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ABOUT DEI BIBLE VERSION
The word of God does not excite you; rather, it changes you; for excitement
lasts for a moment but change lasts for a long lifetime. God's word has the power
to transform people's lives. Our capacity to accurately represent God's image
has been distorted by sin. The Holy Spirit works through the Bible to alter us so
that we might represent Jesus Christ in every aspect of our life. God grows us
in holiness when we study the Bible individually. God uses his Word to change
us into clearer reflections of his Son, Jesus Christ, when we hear and learn the
Word, study it together in small groups, and discuss it with other Christians.

God's Word reaches deep into our being, showing how our ideas, intentions,
attitudes, desires, and acts are at odds with God's ways (Heb. 4:12–13). Even
concealed sin at work in our lives can be revealed by the Bible (Ps. 19:12; 90:8).

The Dei Bible Version's objective is to make God's eternal word accessible to
English-speaking people all around the world. We can't modify or add anything
to God's word, thus the Dei Bible Version is not a new Bible. It is, however, a
different Bible version translation that demonstrates some important concepts.
Dei Bible Version, we believe, that will encourage our readers in reading God's
word and developing the habit of reading it at any time and in any location.

We're encouraging more God's people to read the Bible and understand God's
position on everything. It is not miracles or anything else that transforms
people; it is just God's message. We cannot defeat the devil with miracles or
wealth, but we may defeat him by relying on God's word.

Pst Dr. Avitus Leonard

Founder of Dei Universe

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS
The book of Galatians ……………………………………….……….………. 19

The book of Ephesians ……………………………………………….………. 32

The book of Philippians…………………………………………….………….42

The book of Colossians…………………………………………….…………. 49

The book of 1 Thessalonians………………………………….……………. 56

The book of 2 Thessalonians………………………………….……………. 65

The book 1 Timothy……………………………………………….……………. 69

The book of 2 Timothy………………………………….…….………………. 78

The book of Titus…………………………………………….…………………...88

The book of Philemon………………………………….…………….………...94

The book of James ………………………………………….…………………….96

The book of 1 Peter …………………………………………………………….104

The book of 2 Peter ……………………………………………………………...111

The book of 1 John ……………………………………………………………….117

The book of 2 John …………………………………………………………….…125

The book of 3 John ………………………………………………………….……126

The book of Jude…………………………………………………………………...128

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DEI BIBLE VERSION
In helping our Dei Bible Version readers, we hope to create a better society by
making the word of God to be the centre for everyone. We encourage everyone
to find time to read the word of God at the appropriate moment. Many Bible
translations also don't use straightforward language that even someone with a
relatively low level of intelligence can understand. Too many preachers and
teachers cause problems because they tend to muddy the waters by doing too
much digging. An excellent translation of the Bible must offer a simple
interpretation of the text through enlightened common sense. As you are
aware, interpretation involves more than just reading the text; it also calls for
knowledge of the interpreter's style as well as the nature of the text being
studied.

Every reader is an interpreter at the

same time. In other words, when we
read, we also interpret.
For this reason, we encourage many people to read the Bible with the help of
the Holy Spirit. We prefer to believe our understanding or even compare it to
the Holy Spirit because of pride and ignorance. Numerous people have been
negatively impacted by the incorrect interpretations provided by those who
relied solely on their own understanding and not on the Holy Spirit's power while
reading God's word. In light of the fact that there are still unreached people
groups around the globe, I consider it essential that we continue to proclaim the
good news of Jesus Christ without letting anything bother us. People in Sierra
Leone who dwell mostly along the coasts of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and
Mali are known as Susu lively. These folks usually live near marshes and streams.
Since they are an extended family, they frequently favour cousin marriages. The
Susu mixes their ancestral faith with their practice of Islam. They believe that
ghosts, spirits, and gods all live in the same area and that witches have the
ability to transform into animals and destroy their towns. A lot of people are
living in abject poverty and darkness, doing a lot of unclean things and
witchcraft on every corner because a lot of people have abandoned God in their
lives. When you read John 8:31-32DBV, says,” To the Jews who had believed him,

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Jesus said,” if you hold my teaching, you are indeed my disciples. When that
happens, you will be exposed to the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Many individuals are not free because they do not live according to the reality
of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. So, DBV, our first purpose is to reach more people
through reading God's Word. I support the view that there is a difference
between smartness and poverty. And my other concern is that when people lack
true gospel of Jesus, people in the certain areas or communities always will
experience abject poverty. When the gospel is preached upon always tends to
bring an impact and revivals to that area.

The power of the gospel is to change and when the change occurs produces
awareness of God's presence, self-awareness, and awareness of others. And,
when people are in darkness always there will be proudly behaviours, arrogance,
mediocrity spirit, fallacy critics, and also hypocrisy behaviours. Acts 17:6 in the
last statement reminds us that," These men who have turned the world upside
down have now come here,". That was clear that when the true gospel is
preached always brings impacts and revivals to those areas. These people
experienced the change that these people have turned the world upside down
and now are here. Any society, region, or community that is failing to receive
the gospel of Jesus can't run away from being poor. Even if they will be rich but
their richness will never bring an impact on others as a community. And, to
perish is possible. Don't confuse SMARTNESS AND POVERTY.

The Scriptures are the words of God that have been revealed to man throughout
history. The interpretation is difficult yet vital because of the dual character of
both heavenly inspiration and the context of the human experience. Since the
Bible is the inspired word of God, it is always relevant and needs to be obeyed.
It is necessary to identify the historical particularity in the Bible's human-
written words from the past. As a result, the Bible contains works from a variety
of literary genres, to which both general and genre-specific standards should be
carefully followed. Furthermore, it is important to accurately read the Bible
because it was written for people who were far different from us in terms of
time, culture, and history.

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WHY DBV
I want to point out that all translations include exegesis and are consequently
the result of the exegetical decisions the translator made. No translation is
perfect. To identify consistency, subtleties, and problems with a certain verse,
it is usually advisable to reference many reliable English translations. The first
challenge that translators encounter is text. Is the Hebrew or Greek text the
most recent and closest to the original manuscript? Translations like the NRSV,
NIV, and TNIV, which are based on far older manuscripts later unearthed, are
generally more trustworthy than translations like the KJV/NKJV, which are
based on damaged, medieval texts. Using both external and internal data,
textual criticism is an imperfect science that contrasts and compares texts. The
age and quality of the manuscripts are considered to be external evidence,
whilst the copyists and writers are considered to be interior evidence.

The next challenge is to use language that maintains or bridges the historical
divide between then/there and now/here. There are two major schools of
thought in translation theory: to translate more literally (structural or formal
equivalent) or less literally (functional or dynamic equivalence). KJV/NKJV,
NASB, and NASU are examples of literal translations. Later translations (such as
RSV/NRSV, ESV, NIV/TNIV, NAB, NJB, GNB, REB) maintain historical distance on
all historical and factual matters while using modern expressions for language,
grammar, and style. Free translation employing paraphrases, like NEB, LB, and
The Message, is an extreme example of non-literal translation.

According to the DEI BIBLE VERSION, we maintain historical realism regarding all
historical and factual issues, but we use a modern expression of issues with
language, grammar, and style. The linguistic terms used in our version
frequently relate to leadership and philosophy. To prevent inconsistencies with
our readers, we are avoiding being too extreme in the form. This version can
help you learn a lot; thus, I urge everyone to read it. Many issues emerge in so
many translations due to weights, measures, and money, euphemisms,
terminology, wordplays, grammar and syntax, and gender issues.

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Does the DBV include every book of the
Bible?
DBV does not include all the books of the Bible, but we chose some of the apostle
Paul's books by purpose, beginning with Galatians then Philemon and also the
book of James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John and Jude. The six-part
structure of the writer, receiver, welcome, prayer request or expression of
gratitude, the body of the letter, final greeting, and departure does not apply to
all epistles, however, therefore they are not all uniform. All of them,
nevertheless, are sporadic writings from the first century that were written for
a particular incident and came about occasionally. The occasional nature of
epistles makes it difficult for us to second-guess the questions and issues in the
first century from the answers provided. This is like epistolary Jeopardy! It helps
to bear in mind that epistles are not expounding systematic theology, but rather
task theology for the occasional situations. The first order of business in
exegeting epistles is to create a speculative but informed reconstruction of the
historical circumstances addressed by the epistle.

And those books assist us to reflect on our Christianity as well as how to deal
with challenges that may arise on our spiritual path. Due to the difficulty of
achieving spiritual maturity, many people opt to stay where they are and never
seek to grow. It's possible for things like persecution, betrayal, and other
negative things to arise when you mature and begin sharing the gospel of Jesus.
But those letters serve to uplift and remind us to be steadfast in our salvation.
Therefore, I am convinced that the Dei Bible Version will aid in both our spiritual
development as Christians and our everyday reading of the Bible.

And the title of the essay written by Marin Luther in 1522 knowns as," “A Brief
Instruction on What to Look for and Expect in the Gospels” (1522) gives us
important insight into his thinking: When we read the New Testament, we should
do so expecting something. We should expect a message of good news—a gift
for us!

Luther writes:

“The chief article and foundation of the gospel is that before you take Christ as
an example, you accept and recognize him as a gift, as a present that God has
given you and that is your own. This means that when you see or hear of Christ

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doing or suffering something, you do not doubt that Christ himself, with his
deeds and suffering, belongs to you. On this you may depend as surely as if you
had done it yourself; indeed, as if you were Christ himself. “See, this is what it
means to have a proper grasp of the gospel, that is, of the overwhelming
goodness of God, which neither prophet, nor apostle, nor angel was ever able
fully to express, and which no heart could adequately fathom or marvel at. This
is the great fire of the love of God for us” (Luther’s Works, Vol. 35).

WHY READING THE WORD OF GOD IS A MUST

Reading the word of God to this generation might be difficult since most people
do not read the word of God, and even if they do, they do not understand it.
They don't grasp it, and as a result, many people are deprived of the blessing of
God's word in their lives. These Berean Jews liked God's word, and as a result,
many of them believed. And one of the most important questions to ask is
whether people change when they read God's word. Are we getting interested
in reading it? Are we emphasizing on focusing on the important things in life? Is
God's word meaningful in our lives? Are we seeking the truth about our lives in
God's word, or are we pursuing another source of truth in something that is not
well? When we read the word of God, we neglect God's voice through the
scriptures, and as a result, people are not progressing because they are not
learning the word of God and are not allowing the power of the Holy Spirit to
instruct them when they are reading the word of God. Google cannot translate
the Bible.

The same reasons google as the search engine can’t translate the Bible is the
same as a person who has a good dozen of the scriptures in his or her mind,
those scriptures can’t help him or her to grow spiritually. True spirituality is
tangible. Must bear fruits in the community you are living in. You can’t fake
spirituality. You don’t have to behave like a search engine of the word of God
but be a doer of the word of God. The tragedy is that what we call spirituality is
not actually define spirituality. And some are not growing because of pretence.
You cannot spiritually progress on the platform of pretence. I believe that
reading God's word enables us to comprehend our situatedness, which indicates
that our own experiences (historically, culturally, familiarly, and individually)
may drastically affect how we view and respond to the world around us.

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And this can assist us in making an impact on others around us. We must go
beyond our own viewpoints to understand why others do what they do. Many
people read the Bible, but it does not help them grow, and such a viewpoint must
be avoided. People should make time to study God's word and apply it to their
lives so that they may progress from one area to another, and that is the power
of the gospel of Jesus. The gospel that changes people. The gospel that can't
change you is not the real gospel, and we must avoid being like Galatian's
agitators. We have only one gospel, but others opt to follow other gospels. If
you can't preach the gospel of Jesus, please encourage them to live a Godly life,
and if you can't think, don't talk. When we do not rely on God and do not allow
the power of God's word to changes our lives, nothing changes, and life loses
meaning since we are living without understanding the purpose. Our lives
become a lifestyle rather than a purposeful existence; commitments become
experimental rather than practical; relationships become temporary;
employment become contractual, and life itself loses its narrative aspect and
becomes a series of incidents with no connecting thread.

This is the reason for the confusion in our society. That is why I urge to my fellow
Christians that, while we live in this world, we are not of it, and it is not our
home. People should make time to study God's word in order to be connected
to the true source of pleasure and joy, which is God. His word is a true source of
knowing Him. The more we read God's word, the more we get knowledge of Him.
Our lives gain meaning and purpose as we gain freedom. When I was a child, I
talked like a child, I thought like a child, and I reasoned like a child. When I
became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me.

And one of the most unfortunate tragedies in this culture is that we have babies
as leaders and preachers. When they preach, they speak like children and think
like children. We give infant leaders the authority to educate or train others in
the body of Christ. They can't anticipate anything significant to happen from
them in order for them to appear competent and wonderful. They are still at the
entry level, so there is no need to fight with them. Instead, they need some basic
facts to grow. The challenging part is when people believe these kinds of people.
Lack of knowledge of the word of God and understanding of the word of God is
what prevents many individuals from growing in so many ways. Their language
is immature and worthless to others. Their talk is childish and useless to other

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people but when they speak to their fellow babies, they understand their level.
The gospel of Jesus is not motivation or inspiration, but rather a change of heart.

ACTS 17:11-12 DBV

"Now the Berean Jews were people with positive character qualities, who loved
to think critically and rationally than those in Thessalonica, since they welcomed
the word with great interest and studied the Scriptures Day after day to
discover if what Paul taught was truthful. 12 As a result, many of them, including
a number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men, believed."

When I was reading these scriptures, several points that I feel will help a lot of
people realize the significance of God's word in their lives. We don't just tell
people to read the Bible; we encourage them to read the Bible and understand
why they need to change their lives and live a life that has an impact on the
people around them. And my observations are on the book of Acts, which I like.
That book has a wealth of knowledge. Chapter 17 of that book of Acts reminds
us of many things, including what was occurring to the believers in Thessalonica.
As were the customs of Paul, whenever he visited a new city, he preached to the
synagogue and made sure to prove to them that Jesus is Christ, the awaited
Messiah. He cited evidence from the scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer
and die and rise from the dead. Some Jews, as well as a huge number of God-
fearing Gentiles, visited the synagogue and were persuaded to believe in Jesus
Christ. So, when we look at verses 11 and 12, we may learn something new from
the people of Berea. These folks did not only accept the scriptures, but they also
investigated it. This is really intriguing and also very interesting to me when I
think about reading God's word. How pleasant is the gospel of Jesus, and how
beautiful is the church as a whole? When I think of God's kingdom, I think of the
transformed people in the kingdom of God and the influence they can have on
others around them. The word of God transforms people. I believe that we need
more converted people in the body of Christ rather than a large number of
people who are not progressing. The word of God should never remain with you
as knowledge, but change must be mandatory.

As soon as the Jew in Thessalonica learned where Paul had gone, they followed
him to continue their opposition, but the Berea believers were alert to the
danger and escorted Paul to the city of Athens on the coast. And this is what is
happening to many closed-minded people. They never get time to learn from

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others and what they believe always either it is true or not they make sure don’t
allow anybody to challenge them. The people of Berea were people with open-
minded more than Thessalonica, these people were people with positive
character qualities, who loved to think critically and rationally than those in
Thessalonica. They never rely on their minds, yet their minds were very open to
getting something to learn from Paul and Silas. And I always encourage people
to ask God more so that can change their characters from being closed-minded
people to being open-minded people. When you trust God in the transformation,
I believe that everything that you aim to be can be possible, you have to just
trust God and trust everything that is doing in your life.

People with an open mind are those that are constantly willing to learn from
others or from whatever they are reading, including the bible. However, after
learning that Paul was preaching at Berea, the people of Thessalonica hurried
there to cause a commotion, but the Berea believers were informed and assisted
Paul and Silas. The closed-minded person will resort to whatever means
necessary, even violence, to support their viewpoint. Even if he obtains reading
material, they will always interpret it in accordance with their preconceived
notions. Additionally, if they have the opportunity to learn, they constantly
seek out mentors who share their perspectives. And I believe that your
character may influence how you read God's word. The closed-minded character
can prohibit the Holy Spirit from ministering to them. That is why we have a lot
of people who have a lot of scriptures in their brains, but those verses are not
enabling them to grow, they become legalistic, and that is why we have insane
spirituality in our society and yet people are frightened to tell them the reality
that the way you are worshiping God is not the correct worship of God. Open-
minded people will always seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and ensure that they
learn from God's word.

They never allow challenges to learn from those with opposing viewpoints. So,
my brothers in Christ, make sure you alter your characters, and that is why even
our educational background does not help us since we come from a closed-
minded culture where the definitions of success and the method to worship God
are uniforms. Closed-minded people always keep their minds closed, and they
don't let anybody else put other things they don't know or question their minds.
Believing that they are acting appropriately. The gospel of Jesus unites
Christians and makes us brothers and sisters. Because of Jesus' blood, we

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become family, and we enable everyone to train each other so that the body of
Christ might be built up. As a result, I constantly advise people to think before
they speak. We must distance ourselves from societies that foster closed-
minded people. Because such characters can even influence how we view God.
We will never learn anything from our brothers and sisters in Christ, and
whatever they do learn will be to assuage their emotions.

Nonetheless, they fail to learn and grow. Many people live in spiritual conformity
zones because of such traits. We must strive to move away from where we are.
We must be deliberate about the life we have now. Many things can be
influenced by our characters. These Bereans saw something to learn, while the
people of Thessalonica saw uncertainty because they never allowed themselves
to learn from Paul and Silas. So, when we talk about character, I know it's one of
the most essential things to people. I believe that with God's help, you will seek
God more and ask God to change your mind so that you may be more open-
minded.

Always people who are open-minded are unique from other people. There is no
one has an empty mind. And that is why I don’t encourage people to call others
that are empty minded people. But the big reasons of why these people are
empty is what they have in the mind seems to be empty to certain of level of
the thinkers. An empty mind does not mean they are bankrupt or are nil. So, in
that perspective I believe that to look different and unique is people to be an
open-minded people. You may never understand until you find this thing that is
very important in your life. You become unique because of the money in the
bank, the good car you drive or etc. but how open-minded person you are. These
people of Berea where open-minded than those in Thessalonica and this shows
a great different to the two societies. And any society that is very open-minded
always is one the great society that can impact to many societies around them.
When you read philosophers in the Greek era you find that these people where
very open-minded and they were unique from other societies and such cultures
became a dominate one. Now we are learning from those great philosophers like
Plato, etc. their characters made them to be different from those in
Thessalonica. And such perspective is very important. And if we want to change
from one area to another, I believe that we must ask God to help us so that, we
can learn from Him and listen from him. And this what makes us the different
from people of these world. We must aim to be like people of Berea who only

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saw the great move of their changing by receiving the message from Paul and
Silas. And I believe that whenever we receive the message from God or
whenever we read the word of God, helps us to grow and such growth makes us
to look different from other people around us. When we read the word of God
and allow that word of God to change us and impacts us, makes us to be
different from other people around us. So, I encourage everyone to aim to
change. You can’t read and meditate the word of God and becomes the same
people all the time. So, I believe that when we read the word of God and ask God
to be the centre of everything that we are doing we change completely, and we
become people with open-minded ones. I ask God to bless you so that you can
become different from the people of these world. People with open-minded not
closed-minded people. I will never be ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
because it powers of God that brings salvation to anyone who believes. And that
power of God is what makes me different from all people who didn’t receive
Jesus Christ as their Lord and saviour. That is power that brought changes and
remove all things that were not well and was not pleasing God. I love God with
all my heart, soul, and my minds. Receive the gospel of Jesus in your life and
experience the change in your life and be unique from the world. And the word
of God is reminding us that we must not copy the behaviour and customs of this
world. We must let God to renew our minds. And when we our minds are
renewed, we become unique and become people of mega change.

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 THE BOOK OF GALATIANS

Paul rebuked the Galatians1 in his epistle for relying on the law to establish their status as
members of God's family. He refers to this as a distinct gospel since the truly good news has
never been about earning a ticket in God's family. In order to demonstrate this, Paul uses
Abraham as a primary example, emphasizing to readers that Abraham never earned a good
relationship with God. Instead, he clung to God's assurance that through him and his
offspring, all nations would one day experience his goodness. God's purpose has always
been to build a family of people who relate to him based on trust rather than the Law.
Despite how beautiful it is, the Law cannot bring about change; Jesus fully fulfils what the
Law is unable to do. All peoples receive God's blessing through Jesus, the progenitor
Abraham was promised. His blessing enables anyone who puts their faith in Jesus to
experience the release of his Spirit, and his Spirit then invites and enables everyone to
experience a new life of love within his family. Christians are called to cultivate this new life,
but they are not compelled to be circumcised or to observe Jewish rituals. What actually
matters, according to Paul, is God's new creation, the family of people who believe in Jesus
and learn to love God and others through the power of the Holy Spirit.

1
Paul’s journey from persecutor to apostle, wherein he comes to embrace Jesus as the Messiah along the road
to Damascus (Acts 9), sets the stage for his missionary and epistolary activity. The former, which is narrated in
the latter chapters of Acts (15-21), attempts to provide a holistic narrative to the rather piecemeal and
fragmentary nature of the Pauline epistles. The authentic letters of Paul are, above all else, situational and
occasional writings. They are not systematic treatises on theology or exhaustive records of Paul’s intellectual
thinking, but actual communications between himself and the communities with whom he had a relationship
(Philemon is a notable exception; it is a letter addressed to an individual rather than a community). Paul’s letters
attempt to right problems within these communities, problems of sufficient magnitude that they merited further
instruction from Christ’s foremost apostle. Indeed, what troubled Paul about Galatia was not necessarily the
same as what troubled Paul about Rome or Corinth, or Philippi. The recipients of Paul’s letter to the Galatia
remain, geographically speaking, elusive. While we know that the region of Galatia was located in north-central
Asia Minor, its expansiveness and Paul’s lack of specificity means we cannot identify precisely where within
Galatia his letter was sent. The occasion, however, of the letter, written in the late 40s or early 50s CE, is
altogether clear. In wake of Paul’s departure from Galatia, a party of Christ believers (often called the
circumcision party) convinced gentile members of the church, whom Paul had brought into the faith, that true
believers in Christ must follow the Jewish Law in its entirety. Paul has been alerted to this development and his
letter outlines quite angrily his opposition to gentile adherence to the Jewish law, as embodied in the practice of
circumcision. Paul’s letter reveals the difficulty in negotiating the relationship between being a Jew or Gentile
and simultaneously being a follower of Jesus. Furthermore, Paul’s introductory remarks suggest that the
circumcision party has challenged his apostolic authority. Unlike the other prominent apostles, Paul never met
Jesus, a charge that may have compelled his response that his gospel came directly from Christ and not from
human hands.

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 CHAPTER ONE

1 Paul, an apostle, a God-sent

messenger, extends his greetings. I
was not called to be an apostle by
men or by any human group. Jesus
Christ and God, the Father, who
raised Jesus from the dead, are the
source of my authority. 2 Greetings
to you from all my fellow Christian
brethren. To the churches in the
Galatian province:
3 I pray that God, our Father,
and the Lord Jesus Christ grant you
blessings and peace. 4 For us to be
free from the wicked world we live
in, Jesus gave himself as atonement
for our sins. This is what the Father,
God, desired. 5 God will always be
the exclusive owner of the glory.
Amen.
6 I'm astonished that you are
rejecting God so quickly after he
called you to himself through the
merciful love of Christ. You are
clinging to a different pathway that
tries to present as the good news 7
yet in reality is not the Good News at
all. You are being scammed by
people who purposefully falsify the
gospel of Christ. 8 Let God's curse
fall on anybody, whether us or an
angel from heaven, who preaches a
different kind of Good News than the
one we proclaimed to you. 9 I'll say it
again: Let that person be cursed if
they preach any other Good News
than the one you accepted. 10
Without a doubt, my goal is to please
God, not others. I wouldn't serve
Christ if my primary goal was to win
people over.
11 Dear brothers and sisters,
please understand that the gospel
message I preach is not based on
personal reasoning. 12 No one taught
me, and I did not get my message
from a human source. Instead, I
received it by direct revelation from
Jesus Christ. 13 You are aware of
how I treated God's church in a
ferocious manner while I practiced
Judaism. I tried all I could to destroy
it. 14 In my zeal for the traditions of
my forefathers, I was far ahead of
my fellow Jews.

