# verses

text:
(But other small boats came from Tiberias, near the place where they ate the bread, the Lord having given thanks).


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So when the crowd saw that Jesus is not there, nor His disciples, they themselves stepped into the boats and came to Capernaum seeking Jesus.


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And having found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, "Rabbi, when have You come here?"


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Jesus answered them and said, "Most positively, I say to you*, you* seek Me, not because you* saw signs, _but_ because you* ate of the loaves of bread and were satisfied.


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"Stop working <i>[for]</i> the food that perishes by itself, _but_ <i>[be working for]</i> the food that remains to eternal life, which the Son of Humanity will give to you*, for God the Father has set <i>[His]</i> seal <i>[on]</i> Him."


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Jesus answered and said to them, "This is the work of God, that you* be believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Him whom that One sent."


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So they said to Him, "What sign then do You do so that we shall see and believe You? What are You working?


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"Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, just as it has been written, 'He gave to them bread out of heaven to eat.'" <i>[Exod 16:4; Neh 9:15; Ps 78:24]</i>


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So Jesus said to them, "Most positively, I say to you*, Moses has not given to you* the bread out of heaven, _but_ My Father gives to you* the true bread out of heaven.


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But Jesus said to them, "_I_ am the bread of life! The one coming to Me shall by no means hunger, and the one believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me will by no means thirst at any time!


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"All that the Father gives to Me will come to Me, and the one coming to Me I shall by no means cast out.


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"Because I have come down out of heaven, not so that I shall be doing My will, _but_ the will of the One having sent Me.


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"And this is the will of the Father having sent Me, that out of all which He has given to Me I will not lose <i>[any of]</i> it, _but_ I will raise it up {in} the last day.


text:
"And this is the will of the One having sent me, that every <i>[one]</i> looking on the Son and believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Him shall be having eternal life, and _I_ will raise him up on the last day."


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Therefore, the Jews were grumbling about Him, because He said, "_I_ am the bread having come down out of heaven."


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And they said, "Is this not Jesus, the Son of Joseph, whose father and mother _we_ know? How then says this One, "I have come down out of heaven?"


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"No one is able to come to Me unless the Father having sent Me draws <i>[or, drags]</i> him, and _I_ will raise him up in the last day.


text:
"It has been written in the prophets, 'And they will all be taught of God.' Therefore, every <i>[one]</i> hearing from the Father and having learned comes to Me. <i>[Isaiah 54:13]</i>


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"This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, so that anyone shall eat from it and shall not die.


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"_I_ am the living bread, the One having come down from heaven. If anyone eats from this bread he will live into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>, and indeed the bread which _I_ will give is My flesh, which I will give on behalf of the life of the world."


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Therefore, the Jews began disputing with one another, saying, "How is this One able to give to us His flesh to eat?"


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So Jesus said to them, "Most positively, I say to you*, unless you* eat the flesh of the Son of Humanity and drink His blood, you* do not have life in yourselves.


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"The one eating My flesh and drinking My blood has eternal life, and _I_ will raise him up {in} the last day.


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"Just as the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, also the one feeding on Me, that one will also live because of Me.


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"This is the bread having come down out of heaven, not as your* fathers ate the manna and died. The one eating this bread will live into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>!"


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Therefore, many having heard from His disciples, said, "This word is harsh. Who is able to be hearing it?"


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But Jesus, knowing in Himself that His disciples are grumbling about this, said to them, "Does this cause you* to stumble <i>[fig, offend you*]</i>?


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"The Spirit is the One giving life; the flesh does not accomplish <i>[or, benefit]</i> anything. The words which _I_ have spoken to you* are spirit and are life!


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"_But_ there are some of you* who do not believe." For Jesus knew from <i>[the]</i> beginning who they are, the ones not believing, and who is the one <i>[who]</i> will be betraying Him.


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And He said, "For this reason I have said to you*, 'No one is able to come to Me unless it has been given to him from My Father.'"


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From this <i>[time]</i> many went away of His disciples to the things behind and were no more walking about with Him.


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Then Simon Peter answered Him, "Lord, to whom will we go? You have <i>[the]</i> words of eternal life."


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"And we have come to believe and have come to know that _You_ are the Christ, the Son of the living God!"


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Now He spoke of Judas Iscariot, <i>[son]</i> of Simon, for this one was about to be betraying Him, being one of the twelve.


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And Jesus was walking about after these things in Galilee, for He was not wanting to be walking in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill Him.


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So His brothers said to Him, "Depart from here and be going into Judea, so that Your disciples also will watch Your works which You are doing.


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"For no one does anything in secret and himself seeks to be in public. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world."


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"The world is not able to be hating you*, but Me it hates because _I_ testify concerning it that its works are evil.


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"_You*_ go up to this feast; _I_ am not yet going up to this feast because My time has not yet been fulfilled."


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But when His brothers went up, then also He Himself went up to the feast, not openly, _but_ as in secret.


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And there was much grumbling <i>[or, whispering]</i> concerning Him among the crowds. Some indeed said, "He is good." Others said, "No, _but_ He is leading the crowd astray <i>[fig., deceiving the crowd]</i>."


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And the Jews were marveling, saying, "How does this One know letters, not having learned?" <i>[or, How is this One learned, not having been educated?]</i>


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"If anyone is willing to be doing His will, he will know concerning such teaching, whether it is from God or <i>[whether]</i> _I_ speak from Myself.


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"The one speaking from himself seeks his own glory, but the One seeking the glory of the One having sent Him, this One is true, and unrighteousness is not in Him.


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"Has not Moses given to you* the Law? And not one of you* does the Law. Why are you* seeking to kill Me?"


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"For this reason Moses has given to you* circumcision-not that it is from Moses, _but_ from the fathers-and on a Sabbath you* circumcise a man.


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"If a man receives circumcision on a Sabbath so that the Law of Moses is not broken, <i>[why]</i> are you* very angry with Me that I made a man entirely well on a Sabbath?


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So some from the people of Jerusalem said, "This is <i>[the One]</i> whom they are seeking to kill, is it not?


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"And look! He speaks freely, and they say nothing to Him. Perhaps the rulers truly knew <i>[or, came to know]</i> that this One is truly the Christ?


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"_But_ this One-we know from where He is. But when the Christ shall come, no one knows from where He is."


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Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, "You* both know Me and you* know from where I am. And of Myself I have not come, _but_ the One having sent Me is true <i>[or, dependable]</i>, whom _you*_ do not know.


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But many out of the crowd believed <i>[or, trusted]</i> in Him and said, "When the Christ shall come, He will not do more signs <i>[than]</i> these which this One did, will He?"


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The Pharisees heard the crowd muttering these things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent attendants so that they should take Him.


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Therefore Jesus said, "Yet a little time I am with you*, and <i>[then]</i> I am going away to the One having sent Me.


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Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where is this One about to be going that we will not find Him? He is not about to be going to the Dispersion <i>[i.e. the scattered Jews among the Greeks]</i> and to be teaching the Greeks, is He?


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"What is this word which He said, 'You* will seek Me and will not find <i>[Me]</i>, and where I am, you* are not able to come?'"


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But on the last <i>[day]</i>, the great day of the feast, Jesus had stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone is thirsting, let him come to Me and be drinking.


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"The one believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me, just as the Scripture said, 'Out of his belly <i>[or, innermost being]</i> will flow rivers of living water." <i>[no specific OT reference, but for general idea see Isaiah 55:1; 58:11; Ezek 47:1; Joel 3:18; Zech 13:1; 14:8]</i>


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But this He said concerning the Spirit, which the ones believing in Him were about to be receiving, for the Holy Spirit was not yet <i>[given]</i>, because Jesus was not yet glorified.


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Others were saying, "This is the Christ." Others were saying, "But the Christ is not coming out of Galilee, is He?


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"The Scripture said the Christ is coming from the seed of David and from Bethlehem, the village where David was, did it not?" <i>[Ps 132:11; Jer 23:5; 1Sam 16:1,13; Micah 5:2]</i>


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Then the attendants came to the chief priests and Pharisees. And those <i>[religious rulers]</i> said to them, "Why did you* not bring Him?"


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Therefore, the Pharisees answered to them, "You* have not also been led astray <i>[fig., been deceived]</i>, have you*?


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They answered and said to him, "You are not also out of Galilee, are you? Search and see that a prophet has not been raised out of Galilee."


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Then at dawn He came again to the temple, and all the people were coming {to Him}. And having sat down, He began teaching them.


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But the scribes and the Pharisees bring to Him a woman having been taken in adultery. And having set her in the middle <i>[of them]</i>,


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they say to Him, {testing} <i>[Him]</i>, "Teacher, we found this <i>[woman]</i> in the very act-committing adultery!


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But this they said, testing Him, so that they should be having an accusation against Him. But Jesus, having stooped down, began writing into the ground with His finger, not taking notice.


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But when they continued asking Him, having straightened Himself back up, He said to them, "The sinless <i>[one]</i> of you*, let him cast the first stone at her."


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But they having heard, and by the conscience being convicted, began going out one by one, having begun from the older <i>[ones]</i> {to the last <i>[ones]</i>}. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman being in the midst.


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Now Jesus having straightened Himself back up and having seen no one but the woman, said to her, "{Woman}, where are those accusers of yours? Did no one condemn you?"


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And she said, "No one, Lord." So Jesus said {to her}, "Neither do _I_ condemn you. Be going, and {from now on} no longer be sinning."


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Then again Jesus spoke to them, saying, "_I_ am the Light of the world! The one following Me shall by no means walk around in the darkness, _but_ shall have the Light of life!


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So the Pharisees said to Him, "_You_ are testifying concerning Yourself! Your testimony is not true!"


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Jesus answered and said to them, "Even if _I_ am testifying concerning Myself, My testimony is true, because I know from where I came and where I am going. But _you*_ do not know from where I come and where I am going.


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"But even if _I_ judge, My judgment is true, because I am not alone, _but_ I and the Father having sent Me.


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"And also in your* Law it has been written that the testimony of two persons is true. <i>[Deut 19:15]</i>


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Therefore, they were saying to Him, "Where is Your father?" Jesus answered, "You* neither know Me nor My Father. If you* knew Me, you* would also know My Father."


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These sayings spoke Jesus in the treasury <i>[fig., in the area where collection boxes were located]</i>, teaching in the temple, and no one seized Him, because His hour had not yet come.


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Then Jesus said again to them, "_I_ am going away, and you* will seek Me, and in your* sin you* will die; where _I_ am going, you* are not able to come."


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So the Jews were saying, "Surely He will not kill Himself, will He?-because He says, 'Where _I_ am going, you* are not able to come?'"


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And He said to them, "_You*_ are from below; _I_ am from above. _You*_ are from this world; _I_ am not from this world.


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"Therefore, I said to you*, 'you* will die in your sins,' for unless you* believe that _I_ am, you* will die in your* sins."


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So they were saying to Him, "You, who are You?" And Jesus said to them, "Just what I <i>[have been]</i> speaking to you* even <i>[from]</i> the beginning.


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"Many <i>[things]</i> _I_ have to be speaking concerning you* and to be judging; _but_ the One having sent Me is true, and what _I_ heard from Him, these things I say to the world."


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Then Jesus said to them, "When you* lift up the Son of Humanity then you* will know that _I_ am, and from Myself I do nothing, _but_ just as My Father taught Me, these things I speak.


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"And the One having sent Me is with Me; the Father did not leave Me alone, because _I_ always do the things pleasing to Him."


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So Jesus was saying to the Jews having believed <i>[or, trusted]</i> in Him, "If _you*_ remain in My word, truly you* are My disciples.


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They answered Him, "We are seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i> of Abraham, and to no one have we at any time been enslaved. How can You say, 'You* will become free?'"


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Jesus answered them, "Most positively, I say to you*, that every one committing <i>[or, practicing]</i> sin is a slave of sin.


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"But the slave does not remain in the house into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>: the Son remains into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>.


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"I know that you* are seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i> of Abraham, _but_ you* seek to kill Me, because My word does not find a place in you*.


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"I am speaking what _I_ have seen with My Father, and therefore _you*_ are doing what you* have seen with your* father."


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They answered and said to Him, "Our father is Abraham." Jesus says to them, "If you* were children of Abraham, you* would be doing the works of Abraham.


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"But now, you* seek to kill Me-a Man who has spoken to you* the truth which I heard from God-this Abraham did not do.


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"_You*_ do the works of your* father." Then they said to Him, "We have not been born out of sexual sin; we have one Father-God!"


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So Jesus said to them, "If God were your* father, you* would love Me, for _I_ came forth and am come from God. For I have not come from Myself, _but_ that One sent Me.


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"You* are from the <i>[or, your*]</i> father the Devil, and the desires of your* father you* want to be doing. That one was a murderer from <i>[the]</i> beginning, and he has not stood in the truth, because truth is not in him. When he is speaking falsehood, out of his own he speaks, because he is a liar, and the father of it.


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"Who out of you* convicts Me concerning sin? But if I am speaking truth, why are you* not believing Me?


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"The one being from God, the words of God he hears <i>[or, pays attention to]</i>, for this reason you* do not hear, because you* are not from God."


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Then the Jews answered and said to Him, "We say rightly that _You_ are a Samaritan and You have a demon, do we not?"


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"Most positively, I say to you*, if anyone keeps My word, he shall by no means see death into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>!"


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Then the Jews said to Him, "Now we have known that You have a demon. Abraham died, and the prophets, and _You_ say, 'If anyone keeps My word, he shall by no means taste of death into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>!'


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"_You_ are not greater than our father Abraham, who died, are You? And the prophets died. Whom are You making Yourself <i>[out to be]</i>?"


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Jesus answered, "If _I_ glorify Myself, My glory is nothing; My Father is the One glorifying Me, <i>[of]</i> whom you* say, 'He is our God.'"


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"And you* have not known Him, but _I_ know Him; and if I should say that I do not know Him, I will be like you*-speaking falsely. _But_ I know Him, and I keep His word.


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So the Jews said to Him, "You do not yet have fifty years <i>[fig., You are not yet fifty years old]</i>, and You have seen Abraham?"


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Therefore, they took up stones that they should cast on Him. But Jesus was hidden. And He went out from the temple, having passed through <i>[the]</i> middle of them, and so He passed by. <i>[cp. Luke 24:16; John 12:36]</i>


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And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this one or his parents, that he should be born blind?"


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Jesus answered, "Neither this one sinned nor his parents, _but_ <i>[this happened]</i> so that the works of God should be revealed in him.


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"It is necessary <i>[for]</i> Me to be working the works of the One having sent Me while it is day; night is coming when no one is able to be working.


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Having said these things, He spit on the ground and made mud from the saliva and rubbed the mud on the eyes of the blind man.


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And He said to him, "Be going away; be washing in the pool of Siloam" (which, is interpreted, "Having Been Sent"). So he went away and washed, and he came seeing!


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Therefore, the neighbors and those seeing him previously that he was blind, were saying, "This is the one sitting and begging, is it not?"


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Others were saying, "This is he." But others, "He is like him." That one kept saying, "_I_ am <i>[he]</i>."


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That one answered and said, "A Man being called Jesus made mud and rubbed my eyes and said to me, 'Be going away to the pool of Siloam and be washing.' And having gone away and having washed, I received sight!"


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So again the Pharisees also were asking him how he received sight. And that one said to them, "He put mud on my eyes, and I washed, and I see!"


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Then some of the Pharisees were saying, "This Man is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath." Others were saying, "How is a sinful person able to be doing such signs?" And a division was among them.


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They say to the blind one again, "You, what do you say concerning Him, because He opened your eyes?" So he said, "He is a prophet."


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Then the Jews did not believe concerning him that he was blind and received sight, until which <i>[time]</i> they called the parents of him, the one having received sight.


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And they asked them, saying, "Is this your son, whom you* say that he was born blind? How then does he now see?"


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"But how he now sees, we do not know, or who opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age, ask him. He will speak concerning himself."


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These things his parents said because they were afraid of the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed together that if anyone shall confess Him <i>[as the]</i> Christ, he should be expelled from the synagogue.


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So a second time they called the man who was blind. And they said to him, "Be giving glory to God; _we_ know that this Man is a sinner!"


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Then that one answered and said, "If He is a sinner, I do not know; one <i>[thing]</i> I do know, that being blind, now I see!"


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He answered them, "I told you* already and you* did not hear; why do you* again want to be hearing? You* do not want to become His disciples, do you*?"


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The man answered and said to them, "Indeed, in this is a marvelous <i>[thing]</i>, that _you*_ do not know from where He is-and He opened my eyes!


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"But we know that God does not hear sinners, _but_ if anyone is God-fearing <i>[or, devout]</i> and is doing His will, this one He hears.


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"From the age <i>[fig., Since the beginning of time]</i> it was not heard that anyone opened <i>[the]</i> eyes of one having been born blind.


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They answered and said to him, "_You_ were totally born in sins, and _you_ are teaching us!" And they cast him outside.


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Jesus heard that they cast him outside. And having found him, He said to him, "Do _you_ believe <i>[or, trust]</i> in the Son of God?"


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And Jesus said, "For judgment _I_ came into this world, so that the ones not seeing shall be seeing, and the ones seeing shall become blind."


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And those of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these things, and they said to Him, "We are not also blind, are we?"


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Jesus said to them, "If you* were blind, you* would not have sin, but now you* say, 'We see.' Therefore, your* sin remains."


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"Most positively, I say to you*, the one not entering through the door into the fold of the sheep, _but_ climbing up some other way, that one is a thief and a robber.


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"To this one the doorkeeper opens. And the sheep hear his voice, and his own sheep he calls by name, and he leads them out.


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"And whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice.


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"But a stranger they will by no means follow, _but_ they will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers."


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This illustration Jesus spoke to them, but those ones did not understand what the things were which he was speaking to them.


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"_I_ am the door. If anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and he will come in and will go out and will find pasture.


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"The thief does not come except so that he should steal and kill and destroy. _I_ came so that they shall have life, and they shall have <i>[it]</i> abundantly!


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"But the hired worker, not being also a shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, watches the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf seizes them and scatters the sheep.


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"And other sheep I have which are not from this fold. These also it is necessary <i>[for]</i> Me to bring, and My voice they will hear. And they will become one flock, one shepherd.


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"For this reason the Father loves Me, because _I_ lay down My life, so that I shall take it <i>[up]</i> again.


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"No one takes it from Me, _but_ _I_ lay it down of Myself; I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it <i>[up]</i> again. This command I received from My Father."


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But many of them were saying, "He has a demon and is raving mad; why do you hear Him <i>[or, pay attention to Him]</i>?"


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Others were saying, "These are not the sayings of <i>[one]</i> being demon-possessed <i>[or, oppressed by a demon]</i>. A demon is not able to open <i>[the]</i> eyes of blind <i>[people]</i>, is it?"


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Then the Jews surrounded Him and said to Him, "How long do You hold our soul in suspense? If _You_ are the Christ, tell us plainly."


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Jesus answered them, "I told you* and you* do not believe; the works which I do in the Name of My Father, these testify concerning Me.


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"And _I_ give to them eternal life, and they shall by no means perish into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>! And no one will pluck them out of My hand.


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"My Father who has given <i>[them]</i> to Me is greater than all, and no one is able to be plucking <i>[them]</i> out of the hand of My Father.


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Jesus answered to them, "Many good works I showed to you* from my Father. On account of which work of them do you* stone Me?"


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The Jews answered Him, saying, "Concerning a good work we do not stone You, _but_ for blasphemy, and because _You_, being a human being, are making Yourself God."


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Jesus answered them, "Has it not been written in your* Law, 'I said, you are gods?' <i>[Ps 82:6]</i>


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"If He called those ones "gods" to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture is not able to be broken),


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<i>[why of]</i> whom the Father sanctified and sent into the world, do you* say, 'You blaspheme,' because I said, 'I am God's Son?'


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"But if I am doing <i>[them]</i>, even if you* do not believe Me, be believing the works, so that you* shall know and believe that the Father <i>[is]</i> in Me and I <i>[am]</i> in Him."


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And He went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John was first baptizing, and He remained there.


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And many came to Him and were saying, "John indeed did no sign. But all <i>[things]</i>, as many as John said concerning this One were true."


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Now <i>[there]</i> was a certain one being sick, Lazarus from Bethany, of the village of Mary and her sister Martha.


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And it was Mary, the one anointing the Lord with ointment and wiping His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was being sick.


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So the sisters sent to Him, saying, "Lord, listen! <i>[He]</i> whom You affectionately love is sick."


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But Jesus having heard, said, "This sickness is not to death, _but_ <i>[it is]</i> for the glory of God, so that the Son of God shall be glorified through it!"


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The disciples say to Him, "Rabbi, <i>[just]</i> now the Jews were seeking to stone You, and You are going there again?"


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Jesus answered, "Are <i>[there]</i> not twelve hours in the day? If anyone shall be walking about in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world.


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These <i>[things]</i> He said, and after this He says to them, "Lazarus our friend has fallen asleep, _but_ I am going so that I shall wake him up."


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But Jesus had spoken concerning his death, but those ones thought that He is speaking concerning the resting of sleep.


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"And I rejoice for your* sake that I was not there, so that you* shall believe, _but_ we shall be going to him."


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Therefore, Thomas, the one being called Didymus <i>["Twin"]</i>, said to his fellow-disciples, "Let us also go so that _we_ shall die with Him."


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Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen stadia away <i>[about 1.7 miles or 2.75 kilometers]</i>.


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And many of the Jews had come to the <i>[women]</i> around Martha and Mary, so that they should comfort them concerning their brother.


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Jesus said to her, "_I_ am the Resurrection and the Life! The one believing in Me, even if he dies, he will live!


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"And every <i>[one]</i> living and believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me shall by no means die into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>! Do you believe this <i>[or, Are you convinced of this]</i>?"


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She says to Him, "Yes, Lord, _I_ have believed <i>[or, am convinced]</i> that _You_ are the Christ, the Son of God, the One coming into the world."


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And having said these things, she went away and called Mary her sister privately, saying, "The Teacher is present and is calling you."


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Therefore, the Jews, the ones being with her in the house and comforting her, having seen Mary that she rose up quickly and went out, followed her, saying, "She is going off to the tomb so that she should weep there."


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So Mary, when she came where Jesus was, having seen Him, fell to His feet, saying to Him, "Lord, if You were here my brother would not <i>[have]</i> died."


text:
Then Jesus, when He saw her weeping, and the Jews having come with her weeping, was deeply moved in His spirit and stirred Himself up <i>[or, was disturbed]</i>.


text:
But some of them said, "This One, the One having open the eyes of the blind man, He was able to do <i>[something]</i> so that also this one should not have died, was He not?"


text:
So Jesus, again being deeply moved in Himself, comes to the tomb. Now it was a cave, and a stone was lying upon it.


text:
Jesus says, "Take away the stone." Martha, the sister of the one having died, says to Him, "Lord, already he stinks, for it is the fourth day <i>[since he died]</i>."


text:
Then they took away the stone from where the one having died was lying. And Jesus lifted His eyes upwards and said, "Father, I give thanks to You because You heard Me.


text:
"Now, _I_ knew that You always hear Me, _but_ because of the crowd, the ones having stood around, I said <i>[it]</i>, so that they shall believe <i>[or, shall be convinced]</i> that _You_ sent Me."


text:
And the one having died came out, <i>[his]</i> feet and hands having been bound with grave-clothes, and his face had been wrapped around with a facecloth. Jesus says to them, "Loose him, and allow <i>[him]</i> to be going."


text:
Therefore, many of the Jews, the ones having come to Mary and having seen what Jesus did, believed <i>[or, trusted]</i> in Him.


text:
Therefore, the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered together a High Council <i>[or, Sanhedrin]</i> and said, "What are we doing? For this Person is performing many signs!


text:
"If we leave Him in this way, all will believe <i>[or, trust]</i> in Him, and the Romans will come and will take away both our place and nation."


text:
But a certain one of them, Caiaphas, being high priest of that year, said to them, "_You*_ do not know anything,


text:
nor do you* take into account that it is advantageous for us that one person should die on behalf of the people, and the whole nation should not perish."


text:
But this he said not from himself, _but_ being high priest of that year, that one prophesied that Jesus was about to be dying on behalf of the nation.


text:
And not on behalf of that nation only, _but_ so that He shall also gather together into one the children of God, the ones having been scattered abroad.


text:
Therefore, Jesus was no more freely walking about among the Jews, _but_ He went away from there to the countryside near the wilderness, to a city being called Ephraim. And there He stayed with His disciples.


text:
But the Passover of the Jews was near. And many went up to Jerusalem out of the countryside before the Passover so that they should purify themselves.


text:
So they were seeking Jesus and were speaking one with another, having stood in the temple, "What do you* think, that He shall not at all come to the feast?"


text:
Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a command that if anyone knew where He is, he should report <i>[it]</i>, in order that they should seize Him.


text:
So six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, the one having died, whom He raised from <i>[the]</i> dead.


text:
So they made Him dinner there, and Martha was serving. But Lazarus was one of the ones reclining <i>[to eat]</i> with Him.


text:
Then Mary, having taken a litra <i>[about 12 ounces or 340 grams]</i> of very valuable, pure spikenard ointment, anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled from the fragrance of the ointment.


text:
Therefore one of His disciples (Judas Iscariot <i>[son]</i> of Simon, the one about to betray Him) says


text:
"Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denarii <i>[i.e., 300 days' wages]</i> and given to poor <i>[people]</i>?"


text:
Now he said this, not because he was concerned about the poor, _but_ because he was a thief and <i>[was]</i> holding the money-bag and was carrying off <i>[fig., stealing]</i> the <i>[things]</i> being put in.


text:
So a large crowd of the Jews knew that He is there. And they came, not because of Jesus only, _but_ so that they should also see Lazarus, whom He raised from the dead.


text:
because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and were believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Jesus.


text:
The next day a large crowd, the one having come to the feast, having heard that Jesus is coming to Jerusalem,


text:
took the branches of the palm trees and went out to meet Him and began crying out, "We praise You <i>[Gr., Hosanna]</i>! 'Blessed <i>[is]</i> the One coming in the name of the LORD'-<i>[the]</i> King of Israel!" <i>[Psalm 118:26]</i>


text:
"Stop being afraid, daughter of Zion. Look! Your King is coming, sitting on a donkey's colt." <i>[Zech 9:9]</i>


text:
But these things His disciples did not understand at first, _but_ when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things had been written about Him, and these things they did to Him.


text:
Then the crowd, the ones being with Him, were testifying that he called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead.


text:
Therefore, the Pharisees said among themselves, "You* see that you* are not accomplishing anything. Look! The world went away after Him!"


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> were some Greeks from the ones going up so that they should prostrate themselves in worship at the feast.


text:
Then these <i>[Greeks]</i> came to Philip, the <i>[one]</i> from Bethsaida of Galilee, and were asking him, saying, "Lord <i>[or, Sir]</i>, we desire to see Jesus."


text:
"Most positively, I say to you*, unless the grain of wheat, having fallen to the earth, dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.


text:
"The one affectionately loving his life will lose it, and the one hating his life in this world will keep it to eternal life.


text:
"If anyone shall be serving Me, let him be following Me, and where _I_ am, there also My servant shall be. And if anyone shall be serving Me, the Father will honor him.


text:
"Now has My soul been disturbed, and what shall I say-Father, save Me from this hour? _But_ on account of this <i>[reason]</i> I came to this hour.


text:
"Father, glorify Your name." Then came a voice out of heaven, "I both glorified <i>[it]</i>, and again I will glorify <i>[it]</i>!"


text:
Then the crowd, having stood and heard, were saying it had thundered. Others were saying, "An angel has spoken to Him."


text:
The crowd answered Him, "We heard out of the Law that the Christ remains into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>, and <i>[so]</i> how do You say, 'It is necessary <i>[for]</i> the Son of Humanity to be lifted up? Who is this-the Son of Humanity?"


text:
So Jesus said to them, "Yet a little time is the Light with you*. Be walking about as long as you* have the Light, so that darkness does not overpower you*. And the one walking about in the darkness does not know where he is going.


text:
"As long as you* have the Light, be believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in the Light, so that you* shall become sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Light." These things Jesus spoke, and having gone away, He was hid from them.


text:
But <i>[although]</i> He had done so many signs before them, they were not believing in <i>[or, trusting]</i> Him,


text:
so that the word of Isaiah the prophet should be fulfilled, which he said, "Lord, who believed our report <i>[or, accepted our report as true]</i>? And the arm <i>[fig., power]</i> of the LORD -to whom was it revealed?" <i>[Isaiah 53:1]</i>


text:
On account of this they were not able to be believing <i>[or, to be convinced]</i>, because again Isaiah said,


text:
"He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart <i>[fig., made them stubborn in their inner self]</i> so that they should not see with their eyes and understand with the heart <i>[fig., their inner self, and elsewhere in book]</i> and be turned <i>[or changed]</i>, and I should heal them." <i>[Isaiah 6:10]</i>


text:
These things Isaiah said when he saw His <i>[i.e. Jesus']</i> glory and spoke about Him. <i>[see Isaiah 6:1-8]</i>


text:
Nevertheless, still also out of the rulers many believed <i>[or, trusted]</i> in Him, _but_ because of the Pharisees they were not confessing <i>[Him publicly]</i>, so that they should not be expelled from the synagogue.


text:
But Jesus cried out and said, "The one believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me does not believe in Me _but_ in the One having sent Me!


text:
"_I_ have come as Light to the world, so that every <i>[one]</i> believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me shall not remain in the darkness.


text:
"And if anyone hears My sayings and does not believe <i>[them]</i> <i>[or, does not accept [them] as true]</i>, _I_ do not judge Him, for I did not come so that I should judge the world, _but_ so that I should save the world.


text:
"The one rejecting Me <i>[or, regarding Me as nothing]</i> and not receiving My sayings has one judging him-the word which I spoke, that will judge him in the last day.


text:
"Because _I_ spoke not from Myself, _but_ the Father having sent Me, He gave Me a command what I should say and what I should speak.


text:
"And I know that His command is eternal life. Therefore, what _I_ speak, just as the Father has said to Me, so I speak."


text:
Now before the feast of the Passover, Jesus knowing that His hour has come, that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own, the ones in the world, to <i>[the]</i> end He loved them.


text:
And dinner having taken place, the Devil already having put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, <i>[son]</i> of Simon, that he should betray Him,


text:
Jesus (knowing that the Father has given all <i>[things]</i> to Him, into His hands, and that He came forth from God, and He is going to God)


text:
rises up from the dinner and lays down His garments, and having taken a towel, He tied <i>[it]</i> around Himself.


text:
Next He puts water into the foot basin and began to be washing the feet of His disciples and to dry <i>[them]</i> with the towel with which He had tied around Himself.


text:
Jesus answered and said to him, "What _I_ am doing you do not know now, but you will know after these things."


text:
Peter says to Him, "By no means shall You wash my feet-into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>!" Jesus answered him, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me."


text:
Jesus says to him, "The one having been bathed does not have need except to wash his feet, _but_ he is altogether clean. And you* are clean, _but_ not all <i>[of you*]</i>."


text:
So when He washed their feet and took His garments, and having reclined <i>[at the table]</i> again, He said to them, "Do you* understand what I have done to you*?


text:
"If then _I_ washed your* feet-the Lord and the Teacher-you* also ought to be washing one another's feet.


text:
"Most positively, I say to you*, a slave is not greater than his lord, nor a messenger <i>[or, an apostle]</i> greater than the one having sent him.


text:
"I do not speak concerning all of you*. _I_ know whom I chose for Myself, _but_ so that the Scripture shall be fulfilled, 'The one eating the bread with Me lifted up his heel against Me.' <i>[Psalm 41:9]</i>


text:
"From now on I am telling you* before it happens, so that when it happens you* shall believe <i>[or, shall be convinced]</i> that _I_ am.


text:
"Most positively, I say to you, the one receiving whomever I send, receives Me, and the one receiving Me, receives the One having sent Me."


text:
These things having said, Jesus was troubled in the spirit and testified and said, "Most positively, I say to you* that one of you* will betray Me."


text:
Therefore, the disciples began looking one at another, themselves being perplexed concerning whom He speaks.


text:
Now there was reclining <i>[at the table]</i> one of His disciples on the bosom of Jesus, whom Jesus was loving.


text:
Jesus answers, "That one it is to whom _I_, having dipped the piece of bread, will give <i>[it]</i>." And having dipped the piece of bread, He gives <i>[it]</i> to Judas Iscariot, <i>[son]</i> of Simon.


text:
And after the piece of bread, then Satan entered into that one. Then Jesus says to him, "What you are doing-do <i>[it]</i> quickly!"


text:
But none of the ones reclining <i>[at the table]</i> knew for what <i>[reason]</i> He said this to him.


text:
For some were thinking, since Judas was holding the money-bag, that Jesus says to him, "Buy what we have need of for the feast," or that he should give something to the poor.


text:
"If God was glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and immediately He will glorify Him.


text:
"Little children <i>[or, [My] dear children]</i>, yet a little while longer I am with you*. You* will seek Me, and just as I said to the Jews, 'Where I am going away, you* are not able to come.' To you* also now I say <i>[it]</i>.


text:
"A new commandment I give to you*, that you* shall be loving one another just as I loved you*, that you* also shall be loving one another.


text:
Simon Peter says to Him, "Lord, where are You going away <i>[to]</i>?" Jesus answered him, "Where I am going away, you are not able now to follow me, but later you will follow Me."


text:
Jesus answered him, "You will lay down your life for Me? Most positively, I say to you, by no means shall a rooster crow until you deny Me three times."


text:
"Stop letting your* heart be troubled! You* believe <i>[or, trust]</i> in God, be believing also in Me.


text:
"In the house of My Father are many dwelling places, but if not <i>[fig., if it were not so]</i>, I would have told you*. I am going to prepare a place for you*.


text:
"And if I go {and} prepare a place for you*, I am coming again, and I will receive you* to Myself, so that where _I_ am you* also shall be.


text:
Thomas says to Him, "Lord, we do not know where You are going away. And how are we able to know the way?"


text:
Jesus says to him, "_I_ am the Way and the Truth and the Life! No one comes to the Father except through <i>[or, by means of]</i> Me!


text:
"If you* had known Me, you* also would have known My Father, and from now on you* know Him and have seen Him."


text:
Jesus says to him, "<i>[For]</i> so long a time am I with you*, and you have not known Me, Philip? The one having seen Me has seen the Father, and how do you say, 'Show to us the Father?'


text:
"Do you not believe <i>[or, Are you not convinced]</i> that I <i>[am]</i> in the Father and the Father is in Me? The sayings which _I_ speak to you*, I do not speak from Myself, but the Father abiding in Me, Himself does the works.


text:
"Be believing Me that I <i>[am]</i> in the Father and the Father <i>[is]</i> in Me, but if not <i>[fig., or else]</i> be believing Me because of the works themselves.


text:
"Most positively, I say to you*, the one believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me, the works which _I_ do that one also will do, and greater <i>[things]</i> than these he will do, because _I_ am going to My Father.


text:
"And _I_ will ask the Father, and another Counselor <i>[or, Helper]</i> He will give to you*, so that He shall dwell with you* into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>.


text:
"The Spirit of the truth, whom the world is not able to receive, because it does not look upon <i>[or, watch [for]]</i> Him, nor knows Him. But you* know Him, because He dwells with you* and will be in you.*


text:
"Yet a little while longer and the world no longer looks upon Me. But _you*_ are looking upon Me. Because _I_ live, _you*_ also will live.


text:
"The one having My commandments and keeping them, that one is the one loving Me. And the one loving Me will be loved by My Father, and _I_ will love him and will reveal Myself to him."


text:
Judas says to him (not Iscariot), "Lord, and what has happened that You are about to be revealing Yourself to us and not to the world?"


text:
Jesus answered and said to him, "If anyone is loving Me, My word he will keep. And My Father will love him, and We will come to him and will make <i>[Our]</i> dwelling place with him.


text:
"The one not loving Me does not keep My words, and the word which you* hear <i>[or, pay attention to]</i> is not Mine, _but_ of the Father, the One having sent Me.


text:
"But the Counselor <i>[or, Helper]</i>, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, that One will teach you* all <i>[things]</i> and will cause you* to remember all <i>[things]</i> which I said to you*.


text:
"Peace I leave to you*. My peace I give to you*; not as the world gives I give to you*. Stop letting your* heart be troubled, and stop letting it be afraid.


text:
"You heard that _I_ said to you*, 'I am going away, and I am coming to you*.' If you* were loving Me, you* would have rejoiced because I said 'I am going to the Father,' because My Father is greater than I.


text:
"And now I have said <i>[it]</i> to you* before it happens, so that when it happens, you* shall believe <i>[or, have confidence [in Me]]</i>.


text:
"I will no longer talk much with you*, for the ruler of the world is coming, and he does not have anything in Me.


text:
"_But_ so that the world shall know that I love the Father, and just as the Father gave Me command so I am doing, be rising up. Let us be going from here.


text:
"Every branch in Me not bearing fruit, He takes it away <i>[or, lifts it up]</i>; and every <i>[branch]</i> bearing fruit, He prunes clean, so that it shall be bearing more fruit.


text:
"Abide in Me, and I in you*. Just as the branch is not able to be bearing fruit by itself unless it shall be abiding in the vine, so neither you*, unless you* shall be abiding in Me.


text:
"_I_ am the vine; you* <i>[are]</i> the branches. The one abiding in Me, and I in him, this one bears much fruit, because apart from Me you* are not able to be doing anything.


text:
"If anyone does not abide in Me, he was thrown out as the branch and was withered. And they gather them and cast <i>[them]</i> into the fire, and they are burned.


text:
"If you* abide in Me, and My sayings abide in you*, you* will ask whatever you* desire, and it will happen to you*.


text:
"In this was My Father glorified, that you* shall be bearing much fruit, and you* will become My disciples.


text:
"If you* keep My commandments, you* will abide in My love; just as _I_ have kept the commandments of My Father, and I abide in His love.


text:
"These things I have spoken to you* so that My joy shall abide in you*, and your* joy shall be made full.


text:
"No longer do I call you* slaves, because the slave does not know what his lord does. But I have called you* friends because all which I heard from My Father, I made known to you*.


text:
"_You*_ did not choose Me, _but_ _I_ chose you* and appointed you*, so that you* shall be going away and bearing fruit, and your* fruit shall be abiding, so that whatever you* ask of the Father in My name, He shall be giving to you*.


text:
"If you* were from the world, the world would be affectionately loving its own. But because you* are not from the world, _but_ _I_ chose you* out of the world, for this reason the world hates you*.


text:
"Be remembering the word which _I_ said to you*, 'A slave is not greater than his lord.' If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you*. If My word they kept, yours* also they will keep.


text:
"_But_ they will do all these things to you* on account of My name, because they do not know the One having sent Me.


text:
"If I did not come and did not speak to them, they would not have sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.


text:
"If I did not do among them the works which no other has done, they would not have sin, but now they have both seen and have hated both Me and My Father.


text:
"_But_ <i>[this happened]</i> so that the word shall be fulfilled, the one having been written in their Law, 'They hated Me without a cause.' <i>[Psalm 69:4]</i>


text:
"But when the Counselor <i>[or, Helper]</i> comes, whom _I_ will send to you* from the Father, the Spirit of the truth, who proceeds from the Father, that One will testify concerning Me.


text:
"These things I have spoken to you*, so that you* shall not be caused to stumble <i>[fig., be offended]</i>.


text:
"They will make you* be expelled from the synagogue, _but_ an hour is coming that every <i>[one]</i> having killed you* shall think <i>[he is]</i> offering sacred service to God.


text:
"_But_ these things I have spoken to you* so that when the hour comes, you* shall be remembering them, that _I_ said to you*. But these things I did not say to you* from the beginning, because I was with you*.


text:
"But now I am going away to the One having sent Me, and none of you* asks Me, 'Where are You going?'


text:
"_But_ _I_ speak the truth to you*. It is advantageous for you* that _I_ go away. For if _I_ do not go away, the Counselor <i>[or, Helper]</i> will not come to you*, but if I go, I will send Him to you*.


text:
"And having come, that One will convict the world concerning sin and concerning righteousness and concerning judgment:


text:
"I still have many things to be saying to you*, _but_ you* are not able to be bearing <i>[them]</i> now.


text:
"But when that One shall come-the Spirit of the truth-He will guide you* into all the truth. For He will not speak from Himself, _but_ as many things as He hears He will speak, and He will announce to you* the coming <i>[things]</i>.


