; 20and Og king of
Bashan, for His lovingkindness endures forever; 21and gave their
land as an inheritance, for His lovingkindness endures forever;
22
as an inheritance to His servant Israel, for His lovingkindness
endures forever.
626
Psalm 137-138
23
It is He who remembered us in our low estate, for His lov-
ingkindness endures forever; 24and has rescued us from our
enemies, for His lovingkindness endures forever; 25 who gives
food to all flesh, for His lovingkindness endures forever.
26
O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His lovingkindness
endures forever.
137 By the rivers of Babylon, we sat down and wept when

we remembered Zion. 2 There we hung our harps on
the willow trees. 3 There our captors demanded us to sing. Our
oppressors wanted us to sing songs of joy, saying, “Sing to us
one of the songs of Zion!”
4
How can we sing the LORD’s songs in a foreign land? 5If I
forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill! 6Let
my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember
you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy.
7
Remember, O LORD, what the Edomites said on that day in
Jerusalem: “Demolish it! Demolish it, right down to its founda-
tions!” 8O daughter of Babylon, who is to be destroyed, blessed
is the one who repays you as you have done to us. 9Blessed
is the one who grabs your babies and smashes them against
the rocks!
A psalm of David.
138 Not to other gods, but to You alone will I sing praise! I
will praise You with all my heart! 2I will bow down to-
ward Your holy tabernacle, and I will praise Your name because
of Your lovingkindness and Your truth, for You have exalted
Your name and Your word above all else. 3On the day that I
cried out to You, You answered me, and You encouraged and
strengthened my soul.
4
All the kings of the earth will praise You, O LORD, when
they hear the words of Your mouth. 5 They will sing of the ways
of the LORD, for great is the glory of the LORD.
627
Psalm 139
6
Though the LORD is exalted, He looks upon the lowly. But
the arrogant He watches from a distance. 7Though I walk in
the midst of trouble, You will preserve my life. You will stretch
out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right
hand will save me. 8 The LORD will fulfill His purpose for me.
Your lovingkindness, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake
the works of Your hands!
139 O LORD, You have searched me, and You know me.
2
You know my sitting down and my standing up. You
understand my thoughts from afar. 3You sift me, whether I
am walking about or lying down. You are familiar with all my
ways. 4You know what I am about to say, O LORD, even before
the words are formed with my tongue. 5 You have completely
surrounded me, front and back, and have placed Your hand
upon me. 6Your boundless knowledge is too wonderful for me,
too high for me to attain.
7
Where can I go from Your Spirit, or where can I flee from
Your presence? 8If I go up to heaven, You are there. If I make
my bed in hell, You are there. 9If I fly on the wings of the dawn,
if I land on the other side of the sea, 10even there Your hand
will guide me, even there Your right hand will hold me. 11If I
say, “Surely the darkness will cover me; the light around me
will be as dark as night.” 12But even darkness is not dark to
You. Night shines like the day to You, because darkness and
light are the same to You.
13
For You created my whole being. You knit me together in
my mother’s womb. 14I praise You, because I am awesomely
and wonderfully made. Marvellous is Your workmanship—of
this I am fully aware. 15My substance was not hidden from You
when I was made in secret, when I was woven together inside
the womb. 16Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days of
my life were written in Your book before I was even born.
17
How precious are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great
is the number of them! 18If I could count them, they would be
628
Psalm 140
more numerous than the sand. And when I am awake, I am

constantly thinking of You.
19
If only You would kill the wicked, O God! Depart from me,
you bloodthirsty men! 20For they speak wickedly about You.
Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21Do I not hate those who
hate You, O LORD? Do I not detest those who rise up against
You? 22I utterly hate them! I count them as my enemies!
23
Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me, and know
my thoughts. 24See if there is any wicked thing in me. Lead me
in the path of everlasting life!
140 Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men! Protect me from

violent men, 2 who plan evil things in their hearts and
constantly stir up conflicts. 3 They sharpen their tongues like a
serpent. The poison of vipers is on their lips. Selah
4
Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked. Protect me
from violent men, who plan to trip up my feet. 5 The arrogant
have laid a trap for me with ropes. They have spread their nets
by the roadside. They have set snares for me. Selah
6
I said to the LORD, “You are my God! Listen, O LORD, to
the sound of my petitions!” 7O God, my Lord, the strength of
my salvation, You have protected my head in the day of battle.
8
O LORD, do not give the wicked what they want. Do not let
their evil plans succeed, or they will become arrogant. Selah
9
As for those who surround me, let the threats of their lips
come upon their own heads! 10Let burning coals fall upon them!
Let them be thrown into the fire, into deep pits, never to rise
again! 11Do not let slanderers prosper in the land. Let evil hunt
down the violent man to overthrow him.
12
I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflict-
ed, and justice for the needy. 13Surely the righteous will give
thanks to Your name. The upright will live in Your presence.
629
Psalm 141-142
A psalm of David.
141 I cry out to You, O LORD, come quickly to me! Listen to

my voice when I cry out to You! 2Let my prayer be set
before You like incense. Let the lifting up of my hands be like
the evening sacrifice.
3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the
doors of my lips. 4Do not let my heart turn aside to anything
evil, or allow me to act wickedly with men who are evildoers. Do
not let me eat their delicacies.
5
Let the righteous correct me—it is an act of kindness. Let them
rebuke me—it is like fragrant oil on my head; let my head not
refuse it. But my prayers are always against those who do evil.
6
When their rulers are overthrown in rocky places, the people
will listen to my words, for they are pleasant. 7As when a man
ploughs and breaks up the ground, so our bones are scattered
at the mouth of the grave.
8
But my eyes are on You, O Lord GOD. I place my trust in
You. Do not leave my soul defenceless. 9Protect me from the
traps they have set for me, from the snares of evildoers. 10Let
the wicked fall into their own nets, while I escape.
A prayer of David, when he was in the cave.

142 I cry out to the LORD with my voice. With my voice I

petition the LORD. 2I pour out my complaint before
Him. I tell Him all my troubles.
3
When my spirit is overwhelmed within me, You alone know
which way I should turn. In the path where I walk, my enemies
have hidden a trap for me. 4Look to my right and see; no one is
concerned for me. There is no escape for me; no one cares for
my soul.
5
I cry out to You, O LORD. I say, “You are my refuge, my
portion in the land of the living.”
630
Psalm 143 -144
6
Pay attention to my cry, for I have been brought very low.
Deliver me from those who pursue me, for they are too strong
for me. 7Bring my soul out of prison, so that I can praise Your
name. Indeed, the righteous will gather around me, for You will
deal bountifully with me.
A psalm of David.
143 Hear my prayer, O LORD! Listen to my petitions! In

Your faithfulness and righteousness, answer me! 2Do
not bring Your servant into judgment, for no living person is
righteous in Your sight. 3My enemy persecutes my soul. He
crushes my life to the ground. He makes me live in dark plac-
es, like those long dead. 4My spirit is overwhelmed within me.
My heart is devastated. 5I remember the days of old. I meditate
on all that You have done. I ponder the works of Your hands.
6
I stretch out my hands to You. Like dry land, my soul thirsts
for You. Selah
7
Quickly answer me, O LORD! My spirit faints within me. Do
not hide Your face from me, or I will be like those who go down
to the pit. 8Let me hear Your lovingkindness in the morning,
for I trust in You. Let me know the way I should take, for I lift
up my soul to You. 9Deliver me from my enemies, O LORD, for
I take refuge in You. 10Teach me to do Your will, for You are my
God. Let Your good Spirit lead me on level ground. 11Revive me,
O LORD, for Your name’s sake. In Your righteousness, bring my
soul out of trouble. 12In Your lovingkindness, cut off my enemies.
Destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant.
A psalm of David.
144 Blessed be the LORD, my rock—who trains my hands

for war and my fingers for battle—2my lovingkindness,
my fortress, my strong tower, my deliverer, my shield, in whom
I take refuge, and the One who subdues nations under me.
3
O LORD, what is man that You take notice of him, or the
631
Psalm 145
son of man that You think of him? 4Man is like a breath of air.
His days are like a fading shadow.
5
Lower the heavens, O LORD, and come down. Touch the
mountains, so that they smoke. 6Send flashes of lightning, and
scatter Your enemies. Shoot Your arrows, and throw them into
confusion. 7Reach down Your hand from above! Grab me and
rescue me from these deep waters, from the hands of these
foreigners, 8for they speak lies and swear false oaths.
9
I will sing a new song to You, O God. I will sing praises to
You with the ten-stringed lyre. 10 You are the One who gives
deliverance to kings, who rescues Your servant David from the
deadly sword. 11Grab me and rescue me from the hands of these
foreigners, for they speak lies and swear false oaths.
12
May our sons flourish in their youth like well-nourished
plants. May our daughters be like sculptured pillars that adorn
a palace. 13May our storehouses be filled with provisions of
every kind. May the flocks in our fields multiply by the thou-
sands—by the tens of thousands. 14May our cattle have many
calves. May no enemy breach our walls. May no one be taken
into captivity. May there be no wailing in our streets. 15Blessed
are the people who have such blessings! Blessed are the people
whose God is the LORD!
A psalm of praise. A psalm of David.
145 I will exalt You, O God, my King! I will bless Your name
forever and ever! 2Every day I will bless You! I will praise
Your name forever and ever!
3
Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised! His great-
ness is unsearchable! 4One generation will praise Your works
to another, and will declare Your mighty acts. 5I will speak of
the glorious splendour of Your majesty, and of Your wonderful
works. 6 I will declare Your greatness, and they will speak of
the power of Your awesome deeds. 7They will continually speak
of the fame of Your great goodness, and they will sing of Your
righteousness.
632
Psalm 146
8
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger,
and full of lovingkindness. 9The LORD is good to all. His ten-
der mercies are over all His works. 10All Your works will praise
You, O LORD. All Your saints will bless You. 11They will speak
of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your great power.
12
They will proclaim Your mighty acts to the sons of men, and
the glorious majesty of Your kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an
everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures from gener-
ation to generation. All the LORD’s words are trustworthy, and
all His works are righteous.
14
The LORD helps all who fall, and lifts up all who are op-
pressed. 15 The eyes of all look to You, and You give them their
food at the proper time. 16 You open Your hand, and satisfy the
desires of every living thing.
17
The LORD’s ways are just, and all His works are righteous.
18
The LORD is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call
upon Him in truth. 19He fulfills the desires of those who revere
Him; He hears their cries and saves them. 20 The LORD protects
all those who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy. 21My
mouth will proclaim the praise of the LORD. Let all flesh bless
His holy name forever and ever!
146 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2I will

praise the LORD as long as I live! I will sing praise to
my God as long as I exist!
3
Do not put your trust in nobles, in mortal man, in whom
there is no salvation. 4When they breathe their last breath,
they return to the ground. On that very day their plans perish.
5
Blessed is the man whose help is the God of Jacob, whose
hope is in the LORD his God, 6 who made heaven and earth,
the sea, and everything in them, who remains faithful forever.
7
He executes justice for the oppressed. He gives food to the
hungry. The LORD sets the captives free. 8 The LORD opens the
eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are oppressed.
The LORD loves the righteous. 9 The LORD protects foreigners.
633
Psalm 147
He helps the fatherless and the widow, but He turns the plans
of the wicked upside down.
10
The LORD will reign forever—your God, O Zion, from gen-
eration to generation! Praise the LORD!
147 Praise the LORD! How good it is to sing praises to our

God! How pleasant, how fitting to praise Him! 2The
LORD rebuilds Jerusalem; He gathers the exiles of Israel. 3He
heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. 4He counts
the stars by number, and calls them all by name. 5Great is
our Lord. He is mighty in power. His understanding is beyond
measure. 6 The LORD lifts up the afflicted, but casts the wicked
to the ground.
7
Sing to the LORD with thanksgiving! Make music to our
God on the harp! 8He covers the sky with clouds. He provides
rain for the earth. He makes grass to grow on the hills. 9He
gives food to the animals, and to the young ravens that cry out.
10
He does not delight in the strength of the horse. He does
not take pleasure in the legs of the warrior. 11No! The LORD
takes pleasure in those who revere Him, in those who place
their hope in His lovingkindness.
12
Praise the LORD, O Jerusalem! Praise your God, O Zion!
For He strengthens the bars of your gates, and blesses your
13
children within you. 14He grants peace within your borders,

and satisfies you with the finest of wheat.
15
He issues His command to the earth; His word runs swiftly.
16
He sends snow, as white as wool. He scatters frost like ashes.
17
He throws His ice crystals down like breadcrumbs. Who can
withstand His cold? 18He sends out His word and they melt. He
stirs up His wind, and the waters trickle and flow.
19
He has revealed His word to Jacob, His decrees and ordi-
nances to Israel. 20He has not done this for any other nation—for
He has not shown any other nation His laws. Praise the LORD!
634
Psalm 148 -150
148 Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens!
Praise Him in the heights! 2Praise Him, all His angels!
Praise Him, all His heavenly hosts! 3Praise Him, sun and moon!
Praise Him, all you shining stars! 4Praise Him, you heaven of
heavens! Praise Him, you water vapours above the heavens! 5Let
them praise the name of the LORD, for He gave the command
and they were created. 6He established them forever and ever.
He set limits and boundaries they cannot cross.
7
Praise the LORD from the earth, all you sea creatures and
ocean depths! 8All you lightning and hail, snow and fog, and
stormy winds that obey Him! 9All you mountains and hills, fruit
trees and cedars! 10All you wild animals and livestock, insects
and flying birds! 11All you kings and people, nobles and judges
of the earth! 12All you young men and virgins, old men and
children alike! 13Let all of you praise the name of the LORD, for
His name alone is exalted! His glory is above the heavens and
the earth! 14He has exalted the horn of His people,201 which is
a song of praise for all His saints, the children of Israel, who
are near to Him. Praise the LORD!
149 Praise the LORD! Sing to the LORD a new song, His
praise in the assembly of the saints! 2Let Israel rejoice
in their Maker! Let the sons of Zion be joyful in their King! 3Let
them praise His name with dancing. Let them sing praises to
Him with the tambourine and harp. 4For the LORD delights in
His people. He crowns the humble with victory. 5Let the saints
rejoice in His deliverance. Let them sing for joy on their beds.
6
Let the high praises of God be in their mouths and a two-
edged sword in their hands, 7to inflict vengeance on the nations
and punishment on the peoples, 8 to bind their kings with chains
and their nobles with shackles of iron, 9to carry out the judg-
ment decreed against them—this honour has been bestowed
on all His saints. Praise the LORD!
150 Praise the LORD! Praise God in His sanctuary! Praise

Him in His mighty heavens! 2Praise Him for His mighty
201
He has strengthened and prospered His people.
635
Psalm 150
works! Praise Him for His abundant greatness! 3Praise Him

with the sound of the trumpet! Praise Him with the harp and
lyre! 4Praise Him with tambourines and dancing! Praise Him
with stringed instruments and flutes! 5Praise Him with loud
cymbals! Praise Him with clanging cymbals! 6Let everything
that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!
636
Daniel 1
Daniel
1 In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim king of Judah,
Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came to Jerusalem and
besieged it. 2And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into
his hands, along with some of the vessels of the house of God.
He carried them into the land of Shinar, to the house of his
god, and put the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
And the king ordered Ashpenaz, the commander of his offi-

3
cials, to bring in some of the Israelites202 from the royal family

and the nobility—4handsome young men without any physical
defects, who were full of wisdom, intelligence, and insight, who
were fit to serve in the king’s palace—in order to teach them the
language and literature of the Chaldeans. 5 The king allotted a
daily portion of meat and wine for them to eat and drink from
the king’s food. They were to be trained for three years, and
after that they were to stand before the king.
Among these young men were some from the tribe of Judah:
6
Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 7But the commander

of the officials renamed them. Daniel he called Belteshazzar.
Hananiah he called Shadrach. Mishael he called Meshach. And
Azariah he called Abednego.
But Daniel purposed in his heart that he would not defile