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 15 However, even before I was
born, God chose and called me by his
amazing grace. So that I may spread
the good news of Jesus to the
Gentiles, it pleased him to reveal his
Son to me. I didn't run out to speak
to anyone right away after this
happened. 17 I didn't even travel up
to Jerusalem to meet with the
apostles who came before me.
Instead, I left for Arabia
eventually came back to Damascus.
18 Three years later, I went to
Jerusalem to meet Peter, where I
spent fifteen days. 19 At that time,
James, the Lord's brother, was the
only other apostle I met.
CHAPTER TWO
2 After 14 years, Titus and I
returned to Jerusalem
Barnabas. 2 I went there because
God prompted me to do so. I told
them the message I provide to non-
Jews. I also met alone with people
regarded as leaders. I wanted to
make sure we were on the same page
so that neither my previous work
20 I thus certify that what I am
writing to you is true in the presence
of God. 21 I went north into the
provinces of Syria and Cilicia after
that visit. 22 And yet, I was still an
unknown personally to the churches
of Christ in Judea. 23 The only
information they knew about me
was that "This man was harassing us.
However, he is now preaching to
and others about the same faith that he
previously attempted to pervert.
24 Because of me, these Christians
gave thanks to God.
nor my current work would be in
vain.
with 3 Titus, my companion, is
Greek. But even so, these authorities
did not make him be circumcised. 4
We needed to discuss these issues
since some who pretended to be our
brothers had infiltrated our group in
stealth. They came in as spies to
learn about the freedom we enjoy in
Christ Jesus. They intended to make
21
us slaves, 5 but we refused
everything those phony brothers
wanted. We wanted the Good News
to remain true for you.
6 Those guys who
thought to be influential did not
affect the message of Good News
that I preached. (It doesn't matter to
me whether they were "influential"
or not. To God, everyone is the
same.)
7 However, these leaders saw
that I had been given a specific task,
much like Peter, by God. God
entrusted Peter with the task of
giving the Jews the Good News. But
God assigned me the task
spreading the Good News to non-
Jews. 8 God granted Peter the
authority to serve as an apostle for
the Jews. But for those who are not
Jews, God has given me
authority to serve as an apostle. 9
James, Peter, and John seemed to be
the leaders. They accepted Barnabas
and me after realizing that I had been
given a special calling to serve by
God. "We agree that you should go to
people who are not Jews, and we will
go to the Jews," they stated to us. 10
They merely requested us to keep in
mind to help the needy.
Additionally, I had a strong
desire to do this.11 When Peter
were arrived in Antioch, he did something
unethical. I stood up to him because
he was inappropriate. 12 This is what
took place: When Peter initially
arrived in Antioch, he ate with and
socialized with non-Jews. However,
when several Jewish men arrived
from James, Peter withdrew himself
from the non-Jews. He stopped
eating with them because he was
afraid of Jewish individuals who
think that all non-Jews must be
circumcised.
of
13 Peter thereby exhibited
hypocrisy. He was joined by other
Jewish believers, who were also
hypocrites. Even Barnabas was
the affected by the actions of these
Jewish Christians.14 They weren't
living up to the reality of the Gospel.
I approached Peter in front of
everyone when I noticed this. Peter,
you are a Jew, but you don't live like
one, I said. You behave in ways that
are not typical of Jews. Why then are
you attempting to convert non-Jews
22
to live like Jews? 15 We are Jewish by
birth. As we refer to those who are
not Jewish, we were not born
"sinners." 16 But we all know that
following the law does not make one
right with God. Trusting in Jesus
Christ reconciles a person to God.
So, we put our confidence in
Christ Jesus because we wanted to
be reconciled with God. And we are
right with God because we put our
faith in Christ, not because we
obeyed the law. This really is
accurate because following the law
cannot make someone right with
God. 17 We Jews came to Christ to be
reconciled to God; thus, we were
sinners as well. Does this indicate
CHAPTER THREE
3 Galatians, you are such fools!
What makes me say this? because I
was very clear in my explanation of
Jesus Christ's crucifixion to you. But
it now looks as though you allowed
someone to make you forget by
using their magical abilities.
23
that Christ makes us sinners?
Naturally not. 18 But if I started
teaching the subjects I stopped, I
would be incorrect. 19 My life was
ended by the law because of the law
itself. I died to the law in order to live
for God. I, too, was nailed on the
cross with Christ.
20 Therefore, Christ is the one
who is now living in me, not I.
Although I still have a physical body,
I still have confidence in the Son of
God. He is the one who gave of
himself out of love for me. 21 No, it is
not me who dilutes the meaning of
God's grace. If upholding the law is
how people reconcile themselves to
God, then Christ did not need to die.
2 Please share
experience of receiving the Holy
Spirit. Did keeping the law help you
your
receive the Spirit? No, you heard and
received the good news of Jesus, and
that is how the Spirit came to you. 3
As a new creation in Christ, you were
born of the Spirit. Are you now
attempting to finish it on your own?
That is insane.
 4 You've had a lot
experiences. Did all of those
experiences ultimately useless? I
hope they weren't squandered! 5
Does God give you the Spirit because
you follow the law? Does God
perform wonders among you just
because you follow the law? No,
since you received the gospel of
Jesus and accepted it, God sends you
his Spirit and performs wonders
among you.
6 The same is said of Abraham
in the Bible. "Abraham believed God,
and as a result of his faith, he was
recognized as a righteous person by
God." 7 As a result, you should be
aware that individuals who possess
faith are Abraham's actual
descendants. 8 The Scriptures
predicted what will happen in the
future. According to these
scriptures, God would make the non-
Jewish people right through their
faith. God foretold this Good News
to Abraham before it happened. I will
use you to bless everyone on earth,
God promised Abraham. 9 Abraham
believed, and he was blessed as a
result. Everyone who believes is
of blessed in the same way that
Abraham was. 10 However, those
who rely on keeping the law to make
them right are cursed. "They must do
everything written in the law," the
Scriptures say. They will be cursed if
they do not constantly obey." 11 It is
evident that the law cannot make
anybody right with God. "Whoever is
straight with God by faith will live
everlasting," the Scriptures say. 12
People are not required to have faith
in the law. 'He who obeys the laws
shall survive as a result of them,' it
states.
13 Christ has delivered us from the
curse that the law had imposed on
us. He made the curse his own. It
should have been our fault. 'A curse
be on everyone who hangs on a tree!'
state the holy writings. 14 Christ
Jesus made this sacrifice so that
non-Jews may share in Abraham's
blessing. He did this so that when we
believe, the Spirit who was promised
to us will be given to us.
15 Let me offer you an
example from daily life, brothers,
and sisters: Consider a contract that
two parties enter into. Once that
24
agreement has been formally
established, nobody will be able to
alter it, add to it, or choose to
disregard it. 16 To Abraham and his
offspring, God made promises. The
Scripture does not mention, "and to
your descendants." It would be a
large number of people. To your
Descendant, though, it says. That
implies that there is only one, and
that one is Christ.
17 What I mean is that the covenant
God made with Abraham was
established before the law was
established. 430 years later, the law
was established. Therefore, the
agreement and God's promise could
not be altered by the law. 18 Can
God's promised blessing be obtained
through keeping the law? If we could
obtain it simply by following the law,
it would not be God's promise that
provides it to us. But according to
the promise God made, Abraham
received his blessings freely. 19 Why
then did laws exist? The law was
enacted to highlight the
wrongdoings of people. The law
would remain in effect until the
special Abrahamic descendant came.
25
This is the Descendant referenced in
the promise, which came directly
from God. However, angels served as
the intermediary through whom the
law was communicated to the
people, and they did it by means of
Moses. 20 A mediator is not
necessary when there is just one
party, and God is that one, hence
there was none present when God
made the promise. 21 Does this imply
that the law contradicts God's
promises? Probably not. God never
intended for mankind to experience
new life through the law. If it were,
we could make peace with God by
following the law. 22 But this is not
doable. The Scriptures imprisoned
the entire world under the dominion
of sin, so that the only way for
mankind to receive what God
promised would be through faith in
Jesus Christ. It is granted to those
who have faith in him.
23 Before this faith, the law had
imprisoned us. We didn't have any
freedom until God gave us the route
to trust. 24 I mean, until Christ came,
the law was our guardian. We may be
made right with God through faith
after Christ came. 25 We no longer
require the law to protect us, for the
way of faith has come. 26-27 You
were all baptized into Christ and
therefore clothed in Christ. This
demonstrates that you are all God's
offspring through your trust in
Christ Jesus. 28 Now, whether you
are a Jew or a Greek, a slave or a free
person, a man, or a woman, it makes
no difference in Christ. In Christ
Jesus, you are all one. 29 You are
Christ's followers; hence you are
Abraham's offspring. You get all of
God's blessings because of God's
promise to Abraham.

CHAPTER FOUR

4 Consider it in this manner. Even

freedom from being under the law. 6
And because we are his children, God
has put his Son's Spirit into our
if they technically possess all their
hearts, causing us to call out, "Abba,
deceased father had, young children
Father." 7 You are no longer a slave,
who receive an inheritance from a
but rather God's own child.
deceased parent are essentially
Furthermore, God has appointed you
treated as slaves until they reach
his heir since you are his child. 8
adulthood. 2 They must follow their
Before you Gentiles knew God, you
guardians until they reach the age
were slaves to fictitious gods. 9 So,
determined by their father. 3 And
now that you know God (or, should I
that was how it was before Christ
say, now that God knows you), why
came. We were like little children,
do you wish to go back and become
subject to the fundamental spiritual
slaves to the weak and meaningless
laws of this universe. 4 But when the
spiritual principles of this world? 10
proper moment arrived, God sent his
By keeping particular days, months,
Son, who was born of a woman and
seasons, and years holy, you are
was subject to the law. 5 In order to
attempting to win God's favour. 11
adopt us as his very own children,
I'm scared of you. Perhaps my
God sent him to purchase our

26
efforts with you were in vain. 12 My and those pangs won't stop until
beloved brothers and sisters, I Christ is fully developed in your life.
implore you to live as I do, free from 20 I wish I could alter my tone right
these things, for I have become like now. But I'm at a loss for other
you Gentiles, free from those laws. options at this distance. 21 Do you
When I initially started preaching to know what the law genuinely says,
you, you did not treat me badly. 13 tell me you who desire to live by the
Surely you recall that I was unwell law?
when I first brought you the Good
22 According to the
News. 14 Despite the fact that my
Scriptures, Abraham had two sons:
situation prompted you to reject me,
one from his slave wife and one from
you did not dislike or reject me. No,
his freeborn wife. 23 In an effort by
you treated me as if I were a God-
humans to bring about the fulfilment
sent angel or perhaps Christ Jesus
of God's promise, the son of the
himself. 15 Where is the attitude of
slave wife was born. However, the
gratitude and joy you had at the
son of the freeborn bride was born
time? I have no doubt that if it had
as God's own fulfilment of his
been possible, you would have
promise. 24 These two women are
removed your own eyes and given
illustrative of God's two covenants.
them to me. 16 Have I now turned
The first woman, Hagar, represents
against you because I am telling you
Mount Sinai, where the law that
the truth? 17 Those phony teachers
enslaved them was given. 25 And
are so anxious to earn your favour,
now, Jerusalem is just like Mount
yet their motives are false. They are
Sinai in Arabia, because she and her
attempting to remove you from me
offspring are subject to the law. 26
so that you will focus solely on them.
However, Sarah, the other lady,
18 If someone wants to do good for
stands in for the heavenly
you, that's fine; but let them do it all
Jerusalem. She is our mother and the
the time, not just when I'm around.
liberated woman. 27 As Isaiah said,
19 My precious children, oh my!
Again, I feel like I'm in labour for you, “Rejoice, O childless woman,

27
 you who have never given birth! as Ishmael, the child of human effort,
Break into a joyful shout, persecuted Isaac, the child of the
you who have never been in Spirit's power.
labor!
30 But what do the Scriptures say
For the desolate woman now has
about it? "Get rid of the slave and
more children
her son, because the slave woman's
than the woman who lives with
son will not share the inheritance
her husband!”
with the free woman's son." 31 So,
28 In the same way that Isaac was a
my brothers and sisters, we are the
child of the promise, you too, dear
offspring of the free woman, not the
brothers and sisters, are. 29 But you
slave woman.
are now being persecuted by those
who want you to follow the law, just

CHAPTER FIVE

5 Christ genuinely set us free in

from Christ if you are attempting to
make God see you as righteous by
keeping the law! You lost touch with
this way. Make sure you don't go
God's grace. 5 But those of us who
back into legalized servitude. 2
are Spirit-filled are eagerly
Listen! I, Paul, tell you this: If you
anticipating the righteousness that
expect circumcision to make you
God has promised to grant us
right with God, Christ will be useless
through faith. 6 When we put our
to you. 3 I'll say it one more. You
faith in Christ Jesus, there is no
must comply with every
benefit to being circumcised or
requirement in the whole of the Law
uncircumcised. What counts is how
of Moses if you're hoping to gain
faith manifests itself in love.
God's favour by becoming
7 You were running incredibly
circumcised. 4 You have been cut
effectively the race. You have been

28
prevented from pursuing the truth
by whom? 8 Since God is the one
who called you to freedom, it is
surely not him. 9 This incorrect
teaching is like a speck of yeast that
spreads throughout the entire batch
of bread! 10 I'm putting my faith in
the Lord to guard you against
accepting incorrect doctrines. God
will punish whomever it is who has
been confusing you.
11 Dear brothers and sisters, if
I still preached that you needed to be
circumcised, as some claim I do, why
am I still being persecuted? No one
would be upset if I stopped teaching
salvation through the cross of
Christ. 12 I only hope those
troublemakers who want to
circumcise you would mutilate
themselves. 13 My brothers and
sisters, you have been called to live
in freedom. Don't, however, abuse
your freedom to appease your
wicked nature. Use your freedom to
help one another in love instead. 14
Because this one rule, "Love your
neighbour as yourself," encapsulates
the entirety of the law. 15 On the
other hand, be careful if you are
constantly biting and devouring one
29
another. Take care not to ruin one
another. 16 So, I say, let the Holy
Spirit lead your life. Because of this,
you won't be engaging in immoral
behaviour. 17 Exactly contrary to
what the Spirit desires, the sinful
nature desires to do evil. And the
Spirit gives us desires that are
completely contradictory to those of
the sinful flesh. Because these two
forces are continuously at odds, you
are not free to carry out your good
intentions. 18 You are not obligated
to follow the law of Moses, however,
when you are guided by the Spirit. 19
When you give in to your sinful
nature's desires, the outcomes are
blatantly clear: sexual immorality,
impurity, sensual pleasures, 20
idolatries, sorcery, enmity,
quarrelling, jealously, outbursts of
rage, selfish ambition, dissension,
division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild
parties, and other sins like these. Let
me say it again: anyone living that
kind of life will not inherit God's
Kingdom. 22 However, the fruit that
the Holy Spirit produces in our life is
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness,
goodness, faithfulness, 23
gentleness, and self-control. These
actions are not prohibited by law. 24
Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified their sinful nature's
passions and wants by nailing them
to his cross. 25 We should live by the
Spirit, therefore let's do everything
we can to follow his guidance. 26
Let's avoid being arrogant, inciting
conflict, or being envious of one
another.

CHAPTER SIX

6 Greetings, brothers, and

6 Every good thing should be shared
with instructors by those who are
instructed in the word of God. 7 Be
sisters. If another Christian is
careful not to be deceived; you
overwhelmed by sin, you who are
cannot mock God's judgment. You
godly should gently and humbly
will always reap what you sow. 8
guide that person back to the path of
Those who simply live in order to
righteousness. And take caution not
appease their own evil nature will
to succumb to the same temptation.
reap rot and death from that wicked
2 In this manner, you will be
nature. The Spirit will grant
following Christ's law by bearing one
everlasting life to those who live to
another burdens. 3 If you believe you
please him, though. 9 So let us not
are too important to help someone,
get bored of doing what is right. If we
you are delusory. You are not that
don't give up, we shall reap a crop of
important. 4 Pay careful attention to
benefits at the perfect moment. 10
your own work; that way, you'll have
As a result, whenever we have the
the satisfaction of a job well done
opportunity, we should do good to
without having to compare yourself
everyone, especially those in the
to anybody else. 5 For every one of
family of faith. 11 Take note of the
us is accountable for our own
huge letters I use while penning
actions.
these final sentences in my own

30
handwriting. 12 Those who are 18 Please accept the blessing of our
attempting to have you circumcised
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
do so in order to seem respectable.
in your spirit, dear brothers,
They don't want to face persecution
and sisters. Amen.
because they preach that only the
blood of Christ on the cross can
save. 13 Moreover, even people who
support circumcision don't observe
the entire law themselves. The only
reason they want you circumcised is
so they can brag about it and call
you, their followers. 14 As for me,
may I never take pride in anything
other than the cross of our Saviour
Jesus Christ. That cross has crucified
both my interest in this world and
the interest the world has in me. 15
Whether we have had our
circumcisions or not is irrelevant.
What matters is whether or not we
have undergone a change to become
a new creation. 16 All those who
follow this principle deserve God's
peace and kindness since they
represent the new God's people.

17 Don't bother me with these things

anymore. I have scars that identify
me as a follower of Jesus on my
body.

31
 THE BOOK OF EPHESIANS

Paul explains in a letter to the Ephesian2 church how the work of Jesus on the
cross should influence every part of their daily life, transforming how they
behave and care for one another in spite of their differences. God's vision for
the new humanity is for them to be united via the Spirit and their faith in the
Messiah, overcoming ethnic, socioeconomic, and cultural identity boundaries.
Paul challenges the Ephesian church to become new people who live and love
like Jesus, saying that the Spirit will empower them to stand strong against
dividing forces and demonic evil.

CHAPTER ONE

1 This letter is written by Paul,

3 All glory to God, the Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has
bestowed on us every spiritual
who was selected by God to be an
blessing in the heavenly realms
apostle of Christ Jesus. I'm writing to
because we are united with Christ. 4
the devout followers of Christ Jesus
God loves us and chose us in Christ
at Ephesus, who are God's holy
to be holy and faultless in his eyes
people. 2 May the grace and peace of
even before he created the world. 5
God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus
God planned ahead of time to adopt
Christ be with you.
us into his own family by bringing us

2
The city of Ephesus was known for its idolatry and pagan practices. Paul traveled there on his third missionary
journey and stayed there for almost three years. While living and working among the Ephesians, he started the
church in Ephesus. The Ephesian Christians were primarily Gentiles and their lives had not been informed by
the Jewish laws or experience. Living in a culture quite contrary to their newfound belief in Jesus Christ, they
needed encouragement and guidance to better understand what it meant to live into their new identity in
Christ. And that encouragement came from an unlikely place. The Apostle Paul wrote the letter to the
Ephesians while he was in prison. Paul’s letter was likely passed from church to church, city to city, as was the
custom of the time. So Paul’s theology and encouragement spread far beyond just the church in Ephesus and
we’ll find that his wisdom continues to be valuable for our faith today.

32
to himself through Jesus Christ. This
was exactly what he wanted to
accomplish, and it brought him a lot
of joy.
6 Therefore we thank God for
the great blessing he has granted to
us who belong to his precious Son. 7
His love and grace are so abundant
that they used the blood of his Son
to pay for our freedom and atone for
our sins. 8 Along with all his
expertise and intelligence, he has
bestowed upon us his kindness. 9
God has now made known to us his
enigmatic desire for Christ, which is
to carry out his own wise scheme. 10
The strategy is as follows: At the
proper moment, he will unite all
things in heaven and earth under the
rule of Christ. 11 Furthermore,
because we are linked to Christ, we
have an inheritance from God
because he predetermined our
election and organizes everything to
go according to his plan. 12 Because
we were the first to believe in Christ,
God intended for us Jews to bring
him glory and praise. 13 Now that
you Gentiles have discovered the
truth and heard the good news that
33
God can redeem you, he marked you
as his own by giving you the Holy
Spirit, as he had previously
promised. 14 The Holy Spirit is God's
assurance that he will give us the
inheritance he promised and that he
has purchased us to be his own
people. He did this to gain our
honour and glory.
15 Ever since I first learned of your
unwavering dedication to the Lord
Jesus and to God's people
everywhere, 16 I haven't stopped
praising God for you. 17 I keep asking
God, the mighty Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, to give you spiritual
awareness and insight so that you
might deepen your knowledge of
God, and I pray for you constantly.
18 I really pray that God would
grant you the illumination you need
in order to fully grasp the sure hope
He has given to those He has called—
His holy people, who are His vast and
glorious heritage. 19 I also ask that
you see the amazing magnitude of
God's power for those of us who
trust in him. This is the same
powerful power 20 that raised Christ
from the dead and set him in the
position of honour at God's right side
in the celestial realms. 21 He is now
much superior to any ruler,
authority, power, leader, or anything
else, both in this world and the one
to come. 22 For the sake of the
CHAPTER TWO
2 You were spiritually dead in the
past because of your sins and the
things you committed against God. 2
Indeed, such sins were prevalent in
your lives in the past. You adopted
the lifestyle of the wider population
and obeyed the de facto leader of
the evil forces above the planet.
Now, those who reject God's
commands are being affected by the
same spirit. 3 We all used to live in
the same manner, seeking only to
appease our wicked selves. Our
bodies and thoughts dictated what
we did, therefore we did everything.
We, like everyone else in the world,
deserved to be punished by God
simply for being who we were.
34
church, God has placed all things
under the rule of Christ and made
him supreme over all. 23 And the
church is his body; it is made whole
and complete by Christ, who fills all
things everywhere with himself.
4 But God is generous with his
kindness, and we were deeply loved
by him. 5 We were spiritually dead
because of what we had done
against him. But in Christ, he has
given us new life. (You have been
saved by the grace of God.) 6 Yes,
God resurrected us from death and
seated us with him in the celestial
realms because we are a portion of
Christ Jesus. 7 God accomplished
this so that his compassion to us who
belong to Christ Jesus might plainly
demonstrate the incredible riches of
his grace for all time.
8 By grace, I mean that you
were saved because you believed. It
was God's gift to you; you didn't earn
it. 9 You are not saved by your
efforts; therefore, you have nothing
to brag about. 10 We are what we are
because of God. God transformed us
into new creatures in Christ Jesus so
that we may live our lives
performing the excellent deeds he
had previously predestined for us. 11
You were not born into a Jewish
family. You are the "uncircumcised"
Jews. Jewish people who refer to
you as being "uncircumcised"
consider themselves to
circumcised. (Their circumcision is a
personal act they do on their body.)
12 Remember that you were once
without Christ. You were not an
Israelite and were unaware of the
covenants and pledges that God had
given to his people. You lacked a
relationship with God and had no
hope. 13 Yes, you were once distant
from God, but thanks to Jesus Christ,
you are now closer to him than ever.
Through Christ's blood sacrifice, you
are brought near to God.14 Christ is
the reason we are now at peace. He
made you who are not Jews and me,
Jews, into one people. Christ tore
down the wall of hatred that stood
between us and divided us. Christ
abolished the law with all of its many
instructions and regulations
sacrificing his own body. It was his
intention to unite the two factions
inside himself. This would allow him
to reconcile. 16 The enmity between
the two factions was put to an end
by Christ on the cross. He also
desired to return them both to God
when they united into one body. His
crucifixion on the cross
accomplished this.
be
17 Christ came to you, non-Jews who
were alienated from God, and gave
the message of peace. And he sent
the message of peace to those who
were close to God. 18 Yes, through
Christ, we all have the privilege to
come to the Father in one Spirit. 19
You are no longer outsiders or
strangers, but citizens alongside
God's holy people. In God's family,
you are an heir. 20 You, who are
believers, are like a building that
belongs to God. On the foundation
laid by the apostles and prophets,
that structure was built. The
cornerstone of the building that
matters the most is Christ Jesus. 21
The entirety of the foundation is
unified in Christ, who also causes it
to develop and transform into a
by
33
revered temple in the sight of the the Spirit, you are transformed into
Lord. 22 And you are being built with a place where God dwells.
his other people in Christ. Through

CHAPTER THREE

3 When I contemplate all of this, I,

was given to me by God. By his
strength, he blessed me.