text:
"That One will glorify Me, because He will take from <i>[what is]</i> Mine and will announce <i>[it]</i> to you*.


text:
"All <i>[things]</i>, as many as the Father has, are Mine, for this reason I said, 'He takes from <i>[what is]</i> Mine and will announce <i>[it]</i> to you*.'


text:
"A little while and you* are not looking upon Me, and again, a little while and you* will see Me, because I am going away to the Father."


text:
Therefore, <i>[some]</i> of His disciples said to one another, "What is this which He says to us, 'A little while, and you* are not looking upon Me, and again, a little while and you* will see Me,' and 'Because _I_ am going away to the Father?'"


text:
So Jesus knew that they were desiring to be asking Him. And He said to them, "Concerning this you* inquire one with another, because I said, 'A little while, and you* are not looking upon Me, and again, a little while and you* will see Me?'


text:
"Most positively, I say to you*, that you* will weep and _you*_ will lament, but the world will rejoice. You* will be sorrowful, _but_ your* sorrow will become <i>[fig., will turn]</i> into joy.


text:
"The woman, whenever she shall be giving birth, has sorrow, because her hour came. But when she gives birth to the young child, no longer does she remember the anguish, on account of the joy that a person was born into the world.


text:
"So also you* now indeed have sorrow. But I will see you* again, and your* heart will rejoice, and your* joy no one takes from you*.


text:
"And in that day you* will not ask Me anything. Most positively, I say to you*, that as many <i>[things]</i> as you* ask the Father in My name, He will give to you*.


text:
"Until now you* asked nothing in My name. Be asking and you* will receive, so that your* joy shall be filled.


text:
"These things in figures of speech I have spoken to you*; _but_ an hour is coming when no longer in figures of speech will I speak to you*, _but_ I will tell you* plainly about the Father.


text:
"In that day, you* will request for yourselves in My name. And I do not say to you* that _I_ will ask the Father on behalf of you*.


text:
"For the Father Himself affectionately loves you*, because you* have affectionately loved Me, and you* have believed <i>[or, have accepted as true]</i> that _I_ came forth from God.


text:
"I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again I am leaving the world and am going to the Father."


text:
His disciples say to Him, "Listen! Now You are speaking plainly, and You are not even speaking one figure of speech.


text:
"Now we know that You know all, and we do not have need that anyone should be questioning You. By this we believe <i>[or, are convinced]</i> that You came forth from God."


text:
"Listen! An hour is coming, and now has come, that you* shall be scattered, each to his own, and you* shall leave Me alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.


text:
"These things I have spoken to you*, so that in Me you* shall be having peace <i>[or, freedom from anxiety]</i>. In the world you* have tribulation, _but_ be taking courage, _I_ have overcome the world!"


text:
Jesus spoke these things. And He lifted up His eyes to heaven and said, "Father, the hour has come: glorify Your Son, so that Your Son shall also glorify You.


text:
"Just as You gave to Him authority <i>[over]</i> all flesh, so that every <i>[one]</i> You have given to Him, He will give to them eternal life.


text:
"Now this is eternal life: that they shall be knowing You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent.


text:
"And now _You_ glorify Me, Father, with Yourself with the glory which I had with You before the world <i>[came]</i> to be.


text:
"I made Your name known to the people whom You have given to Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You have given them to Me, and Your word they have kept.


text:
"Now they have known <i>[or, have come to understand]</i> that all <i>[things]</i>, as many as You have given to Me, are from You.


text:
"Because the sayings which You have given to Me, I have given to them. And _they_ received <i>[them]</i>, and they truly knew <i>[or, came to understand]</i> that I came forth from You. And they believed that _You_ sent Me.


text:
"_I_ ask concerning them; I do not ask concerning the world, _but_ concerning <i>[those]</i> whom You have given to Me, because they are Yours.


text:
"And all <i>[which are]</i> Mine are Yours, and Yours <i>[are]</i> Mine, and I have been glorified in them.


text:
"And I am no longer in the world, yet _these_ are in the world, and _I_ am coming to You. Holy Father, keep them in Your name, which You have given to Me, so that they shall be one just as We <i>[are]</i>.


text:
"When I was with them in the world, _I_ was keeping them in Your name. <i>[Those]</i> whom You have given to Me I guarded, and none of them was destroyed <i>[or, lost]</i> except the son of destruction <i>[or, the one destined to be lost]</i>, so that the Scripture should be fulfilled.


text:
"But now I am coming to You, and I speak these things in the world, so that they shall be having My joy fulfilled <i>[or, made complete]</i> in themselves.


text:
"_I_ have given to them Your word. And the world hated them, because they are not of the world, just as _I_ am not of the world.


text:
"I do not ask that You take them out of the world, _but_ that You keep them out of evil <i>[or, from the evil [one]]</i>.


text:
"And _I_ sanctify Myself on behalf of them, so that _they_ also shall have been sanctified in truth.


text:
"But not concerning these only do I ask, _but_ also concerning the ones believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Me through their word,


text:
so that they all shall be one. Just as You, Father, <i>[are]</i> in Me and I <i>[am]</i> in You, so that _they_ also shall be one in Us, so that the world shall be believing <i>[or, shall be convinced]</i> that _You_ sent Me.


text:
"And the glory which You have given to Me _I_ have given to them, so that they shall be one just as We are one.


text:
"I in them and You in Me, so that they shall have been perfected into one, and so that the world shall be knowing that _You_ sent Me and You loved them just as You loved Me.


text:
"Father, <i>[those]</i> whom You have given to Me, I desire that where _I_ am they also shall be with Me, so that they shall be looking upon My glory which You gave to Me, because You loved Me before <i>[the]</i> laying of the foundation of <i>[the]</i> world <i>[or, before the beginning of the creation of [the] universe]</i>.


text:
"Righteous Father indeed the world did not know You. But _I_ knew You, and these knew <i>[or, came to know]</i> that _You_ sent Me.


text:
"And I made Your name known to them, and I will make <i>[it]</i> known, so that the love <i>[with]</i> which You loved Me shall be in them and I in them."


text:
These things having said, Jesus went out with His disciples beyond the ravine of Kidron, where <i>[there]</i> was a garden, into which _He_ entered, and His disciples.


text:
But Judas also, the one having betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus frequently gathered there with {also} His disciples.


text:
Then Judas, having taken the detachment <i>[of soldiers]</i> and attendants from the chief priests and Pharisees, comes there with lanterns and torches and weapons.


text:
So Jesus, knowing all the <i>[things]</i> coming upon Him, having gone out, said to them, "Whom are you* seeking?"


text:
They answered Him, "Jesus the Nazarene." Jesus says to them, "_I_ am!" Now also Judas, the one having betrayed Him, stood with them.


text:
Jesus answered, "I said to you*, '_I_ am.' If then you* are seeking Me, allow these to be going away,"


text:
so that the word should be fulfilled which He said, "<i>[Those]</i> whom You have given to Me, I did not lose even one of them." <i>[John 17:12]</i>


text:
Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest's slave and cut off his right ear. Now the name of the slave was Malchus.


text:
So Jesus said to Peter, "Put your sword into the sheath! The cup which the Father has given to Me, shall I not surely drink it?"


text:
Then the detachment <i>[of soldiers]</i> and the commanding officer <i>[or, Chiliarch]</i> and the attendants of the Jews arrested Jesus and bound Him.


text:
And they led Him away to Annas first, for he was <i>[the]</i> father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was high priest that year.


text:
Now Caiaphas was the one having advised the Jews that it is advantageous <i>[for]</i> one person to perish on behalf of the people. <i>[John 11:49,50]</i>


text:
And Simon Peter was following Jesus, and the other disciple. Now that disciple was known to the high priest and entered with Jesus into the courtyard of the high priest.


text:
But Peter had stood at the gate outside. Therefore, the other disciple who was known to the high priest went out and spoke to the female doorkeeper, and he brought in Peter.


text:
Then the slave-girl, the female doorkeeper, said to Peter, "You are not also of the disciples of this Man, are you?" He says, "I am not."


text:
Now the slaves and the <i>[courtyard]</i> attendants had stood <i>[there]</i>, having made a charcoal fire, because it was cold, and they were warming themselves. Now Peter was with them, having stood <i>[there]</i>, also warming himself.


text:
Then the high priest questioned Jesus concerning His disciples and concerning His teaching <i>[or, doctrine]</i>.


text:
Jesus answered him, "_I_ have spoken publicly to the world; _I_ always taught in a synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews are always coming together, and I spoke nothing in secret.


text:
"Why are you questioning Me? Question the ones having heard what I spoke to them. Listen! These ones know what _I_ said."


text:
So when He had said these things, one of the attendants having stood by gave a slap with the hand <i>[or, blow with a club]</i> to Jesus, saying, "Are You answering the high priest in this way?"


text:
Jesus answered him, "If I spoke wrongly <i>[or, with wrong motives]</i>, testify concerning the wrong, but if rightly, why do you beat Me?"


text:
Now Simon Peter was standing and warming himself. So they said to him, "You are not also of His disciples, are you?" Then that one denied <i>[it]</i> and said, "I am not."


text:
One of the slaves of the high priest, being a relative of him whose ear Peter cut off, says, "I saw you in the garden with Him, did I not?"


text:
Then they lead Jesus from Caiaphas to the Fortified Palace <i>[or, Praetorium, and in 18:32; 19:9]</i>. Now it was early morning. And they themselves did not enter into the Fortified Palace, so that they should not be defiled, _but_ so that they shall eat the Passover.


text:
They answered and said to him, "If this One were not an evil doer <i>[or, criminal]</i>, we would not have handed Him over to you."


text:
So Pilate said to them, "You* take Him yourselves and judge Him according to your* law." Then the Jews said to him, "It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death,"


text:
(so that the word of Jesus should be fulfilled which He said, signifying by what sort of death He was about to die). <i>[see John 12:32,33]</i>


text:
Therefore, Pilate entered into the Fortified Palace again and called Jesus and said to Him, "Are _You_ the King of the Jews?"


text:
Jesus answered him, "Do _you_ say this from yourself, or did others say <i>[it]</i> to you about Me?"


text:
Pilate answered, "_I_ am not a Jew, am I? Your nation and the chief priests handed You over to me. What did You do?"


text:
Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My attendants would be fighting, so that I should not be handed over to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here."


text:
Then Pilate said to Him, "So then, _You_ are a king?" Jesus answered, "_You_ say that I am a king. For this <i>[reason]</i> _I_ have been born, and for this <i>[reason]</i> I have come into the world, so that I should testify to the truth. Every <i>[one]</i> being of the truth hears My voice."


text:
Pilate says to Him, "What is truth?" And having said this, he again went out to the Jews and says to them, "_I_ find no <i>[grounds for]</i> an accusation <i>[or, no guilt; and in 19:6]</i> in Him.


text:
"But <i>[there]</i> is a custom to you* <i>[or, you* have a custom]</i>, that I release to you* one <i>[person]</i> at the Passover. So do you* desire <i>[that]</i> I release to you* the King of the Jews?"


text:
Therefore, they all cried out again, saying, "Not this One, _but_ Barabbas!" Now Barabbas was a robber <i>[or, an insurrectionist]</i>.


text:
And the soldiers having woven a wreath <i>[or, crown]</i> out of thorns, placed <i>[it]</i> on His head, and they put a purple garment around Him.


text:
And they kept saying, "Hail! The King of the Jews!" And they kept giving Him slaps with the hand <i>[or, blows with a club]</i>.


text:
Then Pilate again went outside and says to them, "Listen! I bring Him outside to you*, so that you* shall know <i>[or, shall come to understand]</i> that in Him I find no <i>[grounds for]</i> an accusation."


text:
So Jesus went outside wearing the thorny wreath <i>[or, crown]</i> and the purple garment. And he <i>[i.e. Pilate]</i> says to them, "Look! The Man!"


text:
Therefore, when the chief priests and the attendants saw Him, they cried out <i>[or, shouted]</i>, saying, "Crucify! Crucify Him!" Pilate says to them, "_You*_ take Him and crucify <i>[Him]</i>, for _I_ find no <i>[grounds for]</i> an accusation in Him."


text:
The Jews answered him, "_We_ have a law, and according to our law He ought to die, because He made Himself <i>[out to be]</i> God's Son."


text:
And he entered into the Fortified Palace again and says to Jesus, "Where are You from?" But Jesus gave no answer to him.


text:
Therefore, Pilate says to Him, "You are not speaking to me, are You? You do know that I have authority to crucify You and I have authority to release You, do You not?"


text:
Jesus answered, "You would have no authority at all against Me unless it had been given to you from above. For this reason, the one having betrayed Me to you has greater sin."


text:
From this <i>[point]</i> Pilate kept seeking to release Him. But the Jews kept crying out <i>[or, shouting]</i>, saying, "If you release this One, you are not a friend of Caesar! Every <i>[one]</i> making himself a king speaks against <i>[or, opposes]</i> Caesar."


text:
So Pilate, having heard this word, brought Jesus outside and sat down on the judgment seat at a place being called Pavement, but in Hebrew Gabbatha.


text:
Now it was <i>[the]</i> preparation <i>[day]</i> of the Passover, and <i>[it was]</i> about the sixth hour <i>[i.e. 6:00 a.m. Roman time or 12:00 noon Jewish time]</i>. And he says to the Jews, "Look! Your* king!"


text:
But they cried out <i>[or, shouted]</i>, "Take <i>[Him]</i> away! Take <i>[Him]</i> away! Crucify Him!" Pilate says to them, "Shall I crucify your* king?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king except Caesar."


text:
Therefore, he then handed Him over to them so that He should be crucified. And they took Jesus and led <i>[Him]</i> away.


text:
And carrying His cross, He went out to a place being called Place of a Skull, which is called in Hebrew Golgotha,


text:
where they crucified Him, and with Him two others, <i>[one]</i> on this side and <i>[one]</i> on that side, and Jesus in the middle.


text:
But Pilate also wrote an inscription and put <i>[it]</i> on the cross. Now <i>[on]</i> it had been written, "Jesus the Nazarene, the King of the Jews."


text:
So many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near to the city, and it had been written in Hebrew, in Greek, <i>[and]</i> in Roman.


text:
Therefore, the chief priests of the Jews were saying to Pilate, "Stop writing, 'The King of the Jews,' _but_ 'That One said, "I am King of the Jews."'"


text:
Then the soldiers, when they crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, to each soldier a part, also the tunic. Now the tunic was seamless, from the top woven through <i>[the]</i> whole <i>[fig., woven into one piece]</i>.


text:
So they said to one another, "Let us not tear it, _but_ let us cast a lot for it, whose it will be," so that the Scripture should be fulfilled, which says, "They themselves divided My garments among themselves, and they cast a lot upon My clothing." Therefore indeed the soldiers did these things. <i>[Psalm 22:18]</i>


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> stood by the cross of Jesus His mother and His mother's sister, Mary <i>[the wife]</i> of Cleopas, and Mary the Magdalene <i>[or, Mary, a woman from Magdala]</i>.


text:
Then Jesus, having seen His mother and the disciple having stood by whom He was loving, He says to His mother, "Woman, look!, your son."


text:
Next He says to the disciple, "Look! Your mother." And from that hour the disciple took her into his own <i>[home]</i>.


text:
After this, Jesus having seen that all had now been finished, so that the Scripture should be fulfilled, says, "I am thirsty." <i>[Psalm 22:15]</i>


text:
Now a vessel full of wine vinegar was sitting <i>[there]</i>. And they, having filled a sponge with wine vinegar and having put <i>[it]</i> around a hyssop stalk, brought <i>[it]</i> to His mouth. <i>[Psalm 69:21]</i>


text:
So when Jesus received the wine vinegar, He said, "It has been finished!" And having bowed His head, He gave up His spirit.


text:
Therefore, the Jews, so that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath, since it was the preparation <i>[day]</i> (for the day of that Sabbath was a great <i>[one]</i>), asked Pilate that their legs be broken and they be taken away.


text:
So the soldiers came and indeed they broke the legs of the first <i>[man]</i> and of the other <i>[one]</i> having been crucified with Him.


text:
And the one having seen has testified, and his testimony is true. And that one knows that he speaks true <i>[things]</i>, so that you* also shall believe <i>[or, be convinced]</i>.


text:
For these things happened, so that the Scripture should be fulfilled, "Not a bone of Him will be broken." <i>[Exod 12:46; Numb 9:12; Psalm 34:20]</i>


text:
And again a different Scripture says, "They will look on <i>[Him]</i> whom they pierced." <i>[Zech 12:10]</i>


text:
Now after these things Joseph, the one from Arimathea-being a disciple of Jesus, but having been concealed <i>[or, but secretly]</i> because of the fear of the Jews-asked Pilate that he should take away the body of Jesus. And Pilate permitted <i>[him]</i>. So he came and took away the body of Jesus.


text:
And Nicodemus also came, the one having earlier come to Jesus by night, bringing a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about one hundred litra <i>[about 75 pounds or 34 kilograms]</i>.


text:
So they took the body of Jesus and wrapped it with linen strips with the spices, just as <i>[the]</i> custom is for the Jews to be preparing for burial.


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> was in the place where He was crucified a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been buried.


text:
So there, on account of the preparation <i>[day]</i> of the Jews, because the tomb was near, they buried Jesus.


text:
Now on the first <i>[day]</i> of the week <i>[i.e. Sunday]</i>, Mary the Magdalene goes early in the morning (<i>[there]</i> being yet darkness) to the tomb, and she sees the stone having been taken away from the tomb.


text:
Therefore, she runs and goes to Simon Peter and to the other disciple whom Jesus was affectionately loving, and she says to them, "They took away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they laid him!"


text:
Now the two were running together, and the other disciple ran ahead more quickly than Peter and came first to the tomb.


text:
Then Simon Peter comes, following him, and he entered into the tomb. And he looks upon the linen strips lying,


text:
and the facecloth which was on His head not lying with the linen strips, _but_ apart, having been rolled up in one place.


text:
So then the other disciple, the one having come first to the tomb, also entered, and he saw and believed <i>[or, was convinced]</i>.


text:
For they did not yet know the Scripture, that it is necessary <i>[for]</i> Him to rise again from <i>[the]</i> dead.


text:
Now Mary was standing outside facing the tomb, weeping. Then, as she was weeping, she stooped down into the tomb.


text:
And she looks upon two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet where the body of Jesus had been laying.


text:
And they say to her, "Woman, why are you weeping?" She says to them, "Because they took away my Lord, and I do not know where they put Him."


text:
And these things having said, she was turned to the <i>[things]</i> behind and sees Jesus having stood <i>[there]</i>, but she did not know that it is Jesus.


text:
Jesus says to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?" That one, supposing that He is the gardener, says to Him, "Lord <i>[or, Sir]</i>, if _you_ carried Him away, tell me where you put Him, and _I_ will take Him away."


text:
Jesus says to her, "Mary!" That one, having been turned, says to Him, "Rabbouni!" (which is saying, "Teacher").


text:
Jesus says to her, "Stop holding Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father. But be going to My brothers and say to them, 'I am ascending to My Father and your* Father, and <i>[to]</i> My God and your* God.'"


text:
Mary the Magdalene comes reporting to the disciples that she has seen the Lord, and these things He said to her.


text:
So it being evening on that day, the first <i>[day]</i> of the week, and the doors having been shut <i>[or, locked]</i> where the disciples were assembled, because of the fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the middle <i>[of them]</i> and says to them, "Peace to you*!"


text:
And having said this, He showed His hands and side to them. Therefore, the disciples rejoiced, having seen the Lord.


text:
"If any of you* forgive their sins, they have been forgiven to them; if any of you* retain <i>[their sins]</i>, they have been retained."


text:
So the other disciples said to him, "We have seen the Lord!" But he said to them, "Unless I see in His hands the mark of the nails, and I put my finger into the mark of the nails, and I put my hand into His side, by no means shall I believe <i>[or, be convinced]</i>."


text:
And after eight days, His disciples were again inside, and Thomas with them. Jesus comes, the doors having been shut, and He stood in the middle <i>[of them]</i> and said, "Peace to you*!"


text:
Then He says to Thomas, "Be bringing your finger here and see My hands, and be bringing your hand and put <i>[it]</i> into My side, and become not unbelieving, _but_ believing!"


text:
Jesus says to him, "Because you have seen Me, you have believed <i>[or, have been convinced]</i>; happy <i>[or, blessed]</i> <i>[are]</i> the ones not having seen yet having believed."


text:
Now indeed many other signs Jesus also did in the presence of His disciples which have not been written in this scroll.


text:
But these have been written so that you* shall believe <i>[or, be convinced]</i> that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing you* shall be having life in His name.


text:
After these things Jesus revealed Himself again to {His} disciples on the sea of Tiberias. Now He revealed Himself in this manner:


text:
<i>[There]</i> were together Simon Peter and Thomas, the one being called Didymus, and Nathanael from Cana of Galilee and the <i>[sons]</i> of Zebedee and two others of His disciples.


text:
Simon Peter says to them, "I am going away to be fishing." They say to him, "_We_ are also going with you." They went out and immediately stepped into the boat, and on that night they caught nothing.


text:
Now morning already having come, Jesus stood at the shore, although the disciples did not know that it is Jesus.


text:
So Jesus says to them, "Young children <i>[or, [My] dear children]</i>, you* do not have any fish, do you*?" They answered to Him, "No."


text:
But He said to them, "Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you* will find <i>[some fish]</i>." So they cast and were no longer able to drag it <i>[in]</i> as a result of the large number of fish.


text:
Therefore, that disciple whom Jesus was loving says to Peter, "It is the Lord!" So Simon Peter, having heard that it is the Lord, tied his outer coat around himself (for he was naked <i>[or, poorly dressed]</i>), and he cast himself into the sea.


text:
But the other disciples came by the small boat (for they were not far from the land, _but_ about two hundred cubits away <i>[about 100 yards or 90 meters]</i>, dragging the net of the fish.


text:
So when they disembarked onto the land, they notice a charcoal fire lying, and fish lying on it, and bread.


text:
Simon Peter went up and dragged the net onto the land, full of large fish, one hundred fifty-three. And although there were so many, the net was not torn.


text:
Jesus says to them, "Come, eat breakfast." But none of the disciples were daring to inquire of Him, "Who are You?" knowing that it is the Lord.


text:
This <i>[is]</i> now a third time Jesus was revealed to His disciples, having been raised from <i>[the]</i> dead.


text:
So when they ate breakfast, Jesus says to Simon Peter, "Simon, <i>[son]</i> of Jonah, do you love Me more than these?" He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; _You_ know that I affectionately love You." He says to him, "Feed My lambs."


text:
He says to him again a second time, "Simon, <i>[son]</i> of Jonah, do you love Me?" He says to Him, "Yes, Lord; _You_ know that I affectionately love You." He says to him, "Tend My sheep."


text:
He says to him the third time, "Simon, <i>[son]</i> of Jonah, do you affectionately love Me?" Peter was grieved that He said to him the third time, "Do you affectionately love Me?" And he said to Him, "Lord, _You_ know all. _You_ know that I affectionately love You." Jesus says to him, "Feed My sheep."


text:
"Most positively, I say to you, when you were younger, you were fastening a belt on yourself and were walking about where you would desire. But when you become old, you will stretch out your hands and another will fasten a belt on you and will lead <i>[you]</i> where you do not desire."


text:
But this He said signifying by what sort of death he will glorify God. And having said this, He says to him, "Be following Me!"


text:
And Peter, having been turned around, sees the disciple whom Jesus was loving following, who also reclined in the dinner on His breast and said, "Lord, who is the one betraying You?" <i>[John 13:25]</i>


text:
Jesus says to him, "If I want him to be remaining until I come, what <i>[is that]</i> to you? _You_ be following Me!"


text:
Therefore, this word went out among the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, "That disciple does not die." Yet Jesus did not say to him, "He does not die," _but_ "If I want him to be remaining until I come, what <i>[is that]</i> to you?"


text:
This is that disciple, the one testifying concerning these things and having written these things, and we know that his testimony is true.


text:
But there are also many other things-as many as Jesus did-which, if they should be written one by one, not even the world itself I suppose would have room for the scrolls being written. So be it!


text:
The first account indeed I made concerning all <i>[things]</i>, O Theophilus, which Jesus began both to be doing and to be teaching, <i>[see Luke 1:1-3]</i>


text:
until the day <i>[in]</i> which He was taken up <i>[into heaven]</i>, having commanded by <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit the apostles whom He chose,


text:
to whom also He presented Himself living after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking the <i>[things]</i> concerning the kingdom of God.


text:
And being assembled together, He gave strict orders to them not to be departing from Jerusalem, _but_ to be waiting for the promise of the Father, "Which," <i>[He said,]</i> "You heard from Me; <i>[Luke 24:49]</i>


text:
because John indeed baptized <i>[or, immersed, and throughout book]</i> in <i>[or, with]</i> water, but you* will be baptized in <i>[or, with]</i> <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit after not many <i>[of]</i> these days <i>[fig., in a few days]</i>." <i>[Matt 3:11]</i>


text:
So indeed, having come together, they began questioning Him, saying, "Lord, are You restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?"


text:
But He said to them, "It is not yours* to know times or seasons which the Father placed in His own authority,


text:
_but_ you* will receive power, the Holy Spirit having come upon you*, and you* will be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and as far as <i>[the]</i> end of the earth."


text:
And having said these <i>[things]</i>, while they <i>[were]</i> looking, He was lifted up, and a cloud took Him from their eyes <i>[fig., sight]</i>.


text:
And as they were looking intently into heaven <i>[or, at the sky]</i> as He <i>[was]</i> going, then look!, two men had stood by them in white robes,


text:
who also said, "Men, Galileans, why have you* stood looking attentively into heaven? This Jesus, the One having been taken up from you* into heaven, will come in the same manner <i>[in]</i> which manner you* saw Him going into heaven."


text:
Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount being called Of Olives, which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day's journey <i>[away]</i> <i>[i.e. the distance which Jews could travel on the Sabbath without breaking the Law, which was less than a mile]</i>.


text:
And when they entered <i>[Jerusalem]</i>, they went up into the upstairs room where they were taying: both Peter and James, and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James <i>[the son]</i> of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas <i>[the son; or, the brother]</i> of James. <i>[cp. Jude 1:1]</i>


text:
These all were continuing with one mind in prayer and petition, together with <i>[the]</i> women and Mary the mother of Jesus and with His brothers.


text:
And in these days, Peter having risen up in <i>[the]</i> middle of the disciples, said (and <i>[the]</i> crowd of names <i>[fig., the number of people]</i> at the same <i>[place]</i> was about a hundred and twenty),


text:
"Men, brothers, it was necessary <i>[for]</i> this Scripture to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit foretold by the mouth of David concerning Judas (the one having become a guide to the ones having arrested Jesus),


text:
because he had been numbered with us and obtained <i>[or, was chosen to have]</i> the share in this ministry."


text:
(This one indeed then acquired a field by <i>[the]</i> payment of <i>[his]</i> unrighteousness, and having fallen headfirst, he burst open in the middle and all his inward parts were poured out.


text:
And it became known to all the ones living in Jerusalem, with the result that that place is called, in their own language <i>[i.e. Aramaic]</i>, Akel Dama, that is, Field of Blood.)


text:
"For it has been written in a scroll of <i>[the]</i> Psalms: 'Let his residence become desolate, and let no <i>[one]</i> be dwelling in it'; and 'Let another take his position of overseer.' <i>[Psalm 69:25; 109:8]</i>


text:
"Therefore, it is necessary of the men having accompanied us in every time in which the Lord Jesus came in and went out among us-


text:
having begun from the baptism <i>[or, immersion, and throughout book]</i> of John until the day which He was taken up from us-<i>[for]</i> one of these to become a witness with us of His resurrection."


text:
And they put forward two: Joseph, the one being called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.


text:
And having prayed, they said, "You Lord, knower of the hearts of all <i>[people]</i>, disclose which one of these two You chose


text:
to receive the share of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place."


text:
And they gave <i>[fig., cast]</i> their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.


text:
And when the Day of Pentecost <i>[had]</i> come, they were all with one mind at the same <i>[place]</i>.


text:
And suddenly <i>[there]</i> came from heaven a sound like a violent rushing wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.


text:
And <i>[there]</i> appeared to them tongues as of fire distributing themselves, and <i>[one]</i> sat on each one of them.


text:
And they were all filled of <i>[or, with]</i> <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit, and they began to be speaking with different tongues <i>[fig., foreign languages]</i>, just as the Spirit was giving them to be declaring boldly.


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> were Jews dwelling in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation of the <i>[ones]</i> under heaven.


text:
Now this sound having occurred, the crowd came together and was bewildered, because they were each one hearing them speaking in his own language.


text:
Then they themselves were all being amazed and were marveling, saying to one another, "Listen! All these <i>[who]</i> are speaking are Galileans, are they not?


text:
"Parthians and Medes and Elamites, and the ones dwelling in Mesopotamia, also in Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia,


text:
also Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya, the <i>[one]</i> along Cyrene, and the visiting Romans, both Jews and proselytes <i>[i.e. converts to Judaism]</i>,


text:
Cretes and Arabians, we are hearing them speaking in our tongues <i>[fig., languages]</i> the marvelous <i>[deeds]</i> of God!"


text:
So they themselves were all amazed and thoroughly perplexed, saying to another one, "What might this want to be <i>[fig., What does this mean]</i>?"


text:
But Peter having stood up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and declared boldly to them, "Men, Jews, and all the ones dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known to you*, and listen carefully to my words.


text:
"For these are not drinking, as you* suppose, for it is the third hour of the day <i>[i.e. 9:00 a.m.]</i>.


text:
'And it will be in the last days, says God, <i>[that]</i> I will pour out of My Spirit upon all flesh <i>[fig., all of humanity]</i>; and your* sons and your* daughters will prophesy, and your* young men will see visions, and your* old men will dream dreams.


text:
'And even upon My slave-men and upon My slave-women, in those days I will pour out of My Spirit, and they shall prophesy.


text:
'And I will give <i>[fig., show]</i> wonders in heaven <i>[or, the sky]</i> above and signs on the earth beneath-blood and fire and vapor of smoke.


text:
'The sun will be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and glorious Day of <i>[the]</i> LORD comes.


text:
'And it will be <i>[that]</i> every <i>[one]</i> who himself shall call on the name of <i>[the]</i> LORD will be saved!' <i>[Joel 2:28-32]</i>


text:
"Men, Israelites! Pay attention to these words! Jesus the Nazarene, a Man having been attested by God among you* by miraculous works and wonders and signs which God did through Him in your* midst, just as you* yourselves also know-


text:
this One, handed over by the having been designated plan and foreknowledge of God, you* having taken by lawless hands, having crucified, you* executed;


text:
whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible <i>[for]</i> Him to continue being held by it.


text:
"For David says in regard to Him: 'I myself was foreseeing the LORD through all <i>[fig. continually]</i> before me, because He is at my right hand, so that I shall not be shaken.


text:
'For this reason my heart <i>[fig., inner self, and elsewhere in book]</i> celebrated and my tongue was very glad, and yet my flesh also will rest on hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>;


text:
because You will not abandon my soul to the realm of the dead <i>[Gr., hades]</i>, nor will You give <i>[fig., allow]</i> Your Holy One to see corruption.


text:
'You made known to me <i>[the]</i> ways of life; You will make me full of gladness with Your face <i>[fig., presence]</i>.' <i>[Psalm 16:8-11]</i>


text:
"Men, brothers! It is possible <i>[for me]</i> to speak with confidence to you* concerning the patriarch David, that he both came to the end <i>[of his life]</i> and was buried, and his tomb is with us until this day.


text:
"Therefore, being a prophet and knowing that God vowed to him with an oath, from <i>[the]</i> fruit of his reproductive organs according to the flesh <i>[fig., from one of his descendents]</i>, to raise up the Christ <i>[or, the Messiah, and throughout book]</i> to sit on his throne,


text:
having foreseen <i>[this]</i>, he spoke concerning the resurrection of the Christ, that His soul was not left in the realm of the dead <i>[Gr., hades]</i>, nor did His flesh see corruption.


text:
"Therefore, having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received the promise of the Holy Spirit from the Father, He poured out this which you* now see and hear.


text:
"For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself: 'The LORD said to my lord, "Sit at My right hand,


text:
Therefore, let all the house of Israel know securely <i>[fig., without a doubt]</i> that God made Him both Lord and Christ-this Jesus whom _you*_ crucified!"


text:
Now having heard, they were pierced through to the heart <i>[fig., were greatly distressed]</i>, and they said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "What will we do, men, brothers?"


text:
Then Peter was saying to them, "Repent, and let each of you* be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, to <i>[or, for; or, because of]</i> <i>[the]</i> forgiveness of sins, and you* will receive the free gift of the Holy Spirit.


text:
"For the promise is to you* and to your* children and to all the <i>[ones]</i> far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself."


text:
And with many other words he was urgently warning and urging <i>[them]</i>, saying, "Be saved from this perverse generation!"


text:
So then, the ones having gladly received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added on that day.


text:
Now they were continuing in the teaching of the apostles and in fellowship, and in the breaking of the bread and in prayers.


text:
Then fear came to be in every soul, and many wonders and signs were taking place through the apostles.


text:
Now all the ones believing were at the same <i>[place]</i>, and they were having all <i>[things]</i> in common.


text:
And they were selling their possessions and their belongings, and they were distributing them to all, to the extent which anyone was having need.


text:
And continuing daily with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread at every house, they were sharing food with great happiness and simplicity of heart <i>[fig., generosity]</i>,


text:
praising God and having favor with all the people. So the Lord was daily adding the ones being saved to the Assembly <i>[or, Church, and throughout book]</i>.


text:
Now Peter and John were going up at the same <i>[time]</i> to the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth <i>[hour]</i> <i>[i.e. 3:00 p.m.]</i>.


text:
And a certain man being lame from his mother's womb was being carried, whom they were laying every day at the gate of the temple, the <i>[gate]</i> being called Beautiful, <i>[in order for him]</i> to be asking <i>[for]</i> a charitable gift from the ones entering into the temple,


text:
who having seen Peter and John about to be entering into the temple, began asking <i>[for]</i> a charitable gift.


text:
But Peter said, "Silver and gold do not belong to me <i>[fig., I do not have silver and gold]</i>, but what I do have, this I give to you: in the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and be walking about!"


text:
And having taken hold of him by the right hand, he raised <i>[him]</i> up. Then immediately his feet and ankles were strengthened.


text:
And jumping up, he stood and began walking about! And he entered with them into the temple, walking about and jumping and praising God!


text:
And they were knowing <i>[or, recognizing]</i> him, that this was the one sitting at the Beautiful Gate of the temple <i>[begging]</i> for a charitable gift; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at the <i>[thing]</i> having happened to him.


text:
Now while the lame <i>[man]</i> having been healed <i>[was]</i> holding on to Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the Portico <i>[or, covered walkway]</i>, the one being called Solomon's, utterly astonished.


text:
But Peter having seen <i>[this]</i>, he replied to the people, "Men, Israelites! Why do you* marvel at this? Or why do you* look so intently on us, as if by our own power or piety we have made him to be walking about?


text:
"The God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, glorified His Servant Jesus, whom _you*_ indeed handed over and denied <i>[or, disowned]</i> Him to <i>[the]</i> face of <i>[fig., in the presence of]</i> Pilate, he having given judgment to be releasing <i>[Him]</i>.


text:
"But _you*_ denied <i>[or, disowned]</i> the Holy and Righteous One, and demanded a man, a murderer, to be graciously granted to you*;


text:
but you* killed the Prince of life, whom God raised from <i>[the]</i> dead, of which _we_ are witnesses.


text:
"And on the basis of faith in His name, this one whom you* see and know, His name made <i>[him]</i> strong. And the faith, the <i>[one]</i> by Him, gave to him this perfect health in the presence of you* all.


text:
"And now, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, I know that according to ignorance you* did <i>[it]</i>, as indeed <i>[did]</i> also your* rulers.


text:
"But what <i>[things]</i> God announced beforehand by <i>[the]</i> mouth of all His prophets, <i>[that]</i> the Christ <i>[would]</i> suffer, He fulfilled in this manner.


text:
Therefore, repent and turn back <i>[to God]</i> in order for your* sins to be blotted out, in order that times of refreshing shall come from <i>[the]</i> face <i>[fig., presence]</i> of the Lord


text:
whom it is necessary <i>[for]</i> heaven indeed to receive until <i>[the]</i> times of restoration of all <i>[things]</i> of which God spoke by <i>[the]</i> mouth of all His holy prophets from <i>[the earliest]</i> age.


text:
"For Moses indeed said to the fathers, 'The LORD our God will raise up for you* a Prophet like to me from your* brothers; Him you* will hear <i>[or, pay attention to]</i> in all <i>[things]</i>, as many <i>[things]</i> as He shall speak to you*.


text:
'And it will be <i>[that]</i> every soul who does not hear <i>[or, pay attention to]</i> that Prophet will be utterly destroyed <i>[or, completely cut off]</i> from the people.' <i>[Deut 18:15,18,19]</i>


text:
"Now also all the prophets from Samuel and the succeeding ones, as many as spoke, also announced these days.


text:
"_You*_ are sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of the prophets and of the covenant which God covenanted to our fathers, saying to Abraham, 'And in your Seed all the families of the earth will be blessed.' <i>[Gen 22:18; 26:4; 28:14; cp. Gal 3:16]</i>


text:
"To you* first, God, having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him, blessing you* by the turning away of each one from your* wicked ways."


text:
Now while they <i>[were]</i> speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to them,


text:
being greatly disturbed because they <i>[were]</i> teaching the people and preaching in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.


text:
And they laid hands on them and put <i>[them]</i> in custody for <i>[fig., until]</i> the next day, for it was already evening.


text:
But many of the ones hearing the word believed, and the number of the men came to be about five thousand.


text:
Now it happened on the next day, their rulers and elders and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem,


text:
and Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander and as many as were of high priestly descent.


text:
And having placed them in the middle <i>[or them]</i>, they began inquiring, "By what power or in what kind of name did you* do this?"


text:
Then Peter, having been filled with <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit, said to them: "Rulers of the people and elders of Israel,


text:
if _we_ today are being examined concerning an act of kindness <i>[done]</i> to a sick man, by what <i>[means]</i> this <i>[man]</i> has been cured,


text:
let it be known to you* all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, whom _you*_ crucified, whom God raised from <i>[the]</i> dead, by Him has this <i>[man]</i> stood before you* healthy!


text:
"This is, 'The stone, the one having been rejected by you* the builders, which has became <i>[the]</i> head of a corner.' <i>[Psalm 118:22]</i>


text:
"And <i>[there]</i> is no salvation in any other, for neither <i>[is there]</i> a different name {under heaven} having been given among people by which it is necessary <i>[for]</i> us to be saved!"


text:
And observing the confidence of Peter and John, and having perceived that they are uneducated and untrained men, they began marveling, and they were recognizing them that they were with Jesus.


text:
Then seeing the man having stood with them, the one having been healed, they had nothing to say against <i>[them]</i>.


text:
But having commanded them to go away outside of the High Council <i>[or, Sanhedrin, and throughout book]</i>, they began conferring with one another,


text:
saying, "What will we do to these men? For indeed, that a recognizable sign has taken place through them <i>[is]</i> evident to all the ones living in Jerusalem, and we are not able to deny <i>[it]</i>.


text:
"_But_ so that it shall not spread further among the people, let us ourselves threaten them with a threat <i>[fig., severely threaten them]</i> to no longer be speaking in this name to any person."


text:
And having summoned them, they gave strict orders to them not to be speaking at all nor to be teaching in the name of Jesus.


text:
But answering, Peter and John said to them, "Whether it is righteous before God to listen to you* rather than God, you* judge.


text:
"For we are not able not to <i>[or, we cannot but]</i> be speaking <i>[about]</i> what we saw and heard."


text:
So having threatened <i>[them]</i> further, they released them, finding nothing <i>[as to]</i> how they themselves will punish them, because of the people, because all were glorifying God for the <i>[thing]</i> having taken place.


text:
And being released, they went to their own <i>[people]</i> and reported as many <i>[things]</i> as the chief priests and the elders said to them.


text:
And having heard, with one mind they lifted up a voice to God and said, "Master, You <i>[are]</i> the God, the One having 'made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the <i>[things]</i> in them,' <i>[Exod 20:11]</i>


text:
who by <i>[the]</i> mouth of David Your servant, said, 'Why did <i>[the]</i> Gentiles rage, and <i>[the]</i> people think about empty <i>[fig., plot futile]</i> <i>[things]</i>?