8
himself with the king’s food or wine. Therefore he asked the

commander of the officials if he could abstain from the food
and wine, so that he would not defile himself. 9God caused
the commander of the officials to be kind and compassion-
ate towards Daniel. 10The commander of the officials said to
Daniel, “I am afraid that my master the king, who has allotted
your food and drink, will see that your faces look worse than
the other young men. Then I would be in danger of losing my
head.”
202
Daniel was taken in the first deportation of the Jewish ex-
iles to Babylon.
637
Daniel 2
11
Then Daniel said to the steward whom the commander of
the officials had appointed over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael,
and Azariah: 12“Please test your servants for ten days. Give
us only vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then look us
over and compare us with the young men who are eating the
king’s food. Then deal with your servants as you see fit.” 14So
he agreed, and tested them for ten days.
15
And at the end of ten days they looked better and health-
ier than all the young men who ate the king’s food. 16So the
steward took away their portion of the king’s food and wine,
and gave them only vegetables to eat.
17
Now God gave these four young men knowledge and insight
into all kinds of literature and wisdom, and Daniel could also
interpret various kinds of visions and dreams.
18
At the end of the time that the king had set for the young
men to enter his service, the commander of the officials brought
them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 When the king spoke with
them, he found no one among all the young men who were as
promising as Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. There-
fore they entered the king’s service. 20And in every matter of
wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he
found them to be ten times better than all the magicians and
astrologers in his entire kingdom.
21
And Daniel remained in service until the first year of King
Cyrus.
2
2
In the second year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign he had dis-
turbing dreams that troubled him, and he could not sleep.
Then the king gave orders to call in the magicians, astrolo-
gers, sorcerers, and Chaldeans, to tell the king his dreams.
So they came and stood before the king. 3And the king said
to them, “I had a dream, and I am anxious to know what the
dream was.”
638
Daniel 2
4
Then the Chaldeans replied to the king in Aramaic:203 “O
king, live forever! Tell us your dream, and we will interpret it.”
5
The king answered the Chaldeans, “My decision is firm: if
you do not tell me the dream and its interpretation, then you
will be cut in pieces, and your houses will be made a heap of
rubble! 6But if you tell me the dream and its interpretation, then
I will give you gifts and rewards and great honour. Therefore,
tell me the dream and its interpretation!”
7
Again they answered, “Let the king tell us the dream, and
we will interpret it.”
8
The king replied, “I can see that you are trying to gain time,
because you know that my decision is firm. 9If you do not tell
me the dream, then there is but one sentence awaiting you!
Indeed, you have conspired to speak false and corrupt words
to me in order to gain time. Now tell me the dream, and I will
know that you can give me its interpretation.”
10
The Chaldeans answered the king, “There is not a man
on earth who can tell the king what he asks. No king, lord, or
ruler has ever asked such things of any magician, astrologer,
or Chaldean. 11The king is asking a difficult thing that no
one can tell him except the gods, and they do not dwell with
mortals.” 12 This made the king very angry and furious, and he
commanded the destruction of all the wise men of Babylon.
13
When the decree to kill the wise men went out, they sought
Daniel and his friends in order to kill them.
14
Then with prudence and wisdom Daniel responded to
Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone out to
kill the wise men of Babylon. 15He asked Arioch, the king’s
captain, “Why is the king’s decree so severe?” Then Arioch ex-
plained the matter to Daniel. 16So Daniel went and petitioned
the king to give him some time, so that he could give the king
the interpretation. 17Then Daniel went home and explained the
matter to his friends Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. 18Daniel
urged them to seek mercy from the God of heaven concerning
this mystery, so that he and his friends would not perish with
the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the mystery was
revealed to Daniel in a vision of the night, and Daniel blessed
the God of heaven. 20Daniel said,
203
From Daniel 2:4 to 7:28 the Book of Daniel is written in
Aramaic, and the rest of it is written in Hebrew.
639
Daniel 2
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

for wisdom and power are His.
21
He changes the times and the seasons.
He removes kings, and establishes kings.
He gives wisdom to the wise,
and knowledge to those
who have understanding.
22
He reveals deep and mysterious things.
He knows what is hidden in darkness,
and light dwells with Him.
23
I thank You and praise You,
O God of my fathers,
for You have given me wisdom and power.
You have revealed to me
what we asked of You,
for You have made known to us
the king’s demand.”
24
Therefore Daniel went to Arioch, whom the king had ap-
pointed to destroy the wise men of Babylon, and said to him,
“Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon. Take me before the
king, and I will give the king the interpretation.”
25
Then Arioch brought Daniel before the king, and said to
him, “I have found a man among the exiles of Judah who can
make known the interpretation to the king.”
26
The king asked Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar,
“Are you able to reveal to me the dream that I saw and its
interpretation?”
27
Daniel answered the king, “No wise men, astrologers, ma-
gicians, or diviners can tell you the mystery that you have
demanded to know. 28But there is a God in heaven who reveals
mysteries, and He has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar
what will happen in the last days. Your dream and the visions
that you had while sleeping in your bed are these: 29as for you,
O king, you were in bed thinking about what would happen in
the future, and He who reveals mysteries showed you what will
happen. 30But as for me, this mystery has not been revealed
to me because I have greater wisdom than anyone else, but
in order that you may know the interpretation, and that you
may understand the thoughts of your heart.
640
Daniel 2
31
“O king, you saw an enormous statue standing before
you—it was bright and awesome, and its appearance was ter-
rifying. 32 The head of the statue was pure gold, its chest and
arms were silver, and its belly and thighs were bronze, 33 its
legs were iron, and its feet were partly iron and partly clay.204
34
As you watched, a rock was cut out, but not with hands. The
rock struck the feet of iron and clay, breaking them into piec-
es. 35 Then the iron, clay, bronze, silver, and gold were utterly
pulverized. They became like the chaff of the summer thresh-
ing floors. The wind carried them away, and no trace of them
could be found. But the rock that struck the statue became a
great mountain, and filled the whole earth.
36
“This was the dream, and now we will tell the king its in-
terpretation. 37 You, O king, are the greatest of kings. For the
God of heaven has given you dominion, power, strength, and
glory. 38He has placed all men, animals, and birds under your
authority. He has made you ruler over all of them. You, O king,
are the head of gold.
39
“But after you, another kingdom will arise that will be in-
ferior to yours. After that, a third kingdom of bronze will rule
over the whole earth. 40 Then a fourth kingdom will arise that
will be as strong as iron. Just as iron smashes and shatters
and crushes everything, so it will crush and smash everything.
41
Just as you saw that the feet and toes were party clay and
partly iron, so it will be a divided kingdom. It will have some
of the strength of iron in it, just as you saw the iron mixed
with muddy clay. 42As the toes and feet were partly iron and
partly clay, so this kingdom will be partly strong and partly
brittle. 43Just as you saw the iron mixed with muddy clay, so
there will be a mixture of people; they will mix with the native
204
The statute in the dream represents four world empires.
The head of gold: the Babylonian Empire. The chest and arms
of silver: the Medo-Persian Empire. The belly and thighs of
bronze: the Greek Empire. The legs of iron: the Roman Empire.
The feet and toes partly of clay and partly of iron refers to a
revival of the Roman Empire. The ten toes are ten kingdoms
that will make up this Revived Roman Empire.
641
Daniel 3
inhabitants, but will not hold together, just as iron does not
mix with clay.205
44
“But in the days of those kings, the God of heaven will set
up an everlasting kingdom that will never be destroyed. It will
smash all these kingdoms into pieces, putting an end to them.
It, however, will stand forever. 45You, O king, saw that a rock206
was cut out of the mountain without hands; you saw that it
smashed the iron, bronze, clay, silver, and gold to pieces. The
great God has shown you, O king, what will happen in the fu-
ture. The dream is true, and its interpretation is trustworthy.”
46
Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage
to Daniel, and commanded that a grain offering and incense
be offered on his behalf. 47The king said to Daniel, “Truly your
God is the God of gods, the Lord of kings, and a revealer of
secrets, for you were able to reveal this mystery!” 48 Then the
king promoted Daniel and gave him many great gifts. He also
made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon, and chief
governor over all the wise men of Babylon. 49Then, at Daniel’s
request, the king set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over
the affairs of the province of Babylon. Daniel, however, remained
at the king’s court.
3 King Nebuchadnezzar made a gold statue that was ninety

feet high and nine feet wide. He set it up on the plain of
Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar
sent word to gather together the princes, governors, captains,
205
In short, as we can see today, satan’s globalist minions
are destabilizing Europe by flooding it with muslims. I think
these things will come to their peak at the time of the Second
Seal Judgment of Revelation 6:3-4, when peace is taken from
the earth and men kill one another. Then satan’s minions will
come in to save the day with their New World Order (sarcasm).
206
The rock is Jesus Christ: “Of the increase of His govern-
ment and peace there will be no end. He will rule on David’s
throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness, from this time forth and for-
evermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this”
(Isaiah 9:7).
642
Daniel 3
judges, treasurers, advisers, magistrates, and all the officials

of the provinces, to come to the dedication of the statue that
King Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 3 When the princes, gover-
nors, captains, judges, treasurers, advisers, magistrates, and
all the officials of the provinces were gathered together for the
dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up,
4
a herald cried out: “All people, nations, and languages, this
is what you are commanded to do: 5as soon as you hear the
sound of the horns, flutes, harps, lyres, pipes, drums, and all
the music, you must fall down and worship the gold statue
that King Nebuchadnezzar has set up. 6Whoever does not fall
down and worship it, will immediately be cast into the midst of
the fiery furnace.” 7When all the people heard the sound of the
horns, flutes, harps, lyres, pipes, drums, and all the music, all
the people, nations, and languages, fell down and worshiped
the gold statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up.
8
At that time some Chaldeans came forward and brought
charges against the Jews. 9 They said to King Nebuchadnezzar,
“O king, live forever! 10You, O king, have made a decree that
everyone who hears the sound of the horns, flutes, harps, lyres,
pipes, drums, and all the music, must fall down and worship the
gold statue. 11And whoever does not fall down and worship it,
will be cast into the midst of the fiery furnace. 12There are some
Jews whom you have appointed over the affairs of the province
of Babylon: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These men, O
king, have not paid attention to your decree. They do not serve
your gods or worship the gold statue that you have set up.”
13
Then Nebuchadnezzar became angry and furious and sum-
moned Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And when they
were brought before the king, 14Nebuchadnezzar said to them,
“Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you will
not serve my gods or worship the gold statue that I have set
up? 15Now if you are ready, when you hear the sound of the
horns, flutes, harps, lyres, pipes, drums, and all the music, to
fall down and worship the statue that I have made, very well.
But if you do not worship it, then you will immediately be cast
into the midst of the fiery furnace. Then what god will be able
deliver you out of my hands?”
643
Daniel 3
16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “O
Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before
you. 17The God we serve is truly able to deliver us from the
fiery furnace. And He will deliver us out of your hand, O king.
18
But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that
we will not serve your gods or worship the gold statute that
you have set up.”
19
At this, Nebuchadnezzar became even more furious. The
expression on his face changed towards Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego. He commanded the furnace to be heated up
seven times hotter than usual. 20 Then he commanded some of
the strongest men of his army to tie up Shadrach, Meshach,
and Abednego, and to cast them into the fiery furnace. 21So they
were tied up in their coats, robes, hats, and other clothes, and
were cast into the midst of the fiery furnace. 22Since the king’s
command was so urgent and the furnace so hot, the flames of
fire killed the soldiers who threw in Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego. 23But these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and
Abednego, fell bound into the midst of the fiery furnace.
24
Then King Nebuchadnezzar quickly jumped to his feet in
amazement. He said to his advisers, “We threw three men into
the fiery furnace, did we not?”
They replied, “Yes, O king!”
25
The king exclaimed, “Look! I see four men walking in the
midst of the fire, untied and unharmed, and the fourth man
looks like a son of the gods!”
26
Then Nebuchadnezzar approached the mouth of the fiery
furnace and called out: “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego,
servants of the Most High God, come out, and come here!”
Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego came out of the
midst of the fire. 27When the princes, governors, captains, and
the king’s advisers gathered around them, they saw that the
fire had no effect on their bodies. Not a hair of their heads was
singed, their clothes were unaffected, and they did not smell
of smoke.
28
Then Nebuchadnezzar raised his voice and said, “Blessed be
the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego! He has sent His
angel to deliver His servants who trusted in Him. They defied
the king’s command, and risked their lives, instead of serving
644
Daniel 4
or worshiping any god except their own God. 29 Therefore I make

this decree: any people, nation, or language that says anything
against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, will be
cut in pieces, and their houses will be made a heap of rubble,
for there is no other god who is able to deliver in this way!”
30
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego
in the province of Babylon.
4 From: King Nebuchadnezzar
To all people, nations, and languages, who live in all the earth:
May you enjoy peace and prosperity!

2
It gives me great pleasure to tell you about the signs and
wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.
How great are His signs,

3
and how mighty are His wonders!

His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and His dominion is from
generation to generation.
4
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was living at ease in my house and
prospering in my palace. 5I had a dream that made me afraid.
As I was lying in my bed, images and visions passed through
my mind that terrified me. 6So I issued a decree for all the
wise men of Babylon to be brought before me, so that they
could interpret the dream for me. 7Then the magicians, as-
trologers, Chaldeans, and diviners came to me. I told them
the dream, but they could not interpret it.
8
Then, last of all, Daniel came before me, and I told him
the dream. (He is called Belteshazzar, after the name of
my god, and the spirit of the holy gods is in him.) 9I said,
“Belteshazzar, chief of the magicians, I know that the spirit
of the holy gods is in you, and that no mystery is hidden
from you. Now tell me the interpretation of the visions that
I saw in my dream.
645
Daniel 4
10
“While I was lying in my bed, these were the visions that
passed through my mind:
I looked, and saw a tree

in the middle of the earth.
Its height was very great.
11
The tree had grown large and strong.
Its top reached into the heavens,
and was visible to the ends
of the whole earth.
12
Its leaves were beautiful.
Its fruit was plentiful enough to feed all.
The animals took shelter under its shade,
the birds lived in its branches,
and all creatures were fed from it.
13
“In the visions that passed through my mind I saw an
angelic messenger, a holy angel, coming down from heaven.
14
He cried out:
‘Chop down the tree and cut off its branches!

Shake off its leaves and scatter its fruit!
Let the animals flee from under it,
and the birds from its branches.
15
Nevertheless, leave the stump
and its roots in the ground,
bind it with a band of iron and bronze,
and leave it in the grass of the field.
Let him be soaked with the dew of heaven.
Let his portion be with the animals
in the grass of the earth.
16
Let his mind be changed from that of a man,
to that of an animal.
Then let seven years pass by for him.
17
This decree is announced
by angelic messengers;
the sentence is declared by holy angels,
so that the living may know
that the Most High rules
over the kingdoms of men,
and that He gives them to anyone He wants,
even setting the lowliest of men over them.’
646
Daniel 4
18
“This is the dream that I, King Nebuchadnezzar, saw.
Now, Belteshazzar, tell me its interpretation, for none of the
wise men of my kingdom can interpret it for me. But you
can, because the spirit of the holy gods is in you.”
19
Then Daniel, whose name is Belteshazzar, was aston-
ished for some time, and his thoughts troubled him. So the
king said, “O Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its inter-
pretation trouble you.”
But Belteshazzar replied, “My lord, if only the dream and
its interpretation were about your enemies and those who
hate you! 20You saw a tree that had grown large and strong.
Its top reached into the heavens, and was visible to the whole
earth. 21Its leaves were beautiful. Its fruit was plentiful enough
to feed all. The animals took shelter under it, and the birds
lived in its branches. 22You, O king, are that tree. You have
grown strong. Your greatness reaches to the heavens, and
your dominion to the ends of the earth.
23
“The king also saw an angelic messenger, a holy angel,
coming down from heaven, saying,
‘Chop down the tree and destroy it!

Nevertheless, leave the stump
and its roots in the ground,
bind it with a band of iron and bronze,
and leave it in the grass of the field.
Let him be soaked with the dew of heaven.
Let his portion be with the animals
in the grass of the earth.
Then let seven years pass by for him.’
24
“This is the interpretation, O king. This is the decree of
the Most High, which has come upon my lord the king:
you will be driven away from men,

25
and you will live with the animals of the field.

You will eat grass like an ox,
and you will be soaked
with the dew of heaven.
647
Daniel 4
Seven years will pass by for you

until you acknowledge that the Most High
rules over the kingdoms of men,
and that He gives them to anyone He wants.
26
Now concerning the order to leave the stump and its roots
in the ground; your kingdom will be restored to you when you
acknowledge that Heaven rules. 27Therefore, O king, please
accept my advice: turn from your sin and practice justice.
Turn from your iniquity and show mercy to the oppressed.
Perhaps then your prosperity may be prolonged.”
28
All this came upon King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 Twelve
months later, as he was walking on the roof of the royal
palace of Babylon, 30 the king said, “See how great Babylon
is! I have built it up as my royal residence, by the power of
my might, and for the splendour of my majesty.”
31
While the words were still in the kings mouth, a voice
from heaven said, “King Nebuchadnezzar, these words are
for you:
your kingdom has departed from you!

32
You will be driven away from men,
and you will live with the animals of the field.
You will eat grass like an ox.
Seven years will pass by for you
until you acknowledge that the Most High
rules over the kingdoms of men,
and that He gives them to anyone He wants.”
33
That very hour the word was fulfilled concerning Ne-
buchadnezzar. He was driven away from men. He ate grass
like an ox, and his body was soaked with the dew of heaven.
His hair grew long like the feathers of an eagle, and his nails
grew like the claws of a bird.
34
At the end of that period, I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted up my
eyes to heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I blessed
the Most High, and I praised and honoured Him who lives
forever:
648
Daniel 5
for His dominion is an everlasting dominion,

and His kingdom endures
from generation to generation.
35
Compared to Him,
all the inhabitants of the earth
are regarded as nothing.
He does what He wishes
with the hosts of heaven
and the inhabitants of the earth.
No one can hold back His hand
or ask Him, “What are You doing?”
36
At that moment my sanity was restored, along with my
majesty and splendour, and the glory of my kingdom. My
advisers and nobles sought me out, I was restored to my
throne, and even more greatness was added to me than be-
fore. 37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and honour
the King of heaven:
for all His works are true

and His ways are just.
And He is able to humble
those who walk in pride.
5 Belshazzar the king held a great feast for a thousand of his

nobles, and he drank wine with them. 2While he tasted the
wine, Belshazzar gave the command to bring in the gold and
silver vessels that his father Nebuchadnezzar had taken from
the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king, his nobles, his wives,
and his concubines could drink from them. 3 Then they brought
in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple of
God in Jerusalem, and the king, his nobles, his wives, and his
concubines drank from them. 4As they drank the wine, they
praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze, iron, wood, and stone.
5
Suddenly human fingers appeared and wrote on the plas-
ter wall of the king’s palace, near the lamp stand. The king
watched as the hand wrote. 6 Then the king’s face turned pale
and his thoughts terrified him; his body became weak, and his
knees began knocking together. 7Then the king cried out for the
649
Daniel 5
astrologers, Chaldeans, and diviners to be brought in. He said

to these wise men of Babylon, “Whoever interprets this writing
will be clothed with purple, will have a gold chain placed around
his neck, and will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
8
Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not
read the writing or tell the king its interpretation. 9 Then King
Belshazzar became even more terrified, his face turned pale,
and his nobles were perplexed.
10
When the queen mother heard the king and his nobles, she
came into the banquet hall and said, “O king, live forever! Do
not let your thoughts terrify you, or the countenance of your
face be so pale. 11There is a man in your kingdom who has the
spirit of the holy gods in him. In the days of your grandfather
he was found to have insight and understanding and wisdom
like that of the gods. Your grandfather, King Nebuchadnezzar,
made him chief of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and
diviners. 12His name is Daniel. The king, however, called him
Belteshazzar. He excelled in knowledge and understanding,
in interpreting dreams, and in explaining and solving riddles.
Now summon Daniel, and he will tell you the interpretation.”
13
Then Daniel was brought in before the king, and the king
said to him, “Are you Daniel, one of the exiles of Judah, whom
my grandfather the king brought from Judah? 14I have heard that
the spirit of the gods is in you, and that you excel in wisdom,
understanding, and insight. 15I brought in the wise men and
astrologers to interpret the writing, but they could not interpret
it. 16But I have heard that you can solve and interpret riddles.
If you can interpret this writing you will be clothed in purple,
you will have a gold chain placed around your neck, and you
will be the third highest ruler in the kingdom.”
17
Then Daniel said before the king, “You may keep your
gifts, and give your rewards to someone else. Nevertheless, I
will read the writing for the king, and I will tell him the inter-
pretation. 18O King, the Most High God gave your grandfather
Nebuchadnezzar the kingdom with its greatness, glory, and
splendour. 19Because of the greatness that He gave him, all
people, nations, and languages trembled in fear before him.
He killed whom he wanted, and spared whom he wanted. He
exalted whom he wanted, and brought low whom he wanted.
650
Daniel 6
20
But when his heart became arrogant, and his spirit became
hardened with pride, he was removed from his royal throne,
and his glory was taken from him. 21He was driven away from
men and given the mind of an animal. He lived with wild don-
keys, ate grass like an ox, and his body was soaked with the
dew of heaven. This happened until he acknowledged that the
Most High rules over the kingdoms of men, and that He gives
them to anyone He wants. 22But you, Belshazzar, his grandson,
have not humbled your heart, even though you knew all this.
23
But you have exalted yourself against the Lord of heaven. You
have had the vessels of His house brought to you, and you,
your nobles, your wives, and your concubines have drank wine
from them. You have praised the gods of gold, silver, bronze,
iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or understand.
But you have not magnified the God who has power over your
life and everything you do. 24 Therefore He sent the fingers of a
hand, which wrote this inscription. 25And here is what it says:
MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.