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus for 8 Even though I am the least

the benefit of you Gentiles... 2 deserving of all of God's people, he

thinking, by the way, that you know kindly granted me the opportunity

God assigned me the unique task of to inform the Gentiles about the

distributing his mercy to you limitless riches that are accessible to

Gentiles. 3 As I mentioned them in Christ. 9 I was chosen to

previously, I had direct revelation convey to everyone this cryptic plan

from God on his enigmatic plan. 4 As that God, the creator of everything

you read what I have said, you will had kept hidden from the

grasp my perspective on Christ's beginning.10 All of this was done for

plan. 5 God withheld it from earlier God's purpose, which was to use the

generations, but he has now church to show all the invisible

revealed it through his Spirit to his authorities and rulers in the

holy apostles and prophets. 6 This is heavenly realms the rich diversity

God's strategy. All people will benefit and depth of his knowledge. 11 He

from God's benefits, even non-Jews. carried out this everlasting purpose

Additionally, they are a component through Christ Jesus our Lord. 12 We

of Jesus Christ's body. They will also may now enter God's presence

get what God has promised in Jesus fearlessly and confidently because

Christ as a result of the good news. 7 of Christ and our confidence in him.

The task of sharing that good news 13 Because of my difficulties here,

kindly don't lose hope. You should be

34
honoured because I am suffering for
you. 14 Because of this, I kneel and
pray to the Father. 15 He is the
source of the names for all families,
both in heaven and on earth. 16 I
fervently pray that the abundance
of His dazzling magnificence may
enable Him to strengthen you with
inner strength and the power of the
Holy Spirit. 17 I earnestly hope that
you will have faith and let Christ
abide in your hearts. I sincerely hope
you experience love. 18 I pray that
CHAPTER FOUR
4 Because I serve the Lord, I am
being held captive. I beseech you
from the bottom of my heart to live
and work as the Lord intended. 2
Live and labour without any sense of
pride. Be courteous and considerate.
Do not be judgmental of others.
Allow love to stop you from doing so.
3 Strive to coexist harmoniously
with the aid of the Holy Spirit. Peace
will then prevail. 4 There is just one
body and one Spirit. You were called
35
you would comprehend how vast,
long, lofty, and deep His love is. 19 I
wish that you will experience
Christ's love. His love is
unfathomable to us. I fervently hope
that God Himself will fill you. 20
Because of His power at work inside
us, God is able to accomplish far
more than we can ask or imagine. 21
May the church be a reflection of His
dazzling magnificence. May Jesus
Christ be honoured by all people
forever. Make it happen.
to one hope. 5 There is just one Lord,
one faith, and one baptism. 6 There
is one God. We all have him as our
father. He possesses authority over
each and every one of us. He is the
One who is at work in all of us. He is
the One who lives within all of us. 7
Each and every one of us has
received loving favour. The gift of
Christ allows us to recognize how
tremendous it is.
8 As it is said in the Holy
Writings, "When Christ ascended to
heaven, He took those who were
confined with Him." He bestowed
gifts on men." 9 What else could "He
went up" possibly indicate save that
He had previously descended to the
depths of the earth? 10 Christ, who
descended into the depths,
ascended high above the skies. He
accomplished this so that He may fill
the entire world with Himself. 11 And
the same Christ bestowed upon
individuals the following abilities: He
formed some into apostles, some
into prophets, some to go and
spread the gospel, and some to take
care of and instruct God's people. 12
The purpose of Christ's gifts was to
strengthen the body of Christ and to
equip God's holy people for service.
13 Until we are all united in our
knowledge and belief of the Son of
God, this endeavour must continue.
Our objective is to mature into full-
grown men, to appear exactly like
Christ, and to possess all of his
perfection. 14 After that, we won't
be infants anymore. We won't be
individuals who fluctuate constantly
as a ship carried inexorably from one
direction to the next by the waves.
We will not be persuaded by every
36
new message we hear from those
who are attempting to deceive us—
those who devise sophisticated plots
and employ every trick in the book
to dupe others into pursuing the
wrong path. 15 The truth will be
spoken with love, though. In every
manner, we shall mature into the
image of Christ. He is the head,16
and the body completely is reliant on
him. Each component of the body
performs its own function while
being connected to and held
together as a whole. This allows the
entire body to expand and become
stronger in love.
17 In the name of the Lord, I
declare to you that you must cease
living in the manner of the world's
unbelievers. Their ideas are illogical.
18 Their brains are black. They have
no connection to God's life. This is a
result of their refusal to
acknowledge Him and their rejection
of Him in their hearts.
19 They are no longer concerned
with what is good or wrong. They
have surrendered to the wicked
ways of the world and are always
desiring to commit every immoral
deed they can think of. 20 But Christ others in need, he must labour with
taught nothing comparable to what his hands.
you have learned. 21 If you have
29 Keep your mouth shut! You
heard of Him and have learned from
should not say anything negative.
Him, 22 put aside the old person you
Say what is excellent. Your remarks
used to be. Stay away from your
should aid others in their spiritual
previous wicked life. Having been
development. 30 Make sure that
duped into giving in to wicked
your lifestyle doesn't cause the Holy
cravings, it was sinful. 23 Allow your
Spirit of God to grieve whom you
brain and emotions to be renewed.
were sealed for the day of
24 To be like God, you must change
redemption. 31 All of these negative
into a new person. You will then live
emotions toward other people, as
a genuinely holy life and be
well as rage, a short fuse, loud
reconciled with God. 25 Therefore,
talking, inappropriate speech that
cease deceiving one another. Tell
offends others, and negative
your neighbour the whole truth. We
sentiments that offend others,
are all a part of the same body. 26 Be
should be banished from your life. 32
careful not to allow your anger turn
You must show each other respect.
into a sin. Get your fury under
Keep the other person in mind.
control before the day is done. 27
Forgive others like God has forgiven
Stop allowing the devil to influence
you because of Christ's death on the
your life. 28 Anyone who steals must
cross.
cease immediately! To obtain what
he needs and to be able to assist

CHAPTER FIVE

5 Therefore, since you are his

Christ did, and emulate him in all
that you do. He gave himself up for
us out of love for us, making himself
beloved offspring, imitate God in all
a fragrant offering to God. 3 Avoid
that you do. 2 Live a life of love, as
sexual immorality, impurity, and

37
avarice. Such transgressions have no
place among the people of God. 4
You should not listen to crude jokes,
obscene stories, or
conversation. Let there be a spirit of
gratitude to God instead. 5 No one
who practices immorality, impurity,
or greed will have the opportunity to
enter God and Christ's Kingdom, you
can be certain of that. Because
greedy person worships the goods of
this world, they are idolaters.
6 Don't fall for the excuses of
those who would have you believe
that these offenses are not serious
since God will punish all rebels. 7
Avoid joining in with their activities.
8 Previously, you were completely in
the dark, but now the Lord has given
you light. Live, then, like those who
are of light! 9 Because this light
within you only manifests what is
real, good, and right.
demonstrating what is honourable
before the Lord. 11 Reprimand rather
than join in with the evil things done
by the dark. 12 Since they carry out
their illicit activities in secrecy, it is
shameful to even discuss it. 13 But
when something is exposed,
everything is disclosed by the light
because everything that is shown is
light. 14 As a result, he exclaims,
silly "Awake, you who slumber, and arise
from the dead, and the light of Christ
will shine on you." Attributed to the
reason that the days are terrible, 15
you must walk wisely, not as an idiot
but as a smart person, 16 redeeming
the time. 17 So, instead of acting
foolishly, comprehend what the
Lord's will is. 18 Do not get
intoxicated with wine, which causes
dissipation, but be full of the Spirit,
19 speaking to one another in
psalms, hymns, and spiritual
melodies; singing and making music
in your heart to the Lord; 20 giving
thanks in all everything in the name
of our Lord Jesus Christ, to God,
even the Father; 21 humbling
yourself to one another in the fear of
Christ. 22 Wives, your husbands
10
should treat you the same way. 23
For God has given husbands a holy
responsibility to lead, just as the
Anointed leads the church and acts
as its head, so submit to them as you
would the Lord. 24 So wives should
submit to their husbands
respectfully in all ways, just as the
38
church bows to the Anointed One. 25
Husbands, please love your wives as
Christ loved the church. He laid
down his life for the sake of the
church. 26 He did this to make the
church people holy by washing them
with water through God's word. 27
He sacrificed his life for the church
so that one day he might look at the
church and realize what fantastic
and wonderful people it is filled with.
There must be no blemish, wrinkle,
or other imperfection on the church
members. They must, however, be
pious and admirable. 28 Husbands
should thus love their wives in the
same way that they love their own
bodies. A man who adores his wife
CHAPTER SIX
6 Children, obey your parents
because you belong to the Lord, and
that is the correct thing to do. 2
"Respect your parents." The first law
that includes a promise is as follows:
3 "Things will go well for you, and you
will enjoy a long life on the earth," if
39
adores himself. 29 Nobody has ever
despised his own body. However, he
feeds and cares for it. 30 In the same
manner, Christ looks after the
church since we are a part of his
body. 31 According to the holy
writings, "for this reason a man shall
leave his father and mother." He and
his wife will be joined, and they will
like one. 32 This is a fantastic plan
that God has. Here, I'm referring to
the scheme involving Christ and the
faithful. 33 But every one of you
should treat your spouses with the
same respect and affection that you
would give to your own spouses.
Likewise, the wife ought to respect
her husband.
you honour your parents. 4 Fathers,
be careful not to incite resentment
in your children by acting in an
unkind manner. Instead, teach and
discipline them according to the
Lord's authority. 5 Slaves show
reverence and terror to their earthly
lords. Serve them with the same
sincerity with which you would serve
Christ. 6 Make an effort to always
please them, not just while they are
looking at you. Follow God's will
wholeheartedly as Christ's servants.
7 Work enthusiastically, as though
you were serving the Lord rather
than other people. 8 Remember that
the Lord will reward every one of us
for the good we accomplish, whether
we are slaves or free. 9 Masters,
handle your slaves with the same
respect. Remember that you share
the same Master in heaven, and he
doesn't have any favourites, so don't
threaten them. 10 Finally, I want to
encourage you to have faith in the
Lord and his tremendous strength.
11 Put on all of God's gear so that you
can stand firm against all of the
devil's methods. 12 For we are not
engaged in battle with human
opponents; rather, we are engaged
in conflict with demonic authorities
and rulers of the unseen world, with
powerful forces in the present-day
dark world, and with evil spirits in
the higher realms. 13 As a result, put
on all of God's gear so that you can
fend off the bad guys when they
come. When the struggle is over, you
will still be standing strong. 14 Put on
40
the belt of truth and the body armor
of God's righteousness and stand
firm. 15 So that you will be totally
equipped, put on the peace that
comes from the Good News as your
shoes. 16 In addition to all of this,
raise your shield of faith to repel the
devil's scorching arrows. 17 Put on
salvation like a helmet and grab the
word of God as the sword of the
Spirit. 18 Whenever possible and
appropriate, pray in the Spirit.
Continue to be vigilant and
persistent in your prayers for all
believers everywhere. 19 Pray for
me as well, please. So that I may
confidently communicate God's
enigmatic plan—that the Good News
is for both Jews and Gentiles—ask
God for the correct words. 20 I'm still
in chains, spreading my message as
God's envoy. Therefore, please pray
for me so that I can continue to stand
out for him as I should. 21 To bring
you up to speed, Tychicus will give
you a detailed report on what I'm
doing and how I'm doing. He is a
cherished brother and a devoted
servant of the Lord. 22 To inform you
of our progress and to give you
encouragement, I sent him to you
specifically for this reason. 23 God true. 24 May all who love our Lord
bless you, dear brothers, and sisters, Jesus Christ experience the
and may God the Father and the Lord unending grace of God.
Jesus Christ give you love that is

THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS

Paul bases his epistle to the Philippians 3 on a poem that emphasizes Jesus'
humility in the face of suffering. His letter encourages all readers to consider
the needs and interests of others, especially when times are tough. Difficult
situations frequently cause humans to whine, compete with one another, and
hoard resources to suit our own wants. On the other hand, Paul encourages us
to keep in mind how Jesus' sacrificial act brings about true life. In the midst of
hardship, his resurrection gives us a reason to share graciously with others.
Paul's imprisonment demonstrates that spreading Jesus' attitude is difficult, so
he encourages the church and reminds them to persevere.

3
Paul ministered at Philippi during his second missionary journey, spending about three months in the city.
The ministry at Philippi marked Paul’s entrance into Macedonia, which came about as a result of a vision he
had in the city of Troas, just across the northeastern corner of the Aegean Sea from the port city of Neapolis
and its close neighbor Philippi (Acts 16:8–12). During this first stay in Philippi—he later briefly visited the city
on his third missionary journey (20:6)—Paul brought to faith in Christ people who would form the core of the
burgeoning congregation in the city. Among them were Lydia, a businesswoman who opened her home to Paul
and his coworkers (16:13–15), and the Philippian jailer, who was converted under Paul’s ministry after an
earthquake miraculously broke open the prison (16:22–34). Of the four Prison Epistles, Paul likely wrote
Philippians last, near the end of his Roman imprisonment in AD 61 or 62. Paul sent the other three Prison
Epistles—Ephesians, Colossians, and Philemon—by the hand of Tychicus, as their destinations were near one
another. However, the letter to the Philippians was to be delivered by Epaphroditus, who had come to Paul in
Rome with financial help from the church at Philippi (Philippians 2:25; 4:18). But during his time in Rome,
Epaphroditus took ill, which delayed his return home and, therefore, the delivery of the letter (2:26–27).

41
 CHAPTER ONE

1 Greeting from Paul and Timothy,

Jesus' servants.
To every one of you in Philippi who,
along with your elders and special
servants, are God's holy people in
Christ Jesus.
2 God, our Father, and the Lord Jesus
Christ grant you grace and peace.
3 Every time I think of you, I give God
praise for you. 4 As I pray for every
one of you, I am constantly joyful. 5
The reason is that ever from the first
day you heard the Good News, you
have been sharing it with others. 6 I
do not doubt that God, who started
a good job in you, will continue that
work until the day of Jesus Christ's
second coming. 7 It's indeed
appropriate for me to feel this way
about all of you. Because you are
really special to me. You all extended
God's gracious favour to me when I
was imprisoned and during my
efforts to demonstrate the veracity
of the Good News. 8 God
understands what I'm talking about.
He is aware of my deep love for
every one of you, a love that is
derived from the love of Jesus
Christ. 9 I also ask that your love
continue to deepen, and that is my
prayer. I pray for increased
knowledge and wisdom in all areas
for you. 10 I sincerely hope you will
understand what is best. Till the day
of Christ's second coming, I pray that
you will be honest and blameless. 11
Moreover, I sincerely hope that you
will bear the benefits of a good life.
With reverence and gratitude to
God, these are from Jesus Christ.
12 Christian brothers, please know
that what has occurred to me has
aided in the propagation of the
Gospel. 13 Everyone around here
understands why I'm in jail. It is
because of the gospel sermons I gave
about Jesus. I am here for a reason
that is known to every soldier who
serves the nation's ruler. 14 This has
strengthened the faith of the
majority of my Christian brothers in
the Lord. They have more authority
to proclaim God's Word without fear.

42
15 Some people preach because they
seek to cause problems and are
envious. Others are doing it for the
right reasons. 16 These people are
motivated by love. They are aware
that I am being used as evidence for
the truth of the Good News. 17
Others preach about Christ for
personal gain. Their motivations are
off. During my incarceration, they
aim to cause me pain.18 Does it really
matter if they are false or not? I am
grateful that Christ is preached, and
I shall remain joyful. 19 All of this will
work out for the best thanks to your
prayers and the assistance the Holy
Spirit provides me with. 20
sincerely hope I won't have any
cause to feel ashamed. By my life or
by my death, I want to honour Christ
with my body. I want to honour Him
fearlessly now and always.
21 Living implies having Christ in my
perspective. To death implies I'll
have more of Him. 22 By continuing
to exist in this body, I will be able to
lead more people to Christ. I'm not
sure which is preferable. 23 There is
a significant pull from both sides. In
order to be with Christ, which is
much preferable, I have the desire to
go from this world. 24 However, you
need me to stay more than anybody
else. 25 I am certain that I shall live to
help you develop and be happy in
your faith. 26 This will give you a
greater reason to praise Christ Jesus
when I return to see you again. 27
Live your life according to the Good
News of Christ. I want to know that
you are remaining faithful to one
whether I visit you or not. I want to
know that you are preaching the
I Good News as a team, working
together. 28 Fear not those who
despise you. Their hate for you
clearly shows that they will perish.
All of this is evidence from God that
you are being saved. 29 You must
not only have faith in Him, but you
must also undergo suffering on His
behalf. 30 You know what it's like to
be in a battle. Now is the moment for
you to participate, just as I have.
43
 CHAPTER TWO

2 If there is any comfort in Christ,

9 For this reason, God exalted
Him and gave Him the name above all
names, 10 so that at the name of
any solace of love, any spiritual
Jesus, every knee will bow, of those
fellowship, and affection, or any
in heaven, on earth, and under the
compassion, makes my happiness
earth, 11 and every tongue will
complete by sharing the same
confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to
thoughts, upholding the same love,
the glory of God the Father. 12
being one in spirit, and having a
Therefore, my beloved, in the same
single goal in mind. 3 Rather than
way, that you have always obeyed,
acting out of selfishness or hollow
work out your own salvation with
arrogance, act with humility and
fear and trembling. 13 For it is God
remember that others are more
who is at work in you, both to desire
important than yourself. 4 Likewise,
and to work for His good pleasure. 14
do not only consider your own
Do everything without murmuring or
interests but also those of others. 5
arguing, 15 so that you will be clean
Have the same mindset that Christ
and innocent, children of God
Jesus did. 6 Because He was already
beyond reproach in the midst of a
existing in the form of God, Christ
corrupt and wayward generation,
Jesus did not consider equality with
among whom you appear as lights in
God as something to be desired.
the world, 16 holding firmly the word
7 Instead, Christ Jesus humbled
of life, so that on the day of Christ I
Himself by taking on the role of a
can take pride because I did not run
bondservant and becoming a man. 8
in vain nor work in vain. 17 But even
He further humbled Himself by being
if I am offered as a drink sacrifice in
submissive to the point of death—
exchange for your faith's sacrifice
death on a cross—after being
and duty, I am glad and I rejoice with
discovered to be a man in outward
you all. 18 I implore you to celebrate
appearance.

44
in the same way as me and to join me
in my happiness.
19 However, through the Lord
Jesus, I pray that I may send Timothy
to you soon, so that when I learn of
your condition, I too may
encouraged. 20 For I don't know
anyone else who shares my worry
for your well-being. 21 Because they
are all self-centred and do not have
Christ Jesus' interests in mind. 22
But you are aware of his established
character, that he worked with me in
the proclamation of the gospel like a
child serves his father. In light of
this, 23 I want to send him right away
once I have an idea of how things are
going with me; 24 and I have faith in
the Lord that my own arrival is
imminent. 25 But I deemed
essential to send to
CHAPTER THREE
3 Finally, rejoice in the Lord, my
brothers, and sisters. It is
difficulty for me to write the same
things over, and it is a guarantee for
Epaphroditus, my brother, and
fellow worker and fellow soldier,
who is also your messenger and
minister to my need, 26 since he was
longing for you all and troubled
because you had heard that he was
be
unwell. 27 In spite of the fact that he
was close to passing away, God
showed mercy on him and not just
on him but also on me, preventing
me from experiencing further grief.
28 As a result, I have sent him even
more enthusiastically, so that when
you see him again, you will rejoice,
and I will be less anxious about you.
30 Because he almost died for the
work of Christ, risking his life to
make up for your absence in your
service to me, receive him in the
Lord with all gladness and keep
it
persons like him in high esteem.
you
you. 2 Beware of the dogs, beware of
the nefarious workers, beware of the
fake circumcision; 3 because we are
no
the real circumcision, who worship in
the Spirit of God and take pride in
Christ Jesus, and have no confidence
45
in the body,4 and although I may experience the resurrection from
boast of having confidence in the the dead in some manner!
flesh. If anybody else thinks he's
12 It's not that I have it all figured out
arrogant in the flesh, I have another
or am already perfect, but I keep
reason: 5 circumcised on the eighth
pushing forward in the hopes of
day, of the country of Israel, of the
gaining the things that even Christ
tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew among
Jesus took hold of. 13 Brothers and
Hebrews; a Pharisee according to the
sisters, I do not consider myself to
Law; 6 a persecutor of the church
have yet grasped it; yet, I do one
according to zeal; found blameless
thing: I forget the past and look
according to the righteousness
forward to the future as I push on
which is in Law 7 But whatever I
toward the goal in pursuit of the
considered to be gained for me, I
prize of the high calling of God in
now consider to be losses as a result
Christ Jesus. 15 Therefore, everyone
of Christ. 8 Yes, all else is useless in
who are mature, let us adopt this
comparison to the immense value of
attitude; and if you have a different
knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For
attitude in anything, God will
his sake, I have abandoned all else,
disclose it to you as well; 16 but let
considering it as rubbish, in order to
us continue to live by the same
acquire Christ 9 and become one
standard that we have gained. 17
with him. Instead of relying on my
Brothers and sisters, follow my lead
own righteousness because of
and pay attention to those who walk
keeping the law, I now become
in line with the example you have set
righteous through trust in Christ. For
for us. 18 For very many walks, of
it is through faith that God
whom I have frequently told you,
reconciles us to himself. 10 I want to
and now I tell you even as I weep,
know Christ and feel the amazing
that they are enemies of Christ's
force that rose him from the grave. I
cross, 19 whose end is ruin, whose
want to suffer alongside him, share
god is their desire, and whose glory
in his death, 11 so that I might
is in their disgrace, who have their

46
thoughts on worldly things. 20 For
our citizenship is in heaven, from
which we also anxiously await a
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21
who will convert the body of our
humble state into conformity with
His magnificent body through the
exertion of His ability to submit all
things to Himself.

CHAPTER FOUR

4 Stay committed to the Lord, my

6 Put everything in prayer rather
than worrying about it. Tell God
what you require and thank him for
dear brothers, and sisters. I love you
what he has done for you. 7 Then you
and wish to see you, dear friends, for
will have God's peace, which is
you are my delight and the crown I
beyond our understanding. As you
receive for my work. 2 At this point,
live in Christ Jesus, his peace will
I address Euodia and Syntyche.
protect your hearts and thoughts. 8
Please resolve your argument
Finally, dear brothers and sisters.
because you belong to the Lord. 3
Focus your thoughts on what is
And I beg you, my true companion,
genuine, honourable, right, pure,
to support these two women since
gorgeous, and admirable. Consider
they devoted a lot of time and effort
things that are exceptional and
to spreading the good news
deserving of recognition. 9 Continue
alongside me. Together with
to put into practice what you
Clement and the rest of my co-
learned and got from me—
workers, whose names are recorded
everything you heard and saw me
in the Book of Life, they laboured. 4
accomplish. Then you shall be with
Never cease to be joyful in the Lord.
the God of peace. 10 How grateful I
Rejoice, I say again! 5 Display your
am that you are once again thinking
consideration in whatever you do so
of me, Lord. Despite the fact that
that everyone may see it.
you had the opportunity to assist
Remember, the Lord is coming soon.
me, I know you have always been

47
worried about me. 11 Not that I ever The things you provided me with
needed anything; after all, I've Epaphroditus are more than enough
figured out how to be happy with to cover my needs. They are a
what I have. 12 I know how to survive sacrifice acceptable to God and
on practically nothing or with attractive to him because of their
everything. I've discovered the key beautiful fragrance. 19 And the same
of live in any condition, whether it's God who provides for me will meet
full or empty, with much or little. 13 all of your needs from the
For I can do anything through Christ, magnificent treasures he has given
who gives me strength. 14 to us in Christ Jesus. 20 All praise
Nonetheless, you have done right by now belongs to God, our Father, for
sharing in my current plight. 15 As all time! Amen. 21 Please extend my
you know, you Philippians were the greetings to everyone of God's holy
only ones who helped me financially people, especially those who belong
when I first delivered you the Good to Christ Jesus. Salutations from my
News and then moved on from companion brothers to you. 22 And
Macedonia. No other church did all the rest of God's people,
anything like this. 16 You repeatedly especially those in Caesar's
provided assistance even when I was household, greet you as well. 23 May
at Thessalonica. 17 I'm not saying you feel the grace of the Lord Jesus
this to ask for a favour from you. Christ.
Instead, I desire a recompense for
your generosity. 18 Right now, I have
everything I need—and then more!