text:
'The kings of the earth stood up <i>[or, took a stand]</i>, and the rulers were gathered on the same against the LORD and against His Christ.' <i>[Psalm 2:1]</i>


text:
"For truly <i>[there]</i> were gathered together against Your Holy Servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with <i>[the]</i> Gentiles and <i>[the]</i> people of Israel,


text:
"And now, Lord, take notice of their threats, and grant to Your slaves to be speaking Your word with all confidence,


text:
by the stretching out of Your hand, for healing and signs and wonders to take place through the name of Your Holy Servant Jesus."


text:
And when they had implored <i>[God in prayer]</i>, the place was shaken in which they had been gathered together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they were speaking the word of God with confidence.


text:
Now the heart and the soul of the congregation of the ones having believed was one, and not one <i>[of them]</i> was saying <i>[that]</i> any of their belongings to be <i>[or, was]</i> his own, _but_ all things were common <i>[property]</i> to them.


text:
Now with great power the apostles kept giving the testimony of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.


text:
For <i>[there]</i> was not any needy <i>[person]</i> among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses, selling <i>[them]</i>, would bring the proceeds of the <i>[property]</i> being sold


text:
and would place them at the feet of the apostles; then they would distribute to each to the extent <i>[which]</i> anyone was having need.


text:
Now Joses, the one having been surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which is, having been translated, Son of Encouragement), a Levite, a Cyprian by race,


text:
a field being his, having sold <i>[it]</i>, brought the money and placed <i>[it]</i> at the feet of the apostles.


text:
and kept back <i>[part]</i> of the proceeds for himself, his wife also having become aware of <i>[it]</i>, and having brought a certain part, he placed <i>[it]</i> at the feet of the apostles.


text:
But Peter said, "Ananias, why did Satan fill your heart <i>[for]</i> you to lie to the Holy Spirit and <i>[for]</i> you to keep back <i>[part]</i> of the price of the proceeds of the piece of property for yourself?


text:
"While it <i>[was]</i> remaining <i>[unsold]</i>, was it not remaining yours, and having been sold, was it not in your authority? Why <i>[is it]</i> that you put this thing in your heart? You did not lie to people _but_ to God!"


text:
Then Ananias hearing these words, having fallen down, expired. And great fear came to be on all the ones hearing these <i>[things]</i>.


text:
Then having risen, the young men wrapped him up, and having carried <i>[him]</i> out, they buried <i>[him]</i>.


text:
Now it happened, <i>[after]</i> an interval of about three hours, that his wife came in, not knowing the <i>[thing]</i> having taken place.


text:
Then Peter answered her, "Tell me whether <i>[for]</i> so much you yourself sold the piece of property?" Then she said, "Yes, <i>[for]</i> so much."


text:
Then Peter said to her, "Why <i>[is it]</i> that it was agreed by you to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the ones having buried your husband <i>[are]</i> at the door, and they will carry you out!"


text:
Then immediately she fell down at his feet and expired. And the young men having come in, found her dead, and having carried <i>[her]</i> out, they buried <i>[her]</i> beside her husband.


text:
And great fear came to be on all the Assembly and on all the ones having heard these <i>[things]</i>.


text:
Now through the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were taking place among the people, and they were all of one mind in the Portico of Solomon.


text:
But of the rest no one was daring to be joining himself to them, _but_ the people were magnifying them <i>[fig., were holding them in high esteem]</i>.


text:
And more than ever believing <i>[ones]</i> were being added to the Lord, crowds of both men and women,


text:
with the result that <i>[they were]</i> bringing out the sick and laying <i>[them]</i> on cots and mats along the open streets, so that when Peter came <i>[by]</i> at least his shadow should overshadow someone of them.


text:
Now also the crowds from the cities all around were gathering to Jerusalem, bringing sick <i>[people]</i> and <i>[people]</i> being harassed by unclean <i>[or, defiling]</i> spirits, who were all being healed.


text:
But having risen, the high priest and all the <i>[ones]</i> with him (the sect being of the Sadducees) were filled with jealousy.


text:
But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the prison, and having brought them out, he said,


text:
So having heard, they entered into the temple at daybreak and began teaching. But the high priest and the <i>[ones]</i> with him having arrived, they summoned the High Council and the entire council of the elders of the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel, and they sent <i>[their attendants]</i> to the jail to have them brought.


text:
But the attendants having arrived did not find them in the prison. So having returned, they reported,


text:
saying, "Indeed, we found the jail having been shut with all security and the guards having stood before the doors, but having opened we found no one inside."


text:
So when both the <i>[high]</i> priest and the captain of the temple guard, and the chief priests heard these words, they were greatly perplexed concerning them <i>[as to]</i> what might come of this.


text:
Then having come, someone reported to them, "Look! The men whom you* put in the prison are in the temple, having stood and teaching the people!"


text:
So the captain <i>[of the temple guard]</i>, having gone away with attendants, brought them, <i>[but]</i> not with force, so that they should not be stoned, for they were fearing the people.


text:
So having brought them, they set <i>[them]</i> in the High Council <i>[chambers]</i>. And the high priest questioned them,


text:
saying, "We gave strict orders to you* not to be teaching in this name, did we not? And look! You* have filled Jerusalem with your* teaching, and you* intend to bring on us the blood of this Man!"


text:
"The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom _you*_ murdered, having hanged <i>[Him]</i> on a tree <i>[or, a cross]</i>.


text:
"This One God has exalted to His right hand <i>[as]</i> Prince and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.


text:
"And _we_ are His witnesses of these matters, and also the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to the ones obeying Him."


text:
But someone in the High Council having gotten up, a Pharisee, by name Gamaliel, a teacher of the Law, <i>[considered]</i> honorable by all the people, commanded <i>[the attendants]</i> to put the apostles outside <i>[for]</i> some short <i>[time]</i>.


text:
And he said to them, "Men, Israelites, be watching yourselves concerning these men, what you* are about to be doing.


text:
"For before these days Theudas rose up, claiming himself to be someone, to whom was joined a number of men, about four hundred, who was executed, and all, as many as were obeying him were dispersed, and it came to nothing.


text:
"After this, Judas the Galilean rose up in the days of the registration <i>[or, census]</i> and drew away <i>[or, incited to revolt]</i> a considerable <i>[number of]</i> people after him. That one also perished, and all, as many as were obeying him, were scattered.


text:
"And <i>[as for]</i> the present <i>[matter]</i>, I say to you*, keep away from these men and let them alone, because if the plan or this work is of people <i>[fig., human origins]</i>, it will be overthrown;


text:
but if it is of God, you* are not able to overthrow it, lest you* <i>[may]</i> even be found <i>[to be]</i> fighting against God."


text:
And they were persuaded by him; and having summoned the apostles, having repeatedly beaten <i>[them]</i>, they gave strict orders <i>[to them]</i> not to be speaking in the name of Jesus, and <i>[then]</i> they released them.


text:
So they indeed departed from the face <i>[fig., presence]</i> of the High Council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to be dishonored on behalf of the name of Jesus.


text:
And every day in the temple and in every house, they were not ceasing <i>[from]</i> teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus the Christ.


text:
And in these days, the disciples increasing <i>[in number]</i>, there came to be a complaint from the Greek-speaking Jews towards the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily service <i>[fig., distribution of food]</i>.


text:
So the twelve having summoned the congregation of the disciples, said, "It is not desirable <i>[for]</i> us, having left the word of God, to be serving tables.


text:
"Therefore, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, look for seven men from <i>[among]</i> you*, being well spoken of, full of <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we shall appoint over this need <i>[or, necessity]</i>.


text:
And the word was pleasing before the whole congregation. And they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit, and Philip and Prochorus and Nicanor and Timon and Parmenas and Nicolaus, a proselyte <i>[i.e. convert to Judaism]</i> from Antioch,


text:
And the word of God kept spreading, and the number of the disciples kept being increased greatly in Jerusalem, and a large crowd of the priests were becoming obedient to the faith.


text:
But <i>[there]</i> rose up some of the <i>[ones]</i> from the synagogue, the ones being called Freed Slaves, both of <i>[the]</i> Cyrenians and of <i>[the]</i> Alexandrians, and of the <i>[ones]</i> from Cilicia and Asia, disputing with Stephen.


text:
Then they secretly bribed men <i>[to be]</i> saying, "We have heard him speaking blasphemous words against Moses and God!"


text:
And they incited the people and the elders and the scribes, and having come up <i>[to him]</i>, they dragged him away and brought <i>[him]</i> to the High Council.


text:
And they put <i>[forward]</i> false witnesses, saying, "This man does not cease from speaking blasphemous words against the holy place <i>[i.e. the temple]</i> and the Law!


text:
"For we have heard him saying that this Jesus the Nazarene will tear down this place and will change the customs which Moses handed down to us."


text:
And looking intently at him, all the ones sitting in the High Council saw his face like <i>[the]</i> face of an angel.


text:
But he said, "Men, brothers and fathers, pay attention! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, being in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran,


text:
and said to him, 'Go out from your <i>[native]</i> land and from your relatives, and come into a land which I shall show to you.' <i>[Gen 12:1]</i>


text:
"Then having come out from the land of <i>[the]</i> Chaldeans, he settled in Haran; and from there, after the death of his father, He relocated him to this land in which you* now live.


text:
"And He gave him no inheritance in it, not even a stride of a foot <i>[worth of land]</i>, and <i>[yet]</i> He promised to give it to him for a possession and to his seed <i>[fig., offspring]</i> after him, no child being to him <i>[fig., though he had no child]</i>.


text:
"And God spoke in this way: that his seed <i>[fig., offspring]</i> will be a stranger in a foreign land, and they will enslave it <i>[i.e., his seed]</i> and will oppress <i>[it]</i> four hundred years. <i>[Gen 15:12]</i>


text:
'And the nation to which they shall serve as slaves _I_ will judge,' said God; 'and after these <i>[things]</i> they will come out and will sacredly serve Me in this place.' <i>[Gen 15:14; Exod 3:12]</i>


text:
"And He gave to him a covenant of circumcision, and in this way he fathered Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day; and Isaac <i>[fathered]</i> Jacob, and Jacob the twelve patriarchs.


text:
"And the patriarchs having become jealous, sold Joseph into Egypt; and <i>[yet]</i> God was with him,


text:
and delivered him out of all his afflictions and gave to him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he appointed him <i>[as]</i> a ruler over Egypt and all his house.


text:
"Then a famine came on the whole land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers were not finding food.


text:
"And on the second <i>[visit]</i> Joseph made himself known to his brothers, and Joseph's race <i>[or, family]</i> became known to Pharaoh.


text:
"Then having sent <i>[word]</i>, Joseph summoned his father Jacob and all {his} relatives, seventy five souls <i>[fig., persons]</i> in <i>[all]</i>.


text:
"And they were transferred into Shechem and were laid in the tomb which Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the <i>[father]</i> of Shechem.


text:
"Now as the time of the promise was drawing near, <i>[about]</i> which God made an oath to Abraham, the people increased and were multiplied in Egypt,


text:
"This <i>[king]</i> having cunningly taken advantage of our race, oppressed our fathers to be making their infants exposed, for <i>[them]</i> not to be staying alive,


text:
in which time Moses was born, and he was beautiful to God, who was brought up three months in the house of his father.


text:
"But being placed outside, the daughter of Pharaoh took him up and brought him up as a son for herself.


text:
"And Moses was educated in all <i>[the]</i> wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was mighty in words and deeds.


text:
"Now when forty years were fulfilled to him <i>[fig., When he was forty years old]</i>, it entered his heart <i>[fig., mind]</i> to visit his brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel.


text:
"And having seen someone being treated unjustly, he defended <i>[him]</i> and did justice to <i>[fig., avenged]</i> the one being oppressed by striking the Egyptian.


text:
"Now he was assuming his brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> to be understanding that God <i>[was]</i> giving deliverance to them through his hand, but they did not understand.


text:
"And the next day he appeared to them as they <i>[were]</i> fighting, and he <i>[tried to]</i> reconcile them to peace, saying, 'Men, you* are brothers! Why are you* injuring one another?'


text:
"But the one injuring his neighbor pushed him away, saying, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge over us?


text:
'_You_ do not want to kill me <i>[in the]</i> manner which you killed the Egyptian yesterday, do you?' <i>[Exod 2:14]</i>


text:
"Then Moses fled at this word, and he became a stranger in <i>[the]</i> land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.


text:
"And forty years having been fulfilled <i>[fig., after another forty years had passed]</i>, <i>[the]</i> Angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.


text:
Then Moses having seen, began marveling at the sight. Now as he <i>[was]</i> approaching to look <i>[more]</i> closely, <i>[the]</i> voice of <i>[the]</i> Lord came to him:


text:
'_I_ <i>[am]</i> the God of your fathers; the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.' "Then Moses having become trembling <i>[fig., terrified]</i> did not dare to look closely. <i>[Exod 3:6,15]</i>


text:
"Then the LORD said to him, 'Untie the sandal<i>[s]</i> from your feet, for the place on which you have stood is holy ground.


text:
'Having seen I saw <i>[fig., I have certainly seen]</i> the oppression of My people, the <i>[ones]</i> in Egypt, and I heard their groaning, and I came down to deliver them. And now come, I will send you to Egypt.' <i>[Exod 3:5,7,8,10]</i>


text:
"This Moses, whom they refused, saying, 'Who appointed you a ruler and a judge?'-this <i>[man]</i> God sent <i>[as]</i> a ruler and a liberator by <i>[the]</i> hand of <i>[the]</i> Angel, the One having appeared to him in the bush.


text:
"This <i>[man]</i> led them out, having performed wonders and signs in <i>[the]</i> land of Egypt and in <i>[the]</i> Red Sea and in the wilderness <i>[for]</i> forty years.


text:
"This is the Moses, the one having said to the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel, '<i>[The]</i> LORD our God will raise up for you* a Prophet like to me from your* brothers. <i>[Deut 18:15]</i>


text:
"This is the one having been in the assembly in the wilderness with the Angel, the One speaking to him on Mount Sinai, and <i>[with]</i> our fathers, who received a living word to give to us;


text:
to whom our fathers did not want to become obedient, _but_ they pushed <i>[him]</i> aside and in their heart turned back to Egypt,


text:
saying to Aaron, 'Make for us gods who will go before us, for this Moses who led us out from the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him.' <i>[Exod 32:1]</i>


text:
"And in those days they made a calf and brought a sacrifice to the idol and began celebrating in the works of their hands.


text:
"So God turned away and gave them over to be sacredly serving the host <i>[fig., stars]</i> of heaven, just as it has been written in a scroll of the prophets, 'You* did not offer slaughtered animals and sacrifices to Me <i>[for]</i> forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel, did you*?


text:
'You* also took along the tabernacle of Moloch <i>[i.e. the Canaanite-Phoenician sun god]</i> and the star of your god Remphan <i>[i.e. the Egyptian name for the Roman god Saturn]</i>, the images which you* made to be prostrating yourselves in worship before them. And I will relocate you* beyond Babylon.' <i>[Amos 5:25-27]</i>


text:
"The tabernacle of the testimony was with our fathers in the wilderness, just as the One speaking to Moses gave instructions <i>[to him]</i> to make it according to the pattern which he had seen,


text:
which also our fathers having received in turn, brought <i>[it]</i> in with Joshua while <i>[taking]</i> possession of the <i>[land of the]</i> nations which God drove out from <i>[the]</i> face <i>[fig., presence]</i> of our fathers, until the days of David,


text:
'Heaven <i>[is]</i> My throne, but the earth <i>[is]</i> a footstool for My feet. What kind of house will you* build for Me?' says the LORD, 'Or what <i>[is]</i> My place of rest?'


text:
"O stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and in ears <i>[fig., O stubborn and obstinate people]</i>! _You*_ are always resisting the Holy Spirit-like your* fathers also you*!


text:
"Which of the prophets did your* fathers not persecute? And they killed the ones having announced beforehand about the coming of the Righteous One, of whom now _you*_ have become betrayers and murderers,


text:
who received the Law as <i>[the]</i> ordinances of angels and <i>[yet]</i> did not keep <i>[it]</i>."


text:
Now hearing these <i>[things]</i>, they were cut through to their hearts <i>[fig., they were infuriated]</i>, and they began gnashing their teeth at him.


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But being full of <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit, having looked intently into heaven, he saw <i>[the]</i> glory of God, and Jesus having stood at <i>[the]</i> right hand of God.


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And he said, "Look! I see the heavens having been opened and the Son of Humanity having stood at <i>[the]</i> right hand of God!"


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And having driven <i>[him]</i> outside of the city, they began stoning <i>[him]</i>. And the witnesses laid their cloaks down at the feet of a young man being called Saul.


text:
And they kept on stoning Stephen as he <i>[was]</i> calling on <i>[the Lord]</i> and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!"


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Then having placed the knees <i>[fig., having knelt down]</i>, he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them!" And having said this, he fell asleep <i>[fig., died]</i>.


text:
Now Saul was giving approval to his murder. Then in that day a great persecution took place on the assembly, the one in Jerusalem, and all were scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.


text:
But Saul began making havoc of the Assembly: entering every house, dragging off both men and women, handing them over to prison.


text:
And the crowds with one mind were paying close attention to the <i>[things]</i> being spoken by Philip, as they <i>[were]</i> hearing and seeing the signs which he was performing.


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For many of the ones having unclean <i>[or, defiling]</i> spirits, <i>[the spirits]</i> were coming out, shouting with a loud voice; and many having been paralyzed and lame were healed.


text:
But a certain man, by name Simon, was previously in the city practicing magic and astonishing the nation of Samaria, claiming himself to be someone great,


text:
to whom they were paying close attention, from <i>[the]</i> least to <i>[the]</i> greatest, saying, "This <i>[man]</i> is the great power of God!"


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Now they were paying close attention to him because of the considerable time he had astonished them with magical acts.


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But when they believed Philip as he <i>[was]</i> proclaiming the Gospel of the <i>[things]</i> concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.


text:
Then Simon himself also believed. And having been baptized, he was continuing with Philip; and observing signs and miraculous works taking place, he himself was amazed.


text:
Now the apostles in Jerusalem having heard that Samaria had received the word of God sent Peter and John to them,


text:
who, having come down, prayed concerning them in order that they shall receive <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit-


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for He had not yet fallen upon any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of Christ Jesus.


text:
Now Simon having observed that the Holy Spirit is given through the laying on of the hands of the apostles, he offered money to them,


text:
saying, "Give this power to me also, so that on whomever I shall lay the hands he shall receive <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit."


text:
But Peter said to him, "May your silver be with you in perdition <i>[fig., hell]</i>, because you thought to be acquiring the free gift of God through money!


text:
"<i>[There]</i> is neither part nor portion for you in this matter, for your heart is not right before God.


text:
"Therefore, repent from this your wickedness, and implore God, if perhaps the intention of your heart will be forgiven you.


text:
But answering, Simon said, "_You*_ implore <i>[in prayer]</i> to the Lord on my behalf, in order that nothing of what you have spoken shall come upon me."


text:
So they indeed having solemnly testified and having spoken the word of the Lord turned back to Jerusalem, and they themselves proclaimed the Gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.


text:
Now an angel of <i>[the]</i> Lord spoke to Philip, saying, "Get up and go toward <i>[the]</i> south on the road, the one going down from Jerusalem to Gaza." (This is a desert <i>[road]</i>).


text:
And having gotten up, he went. And look! A man, an Ethiopian, an eunuch <i>[i.e., a man incapable of having sex]</i>, a court official of Candace the queen of <i>[the]</i> Ethiopians, who was over all her treasury, who had come to Jerusalem to prostrate himself in worship,


text:
So Philip having run up, heard him reading aloud the prophet Isaiah, and he said, "So do you understand what you are reading?"


text:
Then he said, "For how could I unless someone guides me?" And he invited Philip, having come up, to sit with him.


text:
Now the passage of the Scripture which he was reading aloud was this: "He was led as a sheep to slaughter, and as a lamb before the one shearing it <i>[is]</i> silent, so He does not open His mouth.


text:
"In His humiliation his justice was taken away, but who will describe His generation? Because His life is taken away from the earth." <i>[Isaiah 53:7,8]</i>


text:
So answering, the eunuch said to Philip, "I ask you, about whom does the prophet say this? About himself or about some other <i>[person]</i>?"


text:
Then Philip, having opened his mouth and having begun from this Scripture, proclaimed the Gospel <i>[about]</i> Jesus to him.


text:
Now as they were traveling down the road, they came upon some water. And the eunuch said, "Look! Water! What prevents me <i>[from being]</i> baptized?"


text:
And he commanded the chariot to stand still. And they both went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.


text:
Now when they came up out of the water, <i>[the]</i> Spirit of the Lord caught Philip up, and the eunuch no longer saw him, for he began going his way rejoicing.


text:
But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he was proclaiming the Gospel to all the cities until he came to Caesarea.


text:
Now Saul, still breathing threat<i>[s]</i> and murder against the disciples of the Lord, having gone to the high priest,


text:
requested letters from him to Damascus, to the synagogues, in order that if he should find any being of the Way, both men and women, having been bound, he should bring them to Jerusalem.


text:
Now as he <i>[was]</i> traveling, he came to be approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven <i>[or, the sky]</i> flashed around him.


text:
And having fallen on the ground, he heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?"


text:
"_But_ get up and enter into the city, and it will be told to you what it is necessary <i>[for]</i> you to be doing."


text:
But the men, the ones traveling with him, had stood speechless, indeed hearing the voice but seeing no one.


text:
Then Saul got up from the ground, and <i>[although]</i> his eyes had been opened, he saw no one. So leading him by the hand, they brought <i>[him]</i> into Damascus.


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> was a certain disciple in Damascus, by name Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias!" So he said, "Here I <i>[am]</i>, Lord!"


text:
Then the Lord <i>[said]</i> to him, "Having risen, go to the street, the one being called Straight, and look in <i>[the]</i> house of Judas for <i>[a man]</i> by name of Saul of Tarsus. For listen! He is praying.


text:
"And he saw in a vision a man by name Ananias coming in and laying a hand on him, in order that he should regain <i>[his]</i> sight."


text:
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how many wicked <i>[things]</i> he did to Your holy ones <i>[or, saints, and throughout book]</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
But the Lord said to him, "Be going, because this one is a chosen vessel to Me to bear My name before Gentiles and kings and the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel.


text:
"For _I_ will show to him how many <i>[things]</i> it is necessary <i>[for]</i> him to suffer for the sake of My name."


text:
And Ananias went away and entered into the house; and having laid his hands on him, he said, "Saul, brother, the Lord, the One appearing to you on the road in which you were coming, has sent me in order that you shall regain <i>[your]</i> sight and shall be filled with <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit."


text:
And immediately <i>[there]</i> fell off from his eyes <i>[something]</i> like scales, and {at once} he regained <i>[his]</i> sight! And having gotten up, he was baptized.


text:
And having received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul was with the disciples in Damascus several days.


text:
But all the ones hearing were amazed and said, "This is the one having destroyed the ones calling on this name in Jerusalem and has come here for this <i>[purpose]</i>, so that having been bound, he should bring them to the chief priests, is it not?"


text:
But Saul all the more was being empowered, and he was confounding the Jews, the ones dwelling in Damascus, proving that this <i>[Jesus]</i> is the Christ.


text:
Now when many days were fulfilled <i>[fig., after many days]</i>, the Jews plotted among themselves to execute him.


text:
But their plot became known to Saul. And they were watching the gates closely both day and night, in order that they should execute him.


text:
But the disciples having taken him by night, they let <i>[him]</i> down through <i>[an opening in]</i> the <i>[city]</i> wall, lowering <i>[him]</i> in a large basket.


text:
Then Saul, having arrived in Jerusalem, was attempting to be joined to the disciples, and they all were fearing him, not believing that he is a disciple.


text:
But Barnabas having taken him, brought <i>[him]</i> to the apostles and described to them how on the road he saw the Lord and that He spoke to him, and how in Damascus he was speaking boldly in the name of Jesus.


text:
And he was with them at Jerusalem, coming in {and going out}, and speaking boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus,


text:
and he was speaking and disputing with the Greek-speaking Jews. But they were attempting to execute him,


text:
but the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> having found out, brought him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.


text:
Then indeed the assemblies throughout the whole of Judea and Galilee and Samaria were having peace, being edified; and going on <i>[or, living]</i> in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were being multiplied.


text:
Now it happened, as Peter <i>[was]</i> passing through all <i>[those regions]</i>, he came down also to the holy ones, the ones living <i>[in]</i> Lydda.


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Then he found there a certain man, Aeneas by name, lying on a cot for eight years, who had been paralyzed.


text:
And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed yourself!" And immediately he got up!


text:
Now in Joppa <i>[there]</i> was a certain female disciple, by name Tabitha, (which, being translated, is being called Dorcas); this <i>[woman]</i> was full of good works and charitable giving which she was doing.


text:
Then it happened in those days, having been sick, she died. So having washed her <i>[body]</i>, they laid her in an upstairs room.


text:
Now Lydda being close to Joppa, the disciples having heard that Peter is in it <i>[i.e. Lydda]</i>, sent <i>[messengers]</i> to him urging <i>[him]</i> not to delay to come over to them.


text:
So Peter having gotten up, went with them, whom having arrived, they brought <i>[him]</i> into the upstairs room. And all the widows stood by him weeping and showing tunics and cloaks, as many as Dorcas used to make while being with them.


text:
But Peter having sent them all outside, having placed the knees <i>[fig., having knelt down]</i>, prayed; and having turned to the body, he said, "Tabitha, get up!" Then she opened her eyes, and having seen Peter, she sat up!


text:
Then having given her <i>[his]</i> hand, he lifted her up; and having called the holy ones and the widows, he presented her living.


text:
And it happened, <i>[that]</i> he stayed many days in Joppa, with a certain Simon a tanner <i>[i.e. a person who converts animal hides into leather]</i>.


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> was a certain man in Caesarea, by name Cornelius, a centurion of a garrison <i>[of soldiers]</i>, the one being called Italian <i>[fig., a captain of the Italian Regiment]</i>,


text:
devout and fearing God <i>[i.e. a worshipper of the one true God, but not a full convert to Judaism, also called "God-worshiping"]</i> together with all his house, and doing <i>[or, giving]</i> many charitable gifts to the people and imploring God through all <i>[fig. continually]</i>.


text:
About <i>[the]</i> ninth hour of the day <i>[i.e. 3:00 p.m.]</i> he saw clearly in a vision an angel of God having come to him and having said to him, "Cornelius!"


text:
Then having looked intently at him and having become terrified, he said, "What is it, Lord?" So he said to him, "Your prayers and your charitable gifts <i>[have]</i> ascended as a memorial before God.


text:
"This <i>[man]</i> is staying as a guest with a certain Simon a tanner, whose house is by <i>[the]</i> sea."


text:
So when the angel, the one speaking to Cornelius, left, having summoned two of his household servants and a devout soldier <i>[from among]</i> the ones waiting on him continually,


text:
Now the next day, as these are traveling and approaching the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray, about <i>[the]</i> sixth hour <i>[i.e. 12:00 noon]</i>.


text:
But he became very hungry and was desiring to eat; but while they <i>[were]</i> preparing <i>[a meal]</i>, a trance fell on him,


text:
and he observes heaven <i>[or, the sky]</i> having been opened, and a certain object like a great sheet descending to him, having been tied at <i>[the]</i> four corners and being lowered on the ground,


text:
in which were all the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the reptiles and the birds of heaven <i>[or, the air]</i>.


text:
But Peter said, "Most certainly not, Lord! Because never did I eat any<i>[thing]</i> common <i>[fig., ritually impure]</i> or unclean <i>[or, which defiles]</i>."


text:
And a voice <i>[came]</i> again a second time to him: "What God <i>[has]</i> cleansed, by all means stop calling common <i>[fig., ritually impure]</i>!"


text:
Now as Peter was thoroughly perplexed in himself what the vision which he saw might be <i>[fig., mean]</i>, then look!, the men, the ones having been sent from Cornelius, having found by inquiry the house of Simon, stood at the gate.


text:
And having called, they were asking whether Simon, the one being called Peter, is staying here as a guest.


text:
Now as Peter <i>[was]</i> pondering about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "Listen! Men are seeking you.


text:
"_But_ having gotten up, go down and go with them, doubting nothing <i>[fig., without hesitation]</i>, because _I_ have sent them."


text:
So Peter having gone down to the men, said, "Listen! _I_ am <i>[the one]</i> whom you* are seeking. What <i>[is]</i> the reason for which you* are here?"


text:
Then they said, "Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and fearing God, and well spoken of by <i>[the]</i> whole nation of the Jews, was divinely directed by a holy angel to summon you to his house and to hear words from you."


text:
So having invited them in, he received <i>[them]</i> as guests. Then the next day Peter went away with them, and some of the brothers from Joppa went with him.


text:
And the next day they entered into Caesarea. Now Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and close friends.


text:
Then when it happened <i>[that]</i> Peter entered, Cornelius having met him, having fallen at <i>[his]</i> feet, prostrated himself in worship before <i>[him]</i>.


text:
And he said to them, "_You*_ know how it is unlawful for a man, a Jew, to be associating with or to be visiting one of another race, and <i>[yet]</i> God showed to me to be calling no one common or unclean <i>[or, defiled]</i>.


text:
And so, without even raising any objection, I came, having been summoned. So I ask for what reason did you summon me?"


text:
And Cornelius said, "From <i>[the]</i> fourth day <i>[fig., Four days ago]</i>, I was fasting until this hour, and <i>[at]</i> the ninth hour <i>[i.e. 3:00 p.m.]</i> praying in my house. And listen! A man stood before me in a shining robe!


text:
"And he said, 'Cornelius, your prayer was heard and your charitable gifts are remembered before God.


text:
'Therefore, send <i>[men]</i> to Joppa and summon Simon, who is called Peter. This <i>[man]</i> is staying as a guest in <i>[the]</i> house of Simon, a tanner by the sea, who having arrived, will speak to you.'


text:
"So I sent for you at once, and _you_ did well, having arrived. Now then, _we_ all are present before God to hear all the <i>[things]</i> having been commanded to you by God."


text:
Then Peter having opened his mouth, said, "Truly, I comprehend that God is not One to accept faces <i>[fig., to be prejudice]</i>,


text:
"The word which He sent to the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel, proclaiming the Gospel of peace through Jesus Christ-this One is Lord of all-


text:
<i>[that word]</i> _you*_ know, the word having taken place throughout the whole of Judea, having begun from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached-


text:
Jesus who <i>[is]</i> from Nazareth-how God anointed Him with the <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit and power, who went about doing good and healing all the ones being oppressed by the Devil, because God was with Him.


text:
"And _we_ are witnesses of all <i>[things]</i> which He did, both in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem; whom they also executed, having hanged <i>[Him]</i> on a tree <i>[or, cross]</i>.


text:
not to all the people, _but_ to witnesses, the ones having been chosen beforehand by God, to us who ate together and drank together with Him after He rose from <i>[the]</i> dead.


text:
"And He gave strict orders to us to preach to the people and to solemnly testify that He is the One having been designated by God <i>[to be]</i> Judge of living <i>[ones]</i> and dead <i>[ones]</i>.


text:
"To this One all the prophets bear witness <i>[that]</i> through His name every <i>[one]</i> that is believing <i>[or, trusting]</i> in Him receives forgiveness of sins."


text:
While Peter <i>[was]</i> still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all the ones hearing the word.


text:
And the believing ones from the circumcision were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because the free gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles also.


text:
For they were hearing them speaking with tongues <i>[fig., other languages]</i> and magnifying God. Then Peter answered,


text:
"Surely no one is able to forbid the water, can he, <i>[for]</i> these not to be baptized who received the Holy Spirit just as we also <i>[did]</i>?"


text:
And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they urgently asked him to stay several days.


text:
Now the apostles and the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the ones being throughout Judea, heard that the Gentiles also <i>[had]</i> received the word of God.


text:
And when Peter came up to Jerusalem, the <i>[ones]</i> from <i>[the]</i> circumcision were taking issue with him,


text:
saying, "To men having foreskin <i>[fig., who are uncircumcised]</i> you went in and ate with them!"


text:
"_I_ was in <i>[the]</i> city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain object like a great sheet coming down, being lowered by four corners out of heaven <i>[or, the sky]</i>, and it came to me,


text:
at which having looked intently, I was considering <i>[it]</i>, and I saw the four-footed animals of the earth and the wild beasts and the reptiles and the birds of heaven <i>[or, the air]</i>.


text:
"But I said, 'Most certainly not, Lord! Because never did any<i>[thing]</i> common <i>[fig., ritually impure]</i> or unclean <i>[or, which defiles]</i> enter into my mouth.'


text:
"But a voice out of heaven answered to me a second <i>[time]</i>, 'What God cleansed, by all means stop calling common <i>[fig., ritually impure]</i>!'


text:
"And listen! Immediately, three men stood before the house in which I was <i>[staying]</i>, having been sent from Caesarea to me.


text:
"Then the Spirit said to me to go with them doubting nothing <i>[fig., without hesitation]</i>. Now these six brothers also went with me, and we entered into the house of the man.


text:
"And he reported to us how he saw the angel having stood in his house and saying to him, 'Send men to Joppa and summon Simon, the one being called Peter,


text:
"Now when I began to be speaking, the Holy Spirit fell on them, even as <i>[He]</i> also <i>[did]</i> on us in <i>[the]</i> beginning.


text:
"Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He used to say, 'John indeed baptized in <i>[or, with]</i> water, but _you*_ will be baptized in <i>[or, with]</i> the Holy Spirit.' <i>[Acts 1:5]</i>


text:
"Since then God gave the same free gift to them as also to us, having believed on <i>[or, trusted in]</i> the Lord Jesus Christ, now who was _I_ <i>[to be]</i> able to forbid God?"


text:
So having heard these <i>[things]</i>, they were silent, and they began glorifying God, saying, "In that case, God also gave to the Gentiles repentance to life!"


text:
Then indeed the ones having been scattered because of the affliction <i>[or, persecution]</i>, the one having occurred over Stephen, passed through as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, speaking the word to no one except to Jews only.


text:
But some of them were male Cyprians and Cyrenians, who having entered into Antioch, began speaking to the Greek-speaking Jews, proclaiming the Gospel of the Lord Jesus.


text:
And <i>[the]</i> hand of <i>[the]</i> Lord was with them, and a large number having believed turned to the Lord.


text:
Then the word about them was heard in the ears of the assembly, the <i>[one]</i> in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to pass through as far as Antioch,


text:
who having arrived and having seen the grace of God, was glad, and began encouraging <i>[them]</i> all with purpose of <i>[or, a resolute]</i> heart <i>[fig., with steadfast devotion]</i> to be continuing with <i>[fig., remaining loyal to]</i> the Lord,


text:
because he was a good man and full of <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit and of faith. And a considerable crowd was added to the Lord.


text:
And having found <i>[him]</i>, he brought him to Antioch. So it happened <i>[that for]</i> a whole year they were gathered together with the assembly and taught a considerable crowd. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.


text:
Then one of them, by name Agabus, having stood up, signified <i>[or, foretold]</i> by the Spirit <i>[of]</i> a great famine being to happen over all the inhabited earth-which also <i>[or, then]</i> occurred during <i>[the reign of]</i> Claudius Caesar.


text:
Then the disciples, just as anyone was prospering, each of them determined to send <i>[a contribution]</i> for ministry <i>[fig., relief]</i> to the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> dwelling in Judea,


text:
Now about that time Herod the king put his hands to mistreat <i>[or, persecute]</i> some of the <i>[ones]</i> from the Assembly.


text:
And having seen that it is pleasing to the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also (now <i>[at that time]</i> were the Days of the Unleavened Bread <i>[i.e. Passover]</i>),


text:
whom also having seized, he put in prison, having handed <i>[him]</i> over to four four-man squads of soldiers to be guarding him, intending after the Passover to bring him <i>[before]</i> the people.


text:
Therefore, Peter indeed was being kept in the prison, but fervent <i>[or, constant]</i> prayer was being made by the assembly to God on his behalf.


text:
Now when Herod was about to be bringing him out, on that night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, having been bound with two chains, and guards in front of the door were watching over the prison.


text:
And look! An angel of the Lord stood by <i>[him]</i>, and a light shined in the prison cell. Then having struck the side of Peter, he raised him up, saying, "Get up with quickness!" And his chains fell off from <i>[his]</i> hands.


text:
And the angel said to him, "Wrap <i>[a belt]</i> around yourself and tie on your sandals." So he did so. And he says to him, "Put your cloak on yourself and be following me."


text:
And having gone out, he was following him, and he did not know that it is real, the <i>[thing]</i> taking place by the angel, but was thinking he is seeing a vision.


text:
Now having passed by <i>[the]</i> first and second guard, they came to the iron gate, the one leading into the city, which opened by itself to them. And having gone out, they went along one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.


text:
And Peter having come to himself, said, "Now I know truly that the Lord sent forth His angel and delivered me out of <i>[the]</i> hand of Herod and all the expectation of the people of the Jews."


text:
And having become aware of <i>[this]</i>, he came to the house of Mary, the mother of John, the one being called Mark, where a considerable <i>[number]</i> had been gathering together and <i>[were]</i> praying.


text:
And having recognized the voice of Peter, because of <i>[her]</i> joy she did not open the gate, but having run in, she announced <i>[that]</i> Peter has stood before the gate.


text:
But they said to her, "You are raving mad!" But she kept insisting, holding <i>[it to be]</i> so. Then they said, "It is his angel."


text:
Then having motioned to them with the hand to be keeping silent, he described to them how the Lord led him out of the prison. Then he said, "Report these <i>[things]</i> to James and to the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>." And having gone out, he went to another place.


text:
Now day having come, <i>[there]</i> was no small <i>[fig., a great]</i> disturbance among the soldiers <i>[as to]</i> what then became of Peter.


text:
Then Herod having searched for him and not having found <i>[him]</i>, having examined the guards, commanded <i>[them]</i> to be led away <i>[to be executed]</i>. And having gone down from Judea to Caesarea, he was staying <i>[there]</i>.


text:
Now Herod was very angry <i>[or, was quarreling angrily]</i> with <i>[the]</i> Tyrians and Sidonians, but they came to him with one mind. And having won over Blastus, the <i>[one]</i> over the bedroom of the king <i>[fig., the king's personal attendant]</i>, they began asking for peace, because of their country being provided with food from the king's <i>[country]</i>.


text:
So on an appointed day, Herod having put a royal robe on himself and having sat down on the judgment seat <i>[or, his throne]</i>, began making a speech to them.


text:
So immediately an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give glory to God. And having been eaten by worms, he expired.


text:
Now Barnabas and Saul returned to Jerusalem, having fulfilled the ministry <i>[or, their mission]</i>, having taken along also John, the one being called Mark.