26
And the interpretation of the words are this:
MENE: God has numbered the days of your kingdom

and has brought it to an end.
27
TEKEL: you have been weighed on the balances
and have been found wanting.
28
PERES: your kingdom has been divided
and given to the Medes and Persians.”
29
Then King Belshazzar gave the command, and they clothed
Daniel with purple, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
Then he was proclaimed the third highest ruler in the kingdom.
30
That very night Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, was
killed. 31And Darius the Mede received the kingdom at the age
of sixty-two.
6 It pleased Darius to appoint a hundred and twenty governors

to rule throughout his kingdom, 2and three administrators
to oversee them, one of whom was Daniel. The governors were
accountable to them, so that the king would not suffer any loss.
651
Daniel 6
3
Daniel distinguished himself above the other administrators
and governors, because he excelled at everything he did. There-
fore the king planned to set him over the entire kingdom. 4So
the other administrators and governors tried to find fault with
Daniel regarding his royal duties, but they could not find any
fault or any corruption. He was trustworthy, and no negligence
or corruption was found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will
not find any fault with Daniel, unless it has something to do
with the law of his God.”
6
Then the administrators and governors came before the
king, and said to him, “King Darius, live forever! 7All the royal
administrators, officials, governors, advisers, and deputies
would like the king to issue a decree that would be strictly en-
forced. And this is the decree: whoever prays or petitions any
god or man for the next thirty days except you, O king, will be
thrown into the lions’ den. 8Now, O king, issue the decree and
sign it. Then it cannot be changed, in keeping with the law of
the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered.” 9So King
Darius signed the decree into law.
10
Daniel, knowing that the decree had been signed, went
home. He went up to his upper room, where the windows were
open towards Jerusalem. As was his custom, he knelt down
and prayed, giving thanks to his God (he did this three times
a day). 11Then these men went as a group, and found Daniel
praying and petitioning his God. 12 Then they went to the king
and said, “Did you not sign a decree that says: whoever prays
and petitions any god or man for the next thirty days except
you, O king, will be thrown into the lions’ den?”
The king answered, “I signed it, in keeping with the law of
the Medes and Persians, which cannot be altered.”
13
Then they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles
of Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the decree
that you signed, but prays and petitions his God three times
a day.” 14Upon hearing this, the king became very distressed.
He wanted to save Daniel, and laboured until sunset to find a
way to rescue him.
15
Then these men went as a group to the king, and said to
him, “You know, O king, that in keeping with the law of the
Medes and Persians, no decree or statute that the king makes
can be changed.”
652
Daniel 6
16
So the king gave the command, and they brought Daniel
and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May
your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” 17A stone
was then placed over the mouth of the den. The king sealed it
with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles,
so that Daniel’s situation could not be changed.
18
Then the king went to his palace, and spent the night with-
out food and entertainment. All night long he could not sleep.
19
At the first light of dawn, the king got up and went quickly to
the lions’ den. 20 When he made it to the den, he anxiously cried
out, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom
you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?”
21
Daniel answered, “O king, live forever! 22My God has sent
His angel to shut the lions’ mouths. I have not been harmed,
because He has found me innocent. As for you, O king, I have
done you no wrong.”
23
The king was extremely glad, and at his command Daniel
was lifted out of the den. When they lifted Daniel out, no wounds
were found on him, because he believed in his God.
24
Then at the king’s command, the men who had accused
Daniel were rounded up, along with their wives and children,
and were thrown into the lions’ den. The lions overpowered
them, breaking all their bones before they even hit the bottom
of the den.
25
Then King Darius wrote to all people, nations, and lan-
guages, who live in all the earth:
“May you enjoy peace and prosperity!

26
“I issue a decree that in all my royal dominion men must
tremble in reverence before the God of Daniel:
for He is the living God,

and He endures forever.
His kingdom will never be destroyed,
and His dominion will never end.
27
He delivers and rescues,
and He performs signs and wonders
in heaven and on earth.
653
Daniel 7
And He has delivered Daniel

from the power of the lions.”
28
So Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign
of Cyrus the Persian.
7 In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel had a

dream. While he was lying in his bed, he saw visions pass-
ing through his mind. He wrote down the dream, recording the
visions that he had seen.
2
Daniel explained, saying, “This is what I saw in my vision
during the night: the four winds of heaven were stirring up the
great sea (of the nations). 3And four great beasts 207 came up
from the sea. Each one was different from the other. 4The first
beast208 looked like a lion, and it had the wings of an eagle. As
I watched, its wings were torn off.209 Then it was lifted up from
the ground and made to stand on two feet like a man, and a
man’s heart was given to it.210 5 Then a second beast211 appeared,
which looked like a bear. It was raised up on one side,212 with
three ribs in its mouth between its teeth.213 It was told, ‘Get
up! Devour lots of flesh!’ 6After this, I saw another beast214 that
looked like a leopard. On its back it had four wings, like the
wings of a bird. The beast had four heads,215 and it was given
207
The four great beasts represent four empires that would rule
the earth: the Babylonian Empire, the Medo-Persian Empire,
the Greek Empire, and the Roman Empire.
208
The Babylonian Empire
209
This may be referring to Nebuchadnezzar’s loss of sanity
and authority (Daniel 4:31-33).
210
This may be referring to Nebuchadnezzar’s restoration (Dan-
iel 4:34-36).
211
The Medo-Persian Empire
212
It was raised up on one side: the Persians were more dom-
inant than the Medes (Daniel 8:3).
213
The Medo-Persians conquered Lydia, Babylon, and Egypt.
214
The Greek Empire
215
The Greek Empire of Alexander the Great was divided into
four parts and ruled by four of his generals.
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Daniel 7
authority to rule. 7After this, in the visions of the night, I saw

a fourth beast.216 It was terrifying and dreadful, and extreme-
ly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed its
victims, and trampled whatever was left with its feet. It was
different from all the other beasts that came before it, and it
had ten horns.217
8
“While I was thinking about the horns, I saw a small horn218
that came up among them, and three of the other horns were
uprooted before it. The horn that I saw had the eyes of a man,
and a mouth that spoke arrogantly.
9
“While I was watching,
thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took His seat.
His clothing was as white as snow,
and His hair as white as wool.
His throne was ablaze with flames,
and its wheels burned with fire.
10
A stream of fire flowed from His presence.
Millions attended Him.
Hundreds of millions stood before Him.
The court convened,
and the books were opened.
11
“I continued to watch because of the arrogant words that
the horn was speaking. As I watched, the beast was killed. Its
body was destroyed, and it was thrown into the burning fire.
12
As for the other beasts, their authority to rule was taken away,
but their lives were prolonged for a time and a season.
13
“In the visions of the night,
I saw One who looked like a son of man
coming with the clouds of heaven.
He approached the Ancient of Days
and was brought into His presence.
14
He was given authority to rule,
216
The Roman Empire
217
The ten horns are ten kings who will rule ten kingdoms that
will make up the revived Roman Empire.
218
The antichrist
655
Daniel 7
and glory, and a kingdom,

so that all people, nations,
and languages should serve Him.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion,
which will not pass away,
and His kingdom will never be destroyed.
15
“I, Daniel, was deeply grieved within my spirit, and the
visions that passed through my mind terrified me. 16So I ap-
proached one of those who were standing nearby, and asked
him about all these things. Then he explained the interpreta-
tion to me: 17‘ These four great beasts are four kingdoms that
will rise from the earth. 18But the saints of the Most High will
receive the kingdom, and will possess the kingdom forever and
ever and ever.’
19
“I wanted to know more about the fourth beast, which
was different from all the others. The beast that was extremely
dreadful, with its iron teeth and bronze claws that devoured
and crushed its victims, trampling whatever was left with its
feet. 20I wanted to know more about the ten horns on its head
and about the small horn that came up, before which three
of the horns fell—the horn that had eyes, and a mouth that
spoke arrogantly, and that looked greater than the others. 21As
I watched, this horn made war with the saints. It overpowered
them, 22until the Ancient of Days came and judged in favour of
the saints of the Most High. Then the time came for the saints
to possess the kingdom.
23
“Then he said to me, ‘ The fourth beast is a forth kingdom
that will rule the earth. It will be different from all the other
kingdoms. It will devour, trample, and crush the whole earth.
24
As for the ten horns, out of this kingdom219 ten kings will arise.
Then another king will arise, different from the other ten, and
he will subdue three of these kings. 25He will speak against the
Most High, and will oppress the saints of the Most High. He will
219
Out of the fourth kingdom, the Roman Empire, ten kings
will arise. They will rule ten kingdoms, which will make up the
Revived Roman Empire. Then the antichrist will arise, and the
ten kings will give him their power and authority (Revelation
17:12-13). The antichrist will kill three of these kings.
656
Daniel 8
try to change their religious festivals and laws, and they will be
given into his hand for a time, times, and half a time. 26But the
court will convene, and his authority to rule will be taken away
from him—completely abolished forever. 27Then the dominion,
authority, and greatness of all the kingdoms under heaven will
be given to the saints of the Most High. His kingdom will be an
everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey Him.’
28
“This is the end of the account. As for me, Daniel, my
thoughts greatly terrified me, and my face turned pale, but I
kept the matter to myself.”
8 In the third year of King Belshazzar’s reign, I, Daniel, saw

another vision. 2In the vision I was at the fortress city of
Susa, in the province of Elam, beside the Ulai River. 3I looked
up, and standing beside the river was a ram with two horns.220
Its two horns were long. However, one horn was longer than
the other, and the longer one came up last.221 4I saw the ram
butting westward, northward, and southward. No animals could
stand before him, and no one could save anyone from his hand.
He did as he pleased, and became great.
5
As I was pondering all this, I saw a male goat222 with a
prominent horn223 between his eyes. He was coming from the
west, crossing the face of the whole earth without touching the
ground. 6He approached the ram with two horns, which I had
seen standing beside the river, and charged at him in the fury
of his might. 7I saw him closing in on the ram, and in a furious
rage he struck the ram and broke his two horns. The ram did
not have the strength to stand against him. So the male goat
knocked him to the ground and trampled on him, and no one
could save the ram from his hand. 8 The male goat became
great, but at the height of his power his great horn was broken
220
The ram with two horns represents the Medo-Persian Empire.
221
One horn was the Medes, and the other horn was the Per-
sians. The Medes dominated the empire at first, but the Persians
became the more dominant of the two (Daniel 7:5).
222
The male goat represents the Greek Empire.
223
The prominent horn: Alexander the Great.
657
Daniel 8
off. And in its place four prominent horns came up,224 pointing
to the four winds of heaven. 9Out of one of the horns came a
small horn,225 which became very great. It stretched towards
the south, east, and towards the Beautiful Land—Israel. 10It
became great and attacked God’s people, casting some of them
and their leaders to the ground, trampling them down. 11It acted
arrogantly against God, stopping the daily sacrifice, and des-
ecrating His sanctuary. 12God’s people were given to it, along
with the daily sacrifice, because of their transgressions. It cast
the truth to the ground, and succeeded in everything it did.
13
Then I heard two holy angels talking together, and one
asked the other, “How long will the events of this vision last re-
garding the daily sacrifice, the rebellion that causes desolation,
the giving over of the sanctuary, and the trampling underfoot
of God’s people?”
14
Then he said to me, “It will take 2,300 evenings and morn-
ings; then the sanctuary will be restored.”226
15
After I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I tried making sense of
it. Then suddenly, someone who looked like a man stood before
me. 16 Then I heard a man’s voice from between the banks of
the Ulai River, saying, “Gabriel, explain the vision to this man.”
17
As he approached me, I fell facedown in fear. But he said to
me, “Son of man, understand that the vision pertains to the
time of the end.” 18While he was speaking to me, I fell into a
deep sleep with my face to the ground. But he touched me and
stood me upright. 19 Then he said, “I will explain to you what
will happen later in the time of wrath, for the vision pertains
to the appointed time of the end. 20 The ram that you saw with
two horns represents the kings of Media and Persia. 21The
shaggy male goat is the kingdom of Greece, and the great horn
224
When Alexander the Great died his empire was divided into
four parts and ruled by four of his generals: Cassander, Lysi-
machus, Ptolemy, and Seleucus.
225
This small horn is the Seleucid king: Antiochus IV Epiphanes.
Antiochus IV Epiphanes is a type of the antichrist.
226
This refers to the rededication of the temple by the Macca-
bees—the reason why Hanukkah is celebrated by the Jewish
people (John 10:22).
658
Daniel 9
between his eyes is the first king.227 22His horn will be broken
off, and four horns will come up in its place. The four horns
represent four kingdoms,228 which will come out of that empire,
but none of them will be as powerful. 23 Towards the end of their
rule, when evildoers have become utterly wicked, a stern-faced
king 229 will rise up who is cunning and deceitful. 24He will be
strong and mighty, but not by his own power. He will cause
great destruction, and will succeed in everything he does. He
will destroy many powerful people, including some of the holy
people. 25By his cunning, he will cause deceit to prosper. He
will magnify himself in his heart, and will destroy many who
feel at ease, even rising up against the Prince of princes. Yet
he will be broken, but not with human hands. 26 The vision of
the evenings and mornings, which has been explained to you,
is true. Therefore seal up the vision, for it refers to many days
from now.”
27
Then I, Daniel, was exhausted and ill for several days.
Afterward I got up and carried out the king’s business. I was
overwhelmed by the vision, and I could not understand its
meaning.
9 Now Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, a Mede by descent, was

made king over the kingdom of the Chaldeans. 2In the first
year of his reign, I, Daniel, noticed in the Scriptures, according
to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the Prophet, that Jeru-
salem would lie desolate for seventy years. 3So I set my face
to seek the Lord God by prayers and petitions, with fasting,
sackcloth, and ashes. 4I interceded with the LORD my God and
confessed: “O Lord, You are a great and awesome God! You keep
Your covenant of lovingkindness with those who love You and
keep Your commandments. 5We have sinned, we have commit-
ted iniquity, we have done wickedly, we have rebelled, and we
227
Alexander the Great
228
Alexander’s empire was divided up into four parts: Macedo-
nia, Asia Minor, Egypt, Syria.
229
The stern-faced king is Antiochus IV Epiphanes. It is im-
portant to remember that Antiochus IV Epiphanes is a type of
the antichrist.
659
Daniel 9
have departed from Your commandments and Your laws. 6 We

have not listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in
Your name to our kings, our leaders, our fathers, and to all the
people of the land.
7
“Righteousness belongs to You, O Lord, but to us utter
shame, as the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem
and all Israel bear today, both near and far, in all the countries
where You have scattered us, because of our transgressions
that we have committed against You. 8Utter shame belongs to
us, our kings, our leaders, and our fathers, because we have
sinned against You, O Lord. 9But with the Lord our God there
is mercy and forgiveness, even though we have rebelled against
Him. 10Indeed, we have not obeyed the voice of the LORD our
God. We have not walked in His laws, which He set before us by
His servants the prophets. 11Indeed, all Israel has transgressed
Your law. They have departed from it, and have not obeyed
Your voice. So the curse and the oath that was written in the
Law of Moses, the servant of God, has been poured out upon
us, because we have sinned against Him. 12He has fulfilled His
words, which He spoke against us and against our rulers, by
sending this great calamity upon us. Never, under all of heaven,
has anything been done like what has been done to Jerusalem.
13
Just as it is written in the Law of Moses, all this calamity has
come upon us. Yet we have not sought the favour of the LORD
our God by turning from our iniquities and following His truth.
14
The LORD has been watching, and has brought this calamity
upon us. Indeed, the LORD our God is righteous in all that He
does, yet we have not obeyed His voice.
15
“Now, O Lord our God, who brought Your people out of the
land of Egypt with a mighty hand, and gained for Yourself the
renown You have today—we have sinned, we have acted wick-
edly. 16O Lord, according to Your great righteousness, please
turn Your anger and fury away from Your city Jerusalem—Your
holy mountain. For on account of our sins, and the iniquities
of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become an
object of ridicule to all those around us. 17 Therefore, O God,
hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake,
O Lord, let Your face shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. 18O
my God, open Your ears and listen. Open Your eyes and see
660
Daniel 9
our desolations, and the city that is called by Your name. For
we are not presenting our petitions before You on account of
our righteousness, but on account of Your great mercies. 19O
Lord, hear! O Lord, forgive! O Lord, listen and act! For Your Own
sake, O my God, do not delay! For Your city and Your people
are called by Your name.”
20
While I was saying these things in prayer, and confessing
my sins and the sins of my people Israel, and presenting my
petitions before the LORD my God concerning Jerusalem, the
holy mountain of my God—21while I was praying, the man Ga-
briel, whom I had seen in the previous vision, came swiftly to
me at the time of the evening sacrifice. 22He explained to me:
“Daniel, I have come now to give you wisdom and understanding.
23
When you began your petitions a command went out, which I
have come to tell you about, for you are greatly beloved. There-
fore consider the matter, and understand the vision: 24Seventy
weeks (seventy sevens) have been decreed for your people and
for your holy city, to put an end to their rebellion, to put a stop
to their sin, to make atonement for their iniquity, to bring in
everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy, and
to anoint the Most Holy Place.230 25Know and understand this:
there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks (seven sevens
and sixty-two sevens) from the time the command is issued to
restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the coming of the Messiah,
the Ruler. Its streets and walls will be rebuilt, but during dis-
tressing times.231 26After the sixty-two weeks (sixty-two sevens)
are over the Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself. Then
a ruler232 and his army233 will come, and he234 will destroy the
230
Daniel 9:24: Seventy sevens equates to 490 years in total
(70×7=490). 490 years have been decreed for your people (the
Jewish people) and for the holy city (Jerusalem).
231
Daniel 9:25: Seven sevens (7×7=49) and sixty-two sevens
(62×7=434) equates to 483 years (49+434=483). The command
to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:1-8) happened
in 445 B.C.
232
Vespasian
233
The Roman army
234
Titus, the son of Vespasian.
661
Daniel 10
city and the sanctuary.235 The end will come like a flood,236 and
wars and desolations are decreed until the end.237 27And he238
will make a covenant for one week, but in the middle of the week
he will put an end to the sacrifices and offerings. On a wing of
the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desola-
tion, until what is decreed is poured out on the desolator.”239
10 In the third year of Cyrus king of Persia a message was

revealed to Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar. The
message was true, and it concerned great conflict. Daniel un-
derstood the message, and had understanding of the vision.
2
In those days, I, Daniel, had been mourning for three full
weeks. 3I ate no rich food, no meat or wine entered my mouth,
and I did not anoint myself with oil until the three weeks were
over.
235
70 A.D.
236
Daniel 9:26: After the 483 years or 69 weeks are over the
Messiah will be cut off; not for His own benefit, but for ours!
There was 483 (476) biblical years from 445 B.C. to 32 A.D.
until the Messiah was cut off. Once this happened, Israel’s
prophetic clock stopped and the church age began.
237
Remember that there is more than one calendar involved
here. So how do you get 483 years to fit from 445 B.C. to 32
A.D.? Well, I will try to figure it out:
69×7×360=173,880 days—Biblical calendar.