48
 THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS

Paul advises the church at Colossae4 to defy the cultural constraints of living in
a world ruled by visible authorities (such as corrupt religious leaders) and
invisible powers (like deceptive spiritual beings). The church is able to withstand
these challenges because it has been delivered from its former existence and is
now a part of God's brand-new creation. Jesus, as King of this new creation,
rules by bringing the invisible realm of God into the visible realm of our
existence. He rules with forgiveness, honour, and generosity. He accepts all
people, regardless of ethnicity, socioeconomic standing, age, or gender.
Furthermore, he never establishes his power on Earth through intimidation,
compulsion, or exploitation. And best of all, Jesus' new creation is not a
deathless existence. Jesus says that those who believe in him will rise with him
from the dead. When we accept this, we may actually love others rather than
fight to win or survive. Living this way with Jesus permits his new creation to
become a visible and experienced reality on Earth as it is in Heaven, even in the
midst of life's everyday challenges and sorrow.

4
Before Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Colossae, he had never been to their city (Colossians 2:1).
This helps explain the personal greetings he included at the end of the letter, a practice he usually reserved for
letters to churches he had not visited (for example, Romans). Paul sought to develop personal connections
with the people he hoped to teach and serve, rather than just going around from city to city asserting his
apostolic authority. The more personal tone at the close of this letter would have been especially significant in
creating a connection with the Colossian believers, given the fact that part of Paul’s reason for writing involved
calling out the heretical teachers who had infiltrated the Colossian church. In AD 60–61, during his first
imprisonment in Rome, Paul penned this letter to the Colossian church after he had received a report that they
were struggling with a Christological heresy. The report came from Epaphras, likely the leader of the church at
Colossae and a convert of Paul’s from his more than two-year ministry in Ephesus. Epaphras had come to
Rome in part to serve Paul during his imprisonment (Philemon 1:23) but also to confide in him regarding the
dangerous teachings the Colossians were hearing. So Paul sent this letter, along with the letters to Philemon
and to the Ephesians, with Tychicus, accompanied by Onesimus (Colossians 4:7; Philemon 1:10–12). Tychicus
was a coworker of Paul who would have been able to help the Colossian believers understand and apply the
apostle’s teachings in the letter.

49
 CHAPTER ONE
1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ
by the will of God, and Timothy, our
brother, 2 Grace and peace from God
our Father to you, the righteous
people of God at Colossae, who are
also my devoted brothers
sisters in Christ.
3 When we pray for you, we always
thank God, the Father of our Lord
Jesus Christ, 4 because we have
heard of your faith in Christ Jesus
and of your love for all God's
people—5 faith and love
originate from the hope stored up
for you in heaven and about which
you have already heard in the true
message of the gospel 6 that has
come to you. Similarly, the gospel is
producing fruit and increasing all
throughout the world, just as it has
been happening among you since the
day you heard it and genuinely
comprehended God's grace.
7 Epaphras, our cherished
worker, taught you about the Good
News. He is assisting us on your
behalf and is Christ's obedient
servant. 8 The love for others that
the Holy Spirit has given you has
been described to us by him. 9
Therefore, since the moment we
heard about you, we have not
stopped praying for you. We humbly
and
pray that God will provide you with
full awareness of his will as well as
spiritual insight and comprehension.
10 Your life will then bear all kinds of
excellent fruit and will constantly
honour and please the Lord. You will
continue to advance as you get a
that deeper understanding of God. 11 We
also pray that you will be fortified
with all of God's magnificent power
so that you will have all the
endurance and patience you need.
May your heart be filled with joy,12
and may you sincerely thank the
father. He has given you the
opportunity to partake in the
heritage of his people who live in the
light. 13 For he has freed us from the
realm of darkness and transferred us
co-
to the Kingdom of his loving Son, 14
who purchased our freedom and
forgave our sins.15 God is invisible,
50
yet the Son is exactly like God.
Everything that has been made is
subject to his dominion. 16 All things,
both visible and invisible, including
all spiritual lords, forces,
authorities, were created through
his might. Through and for him,
everything was created. 17 The Son
existed before all things
created. And he is the reason why
everything keeps going. 18 He is the
head of the body, which is the
church. He is the starting point for
everything else. And among
everyone who will be raised from the
dead, he is the first. Therefore, he is
paramount in everything. 19 In fact,
God was pleased to live in Christ in
all of his fullness, 20 and it was
through him that God made peace
with everything. Through
sacrifice of Christ on the cross, he
established peace with everything in
heaven and on earth. 21 This
includes those of you who used to be
far from God. You were his enemies
because of the bad things that you
thought and did. 22 But now, by the
death of Christ in his human person,
he has made peace with you. You are
holy and blameless as you stand
before him without a single fault
because he has brought you into his
presence. 23 But you must proudly
stand in this reality and maintain
and faith in it. Keep your focus on the
confidence you were given when you
heard the Good News. Paul has been
chosen by God to serve as His
were steward in spreading the Good News,
which has already been preached all
across the world. 24 I rejoice when I
suffer for you in my body because I
am sharing in Christ's sufferings for
his body, the church. 25 God has
given me the obligation of serving
his church by delivering his full
message to you. 26 This message
was kept hidden for decades and
generations, but it has finally been
disclosed to God's people. 27 God
the wants them to realize that Christ's
riches and glory are also available to
the Gentiles. And here's the deal:
Christ lives within you. This assures
you of sharing his glory. 28 So we
inform people about Christ, warning
and instructing them with all the
knowledge God has given us. We
want to present them to God as
complete in their relationship with
Christ. 29 That is why I work and
51
battle so hard, relying on Christ's
strong force that works inside me.

CHAPTER TWO

2 I want you to know how much I

your joy will overflow. 8 Don't be
taken in by hollow theories and high-
sounding drivel that originate from
have suffered for you, the church at
human thought and the spiritual
Laodicea, and many other Christians
powers of this world rather than
who have never met me personally.
Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the
2 I want them to be encouraged and
fullness of God in a human form. 10
bound together by strong love
As a result of your union with Christ,
bonds. I want them to be completely
who is the head of all rulers and
certain that they have grasped God's
authorities, you are also complete.
enigmatic plan, which is Christ
himself. 3 All the treasures of 11 You were "circumcised"

wisdom and understanding are when you came to Christ, but not by

hidden inside him. 4 I'm telling you a physical procedure. The removal of

this so that no one may trick you your sinful nature was accomplished

with well-crafted arguments. 5 For by Christ via a spiritual circumcision.

even though I am far away from you, 12 Because when you were baptized,

my heart is with you. And I rejoice you died with Christ. You were given

that you are living your life as you new life together with him because

should and that you have a strong you put your faith in the omnipotent

trust in Christ. 6 And now, just as you God who resurrected Christ from the

accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, grave. 13 Your sins and the fact that

you must continue to follow him. 7 your sinful nature had not yet been

Let your roots grow into him, and removed caused you to be dead. As

your lives be founded on him. Then a result of Christ's atoning for all of

your confidence in the truth you our sins, God then made you alive

were taught will become strong, and with him. 14 He removed the record

52
of the accusations made against us
by nailing it on the cross. 15 He
disarmed the spiritual authority in
this manner. With his triumph over
them on the cross, Christ publicly
shamed them. 16 Therefore, don't let
anybody criticize you for what you
consume or for skipping particular
holy days, new moon celebrations,
or Sabbaths. 17 Because of the
reality that has not yet come, these
rules are but shadows. And that
reality is Christ. 18 Don't allow
somebody to cast you in a negative
light by insisting on religious self-
denial or the worship of angels while
claiming to have seen visions of
these things. They have become
arrogant due to their wicked
mentality, and they are not united
CHAPTER THREE
3 Now that you have been raised
to new life with Christ, fix your
minds on the reality of heaven,
where Christ sits in the position of
honour at God's right hand. 2
Consider the things of heaven, not
53
with Christ, the body's head. Since
the joints and ligaments that make
up the entire body hold it together,
and since God feeds it, the body
expands. 20 You died with Christ,
and in doing so, he has set you free
from the demonic forces of this
world. Why do you continue to
follow the rules of the world, such as
21, "Don't handle! Taste not! "Don't
touch!" Such rules are only human
teachings about things that
deteriorate as we use them. 23
Because they demand fervent
commitment, holy self-denial, and
strict physical restraint, these rules
may appear to be smart. But they
provide no assistance in overcoming
a person's wicked inclinations.
the things of earth. 3 For you have
died to this life, and your true life is
hidden in God with Christ. 4 Our life
is Christ. When he returns and is
seen, you will be seen with him. And
you'll do marvellously well. 5 So, put
to dead the things of this world that
are in you. I'm talking about
inappropriate sex, dirty things, a you must also forgive others. 14
heart that is itching to do bad things, Above all, clothe yourself in love,
wanting what is wrong, and wanting which binds us all together in perfect
what other people have. This final harmony. 15 And let the peace that
one is similar to worshiping an idol. comes from Christ reign in your
hearts. You are called to live in
6 God's wrath is coming because of
harmony as members of one body.
these transgressions. 7 You used to
And be grateful at all times. 16 Let
do these things when your life was
the richness of the gospel of Christ
still a part of this world. 8 But now is
penetrate every aspect of your life.
the time to let go of anger, malice,
Use all the knowledge he gives to
slander, and foul words. 9 Don't tell
instruct and guide one another. Sing
each other lies because you've shed
to God with thankful hearts as you
your old sinful nature and all its bad
sing hymns, spiritual songs, and
acts. 10 Put on your new nature and
psalms. 17 And in everything you say
be rejuvenated as you grow to know
and do, speak, and act in the name of
your Creator and become like him. 11
the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the
It makes no difference whether you
Father through him. 18 Wives,
are a Jew or a Gentile, circumcised or
submit to your husbands as is
uncircumcised, primitive,
suitable for individuals who belong
uncivilized, slave or free in this new
to the Lord. 19 Husbands, cherish
life. Christ is everything, and he
your wives and never treat them
dwells within every one of us. 12
harshly. 20 Children, always obey
Because God chose you to be his
your parents because it pleases the
holy people, you must clothe
Lord. 21 Fathers do not offend your
yourself in kind-hearted mercy,
children, or they will grow
kindness, humility, gentleness, and
frustrated. 22 Slaves, obey your
patience. 13 Forgive those who
worldly masters in whatever you do.
upset you and make room for each
Make an effort to please them all of
other's shortcomings. Remember
the time, not just when they are
that just as the Lord forgave you,
looking. Because of your respectful

54
fear of the Lord, serve them truly. 23 inheritance and that the Master you
Work gladly at whatever you do as if are serving is Christ. 25 But if you act
you were doing it for the Lord rather improperly, you will receive
than for humans. 24 Remember that compensation for your wrongdoing.
the Lord will reward you with God is not a favouritism.

CHAPTER FOUR
4 Be a good master to your
may respond to everyone in the best
way possible. 7 Tychicus will offer
you an in-depth report on how I'm
servants by treating them
doing. He is a cherished brother and
appropriately. You are aware that
devoted helper who works with me
your master is also in heaven.
in the Lord's service. 8 I sent him to
2 Invest time in prayer every day.
you specifically to inform you of our
Focus your thoughts on what you
progress and to encourage you. 9 I'm
are saying. Also, give thanks to God
also sending Onesimus, a loyal and
for his actions.
valued brother from your own
3 Talk to God about us as well. Ask
people. He and Tychicus will inform
him to make it possible for us to
you of everything going on here.
spread his message to the public. We
10 Aristarchus, who is jailed
desire to share the gospel of Christ
with me, as well as Mark, Barnabas's
according to God's design. My
cousin, convey their sincere regards
involvement in that plan is what put
to you. Make Mark feel welcome if he
me in bars. 4 Please pray that I will
comes your way, as previously
communicate this message with the
instructed. 11 Jesus, also known as
appropriate clarity. 5 Make the most
Justus, extends his greetings. They
of every chance and act properly
are the only Jewish believers among
while interacting with non-believers.
my co-workers, and we are both
6 Maintain a polite and appealing
labouring here for the Kingdom of
tone in your discussion so that you
God. They have been such a comfort,

55
too! 12 Epaphras, a member of your
own fellowship and a servant of
Christ Jesus, offers you his warmest
greetings. He constantly prays
passionately for you, trusting that
you are doing everything that God
has commanded. He asks God to
make you strong and excellent. 13 I
can assure you that he is
passionately praying for you and the
believers at Laodicea and Hierapolis.
14 Luke, the respected doctor, offers
his greetings, as does Demas. 15
Please convey my greetings to our
brothers and sisters at Laodicea, as
well as to Nympha and the church
that meets in her home. 16 After you
have read this letter, send it to the
church in Laodicea so they can read
it as well. You should also read the
letter I sent them. 17 And tell
Archippus, "Be sure to carry out the
ministry that the Lord has given
you." 18 Paul is my personal
signature as I sign off. Keep me in
your prayers while I'm in this prison.
God's grace be with you.

THE BOOK OF 1 THESSALONIANS

From the start of Jesus' ministry, accepting him as the real King and Messiah
meant rejecting the dominant society. Additionally, this led to persecution and
struggle in the communities for many Christians. Paul wrote to the church in
Thessalonica to encourage their steadfastness despite the persecution they
were experiencing. He also instructs them to respond to their persecution with
love, and to meet opposition with grace and generosity. This manner of living is
inspired by faith in the already-established, soon-to-arrive Kingdom of Jesus.

56
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians5 embraces the virtues of a flourishing church.
The group of people who follow Jesus have persevered in their devotion to him
despite suffering and persecution. Paul offers them much more consolation by
emphasizing the coming of King Jesus, who will make everything right, in the
future.

CHAPTER ONE

1 To the members of the church in

Thessalonica, Paul, Silvanus, and
Timothy extend their
Both God the Father and the Lord
Jesus Christ are the rightful owners
of the people of this church. May
God's goodness bless
provide you with serenity.
always speak to him about all of you,
and we do so for you.
2 Your excellent doings are a result
of your faith. Since love is in your
hearts, you put forth a lot of effort.
You have hope in our Lord Jesus
Christ, which makes you patient.
Every time we pray to God, our
Father, about you, we keep these
things in mind. 3 We know that God
has chosen you because he loves
you, my brothers. 4 The wonderful
news we delivered to you was more
greetings.
than simply words. It was strong. It
was filled with the Holy Spirit. It
made them certain that it was true.
Additionally, you are aware of how
you and
we lived when we were with you to
We
assist you.
5 You made a lot of effort to
emulate both us and the Lord. You
experienced a lot of difficulties
because you trusted our message.
Nonetheless, the Holy Spirit made
you very joyful. 6 You have
demonstrated to all Christians in
Macedonia and Greece how they
should live. 7 The news about the

5
Paul wrote his first letter to the Thessalonian church from the city of Corinth around AD 51, just a few months
after having preached in Thessalonica on his second missionary journey. Upon leaving Thessalonica under
duress, Paul, Silas, and Timothy traveled to Athens by way of Berea. But after a short time in Athens, Paul felt
the need to receive a report from the newborn church in Thessalonica, so he sent Timothy back to serve and
minister to the new believers there. Paul wanted to check on the state of the Thessalonians’ faith, for fear that
false teachers might have infiltrated their number. However, Timothy soon returned with a good report,
prompting Paul to pen 1 Thessalonians as a letter of encouragement to the new believers.

57
Lord has reached people in idols and toward God. You worship
Macedonia and Greece by you. And the Living and True God. 9 And you
word has spread around the world eagerly anticipate the return of his
that you believe in God. As a result, Son from heaven. Jesus, God's Son,
we see no reason to write about your was risen from the dead. It is Jesus
faith. 8 They tell us how happy you who protects us from God's
were to see us. They explain to us impending wrath.
how you turned away from your

CHAPTER TWO
2 My brothers, you are aware
positive feedback that wasn't based
on fact. You're aware of it. We never
talked in order to gain something for
that we did not come to see you in
ourselves. God knows. 6 And we did
vain. 2 Philippians were quite rude
not want assistance or praise from
to us. As you are aware, things were
you or anybody else. We have the
difficult. But God helped us, and we
authority to do so because we are
did not hesitate to share God's good
apostles of Christ, of course. 7 But
news with you. But several forces
when we were with you, we showed
conspired against us and made
kindness. We were like a mother
attempts to stop us. 3 We did not
looking after our own children. 8 We
convey a false message. It wasn't
were overjoyed to share God's good
incorrect what we told you. We
news with you because we loved
didn't attempt to mislead you either.
you. We loved you so deeply that we
4 However, God selected us to share
were happy to sacrifice our life for
the good news with people.
you. 9 You remember how arduous
Therefore, we speak not to appease
our labour was, my brothers. We
mankind but to appease God. He is
worked all hours of the day and night
the only one who knows what is in
to avoid bothering you. And we
our hearts. 5 We never gave anybody
shared the gospel of God with you.

58
10 Among you Christians, we lived
purely and properly. No harm was
done to you by us. You are aware of
these, as is God. 11 You are aware of
how we addressed each of you in the
manner of a father to his children.
We gave you comfort, support, and
knowledge. 12 We urged you to
conduct your life in God's favour. He
called you to his dominion and
splendour. 13 Another reason for our
constant thanksgiving to God is
given below. You didn't remark,
"That's men's word," when you
received God's message from us.
But you said, 'That is God's word.'
And it truly is God's word. The word
of God is at work in you, Christians.
14 You were similar to the Christ-
cantered churches of God in Judea,
my brothers. You were tormented
by your own countrymen in the
same manner that the Jews had
plagued them. 15 The Lord Jesus and
the prophets were murdered by
59
Jewish authorities. And they forcibly
removed us from their nation. They
displease God and are inimical to
everyone else. 16 They make an
effort to silence us when we speak
with non-Jewish individuals. They
refuse to be saved. As a result, they
are always doing the incorrect thing.
God had finally grown really enraged
with them at this point. little time in
the body, but not in heart, have been
apart from you. We made a lot of
effort to go since we were quite
anxious to see you in person. 17 We
intended to visit you. Paul, I wanted
to come twice. But the devil stopped
us. 18 What hopes do we have when
our Lord Jesus returns? What, then,
will make us joyful and proud?
People, it's you! 19 For what is our
hope, joy, or crown in which we shall
exult when our Lord Jesus returns?
If not you, who? 20 You are our pride
and delight, in fact.
 CHAPTER THREE
3 Finally, when we could take it
and that you look forward to seeing
us just as much as we do.
7 So, dear brothers and
no longer, we made the decision to
sisters, we have been tremendously
remain by ourselves in Athens, 2 and
encouraged in the midst of our
we dispatched Timothy to visit you.
difficulties and suffering because
He is our brother and God's partner
you have remained firm in your faith.
in spreading the Gospel of Christ. We
8 It gives us new life to know that
sent him to strengthen you, to
you are steadfast in the Lord. 9 How
encourage you in your faith, and to
thankful we are to God for you! We
protect you from being rocked by
experience enormous excitement as
the difficulties you were facing. But
we enter God's presence because of
you are aware that these difficulties
you. 10 We pray fervently for you
are inevitable for us. 4 We told you
day and night, pleading with God to
that difficulties were coming even
provide us another opportunity to
while we were with you, and as you
see you so that we might complete
are well aware, they occurred.
any holes in your faith. 11 May God,
5 As a result, when I was
our Father, and Jesus, our Lord, soon
unable to take it anymore, I sent
bring us to you. 12 And may the Lord
Timothy to see if your faith was still
increase and overflow the love you
strong. I was worried our efforts had
have for one another and for all
been in vain and that the tempter
people, just as it does for us when we
had overcome you. 6 However,
think of you. 13 So that when our
Timothy has just returned with
Lord Jesus returns with all of his holy
wonderful news about your faith and
people, may he make your souls
kindness. He says that you always
strong, pure, and holy so that you
have happy memories of our visit
may stand before God our Father.
Shalom.

60
 CHAPTER FOUR
4 In the name of the Lord Jesus,
since God has already taught you to
do so. 10 You have already
demonstrated your love for all the
we implore you to live as we have
believers throughout Macedonia.
taught you, dear brothers, and
Despite this, dear brothers
sisters, in a manner that pleases
and sisters, we implore you to love
God. You already live this way, and
them even more. 11 Make it your
we urge you to continue doing so. 2
objective to live a tranquil life,
You retain what we told you, for we
minding your own business and
spoke in the name of the Lord
working with your hands, as we
Jesus. 3 Stay away from every
already advised you. 12 People, who
sexual sin because God wants you to
are not believers, will appreciate
be holy. 4 Each of you will then be
your way of life, and you will no
able to control his or her own body
longer need to rely on others. 13 And
and live in holiness and honour,
now, dear brothers and sisters, we
5 rather than in lustful desire like the
want you to understand what will
pagan people who are ignorant of
happen to the believers who have
God and his ways. 6 Never, ever
died so you won't mourn as hopeless
violate a fellow believer's wife in this
people. 14 Because we believe that
area, for the Lord avenges all such
Jesus died and was risen from the
crimes, as we have often reminded
dead, we also believe that when
you. 7 We must live holy lives, not
Jesus comes, God will bring all of the
immoral ones, as God has
Believers who have passed away
commanded us to. 8 As a result,
with him. 15 We bring you this
anybody who refuses to follow these
message straight from the Lord:
principles is not disregarding human
Those of us who are still alive when
teaching but rejecting God, who
the Lord returns will not go to meet
gives you his Holy Spirit. 9 But we
him before the dead. 16 For the Lord
don't need to speak to you about the
himself will descend from heaven
significance of loving one another

61
with a commanding shout, the voice earth will be carried away in the
of an archangel, and the sound of clouds to be with the Lord in the air.
God's trumpet. First, the dead Then, we shall spend all our time
believers will rise from their graves. with the Lord. 18 Use these words to
17 Then, along with them, those of us inspire one another.
who are still living and remaining on

CHAPTER FIVE
5 Now, dear brothers and sisters,
7 At night, people sleep, and drinkers
become intoxicated. 8 But let us who
live in the light keep our heads clear,
we really don't need to tell you about
armed with the armor of faith and
how and when all of this will happen.
love, and with the assurance of our
2 Because you are well aware that
salvation as our helmet. 9 For
the Lord's coming day will occur
instead of punishing us, God decided
suddenly, like a thief in the night.
to redeem us through the sacrifice of
3 Disaster will strike individuals
his Son, Jesus Christ. 10 Christ died
when they are saying, "Everything is
for us so that we might live with him
tranquil and secure," as suddenly as
eternally, whether we are dead or
a pregnant woman's labour pangs.
alive when he returns. 11 So, exactly
There won't be a way out either.
as you are, encourage and build one
4 But, dear brothers and
other up. 12 Honour those who are in
sisters, you are not in the dark about
positions of leadership within the
these things, and you will not be
work of the Lord, my brothers, and
astonished when the Lord’s Day
sisters. They toil among you and
arrives like a thief. 5 Because none of
provide spiritual direction. 13
us are related to darkness or night;
Because of their labour, show them
rather, we are all descendants of
enormous esteem and unconditional
light and day. 6 So be on watch and
affection. live in harmony with one
don't fall asleep like the others. Keep
another. 14 Please warn the
your eyes open and your mind clean.

63
unproductive people, brothers and
sisters, we beg you. Boost the
confidence of the timid. Give the
weak your caring attention. Be
understanding with everyone. 15
Make sure that no one seeks revenge
for past wrongdoings; instead,
encourage mutually beneficial
behaviour among all individuals. 16
Be happy at all times. 17 You should
never cease praying. 18 Be grateful
in all situations, for this is God's wish
for you, Christ Jesus' followers. 19
Avoid suppressing the Holy Spirit. 20
Do not dismiss prophecies, but
rather put everything to the test.
Hold on to the positive. 22 Keep
away from all forms of wickedness.
23 Now, may the God of peace make
you holy in every manner, and may
your entire spirit, soul, and body is
maintained blameless until the
return of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24
God will make it happen, for he who
calls you is faithful. 25 Praise God for
us, brothers and sisters. 26 With a
sacred kiss, greet every one of your
brothers and sisters. 27 In the name
of the Lord, I instruct you to read
this letter to all of the brothers and
sisters. 28 May the grace of our Lord
Jesus Christ be with you.