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> were some prophets and teachers in the assembly being in Antioch: both Barnabas and Simon (the one being called Niger), and Lucius the Cyrenian and Manaen (foster-brother of Herod the ruler of the quadrant <i>[or, the tetrarch]</i>) and Saul.


text:
Now while they <i>[were]</i> ministering to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work which I have called them to."


text:
Then having fasted and having prayed and having laid their hands on them, they sent <i>[them]</i> away.


text:
So these <i>[two]</i> indeed having been sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia. Then from there they sailed to Cyprus.


text:
And having come to be <i>[fig., having arrived]</i> in Salamis, they began preaching the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. Now they also had John <i>[Mark]</i> <i>[as]</i> an assistant.


text:
Then having crossed over the island as far as Paphos, they found a certain learned astrologer <i>[or, Magus]</i>, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name <i>[was]</i> Bar-Jesus,


text:
who was with Sergius Paulus, the governor of the providence <i>[or, the proconsul]</i>, an intelligent man. This one having summoned for Barnabas and Saul, sought to hear the word of God.


text:
But Elymas the learned astrologer (for so is his name translated) was opposing them, seeking to turn the governor of the providence away from the faith.


text:
But Saul (the <i>[one]</i> also <i>[called]</i> Paul), having been filled of <i>[or, with]</i> <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit and having looked intently on him,


text:
said, "O <i>[one]</i> full of all deceit and all lack of principles, son of <i>[the]</i> Devil, enemy of all righteousness, you will not cease distorting the straight way of the Lord, will you?


text:
"And now, listen! <i>[The]</i> hand of <i>[the]</i> Lord <i>[is]</i> on you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun until a season <i>[has passed]</i>." Then immediately a mist and darkness fell on him, and going <i>[fig., groping]</i> about, he was seeking ones who would lead <i>[him]</i> by the hand.


text:
Then the governor of the providence having seen the <i>[thing]</i> having taken place, believed, being astonished at the teaching of the Lord.


text:
Now having set sail from Paphos <i>[with]</i> the ones about <i>[him]</i> <i>[fig., with his companions]</i>, Paul came to Perga of Pamphylia. But John <i>[Mark]</i> having departed from them returned to Jerusalem.


text:
But they having gone on from Perga, arrived at Antioch of Pisidia, and having gone into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, they sat down.


text:
Now after the reading aloud of the Law and of the Prophets, the synagogue leaders sent to them, saying, "Men, brothers, if <i>[there]</i> is a word in you* of exhortation to the people be speaking <i>[it]</i>."


text:
Then Paul having gotten up and having motioned with his hand, said, "Men, Israelites, and the ones fearing God, pay attention!


text:
"The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and exalted the people <i>[fig., made the people prosper]</i> during their sojourning in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He led them out from it.


text:
"And having brought down <i>[fig., conquered]</i> seven nations in <i>[the]</i> land of Canaan, He distributed their land to them as an inheritance.


text:
"And after these things, <i>[for]</i> about four hundred and fifty years, He gave judges until <i>[the time of]</i> Samuel the prophet.


text:
"And then they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul <i>[the]</i> son of Kish, a man from <i>[the]</i> tribe of Benjamin, <i>[for]</i> forty years.


text:
"And having removed him, He raised up to them David for king, to whom also having testified, He said, 'I found David the <i>[son]</i> of Jesse, <i>[to be]</i> a man in accordance with My heart, who will do all My will.' <i>[1Sam 13:13; Psalm 89:20]</i>


text:
"God, from this one's seed <i>[fig., offspring]</i> according to <i>[His]</i> promise, <i>[has]</i> brought to Israel salvation,


text:
John having previously preached before <i>[the]</i> face of His entrance <i>[fig, before His coming]</i> a baptism of repentance to Israel.


text:
"Now as John was completing the course <i>[of his ministry]</i>, he said, 'Whom do you* suppose me to be? _I_ am not <i>[He]</i>. _But_ listen! One is coming after me, of whom I am not worthy to untie the sandal of <i>[His]</i> feet.' <i>[Mark 1:7; John 1:20,27]</i>


text:
"Men, brothers, sons of <i>[the]</i> family of Abraham and the ones among you* fearing God, to you* the word of this salvation was sent.


text:
"For the ones living {in} Jerusalem and their rulers, having failed to understand this One and the voices of the prophets, the ones being read aloud every Sabbath, having condemned <i>[Him]</i>, they fulfilled <i>[these things]</i>.


text:
"And <i>[although]</i> having found no cause for <i>[putting Him to]</i> death, they asked Pilate <i>[for]</i> Him to be executed.


text:
"Now when they fulfilled all the <i>[things]</i> having been written concerning Him, having taken <i>[Him]</i> down from the tree <i>[or, the cross]</i>, they laid Him in a tomb.


text:
who appeared for many days to the ones having come up together with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people.


text:
"And _we_ proclaim <i>[to]</i> you* the Gospel, <i>[which is]</i> the promise having been made to the fathers,


text:
that God has fulfilled this <i>[promise]</i> for us their children, having raised up Jesus, as it also has been written in the second Psalm, 'You are My Son; today _ I_ have begotten You.' <i>[Psalm 2:7]</i>


text:
"And that He raised Him up from <i>[the]</i> dead, no longer being about <i>[fig., subject]</i> to return to corruption, He has said in this way, 'I will give to you* the holy <i>[and]</i> trustworthy <i>[promises]</i> of David.' <i>[Isaiah 55:3]</i>


text:
And so He says in another <i>[Psalm]</i>, 'You will not give <i>[fig., allow]</i> Your Holy One to see corruption.' <i>[Psalm 16:10]</i>


text:
"For David indeed, having served his own generation by the counsel <i>[or, plan]</i> of God, fell asleep <i>[fig., died]</i>, and he was added to <i>[fig., buried with]</i> his fathers and saw corruption.


text:
"Therefore, let it be known to you*, men, brothers, that through this One the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you*,


text:
and from all <i>[the things]</i> from which you* were not able to be justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> by the Law of Moses, in this One every <i>[one]</i> believing is justified!


text:
"Therefore, be watching lest <i>[there]</i> come on you* the <i>[thing]</i> having been spoken in the prophets,


text:
'Look, <i>[you*]</i> scoffers, and marvel and perish! Because _I_ work a work in your* days which you* shall by no means believe, even if someone shall be describing <i>[it]</i> to you*in detail.'" <i>[Hab 1:5]</i>


text:
Then <i>[Paul and Barnabas]</i> having gone out from the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles began pleading with <i>[them]</i> for {these} words to be spoken to them on the next Sabbath.


text:
Now the synagogue having been dismissed, many of the Jews and of the God-worshiping proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to <i>[them]</i>, were persuading them to be continuing in the grace of God.


text:
And on the coming <i>[fig., next]</i> Sabbath, almost all the city was gathered together to hear the word of God.


text:
But the Jews, having seen the crowds, were filled with jealousy and began objecting to the <i>[things]</i> spoken by Paul, objecting and blaspheming.


text:
But speaking boldly, Paul and Barnabas said, "It was necessary <i>[for]</i> the word of God to be spoken to you* first, but since you* push it away <i>[fig., reject it]</i> and do not judge yourselves worthy of eternal life, listen!, we turn to the Gentiles.


text:
"For in this manner has the Lord commanded us, 'I have placed you as a light for <i>[the]</i> Gentiles, for you to be for salvation as far as <i>[the]</i> end of the earth.'" <i>[Isaiah 49:6]</i>


text:
Now the Gentiles hearing <i>[this]</i>, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as had been appointed to eternal life believed.


text:
But the Jews incited the God-worshiping women and the prominent <i>[women]</i> and the first <i>[fig., leading]</i> <i>[men]</i> of the city, and they stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and they drove them out from their borders.


text:
Now it happened in Iconium <i>[that]</i> they entered by the same <i>[way]</i> into the synagogue of the Jews, and they spoke in such a manner <i>[that]</i> a large number of both Jews and Greeks believed.


text:
But the refusing to believe Jews stirred up and embittered the souls of the Gentiles against the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>.


text:
Therefore, they indeed stayed <i>[there]</i> a considerable time speaking boldly in the Lord, the One testifying to the word of His grace, giving signs and wonders to be taking place by their hands.


text:
Now when an attempt took place by both the Gentiles and <i>[the]</i> Jews, with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them,


text:
having become aware of <i>[it]</i>, they fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, and Derbe, and the surrounding region.


text:
And a certain man in Lystra, powerless in the feet, was sitting, lame from <i>[the]</i> womb of his mother, who had never walked.


text:
This <i>[man]</i> heard Paul speaking, who, having looked intently on him and having seen that he had faith to be healed,


text:
So the crowds having seen what Paul did, raised their voice, saying in Lycaonian, "The gods, having become like men, came down to us!"


text:
And they began calling Barnabas Zeus <i>[i.e. the supreme Greek god]</i> and Paul Hermes <i>[i.e. the messenger of the Greek gods]</i>, since he was the leader of the word <i>[fig,. the chief speaker]</i>.


text:
Then the priest of Zeus, the one being before their city, having brought oxen and wreaths <i>[of flowers]</i> to the gates, together with the crowds, <i>[was]</i> intending to be sacrificing <i>[them to Paul and Barnabas]</i>.


text:
But the apostles Barnabas and Paul having heard, having torn their robes, rushed into the crowd, crying out


text:
and saying, "Men, why are you* doing these <i>[things]</i>? _We_ also are human, like in every way to you*, proclaiming the Gospel <i>[in order for]</i> you* to be turning from these useless <i>[things]</i> to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the <i>[things]</i> in them,


text:
and yet He did not leave Himself without witness, doing good, giving rains to you* from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying our hearts <i>[fig., inner desires]</i> with food and gladness."


text:
Even <i>[with]</i> saying these <i>[things]</i>, they scarcely restrained the crowds from sacrificing to them.


text:
Then Jews came from Antioch and Iconium, and having persuaded the crowds and having stoned Paul, they dragged <i>[him]</i> outside of the city, having supposed him to have died.


text:
But the disciples having surrounded him, having risen, he entered into the city, and the next day he went away with Barnabas to Derbe.


text:
And having proclaimed the Gospel to that city and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and Iconium and Antioch,


text:
strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging <i>[them]</i> to be continuing firm in the faith, and <i>[saying]</i>, "Through many afflictions it is necessary <i>[for]</i> us to enter into the kingdom of God."


text:
And having elected by raising of hands <i>[fig., having appointed by votes]</i> elders for them in every assembly, having prayed with fastings, they commended them to the Lord in whom they had believed.


text:
And from there they sailed to Antioch, from where they had been handed over <i>[or, committed]</i> by the grace of God for the work which they <i>[had]</i> completed.


text:
So having arrived and having gathered the assembly together, they reported as many things as God did with them, and that He opened a door of faith to the Gentiles.


text:
And certain <i>[men]</i> having come down from Judea began teaching the brothers, "Unless you* are circumcised <i>[according to]</i> the custom of Moses, you* are not able to be saved."


text:
Therefore, <i>[there]</i> having occurred not a little <i>[fig, a serious]</i> conflict and debate with Paul and Barnabas against them, they arranged for Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them to be going up to the apostles and elders to Jerusalem about this point of disagreement.


text:
So they indeed having been sent on their journey by the assembly, were passing through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing in detail the conversion of the Gentiles, and they were causing great joy to all the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>.


text:
Now having arrived at Jerusalem, they were received by the assembly and the apostles and the elders, and they reported as many things as God did with them.


text:
But some of the ones having believed from the sect of the Pharisees stood up, saying, "It is necessary to be circumcising them and to be giving strict orders <i>[to them]</i> to be keeping the Law of Moses."


text:
Now much debate having taken place, having risen up, Peter said to them, "Men, brothers, _you*_ know that from former days God chose among us <i>[for]</i> the Gentiles to hear the word of the Gospel through my mouth and to believe.


text:
"And the heart-knowing God testified to them by having given the Holy Spirit to them, just as also to us,


text:
and also distinguished nothing between us and them, having purified <i>[or, purged]</i> their hearts by faith.


text:
"Now therefore, why are you* testing God <i>[by trying]</i> to put a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?


text:
"_But_ we believe <i>[we are]</i> saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, according to which manner they also <i>[are]</i>."


text:
Then all the multitude kept silent, and they were listening to Barnabas and Paul explaining how many signs and wonders God did among the Gentiles through them.


text:
"Simon explained how God first visited <i>[them]</i> to take out of <i>[the]</i> Gentiles a people for His name.


text:
'After these <i>[things]</i> I will return, and I will rebuild the tabernacle of David, the one having fallen down, and the <i>[things]</i> having been torn down <i>[from]</i> it I will rebuild, and I will restore it,


text:
in order that the remaining peoples <i>[i.e. non-Jews]</i> shall diligently seek the LORD, even all the Gentiles on whom My name has been called on them, says the LORD, the One doing all these things.' <i>[Amos 9:11,12]</i>


text:
_but_ to write instructions to them to be abstaining from the pollutions of the idols and from sexual sin and from the strangled <i>[animal]</i> and from blood.


text:
"For Moses from ancient generations has in every city the ones preaching him, being read aloud in the synagogues every Sabbath."


text:
Then it seemed good to the apostles and the elders, with the whole assembly, having chosen men from them, to send to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas, Judas (the one being called Barsabbas) and Silas, leading men among the brothers,


text:
having written by their hand these <i>[things]</i>: "The apostles and the elders and the brothers, to the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the <i>[ones]</i> from the Gentiles, in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia, greetings!


text:
"Since we heard that some having gone out from us disturbed you* with words, unsettling your* souls, saying <i>[for you*]</i> to continue being circumcised and to be keeping the Law, to whom we did not give <i>[such]</i> orders,


text:
it seemed good to us, having come to be of one mind, to send to you* having been chosen men, with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,


text:
men having given up their souls <i>[or, lives]</i> for the sake of the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.


text:
"Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, and they are telling <i>[you*]</i> the same <i>[things]</i> by <i>[the spoken]</i> word.


text:
"For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay no more burden on you*, except <i>[for]</i> these necessary things:


text:
to be abstaining from <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to idols and from blood and from <i>[anything]</i> strangled and from sexual sin. From which keeping yourselves, you* will do well. Farewell!"


text:
So indeed, having been sent off, they went to Antioch; and having gathered the congregation together, they delivered the letter.


text:
And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, encouraged and strengthened the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> with a lengthy message.


text:
So having spent time <i>[there]</i>, they were sent away with <i>[a blessing]</i> of peace <i>[or, with a greeting]</i> from the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> to the apostles.


text:
But Paul and Barnabas were staying in Antioch, teaching and proclaiming the Gospel of the word of the Lord, with many others also.


text:
Then after some days, Paul said to Barnabas, "Having returned now, we should visit our brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> in every city in which we have preached the word of the Lord, <i>[to see]</i> how they have <i>[it]</i> <i>[fig., how they are doing]</i>."


text:
But Paul was not considering it good to take this <i>[one]</i> along with <i>[them]</i>, the one having withdrawn from them at Pamphylia and not having gone with them to the work. <i>[see Acts 13:13]</i>


text:
So <i>[there]</i> came to be a sharp disagreement, with the result that they were separated from one another, and Barnabas, having taken Mark, sailed away to Cyprus. <i>[cp. 2Timothy 4:11]</i>


text:
But Paul, having chosen Silas, went out, having been handed over <i>[fig., committed]</i> to the grace of God by the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>.


text:
Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And look! A certain disciple was there, by name Timothy, a son of a certain believing Jewish woman but of a Greek father,


text:
Paul wanted this <i>[one]</i> to go out with him, and having taken <i>[him]</i>, he circumcised him because of the Jews, the ones in those places, for they all knew his father, that he was a Greek.


text:
Now as they were traveling through the cities, they were delivering to them the decrees to be keeping, the ones having been decided <i>[on]</i> by the apostles and the elders, the <i>[ones]</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
So the assemblies were indeed being strengthened in the faith and were increasing in number every day.


text:
Now having passed through Phrygia and the region of Galatia, having been forbidden by the Holy Spirit to speak the word in Asia,


text:
having gone toward Mysia, they were trying to be going to Bithynia, and the Spirit did not allow them.


text:
And a vision appeared to Paul during the night: a certain man of Macedonia was standing, pleading with him and saying, "Having crossed over to Macedonia, help us!"


text:
So when he saw the vision, immediately we sought to go out to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had summoned us to preach the Gospel to them.


text:
Therefore, having set sail from Troas, we sailed a straight course to Samothrace, and on the next <i>[day]</i> to Neapolis,


text:
and from there to Philippi, which is a first <i>[fig., prominent]</i> city of the district of Macedonia, a <i>[Roman]</i> colony. Then we were staying in that very city <i>[for]</i> several days.


text:
And on the Sabbath day we went forth outside of the city, by a river, where prayer was customarily to be <i>[fig., made]</i>; and having sat down, we began speaking to the women having assembled.


text:
And a certain woman by name Lydia, a dealer of purple <i>[fabrics]</i> of <i>[the]</i> city of Thyatira, worshiping God, was listening, whose heart the Lord opened to be paying close attention to the <i>[things]</i> being spoken by Paul.


text:
Now when she was baptized, and her household, she pleaded with us, saying, "Since you* have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, having entered into my house, remain." And she persuaded us.


text:
Then it happened as we <i>[were]</i> going to prayer, a certain slave-girl having a spirit of Python <i>[i.e., in Greek mythology, a giant snake which guarded the oracle at Delphi; fig., having a fortune-telling spirit]</i> met us, who brought much profit to her masters by fortune-telling.


text:
This <i>[girl]</i>, having closely followed Paul and us, kept crying out, saying, "These men are slaves of the Most High God, who declare to us <i>[the]</i> way of salvation!"


text:
Now she was doing this for many days. But Paul having been greatly annoyed and having turned, said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out from her!" And it came out that very hour <i>[or, moment]</i>!


text:
But her masters having seen that the hope <i>[or, expectation]</i> of their profit was gone, having taken hold of Paul and Silas, dragged <i>[them]</i> to the market place before the rulers.


text:
And having brought them to the magistrates, they said, "These men, being Jews, are throwing our city into confusion,


text:
and they are proclaiming customs that are not lawful for us, being Romans, to be receiving nor to be doing."


text:
And the crowd rose up together against them, and the magistrates having torn their garments from them, began ordering <i>[the rod-bearers]</i> to be beating <i>[them]</i> with rods.


text:
And having laid many blows on them, they threw <i>[them]</i> into prison, having given strict orders to the jailor to be keeping them securely,


text:
who having received such an order, put them into the inner prison and fastened their feet in the stocks.


text:
But about midnight Paul and Silas praying, were singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them.


text:
Then suddenly a great earthquake occurred, with the result that the foundations of the jail were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and all of the chains were unfastened!


text:
Then the jailor having become aroused from sleep and having seen the doors of the prison having been opened, having drawn a sword, was about to be killing himself, supposing the prisoners to be escaping.


text:
But Paul cried out with a loud voice, saying, "Do nothing harmful to yourself, for we are all here!"


text:
Then having asked for a light <i>[fig., a torch]</i>, he rushed in. And having become trembling <i>[with fear]</i>, he fell down before Paul and Silas.


text:
And having brought them out, he said, "Sirs, what is it necessary <i>[for]</i> me to be doing so that I shall be saved?"


text:
And having taken them in that hour of the night, he washed off their wounds, and he was immediately baptized, himself and all the <i>[ones]</i> of his <i>[house]</i>.


text:
And having brought them into his house, he set food before <i>[them]</i>. And he was being very glad, with his whole house, he having believed in God.


text:
So the jailor reported these words to Paul, "The magistrates have sent so that you* shall be released. Now therefore, having come out, be going in peace."


text:
But Paul said to them, "Having repeatedly beaten us publicly, uncondemned men being Romans, they threw <i>[us]</i> into prison. And now they are forcing us out secretly? No indeed! _But_ having come themselves, let them lead <i>[us]</i> out!"


text:
Then the rod-bearers reported these words to the magistrates, and they were afraid, having heard that they are Romans.


text:
And having come, they pleaded with them, and having led <i>[them]</i> out, they kept asking <i>[them]</i> to go out from the city.


text:
So having come out from the prison, they entered to <i>[the house of]</i> Lydia, and having seen the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, they comforted them and departed.


text:
Now having traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where the synagogue of the Jews was.


text:
Then according to the custom with Paul, he went in to them, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,


text:
opening up and placing before <i>[them]</i> <i>[fig., explaining and demonstrating]</i> that it was necessary <i>[for]</i> the Christ to suffer and to rise again from <i>[the]</i> dead, and <i>[saying]</i>, "This <i>[One]</i> is the Christ-Jesus, whom _I_ am proclaiming to you*."


text:
And some of them believed and were joined with Paul and to Silas, both a large number of the God-worshiping Greeks and not a few <i>[fig., a large number]</i> of the first <i>[fig., prominent]</i> women.


text:
But the Jews, the ones refusing to believe, having taken along some evil men of the market place loiters and having formed a mob, began setting the city in an uproar, and having come upon the house of Jason, they were seeking to bring them to the mob.


text:
But not having found them, they began dragging Jason and some brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> to the city officials <i>[or, politarchs]</i>, shouting, "The ones having upset the inhabited earth, these are also present in this place,


text:
whom Jason has welcomed; and these all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying another to be king, Jesus."


text:
Then the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> immediately during the night sent both Paul and Silas away to Berea, who having arrived, went into the synagogue of the Jews.


text:
Now these were more noble-minded <i>[than]</i> the <i>[ones]</i> in Thessalonica, who received the word with all <i>[fig., great]</i> eagerness, every day examining the Scriptures <i>[to see]</i> if these things might be so.


text:
Therefore, many of them indeed believed, and not a few <i>[fig., and a large number]</i> of the prominent Greek women and men.


text:
But when the Jews from Thessalonica found out that also in Berea the word of God was declared by Paul, they came there also, agitating the crowds.


text:
And then immediately the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> sent Paul away to be going as though by the sea, but both Silas and Timothy were remaining there.


text:
So the ones escorting Paul brought him as far as Athens, and having received a command for Silas and Timothy that they should come to him as quickly <i>[as possible]</i>, they departed.


text:
But while Paul <i>[was]</i> waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was being provoked within him, observing the city being full of idols.


text:
Therefore indeed, he began reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and with the God-worshiping <i>[Gentiles]</i> and in the market place every day with the <i>[people]</i> coming by.


text:
Then also some of the Epicurean and the Stoic philosophers began disputing with him, and some were saying, "What does this seed picker <i>[fig., babbler]</i> wish to be saying?" But others <i>[said]</i>, "He seems to be a proclaimer of strange deities," because he was proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus and the resurrection <i>[Gr., anastasia]</i> to them <i>[i.e. they mistook Jesus to be just another god and Anastasia to be the name of Jesus' goddess wife]</i>.


text:
And having taken him, they brought <i>[him]</i> to the Areopagus <i>[i.e. where the Athenian court met]</i>, saying, "Are we able to know what this new teaching <i>[is]</i>, the one being spoken by you?


text:
"For you are bringing some startling <i>[things]</i> to our ears. So we wish to know what these <i>[things]</i> might be <i>[fig., mean]</i>."


text:
(Now all Athenians and the foreigners visiting <i>[there]</i> were spending their time for nothing other than to be saying and to be hearing something new.)


text:
So Paul having stood in <i>[the]</i> middle of the Areopagus, said, "Men, Athenians, I perceive you* as <i>[being]</i> extremely fearful of the gods in all things.


text:
"For passing through and contemplating your* objects of worship, I found also an altar on which had been inscribed: 'To an unknown God.' Therefore, <i>[the One]</i> whom you* are practicing piety <i>[towards]</i> <i>[or, worshiping]</i> without knowing, this One _I_ proclaim to you*.


text:
"The God, the One having made the world <i>[or, universe]</i> and all the <i>[things]</i> in it, this One being Lord of heaven and of earth does not dwell in temples made with human hands,


text:
nor is He served by <i>[the]</i> hands of people, <i>[as if]</i> needing something, <i>[since]</i> He is giving to all life and breath with respect to <i>[fig., in]</i> all <i>[things]</i>.


text:
"And He made from one blood every nation of human beings to be living on all the face of the earth, having designated times having been appointed <i>[for them]</i> and the boundaries of their habitation,


text:
<i>[in order for them]</i> to be seeking the Lord, if perhaps they might grope for Him and find <i>[Him]</i>, and yet He is not far from each one of us.


text:
"'For in Him we live and move and are <i>[fig., exist]</i>,' as also some of your* poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring' <i>[i.e. quoting Epimendes (c. 600 B.C.) and Aratus of Cilia (c. 270 B.C.), respectively]</i>.


text:
"Therefore, being offspring of God, we ought not to be thinking the Divine Nature to be similar to gold or silver or stone, an image <i>[shaped by]</i> humanity's skill and imagination.


text:
"Therefore indeed, <i>[these]</i> times of ignorance having overlooked, God is now giving strict orders to all people everywhere to be repenting,


text:
because He set a day in which He is about to be judging the inhabited earth in righteousness by a Man whom He designated, having given assurance to all by having raised Him from <i>[the]</i> dead!"


text:
But having heard of <i>[the]</i> resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead, some indeed began mocking, but others said, "We will hear you again concerning this."


text:
But some men having been joined to him, believed, among whom <i>[were]</i> also Dionysius the Areopagite <i>[i.e. one of the 12 members of the Athenian court]</i> and a woman by name Damaris and others with them.


text:
And having found a certain Jew by name Aquila, of Pontus by race <i>[or, a native of Pontus]</i>, recently having come from Italy, and Priscilla his wife (because of Claudius ordering all the Jews to depart out of Rome), he came to them.


text:
And because of being of the same trade, he stayed with them and was working, for they were tent-makers <i>[by]</i> trade.


text:
Now when both Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was held completely by the Spirit, solemnly testifying to the Jews <i>[that]</i> Jesus <i>[is]</i> the Christ.


text:
But when they set themselves in opposition against <i>[him]</i> and <i>[were]</i> blaspheming, having shaken <i>[the dust]</i> off <i>[of his]</i> clothes, he said to them, "Your* blood <i>[be]</i> on your* head! _I_ am clean. From now <i>[on]</i> I will go to the Gentiles!"


text:
And having departed from there, he went to <i>[the]</i> house of a certain <i>[man]</i> by name Justus, worshiping God, whose house was being next door to the synagogue.


text:
Then Crispus the synagogue leader believed in the Lord together with his whole house, and many of the Corinthians, hearing, were believing and were being baptized.


text:
Then the Lord said to Paul by means of a vision in the night, "Stop being afraid, _but_ be speaking and do not be silent;


text:
because _I_ am with you, and no one will set on <i>[fig., attack]</i> you to harm you, because <i>[there]</i> are many people <i>[belonging]</i> to Me in this city."


text:
But Gallio being proconsul <i>[i.e. the Roman military commander]</i> of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one mind against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat,


text:
Now Paul being about to be opening <i>[his]</i> mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If indeed then it was some misdeed or a wicked crime, O Jews, according to reason I would put up with you*.


text:
"But since it is a point of disagreement concerning words and names and the law according to you* <i>[fig., your* own law]</i>, you will look <i>[to it]</i> yourselves, <i>[for]</i> _I_ am not willing to be a judge of these <i>[things]</i>."


text:
Then all the Greeks <i>[who]</i> had taken Sosthenes the synagogue leader began beating <i>[him]</i> before the judgment seat, and none of these <i>[things]</i> was a concern to Gallio.


text:
So Paul still having remained <i>[there]</i> a considerable <i>[number of]</i> days, having said good-bye to the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, began setting sail for Syria, and Priscilla and Aquila <i>[were]</i> with him, having cut off the hairs <i>[of his]</i> head in Cenchrea, for he had <i>[taken]</i> a vow.


text:
Then he arrived at Ephesus and left those <i>[two]</i> there, but _he_ having entered into the synagogue, reasoned with the Jews.


text:
_But_ he said good-bye to them, saying, "It is necessary <i>[for]</i> me by all means to keep the coming feast at Jerusalem, but I will return again to you*, God willing." And he set sail from Ephesus.


text:
And having gone down to Caesarea, having gone up and having greeted the assembly, he went down to Antioch.


text:
And having spent some time <i>[there]</i>, he went out, passing through in order the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.


text:
Now a certain Jew, Apollos by name, an Alexandrian by race <i>[or, a native of Alexandrian]</i>, an educated man <i>[or, a man skilled in speech]</i>, being mighty in the Scriptures, arrived at Ephesus.


text:
This <i>[man]</i> had been instructed <i>[in]</i> the way of the Lord, and boiling <i>[fig., being fervent]</i> in his spirit <i>[or, in the Spirit]</i>, he was speaking and teaching accurately the <i>[things]</i> concerning the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.


text:
And this <i>[man]</i> began to be speaking boldly in the synagogue. But Aquila and Priscilla having heard of him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately.


text:
Now when he wanted to cross over into Achaia, having encouraged <i>[him]</i>, the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> wrote to the disciples <i>[there]</i> to welcome him, who, having arrived, greatly assisted the ones having believed by grace <i>[or, by the grace [of God]]</i>.


text:
For he was powerfully refuting the Jews publicly, demonstrating by the Scriptures Jesus to be the Christ.


text:
Now it happened, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul having passed through the interior regions, came to Ephesus, and having found certain disciples,


text:
he said to them, "Did you* receive <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit, having believed?" But they said to him, "_But_ we did not even hear whether there is a Holy Spirit."


text:
Then Paul said, "John indeed baptized with a baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the One coming after him, that is, in the Christ-Jesus!"


text:
And Paul having laid <i>[his]</i> hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they began speaking with tongues <i>[fig., other languages]</i> and prophesying.


text:
Now having gone into the synagogue, he kept speaking boldly, for three months reasoning and persuading the <i>[things]</i> concerning the kingdom of God.


text:
But when some were hardened <i>[fig., became stubborn]</i> and were refusing to believe, speaking against the Way before the populace, having departed from them, he took away the disciples, every day reasoning in the school of a certain Tyrannus.


text:
Now this took place for two years, with the result that all the ones living in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.


text:
And God was performing miraculous works, not the ones having happened, <i>[fig., God was performing extraordinary miraculous works]</i> through the hands of Paul,


text:
with the result that even handkerchiefs or aprons from his skin <i>[were]</i> being brought to the ones being sick, and the diseases <i>[were]</i> departing from them, and the evil spirits <i>[were]</i> going out from them.


text:
But some of the traveling about <i>[or, itinerant]</i> Jewish exorcists attempted to be naming the name of the Lord Jesus over the ones having evil spirits, saying, "We adjure you* by Jesus, whom Paul preaches."


text:
Now <i>[there]</i> were some sons of Sceva, a Jewish high priest, seven <i>[who were]</i> doing this thing.


text:
But answering, the evil spirit said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I am acquainted with-but you*, who are you?"


text:
And the man in whom was the evil spirit, leaping on them and having overpowered them, prevailed against them, with the result that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.


text:
Then this became known to all, both Jews and Greeks, the ones living in Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was being magnified.


text:
And many of the ones having believed were coming, confessing and disclosing their <i>[sinful]</i> actions.


text:
Then a considerable <i>[number]</i> of the ones having practiced the magical arts, having collected their scrolls, began burning <i>[them]</i> before all. And they added up the prices of them and found <i>[it totaled]</i> five ten-thousands <i>[i.e., 50,000]</i> pieces of silver.


text:
Now when these things were accomplished, Paul was compelled by the Spirit <i>[or, resolved in his spirit]</i>, having gone through Macedonia and Achaia, to be traveling to Jerusalem, saying, "After me to be there <i>[fig., After I have been there]</i>, it is necessary <i>[for]</i> me also to see Rome."


text:
Then having sent to Macedonia two of the ones serving him <i>[fig., two of his assistants]</i>, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed <i>[for]</i> a time in Asia.


text:
But about that time <i>[there]</i> occurred no small <i>[fig., a great]</i> disturbance about the Way.


text:
For a certain silversmith, Demetrius by name, making silver shrines of Artemis <i>[i.e. the Greek goddess of fertility]</i>, was bringing to the craftsmen no small <i>[fig., a great]</i> profit,


text:
whom he having gathered together, and the laborers with such <i>[trades]</i>, said <i>[to them]</i>, "Men, you* know that from this trade is our prosperity.


text:
"And you* see and hear that not only in Ephesus, _but_ almost in all Asia, this Paul, having persuaded, turned away a considerable crowd, saying that they are not gods, the <i>[things]</i> coming to be by <i>[human]</i> hands.


text:
"So not only is this part to us <i>[fig., is our business]</i> in danger to come into disrepute, _but_ also the temple of the great goddess Artemis <i>[is]</i> to be accounted for nothing, and also her magnificence is about to be pulled down, whom all Asia and the inhabited earth worships."


text:
Now having heard and having become full of rage, they began crying out, saying, "Great <i>[is]</i> Artemis of <i>[the]</i> Ephesians!"


text:
And the whole city was filled with the confusion, and they rushed with one mind into the amphitheater, having dragged along Gaius and Aristarchus, Macedonians, traveling companions of Paul.


text:
Then also some of the officials of the providence of Asia, being his friends, having sent to him, were urging <i>[him]</i> not to present himself in the amphitheater.


text:
So indeed some were crying out <i>[one thing and]</i> some another <i>[thing]</i>, for the assembly had been confused, and the majority did not know for what reason they had come together.


text:
Now <i>[some]</i> from the crowd induced Alexander, the Jews having put him forward. Then Alexander, having motioned with his hand, was intending to be making a defense to the populace.


text:
But having known <i>[or, having recognized]</i> that he is a Jew, one voice came from <i>[them]</i> all for about two hours, crying out, "Great <i>[is]</i> Artemis of the Ephesians!"


text:
But the city clerk having quieted the crowd, says, "Men, Ephesians, for what person is <i>[there]</i> who does not know <i>[about]</i> the city of the Ephesians being <i>[the]</i> temple guardian of the great goddess Artemis and of the <i>[image]</i> fallen down from Zeus? <i>[i.e., probably a meteorite that was worshiped as an image of Artemis]</i>


text:
"So these things being undeniable, it is necessary <i>[for]</i> you* to have been quieted and to be doing nothing rash.


text:
"For you* brought these men, <i>[who are]</i> neither temple-robbers nor <i>[ones]</i> blaspheming your* goddess.


text:
"If then indeed Demetrius and the craftsmen with him have a word <i>[fig., complaint]</i> against anyone, courts are held and <i>[there]</i> are governors of the providence <i>[available]</i>. Let them bring charges against one another.


text:
"But if you* seek after anything concerning other <i>[matters]</i>, it will be set free <i>[fig., be settled]</i> in the lawful assembly.


text:
"For we also are in danger of being accused of a riot concerning today, <i>[there]</i> being no cause <i>[for it]</i>, on account of which we will not be able to give an account of this uproar."


text:
Now after the ceasing of the commotion, Paul having summoned the disciples, having embraced <i>[them]</i>, went out to go to Macedonia.


text:
So having gone through those regions, and having encouraged them with many words, he came to Greece.


text:
And having made <i>[fig., stayed]</i> three months <i>[there]</i>, a plot having been <i>[formed]</i> against him by the Jews, being about to set sail for Syria, a decision came about <i>[fig., was made]</i> to be returning through Macedonia.


text:
Now accompanying him as far as Asia were: Sopater a Berean, and Aristarchus and Secundus of <i>[the]</i> Thessalonians, and Gaius a Derben, and Timothy, and <i>[the]</i> Asians Tychicus and Trophimus.


text:
Then we set sail after the Days of the Unleavened Bread <i>[i.e. Passover]</i> from Philippi and came to them to Troas within five days, where we stayed seven days.


text:
Now on the first <i>[day]</i> of the week <i>[i.e. Sunday]</i>, the disciples having been gathered together to break bread, Paul began holding a discussion with them, being about to be departing the next day, and he kept prolonging the word <i>[fig., discussion]</i> until midnight.


text:
And a considerable <i>[number]</i> of lamps were in the upstairs room where we had been gathered together.


text:
Then a certain young man by name Eutychus, sitting in the window, being overcome by a deep sleep, Paul discussing for a long <i>[time, the young man]</i> having been overcome by sleep, fell down from the third story and was taken up dead.


text:
But Paul, having gone down, fell on him. And having embraced <i>[him]</i>, he said, "Stop being so upset, for his soul <i>[or, life]</i> is in him!"


text:
So having gone <i>[back]</i> up, and having broken bread and having tasted and having talked for a long time, until daylight, thus he departed.


text:
But _we_ having gone ahead to the ship, set sail for Assos, from there intending to take Paul on board, for so it had been arranged, since he <i>[was]</i> intending to travel by land.


text:
And from there having set sail, the following <i>[day]</i> we arrived opposite Chios, then the next <i>[day]</i> we approached Samos, and having stayed in Trogyllium, the following day we came to Miletus.


text:
For Paul decided to sail by Ephesus, in order that <i>[it]</i> would not happen to him to <i>[have to]</i> spend time in Asia, for he was hurrying, if it was possible for him to be in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost.


text:
Then when they came to him, he said to them, "_You*_ know from <i>[the]</i> first day from which I set foot in Asia how I was with you* all the time,


text:
serving as a slave to the Lord with all humility and many tears and trials, the <i>[trials]</i> having happened to me by the plots of the Jews;


text:
how I did not keep back any of the <i>[things]</i> benefiting <i>[you*, but I]</i> declared to you* and taught you* publicly and in every house,


text:
solemnly testifying both to Jews and to Greeks <i>[about]</i> repentance toward God and faith toward our Lord Jesus.


text:
"And now, listen! _I_, having been bound in the spirit <i>[or, by the Spirit]</i>, am traveling to Jerusalem, not knowing the <i>[things that]</i> will be happening to me in it,


text:
except that the Holy Spirit solemnly testifies in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me.


text:
"_But_ I make myself an account of nothing <i>[or, of no account]</i>, neither do I hold my life precious to myself, so <i>[as]</i> to complete my course with joy and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to solemnly testify <i>[to]</i> the Gospel of the grace of God.


text:
"And now, listen! _I_ know that you* will no longer see my face, you* all among whom I went about preaching the kingdom of God.


text:
"For this reason, I testify to you* on this very day that I <i>[am]</i> innocent from the blood of all <i>[people]</i>.


text:
"For I did not keep back <i>[anything, but I]</i> declared to you* all the counsel <i>[or, the entire plan]</i> of God.


text:
"Therefore, continue being on guard for yourselves and for all the flock, in which the Holy Spirit placed you* <i>[as]</i> overseers, to be shepherding <i>[or, pastoring]</i> the Assembly of the Lord and God, which He acquired through His own blood.


text:
"For _I_ know this, that after my departure vicious wolves will come into you*, not sparing the flock;


text:
and from among you* yourselves men will arise, speaking <i>[things]</i> having been perverted <i>[in order]</i> to be drawing away the disciples after them.


text:
"For this reason, keep watching, remembering that <i>[for]</i> three years, night and day, I did not cease warning each one with tears.


text:
"And now, I entrust you*, brothers, to God and to the word of His grace, the one being able to build <i>[you*]</i> up and to give to you* an inheritance among all the ones having been sanctified.


text:
"You* yourselves know that these hands provided for my necessities and for the <i>[ones]</i> with me.


text:
"I showed you* all <i>[things]</i> <i>[or, in every way]</i> that by laboring in this way it is necessary <i>[for us]</i> to be helping the ones being sick and to be keeping in mind the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, "It is more blessed to be giving than to be receiving."


text:
And having said these <i>[things]</i>, having placed his knees <i>[fig., having knelt down]</i>, he prayed with them all.


text:
Then <i>[there]</i> was considerable weeping by all, and having fallen on the neck of Paul, they were affectionately kissing him,


text:
being deeply distressed most of all over the word which he had spoken, that they are about to be seeing his face no longer. Then they were accompanying him to the ship.


text:
Now it happened, when we set sail, having withdrawn from them, having sailed a straight course, we came to Cos; then the next <i>[day]</i> to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.


text:
Now having come in sight of Cyprus, and having left <i>[or, passed]</i> it on the left, we kept sailing to Syria and came down to Tyre, for there the ship was unloading its cargo.


text:
And having found disciples, we stayed there seven days, who kept saying to Paul through the Spirit not to be going up to Jerusalem.


text:
But when it came about <i>[for]</i> us to <i>[have]</i> completed the days, having gone out, we were going, all <i>[of them]</i> accompanying us, with <i>[their]</i> wives and children, as far as <i>[the]</i> outside of the city. And having placed the knees <i>[fig., having knelt down]</i> on the shore, we prayed.


text:
And having embraced one another, we went on board into the ship, but they returned to their own <i>[homes]</i>.


text:
Now _we_ having completed the voyage from Tyre arrived at Ptolemais, and having embraced the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, we remained with them one day.


text:
Then the next <i>[day]</i> the ones about Paul <i>[fig., Paul's traveling companions]</i>, having gone out, came to Caesarea, and having entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, the one being of the seven, we stayed with him. <i>[cp. Acts 6:5]</i>


text:
So while we <i>[were]</i> staying <i>[there]</i> several more days, a certain prophet by name Agabus came down from Judea.


text:
And having come to us and having taken the belt of Paul and having bound his feet and hands, he said, "These <i>[things]</i> says the Holy Spirit, 'The man whose belt this is, in this way will the Jews in Jerusalem bind, and they will hand <i>[him]</i> over into <i>[the]</i> hands of <i>[the]</i> Gentiles."


text:
Now when we heard these <i>[things]</i>, both we and the local residents began pleading with <i>[Paul]</i> not to be going up to Jerusalem.


text:
And Paul answered, "What are you* doing weeping and breaking my heart? For _I_ am ready not only to be bound _but_ also to die at Jerusalem on behalf of the name of the Lord Jesus."


text:
And also <i>[some]</i> of the disciples from Caesarea went along with us, bringing <i>[us]</i> to a certain Mnason, a Cyprian, an early disciple, with whom we would stay as guests.


text:
Now we having come to be <i>[fig., having arrived]</i> in Jerusalem, the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> received us gladly.