69×7×365.25=176,415.75 days—Julian calendar.
176,415.75-173,880=2,535.75 days of difference between the
two calendars.
2,535.75÷360=7.04375 years of difference according to the
Biblical calendar.
483-7=476 years.
Remember that when calculating from B.C. to A.C. you must
subtract one year (445+32-1=476 years).
238
The antichrist
239
Daniel 9:27: After the church age comes to an end and the
church is raptured, the seventieth week of Daniel will commence
with Israel signing a 7 year peace treaty with the antichrist.
662
Daniel 10
4
On the twenty-forth day of the first month, as I was on the
bank of the great Tigris River, 5I looked up and saw a man
clothed in linen. He was wearing a belt of pure gold from Uphaz.
6
His body was like topaz. His face was like lightning. His eyes
were like flames of fire. His arms and feet gleamed like polished
bronze. And his voice was like the voice of a multitude. 7Only I,
Daniel, saw the vision. The men who were with me did not see
the vision. However, great fear fell upon them and they fled and
hide themselves. 8I was left alone and saw this great vision. My
strength drained from me and I became deathly pale. I had no
strength left within me.
9
The man in the vision started talking. As soon as I heard
his voice, I fell into a deep sleep with my face to the ground.
10
Then he touched me and raised me to my hands and knees.
11
He said to me, “Daniel, you are greatly beloved. Pay attention
to the words that I am about to tell you. Now stand up, for I
have been sent to you.” And when he said this to me, I stood
up trembling. 12 Then he said, “Do not be afraid, Daniel. Since
the first day you set your heart to understand and to humble
yourself before your God, your requests were heard. And I have
come in response to your prayers. 13But the angel of darkness
who presides over the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twen-
ty-one days. Then Michael, the archangel, came to my aid. For
I was stuck there on account of the angel of darkness who
presides over the kings of Persia. 14Now I have come to explain
to you what will happen to your people in the last days, for the
vision concerns a time yet to come.”
15
While he was telling me these things, I bowed down with
my face to the ground and was unable to speak. 16 Then the an-
gel, who looked like a man, touched my lips. Then I opened my
mouth and began to speak. I said to the one who stood before
me, “My lord, because of the vision, I am overcome with anguish,
and my strength is gone. 17How can I speak with someone like
you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe.”
18
Then the one who looked like a man touched me again, and I
was strengthened. 19He said, “You are greatly beloved, do not be
afraid. Peace be with you! Be strong! Yes! Be strong!” When he
said this to me, I felt even stronger and said, “Speak, my lord,
for my strength has returned.” 20 Then he said, “Do you know
663
Daniel 11
why I have come to you? I must return at once to fight against

the angel of darkness who presides over Persia. Then after that,
the angel of darkness who presides over Greece will rise up.
21
Yet no one stands firmly with me against these forces except
for Michael, the guardian angel of your people. Nevertheless, I
will tell you what is recorded in the Book of Truth.
11 “In the first year of Darius the Mede, I stood up to encour-

age and strengthen him.
2
“Now I will reveal the truth to you. Behold, three more kings
will arise in Persia, and then a fourth, who will be far richer than
the others, and when he becomes strong through his wealth, he
will stir up his entire kingdom against the kingdom of Greece.240
3
“Then a powerful king 241 will arise, who will rule with great
authority, and he will do as he pleases. 4But at the peak of his
power, his kingdom will be broken up and divided toward the
four winds of heaven. It will not be given to his descendants,
and it will not retain the same power and authority that it had
when he ruled, for his kingdom will be uprooted and given to
others.242
5
“The king of the south 243 will grow strong, but one of his
commanders244 will grow stronger than him and will rule his
own kingdom with great power.245
6
“After a number of years they will form an alliance. The
daughter of the king of the south will come to the king of the
240
The three kings were: Cambyses II, Pseudo-Smerdis, and
Darius I Hystaspes. The fourth king was Xerxes I.
241
Alexander the Great
242
The Greek Empire was divided into four kingdoms and ruled
by four of Alexander’s generals: Cassander, Lysimachus, Pto-
lemy, and Seleucus.
243
Ptolemy I Soter
244
Seleucus I Nicator
245
The king of the south: Egypt, the Ptolemies. The king of the
north: Syria, the Seleucids.
664
Daniel 11
north to make an agreement.246 However, her father will shortly

die, and she will not retain her position of power. She will be
killed along with her attendants, her son, and her support-
ers. 7Her brother 247 will come with an army, and will enter the
strongholds of the king of the north.248 He will fight against
them and will be victorious. 8He will also carry their gods and
idols captive into Egypt, along with their precious articles of
silver and gold. And he will rule for more years than the king
of the north. 9Indeed, when the king of the south invades the
realm of the king of the north, he will have to cut things short
and return to his own land.249
10
“The sons of the king of the north 250 will stir themselves
up, and will assemble a great army, and he 251 will advance like
a flood and sweep through the land of Syria. Then he will go
out again, all stirred up, to the border-fortress of Raphia. 11In
anger the king of the south 252 will go out to fight the king of
the north.253 The king of the north will muster a large army,
but his army will be given into the hands of his enemy.254
12
When the king of the south wins the battle, his heart will
become arrogant. He will cast down tens of thousands, but
he will not remain strong. 13And the king of the north255 will
muster another army, greater than the former. A few years lat-
er he will advance with a great army and abundant supplies.
14
During those years, many will oppose the king of the south.256
246
Berenice, daughter of Ptolemy II Philadelphus (king of the
south), married Antiochus II Theos (king of the north).
247
Ptolemy III Euergetes
248
Seleucus II Callinicus
249
Ptolemy III Euergetes returned to deal with trouble in Egypt.
250
The two sons of Seleucus II Callinicus: Seleucus III Cerau-
nus, and Antiochus III the Great.
251
Antiochus III the Great
252
Ptolemy IV Philopator
253
254
Battle of Raphia
255
256
Ptolemy V Epiphanes
665
Daniel 11
And violent men of your own people will rebel in fulfillment of

the vision, but they will stumble.
“Then the king of the north will come, and he will build
15
up siege ramps, and will capture the fortified city of Sidon.257

And the forces of the south will not be able stand, not even his
best troops will have the strength to stand. 16 The king of the
north will do as he pleases, and no one will be able to stand
up against him. He will stand in the Beautiful Land, which
has been ravaged. 17The king of the north258 will set his face
to come with the authority of his entire kingdom and will form
an alliance with the king of the south.259 He will give the king
of the south his daughter 260 in marriage, aiming to undermine
the southern kingdom, but his plan will fail and his daugh-
ter will not support him. 18 Then he will turn his face to the
coastlands, and will conquer many cities. However, a Roman
commander 261 will put an end to his insolence and will defeat
him.262 19 Then the king of the north 263 will turn his face toward
the strongholds of his own land. However, he will stumble and
fall and will not be found again. 20In his place will arise one 264
who will send a tax collector throughout the splendour of his
kingdom. However, in a few years he will be broken, though
not in anger or in battle.
“In his place a vile man265 will arise, who is not the rightful
21
heir to the throne. He will come unexpectedly, and will obtain

the kingdom by flattery. 22In his reign the mighty forces of Egypt
will be swept away and broken, and the leader of the covenant
257
Scopas, a general of Ptolemy V Epiphanes, surrendered to
Antiochus III the Great.
258
259
Ptolemy V Epiphanes
260
Cleopatra I
261
Lucius Cornelius Scipio
262
Battle of Magnesia
263
264
Seleucus IV Philopator
265
Antiochus IV Epiphanes—a type of the antichrist.
666
Daniel 11
as well.266 23After an alliance is made with him, he will act

deceitfully. He will rise up with the support of a few people.
24
He will enter unexpectedly, even into the richest places of
the region. He will accomplish what his fathers and forefathers
could not.267 He will distribute spoil, booty, and riches among
his followers. He will devise plans against the strongholds of
Egypt, but only for a time. 25Indeed, he will stir up his strength
and courage against the king of the south268 with a great army.
And the king of the south will be stirred up to battle with a
very great and mighty army. However, the king of the south
will not be able to stand against the plans and devices of the
king of the north. 26Indeed, those who eat at the table of the
king of the south will cause him much damage, his army will
be swept away, and many will fall down slain. 27Both these
king’s,269 with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the
same table. However, this will not prosper, for the end will come
at the appointed time. 28 Then the king of the north will return
to his own land with great riches, but on the way his heart
will be against the people of the holy covenant. He will take
action against them, and then he will return to his own land.
“At the appointed time the king of the north270 will invade
29
Egypt again, but the outcome will not be the same as it was
before. 30For ships from the western coastlands 271 will come
against him, and he will be grieved and turn back. In a rage
he will come against the people of the holy covenant, and will
take action against them. And he will show favour to those
who forsake the holy covenant. 31His military forces will come
and desecrate the temple fortress. They will eliminate the
daily sacrifice, and will set up the abomination that causes
desolation. 32 With flattery he will corrupt those who violate
the covenant, but the people who know their God will stand
266
Onias III, the high priest, was removed from his office.
267
Antiochus IV Epiphanes accomplished what his fathers and
forefathers could not: he invaded Egypt.
268
Ptolemy VI Philometor
269
Antiochus IV Epiphanes and Ptolemy VI Philometor.
270
Antiochus IV Epiphanes
271
The Romans
667
Daniel 11
firm and take action. 33 Those who are wise among the people
will instruct many. But for a time they will fall by sword and
flame, by captivity and plundering. 34When they fall, they will
receive a little help, and many with insincere intentions will join
them. 35Some of the wise will fall so that they may be refined,
purified, and made white until the time of the end—for it will
still come at the appointed time.
36
“The king 272 will do as he pleases. He will exalt and magnify
himself above every god and will speak blasphemous things
against the God of gods. He will prosper until the time of wrath
is completed, for what has been decreed must happen. 37He will
show no regard for the God of his fathers, the Messiah, or any
other god, because he will magnify himself above all. 38He will
instead honour a god of fortresses, a god whom his fathers did
not know. He will honour him with gold, silver, precious stones,
and costly gifts. 39He will attack the strongest fortresses with
the help of this foreign god. He will give great honour to those
who submit to him, giving them authority over many people,
and distributing land among them as a reward.
40
“At the time of the end the king of the south273 will engage
him in battle. Then the king of the north274 will storm out against
him with chariots and horsemen and a large number of ships.
He will invade many counties, sweeping through them like a
flood. 41He will invade the Beautiful Land, and many countries
will fall. But Edom, Moab, and the leaders of Ammon will es-
cape from his hand.275 42He will extend his power over many
countries, and even the land of Egypt will not escape. 43He will
gain control over Egypt’s treasures of gold and silver and all its
riches, and Libya and Sudan will submit to him. 44But reports
from the east and from the north will trouble him. Therefore
he will go out with great fury to destroy and annihilate many.
272
The antichrist
273
Egypt
274
The antichrist
275
Edom, Moab, and Ammon are modern-day Jordan. When
the Jews in Israel flee from the antichrist they will most likely
end up in Petra, which is in Jordan (Revelation 12:6, 12:13-17).
668
Daniel 12
And he will set up his royal tents between the seas,276 at the
45
beautiful holy mountain.277 Yet he will come to his end, with

no one to help him.
12 “At that time Michael will arise, the archangel who stands
guard over your people. It will be a time of tribulation,
greater than anything the world has ever seen. At that time
your people will escape, everyone whose name is found written
in the book. 2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will
awake—some to everlasting life,278 and some to shame and
everlasting disgrace.279 3 Those who are wise will shine like
the brightness of the heavens, and those who turn many to
righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever. 4But
you, Daniel, close up these words and seal the book until the
time of the end. Many will run back and forth, and knowledge
will increase.”
5
Then I, Daniel, looked and saw two others standing there,
one on this side of the riverbank, and the other on that side
of the riverbank. 6One of them said to the man who was above
the waters of the river, who was clothed in linen, “How long
will it be until these wonders are fulfilled?” 7Then I heard the
man who was above the waters of the river, who was clothed
in linen; he had both hands lifted up to heaven, and he swore
an oath by Him who lives forever, saying, “It will be for a time,
times, and half a time. When the shattering of the power of the
holy people is complete, then all these things will be fulfilled.”
8
I heard what he said, but I did not understand it. So I asked
him, “My lord, what will be the outcome of these things?” 9But
he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for these words are closed up
and sealed until the time of the end. 10Many will be refined,
purified, and made white, but the wicked will continue to act
276
The Mediterranean Sea, and the Dead Sea.
277
Zion/Jerusalem
278
Revelation 20:4-6; Revelation 2:11. They will take part in
the first resurrection.
279
Revelation 20:5, 20:11-15, 21:8. They will take part in the
second death.
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Daniel 12
wickedly. None of the wicked will understand these things,

but the wise will understand them. 11From the time that the
daily sacrifice is eliminated and the abomination that causes
desolation is set up, there will be 1,290 days.280 12Blessed is
he who perseveres and reaches the end of the 1,335 days!281
13
But as for you, go your way until the end. You will rest, and
then you will stand in your allotted inheritance at the end of
the days.”
280
There will be 30 days above and beyond the three and a half
years from the time that the daily sacrifice is eliminated and
the abomination that causes desolation is set up (Revelation
13:14-15) until the fulfillment of Daniel 9:24. This will be a time
of judgment and reconciliation between the true Messiah and
the Jewish people, in order to put an end to their rebellion, to
put a stop to their sin, to make atonement for their iniquity,
and to bring in everlasting righteousness (Zechariah 13:8-9,
12:10-14; John 19:37). After two days (2000 years) He will revive
us, on the third day (Millennial reign of Christ) He will restore
us, and we will live in His presence (Hosea 6:1-3).
281
These extra 45 days will be for the judging of the nations/
Gentiles (the sheep and goat nations, Matthew 25:31-46). It may
also be a time of transition, for organizing and setting things in
order, like any new government would do. And if the Marriage
Supper of the Lamb is celebrated after Christ’s return, then
this would probably be the time when it would be celebrated
(Revelation 19:9).
Some say that the Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be celebrat-
ed in heaven during the Tribulation Period (Genesis 29:27-28;
Judges 14:12), while others say that the Marriage Supper of
the Lamb will take place after Christ returns to earth to rule
and reign (Matthew 25:1-13; Luke 22:15-18). The more I look at
this, the more I see two different celebrations. I think there will
be an intimate wedding/wedding celebration in heaven during
the Tribulation Period. Then, after Christ returns, there will
be a wedding celebration with those found worthy of entering
the Millennial Reign of Christ. At that time, Christ will reveal
His Bride to the public. Then His subjects will celebrate at a
large feast (Luke 13:29). Here are a few verses to check out:
Revelation 19:6-9, 11-16; Joel 2:15-16.
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Ezekiel 38
Ezekiel 38 & 39
38 The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2“Son of man,
turn your face against Gog (Leader of Russia) of the land
of Magog (Russia),282 the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal
(Turkey),283 and prophesy against him. 3Say to him: ‘ This is
what the Lord GOD says: look! I am against you, O Gog (Leader
of Russia), the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal (Turkey). 4I
will turn you around, and I will put hooks in your jaw. I will
lead you out with all your army—all your horses and horsemen
fully armed—a great multitude with shields and swords. 5With
you will be: Iran, Sudan, and Libya, all of them with helmets
and shields; 6Gomer (Turkey), and all its troops; the House of
Togarmah (Turkey) from the far north and all its troops, and
many others.
“‘Get ready and prepare yourself, you and all the armies
7
gathered with you, and take command of them. 8After a long

time you will be summoned. In the latter years you will enter
a land that has been rebuilt from war. The people of that land
have been gathered from many nations to the land of Israel,
which had long been in ruins. They were brought out of the
nations, and now all of them live in safety. 9You will advance
like a storm, like a cloud covering the land, you and all your
troops, and many nations with you.
“‘This is what the Lord GOD says: at that time ideas will
10
enter your mind, and you will think up an evil plan. 11You will
say, “I will invade a land without fortified cities. I will attack
those who are at rest and live in safety, all of them living with-
out walls or bars or gates. 12I will plunder and loot. I will turn
my hand against the ruins that are now inhabited, and against
the people who were gathered from many nations. They are
rich in livestock and goods, and they live at the center of the
world.” 13Sheba and Dedan (Saudi Arabia, and the nations of
282
Russia, along with the islamic countries that were once re-
publics of the former Soviet Union.
283
Gog (Leader of Russia) will be the most powerful leader in
that part of the world, and he will lead Turkey and his allies
against Israel.
671
Ezekiel 39
the Arabian Peninsula), and the merchants of Tarshish (Western