THE BOOK OF 2 THESSALONIANS

The Thessalonians were concerned that they had missed the second coming of
Jesus, but Paul explains that they should not feed apocalyptic rumor but rather
remember what Jesus said in Mark 13 regarding the evident and widely known
circumstances preceding his return. While they wait for Jesus' return and
freedom from bad rulers, they should also continue to be faithful, hopeful, and
confident. Paul concludes by addressing idleness and encouraging believers to
follow Jesus' selfless love. Their diligent effort helps others and provides for
themselves. In 2 Thessalonians, Paul discusses persecution, the return of Jesus,

65
the need to remain hopeful and faithful, and idleness among believers. It
reminds us that what we hope for shapes what we live for.

CHAPTER ONE

1 To the church members in

Lord Jesus descends from heaven,
God will provide peace to both those
of you who are suffering persecution
Thessalonica, Paul, Silvanus, and
and to us. He will appear in a burning
Timothy extend their greetings. God,
fire with his powerful angels, 8
our heavenly Father, and the Lord
bringing judgment on those who do
Jesus Christ are the rightful owners
not know God and refuse to obey the
of this church. 2 I pray that you
Good News of our Lord Jesus. 9 As a
experience a lot of joy and
result of their punishment, they will
tranquillity as a result of the
be destroyed forever and cut off
goodness of God our Father and our
from the Lord and his mighty. 10
Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We continually
When he arrives on that day, he will
praise God for you, my brothers. It's
receive honour from his holy
the correct thing to do. Increasingly,
people—praise from all who believe.
you have faith in him. You're all
And you fall into this category
growing more in love with one
because you trusted what we said
another. 4 We are pleased to share
about him. 11 As a result, we never
with God's other churches about
stop praying for you, asking God to
your perseverance and faithfulness
give you the means to live a life
in the face of all the challenges and
deserving of his calling. I pray that he
persecution you are facing. 5 And
would provide you the strength to
God, who is Judgment is right for his
carry out all the good deeds that
Kingdom, will use this persecution to
your faith inspires you too. 12
demonstrate his justice and to
Consequently, as a result of the way
elevate you to its throne. 6 He will
you live, the name of our Lord Jesus
exact revenge for your tormentors
will be respected, and you will also
through his justice.7 And when the

66
be honoured. A ll of this is made
possible by the mercy of our Lord
and God, Jesus Christ.

CHAPTER TWO
2 Now, dear brothers and sisters,
for he can only be revealed when the
right time comes. 7 For
lawlessness is already in motion
this

let us explain a few points regarding

behind closed doors, and it will
the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ
continue to do so until the person
and the manner in which we shall be
preventing it moves aside. 8 At that
assembled to meet him. 2 Don't be
point, the man of lawlessness will
easily shocked or rattled by those
come to light, but the Lord Jesus will
who assert that the Lord’s Day has
destroy him with the breath of his
already begun. Don't trust them,
mouth and destroy him with the
even if they claim to have received a
glory of his appearing. 9 With false
spiritual vision, a revelation, or a
authority, signs, and miracles, this
letter purportedly from us. 3 Don't
man will arrive to carry out Satan's
be taken in by what they say. For
plan. 10 He will employ all forms of
that day will not come until there is
foul trickery to deceive people who
a tremendous revolt against God and
are headed for doom because they
the man of lawlessness—the
reject the truth that could have
destroyer—is exposed. 4 He will
saved them. 11 As a result, God will
exalt himself and reject everything
lead people astray, and they will
that is referred to be a deity or an
believe these lies. 12 Then they will
object of devotion. He will even take
be punished for relishing wickedness
a seat in the God temple while
rather than believing the truth.
pretending to be God. 5 Don't you
13 Concerning us, we are
recall that while I was with you, I
unable to do anything except praise
informed you about all of this? 6 And
God for you, dear brothers and
you know what is holding him back,

67
sisters whom the Lord loves. We're
constantly grateful that God
selected you to be among the first to
find salvation—the salvation that
was brought about by the Spirit who
sanctifies you and your conviction of
the truth. 14 When we shared the
Good News with you, He called you
to salvation; as a result, you can now
participate in the glory of our Lord
Jesus Christ.
15 Keep in mind all of these
things, dear brothers and sisters,
and maintain a firm hold on the
instruction we conveyed to you in
person and in the letter. 16 Now,
may our Lord Jesus Christ and God
our Father, who loved us and gave us
eternal comfort and great hope
through his grace, 17 comforts and
strengthen you in all that you do
and say.

CHAPTER THREE
3 Last but not least, we ask that
you to do. 5 Your hearts may be
guided by the Lord to a complete
under and expression of God's love
you, dear brothers and sisters, pray
and the patient endurance that
for us. Pray for the Lord's word to be
comes through Christ.
received with honour everywhere it
6 And now, beloved brothers
goes, just as it was when it first
and sisters, we command you in the
reached you. 2 Pray that we would
name of our Lord Jesus Christ to stay
be delivered from evil and wicked
away from those Christians who live
individuals as well, as not everyone
lazy lifestyles and disregard the
is a believer. 3 However, the Lord is
customs they inherited from us. 7
trustworthy; he will support you and
Because you are aware of your
keep you safe from the devil. 4 And
obligation to emulate us. While we
we have faith in the Lord that you
were with you, we were active. 8
will keep doing what we instructed
Without being reimbursed, we never

68
took anybody else's meal. So that we
wouldn't be a burden to any of you,
we worked day and night. 9 We had
every right to ask you to feed us, but
we wanted to set an example for you
to follow. 10 We gave you the order,
"Those reluctant to labour will not
get to eat," even while we were
among you.
11 However, we have heard
that some of you are leading
indolent lifestyles, refusing to work,
and interfering in the affairs of
others. 12 In the name of the Lord
Jesus Christ, we admonish and
exhort such individuals to settle
down and find employment so that
they may support themselves. 13
The rest of you, my brothers and
sisters, never stop being good.
14 Observe individuals who
disobey the instructions in this letter
and take them into account. To make
them feel ashamed, keep your
distance from them. 15 Instead of
viewing them as enemies, warn them
like you would a brother or sister. 16
And now, may the Lord of peace
himself always grant you peace and
in all circumstances. May the Lord
bless you all. 17 I'm Paul, and this is
my greeting in my own handwriting.
To prove that my letters are
legitimate, I do this in every one of
them. 18 May our Lord Jesus Christ's
grace be upon you all.

THE BOOK OF 1 TIMOTHY

Paul shows Timothy how to restore order and purpose to the church in Ephesus.
After false teachers had disrupted the church Timothy was working with, Paul
gave Timothy encouragement and guidance on how to address these teachers
and lead the church effectively. Throughout the book, we see that what a church
believes will directly shape how its members live and behave. The church's

69
theology and beliefs must constantly be critiqued and formed by the Bible and
the Gospel message. Churches should be known for their devotion to the risen
King Jesus and model integrity, good works, and service to the poor and most
vulnerable. In 1 Timothy 6 , we read about a holistic vision of the nature and
mission of the Church. Just as in Timothy's time, corrupt teachers can confuse
believers, but Paul instructs on how the Church and its leaders can stay faithful
to the way of Jesus.

CHAPTER ONE

1 According to the directives of

godly edification, which is in faith. 5
The purpose of this directive is now
love, and it comes from a pure heart,
God, our Saviour, and the Lord Jesus
a clear conscience, and a firm belief.
Christ, our hope, Paul, an apostle of
6 Some people have gotten off track
Jesus Christ,
from this and turned to hollow
2 Grace, compassion, and peace to rhetoric, 7 wanting to be legal
Timothy, my dear son in the faith, experts but not understanding what
from our Father in heaven and from they say or what they endorse. 8
our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 3 However, we know that the law is
Continue to remain in Ephesus, as I excellent if it is followed correctly. 9
advised you when I went into And we know that the law is not
Macedonia so that you might compel given to the righteous, but to the
some to teach no other doctrine, 4 lawless and disobedient, to the
nor pay heed to tales and ungodly and sinners, to the impure
interminable genealogies, which and profane, to those who murder
produce arguments rather than their fathers and mothers, to

6
The Bible’s silence on the ultimate fate of Paul has engendered a great deal of debate in modern times. The
book of Acts ends with Paul sitting in a Roman prison awaiting his hearing before the Roman emperor, a
privilege of appeal that all Roman citizens possessed. However, the writing of the Pastoral Epistles clearly
dates to a time after the events of Acts. So where was Paul when he wrote 1 Timothy? Paul had expected the
Romans to release him from prison, something that likely happened near the end of AD 62 (Philippians 2:24).
His release allowed him the opportunity to travel to Ephesus and eventually place Timothy in ministry at that
church. Paul then went on to preach in Macedonia, where he heard reports of Timothy’s work at Ephesus that
prompted him to write 1 Timothy, probably in AD 63.

70
murderers, 10 according to the
wonderful gospel of the blessed God,
which was entrusted to my custody,
for the sexually immoral, for
sodomites, for slave merchants, for
liars, for perjurers, and for
everything else that is opposed to
sound doctrine. 12 I am grateful to
Christ Jesus, our Lord, who gave me
the ability to serve in the ministry
because He thought I was
trustworthy. 13 I used to be a
blasphemer, a persecutor, and a
braggart. But since I acted foolishly
and without believing, I received
mercy. 14 The faith and love that are
found in Christ Jesus overflowing
the grace of our Lord. 15 This is a true
statement that deserves universal
acceptance: Christ Jesus entered the
world to redeem sinners, of whom I
am horrendous. 16 But I got mercy
for this reason: that through me,
first, Jesus Christ may exhibit all
patience as an example to those who
would believe in Him for eternal life.
17 Now, praise and honour be to the
one wise God, the everlasting,
immortal, invisible King. Amen.
According to the prophecies that
were previously revealed to you, I
convey this order to you, my son
Timothy, 18 so that you may fight a
good battle, 19 preserving faith and
a clear conscience, which others
have rejected and experienced
shipwreck in respect to their faith.
20 Among these are Hymenaeus and
Alexander, whom I have handed over
to Satan in order for them to learn
not to blaspheme.

CHAPTER TWO

2 So, first and foremost, I

everyone, 2 for kings and all who are
in authority, that we may live a quiet
and peaceful life in all godliness and
encourage you to make
honesty, 3 because this is good and
supplications, prayers,
acceptable in the eyes of God our
intercessions, and thanksgivings for
Saviour, 4 who wishes all men to be

71
saved and come to the knowledge of
the truth. There is only one God, and
the Man Christ Jesus, who offered
His life as a ransom for everyone, is
the only one who can reconcile God
and humans. This was the testimony
that was provided at the appropriate
time. 7 For this reason, I was called
to be a teacher and an apostle (I
proclaim the truth in Christ and do
not lie), as well as a teacher of the
Gentiles in faith and truth.
Therefore, I wish that men pray
everywhere, raising holy hands,
without wrath or contention. 9 In the
same way, women should dress
modestly, with decency and self-
CHAPTER THREE
3 "If someone wishes to be a
church leader, he desires
honourable position," says
enduring saying. 2 As a result, a
church leader must be a man of
integrity. He has to be loyal to his
wife. He has to be disciplined,
intelligent in his decisions, and well-
liked. In addition to being able to
educate, he must like welcoming
control, not with braided hair, gold,
pearls, or fancy apparel, but with
good deeds, as is appropriate for
women claiming godliness. 11 Let a
woman learn in quiet and with
complete submission. 12 I do not
allow a woman to instruct or claim
authority over a male; rather, she
must remain mute. 13 Since Eve
came into being after Adam. 14
However, although the woman was
8 being fooled, Adam was not tricked
and committed a transgression. 15
However, if they maintain their faith,
love, and purity while exercising
self-control, she will be rescued in
childbirth.
people into his house. 3 He cannot be
a strong drinker or an aggressive
person. He must be polite, not a
an
buffoon, and not greedy for money.
an
4 He must be able to manage his own
family successfully, with children
who respect and follow him. 5 For if
a man cannot manage his own
family, how can he care for God's
church? 6 It's not advisable for a
church leader to be a new convert
72
because the devil would use this as
an opportunity to bring him down
because of his arrogance. 7 People
outside the church must also speak
positively of him for him to avoid
being shamed and falling into the
devil's snare. 8 Similarly, deacons
must be well-respected and
trustworthy. Both excessive
drinking and financial dishonesty are
prohibited. 9 They must have a pure
conscience and be devoted to the
mystery of the faith as it has been
made known. 10 Let them be
thoroughly scrutinized before they
are selected as deacons. If they pass
the test, they can serve as deacons.
11 Similarly, their wives must be
respected and must not gossip about
others. They must maintain self-
control and be faithful in whatever
they do. 12 A deacon must treat his
wife faithfully and effectively
CHAPTER FOUR
4 Now the Holy Spirit plainly
teaches us that in the latter days,
some will stray away from the
genuine faith, following false spirits
73
oversee his family, including his kids.
13 The respect of others and a
greater sense of assurance in their
trust in Christ Jesus will be given to
those who do effectively in their role
as deacons. 14 Even though I hope to
see you soon, I'm writing these
things to you right now 15 so that
you'll be aware of how people are
expected to behave in God's
household in case I get delayed. This
is the church of the living God, which
serves as the main support and
cornerstone of the truth. 16 The
greatest enigma of our faith is
without a doubt this: The Spirit
vindicated Christ by revealing Him in
a human form. Angels saw him and
announced him to the world. He was
believed in throughout the world
and was taken to heaven in
splendour.
and demonic doctrines. 2 These folks
have dead consciences and are
hypocrites and liars. 3 They will tell
you that it is improper to marry and
to eat certain foods. However, God
made such things to be enjoyed with
thanksgiving by loyal people who
know the truth. 4 Since everything
that God made is excellent, we
should not reject anything and
instead accept everything
gratefully. 5 Because we are aware
that prayer and God's word are what
makes it acceptable. 6 If you explain
these things to the brothers and
sisters, Timothy, you will be a
faithful servant of Christ Jesus,
nourished by the message of faith
and the sound teaching you have
received. 7 Don't spend your time
debating godless notions and old
wives' tales. Instead, develop your
godliness. 8 "Physical training is
beneficial, but spiritual training is far
superior, providing advantages both
CHAPTER FIVE
5 Never use harsh language while
speaking to an older guy; instead,
treat him with the same respect you
would your own father. As you
would with your own brothers,
74
in this life and in the world to come."
9 This is a reliable statement, and
everyone should believe it. 10 For
this reason, we put in a lot of effort
and keep up the fight; after all, we
put our faith in the living God, the
Saviour of everyone, but especially
of all Christians. 14 Be mindful of the
spiritual gift you were given as a
result of the prophecy that was
proclaimed over you and which the
church elders lay their hands on. 15
Concentrate solely on these issues.
Put your heart and soul into your
work so that everyone can notice
your development. 16 Keep a close
eye on how you live and how you
teach. To ensure both your salvation
and the salvation of those who hear
you, be committed to what is right.
speak with younger men. 2 Treat
elder ladies like you would your
mother, and younger women as you
would your own sisters. 3 Take care
of any widow who has no one else to
look after her. 4 However, if she has
children or grandkids, their first job
is to be godly at home and to repay
their parents by caring for them.
This is a thing that makes God happy.
5 Now a real widow, a woman who is
truly alone in this world, has placed
her faith in God. She prays all hours
of the day and night, imploring God
for help. 6 But even if a widow who
lives purely for pleasure is still alive,
she is spiritually dead. 7 So that no
one will be vulnerable to criticism,
give the church these directives. 8
However, individuals who refuse to
look after their families, particularly
those who live in their own homes,
have forsaken their genuine faith.
Such folks are worse than
unbelievers.
9 To be eligible for assistance,
a widow must be at least sixty years
old and have been faithful to her
spouse. 10 Everyone should respect
her for the good she has done. Has
she raised her children well? Has she
shown generosity to non-believers
and humble service to other
Christians? Has she offered
assistance to people who are
struggling? Has she always been
willing to help others? 11 The
younger widows should be excluded
75
from the list because their bodily
urges will overwhelm their
dedication to Christ and drive them
to remarry. 12 If such were the case,
they would have broken their prior
promise. 13 And if they are on the
list, they will become lethargic and
waste their time snooping about
from home to house, interfering in
other people's affairs, and chatting
about inappropriate topics.
14 As a result, I counsel these
younger widows to get remarried,
start families, and take care of their
own houses. The opponent will then
be unable to say anything negative
about them. 15 For I am concerned
that some of them have already
gone astray and are already
following Satan. 16 If a lady who
professes faith has relatives who are
widows, she should take care of
them rather than placing the burden
on the church. The church will then
be able to care for widows who are
genuinely alone.
17 Elders who do a good job
should be appreciated and
extremely well paid, especially those
who labour hard at both preaching
and teaching. 18 For the Bible states
that you "must not muzzle an ox to 22 Selecting a church leader is
prevent it from eating as it treads never something you should do
out the grain." In another area, quickly. Avoid participating in other
"Those who work deserve to be people's misdeeds. Be pure at all
paid!" times. 23 Avoid drinking solely
19 If an elder is being accused water. Given how frequently you
of something, pay no attention to it become ill, you should sip on some
unless two or three witnesses attest wine for your stomach's health. 24
to it. 20 Reprimanding those who It's important to keep in mind that
transgress in front of the entire some people have errors that are
church will act as a powerful evident and will result in judgment.
deterrent to others. 21 In the Others, however, will not be made
presence of God, Christ Jesus, and aware of their transgressions until a
the heavenly angels, I solemnly later time. 25 The excellent actions
command you to follow my of some people are equally clear. A
instructions without taking sides or day will come when the good things
showing a preference for anybody. done in secret will be revealed.

CHAPTER SIX
6 All slaves should show complete
are much liked. Timothy, teach these
things and urge everyone to follow
them. 3 These are the beneficial
respect for their owners so that the
teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ,
name of God and his message are not
notwithstanding the opposition
tarnished. 2 There is no justification
from certain individuals. These
for disrespect even if the masters
teachings encourage people to live
are believers. Those slaves should
good lives. 4 Anyone who professes
labour even harder since their
a different philosophy is arrogant
efforts benefit other believers who
and stupid. A person like this has an

76
abnormal drive to argue about the
meaning of words. As a result,
disputes arise that lead
resentment, hostility, slander, and
malicious suspicions. 5 These folks
are continually causing problems.
They have rejected the truth, and
their brains are tainted. They just
see holiness as a means
accumulating riches. 6 However,
genuine holiness combined with
happiness is a great richness in and
of itself. 7 After all, we entered this
world empty-handed, and we will
depart it empty-handed as well. 8
So, as long as we have adequate food
and clothing, we can be happy. 9 But
those who desire to be wealthy fall
to temptation and are captured by
many dangerous and foolish desires
that lead to disaster
destruction.10 For the love
money is the source of all evil. And
other individuals, in their greed for
money, have strayed from their true
faith and wounded themselves with
many pains. 11 But you, Timothy, are
a God-fearing man; therefore, flee
from all these wicked things. Along
with faith, love, persistence, and
gentleness, pursue righteousness
and a good lifestyle. 12 Fight for
genuine faith. Keep firmly to the
to everlasting life to which God has
called you, which you have so
eloquently affirmed in front of many
witnesses. 13 Moreover, I admonish
you to follow this order without
hesitating in front of God, who gives
of life to everyone, as well as Christ
Jesus, who stood up for what was
right before Pontius Pilate. 14 No one
will be able to find fault with you
from now until the return of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 15 For at the appointed
time, Christ will be revealed from
heaven by the blessed and only
almighty God, the King of all kings
and Lord of all lords. 16 He is the one
being who can never die, and he lives
in a such blinding light that no
and human can approach him. No human
of eye has ever seen him and never will.
All glory and authority be him
eternally! Amen. 17 Teach the
wealthy people in our society to be
humble and to not put their reliance
on their money, which is so fickle.
Their faith should be in God, who
provides us with all we require for
our delight. 18 Inform them to make
effective use of their money. They
77
should be abundant in good actions has given you. Avoid godless, silly
and giving to those in need, debates with individuals who
constantly willing to share with challenge your so-called wisdom. 21
others. 19 They will be saving up Following such stupidity has caused
their wealth as a good basis for the some people to stray from their
future so that they can enjoy actual beliefs. May the grace of God be with
living. 20 Timothy, protect what God you all.

THE BOOK OF 2 TIMOTHY

Paul writes to Timothy under Roman guard, requesting that he come to visit.
Paul’s repeated imprisonments for preaching the Gospel have earned him a bad
reputation. Many have already distanced themselves from the negative stigma
of being his friend, so Paul knows that asking Timothy to visit comes with a cost.
Timothy will need great courage to be associated with Jesus and Paul’s
sufferings, so Paul assures him that the risk is worth the cost. While others may
reject and abandon Timothy, Jesus will always be faithful. Jesus knows what it
is like to be abandoned, so his comforting presence is even more tangible in
times of suffering. And even more than that, Timothy can be encouraged
because hardships have an expiration date. Jesus’ resurrection proves that
suffering will end and that resurrection for his followers is coming too. One day,
all things will be made new. What can we learn from Paul’s encouragement to
Timothy? In our culture today, what are the risks of following Jesus and
supporting those who suffer with him? And why is following Jesus worth the
risk?

78
 CHAPTER ONE
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus
and self-control. 8 So never be
reluctant to share the good news of
Jesus with people. Even though I'm in
and one of his apostles, is the writer
jail for him, please don't feel bad
of this letter. I have been sent out to
about myself. Be prepared to suffer
share with others the life he has
with me for the sake of the Good
promised through trust in Christ
News with the strength that God
Jesus. 2 Timothy is my beloved son,
provides you. 9 Because God has
to whom I am writing. May God the
called us to salvation and pure life.
Father and Christ Jesus our Lord
He did this to demonstrate his grace
grant you grace, kindness, and
to us via the person of Christ Jesus,
peace. 3 Timothy, I thank God for
not because we merited it but rather
you—the God I serve with peace of
because that was his original intent
mind, just as my forefathers did. I
from the beginning of time. 10 And
keep you in my prayers at all hours
now, through the appearance of
of the day and night. 4 Because of
Christ Jesus, our Saviour, he has
the tears you shed when we parted,
made all this clear to us. Through the
I desire to see you again. And when
Good News, he defeated the power
we are back together, I will be
of death and unveiled the path to life
overjoyed. 5 Since you have the
and immortality. 11 And God called
same sincere faith as your mother
me to be a preacher, apostle, and
Eunice and grandmother Lois did at
teacher of the Good News. 12 As a
initially, I recall your sincere faith.
result, I am suffering in this jail. But
And you, I'm sure, still have a solid
I'm not embarrassed about it since I
hold on that same faith. 6 For this
know the one, I put my faith in, and I
reason, I urge you to fan into flame
have no doubts that he can guard
the spiritual gift that God gave you
what I've given him safe until the day
when I laid my hands on you. 7 For
of his return. 13 Keep in mind the
God has not given us a fearful or
wholesome teaching model I taught
timid spirit, but one of power, love,

79
you; it was influenced by your love
and faith for Christ Jesus.
14 Take special care
preserve the priceless knowledge
that has been given to you by using
the power of the Holy Spirit who is
within us. 15 As you are aware,
everyone from the province of Asia
has abandoned me, including
Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 May
CHAPTER TWO
2 As a result, my child, may the
favour of God be multiplied in you. 2
What you have heard from me in the
presence of many witnesses, commit
to faithful men who will be able to
teach others as well. 3 As a good
soldier of Christ Jesus, you must
therefore bear suffering. 4 No
soldier on duty involves himself in
personal matters in order to gratify
the man who enlisted him as a
soldier.
5 Athletes who follow the
rules are crowned before those who
don't compete fairly. 6 The farmer
who puts in the most work must
receive the first share of
the Lord be kind to Onesiphorus and
his family, who frequently visited
to and encouraged me. Because I was
bound, he never felt embarrassed of
me. 17 He looked everywhere when
he got to Rome until he found me. 18
May the Lord grant him extra favour
on the day of Christ's return. And
you are aware of how beneficial he
was at Ephesus.
harvest. 7 Take everything I've
spoken into consideration, and may
the Lord give you wisdom in all
things. 8 Keep in mind that according
to my Good News, 9 which I
experience suffering to the point of
being chained as a criminal, Jesus
Christ, who was raised from the
grave, is a Davidic descendant. But
God's message is not restricted. 10
As a result, I put up with everything
for the benefit of the elect so that
they too may experience the
salvation that is found in Christ
Jesus and be given to God in glory for
all eternity. The following saying is
trustable:
“For if we died with him,
the
80
 we will also live with him.
12 If we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we deny him,
he also will deny us.
13 If we are faithless,
he remains faithful;
for he can’t deny himself.”
14 Keep spreading
realities to everyone. And caution
them before the presence of God not
to quarrel over words. People who
listen to such arguments
destroyed, and they serve no one. 15
Do your best to be the type of
person God will accept, and then
devote yourself to him. Be a person
who works in a way that leaves no
space for self-criticism and who
correctly follows the real teaching.
16 Keep away from those who
discuss pointless things that are not
inspired by God. Such conversations
will turn a person away from God
more and more. 17 Their pernicious
teaching will spread like a disease
throughout the body. Hymenaeus
and Philetus are men like that. 18
They have abandoned genuine
teaching. They claim that the day
when people will be resurrected
from the dead has already passed.
They are indeed damaging other
people's faith. 19 The Lord knows
those who belong to him, according
to the words inscribed on God's
unshakable foundation. It further
reads, "Everyone who professes
they believe in the Lord must quit
these doing wrong." 20 There are things
made of gold and silver in a big
mansion. However, there are other
items made of wood and clay. Others
are are used for routine tasks, while
others are used for specific
purposes. 21 Make yourself pure
from all wickedness because the
Lord wants to use you for specific
purposes. When you are holy, the
Master may use you. Any worthwhile
task will find you prepared.
22 A young person like you
generally desires to do wicked
things, therefore refrain from doing
them. Try your best to live morally
upright lives filled with faith, love,
and serenity, alongside those who
place their whole confidence in the
Lord. 23 Do not engage in pointless
or dumb disputes. You are aware
that these debates amplify and
84
develop. 24 You cannot quarrel since
you are the Lord's servant. Everyone
must be treated with kindness. You
must have patience and be a good
instructor. 25 You must teach people
who disagree with you respectfully.
In order for them to accept
the truth, perhaps God will allow
them to have their hearts changed.
26 The devil has them in a trap and is
now forcing them to comply with his
demands. However, maybe they'll
get their act together, realize what's
going on, and escape the devil's
snare.