text:
And having embraced them, he began reporting one by one each of <i>[the things]</i> which God did among the Gentiles through his ministry.


text:
So having heard, they began glorifying the Lord, having said to him, "You see, brother, how many thousands there are of Jews having believed, and all are zealots for the Law.


text:
"But they are informed about you, that you are teaching apostasy from Moses to all Jews among the Gentiles, saying <i>[for]</i> them not to be circumcising their children nor to be walking <i>[fig., conducting themselves]</i> <i>[according to]</i> the customs.


text:
"What then is <i>[to be done]</i>? It is certainly necessary <i>[for]</i> the congregation to come together, for they will hear that you have come.


text:
"Therefore, do this which we say to you: <i>[there]</i> are four men with us having a vow on themselves;


text:
these having taken, be purified with them and pay their expenses for them, so that they shall shave the head, and all may know that <i>[the things]</i> of which they have been informed about you are nothing, _but_ you are keeping in line with <i>[fig., living in conformity with]</i> and you yourself are keeping the Law.


text:
"But concerning the ones having believed of <i>[the]</i> Gentiles, _we_ wrote, having judged <i>[that they need]</i> to be observing no such <i>[thing]</i>, except to be keeping themselves both <i>[from]</i> the <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to idols and <i>[from]</i> blood and <i>[from anything]</i> strangled and <i>[from]</i> sexual sin."


text:
Then Paul, having taken the men on the following day, having been purified with them, had gone into the temple announcing the completion of the days of the purification, until which <i>[time]</i> the offering was offered on behalf of each one of them.


text:
Now when the seven days were about to be coming to an end, the Jews from Asia having seen him in the temple began stirring up all the crowd, and they laid their hands on him,


text:
crying out, "Men, Israelites, help! This is the man, the one teaching all <i>[people]</i> everywhere against the people and the Law and this place! And further, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has defiled this holy place!"


text:
(For they had seen Trophimus the Ephesian in the city with him, whom they were assuming that Paul brought into the temple.)


text:
And all the city was moved <i>[fig., aroused]</i>, and <i>[there]</i> was a rushing together of the people, and having taken hold of Paul, they began dragging him outside of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.


text:
Now as they <i>[were]</i> seeking to kill him, a report came up to the commanding officer <i>[or, Chiliarch]</i> of the garrison <i>[of soldiers]</i> that all Jerusalem had been stirred up,


text:
who at once, having taken along soldiers and centurions, ran down to them. Then <i>[the people]</i> having seen the commanding officer and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.


text:
Then the commanding officer, having come near, took hold of him and ordered <i>[him]</i> to be bound with two chains, and he began inquiring who he might be and what it is he had been doing.


text:
But among the crowd some were shouting <i>[one thing and]</i> some another <i>[thing]</i>, but not being able to know the certainty <i>[or, to learn the facts]</i> because of the commotion, he ordered him to be brought into the barracks.


text:
But when he <i>[i.e. Paul]</i> came to be at the stairs, it happened <i>[that]</i> he <i>[was]</i> being carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd.


text:
And Paul being about to be brought into the barracks says to the commanding officer, "Is it permitted for me to speak to you?" Then he said, "Do you know Greek?


text:
"So _you_ are not the Egyptian, the one having incited a riot before these days and having led the four thousand men of the assassins into the desert, are you?"


text:
But Paul said, "_I_ indeed am a man, a Jew of Tarsus of Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant <i>[fig., an important]</i> city. Now I implore you, permit me to speak to the people."


text:
So he having given him permission, Paul having stood on the stairs, motioned with his hand to the people. Now a great silence having taken place, he began addressing them in the Hebrew dialect, saying:


text:
Now they having heard that in the Hebrew dialect he was speaking to them, they gave <i>[him]</i> even more silence. And he says,


text:
"_I_ indeed am a man, a Jew, having been born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but having been brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, having been educated according to the exactness of the ancestral Law, being a zealot for God, just as _you*_ all are today;


text:
<i>[I]</i> who persecuted this Way to death, binding and handing over to prisons both men and women,


text:
as also the high priest testifies to me, and all the council of the elders; from whom also having received letters to the brothers, I began traveling to Damascus to bring even the ones being there having been bound to Jerusalem, so that they should be punished.


text:
"But it happened to me, as I <i>[was]</i> traveling and approaching Damascus, about noon, suddenly a great light out of heaven <i>[or, the sky]</i> flashed around me.


text:
"So _I_ answered, 'Who are You, Lord?' And He said to me, '_I_ am Jesus the Nazarene, whom _you_ are persecuting.'


text:
"Now the ones being with me indeed saw the light and became terrified, but they did not hear the voice of the One speaking to me.


text:
"So I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?' Then the Lord said to me, 'Having gotten up, be going into Damascus, and there it will be told to you concerning all <i>[things]</i> which have been appointed for you to do.'


text:
"Now when I was not seeing clearly because of the glory of that light, being led by the hand by the ones being with me, I came to Damascus.


text:
"Then a certain Ananias, a devout man according to the Law, being testified to <i>[or, well-spoken of]</i> by all the Jews living <i>[there]</i>,


text:
having come to me and having stood by <i>[me]</i>, said to me, 'Saul, brother, regain <i>[your]</i> sight!' And at that very hour <i>[or, moment]</i> I looked up at him <i>[or, I regained [my] sight [and saw] him]</i>!


text:
"Then he said, 'The God of our fathers hand-picked you beforehand to know His will and to see the Righteous <i>[One]</i> and to hear a voice from His mouth.


text:
'And now, why are you delaying? Having gotten up, get yourself baptized, and get yourself washed <i>[or, purified]</i> <i>[of]</i> your sins by you yourself calling on the name of the Lord.' <i>[cp. Acts 2:21]</i>


text:
"Now it happened to me, having returned to Jerusalem, and while I <i>[was]</i> praying in the temple, I came to be in a trance,


text:
and I saw Him saying to me, 'Hurry, and go out with quickness from Jerusalem, because they will not accept your witness about Me.'


text:
"And _I_ said, 'Lord, _they_ know that _I_ was imprisoning and repeatedly beating in each synagogue the ones believing on You.


text:
'And when the blood of your witness Stephen was being shed, I myself also had stood by and <i>[was]</i> giving approval to his murder {and} <i>[was]</i> guarding the cloaks of the ones executing him.'


text:
And they were listening to him until this word, and they raised their voice, saying, "Take such a <i>[man]</i> away from the earth, for it was not fitting <i>[for]</i> him to be living!"


text:
Now while they <i>[were]</i> crying out and throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the air,


text:
the commanding officer ordered him to be brought into the barracks, having said <i>[for him]</i> to be interrogated with scourges, so that he should know for what cause they were shouting against him in this way.


text:
But as he <i>[i.e. one of the interrogators]</i> stretched him out with the straps, Paul said to the centurion having stood by, "Is it lawful for you* to be scourging a man <i>[who is]</i> a Roman and uncondemned?"


text:
Now the centurion having heard <i>[this]</i>, having approached the commanding officer, reported, saying, "Watch what you are about to be doing, for this man is a Roman."


text:
Then the commanding officer having approached, said to him, "Tell me, are _you_ a Roman?" And he said, "Yes."


text:
And the commanding officer answered, "_I_ acquired this citizenship with a large sum of money." But Paul said, "But indeed _I_ have been born <i>[a Roman citizen]</i>."


text:
So immediately, the ones about to be interrogating him withdrew from him; and the commanding officer also was afraid, having learned that he is a Roman and because he had bound him.


text:
Now the next day, wanting to know the certainty <i>[or, facts]</i> <i>[as to]</i> why he is being accused by the Jews, he released him from the bonds and ordered the chief priests and their whole High Council to come, and having brought Paul down, he set <i>[him]</i> by them.


text:
Then Paul having looked intently at the High Council, said, "Men, brothers, _I_ in all good conscience have lived to God until this day."


text:
Then Paul said to him, "God is about to be striking you, <i>[you]</i> wall having been whitewashed! And do _you_ sit judging me according to the Law, and violating the Law, order me to be stuck?"


text:
And Paul said, "I did not know, brothers, that he is high priest, for it has been written, 'You will not speak evil of a ruler of your people.'" <i>[Exod 22:28]</i>


text:
But Paul having perceived that the one part is Sadducees but the other Pharisees, cried out in the High Council, "Men, brothers, _I_ am a Pharisee, a son of a Pharisee; concerning <i>[the]</i> hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> and resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead _I_ am being judged!"


text:
Now he having said this, there occurred a dispute <i>[between]</i> the Pharisees {and the Sadducees}, and the group was divided.


text:
For Sadducees indeed say there is no resurrection nor angel nor spirit, but Pharisees confess both the <i>[things]</i> <i>[fig., all these things]</i>.


text:
Then <i>[there]</i> occurred a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party having gotten up, began protesting vehemently, saying, "We find nothing evil in this man! But if a spirit spoke to him, or an angel, let us not be fighting against God."


text:
Now a great dispute having occurred, the commanding officer having been afraid lest Paul be torn apart by them, ordered the detachment of soldiers to go down and to take him away by force from <i>[the]</i> middle of them and to be bringing <i>[him]</i> into the barracks.


text:
But on the following night, the Lord having stood by him said, "Take courage Paul, for as you solemnly testified <i>[about]</i> the <i>[things]</i> concerning Me at Jerusalem, in the same way it is necessary <i>[for]</i> you also to testify at Rome."


text:
Then day having come, some of the Jews having formed a conspiracy, bound themselves by a curse saying <i>[they would]</i> neither eat nor drink until they kill Paul.


text:
who having approached the chief priests and the elders said, "With a curse we invoked a curse on ourselves to taste nothing until we kill Paul.


text:
"Now you*, therefore, together with the High Council, suggest to the commanding officer that tomorrow he should bring him down to you* as being about to be determining more accurately the <i>[things]</i> concerning him. But _we_, before he approaches, are ready to execute him."


text:
But the son of Paul's sister having heard of the ambush, having arrived and having entered into the barracks, reported <i>[this]</i> to Paul.


text:
Then Paul having summoned one of the centurions, said, "Lead this young man to the commanding officer, for he has something to report to him."


text:
So he indeed having taken him, brought him to the commanding officer and says, "The prisoner Paul, having summoned me, asked <i>[me]</i> to bring this young man to you, having something to say to you."


text:
So the commanding officer having taken him by the hand and having stepped aside, began inquiring privately, "What is it which you have to report to me?"


text:
Then he said, "The Jews agreed to ask you, in order that tomorrow you should bring Paul down to the High Council as being about to be inquiring something more accurately concerning him.


text:
"_You_, therefore, do not be persuaded by them, for more than forty men of them lie in ambush for him, who invoked a curse on themselves not to eat nor to drink until they execute him, and now they are ready, waiting for the promise from you."


text:
Therefore, the commanding officer indeed let the young man go, having given strict orders <i>[to him]</i>, "Tell no one you revealed these <i>[things]</i> to me."


text:
And having summoned a certain two of the centurions, he said, "Prepare two hundred soldiers, in order that that they should go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen at the third hour of the night;


text:
also provide animals, so that having placed Paul on <i>[them]</i>, they should bring <i>[him]</i> safely to Felix the governor,"


text:
"This man having been arrested by the Jews and being about to be executed by them, having come with the detachment of soldiers, I rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman.


text:
"But wanting to know the cause for which they were accusing him, I brought him down to their High Council,


text:
whom I found being accused concerning points of disagreement <i>[about]</i> their law, <i>[but]</i> having no accusation worthy of death or chains.


text:
"Then a plot having been revealed to me against this man <i>[was]</i> about to happen by the Jews, at once I sent <i>[him]</i> to you, having also given strict orders to the accusers to be saying the <i>[things]</i> against him before you; farewell."


text:
So indeed the soldiers according to <i>[things]</i> having been instructed to them, having taken up Paul, brought him during the night to Antipatris.


text:
who having entered into Caesarea and having delivered the letter to the governor, also presented Paul to him.


text:
Now the governor having read <i>[it]</i> and having inquired from what province he is and having learned that <i>[he is]</i> from Cilicia,


text:
said, "I will give you a hearing when your accusers also arrive." And he also ordered him to be continually guarded in the Fortified Palace <i>[or, Praetorium]</i> of Herod.


text:
Now after five days the high priest Ananias came down, with the elders and a certain attorney <i>[named]</i> Tertullus, who made known to the governor <i>[the charges]</i> against Paul.


text:
So he <i>[i.e. Paul]</i> having been called, Tertullus began to be accusing <i>[him]</i>, saying <i>[to the governor]</i>, "Since we are attaining great peace by you, and successes are <i>[fig., prosperity is]</i> coming about for this nation through your foresight,


text:
both in every <i>[way]</i> and everywhere we welcome it, most excellent Felix, with all thankfulness.


text:
"But so that I do not detain you for more <i>[fig., any longer]</i>, I beg you to hear us briefly in your kindness.


text:
"For we having found this man <i>[to be]</i> a pest and <i>[one]</i> stirring up a discord <i>[among]</i> all the Jews throughout the inhabited earth and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,


text:
from whom you will be able, having examined <i>[him]</i> yourself, to learn about all these <i>[things]</i> of which _we_ accuse him."


text:
But Paul answered, the governor having motioned for him to be speaking, "Knowing <i>[that]</i> you being a judge to this nation for many years, the more confidently I speak in my defense the <i>[things]</i> concerning myself,


text:
you being able to ascertain that <i>[there]</i> are not more <i>[than]</i> twelve days to me from which <i>[time]</i> I went up to be prostrating myself in worship in Jerusalem,


text:
and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with anyone or causing an uprising of the crowd, nor in the synagogues nor in the city.


text:
"Nor are they able to prove <i>[against]</i> me <i>[the things]</i> concerning which they are now accusing me.


text:
"But I confess this to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect, in this way I sacredly serve the ancestral God, believing all the <i>[things]</i> according to the Law and having been written in the prophets,


text:
having hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> in God, which even they themselves are waiting for, <i>[that there is]</i> about to be a resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead, both of righteous <i>[ones]</i> and of unrighteous <i>[ones]</i>.


text:
"Now in this I am engaging myself, having through all <i>[fig. always]</i> a blameless conscience before God and people.


text:
in which some Jews from Asia found me <i>[occupied]</i> in the temple, having been purified, not with a crowd nor with a commotion,


text:
whom it is necessary to be present before you and to be making an accusation, if they might have anything against me.


text:
"Or let these themselves say what misdeed they found in me in my having stood before the High Council,


text:
or <i>[is it]</i> concerning this one voice, in which I cried out, having stood among them, "Concerning <i>[the]</i> resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead _I_ am being judged by you* today." <i>[Acts 23:6]</i>


text:
Now having heard these <i>[things]</i>, Felix adjourned them, having learned more accurately the <i>[things]</i> concerning the Way, saying, "When Lysias the commanding officer comes down, I will decide the <i>[things]</i> regarding you*,"


text:
having also given instructions to the centurion to be guarding Paul, and <i>[for him]</i> to be having <i>[some]</i> freedom, and to be forbidding none of his own <i>[people]</i> to be providing for <i>[him]</i> or to be coming to him.


text:
Now after several days, Felix having arrived with Drusilla his wife (she being Jewish), he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.


text:
But while he <i>[was]</i> reasoning about righteousness and self-control and the judgment, the one being about to happen, Felix having become terrified, answered, "For the present be going, but having time, I will call for you."


text:
And at the same time also hoping that money will be given to him by Paul, in order that he should release him. And so, frequently sending for him, he was talking with him.


text:
But two years having been completed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus. And Felix wishing to lay favors on the Jews, left Paul having been bound.


text:
Then the high priest and the first <i>[fig., leading]</i> men of the Jews made known to him <i>[the charges]</i> against Paul, and were appealing to him,


text:
requesting a favor against him, that he would summon him to Jerusalem, forming an ambush to execute him along the way.


text:
Then indeed Festus answered <i>[that]</i> Paul is being kept in Caesarea, but <i>[that he]</i> himself is about to be going out <i>[to Caesarea]</i> with quickness.


text:
"Therefore, the powerful <i>[or, prominent]</i> <i>[ones]</i> among you," he says, "having come down together, if there is anything in this man, let them accuse him."


text:
Then having stayed among them more than ten days, having gone down to Caesarea, the next day having sat on the judgment seat, he ordered Paul to be brought.


text:
So he having arrived, the Jews having come down from Jerusalem stood around <i>[him]</i>, and they are bringing many weighty charges against Paul, which they were not able to prove,


text:
speaking in his own defense, "Neither in regard to the Law of the Jews, nor in regard to the temple, nor in regard to Caesar did I commit any sin."


text:
But Festus wishing to lay on the Jews a favor, answering Paul, said, "Are you willing, having gone up to Jerusalem, there to be judged before me concerning these <i>[charges]</i>?"


text:
But Paul said, "I have stood at the judgment seat of Caesar, where it is necessary <i>[for]</i> me to be judged; in nothing did I wrong the Jews, as _you_ also know very well.


text:
"For if indeed I am doing wrong and have done anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if <i>[there]</i> is nothing <i>[to the things]</i> of which these are accusing me, no one is able to give me as a favor to them. I appeal to Caesar!"


text:
Then Festus, having conferred with the council, answered, "You have appealed to Caesar; you will go before Caesar!"


text:
Then some days having passed, Agrippa the king and Bernice arrived in Caesarea, having greeted Festus.


text:
So while he was staying there many days, Festus laid before the king the <i>[things]</i> concerning Paul, saying, "There is a certain man having been left by Felix <i>[as]</i> a prisoner,


text:
about whom, me having been <i>[or, while I was]</i> in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed <i>[me]</i>, asking for punishment against him;


text:
to whom I answered that it is not a custom with Romans to be giving <i>[as]</i> a favor any person to destruction even before the one being accused may have <i>[fig., meets]</i> the accusers face to face and may receive an opportunity for defense concerning the charge.


text:
"Therefore, they having assembled here, I having made no delay, on the next <i>[day]</i> having sat on the judgment seat, ordered the man to be brought;


text:
concerning whom the accusers having stood up, began bringing against <i>[him]</i> no accusation of <i>[the things]</i> which _I_ was supposing,


text:
but some points of disagreement concerning their own religion they had against him, and concerning a certain Jesus having died, whom Paul asserted to be living.


text:
"Now _I_ myself being perplexed regarding the investigation concerning this was asking if he might be willing to be going to Jerusalem, and there to be judged concerning these <i>[charges]</i>.


text:
"But Paul having appealed <i>[for]</i> him to be kept for the decision of His Majesty the Emperor, I ordered him to be kept until which <i>[time]</i> I should send him to Caesar."


text:
Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I also was wishing to hear the man myself." So he said, "Tomorrow you will hear him."


text:
Therefore, the next day, Agrippa and Bernice having come with great pomp and having entered into the auditorium together with both the commanding officers and the men being according to prominence <i>[fig., the prominent men]</i> of the city, and Festus having ordered, Paul was brought <i>[in]</i>.


text:
And Festus said, "King Agrippa and all men being present with us, you* see this <i>[man]</i> concerning whom all the populace of the Jews appealed to me, both in Jerusalem and here, yelling <i>[that it is]</i> not fitting <i>[for]</i> him to be living any longer.


text:
"But _I_ having found him to have done nothing worthy of death, and this one himself also having appealed to His Majesty the Emperor, I decided to be sending him,


text:
concerning whom I do not have anything certain to write to <i>[my]</i> lord. For this reason, I brought him out before you*, and especially before you, king Agrippa, in order that the preliminary hearing having taken place, I should have something to write.


text:
Now Agrippa said to Paul, "It is permitted for you to be speaking on behalf of yourself." Then Paul having stretched out his hand, began speaking in his own defense:


text:
"Concerning all things of which I am accused by Jews, king Agrippa, I have considered myself fortunate <i>[or, blessed]</i> being about to be speaking in my own defense before you today;


text:
especially knowing you are an expert in all <i>[things]</i> in relation to Jews, both customs <i>[or, morals]</i> and points of disagreement. For this reason, I implore you to patiently hear me.


text:
"So then indeed, my way of life from youth, the one having taken place from <i>[the]</i> beginning among my <i>[own]</i> nation in Jerusalem, all the Jews know;


text:
knowing already <i>[about]</i> me from the beginning, if they are willing to testify, that according to the most accurate <i>[or, strictest]</i> sect of our religion, I lived <i>[as]</i> a Pharisee.


text:
"And now for the hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> of the promise having been made by God to the fathers, I have stood being judged,


text:
<i>[the promise]</i> to which our twelve tribes sacredly serving in earnestness night and day hope <i>[or, confidently expect]</i> to attain, concerning which hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, king Agrippa, I am being accused by <i>[the]</i> Jews.


text:
"Therefore _I_ indeed thought to myself <i>[for]</i> it to be necessary <i>[for me]</i> to do many <i>[things]</i> against the name of Jesus of Nazareth,


text:
which also I did in Jerusalem, and many of the holy ones _I_ locked up in prison, having received the authority from the chief priests, and when they <i>[were]</i> being executed, I cast my pebble <i>[fig., my vote]</i> against <i>[them]</i>.


text:
"And punishing them often in all the synagogues, I was compelling <i>[them]</i> to be blaspheming, and being exceedingly enraged against them, I was persecuting <i>[them]</i> even as far as outer cities.


text:
"In which <i>[pursuits]</i> also traveling to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,


text:
in <i>[the]</i> middle of <i>[the]</i> day, O king, I saw on the way a light from heaven more than the brightness of the sun shining around me and the ones traveling with me.


text:
"Then we all having fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew dialect, 'Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? <i>[It is]</i> difficult for you to be kicking against <i>[the]</i> goads <i>[i.e. pointed sticks used to drive livestock]</i>.'


text:
'_But_ get up and stand on your feet; because for this <i>[reason]</i> I appeared to you, to hand-pick you <i>[as]</i> a servant and a witness both of what you saw and of what I will appear <i>[or, will be shown]</i> to you,


text:
delivering you from the <i>[Jewish]</i> people and <i>[from]</i> the Gentiles, to whom _I_ am sending you,


text:
to open their eyes <i>[in order]</i> to turn <i>[them]</i> back from darkness to light and <i>[from]</i> the authority of Satan to God, <i>[in order for]</i> them to receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among the ones having been sanctified by faith in Me.'


text:
_but_ first to the <i>[ones]</i> in Damascus and to the <i>[ones]</i> in Jerusalem and into all the region of Judea and to the Gentiles, preaching <i>[for them]</i> to be repenting and to be turning to God, doing works worthy of repentance.


text:
"Because of these things the Jews having arrested me in the temple were attempting to murder <i>[me]</i>.


text:
"Therefore, having obtained help from God, until this day I have stood testifying both to small and to great, saying nothing except what both the Prophets and Moses spoke of <i>[as]</i> being about to be taking place,


text:
that the Christ is subject to suffering, that <i>[being the]</i> first from <i>[the]</i> resurrection of the dead, He is about to be proclaiming light to the <i>[Jewish]</i> people and to the Gentiles."


text:
Now while he <i>[was]</i> speaking these <i>[things]</i> in his own defense, Festus said with a loud voice, "You are raving mad, Paul! The many writings <i>[fig., Your great learning]</i> is driving you to madness!"


text:
But he says, "I am not raving mad, most excellent Festus, _but_ I boldly declare words of truth and of soundness of mind.


text:
"For the king knows about these <i>[things]</i>, before whom also speaking boldly I speak, for I am not persuaded <i>[that]</i> any of these <i>[things]</i> are escaping His notice, for this has not been done in a corner.


text:
Then Agrippa said to Paul, "With little <i>[effort]</i> you are persuading me to become a Christian?"


text:
But Paul said, "I would have wished to God, both with little <i>[effort]</i> and with much <i>[effort]</i>, not only you _but_ also all the ones hearing me today to become such as _I_ also am, except for these chains."


text:
And he having spoken these <i>[things]</i>, the king stood up, and the governor and Bernice and the ones sitting with them.


text:
And having stepped aside, they began speaking to one another, saying, "This man is doing nothing worthy of death or of chains."


text:
Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man was able to have been released if he had not appealed to Caesar."


text:
Now when it was decided <i>[for]</i> us to set sail for Italy, they were handing over both Paul and some other prisoners to a centurion by name Julius, of the garrison <i>[of soldiers]</i> of His Majesty the Emperor <i>[or, of the Imperial Regiment]</i>.


text:
So having boarded an Adramyttium ship about to be sailing to the places <i>[or, ports]</i> along <i>[the coast of]</i> Asia, we set sail, Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.


text:
And the next <i>[day]</i> we docked at Sidon, and Julius having treated Paul considerately, permitted <i>[him]</i>, having gone to his friends, to receive care.


text:
And from there, having set sail, we sailed under the sheltered side of Cyprus, because of the winds being against <i>[us]</i>.


text:
And having sailed across the open sea along <i>[the coast of]</i> Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra of Lycia.


text:
Now sailing slowly <i>[for]</i> a considerable <i>[number of]</i> days and with difficulty having come to be down from Cnidus, the wind not allowing us to go further, we sailed under the sheltered side of Crete, down from Salmone.


text:
And sailing past it with difficulty, we came to a certain place being called Fair Havens, near to which was the city <i>[of]</i> Lasea.


text:
Now a considerable <i>[amount]</i> of time having passed and the voyage already being dangerous, because of the Fast <i>[i.e., Yom Kipper, which occurs in late September to early October]</i> also already having passed, Paul began recommending,


text:
saying to them, "Men, I perceive that with damage and great loss, not only of the cargo and of the ship, _but_ also of our lives, the voyage is about to be."


text:
But the centurion was being persuaded by the helmsman and the captain more than the <i>[words]</i> being spoken by Paul.


text:
Now the harbor being unsuitable to spend the winter in, the majority part gave counsel to sail from there also, if perhaps they might be able, having arrived at Phenice, <i>[there]</i> to spend the winter, <i>[which is]</i> a harbor of Crete looking <i>[fig., opening]</i> to <i>[the]</i> southwest and to <i>[the]</i> northwest.


text:
Now a south wind having blown gently, having thought to have taken hold of <i>[fig., to have achieved]</i> the plan, having taken up anchor, they began sailing along Crete.


text:
But not long after a typhoon-like wind rushed down from it <i>[i.e., Crete]</i>-the <i>[wind]</i> being called Euroclydon <i>["southeast wind"]</i>.


text:
So the ship having been dragged off <i>[course]</i> and not being able to be facing into the wind, having given up <i>[to it]</i>, we were being carried along.


text:
Then having run under the sheltered side of a certain small island being called Clauda, with difficulty we were able to become in command of the lifeboat,


text:
which having taken up, they began using supports, fastening ropes around the ship, and fearing lest they run aground in the <i>[sandbanks of]</i> Syrtes, having let down the sea anchor, in this way we were being carried along.


text:
So we being violently storm-tossed, the following <i>[day]</i> they began making a jettison <i>[of cargo]</i>.


text:
And on the third <i>[day]</i> with our own hands we threw <i>[overboard]</i> the rigging of the ship <i>[i.e. the ropes and chains used to support and work the mast and sails of the ship]</i>.


text:
Now neither sun nor stars appearing for many days, and no small <i>[fig., a terrible]</i> storm pressing on <i>[us]</i>, from then on all hope of our being saved was being abandoned.


text:
But <i>[after there]</i> being a lack of appetite <i>[for]</i> a long <i>[time]</i>, then Paul having stood in <i>[the]</i> middle of them, said, "It was being necessary indeed, O men, having followed my advice, not to be setting sail from Crete and to spare this damage and loss.


text:
"And now I am urging you* to be taking courage, for <i>[there]</i> will be no loss of life among you*, but <i>[only]</i> of the ship.


text:
"For <i>[there]</i> stood by me this night an angel of God, whose I am, and to whom I sacredly serve,


text:
saying, 'Stop being afraid Paul! It is necessary <i>[for]</i> you to stand before Caesar. And listen! God has graciously granted to you all the ones sailing with you.'


text:
"For this reason, be keeping up <i>[your*]</i> courage, men! For I believe God, that in this way it will be, according to what manner it has been spoken to me.


text:
Now when the fourteenth night came, we being driven about in the Adriatic sea, in <i>[the]</i> middle of the night, the sailors were suspecting some land to be approaching to them.


text:
And having taken a sounding, they found <i>[the water to be]</i> twenty fathoms <i>[deep]</i> <i>[about 120 feet or 37 meters]</i>, then having gone a little farther, and again having taken a sounding, they found <i>[it to be]</i> fifteen fathoms <i>[about 90 feet or 28 meters]</i>.


text:
And fearing lest perhaps we should run aground on rocky places, having thrown out four anchors from <i>[the]</i> stern, they began praying <i>[or, wishing]</i> for day to come.


text:
But as the sailors <i>[were]</i> trying to flee from the ship, and having let down the lifeboat into the sea, pretending like they <i>[were]</i> about to spread out anchors from the bow,


text:
Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "If these <i>[men]</i> do not remain in the ship you* <i>[will]</i> not be able to be saved!"


text:
Now until which <i>[time]</i> it was about to be day, Paul was encouraging all to partake of food, saying, "Today <i>[is the]</i> fourteenth day you* continue waiting without appetite for food, having taken nothing.


text:
"For this reason, I encourage you* to take <i>[some]</i> food, for this is for your* salvation <i>[or, survival]</i>, for not a hair from the head of <i>[any of]</i> you* will fall."


text:
And having said these <i>[things]</i>, and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God before all, and having broken <i>[it]</i>, he began to be eating.


text:
Now when it became day, they could not recognize the land. But they noticed a certain bay having a beach, into which they decided, if possible, to beach the ship.


text:
And having cut away the anchors, they were leaving <i>[them]</i> in the sea, at the same time having loosed the ropes of the rudders and having hoisted up the foresail to the blowing <i>[wind]</i>, they began heading for the shore.


text:
But having fallen into a place where two seas meet <i>[fig., having struck a sand bar; or, having encountered cross-currents]</i>, they ran the vessel aground. And the bow indeed having stuck fast remained immovable, but the stern began being broken up by the force of the waves.


text:
Now the soldiers' plan was that they should be killing the prisoners, lest anyone having swam away, shall escape.


text:
But the centurion wanting to bring Paul safely through, kept them from <i>[their]</i> intention and commanded the ones being able to be swimming, having jumped overboard first, to get to the land,


text:
and the rest <i>[should follow]</i>, some indeed on boards and others on some of the <i>[parts]</i> of the ship. And in this way it came about <i>[for]</i> all to be brought safely through to the land.


text:
And having been brought through safely, then they knew <i>[or, learned]</i> that the island is called Malta.


text:
Now the non-Greek natives were showing us the not having been ordinary <i>[fig., extraordinary]</i> kindness, for having kindled a fire, they received us all, because of the rain, the one having arrived, and because of the cold.


text:
But Paul having gathered together a number of dry sticks and having laid <i>[them]</i> on the fire, a viper having come out of the heat fasten on his hand.


text:
And when the non-Greek natives saw the animal hanging from his hand, they said to one another, "Certainly this man is a murderer, whom, having been brought through safely out of the sea, Dike <i>[i.e., the goddess of justice]</i> did not allow to live."


text:
But they were expecting him to be about to be swelled up, or to be suddenly falling down dead. But they expecting <i>[it for]</i> a long <i>[time]</i>, and seeing nothing harmful happening to him, changing <i>[their]</i> minds, began saying he is a god.


text:
Now in the <i>[areas]</i> around that place were pieces of lands <i>[belonging]</i> to the first <i>[fig., leading]</i> <i>[man]</i> of the island, by name Publius, who, having welcomed us, he courteously entertained <i>[us]</i> as guests <i>[for]</i> three days.


text:
But it happened, the father of Publius, suffering attacks of fever and dysentery <i>[i.e., an intestinal infection]</i>, <i>[was]</i> lying down, to whom Paul having entered and having prayed, having laid <i>[his]</i> hands on him, healed him.


text:
So this having happened, also the rest <i>[of]</i> the ones having sicknesses on the island were coming and were being healed,


text:
who also honored us with many honors, and when we <i>[were]</i> setting sail, they themselves put <i>[on board]</i> the <i>[things]</i> for the need <i>[fig., which we needed]</i>.


text:
So after three months, we were brought in an Alexandrian ship <i>[which]</i> had spent the winter on the island, marked by <i>[the]</i> Dioscuri <i>[i.e. twin Roman gods regarded as patrons of sailors]</i>.


text:
From there having sailed around, we arrived at Rhegium, and after one day, a south wind having sprung up, the second <i>[day]</i> we came to Puteoli,


text:
where having found brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, we were invited to stay with them seven days, and in this manner we came to Rome.


text:
And from there, the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> having heard the <i>[things]</i> concerning us, came out for a meeting with us, as far as Appii Forum and Three Taverns, whom Paul having seen, having given thanks to God, took courage.


text:
Now when we came to Rome, the centurion handed the prisoners over to the camp commander, but Paul was permitted to stay by himself, with the soldier guarding him.


text:
Then it happened after three days, Paul called together the ones being the first <i>[fig., leading]</i> <i>[men]</i> of the Jews. So they having come together, he said to them: "Men, brothers, _I_ having done nothing against the people or the ancestral customs, <i>[yet]</i> I was handed over <i>[as]</i> a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans,


text:
who having examined me were wanting to release <i>[me]</i> because of <i>[there]</i> being no cause in me for <i>[putting me to]</i> death.


text:
But the Jews having objected to <i>[it]</i>, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar, not as having anything <i>[of which]</i> to accuse my nation.


text:
For this reason, therefore, I requested to see you* and to speak with <i>[you*]</i>, for because of the hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> of Israel I am bound with this chain."


text:
Then they said to him, "We neither received letters concerning you from Judea, nor having arrived, did any of the brothers report or speak anything evil concerning you.


text:
"But we consider it fitting to hear from you what you think, for indeed concerning this sect it is known to us that it is objected to everywhere."


text:
So having appointed for him a day, many came to him at <i>[his]</i> lodging place, to whom he was explaining, solemnly testifying <i>[to]</i> the kingdom of God and persuading them of the <i>[things]</i> concerning Jesus, both from the Law of Moses and the Prophets, from early morning until evening.


text:
And some indeed were being persuaded by the <i>[things]</i> being spoken, but others were refusing to believe.


text:
So being in disagreement with one another, they began leaving, Paul having spoken one <i>[parting]</i> word, "The Holy Spirit spoke rightly through Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,


text:
saying, 'Go to this people and say, "With hearing you* will hear, and by no means shall you* understand; and seeing you will see, and by no means shall you* perceive.


text:
"For the heart of this people <i>[has]</i> become dull <i>[or, insensitive]</i>, and they heard heavily with the ears <i>[fig., they are hard of hearing]</i>, and they closed their eyes, lest they see with the eyes, and they hear with the ears, and they understand with the heart, and they turn back, and I would heal them."' <i>[Isaiah 6:9,10]</i>


text:
"Therefore, let it be known to you* that the salvation of God was sent to the Gentiles, and these will hear <i>[it]</i>."


text:
Now Paul remained <i>[for]</i> an entire two year period in his own rented quarters, and he was receiving all the ones coming in to him,


text:
preaching the kingdom of God and teaching the <i>[things]</i> concerning the Lord Jesus Christ with all confidence, without hindrance.


text:
Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, a called apostle, having been separated <i>[or, appointed]</i> to the Gospel of God,


text:
the <i>[One]</i> having been designated Son of God with power according to <i>[the]</i> Spirit of holiness, by <i>[the]</i> resurrection from <i>[the]</i> dead, Jesus Christ our Lord,


text:
through whom we received grace and apostleship for obedience of faith among all the nations on behalf of His name,


text:
to all the ones being in Rome, beloved of God, called holy ones <i>[or, saints, and throughout epistle]</i>: Grace to you* and peace from God our Father and <i>[the]</i> Lord Jesus Christ!


text:
First indeed I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you*, that your* faith is being proclaimed in the whole world.


text:
For God is my witness, whom I sacredly serve in my spirit in the Gospel of His Son, how I constantly make mention of you*,


text:
always imploring in my prayers, if in some way now at last I will succeed, by the will of God, to come to you*.


text:
For I long to see you*, so that I should impart some spiritual gift to you*, for you* to be established,


text:
now that is <i>[for me]</i> to be comforted <i>[or, encouraged]</i> together among you*, through faith in one another, both yours* and mine.


text:
But I do not want you* to be unaware, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, that frequently I myself intended to come to you* (and was prevented until the present), so that I should have some fruit also among you*, just as also among the other Gentiles.


text:
I am a debtor <i>[fig., under obligation]</i> both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to wise and to foolish.


text:
So the <i>[situation]</i> concerning me <i>[is this: I am]</i> eager to proclaim the Gospel also to you*, the <i>[ones]</i> in Rome.


text:
For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is <i>[the]</i> power of God to salvation to every <i>[one]</i> believing, both to <i>[the]</i> Jew first and to <i>[the]</i> Greek.


text:
For <i>[the]</i> righteousness of God is revealed in it from faith to faith, just as it has been written, "But the <i>[one]</i> righteous by faith will live <i>[or, the righteous will live by faith]</i>." <i>[Hab 2:4]</i>


text:
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven upon all impiety <i>[or, ungodliness]</i> and unrighteousness of people, <i>[upon]</i> the ones suppressing the truth in unrighteousness.


text:
For this reason, the <i>[thing]</i> known of God is revealed among <i>[or, within]</i> them, for God revealed <i>[it]</i> to them.


text:
For from <i>[the]</i> creation of <i>[the]</i> world His invisible <i>[attributes]</i> are plainly seen, being understood by the <i>[things]</i> made, both His eternal power and divinity, so that they are without excuse.


text:
For this reason, having known God, they did not glorify <i>[Him]</i> as God nor did they give thanks, _but_ they were given over to deception in their thought processes <i>[or, they became futile in their speculations]</i>, and their foolish heart <i>[fig., inner self, and throughout book]</i> was darkened.


text:
and exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for a likeness of an image of corruptible people and of birds and of four-footed animals and of reptiles.


text:
And so God also gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity <i>[or, immorality]</i>, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves;


text:
who exchanged the truth of God for the lie <i>[or, changed the truth of God into a lie]</i>, and worshipped and sacredly served the creation rather than the One having created, who is blessed into the ages <i>[fig., forever]</i>. So be it!


text:
For this reason God gave them over to dishonorable, lustful passions, for even their females exchanged the natural use for the <i>[use]</i> against nature,


text:
and likewise also the males having left the natural use of the female were inflamed in their craving for one another; males with males committing shameful behavior and receiving back in themselves the penalty which was fitting <i>[for]</i> their deception <i>[or, perversion]</i>.


text:
And just as they did not think it was worthwhile to be having <i>[or, keeping]</i> God in <i>[their]</i> true knowledge <i>[or, consciousness]</i>, God gave them over to a disapproved <i>[fig., debased]</i> mind to be doing the <i>[things]</i> not proper,


text:
having been filled with all unrighteousness, sexual sin, wickedness, covetous desire <i>[or, greed]</i>, malice; full of envy, murder, bitter conflict, deceit <i>[or, treachery]</i>, maliciousness; gossips,


text:
back-biters, God-haters, insolent persons, arrogant boasters, schemers of evil <i>[things]</i>, disobedient to parents,


text:
who having known the righteous judgment of God, that the ones practicing such things are deserving of death, not only are doing them, _but_ they are also approving of the ones practicing <i>[them]</i>.


text:
For this reason, you are without excuse <i>[or, defense]</i>, O person, every <i>[one]</i> judging, for in what you judge <i>[or, pass sentence on]</i> the other, you condemn yourself, for the same <i>[things]</i> you, the one judging, are practicing!


text:
But we know that the judgment of God is according to truth upon the ones practicing such <i>[things]</i>.


text:
But do you think this, O person (the one judging the ones practicing such things yet doing them), that _you_ will escape the judgment of God?


text:
Or do you despise <i>[or, think lightly of]</i> the riches of His goodness and tolerance and patience, failing to understand <i>[or, disregarding]</i> that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?


text:
But according to your hardness <i>[fig., obstinacy]</i> and impenitent heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in <i>[the]</i> day of wrath and of revelation and of <i>[the]</i> righteous judgment of God,


text:
to the <i>[ones]</i> on the one hand <i>[who]</i> by perseverance of good work seek glory and honor and incorruptibility <i>[or, immortality]</i>, eternal life;


text:
but on the other hand to the <i>[ones who are]</i> selfishly ambitious and <i>[who are]</i> refusing to believe the truth, but obey unrighteousness, anger and wrath,


text:
affliction and distress upon every soul of a person, the one working the evil, both of Jew first and of Greek;


text:
but glory and honor and peace to every <i>[one who]</i> works the good, both to Jew first and to Greek.