Europe) with all its leaders, will say to you, “Have you come to
plunder? Have you gathered your armies to loot, to carry off
silver and gold, to take away livestock and goods, and to seize
much plunder?”’
14
“Therefore prophesy, son of man, and say to Gog (Leader of
Russia): ‘ This is what the Lord GOD says: at that time, when
My people Israel are living in safety, will you not take notice?
15
You will come from your country in the far north, you and
many nations with you, all of them riding on horses, a great
army and a mighty force. 16You will advance against My people
Israel like a cloud covering the land. In the latter days I will
bring you against My land, O Gog (Leader of Russia), so that
the nations may know Me when I show Myself holy through
you in their sight.
17
“‘ This is what the Lord GOD says: are you not the one I
spoke about long ago by My servants, the prophets of Israel,
who prophesied for many years that I would bring you against
them? 18At that time, on the day when Gog (Leader of Russia)
attacks the land of Israel, My anger will boil over, says the Lord
GOD. 19In My jealousy and fiery wrath I have spoken! Surely, at
that time there will be a great earthquake in the land of Israel.
20
The fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the wild animals in
the land, every creature that crawls on the ground, and all the
men on the face of the earth will tremble at My presence. The
mountains will collapse, the cliffs will crumble, and every wall
will fall to the ground. 21I will call for a sword against him on
all My mountains, says the Lord GOD, and every man’s sword
will be against his brother. 22I will judge him with plague and
bloodshed. I will pour down torrents of rain, large hailstones,
fire, and brimstone on him and on his troops and on the many
nations with him. 23 Thus I will demonstrate My greatness and
My holiness, and I will make Myself known in the sight of many
nations. Then they will know that I am the LORD.’
39 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy against Gog (Leader of

Russia) and say: ‘ This is what the Lord GOD says: look!
I am against you, O Gog (Leader of Russia), the chief prince
of Meshech and Tubal (Turkey). 2I will turn you around, and I
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Ezekiel 39
will drag you along. I will bring you from the far north, and I
will lead you against the mountains of Israel. 3I will knock your
bow from your left hand, and I will make your arrows fall from
your right hand. 4You will fall on the mountains of Israel, you
and all your troops, and the nations that are with you. I will
give you as food to every kind of bird of prey, and to the wild
animals of the land. 5You will fall in the open field, for I have
spoken, says the Lord GOD. 6I will send fire on Magog (Russia),
and on all your allies who live safely on the coasts, and they
will know that I am the LORD.
7
“‘ I will make My holy name known among My people Israel,
and I will no longer let them pollute My holy name. Then the
nations will know that I am the LORD, the Holy One of Israel.
8
Look! It is coming, and it will happen, says the Lord GOD. This
is the day about which I have spoken.
9
“‘ Then the inhabitants of Israel’s cities will go out and use
the weapons for kindling. It will take seven years for them to
burn all the shields, bows, arrows, clubs, and spears. 10 They
will have no need to gather wood from the fields or to cut down
trees from the forests, because they will use the weapons as
firewood. They will plunder the plunderers and loot the looters,
says the Lord GOD.
11
“‘At that time I will give Gog (Leader of Russia) a place of
renown, a tomb in Israel, a burial-place in the Valley of the
Travelers, east of the Dead Sea. It will block the way of travel-
ers, because Gog (Leader of Russia) and his whole army will be
buried there; it will be called, “The Valley of Gog’s Multitude.” 284
12
It will take the house of Israel seven months to bury them, in
order to cleanse the land. 13All the people of the land will dig
their graves. Indeed, on that day, when I show My glory, the
house of Israel will gain renown, says the Lord GOD. 14Then
after seven months, they will appoint men to search the land
for human remains, in order to bury them. 15 Whenever they
go through the land and see a human bone, they will set up a
marker beside it, until the gravediggers bury it in the Valley of
Gog’s Multitude. 16 And there will be a city there named “Hamo-
nah.” 285 In this way they will cleanse the land.’
284
The Valley of Hamon-Gog
285
“Hamonah,” means, “Multitude”
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Ezekiel 39
17
“As for you, son of man, this is what the Lord GOD says:
say to all the birds and wild animals of the land: ‘Assemble
yourselves and come! Gather yourselves from all around for
the sacrifice I am preparing for you, a great sacrifice on the
mountains of Israel. There you will eat flesh and drink blood.
18
You will eat the flesh of mighty men, and drink the blood of
the princes of the earth. Indeed, they will be like rams, lambs,
goats, and bulls—all of them fattened animals from Bashan.
19
You will eat fat until you are full, and drink blood until you
are drunk, at the sacrifice that I have prepared for you. 20You
will be filled at My table with horses and riders, with mighty
men and soldiers of every kind,’ says the Lord GOD.
21
“I will display My glory among the nations, and all the na-
tions will see the judgment that I have executed, and the hand
that I have laid upon them. 22From that day forward the house
of Israel will know that I am the LORD their God. 23 Then the
nations will know that the house of Israel went into captivity
for their sin, because they rebelled against me. As a result, I
hid My face from them and delivered them into the hands of
their enemies, so that they all fell by the sword. 24I dealt with
them according to their uncleanness and their transgressions,
and I hid My face from them.
25
“Therefore, this is what the Lord GOD says: now I will re-
store the fortunes of Jacob and will have compassion on the
entire house of Israel, and I will be jealous for My holy name.
26
They will live safely in their land without fear, and will forget
their shame and all the unfaithful things that they have done
against Me. 27Indeed, after I have brought them back from the
nations and have gathered them from the countries of their
enemies, I will display My holiness through them in the sight
of many nations. 28 Then they will know that I am the LORD
their God, since it was I who sent them into captivity among
the nations, since it was I who gathered them back to their
own land. I will not leave any of them behind. 29I will no longer
hide My face from them, for I will pour out My Spirit upon the
house of Israel, says the Lord GOD.”
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End Time Scriptures
End Time Scriptures

The most important fulfillment of Bible prophecy in our
time was when Israel became a nation in 1948 (Isaiah 66:8). In
Matthew 24:32-35, Mark 13:28-31, and Luke 21:29-33, Jesus
tells a parable about a fig tree. The fig tree represents Israel.
When the fig tree (Israel) flourishes again (the rebirth of Israel
as a nation) you know that summer is near (the second coming
of Christ). The generation that see’s the rebirth of Israel will
not pass away until all these things (the signs mentioned in
Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21) have been fulfilled.
Here are some Scriptures that pertain to the end times. To

obtain a good understanding of end time Bible prophecy, one
must know what the Bible says about it from beginning to end.
We do not know exactly how everything will play out until it
happens. However, the Scriptures do make some things clear.
It is important that we get a good grasp of what is coming. So
study the text for yourself and see what conclusions you come
to. There are many more end time verses, but these ones will
get you started.
1. Genesis 3:15 –Christ’s victory over satan.
2. Psalm 2:1-6 –The nations conspire against the Lord

and He laughs at them.
3. Psalm 2:8-9 –Jesus ruling the nations with an iron

Revelation 19:15 sceptre.
4. Psalm 75:8-10 –The cup of God’s wrath.

Rev. 14:9-10
Revelation 16:19
5. Psalm 86:9 –All nations will come and worship the

Lord.
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End Time Scriptures
6. Psalm 110 –Jesus King and Priest.
7. Psalm 145:13 –The Lord’s kingdom is an everlasting

Daniel 7:27 kingdom.
8. Isaiah 2:2-4 –Millennial reign of Christ, they will beat

Micah 4:1-4 their swords into plowshares.
9. Isaiah 2:10-21 –The dread of the Lord.

Revelation 6:15-17
10. Isaiah 4:2-6 –The millennial reign of Christ.
11. Isaiah 9:6-7 –The government will be on His

shoulders.
12. Isaiah 11:1-9 –The millennium reign of Christ, tame

Isaiah 65:25 animals.
13. Isaiah 11:15-16 –A highway will run from Egypt to

Isaiah 19:23-25 Assyria during the millennial reign of
Christ.
14. Isaiah 13 –A prophecy against Babylon.
15. Isaiah 14:12-15 –Satan cast down to the earth.

Ezekiel 28:11-17
Revelation 12:7-9
Luke 10:18
16. Isaiah 24:17-23 –God punishing His enemies during the

Isaiah 24:1, 3, 6 tribulation period, the Lord reigning in
Jerusalem.
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End Time Scriptures
17. Isaiah 32:13-18 –The Holy Spirit poured out on the

Jewish people, and other millennial
blessings for them.
18. Isaiah 34:1-4 –The battle of Armageddon and the

tribulation.
19. Isaiah 60:19-22 –God’s glory will be the light of the new
Revelation 21:23 Jerusalem.
Revelation 22:5
20. Isaiah 65:17-19 –New heaven and new earth.
21. Isaiah 65:20-25 –The millennial reign of Christ.
22. Isaiah 66:8-9 –Israel became a nation again in 1948,

but the restoration of Israel will be fully
fulfilled when Christ returns.
23. Jer. 3:16-17 – Jerusalem will be called the Throne

Zech. 14:16-17 of the Lord.
24. Jeremiah 23:5 –A righteous Branch.

Jeremiah 33:15
Zechariah 3:8
Zech. 6:12-13
Isaiah 4:2
Isaiah 11:1,10
25. Jeremiah 30:7 –Jacob’s Trouble
26. Ezek. 11:17-20 –The Jews gathered to Israel when

Ezekiel 28:25-26 Christ returns.
Ezekiel 34:11-16
Isaiah 43:5-7
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End Time Scriptures
27. Ezekiel 34:22-31 –One Shepherd over Israel.

Ezekiel 37:24
28. Ezekiel 36:24-38 –God will put His Spirit in His people,
and other blessings.
29. Ezekiel 37:1-14 – Ezekiel’s vision of the Valley of Dry

Bones.
30. Ezekiel 37:24-28 –Jesus will be King over Israel.
31. Ezekiel 38-39 –The battle of Gog and Magog.
32. Ezekiel 40-46 –The millennial temple.
33. Ezekiel 45:1-8 –The division of the land of Israel during

Ezekiel 47:13-21 the millennial reign of Christ.
Ezekiel 48:1-29
34. Ezekiel 47:1-12 –A river flowing from the temple.

Joel 3:17-18
Zechariah 14:8
35. Daniel 2:24-45 –Nebuchadnezzar’s dream of the big

statue—world empires.
36. Daniel 7 –Daniel’s dream of four beasts.
37. Daniel 7:7-8, –The antichrist will subdue 3 of the 10

20, 24 kings.
Revelation 17:12
38. Daniel 8 –Daniel’s vision of a ram and a goat.
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End Time Scriptures
39. Daniel 9:20-27 –Daniel’s vision of seventy weeks.
40. Daniel 9:27 –The antichrist will make a peace treaty

with Israel for seven years, but he will
break it halfway through the tribulation
period.
41. Daniel 11:36-45 –The king of the south will engage the
antichrist in battle. Reports from the
east and north will trouble him.
42. Daniel 12 –The end times.
43. Daniel 12:11 –The abomination that causes

Daniel 11:31 desolation.
Daniel 9:27
Matthew 24:15
Mark 13:14
Rev. 13:14-15
44. Hosea 1:8-11 –Israel restored.
45. Hosea 3:4-5 –Israel will return to the Lord.

Hosea 6:1-3
46. Hosea 14:4-8 –God will heal Israel’s backsliding.
47. Joel 2:1-11 –The battle of Armageddon.

Joel 2:20
Joel 1:15
48. Joel 2:28-32 –I will pour out My Spirit upon all flesh.
Acts 2:17-21
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End Time Scriptures
49. Joel 3:1-2 –The valley of decision/Armageddon.

Joel 3:9-16
50. Amos 5:18-20 –The day of the Lord will be darkness,

Zeph. 1:14-15 not light.
Zechariah 14:6-7
Joel 2:30-32
Acts 2:19-21
51. Amos 9:11-15 –Israel will be restored.
52. Obadiah 15-17 –Israel will possess its inheritance.
53. Micah 4:1-8 –The millennial reign of Christ.
54. Micah 4:11-13 –The battle of Armageddon.
55. Habakkuk 2:14 –The earth will be filled with the

Isaiah 11:9 knowledge of the glory of the Lord.
56. Zeph. 1:14-18 –The great day of the Lord.
57. Zephaniah 3:8 –Armageddon.
58. Zeph. 3:9-20 –The Lord will rejoice over Israel with
singing.
59. Haggai 2:6-7 –The Lord will shake the heavens and
Isaiah 24:17-23 the earth.
60. Zechariah 2 –Jerusalem will be a city without walls,

the Lord will be a wall of fire around
Jerusalem.
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End Time Scriptures
61. Zechariah 3:9 –The Lord will remove the sins of Israel
in a single day.
62. Zechariah 4 –Also represents the two witnesses of

Rev. 11:3-12 the tribulation period.
63. Zech. 6:9-15 –Symbolic of Jesus.
64. Zechariah 8:1-8 –The millennial reign of Christ.

Zech. 8:20-23
65. Zech. 11:15-17 –The antichrist and his wounds.
66. Zechariah 12:1-9 –The Lord will deliver Israel, the battle
of Armageddon.
67. Zech. 12:10-14 –Mourning for the One they pierced.

Revelation 1:7
68. Zechariah 13:8-9 –1/3 of the Jewish people left.
69. Zech. 14:1-15 –The day of the Lord.
70. Zech. 14:16-21 – Every year the nations will go and

worship the King, the Lord Almighty.
71. Malachi 4:1-3 –The day of the Lord.
72. Malachi 4:5 –Elijah is one of the 2 witnesses.

Rev. 11:3-12
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End Time Scriptures
73. Matthew 19:28 –The disciples will sit on 12 thrones and

Luke 22:28-30 will judge the 12 tribes of Israel during
the millennial reign of Christ.
74. Matthew 24 – Jesus tells the disciples about the

Mark 13 signs of His coming and of the end of
Luke 21:5-36 the age.
75. Matt. 25:31-46 –The sheep and goat nations.
76. Romans 8:22-25 –The rapture.

Titus 2:11-14
1 John 3:2-3
77. 1 Cor. 15:35-55 –The rapture.
78. 2 Cor. 5:10 –The judgment seat of Christ.

Romans 14:10
79. Philip. 3:20-21 –The rapture.

Colossians 3:4
80. 1 Thess. 1:10 –The rapture, Jesus will rescue us from

Revelation 3:10 the coming wrath.
81. 1 Thess. 4:13-18 –The rapture.
82. 1 Thess. 5:1-4 –The day of the Lord will come like a
2 Peter 3:10 thief in the night.
Rev. 16:14-15
83. 1 Thess. 5:9-10 –The rapture, God did not appoint us

to suffer wrath.
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End Time Scriptures
84. 2 Thess. 2:1-12 –Rapture, second coming, antichrist.
85. 2 Thess. 2:7-8 –After the rapture of the church the

antichrist will be revealed.
86. 1 Timothy 4:1 –In the last days some will abandon
the faith.
87. 2 Timothy 3:1-5 –The wickedness of people in the last

days.
88. James 5:1-6 –The rich in the last days.
89. 2 Peter 3:7-13 –New heaven and earth.
90. Jude 14-15 –Jesus will come with His saints.
91. Revelation 1:7 –The second coming of Christ.
92. Revelation 6:1-2 – First seal, the antichrist comes onto

Daniel 9:27 the scene and makes a peace treaty with
Israel.
93. Revelation 6:3-4 –Second seal, peace is taken from the

earth and men kill one another.
94. Revelation 6:5-6 –Third seal, famine.
95. Revelation 6:7-8 – Forth seal, a fourth of the earth is

killed by sword, famine, plague, and
wild animals.
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End Time Scriptures
96. Revelation 6:9-11 –Fifth seal, martyred tribulation saints.
97. Rev. 6:12-17 –Sixth seal, great earthquake, sun

turned black, moon turned blood red,
stars fell from the sky, the sky receded
like a scroll, every mountain and island
was removed from its place.
98. Rev. 6:15-17 –Men hide in caves.

Isaiah 2:10, 19
99. Revelation 7:1-8 –The 144,000 Jewish witnesses.
100. Rev. 7:9-17 –Martyred tribulation saints.
101. Revelation 8:1-6 –The seventh seal ushers in the seven

trumpet judgments.
102. Revelation 8:7 –First trumpet judgment, hail and fire

mixed with blood tossed to the earth,
and a third of the earth, trees, and grass
burnt up.
103. Revelation 8:8-9 –Second trumpet judgment, something

that looked like a massive burning
mountain was tossed into the sea and
a third of the sea turned to blood, a third
of the sea creatures died, and a third of
the ships were destroyed.
104. Rev. 8:10-11 –Third trumpet judgment, a massive

star fell from heaven and a third of the
rivers and springs were poisoned.
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End Time Scriptures
105. Revelation 8:12 – Fourth trumpet judgment, a third of

the sun, moon, and stars were struck
with darkness.
106. Revelation 8:13 –Warning of the three woes.
107. Rev. 9:1-12 – Fifth trumpet judgment, first woe,

demonic locusts.
108. Rev. 9:13-21 –Sixth trumpet judgment, second woe,

four angels released at the Euphrates
River, 200 million man army, a third
of mankind killed by plagues of fire,
smoke, and brimstone.
109. Rev. 11:1-2 –The temple.
110. Rev. 11:3-14 –The 2 witnesses, second woe ends.
111. Rev. 11:15-19 –The seventh trumpet ushers in the

Rev. 15 seven bowl judgments, the third woe.
112. Rev. 12:1-6 –Israel flees to the desert for three and
Rev. 12:13-17 a half years.
113. Rev. 12:7-12 –Satan thrown down to the earth.
114. Revelation 13:3 –The antichrist’s fatal wound.