CHAPTER THREE

3 Keep in mind that the

stupid things without thinking and
be so proud of themselves. They will
treasure luxury instead of loving
upcoming days will be quite difficult.
God. 5 They will continue to put up a
People will mostly love themselves
show of devotion to God while
and their money. They'll exalt
refusing to allow that "devotion" to
themselves and be arrogant. They
change the manner they live. Avoid
will humiliate others. They will not
these folks at all costs! 6 Some of
listen to their parents. They will be
them enter households and gain
rude, dismissive, and antagonistic to
influence over weak women with
everything that God would find
sinful lives—women who are driven
pleasing. 3 They won't love anyone,
into wickedness by all the things
and they won't be willing to provide
they desire. 7 These ladies are
forgiveness. They will lack self-
always eager to learn new things,
control and talk negatively about
but they never truly realize the
others in an effort to damage them.
reality. 8 These folks, like Jannes and
They will be harsh, and they will
Jambres, are fighting against the
despise what is good. 4 People will
truth. Their reasoning has been
betray their friends. They will do
clouded. They are useless in their

85
beliefs and what they preach. 9 Their
efforts, however, will not be
successful. Everyone will be able to
see how stupid they are. In fact,
Jannes and Jambres experienced
this. 10 But you know everything
about me. You are aware of my
teachings and my own philosophy.
My life's objective is something you
already know. My love, patience, and
faith are all known to you. You are
aware that I am always attempting.
11 You are already aware of my pain
and persecution. You are aware of all
that occurred to me at Antioch,
Iconium, and Lystra, as well as the
persecution I endured in those cities.
But the Lord delivered me from it all.
12 There will be persecution
for anybody who seeks to live a life
of genuine devotion to God in Christ
Jesus. 13 People who are nasty and
CHAPTER FOUR
4 Therefore, I order you before
God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who
86
deceive others will only get worse. In
addition to misleading others, they
will also be fooling themselves. 14
But you should continue to practice
the teachings you learned. You know
it's true because you trust those who
taught you. 15 You have been
familiar with the Holy Scriptures
since you were little. You can
become intelligent by studying
these, Scriptures. And that
knowledge points to redemption
through faith in Jesus Christ. 16 God
is the source of all of Scripture.
Additionally, all of Scripture is
helpful for instructing and for
illuminating the errors in people's
lives. It is useful for pointing out
errors and imparting the proper way
of life. 17 Those who serve God will
be prepared and will have all they
need to perform every good task,
according to the Scriptures.
will judge the living and the dead at
his appearance and his Kingdom: 2
Preach the word; be prompt both in
season and out; reprimand, chastise,
and encourage with all due patience
and instruction. For there will come
a time when people do not pay
attention to sound doctrine, but
rather, because their ears
itching, they will gather
themselves instructors who
satisfy their own desires, 3 turning
their ears away from the truth and
turning to lies.
5 However, you must always
maintain your composure, endure
adversity, carry out your ministry's
duties, and engage in evangelism.
6 For the moment of my departure
has come, and I have already been
offered. 7 I have fought the good
fight. I completed the course. I have
maintained my faith. 8 As of right
now, the crown of righteousness is
reserved for me, and the Lord, the
just judge, will grant it to me on that
day, along with all those who have
cherished seeing him.
9 Be attentive to come to me
quickly, 10 for Demas left me, having
cherished this present world, and
went to Thessalonica; Crescens to
Galatia; and Titus to Dalmatia. 11
Luke is the only person with me.
Take Mark and bring him with you;
he is beneficial to me for duty. 12 But
I dispatched Tychicus to Ephesus. 13
are When you arrive, take the books,
for especially the parchments, and the
will cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus.
14 Alexander, the coppersmith, did a
lot of bad things to me. He will get
from the Lord what he has done, and
you should take care to avoid him as
well because he vehemently rejected
our message.
16 During my first defense, no
one came to support me; instead,
everyone abandoned me. Please
don't hold that against them. 17 But
the Lord supported and encouraged
me, enabling the word to be
completely communicated and
heard by all the Gentiles through me.
I was so saved from the lion's mouth.
18 In addition, the Lord will protect
me from all bad deeds and keep me
for his heavenly Kingdom. Forever
and ever, let him be praised. Amen.
19 Salute Onesiphorus' home
as well as Prisca, Aquila, and the
others. 20 Erastus stayed in Corinth,
but I had to leave Trophimus in
87
Miletus since he was unwell. 21 Make May the spirit of the Lord Jesus
every effort to arrive before winter. Christ be with you. God's grace be
Eubulus, Pudens, Linus, Claudia, and with you. Amen.
the rest of the brothers greet you. 22

THE BOOK OF TITUS

Paul’s letter to Titus urged him to remind Cretan believers that while they live
in a sinful culture, they can be transformed into new humanity by the same
grace that Jesus demonstrated when he died to redeem them. As a new
humanity, they can reject a lifestyle that is inconsistent with God's generous
love. They can show God's salvation message and transform their communities
by participating in Cretan culture, rejecting anything corrupt, living and
devoting themselves to Jesus, and promoting the common good. Paul wrote the
book of Titus for his companion, who was tasked with visiting Crete, a place
infamous for sin and corruption. Titus was to restore order to house churches
in Crete and replace corrupt teachers with godly leaders.

CHAPTER ONE

1 Paul, a servant of God and an

service to God. 2 We are assured of
our everlasting existence through
our faith and understanding. Even
apostle of Jesus Christ, greets you. I
before time started, God made that
was sent to assist God's elect in
promise to us, and God never tells
developing the knowledge and faith
lies. 3 God informed the world about
necessary for a life of devoted
that life when the time was perfect.

88
He accomplished this by by inviting them into his house. He
communicating the message of the needs to value righteous things. He
Good News, and he gave me the must be intelligent. He must live
responsibility for doing so. I morally. He must have a strong
delivered the message because God, commitment to God and want to
our Saviour, instructed me to. please him. Additionally, he needs to
be capable of self-control.
4 To Titus, a beloved son to me
in the faith we share. Grace and 9 An elder must be committed
peace to you from God the Father to the same real message that we
and Christ Jesus our Saviour. 5 I left preach. He will then be in a position
you in Crete so you could finish what to uplift others with teaching that is
needed to be done. I also left you genuine and right. He will also have
there so that you might pick men to the ability to disprove the
be elders in each community. 6 To be arguments made by people who
an elder, a man must not be guilty of oppose this doctrine. 10 This is
living in the incorrect way. He must significant because many individuals
be true to his wife, and his children refuse to obey—those who talk
must be devoted to God. They must about meaningless things and
not be labeled as wild or disobedient mislead others. I'm specifically
youngsters. 7 An elder's referring to people who claim that
responsibility is to look after God's non-Jewish men must be
work. Therefore, it should be circumcised in order to satisfy God.
impossible for anybody to accuse 11 These people must be stopped
him of living in the incorrect way. He because they are ruining entire
can't be arrogant, conceited, or families by propagating false
easily enraged. He must not engage information. They simply teach how
in excessive drinking or pick fights. to deceive people and make money.
He must not be the type of man who 12 One of their own prophets
would do anything for money. 8 An admitted that the Cretans were
elder must be willing to assist others always liars. They are terrible

90
creatures and lethargic people who
do nothing but eat." 13 The prophet's
statements are correct. Tell such
folks that they are mistaken. You
have to treat them loudly. Then they
will grow in faith and cease listening
to the tales given by those Jews.
They will no longer obey the orders
of those who have strayed away
from the truth. 15 Anything and
everything is pure to those who are
CHAPTER TWO
2 But you must instruct everyone
in living in a manner consistent with
genuine teaching. 2 Teach the elder
guys to restrain themselves, to be
serious, and to be intelligent. They
need to have great faith, strong love,
and strong patience. 3 Also, educate
the elder ladies on how to live the
way those who serve the Lord
should live. They should not gossip
about others or consume excessive
amounts of alcohol. What is
excellent should be taught. 4 By
doing this, they will display the value
91
pure. But nothing is pure to those
who are full of sin and refuse to
believe. They have actually lost their
ethics and developed a bad
mentality. 16 They claim to know
God, yet their actions demonstrate
that they do not acknowledge him.
They are abhorrent. They have no
capacity for good deeds and will not
submit to God.
of loving one's husband
offspring to younger women. 5 They
and
shall impart to them the virtues of
wisdom and purity, as well as how to
take care of their houses, be kind,
and be willing to support their
husbands. No one will thereafter be
able to critique the instruction God
provided us. 6 Encourage the young
guys to be wise in the same manner.
7 Through your excellent deeds, you
should serve as an example for
others in every manner. Try to be
sincere and serious while you teach.
8 Additionally, your training must be
unequivocally accurate to protect
you from criticism. Those who
oppose you will then feel humiliated.
They won't have anything
unfavourable to say about us. Tell
the employees to always be willing
to serve their employers, not to
quarrel with them, not to steal from
them, and to demonstrate their
trustworthiness by not engaging in
any of these behaviours. Following
that, they will demonstrate the value
of God our Saviour’s teaching in all
they do. 11 Because of God's grace,
this is how we need to live. This
grace has the power to save
everyone. It teaches us not to rebel
against God and not to follow the
terrible examples the world sets for
us. It teaches us how to conduct our
lives in the here and now in a
sensible and moral manner—a
manner that demonstrates genuine
adoration for God. 13 While we wait
for the return of our great God and
Saviour Jesus Christ, we ought to
live in that way. He is our greatest
hope, and he will arrive in splendour.
14 He laid down his life for us. He died
to deliver us from all wickedness. He
gave his life to purify us, to make us
his own possessions and
goodhearted people forever. 15
These are the details you should
share with others. Encourage them
and correct them when they're in
error. Don't let anyone believe they
can disrespect you since you have
complete authority to do this.

CHAPTER THREE

3 Remind your people that rulers

and government leaders
always be respected. They must
respect these leaders and be willing
to do good. 2 Tell them to avoid
criticizing others and to practice
nonviolent conflict resolution. They
should treat everyone with kindness
and respect. 3 Our foolishness dates
should
back to the past. We disobeyed, we
made mistakes, and we became
obedient slaves to the numerous
desires and pleasures of our bodies.
We lived a life of depravity and

92
enmity. We were hated by others,
and we hated one another. 4 But
suddenly the goodness and love of
God, our Saviour, were revealed. 5
He spared us because of
kindness, not because of anything
we did. He saved us by washing us
clean. He redeemed us by renewing
us in the Spirit. 6 Through our
Saviour, Jesus Christ, God totally
poured the Holy Spirit onto us. 7
Through his grace, we
reconciled to God. God saved us so
that we may be his offspring and
anticipate enjoying a life that never
ends. 8 It's accurate to say this. And
I want you to make sure that the
public are aware of these things.
People who believe in God will then
take care to live moral lifestyles.
These are excellent ideas that will
benefit everyone. 9 Avoid people
who get into pointless debates,
gossip about unimportant family
histories, or stir up difficulty and
conflict about what the Law of
Moses says. Nobody will benefit
from these things, which
nonsensical. 10 All people who start
disputes should be warned. Don't
interact with them if they continue
to cause issues after a second
his warning. 11 You are aware of how
terrible and immoral such individuals
are. Their actions demonstrate that
they are incorrect. 12 To you, I'll
send Tychicus and Artemas. Please
make every effort to come to me in
Nicopolis when I send them. This
were winter, I've chosen to spend it there.
13 From there, Apollos and Zenas the
attorney will travel. Make every
effort to assist them in getting ready
for their journey. Make certain they
have all the necessities. 14 Our
people must learn to live their lives
for the greater good and to aid those
in need. Then their lives will not be
meaningless. 15 I am sending your
greetings on behalf of everyone who
is here with me. Please convey my
greetings to all who love us in the
faith. May God bless you all.
are
93
 THE BOOK OF PHILEMON

CHAPTER ONE

1 Greeting from our brother

happiness and inspiration that has
been for me. 8 There is something
you should do. I feel free to order
Timothy and from Paul, a prisoner
you to do it because of the power I
for Jesus Christ. Our close buddy and
have in Christ. 9 However, I am not
co-worker Philemon. 2 Additionally,
demanding you; rather, I am
to our sister Apphia, Archippus, who
requesting that you do it out of love.
is a fellow soldier in the army of the
As a prisoner of Christ Jesus, I, Paul,
Lord, and the church that gathers in
am an elderly man at this time. 10 I'm
your home. 3 From the Lord Jesus
requesting your assistance for my
Christ and God the Father, grace,
son Onesimus. While I was behind
and peace be upon you. 4 I keep you
bars, he became my son. 11 He was
in my thoughts and prayers. And I
previously ineffective to you.
will always be grateful to God for
However, he is now helpful to both
you. 5 I am grateful to God because I
you and me. 12 I'm returning him to
have heard of your love for all of
you, yet it's as painful as losing a
God's holy people and your faith in
piece of myself. 13 I'd prefer to keep
the Lord Jesus. 6 I pray that the faith
him here to assist me while I'm still in
you share will help you grasp every
jail for spreading the Gospel. He
blessing we have in Christ. 7 My
would be representing you by aiding
brother, you have loved God's
me in this. 14 I didn't want to,
people, and your assistance has
however, take any action without
tremendously boosted their morale.
first consulting you. So anything you
What an enormous source of

94
do for me will come from your own
desire, not from something I made
you do. 15 For a little period of time,
Onesimus was separated from you.
Perhaps things occurred so that you
might have him back in your life
forever—16 not as a slave, but as a
beloved brother who is better than a
slave. That is exactly what he is to
me. And I'm confident that he will
have much more significance for you
since he is both your slave and a
fellow follower of the Lord. 17
Accept Onesimus back if you accept
me as your friend. As you would
welcome me, do the same for him. 18
If he has done you any wrong or
owes you anything, charges it to me.
19 I, Paul, write this in my own
handwriting, saying, "I will repay
whatever Onesimus owes." And I'm
not going to tell you what you owe
95
me for your own life. 20Therefore, as
a Christian, I humbly ask you, my
brother, to do me the favor of doing
this. It would be a tremendous
encouragement to me as your
brother in Christ. 21 I write this letter
knowing that you will accomplish
everything I ask of you, and then
more. 22 In addition, get a room
ready for me. I pray that God would
hear your prayers and grant me the
opportunity to see you.
23 Epaphras is a prisoner with me for
the sake of Christ Jesus. He extends
his best wishes to you. 24 Mark,
Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke also
extend their greetings. They and I
both work together. 25 May the
grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be
with your spirit.
 THE BOOK OF JAMES

James, or Jacob, writes his letter to those of us who are suffering all kinds of
different hardships and tests of life. He personally understands what it means
to suffer and how pain makes us vulnerable to shame, doubt, lust, deception,
anger, and pride. But he also knows that in suffering, there’s a unique
opportunity for God to perfect and complete the valuable character-building
work he started in us. God meets us with wisdom as we face the tests of life.
When we listen closely to his wise words of truth, trusting that he is good and
responding with action, we begin to experience the wholeness God designed us
for. And those around us experience it too. When we see our sufferings through
the wisdom and goodness of God, we are moved to alleviate human suffering
whenever we encounter it, especially the sufferings of the most vulnerable in
our communities. But when we forget God’s goodness, we often allow our own
pain to provoke selfish actions and cruel words that destroy our communities.
There’s a lot at stake, so Jacob urges us to listen carefully and respond tangibly.

CHAPTER ONE

1 James, a servant of God and of

challenges. You now have a reason
to be incredibly happy, though. 3
You are aware that suffering teaches
the Lord Jesus Christ, extends his
you to be patient and have faith
greetings. To God's people, who are
whenever your faith is tested. 4 If
randomly scattered around the
you allow that patience to operate in
globe. 2 My brothers and sisters, you
you, the eventual consequence will
will undergo a plethora of
be positive. You will be fully

96
developed and mature. God will
make you become everything He
desires. 5 If you need wisdom, ask
our generous God, and he will give it
to you. He will not rebuke you for
asking. To all, he bestows a great
deal of wisdom. You are asking him
doesn't make him upset. He will
make you wise. 6 But be sure that
your faith is in God alone while you
ask him. Don't change your mind
because someone who has two
loyalties is as unstable as a wave of
the sea that is tossed and moved by
the wind. 7 These folks shouldn't
count on the Lord to provide them
anything. 8 They are ambivalent
about their allegiance to God and the
world, and it shows in everything
they do. 9 Believers who are
penniless should be grateful because
God values them so highly. 10 When
horrible things happen that make
them humble, prosperous believers
should be happy. Their wealth will
not prevent them from vanishing as
fast as wildflowers. 11 As the sun
rises and becomes hotter, the heat
dries up the plants and causes the
blooms to fall off. The once-beautiful
blooms are no longer alive. That is
how it is with the wealthy. They will
pass away while still formulating
plans for their business. 12 Those
who are tempted and overcome
temptation will receive significant
benefits! The reward of eternal life
97
will be bestowed on them by God
when they have demonstrated their
faith. This is what God promised to
everyone who loves him. 13 Never
declare, "God is tempting me," if you
sense the want to do anything
wicked. God cannot be tempted by
evil; therefore, God never tempts
anybody. 14 You are enticed by the
wicked things you desire. Your own
desire pulls you away from reality
and traps you.
15 As your desire intensifies, sin
begins to result. In the end, death
results from sin as it continues to
grow. 16 Beware of being scammed,
my beloved brothers and sisters. 17
God is the source of all good. Every
wonderful gift comes from him.
These magnificent gifts have been
sent to us by the father who created
all the luminaries in the sky. God,
however, is unchanging, unlike the
shadows cast by those lights. He
never changes. 18 God chose to
grant us life by means of the
authentic message he sent to us. He
desired us to be the most significant
of everything that he made. 19 Be
prepared to listen more often than
to speak, my beloved brothers and
sisters. Keep your temper under
control. 20 Getting mad will not
enable you to live as God wants. 21
As a result, eliminate all forms of
wrongdoing from your life. Accept
the wisdom that God has placed in
your hearts and be humble. You can
be saved by this teaching.
22 Don't merely listen and be
passive; act on what God's message
says. You are fooling yourself if you
just sit and listen. Taking no action
after hearing God's instruction is
equivalent to staring in the mirror
and doing nothing after realizing
what you saw. As soon as you leave,
you stop thinking about how awful
you looked. 25 However,
concentrate on paying attention to
God's complete rule, which liberates
CHAPTER TWO
2 My beloved brothers and
sisters, you believe in our great and
powerful Lord Jesus Christ. Don't
thus regard certain people more
favourably than others. 2 Assume
someone shows up at your meeting
dressed extremely nicely and
sporting a gold ring. At the same
moment, a person in need enters
wearing shabby, worn-out clothing.
3 When someone is dressed nicely,
you pay extra attention to them. "Sit
here in this excellent seat," you
instruct. However, you command
the poor person to "stand there!" or
"Sit down by our feet!" 4 This
indicates that you value certain
98
people. You will enjoy God's blessing
if you adhere to the instructions.
Never only hear his teachings and
then disregard what you heard. 26
Perhaps you have the impression
that you are a pious person. But if
your mouth is uncontrollable, you
are fooling yourself. Your prayers to
God become useless because of your
sloppy speech. 27 God wants us to
care for the widows and orphans
who are in need and to keep
ourselves away from the harmful
influences of the world. God
considers this form of worship as
pure and good.
people over others, doesn't it? You
present yourself as judges who
render poor decisions. 5 Brothers
and sisters, please be attentive. God
chose poor people to be wealthy in
faith. He chose them to be the
beneficiaries of the kingdom that
God promised to those who love him.
6 Yet, you treat the poor with no
regard. And you are aware that
those who are wealthy always seek
to exert influence over your lives.
They also file a lawsuit against you. 7
And it is the rich who abuse the
magnificent name of Christ, the
name by which you are known.
8 One law supersedes above all
others. The Scriptures say this
sovereign law: "Love your neighbour
as yourself." You are acting ethically
if you follow this law. 9 However, if
you treat one person as more
essential than another, you are
sinning. The law of God has been
broken by you. 10 You may obey all
of God's laws. However, disobeying
even one of the law's demands
makes you guilty of breaking them
all. 11 Don't engage in adultery, God
commanded. The same God also
commanded against killing.
Therefore, even if you kill someone
but don't commit adultery, you are
still in violation of all of God's laws.
12 The law that liberates people will
judge you. This should be a constant
reminder in all of your words and
deeds. 13 You must, indeed, be
merciful to others. God will not be
merciful to you when he judges you
if you do not show mercy. But
whoever demonstrates kindness can
stand before the Judge without fear.
14 My brothers and sisters, it is
useless to claim to have faith if one
does not act on that faith. Such faith
is incapable of saving anyone. 15
Assume a Christian brother or sister
comes to you in need of clothes or
food. 16 And you say to them, "God
be with you!" You don't provide
them with their needs; instead, you
wish them well and wish them plenty
to eat. Your words are useless until
99
you support them. 17 Faith operates
in the same way. If it is only faith and
accomplishes nothing more, it is
dead. 18 The counterargument,
however, is that "Some people have
faith, while others have good
works." My response would be that
you cannot demonstrate your faith if
you do nothing. But I'll demonstrate
my faith by doing good. You believe
in one God. That's excellent, but
devils concur with that! And they
tremble in terror. 20 You idiot!
Nothing can be gained from faith
that accomplishes nothing. Do you
want me to demonstrate this to you?
21 Through his actions, our father
Abraham established peace with
God. He sacrificed his son Isaac to
God on the altar. 22 This illustrates
how Abraham's actions and faith
were complementary. By what he
did, his faith was made perfect. 23
This demonstrates the complete
meaning of the Scriptures, which
state, "Abraham believed God, and
as a result of this faith, he was
recognized as one who is right with
God." Abraham was referred to as
"God's friend." 24 So you can see that
people's relationship with God is
determined by their actions. By faith
alone, they cannot be made right. 25
Another case in point is Rahab.
Despite being a prostitute, she did
something that made her right with
God. She assisted those who were
spying for God's people. She invited without a spirit is considered to be
them into her house and assisted dead. Faith that accomplishes
them in finding an alternative route nothing is also dead!
to freedom. 26 A person's body