text:
For as many as sinned without <i>[the]</i> Law will also perish without <i>[the]</i> Law; and as many as sinned in <i>[the]</i> Law will be judged by means of <i>[the]</i> Law.


text:
For the hearers of the Law <i>[are]</i> not righteous before God, _but_ the doers of the Law will be justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i>.


text:
For when nations, the ones not having <i>[the]</i> Law, by nature are doing the <i>[things]</i> of the Law, these not having <i>[the]</i> Law are a law to themselves;


text:
who show the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness with <i>[them]</i>, and among themselves their thoughts accusing or even defending <i>[them]</i>,


text:
in <i>[the]</i> day when God will judge the secrets of the people according to my Gospel through Jesus Christ.


text:
and you know His will and approve the essential <i>[things]</i> <i>[or, the [things] of greater value]</i>, being instructed out of the Law,


text:
and are confident <i>[that]</i> you yourself are a guide of blind ones, a light to the <i>[ones]</i> in darkness,


text:
an instructor of foolish ones, a teacher of young children, having the form of the knowledge and of the truth in the Law.


text:
Therefore, the one teaching another, you teach yourself, do you not? The one preaching not to steal, do you steal?


text:
The one saying not to be committing adultery, do you commit adultery? The one detesting the idols, do you rob temples <i>[or, commit sacrilege]</i>?


text:
You who boast <i>[or, pride yourselves]</i> in <i>[the]</i> Law, do you dishonor God through the transgression of the Law?


text:
For "The name of God is blasphemed among the nations because of you*," just as it has been written. <i>[Isaiah 52:5]</i>


text:
For indeed circumcision profits <i>[or, is of value]</i> if you practice <i>[the]</i> Law, but if you are a transgressor of <i>[the]</i> Law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision.


text:
So if the uncircumcision <i>[i.e. a Gentile]</i> is keeping the righteousness of the Law, his uncircumcision will be regarded as circumcision, will it not?


text:
And the uncircumcision by nature <i>[or, the one physically uncircumcised]</i> <i>[who]</i> fulfills the Law will judge you, the one <i>[who]</i> in spite of <i>[having]</i> letter and circumcision <i>[are]</i> a transgressor of <i>[the]</i> Law.


text:
For he is not a Jew, the one in the open <i>[fig., who is so outwardly]</i>, neither <i>[is]</i> circumcision in the open <i>[fig., outwardly]</i> in flesh;


text:
_but_ a Jew <i>[is]</i> the one in the secret <i>[fig., inwardly]</i>, and circumcision <i>[is]</i> of <i>[the]</i> heart, in spirit, not in letter, whose praise is not from people, _but_ from God.


text:
For what if some were unfaithful <i>[or, refused to believe]</i>? Their unfaithfulness <i>[or, unbelief]</i> will not make the faithfulness of God useless, will it?


text:
Absolutely not! But let God become true, but every person a liar! Just as it has been written, "In order that You shall be justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> in Your words and prevail in Your being judged." <i>[Psalm 51:4]</i>


text:
But if our unrighteousness demonstrates God's righteousness, what will we say? God, the One inflicting the wrath, is not unrighteous, is He? (I speak according to human <i>[standards]</i>.)


text:
For if the truth of God by my lie <i>[or, deceitfulness]</i> abounded to His glory, why am I still also judged as a sinner?


text:
And <i>[why]</i> not <i>[say]</i> (just as we are slandered and just as some imply us to be saying), "Let us do evil <i>[things]</i> so that good <i>[things]</i> shall come?" whose condemnation is deserved.


text:
What then? Are we <i>[any]</i> better? Certainly not! For we previously charged <i>[that]</i> both Jews and Greeks are all under sin,


text:
"<i>[There]</i> is not <i>[one]</i> understanding; there is not <i>[one]</i> diligently seeking after God.


text:
"All turned aside, together they became unprofitable; <i>[there]</i> is not <i>[one]</i> doing kindness <i>[or, what is right]</i>, <i>[there]</i> is not so much as one." <i>[Psalm 14:1-3; 53:1-3; Eccl 7:20]</i>


text:
"Their throat <i>[is]</i> a grave having been opened; with their tongues they deceived; <i>[the]</i> venom of poisonous snakes <i>[is]</i> under their lips." <i>[Psalm 5:9; 140:3]</i>


text:
Now we know that as many <i>[things]</i> as the Law says, it speaks to the <i>[ones]</i> in the Law, so that every mouth shall be stopped <i>[fig., silenced]</i> and all the world shall become answerable to God.


text:
Therefore, by works of <i>[the]</i> Law not will all flesh <i>[or, will no flesh]</i> be justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> before Him, for by means of <i>[the]</i> Law is <i>[the]</i> full <i>[or, true]</i> knowledge of sin.


text:
But now apart from <i>[the]</i> Law has the righteousness of God been revealed, being testified to by the Law and the Prophets,


text:
but the righteousness of God <i>[is]</i> through faith <i>[or, trust]</i> in Jesus Christ to all and upon all the ones believing, for there is no difference <i>[or, distinction]</i>.


text:
being justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> freely by His grace through the redemption <i>[or, setting free]</i>, the <i>[one]</i> in Christ Jesus,


text:
whom God Himself put forward publicly <i>[as]</i> a mercy seat <i>[or, propitiation]</i> through faith in His blood, for a demonstration of His righteousness, because of the passing over of the sins having previously occurred in the tolerance of God,


text:
for a demonstration of His righteousness in the present time, for Him to be righteous and justifying the <i>[one]</i> <i>[or, declaring the [one] righteous]</i> <i>[who has]</i> faith in Jesus.


text:
Where then <i>[is]</i> the boasting? It was excluded. By what law? Of works? Not at all, _but_ by a law of faith.


text:
Therefore, we maintain <i>[that]</i> a person is justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> by faith apart from works of <i>[the]</i> Law.


text:
since <i>[there is]</i> one God who will justify <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> <i>[the]</i> circumcision by faith and <i>[the]</i> uncircumcision through faith.


text:
So do we nullify <i>[the]</i> Law through faith? Absolutely not! _But_ we establish <i>[the]</i> Law.


text:
What then will we say <i>[that]</i> Abraham our father to have found according to <i>[the]</i> flesh?


text:
For if Abraham was justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> by works, he has <i>[grounds for]</i> boasting-_but_ not before God.


text:
For what does the Scripture say? "But Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." <i>[Gen 15:6]</i>


text:
But to the one working, the reward <i>[or, his wage]</i> is not accounted <i>[or, considered]</i> according to grace, _but_ according to debt.


text:
But to the one not working, but <i>[who]</i> believes on the One justifying the impious <i>[or, trusts in the One declaring the godless righteous]</i>, his faith is accounted for righteousness.


text:
Just as David also speaks of the happiness <i>[or, blessing]</i> of the person to whom God accounts <i>[or, considers]</i> righteousness apart from works,


text:
"Happy <i>[or, Blessed]</i> <i>[are they]</i> whose lawless deeds were forgiven and whose sins were covered;


text:
"Happy <i>[is]</i> a man to whom the LORD shall by no means account <i>[or, impute]</i> sin." <i>[Psalm 32:1,2]</i>


text:
So <i>[is]</i> this happiness upon the circumcision, or also upon the uncircumcision? For we say, "His faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness." <i>[Gen 15:6]</i>


text:
How then was it accounted? He being in circumcision or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, _but_ in uncircumcision!


text:
And he received a sign of circumcision, a seal <i>[fig., proof]</i> of the righteousness of the faith, the <i>[faith while]</i> in the uncircumcision, for him to be a father of all the ones believing through uncircumcision <i>[or, although uncircumcised]</i>, for the righteousness to also be accounted to them;


text:
and a father of circumcision to the <i>[ones]</i> not of circumcision only, _but_ to the ones keeping in line with <i>[fig., following in]</i> the footsteps of the faith of our father Abraham, the <i>[faith he had while]</i> in the uncircumcision.


text:
For not by means of <i>[the]</i> Law <i>[was]</i> the promise to Abraham or to his seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i>, <i>[for]</i> him to be the heir of the world, _but_ by means of the righteousness of faith.


text:
For if the <i>[ones who are]</i> of <i>[the]</i> Law <i>[are]</i> heirs, faith has been made empty <i>[or, has been deprived of power]</i> and the promise has been nullified.


text:
For the Law produces wrath, for where <i>[there]</i> is no law, neither <i>[is there]</i> transgression.


text:
For this reason <i>[it is]</i> of faith, that <i>[it should be]</i> according to grace, for the promise to be secure to all the seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i>, not to the <i>[one]</i> of the Law only, _but_ also to the <i>[one]</i> of <i>[the]</i> faith of Abraham, who is father of all of us


text:
(just as it has been written, "I have appointed you <i>[as]</i> a father of many nations") in the presence of God, whom he believed, the One giving life to the dead <i>[ones]</i> and calling the <i>[things]</i> not existing as existing. <i>[Gen 17:5]</i>


text:
Who against <i>[or, beyond]</i> hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> believed in hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, for him to become "a father of many nations" according to the <i>[word]</i> having been spoken, "So will your seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i> be." <i>[Gen 15:5]</i>


text:
And not having been weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already having become dead (being about a hundred years old), and the deadness <i>[fig., barrenness]</i> of the womb of Sarah;


text:
yet, he did not waver <i>[or, hesitate]</i> at the promise of God in unbelief, _but_ he was strengthened in his faith, having given glory to God,


text:
_but_ also on account of us, to whom it is about to be accounted <i>[or, imputed]</i>, to the ones believing on <i>[or, trusting in]</i> the One having raised up Jesus our Lord from <i>[the]</i> dead,


text:
who was handed over because of our transgressions and was raised up because of our justification <i>[or, our [being] declared righteousness]</i>.


text:
Therefore, having been justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> by faith, we have peace toward God through our Lord Jesus Christ,


text:
through whom also we have the access <i>[or, privilege to enter]</i> by faith into this grace in which we have stood, and we boast <i>[or, rejoice]</i> in the hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> of the glory of God!


text:
But not only <i>[this]</i>, _but_ we also boast <i>[or, take pride]</i> in afflictions, knowing that affliction produces patient endurance,


text:
and patient endurance proven character, and proven character hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>,


text:
and hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> does not disappoint <i>[us]</i>, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, the One having been given to us.


text:
For Christ, while we were still weak <i>[or, helpless]</i>, at the right time, died on behalf of the impious <i>[or, ungodly]</i>.


text:
For scarcely <i>[or, only rarely]</i> will anyone die on behalf of a righteous <i>[person]</i>; for perhaps someone even dares <i>[or, might be prepared]</i> to die on behalf of the good <i>[person]</i>.


text:
But God demonstrates His own love to us, <i>[in]</i> that us still being sinners <i>[or, while we were still sinners]</i>, Christ died on our behalf.


text:
Much more then, having been justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> now by His blood, we will be saved from the wrath through Him.


text:
For if, being enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we will be saved by His life.


text:
But not only <i>[this]</i>, _but_ we also boast <i>[or, rejoice]</i> in God, through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we now received the reconciliation.


text:
For this reason, even as through one man sin entered into the world, and through sin death; and thus death passed through <i>[or, extended]</i> to all people, for that <i>[or, because]</i> all sinned;


text:
for until <i>[the]</i> Law sin was in the world, but sin is not accounted <i>[or, imputed]</i> <i>[there]</i> not being law <i>[or, when [there] is no law]</i>.


text:
_But_ death reigned from Adam until Moses, even on the ones not having sinned according to the likeness of Adam's transgression, who is a type of the coming One.


text:
_But_ not as the offense so also <i>[is]</i> the gracious gift; for if by the offense of the one <i>[man]</i> the many died, much more the grace of God and the free gift by grace of the one Man Jesus Christ abounded to the many.


text:
And not as through one <i>[man]</i> having sinned <i>[is]</i> the gift; for on the one hand the judgment from one <i>[offense resulted]</i> in condemnation, on the other hand the gracious gift from many offences <i>[resulted]</i> in justification <i>[or, a declared righteousness]</i>.


text:
For if by the offense of the one <i>[man]</i> death reigned through the one, much more the ones receiving the abundance of the grace and of the free gift of the righteousness in life will reign through the one <i>[Man]</i>, Jesus Christ.


text:
So, consequently, as through one offense <i>[judgment came]</i> to all people <i>[resulting]</i> in condemnation, so also <i>[the gift came]</i> through one righteous deed to all people <i>[resulting]</i> in justification <i>[or, declared righteousness]</i> of life.


text:
For even as through the disobedience of the one man, the many were constituted <i>[or, caused to be]</i> sinners, so also through the obedience of the one <i>[Man]</i>, the many will be constituted righteous.


text:
But <i>[the]</i> Law entered alongside so that the offense should abound, but where sin abounded, grace super-abounded,


text:
so that even as sin reigned by death, so also grace reigns through righteousness to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord!


text:
Or do you* fail to understand that we, as many as were baptized <i>[or, immersed]</i> into Christ Jesus, were baptized into His death?


text:
Therefore, we were buried together with Him through the baptism <i>[or, immersion]</i> into death, so that even as Christ was raised up from <i>[the]</i> dead through the glory of the Father, so also _we_ should walk about <i>[fig., conduct ourselves]</i> in newness of life.


text:
For if we have become planted together <i>[fig., united]</i> <i>[with Him]</i> in the likeness of His death, certainly we also will be <i>[in the likeness]</i> of the resurrection;


text:
knowing this, that our former person was crucified together <i>[with Him]</i>, so that the body of sin shall be made useless <i>[or, pass away]</i>, <i>[so that]</i> we <i>[are]</i> no longer to be serving as a slave to sin.


text:
knowing that Christ, having been raised up from <i>[the]</i> dead, no longer dies; death no longer exercises lordship over Him.


text:
For what <i>[death]</i> He died, He died once for all <i>[time]</i> to sin, but what <i>[life]</i> He lives, He lives to God.


text:
So also _you*_, be considering yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, but living to God in Jesus Christ our Lord.


text:
Therefore, stop letting sin reign in your* mortal body to be obeying it in its lusts <i>[or, evil desires]</i>,


text:
and stop presenting your* body parts <i>[as]</i> instruments of unrighteousness to sin, _but_ present yourselves to God as living from <i>[the]</i> dead, and your* body parts <i>[as]</i> instruments of righteousness to God.


text:
You* do know that to whom you* present yourselves <i>[as]</i> slaves for obedience, you* are slaves to whom you* obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness, do you* not?


text:
But thanks <i>[be]</i> to God, that you* were slaves of sin, but were obedient from <i>[the]</i> heart to the pattern of teaching to which you* were committed.


text:
I speak in human terms, because of the weakness of your* flesh, for even as you* presented your* body parts <i>[as]</i> slaves to impurity <i>[or, immorality]</i> and to lawlessness <i>[resulting]</i> in <i>[more]</i> lawlessness, so now present your* members <i>[or, body parts]</i> <i>[as]</i> slaves to righteousness <i>[resulting]</i> in sanctification.


text:
So what fruit were you* having then, in which <i>[things]</i> you* are now ashamed? For the end of those <i>[things is]</i> death.


text:
But now, having been freed from sin, but having been enslaved to God, you* have your* fruit <i>[resulting]</i> in sanctification, and the outcome <i>[is]</i> eternal life!


text:
For the wages of sin <i>[is]</i> death, but the gracious gift of God <i>[is]</i> eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord!


text:
Do you* fail to understand, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> (for I speak to <i>[ones]</i> knowing <i>[the]</i> Law), that the Law is lord of <i>[or, has power over]</i> the man as long a time <i>[as]</i> he is living?


text:
For the married woman has been bound by law to the living husband, but if the husband dies, she has been released from the law of the husband.


text:
So, consequently, the husband being alive, she will be called an adulteress if she becomes <i>[joined]</i> to a different man; but if the husband dies, she is free from the law, <i>[so as]</i> not to be an adulteress, having become <i>[joined]</i> to another man.


text:
Accordingly, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, _you*_ also were made dead to the Law through the body of Christ, for you* to become <i>[joined]</i> to another, to the One having been raised up from <i>[the]</i> dead, so that we should bear fruit to God.


text:
For when we were in the flesh, the passions of the sins, the ones <i>[aroused]</i> through the Law, were working in our body parts <i>[in order]</i> to bear fruit to death.


text:
But now we were released from the Law, having died in <i>[that]</i> by which we were held, with the result that we serve as slaves in newness of spirit <i>[or, of [the] Spirit]</i> and not in oldness of letter.


text:
What then will we say? <i>[Is]</i> the Law sin? Absolutely not! _But_ I did not know sin except through <i>[the]</i> Law. For also I had not known covetousness unless the Law had said, "You will not covet." <i>[Exod 20:17; Deut 5:21]</i>


text:
But that sin having received an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all covetousness, for apart from <i>[the]</i> Law, sin is dead.


text:
But _I_ was once living apart from <i>[the]</i> Law, but the commandment having come, sin came back to life, but _I_ died.


text:
And the commandment, the <i>[one meant]</i> for life, was found by me, this <i>[one to be]</i> for death.


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For sin having received an opportunity through the commandment deceived me, and through it put <i>[me]</i> to death.


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So has the good become to me death? Absolutely not! _But_ sin, so that it should appear sin, through the good, produces death to me, so that sin becomes utterly sinful through the commandment.


text:
For we know that the Law is spiritual, but _I_ am fleshly, having been sold as a slave under sin <i>[fig., having been enslaved to sin]</i>.


text:
For what I do, I do not understand; for what I do not desire <i>[or, will]</i>, this I practice, _but_ what I hate, this I do.


text:
For I know that <i>[there]</i> does not dwell in me, that is in my flesh, <i>[any]</i> good; for the <i>[ability]</i> to be desiring is present with me, but the <i>[ability]</i> to be producing the good I do not find.


text:
But if what _I_ do not desire, this I do, <i>[it is]</i> no longer _I_ <i>[who]</i> produces it, _but_ the sin dwelling in me.


text:
Consequently, I find the law to me, the one desiring to be doing the good, that with me the evil is present.


text:
But I discover a different law in my body parts, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity by the law of the sin that <i>[is]</i> in my members.


text:
I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord; so consequently, _I_ myself on the one hand with the mind serve as a slave to the Law of God, on the other hand with the flesh, <i>[the]</i> law of sin.


text:
Consequently, <i>[there is]</i> now no condemnation to the <i>[ones]</i> in Christ Jesus, <i>[who]</i> do not walk about <i>[fig., conduct themselves]</i> according to flesh, _but_ according to <i>[the]</i> Spirit <i>[or, to spirit, and possibly elsewhere in 8:2-15]</i>.


text:
For the <i>[thing]</i> impossible <i>[for]</i> the Law <i>[to do]</i> in that it was weak through the flesh, God <i>[did]</i>, having sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and concerning sin, condemned sin in the flesh,


text:
so that the righteousness requirement of the Law should be fulfilled in us, the <i>[ones]</i> not walking about <i>[fig., conducting ourselves]</i> according to flesh, _but_ according to <i>[the]</i> Spirit.


text:
For the ones according to the flesh set their minds on the <i>[things]</i> of the flesh, but the <i>[ones]</i> according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit.


text:
For the mind-set <i>[or, way of thinking]</i> of the flesh <i>[is]</i> death, but the mind-set of the Spirit <i>[is]</i> life and peace.


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Because the mind-set of the flesh <i>[is]</i> hostile towards God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed is it able <i>[to be]</i>.


text:
But _you*_ are not in <i>[the]</i> flesh _but_ in <i>[the]</i> Spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you*; but if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, this one is not His.


text:
But if Christ <i>[is]</i> in you*, on the one hand the body <i>[is]</i> dead because of sin, on the other hand the Spirit <i>[is]</i> life because of righteousness.


text:
But if the Spirit of the One having raised up Jesus from <i>[the]</i> dead dwells in you*, the One having raised up Christ from <i>[the]</i> dead will also give life to your* mortal bodies through His Spirit indwelling in you.*


text:
So, consequently, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, we are debtors <i>[fig., under obligation]</i>, not to the flesh to be living according to the flesh.


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For if you* live according to the flesh, you* are about to die; but if by <i>[the]</i> Spirit you* put to death the deeds of the body, you* will live.


text:
For as many as are led by <i>[the]</i> Spirit of God, these are the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of God.


text:
For you* did not receive a spirit of slavery again for fear, _but_ you* received <i>[the]</i> Spirit of adoption <i>[i.e., the formal and legal declaration that we are His children]</i> in which we cry out, "Dad <i>[Gr. Abba]</i>, Father!"


text:
Now if children, also heirs-heirs on the one hand of God, joint-heirs on the other hand with Christ, since we suffer together, so that we shall also be glorified together.


text:
For I consider that the sufferings of the present time <i>[are]</i> not worthy <i>[to be compared]</i> with the glory about to be revealed in us.


text:
For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of God.


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For the creation was subjected to futility, not of its will, _but_ because of the One having subjected <i>[it]</i> in hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>,


text:
because even the creation itself will be set free from the slavery of the corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God.


text:
But not only <i>[this]</i>, _but_ even ourselves, having the first-fruit of the Spirit, _we_ also ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly awaiting adoption-the redemption of our body!


text:
For in hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> we were saved, but hope being looked at is not hope; for what anyone looks at, why also does he hope for <i>[or, confidently expect]</i> <i>[it]</i>?


text:
But if what we do not look at we hope for <i>[or, confidently expect]</i>, with patient endurance we eagerly wait for <i>[it]</i>.


text:
So in the same manner also, the Spirit helps our weaknesses; for what we will pray for, as it is necessary <i>[for us]</i>, we do not know, _but_ the Spirit Himself makes intercession on our behalf with inexpressible groanings.


text:
Now the One searching the hearts knows what <i>[is]</i> the mind-set of the Spirit, because according to God He intercedes on behalf of <i>[the]</i> holy ones.


text:
But we know that to the ones loving God all things work together for good, to the ones being called according to <i>[His]</i> purpose.


text:
Because whom He foreknew, He also predestined <i>[to be]</i> conformed to the image of His Son, for Him to be the first-born among many brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>.


text:
Now whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i>; but whom He justified, these He also glorified.


text:
What then will we say about these <i>[things]</i>? Since God <i>[is]</i> for us <i>[or, on our side]</i>, who <i>[is]</i> against us?


text:
The <i>[One]</i> who indeed did not spare His own Son, _but_ <i>[who]</i> handed Him over on behalf of us all, how will He not also with Him graciously give to us all <i>[things]</i>?


text:
Who will bring a charge against <i>[the]</i> chosen ones of God? God <i>[is]</i> the One justifying <i>[or, declaring righteous]</i>.


text:
Who <i>[is]</i> the one condemning? Christ <i>[is]</i> the One having died, but rather also, having been raised up, who is also at <i>[the]</i> right hand of God, who also intercedes on our behalf.


text:
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? <i>[Will]</i> affliction or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or peril or sword?


text:
Just as it has been written, "For Your sake we are being put to death the whole day; we were accounted as sheep for slaughter." <i>[Psalm 44:22]</i>


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For I have been persuaded that neither death nor life nor angels nor rulers nor powers nor <i>[things]</i> present nor things about to be


text:
nor height nor depth nor any other created <i>[thing]</i> will be able to separate us from the love of God, the <i>[one]</i> in Christ Jesus our Lord!


text:
for I could wish I myself to be accursed <i>[Gr., anathema]</i> from Christ on behalf of my <i>[Jewish]</i> brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, my fellow citizens according to the flesh,


text:
who are Israelites, whose <i>[is]</i> the adoption and the glory and the covenants <i>[or, the ordinances of the covenant]</i> and the law-giving and the sacred service and the promises,


text:
of whom <i>[are]</i> the fathers and out of whom <i>[is]</i> the Christ <i>[or, the Messiah]</i> (the <i>[ancestral descent]</i> according to <i>[the]</i> flesh), the One being over all God blessed into the ages <i>[fig., forever]</i>! So be it!


text:
But it is not possible that the word of God has failed. For all the <i>[ones]</i> of Israel, these <i>[are]</i> not Israel;


text:
nor <i>[are they]</i> all children because they are seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i> of Abraham, _but_ "by Isaac will your seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i> be named." <i>[Gen 21:12]</i>


text:
That is, the children of the flesh, these <i>[are]</i> not children of God, _but_ the children of the promise are counted for seed <i>[fig., descendents]</i>.


text:
For this <i>[is]</i> the word of promise, "At this time I will come, and <i>[there]</i> will be to Sarah a son." <i>[Gen 18:10,14]</i>


text:
But not only <i>[this]</i>, _but_ also Rebecca, having conceived <i>[twins]</i> by one <i>[man]</i>, Isaac our father


text:
(for they having not yet been born, neither having done anything good nor wicked, so that the purpose of God according to <i>[His]</i> choice <i>[or, election]</i> should be remaining, not of works, _but_ of the One calling),


text:
it was said to her, "The greater <i>[or, older]</i> will serve as a slave to the lesser <i>[or, younger]</i>." <i>[Gen 25:23]</i>


text:
For to Moses He says, "I will show mercy to whomever I show mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I have compassion." <i>[Exod 33:19]</i>


text:
So, consequently, <i>[it is]</i> not of the one desiring <i>[or, willing]</i>, nor of the one running, _but_ of the One showing mercy-God!


text:
For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this very <i>[reason]</i> I raised you up, in order that I should show in you My power, and in order that My name shall be proclaimed far and wide in all the land." <i>[Exod 9:16]</i>


text:
So, consequently, <i>[to]</i> whom He wills He shows mercy, but whom He wills He hardens <i>[fig., makes stubborn]</i>.


text:
You will say then to me, "Why does He still find fault? For who has <i>[ever]</i> stood up against <i>[or, resisted]</i> His purpose?"


text:
But rather, O human, who are _you_, the one answering back to God? The thing formed will not say to the one having formed <i>[it]</i>, "Why did you make me like this?" will it?


text:
The potter has <i>[the]</i> right <i>[over]</i> the clay to make out of the same lump on the one hand one vessel to honor, on the other hand one to dishonor, does he not?


text:
So <i>[what]</i> if God, desiring to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath having been prepared for destruction,


text:
and so that He should make known the riches of His glory on vessels of mercy, which He prepared beforehand for glory,


text:
As also in Hosea He says, "I will call the <i>[one]</i> not My people, 'My people;' and the <i>[one]</i> not beloved, 'Beloved.'" <i>[Hosea 2:23]</i>


text:
"And it will be in the place where it was said to them, 'You <i>[are]</i> not My people,' in that place they will be called sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of the living God." <i>[Hosea 1:10]</i>


text:
But Isaiah cries out concerning Israel, "If the number of the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel are as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved.


text:
"For He is finishing and abruptly ending <i>[the]</i> matter in righteousness, because <i>[the]</i> matter having been ended abruptly will the LORD do on the land." <i>[Isaiah 10:22,23]</i>


text:
And just as Isaiah had foretold, "Unless the LORD of Armies <i>[fig., LORD Almighty]</i> left us a seed, we would have become as Sodom, and we would have been made like Gomorrah." <i>[Isaiah 1:9]</i>


text:
What then will we say? That Gentiles, the ones not pursuing righteousness attained righteousness, but a righteousness by faith.


text:
Why? Because <i>[they did]</i> not <i>[pursue it]</i> by faith, _but_ as though <i>[it was]</i> by works of <i>[the]</i> Law; for they stumbled at the stone of stumbling.


text:
Just as it has been written, "Look! I place in Zion a stone of stumbling and a rock of offence; and every one believing on <i>[or, trusting in]</i> Him will not put to shame." <i>[Isaiah 8:14; 28:16]</i>


text:
Brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, indeed the desire of my heart and my petition, the <i>[one]</i> to God on behalf of Israel, is for salvation.


text:
For I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, _but_ not according to full <i>[or, true]</i> knowledge.


text:
For failing to understand the righteousness of God and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not submit to the righteousness of God.


text:
For Moses writes <i>[about]</i> the righteousness, the <i>[one]</i> by the Law, "The person having done them <i>[i.e. all the commandments of the Law]</i> will live by them." <i>[Lev 18:5]</i>


text:
But the righteousness by faith speaks in this way, "You shall not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend to heaven?" (that is, to bring Christ down) <i>[Deut 30:12]</i>


text:
or, "Who will descend into the bottomless pit <i>[or, abyss]</i>?" (that is, to bring Christ up from <i>[the]</i> dead). <i>[Deut 30:13]</i>


text:
_But_ what does it say? "The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart-that is, the word of the faith which we are preaching, <i>[Deut 30:14]</i>


text:
that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from <i>[the]</i> dead, you will be saved!


text:
For with the heart it is believed to righteousness, and with the mouth it is confessed to salvation.


text:
For the Scripture says, "Every one believing on <i>[or, trusting in]</i> Him will not put to shame." <i>[Isaiah 28:16]</i>


text:
For there is no difference <i>[or, distinction]</i> <i>[between]</i> both Jew and Greek, for the same <i>[Lord is]</i> Lord of all, being rich <i>[fig., giving generously]</i> to all the ones calling on Him.


text:
For every <i>[one]</i>, "who himself shall call on the name of <i>[the]</i> LORD will be saved!" <i>[Joel 2:32]</i>


text:
How then will they call on <i>[Him]</i> in whom they did not believe? But how will they believe <i>[on Him]</i> of whom they did not hear? But how will they hear apart from one preaching?


text:
But how will they preach unless they be sent? Just as it has been written, "How beautiful <i>[are]</i> the feet of the ones proclaiming the Gospel of peace, of the ones proclaiming the Gospel of the good <i>[things]</i>!" <i>[Isaiah 52:7; Nahum 1:15]</i>


text:
_But_ they were not all obedient to the Gospel, for Isaiah says, "Lord, who believed our report?" <i>[Isaiah 53:1]</i>


text:
_But_ I say, did they never at all hear? On the contrary, "Their voice went out to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the inhabited earth." <i>[Psalm 19:4]</i>


text:
_But_ I say, did Israel never at all know? First Moses says, "_I_ will provoke you* to jealousy by <i>[that which is]</i> not a nation; by an unintelligent nation I will anger you*." <i>[Deut 32:21]</i>


text:
So Isaiah is very bold <i>[or, speaks out fearlessly]</i> and says, "I was found by the ones not seeking Me; I became known <i>[or, clearly evident]</i> to the ones not inquiring after <i>[or, desiring to know]</i> Me." <i>[Isaiah 65:1]</i>


text:
But to Israel He says, "The whole day I stretched out My hands to a people refusing to believe and being obstinate." <i>[Isaiah 65:2]</i>


text:
I say then, God did not push away <i>[fig., reject]</i> His people, did He? Absolutely not! For _I_ also am an Israelite, of <i>[the]</i> seed of Abraham, of <i>[the]</i> tribe of Benjamin.


text:
God did not push away <i>[fig., reject]</i> His people whom He foreknew. Or do you* not know in <i>[the passage about]</i> Elijah what the Scripture says? How he pleads with God concerning Israel, saying,


text:
"LORD, they killed Your prophets, and they tore down Your altars; and _I_ was left alone, and they seek my life." <i>[1Kings 19:10]</i>


text:
_But_ what does the divine answer say to him? "I left <i>[or, kept]</i> for Myself seven thousand men who did not bend a knee <i>[fig., kneel down]</i> to Baal." <i>[1Kings 19:18]</i>


text:
In the same way then also in the present time <i>[there has]</i> been a remnant according to <i>[God's]</i> choice <i>[or, election]</i> of grace <i>[or, [God's] gracious choice]</i>.


text:
But if by grace, <i>[it is]</i> no longer of works, otherwise <i>[or, in that case]</i> grace no longer becomes grace; but if by works, it is no longer grace, otherwise <i>[or, in that case]</i> work is no longer work.


text:
What then? What Israel seeks, this it did not obtain, but the chosen ones <i>[or, elect]</i> did obtain, but the rest were hardened.


text:
Just as it has been written, "God gave to them a spirit of deep sleep, eyes not to be seeing, and ears not to be hearing, to this very day," <i>[Deut 29:4; Isaiah 29:10]</i>


text:
And David says, "Let their table become for a snare and for a trap and for a stumbling-block <i>[or, offense]</i> and for a recompense <i>[or, retribution]</i> to them.


text:
"Let their eyes be darkened not to be seeing, and their back be bent down through all <i>[fig. continually]</i>." <i>[Psalm 69:22,23]</i>


text:
I say then, they did not stumble so that they should fall, did they? Absolutely not! _But_ by their transgression salvation <i>[came]</i> to the Gentiles to arouse them to jealousy.


text:
But if their transgression <i>[is the]</i> riches of <i>[the]</i> world, and their failure <i>[the]</i> riches of <i>[the]</i> Gentiles, how much more their fullness!


text:
For I speak to you*, the Gentiles, to the degree that _I_ am indeed an apostle of Gentiles, I glorify my ministry,


text:
For if the casting away <i>[fig., rejection]</i> of them <i>[means]</i> reconciliation of <i>[the]</i> world, what <i>[will]</i> their acceptance <i>[be]</i> if not life from <i>[the]</i> dead?


text:
But if the first portion <i>[of dough is]</i> holy, the lump <i>[will be]</i> also; and if the root <i>[is]</i> holy, the branches <i>[will be]</i> also.


text:
But if some of the branches were broken off, and _you_ being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and became a fellow-partaker of the root and of the fatness of the olive tree,


text:
stop being arrogant towards the branches. But if you are arrogant, <i>[remember]</i> _you_ do not sustain the root, _but_ the root <i>[sustains]</i> you!


text:
Rightly <i>[said]</i>! They were broken off by unbelief, but _you_ have stood by your faith. Stop being conceited, _but_ be fearing.


text:
Therefore, look at <i>[or, consider]</i> <i>[the]</i> goodness and severity of God: on the one hand upon the ones having fallen, severity; on the other hand upon you, kindness, if you remain in the goodness; otherwise, _you_ also will be cut off.


text:
But also those, if they do not remain in unbelief, will be grafted in, for God is able to again graft them in.


text:
For if _you_, the <i>[one]</i> by nature of the wild olive tree, were cut out, and contrary to nature, were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much more will these, the natural ones, be grafted into their own olive tree?


text:
For I do not desire <i>[for]</i> you* to be unaware, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, of this secret <i>[or, mystery]</i>, so that you* shall not be wise in your* own conceits, that hardness in part <i>[fig., partial stubbornness]</i> has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in.


text:
And so all Israel will be saved, just as it has been written, "The One delivering will come out of Zion, and He will turn away impiety <i>[or, ungodliness]</i> from Jacob;


text:
and this <i>[is]</i> the covenant from Me with them, when I take away their sins." <i>[Isaiah 59:20,21]</i>


text:
On the one hand according to the Gospel <i>[they are]</i> enemies on your* account, on the other hand according to His choice <i>[or, election]</i> <i>[they are]</i> beloved on account of the fathers.


text:
For even as _you*_ also at one time disobeyed God due to unbelief, but you* were shown mercy by their refusal to believe,


text:
so also these now refused to believe by the mercy shown to you*, so that they also should be shown mercy.


text:
O <i>[the]</i> depth of <i>[the]</i> riches of both <i>[the]</i> wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable <i>[are]</i> His judgments and unfathomable His ways!


text:
For 'who knew <i>[the]</i> mind of <i>[the]</i> LORD? Or who became His counselor <i>[or, adviser]</i>?' <i>[Isaiah 40:13; Jer 23:18]</i>


text:
Because of Him and through Him and to Him <i>[are]</i> all <i>[things]</i>; to Him <i>[be]</i> the glory into the ages <i>[fig., forever]</i>! So be it!


text:
Therefore, I call on <i>[or, plead with]</i> you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, through the compassions of God, to present your* bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God <i>[which is]</i> your* intelligent, sacred service.


text:
And <i>[you* are]</i> to stop conforming yourselves to this age, _but_ <i>[are]</i> to continue being transformed by the renewal of your* mind, in order for you* to be proving what <i>[is]</i> the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.


text:
For I say, through the grace, the one having been given to me, to every <i>[one]</i> being among you*, stop thinking too highly of yourselves beyond what it is necessary to be thinking, _but_ be thinking <i>[so as]</i> to be thinking sensibly, to each as God apportioned a measure of faith.


text:
For just as we have many body parts in one body, but all the body parts do not have the same function,


text:
Now we have spiritual gifts of various kinds according to the grace, the one having been given to us: whether prophecy, according to the proportion of the faith;


text:
whether the one exhorting <i>[or, encouraging]</i>, in the exhortation <i>[or, encouragement]</i>; the one sharing, with generosity; the one leading, with diligence; the one showing mercy, with cheerfulness.


text:
<i>[Be]</i> warmly devoted to one another with brotherly love <i>[fig., affection for fellow-believers]</i>, giving preference to one another in honor,


text:
not lagging in diligence, boiling <i>[fig., being fervent]</i> in your spirit <i>[or, in the Spirit]</i>, serving as a slave to the Lord,


text:
rejoicing in the hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, enduring in affliction, persevering in prayer,


text:
<i>[You* are]</i> to be rejoicing with rejoicing <i>[ones]</i> and to be weeping with weeping <i>[ones]</i>.


text:
Be having the same mind towards one another. Stop having the high <i>[things]</i> in mind, _but_ be associating with the lowly <i>[or, the ones of humble circumstances]</i>. Stop becoming wise in your* own conceit,


text:
If possible, the <i>[thing]</i> of you* <i>[fig., as much as it depends on you*]</i>, be living in peace with all people,


text:
not avenging yourselves, beloved, _but_ give place to <i>[fig., make room for]</i> the wrath <i>[of God]</i>, for it has been written, "Vengeance <i>[is]</i> Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. <i>[Deut 32:35]</i>


text:
So if your enemy is hungering, be feeding him; if he thirsts, be giving him to drink; for doing this, you will heap coals of fire on his head. <i>[Prov 25:21,22]</i>


text:
Let every soul be submitting to higher <i>[or, governing]</i> authorities, for <i>[there]</i> is no authority except from God, but the existing authorities have been appointed by God.


text:
Accordingly, the one setting himself in opposition to the <i>[governing]</i> authority has resisted God's ordinance, and the ones having resisted will receive judgment to themselves.


text:
For the ones ruling are not a terror of good works, _but_ of evil <i>[works]</i>. So do you want to not be fearing the <i>[governing]</i> authority? Be doing good, and you will have praise <i>[or, approval]</i> from it <i>[i.e. the ruling authority]</i>.


text:
For it is a servant of God to you for good. But if you are doing evil, be fearing, for it does not bear the sword without reason. For it is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to the one doing evil.


text:
For this reason, it is necessary to be subjecting oneself, not only because of wrath, _but_ also because of your conscience.


text:
Then, for this reason, you* also pay taxes, for they are public servants of God attending continually <i>[or, devoting themselves]</i> to this very thing.


text:
Therefore, pay to all the <i>[things]</i> due <i>[to them]</i>: to the one the tax the tax, to the one the custom <i>[or, tribute]</i> the custom, to the one the fear the fear, to the one the honor the honor.


text:
Be owing to no one anything, except to be loving one another; for the one loving the other <i>[or, the different [one]]</i> has fulfilled <i>[the]</i> law.


text:
For, "You will not commit adultery; You will not murder; You will not steal; {You will not give false testimony}; You will not covet." And if <i>[there is]</i> any other command, it is summed up in this word, in this: "You will love your neighbor as yourself." <i>[Exod 20:12-16; Deut 5:16-20; Lev 19:18]</i>


text:
Such love does not bring about evil <i>[or, harm]</i> to the neighbor. Therefore such love <i>[is]</i> the fulfillment of <i>[the]</i> law.


text:
And <i>[do]</i> this, knowing the time, that <i>[it is]</i> already the hour for us to be awakened out of sleep, for our salvation <i>[is]</i> now nearer than when we <i>[first]</i> believed.


text:
The night is advanced <i>[or, almost gone]</i>, but the day has drawn near; therefore, let us take off <i>[fig., cease from]</i> the deeds of the darkness, and let us put on <i>[or, clothe ourselves with]</i> the armor of the light.


text:
As in day-time, let us walk about <i>[fig., conduct ourselves]</i> properly; not in drunken orgies and drunkennesses, not in promiscuities and flagrant sexual immorality, not in strife <i>[or, bitter conflict]</i> and jealous rivalry.