Rev. 13:12-14
Zech. 11:17
115. Rev. 13:4-10 –The antichrist will have authority over

all people, and all people will worship
him.
685
End Time Scriptures
116. Rev. 13:11-18 –The false prophet, image of the beast,

and mark of the beast.
117. Rev. 14:1-5 –The 144,000 Jewish witnesses in

heaven.
118. Rev. 14:6-7 –An angel preaches the gospel.
119. Revelation 14:8 –An angel warns of the fall of Babylon

the Great.
120. Rev. 14:9-11 –An angel warns not to worship the

beast, his image, or receive his mark.
121. Rev. 14:14-20 –The harvest of the earth, the battle of

Armageddon.
122. Rev. 14:20 –The battle of Armageddon, blood up to

the horses bridle for 200 miles.
123. Revelation 15 –Martyred tribulation saints, the seven

angels with the seven last plagues.
124. Revelation 16:2 – First bowl judgment, painful sores

broke out on those who had the mark
of the beast and worshiped his image.
125. Revelation 16:3 –Second bowl judgment, the sea turned

to blood and all the sea creatures died.
126. Revelation 16:4 –Third bowl judgment, the rivers and

springs of water turned to blood.
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End Time Scriptures
127. Rev. 16:8-9 – Fourth bowl judgment, the sun

scorches people.
128. Rev. 16:10-11 – Fifth bowl judgment, the beast’s

kingdom plunged into darkness.
129. Rev. 16:12 –Sixth bowl judgment, the Euphrates

Rev. 9:13-21 river dries up to make way for the kings
of the east.
130. Rev. 16:13-16 –Three evil spirits come from the mouths
of the dragon, beast, and false prophet,
to gather the nations for the battle of
Armageddon.
131. Rev. 16:17-21 – Seventh bowl judgment, a great

earthquake, the great city split into three
parts, cities of the nations collapsed,
islands fled, mountains were not found,
100 pound hail stones.
132. Revelation 17 –Mystery Babylon.
133. Rev. 17:12-13 –The ten kings give their power and
authority to the beast.
134. Revelation 18 –Babylon the Great falls.
135. Rev. 19:7-9 –The marriage supper of the Lamb.
136. Rev. 19:11-21 –Christ’s second coming, defeat of the

antichrist.
137. Rev. 20:1-3 –Satan thrown into the bottomless pit

for a thousand years.
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End Time Scriptures
138. Rev. 20:4-6 –The saints reign with Christ for a

thousand years.
139. Rev. 20:7-10 –Satan released for one last time to

gather the nations for battle. Satan
thrown into the lake of fire.
140. Rev. 20:11-15 –The great white throne judgment.
141. Revelation 21:1 –A new heaven and new earth, God

Isaiah 65:17 established the earth forever.
Isaiah 66:22
2 Peter 3:13
Psalm 78:69
142. Rev. 21:2-27 –The new Jerusalem.
143. Rev. 22:1-2 –The river of the water of life.
144. Rev. 22:3-5 –The throne of God and of the Lamb

will be in the new Jerusalem.
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End Time Scriptures
7 Seal Judgments 7 Trumpet Judgments 7 Bowl Judgments

First Seal: First Trumpet: First Bowl:
The antichrist comes Third of the earth, Painful sores broke out
onto the scene and trees, and grass burnt on those who had the
makes a 7 year peace up. mark of the beast and
treaty with Israel. worshiped his image.
Second Seal: Second Trumpet: Second Bowl:
Peace is taken from Third of the sea The sea turned to blood
the earth, and men turned to blood, third and all the sea crea-
kill one another. of the sea creatures tures died.
died, third of the
ships destroyed.
Third Seal: Third Trumpet: Third Bowl:
Famine Third of the rivers and The rivers and springs
springs poisoned. turned to blood.
Fourth Seal: Fourth Trumpet: Fourth Bowl:
Fourth of the earth Third of the sun, The sun scorches
is killed by sword, moon, and stars people.
famine, plague, wild struck with darkness.
animals.
Fifth Seal: Fifth Trumpet: Fifth Bowl:
Martyred tribulation First woe, demonic The beast’s kingdom
saints. locusts. plunged into darkness.
Sixth Seal: Sixth Trumpet: Sixth Bowl:
Great earthquake, Second woe, four Euphrates River dries
sun turned black, angels released at the up to make way for the
moon turned blood Euphrates River, 200 kings of the east.
red, stars fell, the sky million man army,
receded like a scroll, a third of mankind
every mountain and killed by plagues of
island was removed fire, smoke, and
from its place. brimstone.
Seventh Seal: Seventh Trumpet: Seventh Bowl:
The Seventh Seal Third woe, the Sev- Great earthquake, the
ushers in the Seven enth Trumpet ushers great city split into three
Trumpet Judgments. in the Seven Bowl parts, cities of the na-
Judgments. tions collapsed, islands
fled, mountains were
not found, 100 pound
hail stones.
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Questions & Answers

1. The Rapture
What is the Rapture?
The Rapture is when the Lord Jesus Christ comes for His
Bride, the Church (Ephesians 5:25-27). The saints, both dead
and alive, will be caught up in the air to meet Jesus (1 Thessa-
lonians 4:13-18). We will receive our glorified (immortal) bodies
when this happens. (1 Corinthians 15:35-55)!
When will the Rapture occur?

As far as I am concerned, the Rapture of the Church will
occur before the Tribulation Period (see side note on page 481).
Many others believe the Rapture will happen halfway through
the Tribulation Period, while others at the Second Coming of
Christ. It is not really a matter of when you think the Rapture
will take place, but that you believe there is a Rapture—always
waiting and watching for your Lord to come, regardless of when
He comes.
What about the Old Testament saints?

Well, there are three trains of thought here: 1) The Old Tes-
tament saints received their glorified bodies after Jesus rose
from the dead (Matthew 27:52-53; Ephesians 4:8). 2) The Old
Testament saints will receive their glorified bodies at the Rap-
ture along with us, the Church (Hebrews 11:39-40). 3) The Old
Testament saints will receive their glorified bodies at the end
of the Tribulation Period (Daniel 12:1-2, 13).
I believe it is the first one. I think the second one is for the
Church (the Lord is coming for a Church without spot or wrinkle,
Ephesians 5:25-27)—meaning that the Rapture is specifically
for the Church. And last of all, I think the third one is speaking
in general terms, because it jumps from the Tribulation Period
in the first verse, all the way to Eternity in the third verse. So
I think that it is speaking generally over a large space of time.
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Daniel 12:2 says that multitudes who sleep in the dust of the
earth will awake—some to everlasting life, and some to shame
and everlasting disgrace. Yet Revelation 20:4-5 says that the
dead Tribulation Saints will come to life and reign with Christ
in the Millennial Reign, but that the wicked dead will not come
to life until the end of the thousand years are over. So Daniel
12:1-3 is speaking in general terms over time: from the end of
the Tribulation Period, all the way to the end of the Millennial
Reign, and into Eternity. Daniel 12:13 is speaking about this
same space of time. It is speaking about the end of all these
days; the end of their fulfillment; the end of the seventh day.
God created the earth in six days, and on the seventh day He
rested (Millennial Reign of Christ). After the seventh day is Eter-
nity (New Heaven and Earth). Daniel would receive his allotted
inheritance at the end of the days—in Eternity.
2. The Battle of Gog and Magog
What is the Battle of Gog and Magog?
The Battle of Gog and Magog is a battle in which Russia and

its allies will march against Israel. God will respond by fighting
for Israel, defeating Russia and its allies (Ezekiel 38-39).
When will this battle happen?
I think this battle will happen in a space of time between

the Rapture of the Church and the start of the Tribulation
Period. Others believe this battle will happen in the first half
of the Tribulation Period, while others believe it will be a part
of the Battle of Armageddon. You can look into it for yourself
and decide.
What about the Gog and Magog in Revelation 20:8?
The Gog and Magog mentioned in Revelation 20:8 is a different

battle. It has to do with satan’s final rebellion, when satan is
released from the bottomless pit/abyss (Revelation 20:1-3, 7-10).
After this last rebellion satan will go to his eternal punishment.
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3. The Judgment Seat of Christ
What is the Judgment Seat of Christ?
All believers, who have been Raptured up to heaven, will

stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ. Our works and the
motives behind them will be examined, and the Lord will reward
us accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10).
When will it happen?
The Judgment Seat of Christ will take place in heaven right

after the Rapture of the Church.
4. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb
What is the Marriage Supper of the Lamb?
The Lamb (Jesus) will marry His Bride (the Church), and the
Marriage Supper of the Lamb will be a part of the marriage cel-
ebrations (Revelation 19:7-9). Look at side note 281, page 670.
The marriage between Christ and His Church will take place in
heaven after the Judgment Seat of Christ. Some say the Mar-
riage Supper of the Lamb will take place in heaven just before
Christ returns, but others say it will take place on earth after
the Lord returns (during the extra 75 days spoken of in Daniel
12:11-12). Both scenarios are plausible. I recommend that you
do a study on ancient Jewish wedding customs.
5. The Tribulation Period
What is the Tribulation Period?
The Tribulation Period is a seven year period in which God

will pour out His wrath on the inhabitants of the earth.
What is the Great Tribulation Period?
Technically speaking, the first half of the Tribulation Period
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is called “the Tribulation,” and the second half is called “the

Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:21).” It is also Jacob’s (Israel’s)286
Trouble (Jeremiah 30:7).

The Tribulation Period will start after the Rapture of the
Church, when the antichrist makes a seven year peace treaty
with Israel (Revelation 6:1-2; Daniel 9:27).
6. The Ten Kings
Who are the Ten Kings?
The European Union will crumble, and out of the ashes will
come the Revived Roman Empire. These Ten Kings will rule the
Revived Roman Empire during the first half of the Tribulation
Period. They will give the beast (antichrist) their power and
authority halfway through the Tribulation; then the antichrist
will come to power (Revelation 17:12-13). The antichrist will
kill three of the Ten Kings (Daniel 7:7-8, 20, 24).
7. The antichrist
Who will the antichrist be?
I personally believe that the antichrist will be a Jew, because

Jesus Himself was a Jew. You know satan, he is a counterfeiter.
The Jews are looking for a Jewish Messiah, not a Gentile mes-
siah. The Jews know that the Messiah will be a descendant of
David (Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6). Some say that he will be
a Gentile, because Antiochus IV Epiphanes (a type of the anti-
christ) was a Gentile. Some think he will be a muslim, because
Antiochus IV Epiphanes ruled in Syria. And as you know, Syria
is a muslim country.
The antichrist will not worship the God/gods of his fathers

but will worship a god his fathers never knew (Daniel 11:37-38).
He will serve his father the devil, and the people will worship
both the beast and the dragon—who are a part of the false
trinity (see notes on page 495, side note 134).
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Genesis 35:10
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Questions & Answers
Where does the antichrist come from?
The antichrist will arise somewhere out of the Revived Roman

Empire (Daniel 7:7-8). As far as specifics go, some say that he
might come out of Syria (as I have noted before). But we will
have to wait and see exactly who he is, where he is from, and
what his background is.
How does the antichrist come to power?
He will come to power when the Ten Kings, who rule the
Revived Roman Empire, give him their power and authority to
rule (Revelation 17:12-13).
When does the antichrist come to power?
He comes to power halfway through the Tribulation Period.

(Daniel 9:27; Revelation 13:5)(Daniel 7:25, 12:7, 12:11; Reve-
lation 11:2-3, 12:6, 12:14)
8. Satan thrown down to the earth
When will satan be thrown down to the earth?
Satan and one-third of the angels (Revelation 12:4) were

cast out of heaven when he first rebelled—meaning that they
lost their positions (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:11-17; Luke
10:18). To this day, however, satan must still give an account of
himself before God (Job 1:6). He is the accuser of the brethren,
who accuses them before God both day and night (Revelation
12:10). Satan even “demanded” to sift Peter (Luke 22:31-32).
But halfway through the Tribulation Period satan will be thrown
out of heaven—meaning that he will no longer have any access
to heaven (Revelation 12:7-9). Indeed, he will no longer be able
to accuse the brethren.
Since there is a third heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4; 1 Kings

8:39; God’s dwelling place), one would assume that God threw
satan out of the third heaven, down to the second heaven
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(where the stars, moon, and sun reside; Deuteronomy 4:19; Isa-
iah 13:10). And from there God summons satan to come before
Him, so that he can give an account of himself (Job 1:6). So
when satan is thrown down to the earth during the Tribulation
Period, one would assume that satan will be thrown out of the
second heaven, and that he will only have access to the earth
and its atmosphere (the earth and the first heaven; 2 Chronicles
7:13). In fact, when going through the Psalms, there is a lot
of talk about these three heavens. Sometimes it is where God
dwells, other times it is the place where the stars and moon
and sun abide, and other times it is speaking about the sky.
9. The Mark of the Beast
What is the Mark of the Beast?
It will be a mark on the right hand or the forehead, which

will be the name of the beast/antichrist or the number of his
name: 666. Without the Mark of the Beast no one will be able
to buy or sell (Revelation 13:16-18).
What will happen to those who receive the Mark of the

Beast?
In the end they will be tormented with burning sulfur, and

the smoke of their torment will rise forever and ever. There will
be no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his
image or who receive the mark of his name (Revelation 14:9-11).
They crossed a line that should never be crossed; they accepted
and worshiped the false christ, and they will never be able to
turn back from their decision. Their fate is sealed; they will not
enter heaven. They will burn for all eternity—no ifs, ands, or
buts! When Christ returns to rule and reign, those who have
received the Mark of the Beast and who have worshiped his
Image will not enter His kingdom (they will go to hell)! They
belong satan, that is why they bear his mark. They chose their
god, and they will spend eternity with him. On the contrary for
us, we will bear God’s name on our foreheads (Revelation 3:12,
22:3-4) because we belong to Him.
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10. The Image of the Beast
The Image of the Beast will be set up on a wing of the temple

halfway through the Tribulation Period (Daniel 9:27). The Im-
age of the Beast will be given life and will be able to speak and
cause those who refuse to worship it to be killed (Revelation
13:14-15). Jesus warned that the Jews must flee to the moun-
tains when this abomination that causes desolation appears
(Matthew 24:15-16; Mark 13:14). Since worshiping the Image
of the Beast and receiving the Mark of the Beast go hand in
hand, the punishment will be the same (Revelation 14:9-11).
11. The False Prophet
Who is the False Prophet?
The False Prophet is a counterfeit of Elijah the Prophet (Mal-

achi 4:5; see notes on page 495, side note 134). He will force the
inhabitants of the earth to worship the Image of the Beast and
to receive the Mark of the Beast (Revelation 13:11-18). He will
be the antichrist’s second-in-command; his right-hand man.
12. Mystery Babylon
What is Mystery Babylon?

In the first half of the Tribulation Period all religions will
come under one umbrella, which is Mystery Babylon—the false
church; the One World Religion; the spiritual whore (Revelation
17:1-6). Mystery Babylon is speaking about the false church/
One World Religion. Of course, merging all the religions of the
world is about control. Then, when this false church has served
its purpose, the Ten Kings and the antichrist will destroy it
(Revelation 17:16). The religion that will replace this One World
Religion (by design), will be a form of satanism—worship of
the dragon and the beast (Revelation 13:4). The antichrist will
attempt to change the times and laws (Daniel 7:25) concerning
the Jews and their worship (Daniel 9:27, 11:36). The antichrist
will declare himself to be god (2 Thessalonians 2:4). He will set
up his image/idol at the temple (Mark 13:14).
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Mystery Babylon stems from Nimrod (Genesis 10:8-12; 11:1-9)

and the Tower of Babel (Babel was built in the land of Babylon).
In rebellion Nimrod started the first organised false religion. Satan
was trying to start his one world religion and government even
then! Satan is the source behind all false religion and rebellion
(including Nimrod’s rebellion), and that is why all these religions
will be replaced by their source: satan (the worship of the dragon).
There will be two One World Religions in the Tribulation Period.
The first one will be a merging of all the world’s religions into
one (Mystery Babylon). Then, after that is destroyed, the people
of the world will worship the dragon (satan) and the beast (the
antichrist; Revelation 13:4, 8). Mystery Babylon, the false church,
will be based out of Rome (the Vatican; Revelation 17:9,18).
13. Babylon the Great
What is Babylon the Great?
Babylon the Great refers to the antichrist’s capital city, the

political and economic hub of his kingdom.
What city is Babylon the Great?
Babylon the Great will be a city in the Revived Roman Empire.