CHAPTER THREE
3 My brothers and sisters, not
realm of evil. Our entire body
becomes infected with
wickedness, and it ignites a fire that
its

many of you should be teachers. I

has an impact on all of life. This
say this because, as you are aware,
hellfire comes out of it. 7 Every type
teachers will be held to a higher
of wild animal, bird, reptile, and fish
standard than other professions.
are under the authority of humans,
2 Everyone makes a lot of errors. The
and they have done so for a very
ideal person would be one who never
long time. 8 But no one can control
made a poor choice of words.
their tongue. It contains lethal
Someone like that would be able to
venom and is wild and nasty. 9 We
control their whole body as well. 3
condemn those who were made in
We placed bits in the mouths of
the image of God after we have
horses to make them obey us. We
praised our Lord and Father with our
can manipulate their entire body
words. 10 These blessings and curses
with these parts. 4 Ships operate
are uttered by the same mouth. All
similarly. Strong wind currents drive
of this, my brothers and sisters,
a ship, which is quite large.
must not occur. 11 Is it possible for
Nevertheless, that large ship is
good and poor water to flow from
managed by a little rudder. And
the same spring? Of course not. 12
whoever controls the rudder
Can a fig tree bear olive, my brothers
chooses where the ship will go. It
and sisters? Is it possible for a
follows him wherever he wants. 5
grapevine to produce figs? No, and a
The same applies to our tongue.
well filled with salty water is unable
Even though it only makes up a small
to produce good water. 13 Are there
part of the body, yet it speaks
any truly smart and understanding
volumes. With just a small flame, a
people among you? Then you should
large forest fire can be sparked. 6
demonstrate your intelligence by
The tongue is as hot as a fire. The
acting morally. You should act
organs and tissues of our body are a

100
honourably and modestly. A smart selfishness. 17 But God's knowledge
person does not extol himself. 14 is expressed in this way: First and
You have no right to boast if you are foremost, it is pure. It is also calm,
egotistical and filled with venomous polite, and simple to please. This
envy. Your bragging is a falsehood knowledge is always prepared to
that hides the reality. 15 God does assist those in need and to be kind to
not provide that type of others. This understanding is
"knowledge." The world is where consistently just and truthful. 18
that "knowledge" originates. No, it is People who labour for peace in a
not spiritual. It is a devilish creation. peaceful manner receive the
16 There will be chaos and every benefits of proper living.
form of evil where there is envy and

CHAPTER FOUR
4 Are you aware of the origin of
becomes God's enemy. 5 Do you
believe the Scriptures have no
meaning? According to the Bible, the
your disputes and disagreements?
Spirit that God placed inside us is
They originate from the self-centred
only interested in using us for
desires that cause conflict within of
himself. 6 God, however, extends
you. 2 Things that you desire do not
greater mercy. "God is against the
materialize for you. You murder as a
proud, but he is gracious to the
result and are envious of others.
humble," the Scriptures say.
Even still, your desires remain
unfulfilled. You then quarrel and
7 Therefore, submit to God. The
battle. Due to your failure to ask
more you fight the devil, the more
God, you will not receive what you
likely he is to depart from you. 8
desire. 3 Or, when you ask, you don't
When you approach God, he will
get anything since your motive for
come near to you. Because you are
asking is incorrect. You merely want
sinners, remove sin from your life. At
to use it for your own amusement. 4
the same time, you are attempting to
You people aren't God-fearing at all!
follow both God and the world.
You should understand that enjoying
Purify your thoughts. 9 Be sad,
what the world has to offer is
sorry, and cry! Transform your
synonymous with hating God. As a
laughter become tears. Convert
result, anybody who wishes to
your happiness into misery. 10 Be
associate with this evil world
humble before the Lord, and he will

101
make you great. 11 Don't criticize
one another, brothers and sisters. If
you criticize or criticize
Christian brother or sister, you are
criticizing and condemning the law
they follow. Furthermore, if you are
judging the law, you are not a law
follower. You've risen to the position
of judge. 12 The law was created by
God, who also serves as the judge.
He alone has the power to both save
and destroy. As a result, it is not
appropriate for you to
judgment on anyone.
CHAPTER FIVE
5 Pay attention, you wealthy folks!
Cry and be sorrowful, for you will be
in a lot of trouble. 2 Your wealth will
decay and have no value. Moths will
consume your clothing. 3 Your gold
and silver will tarnish, and this
garnishment will serve as evidence
that you were mistaken. Your bodies
are going to catch fire from that rust.
You saved your valuables in the
latter days. 4 People worked in your
fields, but you did not pay them.
They are screaming at you. They
took care of your crops. Their
screams have now been heard by the
Lord All-Powerful.
13 Some of you remark, "We're going
to a city today or tomorrow." We
your want to stay there for a year,
conduct business, and earn money.
"Listen, consider this: 14 You never
know what may occur tomorrow.
Your life is a mist. It is momentarily
visible before vanishing. 15 As a
result, you need to declare, "If the
Lord wills, we'll survive and do this
or that." 16 But instead, you're
arrogant and extol your own virtue.
pass All of this bragging is incorrect. 17
You are sinning if you don't follow
the proper path.
5 Your earthly existence was full of
abundant living. You got everything
you desired. You grew fat, like a
beast preparing for slaughter. 6 You
have no compassion for nice people.
They didn't oppose you, yet you
slaughtered them, nevertheless. 7
Friends, wait patiently; the Lord will
come. So, wait till that time comes.
Just observe the farmers. They must
exercise patience. They must wait
for their priceless crop to mature
and yield a harvest. The first and last
rains are carefully anticipated by
them. 8 Your patience is also
required. Never, ever give up hope.
Soon, the Lord will arrive. 9 Avoid
complaining about one another,
brothers, and sisters. If you continue
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to complain, you will be found guilty.
Also, the Judge is prepared to
appear! 10 Follow in the footsteps of
the prophets who spoke for the
Lord. They went through a lot of
horrible things, yet they were
patient. 11 And we declare that those
who bore their trials with patience
have now received God's blessing.
You've probably heard of Job's
patience. You are aware that the
Lord was there for him through all of
his difficulties. This demonstrates
that the Lord is merciful and loving.
12 It is crucial, my brothers and
sisters, that you avoid swearing
under oath while making a vow.
Don't utilize the names of heaven,
earth, or anything else to illustrate
your point. Say "yes" alone when you
mean it. Say "no" only when you
really mean it. Try to avoid being
found guilty by doing this.
13 Do you have any problems? You
should pray. Are any of you content?
He should sing God-honouring
songs. 14 Do you feel unwell? He
103
should call the church's leaders.
They should pray to God about him
and apply oil to him in the Lord's
name. 15 If such a prayer is said in
faith, it will heal anybody who is sick.
They will be made whole by the Lord.
And if they err, he will forgive them.
16 Therefore, be honest with one
another about your mistakes. And
pray for each other's needs, telling
God about them so you might be
cured. Big things may happen when
a good man prays to God. 17 Elijah
was a guy much like us. He prayed to
God to forbid it from raining. And the
world was without rain for three
years and six months. 18 After that,
he spoke to God once again.
Furthermore, it started to rain. On
earth, plants developed. 19 My
brothers and sisters, if someone
wanders away from the truth and
someone helps that person return,
keep this in mind: Anyone who
brings a sinner back from the wrong
path will rescue that person from
eternal death and cause many sins to
be forgiven.
 1 PETER
CHAPTER ONE
1 Peter, a servant of Jesus Christ,
your faith in God, you are being kept,
and at the end of the world, you will
be saved from the punishment for
is the author of the letter. I'm writing
your sins. 6 With this hope, you may
to individuals who were exiled from
be content for a time even though
their country and are now residing in
you must experience sadness and
Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia,
many trials. 7 These trials are here to
and Bithynia. 2 God the Father long
demonstrate the validity of your
ago chose you. He understood that
faith. Fire is used to test gold, which
you would inherit His lineage. The
is perishable. Your faith has to be put
Holy Spirit sanctified you so that you
to the test since it is worth far more
may live a holy life. May you trust
than gold. When Jesus Christ
Christ and be redeemed by His
returns, your faith will bring glory,
blood. Be filled with His peace and
praise, and honour to Him. 8 Despite
enduring absolute love.
the reality that you have never met
3 All praise belongs to the Almighty
him, you love him. You can't see Him
God and Father of our Lord Jesus
right now, but you're trusting Him.
Christ. God is so compassionate, and
And your excitement is so immense
as a result, he gave us a new life.
that words cannot adequately
Through the resurrection of Jesus
describe it. 9 When it comes to being
Christ from the dead, this new life
redeemed from the penalty of sin,
gives us new hope. 4 We are
you will receive what your faith
currently in the waiting period for
desires. 10 The prophets attentively
the blessings God has prepared for
researched and attempted to
his children. These blessings are
understand about this salvation.
stored in heaven for you. They can
They mentioned the favour that will
never be lost their beauty, be
be bestowed upon you. 11 Those
harmed, or wrecked. 5 Because of
prophets were filled with the Spirit

104
of Christ. Furthermore, the Spirit
was describing to listeners Christ's
upcoming sufferings as well as the
glory that would follow.
prophets made an effort
understand more about
information the Spirit was giving
them, including when it will occur
and how the world would look at
that time. 12 It was made plain to
them that their labour would not be
for their own benefit. When they
told you about the things you have
just heard, they were serving you.
You learned about them through
people who shared the gospel with
you through the power of the Holy
Spirit, who was sent from heaven.
Even angels are really curious about
these things you were told, and they
would want to learn more.
13 So get your minds ready for
service. Put your full trust in the
grace that will be yours when Jesus
Christ returns. 14 You
sinisterly in the past because you
lacked the understanding you have
currently. However, since you are
now God's children, you must obey
him and change the way you live. 15
Be holy in whatever you do, just as
God is holy. You were chosen by him.
16 In the Scriptures, God says to us
The to "be holy, for I am holy." 17 Even
to though you supplicate to God and
the address him as Father, he will
nonetheless judge everyone equally
based on their deeds. Therefore, you
should live honourably while you are
here on earth. 18 You are aware of
the futility of your previous way of
life. It was a way of life that you
absorbed from people who came
before you. But such manner of life
was avoided by you. Your purchase
didn't involve precious metals like
gold or silver, which may be severely
damaged. 19 The priceless blood of
Christ's crucifixion was used to buy
you. He was the ultimate sacrificial
Lamb. 20 Though Christ was chosen
before the creation of the world, it
was for you that he was revealed to
the world in these latter days. 21
Through Christ, you have faith in
acted God. His dignity was bestowed by
God, who revived him from the dead.
Therefore, God is the object of your
trust and hope. 22 Through following
the truth, you have purified
yourself. You may now feel genuine
105
affection for your brothers and
sisters. Therefore, they truly and
completely love one another. 23 You
have experienced a new birth. This
new life was not created from dead
material. It originated from a lifeless
creature. God's message of eternal
life caused you to be born again. 24
The Scriptures say,
"Our lives are like springtime grass,
CHAPTER TWO
2 Stop acting in a way that might
harm other people, then.
attempting to trick others and stop
lying. Avoid becoming envious of
others or speaking poorly of them. 2
You should desire the
instruction that nourishes
spirit, much like a new-born baby
that is ravenous for milk. You can
mature and find salvation with it. 3
The kindness of the Lord has already
been tasted by you. 4 The living
stone is the Lord Jesus. The people
of the planet determined that they
did not desire this
"Any splendour we experience is like
the beauty of a wildflower,
and our lives are like the grass of
spring.
The blossom collapses to the earth
when the grass dries out and
withers.
25 But the Lord's word endures
eternally.
The Good News that you were taught
about is included in that term.
Nevertheless, God saw him as a
person of great potential. Go to him
now. 5 You are likewise like living
Quit
stones that God is using to create a
spiritual house. You are to serve God
here in this temple as holy priests,
presenting to him spiritual offerings
pure
that, because of Jesus Christ, he will
your
accept. 6 The Scriptures say, "Look, I
have picked a cornerstone of
immense worth, and I have placed
that stone in Zion." Anyone who puts
their faith in him will never be
disappointed." 7 Therefore, that
stone brings credit to those of you
who believe. But for the sceptics, he
stone.
106
is "the stone that the builders
refused to accept, which became the
most essential stone."
8 He is also "a stone that makes
people stumble; a rock that makes
people fall" in their eyes. People
make mistakes because they do not
follow what God teaches. This was
the outcome God had in mind for
those individuals. 9 But as the
priests of the King, you are His
Chosen People. As God's chosen
people, you are a sacred country. He
picked you to inform the world
about the fantastic things he has
accomplished. He pulled you out of
the darkness of sin and into his
lovely light. 10 Prior to becoming
God's people, you weren't a unique
people. You had previously not
received mercy, but God has now
shown you mercy.
11 My dear friends, in this world, you
are similar to guests and
tourists. So, I implore you to
maintain your life free of the bad
things you wish to do, urges that
conflict with your actual selves. 12 In
your immediate vicinity, there are
many non-believers. They can
accuse you of making mistakes. So,
107
live such exemplary lives that people
will witness the good you do and
glorify God on the day he returns. 13
Be available to help those in
positions of power in this world. To
the Lord be the glory. Respect the
ultimate authority, the emperor. 14
And obey the king's appointed
leaders. They are sent to punish the
wrongdoers and to reward the good.
15 When you do good, you prevent
ignorant people from saying stupid
things about you. This is exactly
what God desires. 16 Don't abuse
your freedom to commit wicked
deeds; instead, live as free people.
Live your life as though you are
serving God. 17 Be respectful to
everyone. Respect your God's family
brothers and sisters. Honour the
leader and respect God.
18 Be ready to work for your masters
and slaves. Respectfully carry out
this. You should follow both
excellent and compassionate
masters and terrible masters. 19
Even though none of you did
anything wrong, one of you may still
have to endure suffering. God will be
pleased if you endure the agony
while thinking about Him. 20
However, if you are punished for
wrongdoing, there is no need to laud
you for enduring that penalty. But if
you suffer for doing good and are
patient, God will be pleased. 21 You
were selected to carry out this task.
Christ set an example for you to
imitate. He endured pain for you.
This means that you ought to follow
his example: 22 "He never sinned or
lied." 23 People attacked him, but he
never returned the abuse. He was in
CHAPTER THREE
4 Christ endured pain while in his
body. Consequently, you ought to
strengthen yourself by adopting
Christ's way of thinking. One who
accepts hardship in this world has
definitely determined not to sin. 2
Gain courage so that you can live
your life on earth carrying out God's
will rather than what others would
have you do. 3 You used to squander
too much time doing things that
individuals who don't know God like
doing. You were leading morally
dubious lifestyles and engaging in
terrible behaviour. You were usually
inebriated, throwing crazy drinking
108
pain, yet he never threatened
anyone. Rather, he trusted God to
take care of him. Infallible judgment
belongs to God. 24 On the cross,
Christ bore the weight of our sins in
his body. He accomplished this so
that we would no longer live for sin
but for righteousness. Healed by his
wounds, you. 25 You were like a
stray sheep. But now you've
returned to the Shepherd and
Protector of your life.
parties, and committing heinous
things in your idol worship. 4 These
so-called "friends" now find it odd
that you no longer participate in
their extravagant and wasteful
behaviour. As a result, people say
negative things about you. 5 But
they will have to confront God and
explain what they have done. He is
the one who will shortly judge
everyone, both the living and the
dead. 6 Before they passed away,
some people heard the Good News.
Others criticized them throughout
their time on Earth. However, it was
part of God's purpose for them to
hear the Gospel so that they may get
a new life through the power of the
Holy Spirit. 7 The moment when
everything ends is rapidly
approaching. Therefore, maintain
composure and keep your thoughts
clear. This will be beneficial to your
prayers. 8 Love each other
profoundly because it makes you
willing to forgive numerous sins, and
it is the most essential thing of all. 9
Invite one another into your homes
and without grumbling, share your
meals. 10 You have experienced the
grace of God in a variety of ways. In
order to best serve one another, be
excellent servants and make the
most of the gifts you have been
given by God. 11 If speaking is your
gift, then your words need to be like
the words of God. If serving is your
gift, you should use the power that
God has given you. Then, through
Jesus Christ, God will be honoured in
all things. He has absolute authority
and supreme splendour. Amen. 12
My friends, don't be shocked by the
traumatic experiences you are now
going through since they are putting
your faith to the test. Don't believe
anything weird is occurring to you.
109
13 But you should be glad that you
are experiencing Christ's sufferings
in tandem with him. When Christ
displays his splendour, you will be
delighted and filled with gladness. 14
Consider it a blessing when someone
criticizes you for following Christ.
When this happens, it demonstrates
the presence of God's Spirit, the
Spirit of Glory. 15 You may suffer,
but not because you murder, steal,
cause problems, or attempt to
dominate the lives of others. 16 But
don't feel ashamed if you suffer
because you're a "Christ-follower."
You ought to thank God for that
name. 17 The moment has come to
start judgment. God's family will be
the first to be judged. If it starts with
us, what will happen to those who
reject God's Good News? 18 "If even
a good person finds it difficult to be
saved, what will happen to the one
who is rebellious and full of sin?" 19
Devote your lives to God if it means
that he wants you to endure
suffering. You may put your
confidence in him since he created
you. Keep up the excellent work,
then.
 CHAPTER FOUR
5 The seniors in your group are
appropriate moment, he will then
raise you. 7 Give him all of your
problems since he cares about you. 8
the ones to whom I now have a
Remain calm and watch your backs!
message. I, too, am an elder.
The devil is your antagonist, and he
Personally, I have witnessed Christ's
roams the world like a roaring lion
suffering. I shall also take part in the
hunting for someone to devour. 9
splendour that will be bestowed
Refuse to be led astray by the devil.
upon us. Please look after the people
Hold fast to your faith. You are
you are in charge of, I ask you. They
aware that your brothers and sisters
are the sheep of God. You are
all across the world are experiencing
choosing to watch after that flock,
the same hardships as you.
not because you have to. That is
exactly how God intends it. Don't do
10 You will experience pain
it for the money; do it because you
temporarily. God will, however,
enjoy helping people. 3 Avoid acting
make things right after that. He's
like a dictator over the people you
going to build you up. You will be
are in charge of. But be excellent role
supported and prevented from
models for them. 4 You will then get
falling by him. The only God who
a crown that will be lovely and never
gives grace is him. He chose you to
lose its brilliance when Christ the
be a part of his glory through Christ.
Ruling Shepherd returns. 5 Young
The illumination of its splendour will
people, I also have a message for
never fade. 11 All power is
you. You should respect the elders'
permanently his. Shalom. 12 You'll
right to rule. You should all have a
receive this letter from Silas. He is a
modest demeanour when dealing
devoted Christian brother, as far as
with one another. "God is against the
I'm aware. This little message is
proud, but he is gracious to the
intended to encourage you. This is
humble." 6 Therefore, submit to
the real grace of God, I wanted to tell
God's mighty hand in humility. At the

110
you. Keep your composure in that
grace. 13 The church in Babylon
wishes you well. Just as you were,
they were picked. Greetings also
come from Mark, my son in Christ. 14
When you first meet, extend a
unique message of affection to one
another. All of you in Christ, peace
be with you.

2 PETER

CHAPTER ONE
1 Simon Peter, a servant and
are familiar with him, we have these
things. Jesus selected us because of
his glory and kindness, 4 and it was
apostle of Jesus Christ, greets
through his glory and goodness that
you. To each and every one of you
he also gave us the very vast and
that has the same cherished faith as
rich things that he had promised us.
we do. Because our Lord and Saviour
You may take part in being like God
Jesus Christ always does what is
with the help of these talents. As a
right and good, we were given this
result, you will avoid the devastation
faith.
that many in the world face because
2 May God continue to shower you
of the terrible things they desire. 5
with his grace and peace as you
As a result of these benefits, do all in
come to understand who He is and
your power to add these qualities to
who Jesus is as our Lord. 3 The divine
your life: to your faith, add
power is in Jesus. We now have all we
goodness; to your goodness, add
need to live a life committed to God
knowledge; to your knowledge, add
thanks to his strength. Because we
self-control; to your self-control,

111
add patience; to your patience, add
devotion to God; 7 to your devotion,
add kindness toward your fellow
Christians; and to this kindness, add
love. 8 You will always be able to
serve God if all of these qualities are
present in you and developing. You
will bear fruit commensurate with
your understanding of our Lord
Jesus Christ. 9 But blindness results
from not growing in these blessings.
They lack a clear vision of their
possessions. They no longer
remember how their past misdeeds
were forgiven. 10 God has chosen
you to be his, my brothers and
sisters, and has called you. Make
every effort to demonstrate that
you are indeed God's called and
chosen people by living accordingly.
All of this will prevent you from
falling. 11 And you'll receive a very
warm welcome into the eternal
kingdom of our Lord and Saviour
Jesus Christ. 12 These facts are
previously known to you. You are a
very powerful person in your
convictions. However, I will always
assist you in remembering them. 13 I
believe it is appropriate for me to
remind you of them while I am still
112
physically here on earth. 14 I am
aware that I shall shortly go from this
body. That is something that Our
Lord Jesus Christ has demonstrated
to me. 15 Even when I'm gone, I'll do
all in my ability to ensure that you
keep in mind these things. 16 We
informed you about the power of our
Lord Jesus Christ. Regarding his
arrival, we informed you. We didn't
just make up some smart stories to
tell you. Contrary to popular belief,
we witnessed Jesus' brilliance first-
hand. 17 Jesus heard the voice of the
magnificent and majestic God. It was
at that time that God the Father
bestowed upon him praise and glory.
"This is my son, the one I love," the
voice continued. I am pleased with
him tremendously. 18 That voice was
audible to us. It descended from
heaven when we were on the holy
mountain with Jesus.
19 This confirms what the prophets
declared. Furthermore, it is wise for
you to pay great attention to what
they stated since it will act as a light
in the otherwise gloomy world. Up
until dawn, when the rising star
illuminates your brains with fresh
light, you have that light. 20 Above
all, you must comprehend this: No
prophecy in the Scriptures is based
on the prophet's
knowledge. 21 Prognostications that
CHAPTER TWO
2 There have been fake prophets
among God's people in the past.
Presently, nothing has changed.
There will be some fraudulent
teachers in your circle.
spread false information and notions
that will lead people
Furthermore, they'll offer
teachings in a style that makes it
difficult for you to recognize their
errors. They will even continue to
violate the Master who has bought
their liberty. As a result, they will
eventually demolish themselves. 2
Their morally repugnant actions will
draw a large audience. And as a
result, people will say negative
things about the path of truth we
pursue. 3 These charlatans are
mainly interested in your money. In
order to manipulate you, they will
someone wished to make have never
resulted in a prophecy. However,
personal people were guided by the Holy
Spirit and spoke things from God.
tell you lies. However, the judgment
against these fake teachers has been
prepared for a long time. God will
annihilate them, and they will not be
able to flee. 4 When angels sinned,
God did not let them go unpunished.
They'll
He threw them into hell. These
angels were imprisoned by him in
astray.
dark caves where they would remain
their
until God judges them. 5 The wicked
people who lived in ancient times
were punished by God. He poured a
torrent on a planet filled with
despisers of God. However, he also
saved Noah and the other seven
companions. The message of
behaving ethically was spread by
Noah. 6 God also smote the sinful
towns of Sodom and Gomorrah. He
burned them completely, leaving
just ashes behind. He used those
towns as an illustration of what will
happen to people who rebel against
113
God. 7 Lot was a decent guy who
lived there, and he was saved by him.
The morally reprehensible lives of
those wicked people severely
disturbed Lot. 8 This nice man spent
every day with those bad people,
and the terrible things he saw and
heard broke his heart. 9 From this,
you can see that the Lord God is
capable of rescuing people who are
loyal to him. In times of difficulty, He
will protect them. And on the day of
judgment, the Lord will
evildoers to account for
actions. 10 That penalty is reserved
for people who constantly act in
wicked ways. It is intended for
people who despise the
authority. These scam teachers do
anything they want and are ecstatic
about it. Even saying negative things
about the illustrious ones doesn't
scare them. 11 Compared to these
creatures, angels are significantly
more robust and powerful. However,
not even the angels
accusations or negative remarks to
the Lord against them. 12 However,
these shady teachers
negatively about what they do not
understand. They are similar to
creatures that act without thinking,
such as wild animals that are born to
be captured and slaughtered. And
they will be exterminated just like
wild animals. 13 They have caused a
lot of pain for a lot of people. They
will suffer as a result. That is their
remuneration for their actions. In
their eyes, it is enjoyable to commit
crimes in public. They love doing bad
things that make them happy. They
make you look terrible when you eat
bring together since they are like stains
their and spots that are dirty among you.
14 They desire women whenever
they look at them. They consistently
transgress in this way. Additionally,
Lord's they push less strong individuals
into the sin trap. They have
effectively conditioned themselves
to be greedy. There is a curse
on them. 15 These erroneous
teachers turned away from the
correct path and took a different
one. They took the same path as the
bring prophet Balaam. He was Beor's son,
and he enjoyed being rewarded for
wrongdoing. 16 A donkey, though,
speak pointed out his error to him.
Naturally, a donkey cannot speak,
but this particular donkey did so in a
114
manly manner in order to stop the People are indeed slaves to
prophet from behaving in such an whatever dominates them. 20
absurd manner. 17 These imposters people can be set free from the
are similar to dry springs. They look world's wickedness. By coming to
like storm clouds. There has been set know our Lord and Saviour Jesus
aside a spot in the total blackness for Christ, they can be set free.
them. 18 They promote themselves However, if they relapse into doing
with meaningless words. They entice those wicked things and allow
people to fall into the sin trap. They themselves to be possessed by
track after those who have recently them, their situation will worsen. 21
escaped from a bad lifestyle and Yes, it would have been preferable if
drag them back into immorality. they had never learned the correct
They accomplish this by using path. It would be preferable to do
people's desire to commit evil in that than to be aware of the correct
their human vulnerability. 19 path and then reject the sacred
Although they do not possess instruction that was imparted to
freedom themselves, these false them. 22 They behaved in a manner
teachers guarantee freedom to similar to the proverb "A dog throws
those people. They follow a up and goes back to what it threw
mentality that evil has corrupted up." A pig returns to the mud to roll
them, and they are their slaves. once again after being washed.