text:
_But_ put on <i>[or, clothe yourselves with]</i> the Lord Jesus Christ, and stop making provision for the flesh, for <i>[its]</i> desires <i>[or, lusts]</i>.


text:
One believes <i>[it is permissible]</i> to eat all <i>[things]</i>, but the one being weak eats <i>[only]</i> vegetables.


text:
Stop letting the one eating despise <i>[or, look down on]</i> the one not eating; and stop letting the one not eating judge the one eating, for God <i>[has]</i> accepted him.


text:
Who are _you_, the one judging another's household servant? To his own master he stands or falls; but he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.


text:
One indeed judges <i>[or, considers]</i> a day <i>[to be]</i> above <i>[another]</i> day, but another judges every day <i>[to be alike]</i>; be letting each be fully convinced in his own mind.


text:
The one honoring <i>[or, observing]</i> the day, to <i>[the]</i> Lord he honors <i>[it]</i>, and the one not honoring the day, to <i>[the]</i> Lord he does not honor <i>[it]</i>. And the one eating, to <i>[the]</i> Lord he eats, for he gives thanks to God; and the one not eating, to <i>[the]</i> Lord he does not eat, and he gives thanks to God.


text:
For both if we live, to the Lord we live, and if we die, to the Lord we die. So both if we live and if we die, we are the Lord's.


text:
Because for this <i>[reason]</i> Christ also died and rose and lives, so that He should exercise lordship over both dead <i>[ones]</i> and living <i>[ones]</i>.


text:
But why do _you_ judge your brother? Or also, why do _you_ despise <i>[or, look down on]</i> your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.


text:
For it has been written, "<i>[As]</i> _I_ live, says <i>[the]</i> LORD, every knee will bow to Me, and every tongue will confess to God." <i>[Isaiah 45:23; cp. Phil 2:10,11]</i>


text:
Therefore, let us no longer be judging one another, _but_ rather, judge <i>[or, determine]</i> this, not to be putting a stumbling-stone before your brother, or an offence <i>[or, occasion for sin]</i>.


text:
I know and have been persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing <i>[is]</i> unclean by means of itself, except to the one considering anything to be unclean, to that one <i>[it is]</i> unclean.


text:
But if on account of food your brother is distressed, you are no longer walking about <i>[fig., conducting yourself]</i> according to love; stop ruining with your food that one on behalf of whom Christ died.


text:
For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, _but_ righteousness and peace and joy in <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit.


text:
For the one serving as a slave to Christ in these <i>[things]</i> <i>[is]</i> acceptable to God and approved by people.


text:
So, consequently, let us be pursuing the <i>[things]</i> of peace and the <i>[things]</i> of building up <i>[or, edifying]</i> one another.


text:
Stop tearing down the work of God for the sake of food. All <i>[things]</i> indeed <i>[are]</i> clean, _but_ <i>[they are]</i> evil to the person eating with offense <i>[fig., eating something that cause someone else to sin]</i>.


text:
<i>[It is]</i> good not to eat meat nor to drink wine nor <i>[to do anything]</i> by which your brother is caused to stumble <i>[fig., to sin]</i> or is made to fall <i>[fig., is offended]</i> or becomes weak.


text:
_You_ have faith? Be having <i>[it]</i> to yourself before God. Happy is the one not judging himself in what he approves <i>[of]</i>.


text:
But the one doubting, if he eats, has been condemned, because <i>[it is]</i> not of faith. Now all which <i>[is]</i> not of faith is sin.


text:
But _we_, the strong, ought to be enduring the infirmities of the weak and not to be pleasing ourselves.


text:
For even Christ did not please Himself, _but_ just as it has been written, "The insults <i>[or, reproaches]</i> of the ones insulting You fell on Me." <i>[Psalm 69:9]</i>


text:
For as many <i>[things]</i> as were previously written, were previously written for our instruction, so that through the patient endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we shall be having hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>.


text:
Now <i>[may]</i> the God of patient endurance and of encouragement give to you* to be having the same mind <i>[or, to be like-minded]</i> among one another, according to Christ Jesus,


text:
so that with one mind, with one mouth <i>[fig., in unison]</i>, you* shall be glorifying the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.


text:
For this reason, be receiving one another, just as also Christ received you*, to <i>[the]</i> glory of God.


text:
Now I say Christ Jesus has become a servant of <i>[the]</i> circumcision on behalf of the truth of God, in order to confirm the promises to the fathers,


text:
and the Gentiles to glorify God on behalf of mercy, just as it has been written, "For this reason I Myself will confess <i>[or, will give praise]</i> to You among Gentiles, and I will sing praise to Your name." <i>[2Sam 22:50]</i>


text:
And again it <i>[or, he]</i> says, "Celebrate, <i>[O]</i> Gentiles, with His people!" <i>[Deut 32:43]</i>


text:
And again, "Be praising the LORD, all you* Gentiles; and highly praise Him, all you* peoples!" <i>[Psalm 117:1]</i>


text:
And again, Isaiah says, "<i>[There]</i> will be the root <i>[or, shoot; fig., descendent]</i> of Jesse, and the One rising up to rule Gentiles <i>[or, nations]</i>, Gentiles will hope on <i>[or, trust in]</i> Him." <i>[Isaiah 11:10]</i>


text:
Now may the God of hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> fill you* with all joy and peace <i>[or, freedom from anxiety]</i> in the believing, in order for you* to be abounding in hope in <i>[the]</i> power of <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit.


text:
Now I have been persuaded, my brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, I myself also concerning you*, that you* yourselves also are full of goodness <i>[or, generosity]</i>, having been filled with all knowledge, being able also to be instructing others.


text:
So rather boldly I wrote to you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, in part, as reminding you* again, because of the grace, the one having been given to me by God,


text:
in order for me to be a temple <i>[or, public]</i> servant of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the Gospel of God as a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles becomes acceptable, sanctified by <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit.


text:
Therefore, I have a <i>[reason for]</i> boasting in Christ Jesus, <i>[in]</i> the <i>[things]</i> pertaining to God.


text:
For I will not dare to be speaking anything of <i>[the things]</i> which Christ did not accomplish through me, towards <i>[the]</i> obedience of <i>[the]</i> Gentiles, by word and by deed,


text:
in <i>[the]</i> power of signs and wonders, in <i>[the]</i> power of the Spirit of God, with the result that _I_, from Jerusalem and all around, as far as Illyricum, have fully preached the Gospel of Christ.


text:
And so I ambitiously strive <i>[or, count it an honor]</i> to be proclaiming the Gospel, not where Christ was named <i>[or, heard of]</i>, so that I shall not be building on another's foundation;


text:
_but_ just as it has been written, "To whom it was not told concerning Him, they will see; and those who have not heard, will understand." <i>[Isaiah 52:15]</i>


text:
But now, no longer having place in these regions, and having a longing to come to you* for many years,


text:
when I shall be traveling to Spain, I will come to you*, for I hope <i>[or, expect]</i> while passing through to see you* and to be helped by you* on my journey from there, when first I am satisfied for a while by your* <i>[company]</i>.


text:
For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased <i>[or, thought it good]</i> to make a certain contribution for the poor of the holy ones, the <i>[ones]</i> in Jerusalem.


text:
For they were pleased <i>[or, thought it good]</i>, and they are indebted to them, for if the Gentiles shared in the <i>[things]</i> pertaining to the spirit, they ought also to minister to them in the <i>[things]</i> pertaining to the flesh.


text:
Therefore, having finished this and having sealed this fruit to them, I will go away through you*, to Spain.


text:
But I know that coming to you*, I will come in <i>[the]</i> fullness of <i>[the]</i> blessing of the Gospel of Christ.


text:
Now I call on <i>[or, plead with]</i> you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, through our Lord Jesus Christ, and through the love of the Spirit, to strive together with me in prayers on behalf of me to God,


text:
that I be delivered from the ones refusing to believe in Judea, and that my ministry, the <i>[one]</i> for Jerusalem, becomes acceptable to the holy ones,


text:
so that I shall come to you* in joy by <i>[the]</i> will of God and shall be refreshed together with you*.


text:
Now I commend to you* Phoebe our sister, being a servant <i>[or, deaconess]</i> of the assembly <i>[or, church]</i>, the <i>[one]</i> in Cenchrea,


text:
so that you* shall receive <i>[or, welcome]</i> her in the Lord in a manner worthy of holy ones and assist her in whatever matter she shall be having need of you*, for indeed _she_ became a helper of many, and of me myself.


text:
who for the sake of my life risked their own neck<i>[s]</i>, to whom not only _I_ give thanks, _but_ also all the assemblies of the Gentiles,


text:
and the assembly <i>[or, church]</i> at their house. Greet Epaenetus, my beloved, who is <i>[the]</i> first-fruit of Achaia to Christ.


text:
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives <i>[or, close companions]</i> and my fellow-prisoners, who are well-known by <i>[or, among]</i> the apostles, who also have been in Christ before me.


text:
Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet the <i>[ones]</i> of the <i>[household]</i> of Aristobulus.


text:
Greet Herodion, my relative <i>[or, close companion]</i>. Greet the <i>[ones]</i> of the <i>[household]</i> of Narcissus, the ones being in <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, the ones laboring in <i>[the]</i> Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who labored much in <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> with them.


text:
Now I call on <i>[or, plead with]</i> you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, to be watching out for <i>[or, to be keeping a close eye on]</i> the <i>[ones]</i> causing divisions <i>[or, discords]</i> and the stumbling-blocks contrary to the teaching which you* learned, and turn away from them.


text:
For such do not serve as a slave to our Lord Jesus Christ, _but_ their own belly <i>[fig., bodily desires]</i>, and through smooth talk and flattery, they deceive the hearts of the innocent <i>[or, unsuspecting]</i>.


text:
For your* obedience became known to all. Therefore, I am rejoicing over you*, but I want you* on the one hand to be wise <i>[as]</i> to the good, on the other hand innocent <i>[as]</i> to the evil.


text:
Now the God of peace will crush Satan under your* feet with quickness. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ <i>[be]</i> with you*.


text:
Timothy, my co-worker, greets you*, and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my relatives <i>[or, close companions]</i>.


text:
Gaius greets you*, my host and of the whole assembly; Erastus greets you*, the treasurer of the city, and Quartus the brother.


text:
(14:24) Now to the One able to establish you* according to my Gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to <i>[the]</i> revelation of <i>[the]</i> secret <i>[or, mystery]</i> in eternal times having been kept silent,


text:
(14:25) but now having been made known <i>[or, disclosed]</i>, and through prophetic Scriptures, according to <i>[the]</i> commandment of the eternal God, having been made known to all the nations for obedience of faith,


text:
(14:26) to <i>[the]</i> only wise God, through Jesus Christ, to whom <i>[be]</i> glory into the ages <i>[fig., forever]</i>! So be it!


text:
To the assembly <i>[or, church, and throughout epistle]</i> of God, the one being in Corinth, to the ones having been sanctified <i>[or, made holy]</i> in Christ Jesus, called holy ones <i>[or, saints, and throughout epistle]</i>, with all the ones calling on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours:


text:
I give thanks to my God always concerning you* because of the grace of God, the one having been given to you* in Christ Jesus,


text:
that in every <i>[thing]</i> you* were enriched in Him, in <i>[or, with]</i> all word <i>[or, discourse]</i> and all knowledge,


text:
with the result that you* are not falling short <i>[or, lacking]</i> in any spiritual gift, eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ,


text:
who also will confirm <i>[or, sustain]</i> you* to the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.


text:
God <i>[is]</i> faithful, by whom you* were called into <i>[the]</i> fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ our Lord.


text:
Now I am calling on <i>[or, pleading with]</i> you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you* all shall be speaking the same <i>[thing]</i> <i>[fig., shall be in agreement]</i>, and <i>[there]</i> shall not be divisions among you*, but you* shall have been perfected in the same mind and in the same judgment <i>[or, purpose]</i>.


text:
For it was clearly shown to me concerning you*, my brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, by the <i>[members]</i> of Chloe's <i>[household]</i>, that <i>[there]</i> are quarrels among you*.


text:
Now I say this, that each of you* are saying, "_I_ indeed am of Paul," "But I of Apollos," "But I of Cephas," "But I of Christ."


text:
Has Christ been divided? Paul was not crucified for you*, was he? Or were you* baptized <i>[or, immersed, and throughout epistle]</i> into the name of Paul?


text:
Now I baptized also the household of Stephanas. Beyond that I do not know whether I baptized any other <i>[or, anyone else]</i>.


text:
For Christ did not send me to be baptizing, _but_ to be proclaiming the Gospel; not in wisdom of word <i>[or, cleverness of speech]</i>, so that the cross of Christ should not be made of no effect <i>[or, be deprived of its power]</i>.


text:
For the word of the cross indeed is foolishness to the ones perishing, but to us, the ones being saved, it is <i>[the]</i> power of God!


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For it has been written, "I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and the intelligence of the intelligent I will bring to nothing." <i>[Isaiah 29:14]</i>


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Where <i>[is the]</i> wise? Where <i>[is the]</i> scribe? Where <i>[is the]</i> skillful debater of this age? God made the wisdom of this world foolish, did He not?


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For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the proclamation <i>[or, the message being preached]</i> to save the ones believing.


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but _we_ proclaim Christ <i>[as]</i> having been crucified, to Jews indeed a stumbling-block and to Greeks foolishness,


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but to them, the ones called, both to Jews and to Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.


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Because the foolishness of God is wiser than people, and the weakness of God is stronger than people.


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For you* see your* calling, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, that <i>[there are]</i> not many wise according to <i>[the]</i> flesh, not many powerful, not many noble <i>[or, of high social status]</i>;


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_but_ God chose the foolish <i>[things]</i> of the world, so that He should be humiliating the wise; and God chose the weak <i>[things]</i> of the world, so that He should be humiliating the strong;


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and God chose the insignificant <i>[things]</i> of the world and the <i>[things]</i> having been despised <i>[or, looked down on]</i>, and the <i>[things]</i> not being, so that He should nullify the <i>[things]</i> being <i>[fig., which exist]</i>,


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But by Him _you*_ are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,


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so that, just as it has been written, "The one boasting, let him be boasting in <i>[the]</i> LORD." <i>[Jer 9:24]</i>


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And when _I_ came to you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, I came not according to superiority of speech or of wisdom declaring to you* the testimony of God.


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For I decided <i>[or, determined]</i> not to know any<i>[thing]</i> among you*, except Jesus Christ, and this One having been crucified!


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And my word <i>[or, message]</i> and my proclamation <i>[were]</i> not in persuasive words of human wisdom, _but_ in demonstration of <i>[the]</i> Spirit and of power,


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But we speak wisdom among the perfect <i>[or, mature]</i>, but wisdom not of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, the ones being destroyed.


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_But_ we speak <i>[the]</i> wisdom of God in a secret, the <i>[wisdom]</i> having been hidden, which God predestined before the ages for our glory,


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which none of the rulers of this age knew; for if they had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.


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_But_ just as it has been written, "What <i>[things]</i> an eye did not see and an ear did not hear and did not enter into the heart of humanity, <i>[fig., no person thought could happen]</i>, which <i>[things]</i> God prepared for the ones loving Him." <i>[Isaiah 64:4]</i>


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But God revealed <i>[them]</i> to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all <i>[things]</i>, even the depths of God.


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For who among people knows the <i>[things]</i> of the person, except the spirit of the person, the <i>[one]</i> in him? In the same way also no one knows the <i>[things]</i> of God, except the Spirit of God.


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But _we_ did not receive the spirit of the world, _but_ the Spirit, the <i>[One]</i> from God, so that we should know the <i>[things]</i> having been graciously given to us by God;


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which <i>[things]</i> also we speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, _but_ in <i>[words]</i> taught by the Holy Spirit, interpreting spiritual <i>[things]</i> by spiritual <i>[words]</i> <i>[or, combining spiritual [ideas] with spiritual [words]]</i>.


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But a natural <i>[or, unspiritual]</i> person does not receive the <i>[things]</i> of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he is not able to know <i>[them]</i>, because they are spiritually examined.


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But the spiritual <i>[one]</i> indeed examines all <i>[things]</i>, but he himself is examined by no one.


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"For who knew <i>[the]</i> mind of <i>[the]</i> LORD? Who will instruct Him?" But _we_ have the mind of Christ. <i>[Isaiah 40:13]</i>


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And _I_, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, was not able to speak to you* as to spiritual <i>[people]</i>, _but_ as to fleshly <i>[people]</i>, as to young children in Christ.


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I gave you* milk to drink and not solid food, for you* were not yet able. Indeed, neither are you* now yet able,


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for you* are still fleshly. For whereas <i>[there are]</i> among you* jealous rivalry and strife and divisions <i>[or, discords]</i>, you* are fleshly and are walking about <i>[fig., conducting yourselves]</i> according to human <i>[standards]</i>, are you* not?


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For whenever someone says, "_I_ indeed am of Paul," but a different <i>[one]</i>, "I of Apollos," you* are fleshly, are you* not?


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Who then is Paul? But who <i>[is]</i> Apollos? _But_ rather <i>[they are]</i> servants through whom you* believed, and to each <i>[one]</i> as the Lord gave.


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So then, neither the one planting is anything, nor the one watering, _but_ the One causing growth-God!


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Now the one planting and the one watering are one, but each will receive his own reward, according to his own labor.


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According to the grace of God, the one having been given to me, like a wise, expert builder, I have laid a foundation, but another is building on <i>[it]</i>. But let each be watching <i>[or, be taking care]</i> how he builds on <i>[it]</i>.


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the work of each will become evident, for the Day will make <i>[it]</i> clear, because it is revealed in fire, and the work of each, the fire will prove what kind it is.


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If the work of anyone will be burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, but so as through fire.


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If anyone destroys the temple of God, this one God will destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which _you*_ are.


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Stop letting anyone deceive himself. If anyone seems to be wise among you* in this age, let him become foolish, so that he shall become wise.


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For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it has been written, "<i>[He is]</i> the One trapping the wise <i>[ones]</i> in their craftiness." <i>[Job 5:13]</i>


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And again, "<i>[The]</i> LORD knows the thought processes of the wise <i>[ones]</i>, that they are futile <i>[or, useless]</i>." <i>[Psalm 94:11]</i>


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whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas <i>[i.e. Peter]</i> or <i>[the]</i> world or life or death or <i>[things]</i> present or <i>[things]</i> about to be, all <i>[things]</i> are yours*,


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Let a person be considering us in this way, as attendants of Christ and stewards of <i>[the]</i> secrets <i>[or, mysteries, and throughout book]</i> of God.


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But to me it is as an insignificant <i>[thing]</i> that I should be examined by you* or by <i>[any]</i> human day <i>[fig., human court]</i>, _but_ I do not even examine myself.


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For I have been conscious of nothing against myself <i>[fig., my conscience is clear]</i>; _but_ I have not been justified <i>[or, acquitted]</i> by this, but the One examining me is <i>[the]</i> Lord.


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So then, stop judging anything before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden <i>[things]</i> of the darkness and will reveal the counsels <i>[or, intentions]</i> of the hearts <i>[fig., inner selves]</i>, and then the praise will come to each from God.


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Now these <i>[things]</i>, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, I transformed <i>[fig., applied]</i> to myself and to Apollos for your* sakes, so that in us you* shall learn not to be thinking beyond what has been written, so that you* shall not become conceited one on behalf of one against the other.


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For who makes you to differ <i>[or, who is regarding you to be superior]</i>? Now what do you have which you did not receive? But if you also received, why are you boasting as though not having received?


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Already you* have been filled! Already you* grew rich! You* reigned <i>[or, became like a king]</i> without us! And O that indeed you* did reign, so that _we_ also should reign together <i>[or, live together as kings]</i> with you*!


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For I think that God displayed us, the apostles, last, as sentenced to death, because we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to people.


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We <i>[are]</i> fools because of Christ, and you* <i>[are]</i> wise in Christ! We <i>[are]</i> weak, but you* <i>[are]</i> strong! You <i>[are]</i> esteemed, but we <i>[are]</i> despised!


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Until the present time we both hunger and thirst, and we wear ragged clothing and are beaten with fists <i>[fig., are harshly treated]</i> and wander about without a home,


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and labor, working with <i>[our]</i> own hands. Being insulted we bless, being persecuted we ourselves endure <i>[it]</i>,


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being defamed we speak words of encouragement; we have become like garbage of the world, scum of all until now.


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I am not writing these <i>[things]</i> <i>[to be]</i> shaming you, _but_ as my beloved children I am warning <i>[or, instructing]</i> <i>[you*]</i>.


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For although you* shall be having countless tutors in Christ, _but_ not many fathers; for in Christ Jesus through the Gospel _I_ became your* father.


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For this reason I sent Timothy to you*, who is my child, beloved and faithful in <i>[the]</i> Lord, who will remind you* of my ways, the <i>[ones]</i> in Christ, just as I teach everywhere in every assembly.


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But I will come to you* soon, if the Lord wills, and I will know not the word of the ones having become conceited _but_ the power.


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Sexual sin is actually heard of <i>[or, reported]</i> among you*, and such sexual sin which is not even named <i>[or, known]</i> among the Gentiles, that someone is having the wife of his father!


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And _you*_ have become conceited and did not at all rather grieve, so that he should be expelled from the midst of you*, the one having done this deed!


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For _I_ indeed, as being absent as to the body, but being present in the spirit, have already judged the one having committed this, as being present,


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in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you* are gathered together and my spirit <i>[is with you*]</i>, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ,


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to hand over such a one to Satan for destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit shall be saved in the Day of the Lord Jesus.


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Your* boasting <i>[is]</i> not good! You* know that a little leaven <i>[or, yeast]</i> leavens the whole lump <i>[of dough]</i> <i>[or, causes the whole lump [of dough] to rise]</i>, do you* not?


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Clean out the old leaven <i>[or, yeast]</i>, so that you* shall be a new lump, just as you* are unleavened <i>[or, made without yeast]</i>, for also Christ our Passover <i>[or, Paschal Lamb]</i> was sacrificed on our behalf.


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So then we should be keeping the feast, not with old leaven <i>[or, yeast]</i>, nor with leaven of evil and wickedness, _but_ with unleavened <i>[bread]</i> of integrity and truth.


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yet <i>[I did]</i> not at all <i>[mean]</i> with the sexual sinners of this world, or with the covetous or swindlers or idolaters, in that case you* then <i>[would]</i> be obligated to go out of the world!


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But now, I wrote to you* not to be associating with anyone being named a brother if he is a sexual sinner or covetous or an idolater or a slanderer <i>[or, an abusive person]</i> or a drunkard or a swindler, not even to eat with such a person.


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For what <i>[is it]</i> to me to also judge the ones outside? You* judge the ones within, do you* not?


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But God judges the ones outside. "And you* will expel the evil <i>[one]</i> from among yourselves." <i>[Deut 17:7; 19:19; 22:21,24; 24:7]</i>


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Does any of you* dare <i>[or, presume]</i>, having a dispute with the other, to be going to court <i>[or, to be suing]</i> before the unrighteous and not before the holy ones?


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You* know that the holy ones will judge the world, do you* not? And if the world is judged by you*, are you* unworthy <i>[or, incapable]</i> of the smallest court <i>[cases]</i>?


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You* know that we will judge angels, do you* not? Why not then the things pertaining to everyday life?


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If then indeed you* have law courts <i>[for]</i> things pertaining to everyday life, the ones having been despised <i>[or, of little esteem]</i> in the assembly, these you* cause to sit <i>[fig., appoint as judges]</i>?


text:
I speak to your* shame. So <i>[is there]</i> not among you* one wise <i>[person]</i>, not even one, who will be able to discern <i>[or, settle a dispute]</i> in the midst of his brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>?


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Already, therefore, it is altogether a failure for you*, that you* have judgments <i>[or, lawsuits]</i> against one another. Why not rather be letting yourselves be treated unjustly?


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_But_ _you*_ act unjustly, and you* defraud, and these <i>[things to]</i> brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>!


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You* know that unrighteous <i>[ones]</i> will not inherit <i>[the]</i> kingdom of God, do you* not? Stop being led astray <i>[fig., being deceived]</i>; neither sexual sinners nor idolaters nor adulterers nor passive partners in male-male sex nor active partners in male-male sex


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nor covetous <i>[ones]</i> nor thieves nor drunkards nor slanderers <i>[or, abusive persons]</i> nor swindlers will inherit <i>[the]</i> kingdom of God.


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And these some of you* were! _But_ you* yourselves were washed <i>[or, purified]</i>, _but_ you* were sanctified, _but_ you* were justified <i>[or, declared righteous]</i> in the name of the Lord Jesus and in <i>[or, by]</i> the Spirit of our God!


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All <i>[things]</i> are lawful to me, _but_ all <i>[things]</i> are not advantageous <i>[or, beneficial]</i>. All <i>[things]</i> are lawful to me, _but_ _I_ will not be controlled by anything.


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The foods for the stomach, and the stomach for the foods. But God will make both this <i>[stomach]</i> and these <i>[foods]</i> useless. So the body <i>[is]</i> not for sexual sin, _but_ for the Lord, and the Lord for the body.


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You* know that your* bodies are members of Christ, do you* not? So having taken the members of Christ, shall I make <i>[them]</i> members of a prostitute? Absolutely not!


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{Or} you* know that the one joined to the prostitute is one body <i>[with her]</i>, do you* not? For He says, "They will be-the two-into one flesh <i>[or, The two will become one flesh]</i>" <i>[Gen 2:24]</i>.


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Be fleeing the sexual sin! Every sin, whichever a person commits, is outside of the body, but one committing sexual sin sins against his own body.


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You* know that your* body is a temple of the Holy Spirit in you*, which you* have from God, and you* are not your* own, do you* not?


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For you* were bought <i>[fig., redeemed]</i> with a price. Therefore, glorify God in your* body and in your* spirit, which are God's.


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Now concerning <i>[the things]</i> of which you* wrote to me: <i>[it is]</i> good for a man not to be touching a woman <i>[sexually]</i>.


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But because of such sexual sins, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband.


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Let the husband be rendering the affection being owed to the wife, and likewise also the wife to the husband.


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The wife does not have control <i>[or, authority]</i> over her own body, _but_ the husband; and, likewise also the husband does not have control over his own body, _but_ the wife.


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Stop depriving one another, except by mutual consent for a time, so that you* shall be devoting yourselves to <i>[or, having free time for]</i> fasting and prayer, and again to the same be coming together, lest Satan be tempting you* because of your* lack of self-control.


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For I desire all people to be even as myself. _But_ each has his own gracious gift from God, one indeed in this manner, but another in that.


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Now I say to the unmarried <i>[ones]</i> and to the widows, it is good for them if they remain even as I <i>[am]</i>.


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But if they are not exercising self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to continue being inflamed <i>[with lust]</i>.


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Now to the ones having married I am giving strict orders <i>[or, instructing]</i> (not I, _but_ the Lord): do not let a wife separate from a husband.


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But if she is separated, let her be remaining unmarried or let her be reconciled to the husband. And stop letting a husband divorce a wife. <i>[cp. Matt 19:3-9]</i>


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But to the rest _I_ speak (not the Lord): if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and _she_ is willing to be living with him, stop letting him divorce her.


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And a woman who has an unbelieving husband, and _he_ is willing to be living with her, stop letting her divorce him.


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For the unbelieving husband has been sanctified <i>[or, set apart to God]</i> by the wife, and the unbelieving wife has been sanctified by the husband; for otherwise indeed your* children are unclean <i>[or, defiled]</i>, but now they are holy <i>[or, set apart to God]</i>.


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But if the unbelieving <i>[spouse]</i> separates himself, let him be separating himself: the brother or the sister has not been bound in such <i>[cases]</i>, but God has called us in peace.


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For how do you know, O wife, whether you will save the husband? Or how do you know, O husband, whether you will save the wife?


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Otherwise, as God distributed to each, as the Lord has called each, in this manner let him be walking about <i>[fig., conducting himself]</i>; and in this manner I instruct in all the assemblies.


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Was anyone called having been circumcised? Stop letting him become uncircumcised. Was anyone called in uncircumcision? Stop letting him be circumcised.


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Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, _but_ <i>[what matters is]</i> keeping <i>[the]</i> commandments of God.


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Were you called <i>[as]</i> a slave? Stop letting it be a concern to you, _but_ if also you are able to become free, rather make use of <i>[it]</i>.


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For the <i>[one]</i> in the Lord having been called <i>[as]</i> a slave, is <i>[the]</i> Lord's freedman. Likewise also the free person having been called, is a slave of Christ.


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Each <i>[one]</i> in <i>[the circumstance]</i> in which he was called, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, in this <i>[circumstance]</i> let him remain with God.


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Now concerning the virgins, I do not have a commandment of <i>[or, from]</i> the Lord, but I give an opinion as one having been shown mercy from <i>[the]</i> Lord to be faithful <i>[or, trustworthy]</i>.


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So I consider this to be good because of the present distress, that <i>[it is]</i> good for a man to be in this manner:


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Have you been bound to a wife? Stop seeking to be loosed <i>[or, divorced]</i>. Have you been loosed from a wife? Stop seeking a wife.


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But even if you do marry, you did not sin; and if the virgin marries, she did not sin. But such will have tribulation in the flesh, and _I_ <i>[am trying to]</i> spare you*.


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But this I say, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the time has been shortened; from now on, it is that even the ones having wives should be as not having,


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and the ones weeping as not weeping, and the ones rejoicing as not rejoicing, and the buying as not possessing,


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and the ones making use of this world as not making full use of <i>[it]</i>, for the form of this world is passing away.


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But I want you* to be free from anxiety; the unmarried <i>[man]</i> is anxious for <i>[or, concerned about]</i> the <i>[things]</i> of the Lord, how he will please the Lord.


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But the married <i>[man]</i> is anxious for <i>[or, concerned about]</i> the <i>[things]</i> of the world, how he will please the wife.


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The wife and the virgin have been distinguished <i>[or, have different interests]</i>: the unmarried <i>[woman]</i> is anxious for <i>[or, concerned about]</i> the <i>[things]</i> of the Lord, so that she should be holy both in body and in spirit, but the married <i>[woman]</i> is anxious for <i>[or, concerned about]</i> the <i>[things]</i> of the world, how she will please the husband.


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Now this I say for your* own profit <i>[or, benefit]</i>, not so that I should cast a noose <i>[fig., a restriction]</i> on you*, _but_ for the proper behavior and devotion to the Lord, without distraction.


text:
Now if anyone thinks <i>[he is]</i> acting shamefully <i>[or, behaving improperly]</i> towards his virgin, if she is past marriageable age, and it is obligated to happen, what he desires let him do; he does not sin, let him marry.


text:
But <i>[he]</i> who has stood steadfast in the heart <i>[fig., is convinced in his inner self]</i>, not having necessity, and has authority <i>[or, control]</i> over his own desire, and this he has determined in his heart <i>[fig., inner self]</i>, to be keeping his own virgin, he does well.


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Accordingly, also the one giving in marriage <i>[or, getting married]</i> does well, but the one not giving in marriage <i>[or, not getting married]</i> does better.


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A wife has been bound by <i>[the]</i> law as long as her husband lives, but if also the husband sleeps <i>[fig., dies]</i>, she is free to be married to whomever she desires, only in <i>[the]</i> Lord.


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But she is happier if she remains in this manner, according to my opinion. And I think _I_ also to be having <i>[the]</i> Spirit of God.


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Now concerning the <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to idols, we know that we all have knowledge: such knowledge causes conceit, but love builds up <i>[fig., edifies]</i>.


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And if anyone thinks to know anything, he has not yet known anything just as it is necessary <i>[for him]</i> to know.


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So concerning the eating of the <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol <i>[is]</i> nothing in the world, and that <i>[there is]</i> no other God except for one.


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For even if they are called "gods," whether in heaven or on {the} earth (just as there are gods many and lords many),


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_but_ to us <i>[there is]</i> one God, the Father, of whom <i>[are]</i> all <i>[things]</i>, and we <i>[exist]</i> for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom <i>[are]</i> all <i>[things]</i>, and we <i>[exist]</i> through Him.


text:
_But_ this knowledge <i>[is]</i> not in all <i>[people]</i>, but some with consciousness <i>[or, awareness]</i> of the idol until now, eat <i>[it]</i> as <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled.


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But food does not present <i>[or, commend]</i> us to God, for neither if we eat do we excel <i>[or, are better off]</i>; nor if we do not eat do we fall short <i>[or, are inferior]</i>.


text:
But be watching out <i>[or, be aware]</i> lest this right <i>[or, privilege]</i> of yours* becomes a stumbling-block to the ones being weak.


text:
For if anyone sees you, the one having knowledge, in an idol's temple reclining <i>[to eat]</i>, will not his conscience, being weak, be emboldened to be eating the <i>[things]</i> sacrificed to idols?


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But sinning in this manner in regard to the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, and beating <i>[fig., wounding]</i> their conscience, being weak, in regard to Christ you* sin.


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For this very reason, if food causes my brother to stumble <i>[fig., to sin]</i>, I shall never at all eat flesh into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>, so that I do not cause my brother to stumble.


text:
I am an apostle, am I not? I am free, am I not? I have seen Jesus Christ our Lord, have I not? You* are my work in the Lord, are you* not?


text:
If to others I am not an apostle, _but_ yet doubtless I am to you*. For you* are the seal <i>[fig. proof]</i> of my apostleship in the Lord.


text:
Do we never at all have a right to be taking along <i>[or, traveling around with]</i> a sister, a wife, as also the other apostles and the brothers of the Lord and Cephas <i>[i.e. Peter]</i>?


text:
Who ever serves as a soldier at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of the fruit of it? Or <i>[who]</i> tends a flock and does not eat of the milk of the flock?


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I do not speak these things according to human <i>[standards]</i>, do I? Or the Law also says these <i>[things]</i>, does it not?


text:
For it has been written in the Law of Moses, "You will not muzzle an ox while it is threshing <i>[the chaff from the grain]</i>." God does not care for the oxen, does He? <i>[Deut 25:4]</i>


text:
Or does He certainly say <i>[this]</i> for our sakes? For our sakes it was written, that in hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> ought the one plowing to be plowing, and the one threshing in hope <i>[ought]</i> to partake of his hope.


text:
If _we_ sowed to you* the spiritual <i>[things, is it]</i> a great <i>[thing]</i> if _we_ reap material <i>[things]</i> from you*?


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If others partake of this right over you*, we <i>[do]</i> more, <i>[do]</i> we not? _But_ we did not make use of this right, _but_ we put up with <i>[or, endure]</i> all <i>[things]</i> so that we shall not give any hindrance to the Gospel of Christ.


text:
You* know that the ones performing the sacred <i>[work]</i> of the temple eat from the temple, <i>[and]</i> the ones serving at the altar have a share from the altar, do you* not?


text:
In the same way also, the Lord gave instructions to the ones proclaiming the Gospel to be living from the Gospel. <i>[cp. Matt 10:10; Luke 10:7]</i>


text:
But _I_ have used none of these <i>[things]</i>. Now I did not write these <i>[things]</i> so that it should become in this way in my <i>[case]</i>, for <i>[it is]</i> good for me rather to die than that anyone makes my <i>[grounds for]</i> boosting empty.


text:
For if I proclaim the Gospel, it is not <i>[grounds for]</i> me to be boasting, for necessity lays on me; but how horrible it is to me if I do not proclaim the Gospel!


text:
For if I do this willingly <i>[or, voluntarily]</i>, I have a reward; but if unwillingly, I have been entrusted with a stewardship <i>[fig., responsibility]</i>!


text:
What then is my reward? That proclaiming the Gospel, I present the Gospel of Christ without charge, not to make full use of <i>[or, exploit]</i> my authority in the Gospel.


text:
For being free from all <i>[people]</i>, I made myself a servant to all <i>[people]</i>, so that I should win the more.


text:
And I became to the Jews as a Jew, so that I should win Jews; to the <i>[ones]</i> under law as under law, so that I should win the <i>[ones]</i> under law;


text:
to the <i>[ones]</i> without law as without law (not being without law to God, _but_ subject to law to Christ), so that I should win the <i>[ones]</i> without law.


text:
I became to the weak as weak, so that I should win the weak; I have become all <i>[things]</i> to all <i>[people]</i>, so that I should by all means <i>[or, certainly]</i> save some.


text:
You* know that the ones running in a stadium, all indeed run, but one receives the prize, do you* not? In the same way, be running, so that you* shall obtain <i>[or, win]</i>.


text:
But everyone competing exercises self-control in all <i>[things]</i>. Now these indeed <i>[compete]</i> so that they should receive a corruptible victor's wreath, but we an incorruptible <i>[one]</i>!


text:
So _I_ run in this manner, not as without a goal. In this manner I fight, not as repeatedly beating air.


text:
_But_ I beat my body black and blue <i>[fig., keep my body under control]</i> and bring <i>[it]</i> into slavery <i>[fig., make it ready to serve]</i>, lest, having preached to others, I myself become disqualified.


text:
Now I do not want you* to be unaware, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, that all our fathers were under the cloud, and all passed through the sea,


text:
and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they were drinking of a spiritual rock following <i>[them]</i>; but that rock was Christ.


text:
_But_ God was not well pleased with the majority of them, for they were struck down in the wilderness.


text:
So these <i>[things]</i> became examples for us, for us not to be passionately desiring evil things, just as those also desired.


text:
Neither continue becoming idolaters, just as some of them, just as it has been written, "The people sat down to eat and to drink, and stood up to be playing." <i>[Exod 32:6]</i>


text:
Neither shall we be committing sexual sin, just as some of them committed sexual sin, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. <i>[Numb 25:21-9]</i>


text:
Neither shall we be tempting <i>[or, testing]</i> Christ, just as also some of them tempted, and perished by the serpents. <i>[Numb 21:5,6]</i>


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Nor be grumbling, just as also some of them grumbled, and they perished by the destroyer. <i>[Numb 14:27-30]</i>


text:
Now all these <i>[things]</i> happened to those <i>[people as]</i> examples, and they were written for our instruction, to whom the end of the ages came.


text:
So then, let the one thinking to be standing <i>[or, who thinks he is standing]</i>, be watching, lest he falls.


text:
No temptation has taken hold of you*, except a human <i>[one]</i> <i>[or, [one] characteristic of humanity]</i>. But God <i>[is]</i> faithful, who will not allow you* to be tempted beyond what you* are able <i>[or, capable of]</i>, _but_ with the temptation He will also make the way out, for your* being able to endure <i>[it]</i>.


text:
The cup of the blessing which we bless, it is <i>[the]</i> fellowship of <i>[or, a sharing in]</i> the blood of Christ, is it not? The bread which we break, it is <i>[the]</i> fellowship of the body of Christ, is it not?


text:
Be watching Israel according to the flesh. The ones eating the sacrifices are participants in the altar, are they not?


text:
So what am I saying? That an idol is anything or that <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to an idol is anything?


text:
_But_ <i>[I am saying that]</i> what the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God. And I do not want you* to become participants of the demons.


text:
You* are not able to be drinking <i>[the]</i> cup of <i>[the]</i> Lord and <i>[the]</i> cup of demons; you* are not able to be partaking of <i>[the]</i> table of <i>[the]</i> Lord and of <i>[the]</i> table of demons.


text:
All <i>[things]</i> are lawful for me, _but_ all <i>[things]</i> are not advantageous <i>[or, beneficial]</i>. All <i>[things]</i> are lawful for me, _but_ all <i>[things]</i> do not build up <i>[fig., edify]</i>.


text:
But if someone of the unbelieving invite you*, and you* want to go, eat all the <i>[food]</i> set before you*, examining nothing, for the sake of the conscience.


text:
But if someone says to you*, "This is <i>[meat]</i> sacrificed to an idol," stop eating <i>[it]</i>, for the sake of that one having made <i>[it]</i> known and his conscience, "for the earth <i>[is]</i> the LORD's and its fullness." <i>[Psalm 24:1; 50:12; 89:11]</i>


text:
Now I say conscience, not of yourself, _but_ the <i>[conscience]</i> of the other. For why <i>[is it]</i> that my liberty is judged by another's conscience?


text:
So whether you* eat or drink, or whatever you* do, be doing all <i>[things]</i> for the glory of God.


text:
Continue becoming without offence both to Jews and to Greeks, and to the Assembly <i>[or, Church]</i> of God,


text:
just as _I_ also try to please all in all <i>[things]</i>, not seeking my own profit, _but_ the <i>[profit]</i> of the many, so that they shall be saved.


text:
Now I highly praise you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, because you* have remembered me in all <i>[things]</i>, and you* keep <i>[or, hold firmly to]</i> the handed down teachings <i>[or, traditions]</i> just as I handed <i>[them]</i> down to you*.


text:
Now I want you* to know that the head of every man is Christ, but <i>[the]</i> head of a woman <i>[is]</i> the husband, but <i>[the]</i> head of Christ <i>[is]</i> God.


text:
Every man praying or prophesying, having <i>[something]</i> on <i>[his]</i> head dishonors his head.


text:
But every woman praying or prophesying with the head uncovered <i>[or, unveiled]</i> dishonors her own head, for it is one and the same with having had herself shaved.


text:
For if a woman is not covered <i>[or, veiled]</i>, let her also have her hair cut off, but if <i>[it is]</i> disgraceful <i>[or, shameful]</i> for a woman to have her hair cut off or to be having herself shaved, be letting her be covered <i>[or, veiled]</i>.


text:
For indeed a man ought not to be having the head covered, being <i>[the]</i> image and glory of God, but a woman is <i>[the]</i> glory of a man.


text:
For also man was not created for the sake of the woman, _but_ woman for the sake of the man. <i>[see Gen 2:18]</i>


text:
For this reason, the woman ought to be having <i>[a symbol of]</i> authority on her head, because of the angels.


text:
Nevertheless, neither <i>[is]</i> man apart from <i>[fig., independent of]</i> woman, nor a woman apart from a man, in <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
For even as the woman <i>[is]</i> from the man, so also the man <i>[is]</i> by the woman, but all such <i>[things are]</i> from God.


text:
Judge among you* yourselves: is it fitting <i>[or, proper]</i> for an uncovered <i>[or, unveiled]</i> woman to be praying to God?


text:
Does not even nature itself teach you* that if a man indeed is wearing long hair, it is a dishonor to him?


text:
But a woman, if she is wearing long hair, it is a glory to her, because her hair has been given in place of a covering.