I personally believe that Babylon the Great will be the City of
Rome (Revelation 17:9, 18). Some believe that the City of Babylon
will be rebuilt, inhabited, and thriving. Others say that Babylon
the Great is the City of Jerusalem. Either which way, it will be
the antichrist’s capital city (Revelation 18).
Is Babylon the Great the United States of America?
No! America has nothing whatsoever to do with the Revived

Roman Empire—the antichrist’s kingdom! Therefore, he will not
arise out of America. His kingdom will not be America, and his
capital city will not be Washington D.C.! I do think, however, that
Babylon the Great is an excellent parallel to America.
14. The 144,000 Witnesses
Who are these 144,000 witnesses?
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They are Jews that God has chosen and called—12,000

from each of the 12 tribes of Israel—to preach the Gospel to
the world during the Tribulation Period (Examine the names
of these twelve tribes closely, Revelations 7:1-8).
15. The Two Witnesses
Who are these Two Witnesses?
I believe these Two Witnesses will be Enoch and Elijah (Reve-

lation 11:3-12). Some say they will be Moses and Elijah, because
they were both at the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1-
8), and because the judgments they have authority to perform
are the same as that of Moses and Elijah (Revelation 11:6). As
for me: Enoch and Elijah were both taken up to heaven alive
(Genesis 5:24; Hebrews 11:5; 2 Kings 2:11). Moses, however,
died. Hebrews 9:27 says that it is appointed for men to die once,
and after that to face judgment. So if Moses was one of the two
witnesses, would that not mean he would die twice? People
could say: look at Lazarus, he died. True, he died, but he was
only dead for four days (John 11:17, 39). He was raised from
the dead for God’s glory, so that God’s Son would be glorified
through it (John 11:4), and so that the Jews might put their
faith in Him. Four days is one thing, but around three and a half
thousand years for Moses? That is a big difference! Although,
when Moses died, God took his body and buried it in a secret
place (Deuteronomy 34:5-6). And Jude 9 says that the archangel
Michael got into an argument with the devil about the body of
Moses. So Moses could indeed be one of the two witnesses. I
would assume most experts would say that it will be Elijah and
Moses. Either which way, one of these Two Witnesses will be
Elijah (Malachi 4:5). As for the second Witness, he will either
be Enoch or Moses. It is for you to decide.
16. The Battle of Armageddon
What is the Battle of Armageddon?
Armageddon will be World War Three, a fight for world su-

premacy (Revelation 16:13-16). It will be a series of wars/
battles, but the final battle will start in the Jezreel Valley, and
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will climax at Jerusalem with Christ’s second coming. The word

Armageddon means: Mount Megiddo. Mount Megiddo is located
within the Jazreel Valley, which is located in northern Israel,
southwest of the Sea of Galilee. Jerusalem will end up being
the center of the battle. Indeed, the Lord will return and fight
against all His enemies. (Zechariah 14:2-3; Revelation 14:20).
What is the outcome of this battle?
Jesus wins of course, and He will rule and reign as King! The
antichrist and the false prophet will be thrown into the Lake of
Fire (Revelation 19:20), and satan will be thrown into the bottom-
less pit/abyss for a 1000 years (Revelation 20:1-3). And Jesus
will kill all the armies that fight against Him (Revelation 19:21).
17. The Judgment of the Jews
God will deal with His people (the Jews) in the Tribulation
Period, and He will judge them when He returns (Zechariah
13:8-9; Malachi 3:2-5; Ezekiel 20:34-38). Those who believe in
Him will enter His kingdom, but the rebellious and unbelieving
Jews will not enter His kingdom. God will judge the Jews first,
then the Gentiles, just as the apostle Paul said: first for the
Jew, then for the Gentile (Romans 1:16). This judgment will
take place after Christ’s return in the extra 75 days spoken of
in Daniel 12:11-12.
18. The Judgment of the Nations/Gentiles
All the Gentiles will be gathered before the Lord Jesus Christ,
and He will divide the people into two groups, as a shepherd
separates the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-46). The sheep
and the goats represent the saved and the unsaved Gentiles.
Jesus will put the sheep (the saved Gentiles) on His right, and
the goats (the unsaved Gentiles) on His left. The saved Gentiles
will enter the Lord’s kingdom, but the unsaved Gentiles will
be thrown into eternal fire (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). “For He
will repay each man according to his deeds. . . . For there is
no favouritism with God” (Romans 2:5-11; 1 Timothy 5:24-25).
This judgment will take place after Christ’s return in the extra
75 days spoken of in Daniel 12:11-12.
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19. The Millennial Reign of Christ
What is the Millennial Reign of Christ?
The Millennial Reign of Christ is when Jesus returns to the

earth and reigns for a thousand years (Revelation 20:4). After
Jesus defeats satan and the antichrist at the Battle of Arma-
geddon, He will set up His kingdom. All the saints who have
been resurrected (Old Testament saints, the church, and those
saints who died in the Tribulation Period; Revelation 20:4-6) will
rule and reign with Jesus Christ. The Lord will of course rule
the world from Jerusalem. At this time on earth there will be
two kinds of people: those of us with glorified (immortal) bodies,
and those with their human (mortal) bodies. Those who come
out of the Tribulation Period alive, and are deemed worthy, will
enter Christ’s kingdom with their human bodies.
20. Satan’s Final Rebellion
When will this rebellion happen?
This rebellion will happen at the end of the Millennial Reign

of Christ when satan is released from the bottomless pit/abyss
to tempt the world for one last time (Revelation 20:1-3). This
will happen because the people living on earth during that time
will have never been tempted by satan. They must be tempted
to see whom they will serve: Jesus or satan.
What happens in satan’s last rebellion?
Satan will march towards Jerusalem with the rebels who

choose to follow him, and God will send fire down from heaven
to destroy them. Then satan will be thrown into the Lake of
Fire (Revelation 20:7-10).
21. The Great White Throne Judgment
What is the Great White Throne Judgment?
The Great White Throne Judgment is when all the wicked

will be judged. They will all stand before God and will be thrown
into hell. Then death and hell, and all the wicked, will be thrown
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into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). The Great White

Throne Judgment will take place at the end of the Millennial
Reign of Christ, after satan’s final rebellion.
What happens to believers living at the end of the Millen-

nial Reign of Christ?
They will be a part of the First Resurrection—meaning that

they will also receive their glorified bodies (Daniel 12:2-3). “For
flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God, neither can
the perishable inherit the imperishable (1 Corinthians 15:50).”
“When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable,
and the mortal has been clothed with immortality (1 Corinthians
15:54-55), then what has been written will be fulfilled: ‘Death
has been swallowed up in victory (Isaiah 25:8).’ ‘O death, where
is your victory? O death, where is your sting (Hosea 13:14)?’”
The Millennial Saints who are dead will awake and will receive
their glorified bodies and the living ones the same, just as the
dead saints in our day will receive their glorified bodies along
with the living ones at the Rapture. The Millennial Saints are a
part of the First Resurrection; John 11:25-26: “I am the Resur-
rection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me will live, even if he
dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.”
And for all of you who believe (the unbiblical theory) that the
Millennial Saints will waltz into heaven with their wives and
children and continue to make babies for all eternity (so that
their offspring can unfairly get a free pass into heaven; James
1:12) in order to populate the New Earth/Heaven (even though
it will be populated with billions of saints who have passed
the test of their faith), then here is something to refresh your
memories: the Lord told the Sadducees this: “You are in error,
because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God.
At the resurrection men will not marry, and women will not
be given in marriage; on the contrary, they will be like God’s
angels in heaven (Matthew 22:29-30).” There will be no hus-
bands and wives (marriage) or baby making (having babies or
sex) in heaven!
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22. The First Resurrection
What is the First Resurrection?
The First Resurrection refers to all the resurrections of the

saints, which has happened and will happen: past, present, and
future. Basically, it means that the saints will live with God for
all eternity. (Revelation 20:6; John 5:24-30; John 11:25-26).
Those who are a part of the First Resurrection will receive glo-
rified bodies (1 Corinthians 15:35-57: 1 Corinthians 15:20-23;
1 John 5:11-12).
23. The Second Death
What is the Second Death?
The Second death is when hell and death are thrown into the
Lake of Fire. It means that the wicked will be forever punished
and cut off from God (Revelation 20:6, 11-15, 21:8).
24. The New Heaven and the New Earth
What will happen to the Old Heaven and Earth?
The Old Heaven (second heaven) and Earth (earth and first
heaven; the earth and its atmosphere) will be burned with fire
(Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:7-13). The Old Heaven and Earth have
been defiled by sin and must be purified by fire (Romans 8:19-
22). It will be a renovation by fire.
When will this happen?
This will happen after the Great White Throne Judgment,

after the wicked are thrown into the Lake of Fire—their eternal
home (Revelation 20:11-15).
Who will the New Heaven and Earth be for?
It will be for both Old and New Testament saints alike: Old
Testament saints, the Church, the Tribulation saints, and the
Millennial saints. Indeed, we will all have glorified bodies!
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What will the New Heaven and Earth be like?
The New Heaven and Earth will be perfect in every way without
stain or tarnish, sin or death, or any wicked or corrupt thing.
It will be perfect! There will also be no ocean on the New Earth.
The New Jerusalem will come down to earth, and we will live
with God forever and ever (Revelation 21:1-3)!
25. The New Jerusalem
The New Jerusalem will come down to earth, and God will
dwell with His people (Revelation 21:3). The throne of God and
the Lamb will be in it, and there will be no more curse (Rev-
elation 22:3). We will no longer remember our past sorrows
(Isaiah 65:16-17). There will be no death, pain, or sadness
(Isaiah 25:8; Revelation 21:4). No sinner or any wicked thing
will enter it (Revelation 21:8, 27). And we will be with our God
forever! Praise God (1 Corinthians 2:9)!
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My Theory
My Theory
Hey kids! Do not forget your Vaccine Passport; grab your
Digital ID and head toward the goal, toward the Mark. Become
a brainless zombie of the antichrist system. We will use nano-
technology, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and big data
to alter the cognition of humanity. We will influence your deci-
sion-making. We will change your behaviour. Your mind will be
controlled by different frequencies and waveforms. Join the AI
data revolution—surveillance under the skin.
Take the Mark and become one with the hive, one with the
system, one with the Smart World. Take your first step, with
your very own Vaccine Passport—your future LIES ahead. Pro-
paganda, social engineering, little steps. One foot and then the
other; Rome was not built in a day. The serpent says, “Eat of
the APPLE, you will not die. When you eat from it your eyes will
be opened, and you will be like God.” Eat up my little pretties—
baby steps. When our harvest is ripe and mature, you will walk
right into our spiders WEB, right into the Mark of the Beast. The
plan: transform humans into a butterfly of the Fourth Industrial
Revolution, a synthetic human, a trance-human, assimilated
into artificial intelligence, hooked up to the internet of things, the
cloud, the hive mind, the Beast system. You will be a microchip
short of brain autonomy, a microchip short of a brain. Whoever
controls your brain controls you.
Welcome to the Nano World Order, the Graphene Matrix! It is

a new era of profound degeneration, where organisms become
algorithms. Reengineering human life—666 half human half
Beast. A technocratic dystopia, a digital ghetto, a digital gulag
is coming soon. Take the microchip, become a human hybrid—
owned by patent, easily controlled. A dystopian nightmare of
Biblical proportions! Take the Mark of the Beast, be one with the
apparatus, one with the machine. Its tentacles will control you—a
consolidation, a network of minds, the ultimate hive mind. You
will be a hybrid, a new creation made in the Image of the Beast.
Algorithms, feedback loops, possession, you will bear his name,
you will bear his number. You will be a child of the Dragon. You
will be one with the Head. You will be one with your god.
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My Theory
Welcome to the Borg collective, where truth is stranger than

science fiction. Let us merge science and technology with flesh
and blood. Join the transhumanist cult. Colonize your brain with
nanotechnology. Embrace the interconnected nanomachines living
in your body. You will be drones of the AI collective. You will be
injected with nanoprobes—nanobots, which will flow through
your veins. They will rewrite your DNA, they will consume you.
They will alter your biochemistry, they will defile your soul.
Cross my blood-brain barrier. Map my brain, take it over. Hack

my central nervous system. Inject me! Microchip me! Control me!
Hotwire me! Possess me! Enslave me! My mind has been poi-
soned; it is no longer mine. I am like a puppet on a string. I am
trapped in a nightmare. Yet I immerse myself in the Beast; I do
not want to escape. Baptize me into the death and resurrection
of the Beast—for even though he sustained a mortal wound, his
fatal wound has healed. Indeed, the whole earth marvels and
worships him. We will evolve; we will be co-opted into the Beast.
We will be born again; we will become one with the Beast. We
will bear his name in unholy matrimony. We will be his forever.
Receive your cybernetic implant, your cybernetic enhancement.
Assimilate into the Beast—satan’s seed. Worship the Beast.
Bow down and worship his image. Watch out, the AI god has
your kill switch. Now solve this riddle: the bodies and souls
of men—enslavement, microchips, merchants and cargo ships
(Revelation 18:11-13).
The New World Order is doing a great job dividing the United
States, so they are eventually headed for civil war. America is
being destabilized (Europe too). The kids coming out of university
love their Marxist ideology. You have communist groups such
as “antifa” and “black lives matter” marching around causing
problems, while the police are told to stand down and to let
lawlessness prevail. Your riots and protests have paid rioters
and protesters, which arrive by the bus load. If you follow the
money trail, you will find that George Soros is the man throwing
money behind these groups. George Soros is involved in many
schemes around the world. He even crashes the economies of
nations! There is no way he has done all these things on his own.
I call him: “The henchman of the Rothschild’s.” He should have
long been investigated and put in prison, but his masters are
too powerful to let that happen. Who do I think the Ten Kings in
705
My Theory
Revelation 17:12 will be? I think they will be the heads of the
most powerful and wealthiest families in the world, one of which
is the Rothschild family. I personally believe that George Soros
works for the Ten Kings. Is Bill Gates, a supposed computer
nerd, really the richest man in the world? Or is it the bankers
who run the world’s money system? More like they own Bill
Gates; they have many frontmen.
This is what I think will happen: the globalists (satan’s min-

ions) will eventually crash the economy on a global scale (by
design). When this happens there will be rioting in the streets
of the U.S. and around the world. The U.S. military will be
called upon to restore order in the streets of America. Once this
happens, things will appear to simmer down for a short time.
However, armed groups will rise up and start fighting. Things will
escalate to such an extent that when the American government
is distracted by all this chaos, its enemies will attack. They will
see America at its weakest most vulnerable state and will attack.
I believe the church will be Raptured right as all hell is about to
break out. Once the church is Raptured, the Holy Spirit will stop
holding back the spirit of antichrist, and things will quickly come
like a flood. Russia will nuke parts of the United States. They
will invade America’s shores. Russia will come through Alaska,
down through Canada, heading south, and also southwest into
America. Others, like China, will join in with Russia. They will
also use chemical and biological weapons. Millions will die!
When my dad was a child he was in some evangelistic meetings

where it was prophesied that blood would run in our streets, and
I believe this will happen. America will have to fight for its life,
its very existence! The fighting will be so fierce, hopeless, and
bleak that America will have no choice but to repent and ask
God for help. When they repent of their sins God will help them.
He will help them repel their enemies from their land. America,
however, will be left in utter ruins (Canada will share the same
fate). America will be nothing in the Tribulation Period, utterly
nothing. After America is out of the way, Russia (Vladimir Putin)
will march against Israel in the Battle of Gog and Magog. But
as you know, they will be defeated by God.
Then the Revived Roman Empire will step in to fill the power
vacuum left by the United States and Russia. The globalist think
706
My Theory
tank, the Club of Rome, split the world into ten regions (Daniel
2:41-42). The Ten Kings who rule the Revived Roman Empire will
rule the world, which will be split up into ten regions (whether
these regions are publicly known or not). It will be a world em-
pire, not because its land will cover the world, but because its
tentacles of power will reach worldwide.
The Revived Roman Empire will be partly iron and partly clay.
It will be both strong and weak. It will be so weak that it will
come to power slowly through deception (as it has been slowly
doing for a long time). It will come to power by dividing and
conquering, which in itself will make their kingdom weak—for
a house divided cannot stand! Their kingdom will indeed be a
divided kingdom. Yet at the same time it will be very powerful,
because it will yield a lot of power through its control of the
world’s money system. (And of course, when the antichrist comes
to power, he will be a mighty conqueror.) The Roman Empire
never did fully die, as in, its religious branch (the Roman Cath-
olic church) continued. In fact, it expanded into other parts of
the world, covering more ground than the Roman Empire did.
The antichrist will come out of the Revived Roman Empire.

He will make a seven year peace treaty with Israel, which will
make him a hero. The Jews will sign the peace treaty and will
begin building the temple.
When the Second Seal Judgment is opened, violence and

bloodshed will break out. Maybe there will be deadlier viruses
released; more lockdowns and (permanent) restrictions (possibly
climate lockdowns); great financial strain; engineered energy,
supply chain and food crises. Maybe the muslim migration (in-
vasion) into Europe will hit a boiling point (Daniel 2:43). Either
way there will be much fear, uncertainty, and violence. Then of
course, the New World Order will make its public appearance
in order to offer the world peace (in the midst of the chaos they
have created). Then many will try to fight and resist the New
World Order, which will result in much violence and death. The
world will be plunged into a Great Depression. Many people will
be out of work, half starving, and homeless—with no future in
sight. The earth will be full of violence, killing, rioting, looting,
rape, and chaos. Things will get very lawless (by design).
707
My Theory
After the Rapture all the world’s religions will merge into an
already existing false church, the Roman Catholic church. This
false church will put to death those who truly serve Jesus. Mil-
lions and millions, and even hundreds of millions of Christians
will be put to death. We all know the bloody history of the Cath-
olic church (William Tyndale comes to mind)! The Marxist pope
(pope Francis), as we speak, is meeting together with religious
leaders from various religions—just ask the Copeland’s, Arnott’s,
and James Robison, who gave the pope a giddy high five.
By the midpoint of the Tribulation Period, the Jews will have

finished building the temple. The Ten Kings will hand over their
kingdom to the antichrist. The antichrist and the Ten Kings will
destroy the false church. And the antichrist will defile the temple,
claiming to be the messiah (god in the flesh). The antichrist will
be assassinated, probably by a zealous Jew, because he defiled
the temple. Satan, who was thrown down to the earth, will raise
the antichrist back to life. Then the False Prophet will call down
fire from heaven like the Prophet Elijah, in order to back up the
claims that the antichrist is the (risen) messiah. The antichrist
will be an economic genius who will fix the world’s economic
problems. The people of the world will have to receive his mark
and worship his image in order to participate in his economic
system.
The Kings of the East will kill One Third of the world’s pop-
ulation on their way to fight the antichrist. China is working
on their “One Belt, One Road Initiative”—their New Silk Road.
World domination will be on their minds. I would imagine that
India, with its large population, will make up a sizable number
of those deaths.
As the armies of the world meet for the Battle of Armaged-

don, they will see Jesus coming in glory. They will turn and
fight against Him, but of course they will lose. Satan will even
use earthly armies and weapons to try and defeat Jesus. In his
desperation he will use any means possible, both spiritual and
physical, in his attempt to defeat Jesus. Satan has no chance
whatsoever! Why do you think God laughs at satan and his
schemes? In God’s eyes satan’s schemes are but child’s play,
totally laughable to Him—one big joke!
708
How Can I Be Saved?
How Can I Be Saved?

All Have Sinned
To be saved, you must first recognize that you are a sinner.
“For all have sinned and fall short

of the glory of God.”
(Romans 3:23)
The Wages of Sin is Death
This means that everyone has sinned, and the wages of

our sin is death. But God has offered us the gift of eternal life
through His Son Jesus Christ.
“For the wages of sin is death,

but the gift of God is eternal life
through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
(Romans 6:23)
You Cannot Save Yourself or Earn Your Salvation
Since eternal life is a gift, you cannot earn it. You cannot save
yourself, and your good deeds cannot save you either. You can
only be saved by God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ.
“For by grace you have been saved through

faith, and this not of yourselves,
for it is the gift of God; it is not by works,
so that no man may boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8-9)
You Must Repent
You must repent (turn away) from all your sins and turn to
God.
“Therefore repent and turn to God

so that your sins may be wiped away,
709
How Can I Be Saved?
so that times of refreshing may come

from the presence of the Lord.”
(Acts 3:19)
So how exactly can we be saved?