CHAPTER THREE

3 My friends, here is my second

prophets of old. Likewise, never
forget the directive that our Lord
and Saviour gave us. That mandate
letter to you. In order to aid your
was given to us by Him through your
sincere minds in recalling things, I
apostles. 3 It is critical that you
wrote both letters to you. 2 I want
understand what will occur in the
you to recall the words of the holy

115
next few days. You will be mocked.
They will proceed with their evil
intentions while still living. 4 They
will reply, "Jesus said He will come
back. Where is he now? The world is
still going on the way it has since the
planet was created even if our
fathers are no longer here.
However, these people are unwilling
to recall the long-ago events. God
created the world from and using
water while the sky was still in place.
According to God's word, everything
that transpired did so. 6 Following
that, water awash the planet and
destroyed everything. 7 The
present-day earth and sky are
maintained by the same divine word.
To be consumed by fire, they are
being kept. They are kept for the day
of judgment and the annihilation of
all rebellious people. 8 However,
remember this: To the Lord, a day is
like a thousand years, and
thousand years are like a day. 9 The
Lord is not being delayed in fulfilling
his promises in the manner that
some people interpret as slowness.
God, on the other hand, is patient
with you. He doesn't want anyone to
perish. He wants everyone to quit
sinning and change their ways.10
However, the day of the Lord's
second coming will come as a
complete surprise to everyone.
There will be a huge noise when the
sky disappears. Everything in the
sky will be consumed by fire. The
5 entire planet will be destroyed, along
with everything on it. 11 In this
manner, everything will be ruined.
What sort of people ought you to be
then? Your actions should reflect
holiness and devotion to God. 12 You
should eagerly anticipate the coming
of God’s Day and desire for it to
arrive as quickly as possible. When it
occurs, everything in the sky will
melt in the heat and the sky will be
completely consumed by fire. 13
However, God gave us a promise.
And we are looking forward to what
he has promised us: a new sky and a
new world. That will be the home of
a goodness. 14 We are waiting for this
to happen, dear friends. Therefore,
make every effort to be sin-free and
faultless. Aim to live in harmony with
God. 15 Keep in mind that our Lord's
patience is the reason we are
rescued. Our good brother Paul
informed you the same thing when
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he wrote to you with the wisdom However, increase your
that God granted him. 16 When he understanding and grace of our Lord
writes about these topics, he and Saviour Jesus Christ. Glory to
expresses them in all of his letters. him, now and forever! Amen.
Parts of his letters are difficult to
read, and some people misinterpret
them. These folks are deafeningly
deafening. The other Scriptures are
similarly misinterpreted by them.
But in doing so, they are harming
themselves. 17 You already know
about this, my friends. So, take
caution. Don't allow the wrongs they
commit to lead you astray. Don't let
your firm trust erode; Be caution. 18

THE BOOK OF 1 JOHN

CHAPTER ONE

1 The One we have heard of and

We have had the chance to see this
one, who is life itself. He is the one
who is eternal life, we now proclaim
seen is the One we are proclaiming to
and testify to you. He was with the
you. We had first-hand encounters
Father before being revealed to us. 3
with him and were able to physically
For the sake of your fellowship with
touch him. He is the Word of Life. 2
us, we proclaim to you what we have

117
personally observed and heard.
Additionally, we are in fellowship
with the Father and his Son, Jesus
Christ. 4 We're putting this in writing
so you may completely experience
our joy. 5 The message Jesus gave to
us and which we now declare to you
is this: God is light, and there is
absolutely no darkness in him. 6 In
light of this, it is a lie for us to claim
to have a personal relationship with
God while continuing to live in
spiritual darkness. 7 But if we are
operating in the light, as God is in the
CHAPTER TWO
2 To prevent you from sinning, my
little ones, I am writing you these
things. Jesus Christ, the righteous
man, is our advocate before the
Father if anybody sins. 2 He is the
substitutionary sacrifice for our sins
as well as those of the rest of
humanity. 3 We know him if we keep
his commandments. 4 One who
declares, "I know him," but does not
follow his commands, is a liar, and
the truth is not in him. 5 But God's
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light, then we have fellowship with
one another, and the blood of Jesus,
his Son, purifies us from all sin. 8 We
are merely deceiving ourselves and
not living in accordance with reality
if we assert that we have no sin. 9
But if we repent and turn to him with
our sins, he is true and just to forgive
us and to purify us of all wrongdoing.
10 When we pretend not to have
sinned, we are labelling God a liar
and demonstrating that his word has
no place in our hearts.
love has undoubtedly
perfected in whoever keeps his
been
word. We can tell if we are in him by
the fact that: 6 He who claims to be
in him must walk in step with him. 7
Brothers, I'm not giving you any new
instructions; instead, I'm reminding
you of an old rule that you've always
followed. The word you were taught
from the beginning is the ancient
commandment. 8 Once again, I write
to you a new commandment that is
true in him and in you, since the
darkness is passing away and the
real light has already shone. 9 A
person who claims to be in the light
yet absolutely hates their brother
has always been in the dark. 10
There is never a reason for who
loves his brother to stumble; he
always walks in the light. 11 But the
one who hates his brother is in the
darkness, walks in the dark, and has
no idea where he is going since the
darkness has blinded his sight. God
has forgiven the horrible things
you've done, therefore I'm writing to
you, my 12 children, to let you know.
Because of what Christ did, you have
been forgiven for your wrongdoings.
13 Fathers, I'm writing to you
because you know the One who has
existed since the beginning. I'm
writing to you, young guys, because
you've defeated the devil. You know
Father God, kids, which is why I'm
writing to you. 14 Fathers, you are
the one who knows him—the one
who has existed from the
beginning—so I write to you. I'm
writing to you because you're a
strong, young men. You trust God's
word. You have triumphed against
the demon. 15 Avoid from loving the
world or the goods found there. The
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Father's love is not in anybody who
loves the world. 16 Because
everything that exists in the world—
the desire of the flesh, the
infatuation of the eyes, and the pride
of life—is not of the Father but
belongs to the world. 17 The world
and its desire perish, but he who
does God's will lives forever. 18 Little
ones, the Antichrist is already among
us, as you have heard, and these are
the last days. This informs us that we
have approached the last hour. 19
They left us, but they did not belong
to us; if they had, they would have
stayed with us. In order to make it
clear that none of them belong to us,
they left, nonetheless. 20 You all
possess wisdom, as well as an
anointing from the Holy One. 21 You
already know the truth, and no lie is
based on the truth, therefore I
haven't written to you to make you
believe otherwise. 22 He who denies
that Jesus is the Christ is the one
who lies. This is the Antichrist, he
who denies the father and the son.
23 Anyone who denies the son
denies the father. He who
acknowledges the Son has also
acknowledged the Father. 24 As for
you, keep in mind what you were
taught from the beginning. If what
you heard from the start continues
in you, you will also remain in the son
and in the father. 25 He promised us
eternal life, which is what we have
now. 26 Regarding people who would
mislead you, I have written the
following things to you. 27 You,
however, continue to carry the
anointing he gave you, so you are
fully capable of learning on your
CHAPTER THREE
3 We are truly cherished by the
father! This demonstrates his
affection for us: we are referred to
be God's children. Furthermore, we
are in fact his children. Due to their
lack of acquaintance with God,
however, the people of the world do
not understand that we are his
offspring. 2 Friends, we are now
God's offspring. The future version
of ourselves has not yet been
revealed to us. However, we know
that when Christ returns, we shall be
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own. However, you will stay in him as
long as his anointing instructs you in
everything and proves to be
accurate and without error, just as it
did while it was teaching you. 28
Keep your faith in him right now,
little ones so that we can face him
with confidence when he shows up
and not feel ashamed. 29 Everyone
who upholds righteousness has been
born of him if you are aware that he
is righteous.
like him. He will be seen just as he is.
3 All who place their faith in him
maintain their own purity by
remaining like Christ because he is
pure. 4 whoever sins violates God's
rule. It is true that breaking God's
commandments is the same as
sinning. 5 As you are aware, Christ
was sent to die for sinners. Christ is
without any sin. 6 As a result, those
who are in Christ do not sin
anymore. If people continue to sin,
they will never truly understand or
know Christ. 7 Dear children, follow
no one who attempts to lead you
astray. Christ consistently upheld
moral standards. Thus, you must act
morally if you want to be excellent
like Christ. 8 Since the beginning, the
devil has sinned. Anyone who keeps
on sinning is a child of the devil.
God's Son came to demolish the
devil's work. 9 Because of the new
life God gave them, those who are
His children do not continue to sin.
They can no longer sin since they
have been adopted as God's
children. 10 So we can tell who God's
children are and who the devil's
children are. People who don't
uphold moral standards and show no
love for their brothers and
sisters are not considered to be
members of God's family. 11 This is
the message you have been hearing
all along: We must love one another.
12 Avoid acting like Cain. That Evil
One owned him. Cain brutally
murdered his brother. How come he
killed him, though? Because Cain did
something bad, while his brother did
something good. 13 Brothers and
sisters do not be shocked if you
encounter hostility from the people.
14 Our knowledge of our transition
from death to life is complete. We
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are aware of this because we value
our relationships as brothers.
Everyone who doesn't love is still in
the hereafter. 15 A killer is someone
who despises another believer. You
also are aware that no killer is
guaranteed eternal life. 16 Jesus
dedicated his life in order to showing
us what true love is. Thus, as
brothers and sisters, we ought to
sacrifice ourselves for one another.
17 Consider a situation when a
wealthy believer encounters a
poorer believer who is lacking in
even the most basic things. What if
the wealthy believer refuses to
assist the poor? It becomes evident
that a person's heart does not reflect
God's love in this situation. 18 Our
love for one another shouldn't just
be expressed verbally, my children.
No, our love must be sincere. We
must demonstrate our love through
our actions. 19-20 We may
determine if we follow the path of
truth in this way. And even when our
hearts make us feel guilty, we may
still have peace with God because
God is larger than our emotions. He
is really knowledgeable. 21 My dear
friends, when we approach God, we
may approach him fearlessly if we
don't feel that we are doing anything
wrong. 22 Furthermore, God fulfils
our requests. We receive it because
we obey God's laws and do what
pleases him. 23 God asks us to love
one another as he has instructed us
CHAPTER FOUR
4 Dear friends, the world is
currently filled with several false
prophets. So, rather than believing
every spirit, test them to discover
whether they come from God. 2 This
is how you can tell whether God's
Spirit is there. One spirit says, "I
believe that Jesus is the Messiah who
came to earth and became a man."
That Spirit comes from God. 3
Another spirit, however, refuses to
claim this about Jesus. It's not a spirit
from God, though. The enemy of
Christ has a spirit like this. The
enemy of Christ, of whom you have
been warned, is now present in this
world. 4 My darling children, since
you are God's children, you have
already vanquished these false
prophets. That is because the one
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to love ourselves: by believing in his
Son, Jesus Christ. 24 Those who
follow God's instructions are able to
enter God's presence. They also
contain God. Why do we know that
God is a part of us? We know
because he gave us the Holy Spirit.
who is in you is larger than the one
who is in the world. 5 They are a part
of the world, and so, what they say
is a part of the world as well.
Additionally, the entire world pays
attention to what they have to say.
6 We come from God, nonetheless.
Therefore, those who know God pay
attention to what we have to say.
The people who are not of God,
however, do not pay attention to us.
This is how we determine which
Spirit is true and which is false.
7 Dear friends, since God is the
source of all love, we should show
love to one another. God's children
are all those who love. So, God is
known by everyone who loves. 8
Because God is love, anyone who
doesn't love has never truly known
God. 9 This is how God demonstrated
his love for us: He sent his only Son
into the world to give us life through
him. 10 God's love for us constitutes
true love, not our love for God. As a
means of atonement for our sins, He
sent His Son. 11 That is how much
God loved us, dear friends! So, we
also must love each other. 12 No one
has ever seen God. But if we love
each other, God lives in us. If we love
each other, God’s love has reached
its goal—it is made perfect in us. 13
We know that we live in God and God
lives in us. We know this because he
gave us his Spirit. 14 We have seen
that the Father sent his Son to be the
Savior of the world, and this is what
we tell people now. 15 Whoever
declares, "I believe that Jesus is the
Son of God," is both a person who
lives in God and a person who lives in
God. 16 We thus have faith in God's
love for us since we are aware of it.
CHAPTER FIVE
5 Those who accept Jesus as the
promised Messiah are God's
offspring. If someone loves the
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God is pure love. Everyone who lives
in love lives in God, and God lives in
them. 17 We won't be afraid on the
day when God judges the world if
God's love is fully complete in us.
Since we are like Jesus in this world,
we shall be fearless. 18 Fear cannot
exist in the presence of God's
perfect love because fear is erased
by perfect love. It is his retribution
that causes others to be afraid. So, in
the one who is afraid, his love is not
made perfect. 19 We love because
God first loved us. 20 We are lying if
we assert that we love God while
harbouring animosity toward any of
his children. How can we love God if
we can't even love someone we've
actually seen? Not even once have
we seen him. 21 We must love one
another as brothers and sisters if we
are to obey the order that God gave
us.
father, they will likewise love the
father’s children. 2 How can we be
sure that we adore the children of
God? We are aware of this because
we love and obediently follow God. 3
Being obedient to God's instructions
is a sign of love. Furthermore, God's
laws are not too difficult for us to
follow as every child of God is
equipped with the ability to win
against the forces of evil. 5 The
victory over the world is a result of
our faith. So, who triumphs over the
entire world? Those only who
acknowledge Jesus as the Son
6 The one who has come is Jesus
Christ. He came with both water and
blood. He didn't merely come by
water. Not at all; Jesus arrived by
both water and blood. This is true,
the Spirit assures us. Truth is
revealed through the Spirit.
Consequently, the Spirit, the water,
and the blood serve as three
witnesses who testify to Jesus'
existence. All three witnesses
support this. 9 When someone says
something is true, we believe them.
It is more significant to believe what
God says. God revealed to us the
truth of his own Son, and this is what
He said to us. 10 Whoever accepts
Jesus as their Saviour obtains the
truth that God has revealed to us.
However, since they do not trust
what God revealed to us about his
Son, those who do not believe God
are proving God to be a liar. 11
According to what God revealed to
us, his Son is the source of our
everlasting life. 12 Everyone who has
the Son has life, but everyone who
does not have the Son of God has no
life. 13 I'm writing this message to all
of you who acknowledge Jesus as
God's Son. You should realize that
you already have eternal life
because of what I've written. 14
There is no reason why we can't trust
God. This indicates that God listens
to what we say and responds when
we ask for things that are in line with
7 what He desires for us. 15 Every time
we speak with him, he is attentive.
As a result, we are confident that he
will grant us any request. 16 Imagine
catching a fellow believer breaking
the law (sin that does not lead to
eternal death). You should keep
them in your prayers. Afterward,
God will grant them life. I'm referring
to those whose sin does not
condemn them to death forever. Sin
leads to death. You shouldn't pray
for that type of sin, is what I'm not
saying. 17 Sin is always wrongdoing.
124
There is, however, sin that does not
result in eternal death. 18 According
to what we know, those who have
been adopted by God do not
continue sinning. They are protected
by the Son of God. No harm can
come from the Evil One. 19 Although
we are aware of our divine heritage,
the Evil One nonetheless holds sway
over the entire world. 20 In addition,
2 JOHN
CHAPTER ONE
1 The leaders,
To the lady chosen by God and her
children, whom I love in the truth—
and not just I, but all who know the
truth—2 for the truth lives in us and
will be with us forever: 3 grace,
mercy, and peace from God the
Father and Jesus Christ, the Father's
Son, will be with us in truth and love.
4 I have been very happy to see
125
we are aware that the Son of God has
come and given us knowledge. As a
result, we can now recognize the real
and living God, in whom we also live.
Jesus Christ, who is his Son, is in us.
He is the genuine God and the source
of eternal life. 21 In order to avoid
false gods, dear children, stay away
from them.
some of your children walking in the
truth, as the father instructed us to
do. 5 And now, dear woman, I'm not
writing you a brand-new order;
rather, I'm reminding you of an
earlier command. We must love one
another, is all I ask. 6 That we walk in
accordance with his commandments
is what love looks like. He has given
you the instruction to walk in love,
as you have heard from the
beginning. 7 I make this statement
because there are a lot of scammers somebody comes to you without
out there who reject that Jesus bringing this teaching, do not accept
Christ came in the flesh. Anyone who or welcome them into your home. 11
falls into this category is the Whoever receives them participates
deceiver and the antichrist. 8 Be in their evil deeds. 12 I have a lot of
careful to ensure that you receive a things to say to you, but I don't want
complete reward rather than losing to wastepaper and ink. Instead, I'm
everything you have worked so hard hoping to see you and speak with
to achieve. 9 Whoever stays with the you in person so that our joy may be
teaching of Christ and does not go fully expressed. 13 The children of
ahead loses both the Father and the your God-chosen sister extend their
Son; whoever stays with the greetings.
teaching retains both. 10 If

3 JOHN

CHAPTER ONE
1 The Elder extends greetings.
is fine. 3 Some Christians
approached me and informed me of
the truth in your life. They assured
To the one, I actually love my good
me that you are still on the path of
friend Gaius.
truth. This made me ecstatic. 4 It
2 I know you're doing well spiritually,
always brings me tremendous
my dear friend. Therefore, I hope
satisfaction to learn that my children
and pray that everything else in your
are pursuing the path of truth. 5 It is
life is going well and that your health

126
wonderful, my dear friend, that you
continue to assist the believers. You
don't even know these people. 6
They shared the love you have with
the church. Please assist them so
they may keep traveling. So as to
please God, assist them in a godly
manner. 7 They set out on their
journey to serve Christ. They
refused any assistance from non-
believers. 8 As a result, we should
assist them. When we assist them,
we contribute to their quest for the
truth. 9 I wrote a letter to the
church, but Diotrephes seems
unconcerned about what we say. He
is continuously looking for methods
to be the boss. 10 When I arrive, I will
speak with him about what he is
doing. Along with lying and making
derogatory remarks about us, he
also does other things. He refuses to
accept and assist Christians who
127
travel there. And he will not allow
anybody else to assist them. If they
do, he forbids them from attending
church gatherings 11 Follow what is
right instead of what is wrong, my
dear friend. Anyone who acts
morally upright is a child of God.
Evildoers, however, have never
known God. 12 Everyone says nice
things about Demetrius, and the
reality backs them up. Additionally,
we are positive about him. And you
are aware of the veracity of what we
are saying. 13 I have a lot of things
to tell you. However, I do not want to
use pen and ink. 14 I'm hoping to see
you soon. then we may talk and be
together. 15 Peace be with you.
Sending my love from my friends
who are present here. Please send
our regards to all of the friends
there.
 THE BOOK OF JUDE

CHAPTER ONE
1 To those who are called,
remind you that when the Lord
delivered a nation from Egypt, He
subsequently killed those who did
sanctified by God the Father, and
not believe. 6 He has imprisoned in
kept for Jesus Christ: Jude, a servant
eternal shackles beneath darkness
of Jesus Christ and brother of James.
six angels who did not retain their
2 May God grant you His kindness,
first realm but fled their own
His peace, and His love. 3 Dearly
dwelling place, for the judgment of
beloved, although I was glad to write
the great day. 7 The cities around
to you about our shared salvation, I
Sodom and Gomorrah are used as an
was compelled to write to you
example, receiving the penalty of
instead to urge you to tenaciously
eternal fire, even though they had
defend the faith that was once and
committed sexual immorality and
for all given to the saints. 4 Because
pursued alien flesh in a similar
there are certain men who have
manner. 8 However, in their dreams,
infiltrated clandestinely, including
people corrupt the flesh, disdain
those who were long ago mentioned
authority, and defame celestial
in connection with this
creatures. 9 But, when battling with
condemnation: godless men who
the devil and debating concerning
have turned the favour of our God
Moses' body, Michael, the archangel,
into immorality and denied our one
did not deliver a harsh sentence
and only Master, God, and Lord Jesus
against him, but instead pleaded,
Christ. 5 However, even though you
"May the Lord rebuke you!" 10 But
already know this, I still want to

128
these make negative remarks about
everything they are ignorant about.
They are ruined in these things that
they comprehend intuitively, like
beasts without reason. 11 Curse
them! For they followed Cain's
example, fled riotously in
mistake of Balaam for pay, and died
in Korah's rebellion. These are secret
rocky reefs in your love feasts when
they dine with you; shepherds who
fearlessly feed themselves; clouds
without water, borne by winds;
autumn trees without fruit, twice
dead, pulled out by the roots; 13 wild
sea waves, foaming forth their own
shame; wandering stars, for whom
the blackness of night has been set
aside for all time. 14 Enoch, the
seventh from Adam, prophesied of
them as well, saying, "Behold, the
Lord came with ten thousands of his
holy ones, 15 to execute judgment
on everyone, and to condemn all the
wicked of all their acts
ungodliness which they have done in
an ungodly fashion, and of all the
harsh words which ungodly sinners
have said against him." 16 These are
murmurers and complainers who
follow their desires and talk proudly
while showing respect for others in
order to benefit themselves. 17
However, you, dear, keep in mind
the words that the apostles of our
Lord Jesus Christ have already
stated. 18 They told you that there
the would be mockers in the coming
days who would follow their own
wicked lusts. 19 These are the
sensuous, rift-causing people who
lack the Spirit. 20 But you, dear,
continue to strengthen yourselves
on your most sanctified belief while
pleading in the name of the Holy
Spirit. 21 Keep seeking the
compassion of our Lord Jesus Christ
for eternal life, remaining in God's
love. 22 Some show compassion,
distinguishing themselves, 23 and
some save, grabbing them out of the
flames with horror, rejecting even
the garments soiled by the flesh.
25 To God our Saviour, who alone is
wise, be glory and majesty,
of dominion, and authority, both now
and forever. Amen.
129
NOTES

130
God.
131