You Must Confess and Believe
All you have to do is confess with your mouth that Jesus is

Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the
dead, and if you do this you will be saved.
“If you confess with your mouth that

Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart
that God raised Him from the dead,
you will be saved.”
(Romans 10:9-10)
Pretty simple hey!
Now if you need some help, then just say this prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I know that I am a sinner. I believe

that Your Son Jesus died on the cross for my sins, and that
He rose again. Jesus, please forgive my sins and wash them
away. Please come into my heart today. You are now my
Lord and Saviour, and I will serve You all the days of my
life. I love You, and I thank You for saving my soul. Amen!
If you prayed this prayer and believed it with all your heart,
you are now saved! You are now a child of God!
Now you must serve the Lord Jesus with all your heart, mind,
and soul. Remember this: to live a victorious life in Christ you
must walk in faith, knowing that all your needs are met in
Jesus, through what He did at the cross.
710
Messiah
Messiah
Isaiah 53
1
Who has believed our message,
and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed?287
2
For He grew up before Him like a sapling,
like a root out of parched ground.288
He had no beauty or splendour,
that we should take notice of Him,
nor anything attractive about Him,
that we should desire Him.289
3
He was despised and rejected by men,290
a man of sorrows, acquainted with suffering,
One from whom men hide their faces;
He was despised—we deemed Him of no worth.291
4
Surely He has borne our sufferings,
and carried our sorrows;292
yet we deemed Him as punished,
stricken, and afflicted by God.293
5
However, He was wounded for our transgressions,
and He was crushed for our iniquities;294
the punishment that He endured brought us peace,295
and by His stripes we are healed.296
6
All we like sheep have gone astray.297
287
John 12:36-41; Romans 10:16
288
Isaiah 11:1; Luke 1:26-35
289
Matthew 13:55
290
John 1:10-11
291
Matthew 27:22
292
Matthew 8:16-17
293
Deuteronomy 21:22-23; Galatians 3:13
294
Isaiah 52:14
295
Isaiah 26:12; 2 Corinthians 5:21
296
Matthew 27:26
297
1Peter 2:25
711
Messiah
We have turned, each one of us, to our own way;

yet the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.
7
He was oppressed, and He was afflicted,
yet He did not open His mouth.298
He was led like a lamb to the slaughter.
And as a sheep is silent before its shearer,
He did not open His mouth.299
8
By oppression and judgment He was taken away.
And who can speak of His generation?
For He was cut off from the land of the living;300
He was stricken for the transgression of My people.
9
He was given a grave with the wicked
and with the rich in His death,301
yet He had done no violence,
neither was there any deceit in His mouth.302
10
Yet it was the LORD’s will to crush Him,
causing Him to suffer.303
When You make His soul an offering for sin,304
He will see His offspring,305 He will prolong His days,
and the will of the LORD will succeed in the land.
11
He will see the labour of His soul,
and will be satisfied.
In His knowledge306 My righteous Servant will justify many,
for He will bear their iniquities.
12
Therefore I will give Him a portion among the great,
and He will divide the spoil with the mighty,
because He poured out His soul unto death,
and was numbered with transgressors;307
298
Matthew 27:12-14
299
1 Peter 2:23
300
Luke 23:46
301
Matthew 27:57-60
302
1 Peter 2:21-22
303
John 3:16
304
Leviticus 5:6; John 1:29; Revelation 5
305
Galatians 3:26-29
306
Hebrews 5:8
307
Mark 15:27-28
712
Messiah
He bore the sins of many,

and made intercession for their transgressions.308
Isaiah 7:14: Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign.
Look! A virgin will be with Child, and will give birth to a Son,
and will call His name Immanuel.309
Micah 5:2: But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you

are small among the thousands of Judah, from out of you I will
bring One forth who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are
of old, from the days of eternity.310
Psalm 2:7: I will declare the decree of the LORD: “The LORD
said to Me, ‘ You are My Son, today I have become Your Fa-
ther.’” 311
Zechariah 9:9: Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout,

O daughter of Jerusalem! Look! Your King comes to you, righ-
teous and having salvation, meek and riding on a donkey, on
a donkey’s colt.312
Psalm 41:9: Even My close friend whom I trusted, who ate

My bread, has lifted up his heel against Me.313
Isaiah 50:6: I gave My back to those who struck Me, and My

cheeks to those who plucked out the hairs of My beard. I did
not hide My face from insults and spitting.314
308
Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; 1 John 2:1
309
Matthew 1:18-25
310
Matthew 2:1-12; Luke 2:1-7
311
Matthew 3:16-17
312
Matthew 21:1-11
313
Matthew 26:47-50
314
Matthew 26:67
713
Messiah
Psalm 22:16: Dogs have surrounded Me. A crowd of evildoers

has hemmed Me in. They have pierced My hands and My feet.315
Psalm 22:18: They divide My garments among them, and

cast lots for My clothing.316
Zechariah 11:12-13: And I said to them, “If it is good in your

eyes, give me my payment, but if not, do not bother. So they
weighed thirty pieces of silver for my payment.” 317 And the LORD
said to me, “Cast it to the potter,” the handsome price at which
they valued Me. So I took the thirty pieces of silver, and cast
them to the potter at the house of the LORD.318
Psalm 16:10: For You will not leave My soul among the dead,
or let Your Holy One see decay.319
Zechariah 14:4: On that day His feet will stand on the Mount
of Olives, which faces Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of
Olives will split in half from east to west, making a very great
valley. Half of the mountain will move towards the north, and
half towards the south.320
Zechariah 12:10: And I will pour out upon the house of

David and upon the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace
and supplication, and they will look upon Me whom they have
pierced. They will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only
son, and they will grieve bitterly for Him, as one grieves for a
firstborn son.321
315
Luke 23:33; John 20:24-29
316
Matthew 27:35
317
Matthew 26:14-16
318
Matthew 27:1-10
319
Matthew 28:1-10
320
Acts 1:9-11
321
Revelation 1:7; Hebrews 9:28; Zechariah 13:1
714
Messiah
Daniel 9:24-26: Seventy weeks have been decreed for your

people and for your holy city, to put an end to their rebellion, to
put a stop to their sin, to make atonement for their iniquity, to
bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and proph-
ecy, and to anoint the Most Holy Place. Know and understand
this: there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks from the
time the command is issued to restore and rebuild Jerusalem
until the coming of the Messiah, the Ruler. Its streets and walls
will be rebuilt, but during distressing times. After the sixty-two
weeks are over the Messiah will be cut off, but not for Himself.
Then a ruler and his army will come, and he will destroy the
city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood, and wars
and desolations are decreed until the end.322
There are more Scriptures than these on the subject, but in

closing, I will leave you with a few more verses to look at:
Isaiah 8:14: He will be a sanctuary; but a stumbling-stone

and a stumbling-rock for the two houses of Israel, a trap and
a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem.323
Psalms 118:22-23: The Stone that the builders rejected has

become the Cornerstone. This is the LORD’s doing, and it is
marvellous in our eyes.324
322
Now here is a riddle for those who are up for the challenge.
I challenge you to read Daniel’s vision of Seven Weeks (Dan-
iel 9:20-27) and to do the research and the math to calculate
when the Messiah was supposed to come. If you need some
help, look at the side notes I have written for those verses.
For those of you who look into this, my question is this: how
come the Messiah did not come when He was supposed to
come? Unless of course, He did come, and the Jewish people
on a whole rejected Him. I would say that either God’s word
is wrong, or the Jewish people missed it. Or maybe you could
prove me wrong, that it is I who have missed the mark.
323
Romans 9:30-33; Romans 1:17; Habakkuk 2:4; Galatians
3:6-14
324
Isaiah 28:16; 1 Peter 2:6-8
715
Messiah
Psalm 110:4: The LORD has sworn and will not change
His mind, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of
Melchizedek.”325
325
Hebrews 4:14-16, 5:1-10, 6:19-20, 7:1-28
716
So Long, Farewell
So Long, Farewell
Well, I have about four pages left. So I guess I will fill up
these last pages with whatever is on my mind, and then I will
say good-bye.
If the West “supposedly” won the Cold War, then why is

the West so saturated with neo-Marxist ideology? Political Cor-
rectness is Cultural Marxism, and it is everywhere! Just think
how easy it is for the communists to cause division with their
ideology of “Oppressor” verses the “Oppressed.” They just tell
a minority group how oppressed they supposedly are and then
point out who their supposed oppressors are. Of course the op-
pressors are usually Christians, conservatives, whites, males,
and anyone who is against their communist rhetoric. They call
their targets: bigots, racists, white supremacists, nationalists,
and so on and so forth. They make up words like: homophobic,
xenophobic, white privilege, toxic masculinity, and on and on.
Their end goal is to destroy our Christianity, morality, family
structure, culture, economy, and nation.
Is this odd, considering the Bible warns us of a coming au-

thoritarian World Empire? You could describe the New World
Order (as the globalists like to call it) by putting any of these
words in front of it: Socialist, Fascist, or Communist. They are
all cut from the same cloth! They are all kissing cousins. Re-
member the saying: “The goal of socialism is communism.” So-
cialism is the precursor to communism. So what do all these
things have in common? They are all of the spirit of antichrist!
They all end up with a leader such as: Lenin, Stalin, Mao, or
Hitler. In the same way, this coming World Empire will also
have its own leader: the antichrist.
The communists have long infiltrated the government, me-

dia, unions, schools, and universities—even the church. Is your
church into Political Correctness (Cultural Marxism)? Is your
church user-friendly, tolerant, and inclusive? Is your church
into Social(ist) Justice and activism? Is your church into fight-
ing for the oppressed and the minority? Is your church into
fighting for the homosexual and the transgender? Does your
717
So Long, Farewell
church want to eradicate poverty? Does your church support

open borders and illegal aliens? Is your church into white priv-
ilege and reparations? Is your church into feminism? Is your
church into environmentalism and animal rights? Does your
church preach community, community, community (collectiv-
ism, collectivism, collectivism)? Does your church preach the
Rick Warren gospel? If so, run like the wind!
The church in the West is infested with unbiblical doctrines,

which are mixed with the gospel, such as: psychology, the new
age religion, the prosperity gospel, Marxism, and many oth-
er things. So it is not strange that many churches bow down
to Cultural Marxism. They love to be culturally relevant. They
want to become like the world in order to reach it. And in so
doing, they end up embracing the current culture, which is a
culture that embraces Marxism. Do you not understand? You
Christians are the intolerant ones! You Christians hate homo-
sexuals and transgenders! You Christians hate the religion of
islam. You Christians hate woman’s rights; the right to have
an abortion! You Christians are hateful and judgmental; you
condemn us all. You are nothing but a bunch of extremists.
You small-minded Christians have not figured it out yet, have
you? You Christians are next on the list! Brothers and sisters,
have you not read the Bible? The Bible warns us that they will
behead Christians in the Tribulation Period. A time is coming
when it will be illegal for you to be a real Bible believing Chris-
tian, because you will be considered extremely hateful and in-
tolerant. It will be illegal for you to witness. The Bible will even-
tually be banned, because it will be considered hate literature.
Do you get it? Your days are numbered. So why are you going
along with their antichrist agenda (Luke 12:56)?
Come on, let us be honest, we in the West have committed

spiritual adultery! We have been unfaithful to Christ. We are
spiritual whores: “All whores are paid money, but we have paid
them instead. We have hired them to come to us, so that they
could defile us in everyway. Indeed, we are different from oth-
er whores: no one solicited us, yet we rendered our services
to them without any payment in return” (Ezekiel 16:33-34).
Spiritually speaking, we have prostituted ourselves out to the
world! But since we are lukewarm, we do not care! We love to
defile ourselves with the pleasures of this life (Revelation 3:16).
718
So Long, Farewell
Over the years I have seen several articles talking about

microchipping people. Some people have already been micro-
chipped. The globalists want to merge man and computer. In
fact, they want to hack your brain. They want to control you.
It looks like the Mark of the Beast will be some sort of elec-
tronic tattoo with a microchip. The elites want to connect our
brains to the internet, using brain-computer interfaces. In the
second half of the Tribulation Period people will worship the
Dragon and the Beast (Revelation 13:4). So is it any wonder
that paganism is becoming more and more prevalent? Tattoos
are a pagan thing, so is it any shock they are becoming more
and more popular? Why is it that a lukewarm and rebellious
church—who is a lover of the world, and who loves the praises
of men—also loves tattoos (James 4:4)? The Mark of the Beast
will be just one more tattoo to add to the rest—one more elec-
tronic smart device.
What about the Image of the Beast? It sure sounds like Arti-
ficial Intelligence to me—an AI god. Will this Image be connect-
ed to the internet? Will it be connected to everyone’s smart de-
vices? Will it be connected to smart cities? Will it be connected
to satellites? Will it be connected to the Mark of the Beast?
Will it be interconnected to everything? Will it have worldwide
reach? Google now has a 53-qubit quantum computer. It can
complete a task in 200 seconds, which would take the most
advanced supercomputer 10,000 years to complete. And this
is just the tip of the iceberg of what this technology will be able
to do in the near future. This antichrist system will have glob-
al reach, using the most state-of-the-art computer systems.
How will you escape when most everything will be monitored
and surveilled? Those who do not submit to the authority of
this antichrist system will become an enemy of the state, be-
cause they will not worship the Beast or his Image or take his
Mark (Revelation 20:4).
What about “the bodies and souls of men,” which is men-

tioned in Revelation 18:11-13? Will some people be sold into
electronic slavery? Will their brains be programmed through
these microchips? Will the electronic signals going to their
brains make them work like robots? They will make their mas-
ters happy; they will work and work and work. They will not
be able to fight it or run from it. Imagine if you did not have
719
So Long, Farewell
control over your own body and brain! What if your body,
mind, and will, could be overridden? Will things go this far?
Who knows? If these things do not happen, it is only because
God will not allow them to fulfill their plans. They want to con-
trol and enslave everyone. Once people take the Mark of the
Beast they will be controlled in one way or the other.
The end goal is transhumanism. And nanotechnology is

key to this goal. They want to merge man with machine. They
want to merge man with AI. Now they are rolling out a Vaccine
Passport. In the end this passport will morph into a Universal
Digital ID, which will be tied to a Social Credit Score System.
They will crash the economy and implement a cashless society
via an electronic currency, which will be tied to this Univer-
sal Digital ID and Social Credit Score System. This Vaccine
Passport is the beginning stages of the Beast System. It will
come into full fruition when the Mark of the Beast is rolled
out. COVID-19 was made in a laboratory. The mRNA vaccine
is a gene therapy, which changes your DNA. It has made many
ill, and it is killing people. There is nanotechnology in it. It is
a two edged sword. On one hand it is depopulating the earth,
and on the other hand it is bringing nanotechnology into the
body—the beginning of the transhuman process, which will
come into full fruition when the Mark of the Beast is rolled
out. Last time humans were changed into hybrids, because
they mated with fallen angels, God sent the flood (Genesis 6:1-
7). In the Tribulation Period, when humans are changed into
transhuman hybrids, God will judge the earth with fire (Reve-
lation 8:7-11, 9:18; 2 Peter 3:3-7). Why do you think the Bible
compares the last days to the days of Noah? Many Christians
have not been discerning and will be left behind when the
church is Raptured. More like they have chosen to be willfully
ignorant! They are like the seeds planted among the thorns.
They are selfish and lukewarm. They should be warning peo-
ple of God’s wrath, but they do not want to look bad or suffer
for Christ. Instead, they purposely look the other way.
This New Testament Bible is still a work in progress, and

I hope to continue working on it until the Lord comes. God
bless! So long, farewell!
720

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Translation by Joel Cartmell

Edited by Lorraine Cartmell

“Though He slay me, I will put my hope in Him; I will continue

My muscles ended up getting worse and worse; I struggled

I found out that I had adrenal exhaustion. I could barely sleep

In the middle of the night, when I was unable to sleep, I

If a phone rang, a dog barked, or anything loud happened,

It got to the point where I could barely pray. I would pray

By God’s grace I finished the Epistles. After a while I started

The Gospels were utter torment! I complained to my wife

It is hard to describe to you the struggles my family and I

I say these things in the hope that someone who is struggling

I started with the Epistles, which took me about six years

Next I worked on Acts and Revelation, which I started during

After this, I started working on the Gospels. I was unable to go

Next I worked on the Book of Daniel, which took me a month

I also had to redo the typesetting because I ran out of pages.

At the moment, I am trying to slowly proof read through and

King David fathered Solomon by Uriah’s wife,

Abiud fathered Eliakim,

which means, “God is with us.”

2 After Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem in Judea,

for Egypt, 15 where he stayed until Herod’s death. This fulfilled

“Out of Egypt I called My Son.”

3 In those days John the Baptist came to the wilderness of

“The voice of one crying in the wilderness,

4 Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to

‘ Man does not live on bread alone,

‘ He has put His angels in charge of you,

‘ You must not test the Lord your God.’”

‘ You must worship the Lord your God

in the region of the Jordan River,

5 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the hillside and

your brothers, what is remarkable about that? Do not even the

6 “Be careful not to do your acts of charity in front of men, so

Our Father who is in heaven,

For Yours is the kingship, the power,

8 When He came down from the hillside, large crowds followed

“He Himself took our weaknesses,

were weary and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. 37Then

10 Jesus called His twelve disciples to Him and gave them

Simon (who is called Peter),

better on the day of judgment for Sodom and Gomorrah than

‘A man against his father,

11 When Jesus had finished giving instructions to His twelve

‘ Look! I will send My messenger ahead of You,

‘ We played wedding music for you,

but you did not dance!

12 Around that time, one Sabbath day, Jesus was walking

‘ You will hear with your ears

“I will open My mouth in parables,

grown up, and taught in their synagogue. The people there

14 At that time Herod Antipas, the ruler of Galilee, heard

15 Then some Pharisees and teachers of the law came to

18 At that time the disciples came up to Jesus and asked,

him ten thousand talents (two hundred million dollars).18 25But

19 After saying these things, Jesus left Galilee and travelled

‘For this reason a man will leave his father

them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

“‘ You must not murder,

‘ love your neighbour as yourself.’”