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But if anyone seems to be contentious, _we_ do not have such a custom, neither <i>[do]</i> the assemblies of God.


text:
Now giving strict orders <i>[about]</i> this, I do not highly praise <i>[or, commend]</i> <i>[you*]</i>, because you* come together not for the better, _but_ for the worse.


text:
For first indeed <i>[when]</i> _you*_ come together in an assembly, I hear of divisions being among you*, and to some extent I believe <i>[it]</i>.


text:
For it is necessary <i>[for]</i> heretical sects also to be among you*, so that the approved <i>[ones]</i> become evident among you*.


text:
So <i>[when]</i> _you*_ come together at the same <i>[place]</i>, it is not to eat the Lord's Supper.


text:
Why? Do you* not have houses to be eating and to be drinking in? Or do you* despise the assembly of God and disgrace the ones not having? What shall I say to you*? Shall I highly praise <i>[or, commend]</i> you* in this? I do not highly praise <i>[you*]</i>!


text:
For _I_ received from the Lord what I also handed down to you*, that the Lord Jesus in the night in which He was betrayed took bread,


text:
and having given thanks, He broke <i>[it]</i> and said, "Take, eat; this is My body, the <i>[one]</i> being broken on behalf of you*. Be doing this in remembrance of Me."


text:
And in the same manner <i>[He took]</i> the cup after <i>[they]</i> ate, saying, "This cup is the New Covenant in My blood. Be doing this, as often as you* drink <i>[it]</i>, in remembrance of Me."


text:
For as often as you* shall be eating this bread and drinking this cup, you* proclaim the death of the Lord, until He comes.


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So then, whoever eats this bread or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily <i>[or, in a careless manner]</i>, he will be guilty of the body of the Lord and blood of the Lord.


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But let a person be examining himself, and in this manner let him be eating of the bread and let him be drinking of the cup.


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For the one eating and drinking unworthily <i>[or, in a careless manner]</i>, eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning <i>[or, correctly judging]</i> the body of the Lord.


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For this reason, many among you* <i>[are]</i> sick <i>[or, weak]</i> and infirm <i>[or, ill]</i>, and many are fallen asleep <i>[fig., have died]</i>.


text:
But being judged by the Lord, we are disciplined <i>[or, chastened]</i>, so that we shall not be condemned with the world.


text:
So then, my brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, <i>[when]</i> you* come together to eat, be waiting for one another.


text:
So if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home, so that you* shall not be coming together for judgment. But the rest <i>[or, the remaining things]</i>, whenever I come, I will give instructions.


text:
Now concerning the spiritual <i>[gifts]</i>, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, I do not want you* to be lacking understanding.


text:
You* know that when you* were Gentiles <i>[or, pagans]</i>, you* were being led to the mute idols, being carried away.


text:
For this reason, I make known to you* that no one speaking by <i>[the]</i> Spirit of God, says "Jesus <i>[is]</i> accursed" <i>[Gr., anathema]</i>, and no one is able to say "Jesus <i>[is]</i> Lord," except by <i>[the]</i> Holy Spirit.


text:
And <i>[there]</i> are varieties of divine workings <i>[or, activities]</i>, but the same God is the One supernaturally working all such <i>[things]</i> in all.


text:
But to each <i>[one]</i> has been given the manifestation of the Spirit for the advantage <i>[of all]</i> <i>[or, for the common good]</i>.


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For to one has been given a word of wisdom by the Spirit, but to another a word of knowledge according to the same Spirit,


text:
but to a different <i>[one]</i> faith by the same Spirit, but to another spiritual gifts of healings by the same Spirit,


text:
but to another divine workings of miraculous works, but to another prophecy, but to another discernment of spirits, but to a different <i>[one]</i> <i>[various]</i> kinds of tongues <i>[fig., languages, and throughout epistle]</i>, but to another interpretation <i>[or, translation]</i> of tongues.


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But the one and the same Spirit supernaturally works all these <i>[things]</i>, distributing to each just as He intends.


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For just as the body is one and has many body parts, but all the body parts of the one body, being many, are one body, in the same manner also <i>[is]</i> Christ.


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For also by one Spirit _we_ all were baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free persons, and we were all given to drink into one Spirit.


text:
If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I am not of the body," it is not, because of this, not of the body.


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And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I am not of the body," it is not, because of this, not of the body.


text:
If the whole body <i>[were]</i> an eye, where <i>[would be]</i> the hearing? If <i>[the]</i> whole <i>[were]</i> hearing, where <i>[would be]</i> the sense of smell?


text:
Now the eye is not able to say to the hand, "I have no need of you," nor again the head to the feet, "I have no need of you*."


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_But_ by much more <i>[or, to a greater degree]</i> the parts of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary.


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And which <i>[parts]</i> of the body we consider to be less honorable, to these we put around <i>[fig., bestow]</i> greater honor, and our unpresentable <i>[parts]</i> have greater presentability <i>[fig., are treated with greater modesty]</i>,


text:
but our presentable <i>[parts]</i> do not have <i>[such a]</i> need; _but_ God arranged the body, having given greater honor to the <i>[part]</i> lacking <i>[apparent importance]</i>,


text:
so that there shall not be divisions in the body, _but_ that the body parts shall have the same concern for one another.


text:
And if one part suffers, all the parts suffer with <i>[it]</i>; if one part is glorified, all the parts rejoice with <i>[or, congratulate]</i> <i>[it]</i>.


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Now _you*_ are <i>[the]</i> body of Christ and parts from <i>[each]</i> part <i>[fig., individually parts of it]</i>.


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And indeed <i>[those]</i> whom God set in the Assembly <i>[are]</i>: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, next miraculous powers, next spiritual gifts of healings, helpers, leaders <i>[or, administrators]</i>, <i>[various]</i> kinds of tongues.


text:
All <i>[are]</i> not apostles, are they? All <i>[are]</i> not prophets, are they? All <i>[are]</i> not teachers, are they? All <i>[are]</i> not <i>[workers of]</i> miraculous powers, are they?


text:
All do not have spiritual gifts of healings, do they? All do not speak in tongues, do they? All do not interpret <i>[or, translate]</i>, do they?


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If I speak with the tongues of people and of angels, but I do not have love, I have become <i>[as]</i> brass sounding or a cymbal tinkling.


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And if I am having <i>[the gift of]</i> prophecy and know all secrets and all knowledge, and if I am having all faith so as to be removing mountains, and have not love, I am nothing.


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And if I dole out all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I am burned, but am not having love, I am not at all benefited.


text:
Love waits patiently; it acts kindly. Love does not envy <i>[or, is not jealous]</i>; love does not boast; it does not become haughty.


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It does not behave disgracefully; it does not seek its own <i>[things]</i>; it is not provoked <i>[or, irritated]</i>; it does not keep a record of evil.


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It puts up with all <i>[things]</i>, believes all, hopes <i>[or, confidently expects]</i> all, endures all.


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Love never fails. But if <i>[there be]</i> prophecies, they will become useless; if tongues, they will cease by themselves; if knowledge, it will become useless.


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But when the perfect <i>[or, complete]</i> comes, then the <i>[thing]</i> by part <i>[fig., which is partial]</i> will become useless.


text:
When I was a child, I was speaking as a child, I was thinking as a child, I was reasoning as a child; but when I have become a man, I have put away the <i>[things]</i> of the child.


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For we now see by means of a mirror by reflection <i>[fig., indirectly]</i>, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully, just as I also was known.


text:
But now these three remain: faith, hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, love-but <i>[the]</i> greatest of these <i>[is]</i> love.


text:
Be pursuing love, yet be seeking earnestly the spiritual <i>[gifts]</i>, but rather that you* shall be prophesying.


text:
For the one speaking in a tongue does not speak to people _but_ to God, for no one understands <i>[him]</i>, but in <i>[his]</i> spirit <i>[or, by [the] Spirit]</i> he speaks secrets <i>[or, mysteries]</i>.


text:
But the one prophesying to people speaks edification and exhortation <i>[or, encouragement]</i> and comfort.


text:
The one speaking in a tongue edifies himself, but the one prophesying edifies <i>[the]</i> assembly.


text:
Now I want you* all to be speaking with tongues, but more that you* shall be prophesying. For the one prophesying <i>[is]</i> greater than the one speaking with tongues, unless he interprets <i>[or, translates]</i>, so that the assembly receives edification.


text:
But now, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, if I come to you* speaking with tongues, what will I benefit you*, unless I speak to you* either with a revelation or with knowledge or with prophesy or with teaching?


text:
Likewise, the lifeless <i>[things]</i> give a sound, whether flute or harp. If it is not giving a difference in the sounds, how will the <i>[music]</i> played on a flute or the <i>[music]</i> played on a harp be known <i>[or, distinguished]</i>?


text:
In the same way, you* also, if you* do not give intelligible speech by means of the tongue, how will the <i>[thing]</i> spoken be known? For you* will be speaking into air.


text:
<i>[There]</i> are, it may be <i>[fig., perhaps]</i>, so many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them without meaning.


text:
So if I do not know the power <i>[fig., meaning]</i> of the sound, I will be to the one speaking <i>[as]</i> a foreigner, and the one speaking <i>[will be]</i> to me <i>[as]</i> a foreigner.


text:
In the same way, _you*_ also, since you* are zealous of spiritual <i>[gifts]</i>, for the building up <i>[or, edification]</i> of the assembly, be seeking so that you* shall be abounding.


text:
For this very reason, the one speaking in a tongue, let him be praying that he shall be interpreting <i>[or, translating]</i>.


text:
For if I am praying in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind <i>[or, understanding]</i> is unfruitful.


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What then is it? I will pray with the spirit, but I will also pray with the mind <i>[or, understanding]</i>; I will sing praises with the spirit, but I will also sing praises with the mind <i>[or, understanding]</i>.


text:
Otherwise, if you bless with the spirit, how will the one occupying the place of the unlearned say the "So be it!" at your giving of thanks, since he does not know <i>[or, understand]</i> what you are saying?


text:
_But_ in an assembly I desire to speak five words by means of my understanding, so that I shall also instruct others, rather than countless <i>[or, ten thousand]</i> words in a tongue.


text:
Brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, stop being young children in your* understanding, _but_ continue being as a child in evil, but continue becoming perfect <i>[or, complete]</i> in your* understanding.


text:
In the Law it has been written, "By ones speaking different tongues and by different lips <i>[fig., speech]</i> I will speak to this people, and not even in this manner will they hear Me," says the Lord. <i>[Isaiah 28:11,12; Deut 28:49]</i>


text:
So then tongues are for a sign, not to the ones believing _but_ to the unbelieving ones, but prophesy <i>[is]</i> not for the unbelieving ones _but_ for the ones believing.


text:
Therefore, if the whole assembly comes together to the same <i>[place]</i> and all are speaking in tongues, and unlearned <i>[ones]</i> or unbelievers comes in, they will say that you* are raving mad, will they not?


text:
But if all are prophesying, and someone comes in, an unbeliever or an unlearned <i>[one]</i>, he is convicted by all, he is called to account by all.


text:
And in this way, the secrets of his heart <i>[fig., inner self]</i> become revealed, and in this way, having fallen on <i>[his]</i> face, he will prostrate himself in worship before God, declaring <i>[or, acknowledging]</i> that God truly is among you*.


text:
What then is it, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>? Whenever you* shall be coming together, each <i>[one]</i> of you* has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation <i>[or, a translation]</i>. Be letting all <i>[things]</i> be for building up <i>[or, edification]</i>.


text:
If anyone speaks in a tongue, <i>[let it be]</i> by two or <i>[at]</i> the most by three, and <i>[each]</i> in turn, and let one be interpreting <i>[or, translating]</i>.


text:
But if <i>[there]</i> is not an interpreter <i>[or, translator]</i>, let him keep silent in an assembly, but let him speak to himself and to God.


text:
For you* are able, one by one, all to be prophesying, so that all shall be learning, and all shall be continually encouraged.


text:
Let your* women be keeping silent in the assemblies, for it has not been permitted to them to be speaking, _but_ to be subjecting themselves, just as also the Law says.


text:
But if they desire to learn anything, let them be questioning their own husbands at home, for it is disgraceful <i>[or, shameful]</i> <i>[for]</i> women to be speaking in an assembly.


text:
If anyone thinks <i>[that he]</i> is a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge what I write to you*, that they are commandments of <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
Accordingly brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, be earnestly desiring to be prophesying; and stop forbidding <i>[or, preventing]</i> to be speaking in tongues.


text:
Now I make known to you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the Gospel, the one I have proclaimed to you*, which also you* received, in which also you* have stood,


text:
through which also you* are saved, if you* hold fast to which word <i>[or, that word which]</i> I proclaimed the Gospel to you*, unless you* believed thoughtlessly <i>[or, without reason]</i>.


text:
For I handed down <i>[or, delivered]</i> to you* first what also I received, that Christ died on behalf of our sins according to the Scriptures,


text:
Afterwards, He appeared to over five hundred brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> at once, of whom the greater part remain until now, but some also fell asleep <i>[fig., have died]</i>.


text:
For _I_ am the least of the apostles, who am not worthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Assembly of God.


text:
But by God's grace I am what I am; and His grace, the <i>[one]</i> towards me, did not become in emptiness <i>[fig. was not without purpose]</i>, _but_ I labored more than they all, yet not _I_, _but_ the grace of God, the <i>[one]</i> with me.


text:
But if Christ is preached that He has been raised from <i>[the]</i> dead, how are some among you* saying that <i>[there]</i> is no resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead?


text:
But if Christ has not been raised, in that case, our proclamation <i>[is]</i> empty <i>[fig. without purpose]</i>, and your* faith also <i>[is]</i> empty.


text:
And we also are found <i>[to be]</i> false witnesses of God, because we testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise if indeed <i>[the]</i> dead are not raised.


text:
But if Christ has not been raised, your* faith is futile <i>[or, worthless]</i>; you* are still in your* sins.


text:
If in this life only we have been hoping <i>[or, have been having confident expectation]</i> in Christ, we are of all people most pitiful!


text:
But now Christ has been raised from <i>[the]</i> dead! He became the first-fruits of the ones having fallen asleep <i>[fig., having died]</i>.


text:
For since by means of a man death <i>[came]</i>, also by means of a Man <i>[is]</i> <i>[the]</i> resurrection of <i>[the]</i> dead.


text:
But each in his own order, Christ <i>[the]</i> first-fruit, afterwards the <i>[ones]</i> of Christ at His Arrival.


text:
Then the end, when He shall hand over the kingdom to God, even <i>[the]</i> Father, when He shall abolish every ruler and every authority and power.


text:
For it is necessary <i>[for]</i> Him to be reigning until He shall put all the enemies under His feet.


text:
For 'He put all <i>[things]</i> in subjection under His feet.' But when He says that all <i>[things]</i> have been subjected, <i>[it is]</i> evident that <i>[this is]</i> except for the One subjecting all the <i>[things]</i> to Him. <i>[Psalm 8:6]</i>


text:
Now when all the <i>[things]</i> are subjected to Him, then the Son also Himself will be subjected to One having subjected all the <i>[things]</i> to Him, so that God shall be the all in all.


text:
Otherwise, what will they do, the ones being baptized on behalf of the dead, if <i>[the]</i> dead are not raised at all? Why are they also baptized on behalf of the dead?


text:
<i>[I affirm]</i> by my boasting <i>[or, pride]</i> in you* which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily <i>[or, every day I am in danger of death]</i>.


text:
If according to <i>[or, If from]</i> human <i>[motives]</i> I fought with wild beasts in Ephesus, what <i>[is]</i> the benefit to me if the dead are not raised? "Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die!" <i>[Isaiah 22:13]</i>


text:
Stop being led astray <i>[fig., being deceived]</i>: "Evil associations corrupt good habits <i>[or, morals]</i>" <i>[i.e. a quote from the Grecian philosopher Menander]</i>.


text:
Become sober rightly <i>[fig., Come to your* senses as you* ought]</i>, and stop sinning; for some have a lack of knowledge of God. I say <i>[this]</i> to your* shame.


text:
And what you sow, you do not sow what the body is going to be, _but_ bare grain; it may be of wheat or of some of the remaining <i>[grains]</i>.


text:
All flesh <i>[is]</i> not the same flesh, _but_ <i>[there is]</i> one <i>[flesh]</i> of people, but another flesh of animals, but another of fish, but another of birds.


text:
And <i>[there are]</i> heavenly <i>[or, celestial]</i> bodies, and earthly bodies, _but_ one <i>[is]</i> the glory of the heavenly, but another the <i>[glory]</i> of the earthly.


text:
<i>[There is]</i> one glory of <i>[the]</i> sun, and another glory of <i>[the]</i> moon, and another glory of <i>[the]</i> stars, for <i>[one]</i> star differs from <i>[another]</i> star in glory.


text:
In the same way also <i>[is]</i> the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised in incorruption!


text:
It is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body; <i>[there]</i> is a natural body, and <i>[there]</i> is a spiritual body.


text:
In the same way also it has been written, "The first man Adam became a living soul." The last Adam <i>[became]</i> for a life-giving spirit. <i>[Genesis 2:7]</i>


text:
The first man <i>[is]</i> out of the earth, earthy <i>[or, made of dust]</i>; the second Man <i>[is the]</i> Lord from heaven.


text:
Of what sort <i>[is]</i> the earthy <i>[one]</i>, such also <i>[are]</i> the earthy <i>[ones]</i>; of what sort <i>[is]</i> the heavenly <i>[One]</i>, such also <i>[will be]</i> the heavenly <i>[ones]</i>.


text:
And just as we bear the image of the earthy <i>[one]</i>, we also shall bear the image of the heavenly <i>[One]</i>.


text:
Now this I say, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, that flesh and blood is not able to inherit <i>[the]</i> kingdom of God, nor does the corruption <i>[or, perishable]</i> inherit the incorruption <i>[or, imperishable]</i>.


text:
Listen! I tell you* a secret: We indeed will not all sleep <i>[fig., die]</i>, but we will all be changed <i>[or, be transformed]</i>,


text:
in a moment, in a blinking of an eye, in the last trumpet, for it will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible <i>[or, imperishable]</i>, and _we_ will be changed <i>[or, transformed]</i>!


text:
For it is necessary <i>[for]</i> this corruptible to put on incorruption, and this mortal to put on immortality.


text:
Now when this corruptible shall put on incorruption, and this mortal shall put on immortality, then will happen the word, the one having been written, "Death was swallowed up into victory." <i>[Isaiah 25:8]</i>


text:
"O Death, where <i>[is]</i> your sting? O realm of the dead <i>[Gr., hades]</i>, where <i>[is]</i> your victory?" <i>[Hosea 13:14]</i>


text:
So then, my beloved brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, continue becoming steadfast, unmovable, abounding in the work of the Lord at all times, knowing that your* labor is not empty <i>[fig., not without results]</i> in <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
Now concerning the collection, the <i>[one]</i> for the holy ones, just as I gave instructions to the assemblies of Galatia, in the same way also _you*_ must be doing.


text:
On every first <i>[day]</i> of <i>[the]</i> week <i>[i.e. every Sunday]</i>, let each one of you* be putting aside <i>[something]</i>, storing up <i>[or, saving]</i> whatever he shall be prospering, so that when I come, at that time, collections shall not be taking place.


text:
But whenever I arrive, <i>[those]</i> whomever you* approve by <i>[your*]</i> letters, these I will send to carry your* gracious gift to Jerusalem.


text:
But with you*, perhaps, I will stay, or even will spend the winter, so that you* shall help me on my journey wherever I am going.


text:
For I do not want to see you* now in passing, but I hope <i>[or, expect]</i> to remain some time with you*, if the Lord shall be permitting.


text:
For a door has been opened to me <i>[that is]</i> great and effective, and many <i>[are]</i> in opposition <i>[or, are hostile]</i>.


text:
Now if Timothy comes, be seeing that he becomes without fear with you*, for he works <i>[or, performs]</i> the work of the Lord, even as I.


text:
Therefore, let no one despise <i>[or, look down on]</i> him, but help him journey in peace, so that he shall come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers.


text:
Now concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly that he should come to you* with the brothers. And it was not at all <i>[his]</i> will that he should come now, but he himself will come when he finds the time <i>[or, the opportunity]</i>.


text:
Keep watching! Be standing firm in the faith. Be acting like a man <i>[fig., Be brave]</i>. Continue becoming strengthened.


text:
Now I urge you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> (you* know the household of Stephanas, that it is <i>[the]</i> first-fruit of Achaia, and they appointed <i>[or, devoted]</i> themselves to the ministry to the holy ones),


text:
so that you* also shall be subjecting yourselves to such <i>[people]</i> and to everyone working together and laboring.


text:
Now I rejoice over the arrival of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because these filled up <i>[fig., supplied]</i> the <i>[thing]</i> lacking <i>[on]</i> your* <i>[part]</i> <i>[or, your* absence]</i>.


text:
For they refreshed my spirit and yours*. Therefore, be acknowledging <i>[or, be giving recognition to]</i> such <i>[people]</i>.


text:
The assemblies of Asia greet you*; Aquila and Priscilla greet you* much <i>[fig., warmly]</i> in the Lord, with the assembly in their house.


text:
If anyone does not affectionately love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed <i>[Gr., anathema]</i>! The Lord has come <i>[or, O Lord come - Gr., maranatha]</i>!


text:
Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by <i>[the]</i> will of God, and Timothy the brother, to the assembly <i>[or, church]</i> of God, the one being in Corinth, with all the holy ones <i>[or, saints, and throughout epistle]</i>, the ones being in all Achaia:


text:
Blessed <i>[be]</i> the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassions and God of all comfort,


text:
the One comforting us in all our affliction, for our being able to be comforting the ones in every affliction by means of the comfort with which we are comforted ourselves by God.


text:
Because just as the sufferings of Christ abound to us, in the same manner our comfort also abounds through Christ.


text:
Now if we experience hardship <i>[or, are afflicted]</i>, <i>[it is]</i> for the sake of your* comfort and salvation, the one being effective in <i>[the]</i> patient endurance of the same sufferings which _we_ also are suffering; and our hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i> <i>[is]</i> steadfast concerning you*. If we are comforted, <i>[it is]</i> for the sake of your* comfort and salvation,


text:
knowing that even as you* are sharers of the sufferings, in the same manner also <i>[you* will share]</i> of the comfort.


text:
For we do not want you* to continue being unaware, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, concerning our affliction, the one having happened to us in Asia, that to an extraordinary degree we were burdened beyond <i>[our]</i> strength, with the result that we despaired even of life.


text:
_But_ we ourselves have had in ourselves the sentence of death, so that we shall not be relying on ourselves, instead on God, the One raising the dead,


text:
who delivered us from so great a death and is delivering <i>[us]</i>, in whom we have hoped <i>[or, have confidently expected]</i> that even yet He will deliver;


text:
you* also joining in helping on our behalf by your* petition, so that thanks is given by many persons on our behalf <i>[for]</i> the gracious gift <i>[given]</i> to you*, through <i>[the prayers of]</i> many.


text:
For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience, that in sincerity and integrity of God, not in fleshly wisdom, _but_ in grace of God, we conducted ourselves in the world, but especially toward you*.


text:
For we do not write other <i>[things]</i> to you*, _but_ <i>[things]</i> which you* either read <i>[in public worship]</i> or also acknowledge <i>[or, understand]</i>, and I hope <i>[or, confidently expect]</i> that also until <i>[the]</i> end you* will acknowledge <i>[these things]</i>,


text:
just as also you* acknowledged us in part, that we are your* <i>[grounds for]</i> boasting, even as also you <i>[are]</i> ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus.


text:
And in this confidence I was intending to come to you* before, so that you* should be having a second grace <i>[or, benefit]</i>,


text:
and to pass by way of you* to Macedonia, and again from Macedonia to come to you*, and to be helped by you* on my journey to Judea.


text:
Therefore, deciding this, I did not use the lightness <i>[fig., do it lightly]</i>, did I? Or <i>[the things]</i> which I decided, do I decide according to <i>[the]</i> flesh, so that there shall be with me the Yes, yes, and the No, no?


text:
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, the One having been preached among you* by us-by me and Silvanus and Timothy-did not become Yes and No, _but_ in Him it has become Yes.


text:
For as many promises as <i>[are]</i> of God, in Him <i>[are]</i> the Yes, and in Him the Amen, for glory to God through us.


text:
the One also having sealed us and having given the down payment <i>[or, guarantee]</i> of the Spirit in our hearts <i>[fig., inner selves, and throughout book]</i>.


text:
Now _I_ call on God <i>[for]</i> a witness to my soul, that sparing you* <i>[or, in order to spare you*]</i>, I came no more to Corinth.


text:
Not that we exercise lordship over your* faith, _but_ we are co-workers with your joy, for you* have stood firm by faith.


text:
For if _I_ make you* sorrowful, then who is the one cheering me up, except the one being made sorrowful by me?


text:
And I wrote to you* this same <i>[thing]</i>, lest having come, I shall be having sorrow from <i>[those]</i> of whom it was necessary <i>[for]</i> me to be having joy, having confidence in you* all, that my joy is <i>[the joy]</i> of you* all.


text:
For out of much affliction and distress of heart I wrote to you* through many tears, not so that you* should be made sorrowful, _but_ so that you* shall know the love which I have especially toward you*.


text:
Now if anyone has caused sorrow, he has not caused sorrow to me, _but_ in part, that I would not be burdening you* all.


text:
so that on the contrary, you* <i>[ought]</i> rather to forgive and to comfort, lest such a one be swallowed up by the excessive sorrow.


text:
Because, for this <i>[reason]</i> also I wrote, so that I shall know your* character, whether you* are obedient in all <i>[things]</i>.


text:
And to whom you* forgive anything, I also <i>[forgive]</i>; for I also, if I have forgiven anything, to whom I have forgiven <i>[it]</i>, for your* sakes, in <i>[the]</i> face <i>[fig., presence]</i> of Christ, <i>[I forgave it]</i>,


text:
I have not had rest in my spirit, <i>[because]</i> I did not find Titus my brother, _but_ having said good-bye to them, I departed for Macedonia.


text:
Now thanks <i>[be]</i> to God, the <i>[One]</i> leading us at all times in triumph in Christ and revealing through us the fragrance of His knowledge in every place,


text:
for we are a sweet fragrance of Christ to God among the ones being saved and among the ones perishing;


text:
to some a fragrance of death to death, but to others, a fragrance of life to life. And who is sufficient <i>[or, adequate]</i> for these <i>[things]</i>?


text:
For we are not as the rest, adulterating the word of God for financial gain, _but_ as out of integrity, _but_ as from God, we speak in the presence of God, in Christ.


text:
Are we beginning again to be commending ourselves?-unless we need, as some <i>[do]</i>, letters of recommendation to you*, or <i>[letters]</i> of recommendation from you*.


text:
being made known that you* are <i>[the]</i> letter of Christ having been ministered <i>[or, cared for]</i> by us, having been written not with ink, _but_ with <i>[the]</i> Spirit of <i>[the]</i> living God, not in tablets <i>[made of]</i> stone, _but_ in fleshy tablets of hearts.


text:
Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to consider anything as <i>[coming]</i> from ourselves, _but_ our sufficiency <i>[is]</i> from God,


text:
who also made us sufficient <i>[or, capable]</i> <i>[to be]</i> servants of a new covenant, not of letter _but_ of spirit; for the letter kills, but the spirit makes alive <i>[or, gives life]</i>.


text:
Now if the ministry of death, having been engraved in letters in stones, came in glory, with the result that the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel were not able to look intently upon the face of Moses, because of the glory of his face, the <i>[glory which was]</i> passing away,


text:
For if the ministry of condemnation <i>[had]</i> glory, by much more the ministry of righteousness abounds <i>[or, excels]</i> in glory.


text:
For even the <i>[thing]</i> having been glorified has not been glorified, in this respect, because of the surpassing glory <i>[fig., the glory which is superior to it]</i>.


text:
For if the <i>[thing]</i> passing away <i>[was]</i> with glory, by much more the <i>[thing]</i> remaining <i>[is]</i> in glory <i>[or, is glorious]</i>.


text:
Having therefore such a hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, we use great boldness in <i>[our]</i> speech,


text:
and <i>[are]</i> not like Moses, <i>[who]</i> was putting a veil on his own face, so that the sons <i>[and daughters]</i> of Israel <i>[could]</i> not look intently at the end of the <i>[glory which was]</i> passing away.


text:
_But_ their minds were hardened <i>[fig., were made stubborn]</i>, for until this day the same veil remains not having been unveiled <i>[fig., remains unlifted]</i> during the reading aloud of the Old Covenant, which in Christ passes away <i>[fig., is removed]</i>.


text:
_But_ until today, when Moses is read aloud <i>[in their synagogue]</i>, a veil lies on their heart.


text:
Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of <i>[the]</i> Lord <i>[is]</i>, there <i>[is]</i> liberty.


text:
But _we_ all, with a face having been unveiled, ourselves beholding as in a mirror <i>[fig., contemplating]</i> the glory of the Lord, are being transformed to the same image, from glory to glory, just as by <i>[the]</i> Spirit of <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
_But_ we ourselves renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking about <i>[fig., conducting ourselves]</i> in craftiness, nor distorting the word of God, _but_ we commend ourselves by the disclosure of the truth to every conscience of people, before God.


text:
among whom the god of this age blinded the minds of the unbelieving, in order for the illumination of the Gospel of the glory of Christ not to shine on them, who is the image of God.


text:
For we do not preach ourselves _but_ Christ Jesus <i>[as]</i> Lord, and ourselves your* slaves for the sake of Jesus.


text:
Because God <i>[is]</i> the One having said <i>[for]</i> light to shine out of darkness, who shined in our hearts to <i>[give]</i> the illumination of the knowledge of the glory of God in <i>[the]</i> face of Jesus Christ. <i>[see Gen 1:2-4]</i>


text:
But we have this treasure in clay vessels <i>[fig., fragile containers]</i>, so that the excellency <i>[or, extraordinary quality]</i> of the power should be of God and not from us;


text:
in every <i>[thing]</i> experiencing hardship <i>[or, being afflicted]</i>, _but_ not being crushed <i>[fig., overwhelmed with difficulties]</i>; being perplexed, _but_ not experiencing despair;


text:
at all times carrying about in the body the putting to death of the Lord Jesus, so that also the life of Jesus should be revealed in our body.


text:
For always _we_, the ones living, are being handed over to death for the sake of Jesus, so that also the life of Jesus should be revealed in our mortal flesh.


text:
But having the same spirit of faith, according to the <i>[word]</i> having been written, "I believed, therefore, I spoke," _we_ also believe, and so we speak, <i>[Psalm 116:10]</i>


text:
knowing that the One having raised up the Lord Jesus will also raise us up by means of Jesus and will present <i>[us]</i> with you*.


text:
For all the <i>[things are]</i> for your* sakes, so that grace having increased <i>[or, having spread]</i> through the many should cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God.


text:
For this reason, we do not become discouraged, _but_ even if our outward person <i>[fig., body]</i> is decaying, yet the inward <i>[person]</i> is being renewed day by day.


text:
For the momentary light matter of our affliction <i>[fig., our insignificant affliction]</i> is producing for us an eternal weight of glory more and more <i>[fig., far beyond all comparison]</i>!


text:
We are not looking at the <i>[things]</i> being seen, _but_ to the <i>[things]</i> not being seen; for the <i>[things]</i> being seen <i>[are]</i> temporary, but the <i>[things]</i> not being seen <i>[are]</i> eternal.


text:
For we know that if our earthly house of this tent is <i>[fig., our bodies are]</i> torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with human hands, eternal in the heavens.


text:
For also in this <i>[body]</i> we groan, longing to clothe ourselves with our habitation, the one from heaven.


text:
For the ones being in the tent <i>[fig., who are alive]</i> groan, being burdened, seeing we do not desire to strip ourselves _but_ to clothe ourselves, so that the mortal <i>[body]</i> shall be swallowed up by life.


text:
Now the One having prepared us for this same <i>[thing is]</i> God, the One having given to us the down payment <i>[or, guarantee]</i> of the Spirit.


text:
Therefore, being confident at all times and knowing that being at home in the body we are away from the Lord-


text:
And so we ambitiously strive, whether being at home or being away from home, to be acceptable <i>[or, pleasing]</i> to Him.


text:
For it is necessary <i>[for]</i> all of us to appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one shall receive the things <i>[done]</i> through the body, according to the <i>[things]</i> which he did, whether good or wicked.


text:
Knowing, therefore, the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we have been revealed to God. And I hope <i>[or, confidently expect]</i> to also have been revealed in your* consciences.


text:
For we are not commending ourselves again to you, _but_ we are giving an opportunity to you* of boasting on our behalf, so that you* shall have <i>[an answer]</i> for the ones boasting in appearance and not in heart.


text:
For if we were out of <i>[our]</i> senses, <i>[it was]</i> for God; if we are of sound mind, <i>[it is]</i> for you*.


text:
For the love of Christ compels us, having judged <i>[or, concluded]</i> this: that {since} One died on behalf of all, consequently, these all died.


text:
And He died on behalf of all, so that the ones living should no longer be living to themselves, _but_ to the One having died and having been raised on behalf of them.


text:
Therefore, from now on _we_ know no one according to <i>[the]</i> flesh; and even if we have known Christ according to <i>[the]</i> flesh, _but_ now no longer do we know <i>[Him thus]</i>.


text:
Therefore, if anyone <i>[is]</i> in Christ, <i>[he is]</i> a new creation; the old <i>[things]</i> passed away, look!, all <i>[things]</i> have become new.


text:
And all these <i>[things are]</i> of God, the One having reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and having given to us the ministry of that reconciliation,


text:
how that God was in Christ reconciling <i>[the]</i> world to Himself, not imputing their transgressions to them and having put in <i>[or, having committed to]</i> us the word of that reconciliation.


text:
Therefore, we serve as ambassadors on behalf of Christ, as though God <i>[were]</i> appealing through us: we implore <i>[you*]</i> on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.


text:
For the One not having known sin, He made sin on our behalf, so that _we_ shall become <i>[the]</i> righteousness of God in Him!


text:
Now working together <i>[with Him]</i> we also call on <i>[or, plead with]</i> <i>[you* that]</i> you* do not receive the grace of God in emptiness <i>[fig., without results]</i>-


text:
for He says, "In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you." Listen! Now <i>[is the]</i> acceptable time. Listen! Now <i>[is the]</i> day of salvation- <i>[Isaiah 49:8]</i>


text:
in nothing giving any cause of offence, so that the ministry shall not be blamed <i>[or, discredited]</i>,


text:
_but_ in every <i>[thing]</i> commending ourselves as God's servants, in much patient endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses,


text:
in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in sleepless nights, in <i>[days]</i> without food,


text:
in <i>[the]</i> word of truth, in <i>[the]</i> power of God, through the weapons of righteousness, on the right and on the left;


text:
through glory and dishonor, through evil report <i>[or, slander]</i> and good report <i>[or, good reputation]</i>, <i>[regarded]</i> as deceivers and <i>[yet]</i> true;


text:
as being unknown and <i>[yet]</i> as being well-known, as dying and <i>[yet]</i>, look!, we live, as being chastened and <i>[yet]</i> not being put to death;


text:
as being sorrowful but always rejoicing, as poor but making many rich, as having nothing and <i>[yet]</i> possessing all <i>[things]</i>.


text:
Our mouth has opened <i>[fig., We have spoken freely]</i> to you*, O Corinthians, our heart has been opened wide <i>[fig., we have great affection for you*]</i>.


text:
You* are not restricted by us, but you* are restricted by your* <i>[own]</i> bowels <i>[fig., affections]</i>.


text:
Now <i>[in]</i> the same exchange <i>[fig., in return for the same]</i> (as to children I say <i>[it]</i>), you* also be opened wide <i>[fig., have the same affections for us]</i>!


text:
Stop being unequally yoked <i>[fig., mismatched]</i> with unbelievers; for what partnership <i>[is there]</i> for righteousness and lawlessness? And what fellowship <i>[is there]</i> for light with darkness?


text:
And what agreement <i>[or common ground]</i> <i>[is there for]</i> Christ with Belial <i>[i.e., the devil]</i>? Or what part <i>[is there for]</i> a believer with an unbeliever <i>[fig., what do a believer and an unbeliever have in common]</i>?


text:
And what harmony <i>[is there for the]</i> temple of God with idols? For you* are a temple of the living God, just as God said, "I will dwell in them and will walk about <i>[fig., live]</i> among <i>[them]</i>, and I will be their God, and they will be a people to Me <i>[or, My people]</i>." <i>[Lev 26:12; Jer 32:38; Ezek 37:27]</i>


text:
For this reason, "Come out from <i>[the]</i> midst of them and be separated," says the Lord. "And stop touching <i>[any]</i> unclean <i>[or, defiling]</i> <i>[thing; or, person]</i>," and _I_ will receive you*. <i>[Isaiah 52:11; Ezek 20:34,41]</i>


text:
"And I will be to you* for a Father, and _you*_ will be to Me for sons and daughters, says the LORD Almighty." <i>[2Sam 7:14; Isaiah 43:6; Jer 31:9]</i>


text:
Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us cleanse <i>[or, purge]</i> ourselves from every pollution <i>[or, defilement]</i> of flesh and of spirit, perfecting holiness in <i>[the]</i> fear of God.


text:
Make room for us <i>[in your* hearts]</i>; we wronged no one <i>[or, we treated no one unjustly]</i>; we corrupted no one; we took advantage of no one.


text:
I do not speak for <i>[your*]</i> condemnation <i>[or, to condemn [you*]]</i>, for I have said before that you* are in our hearts for <i>[us]</i> to die together and to live together.


text:
Great <i>[is]</i> my boldness <i>[or, confidence]</i> towards you*; great <i>[is]</i> my boasting on your* behalf. I have been filled with comfort; I overflow with joy in all our afflictions.


text:
For even when we came to Macedonia our flesh had no rest at all, _but_ in every <i>[thing]</i> we <i>[were]</i> experiencing hardship <i>[or, being afflicted]</i>-outside <i>[were]</i> fights, within <i>[were]</i> fears.


text:
_But_ God, the One comforting the downcast <i>[or, the ones of humble circumstances]</i>, comforted us by the arrival of Titus;


text:
but not only in his arrival, _but_ also by the encouragement with which he was comforted over you*, reporting to us your* longing desire, your* mourning, your* zeal on behalf of me, with the result that I rejoiced <i>[even]</i> more.


text:
Because even if I caused you* sorrow by my letter, I do not regret <i>[it]</i>, even if I did regret <i>[it]</i>. For I see that the letter, even if for an hour <i>[or, for a while]</i>, caused you* sorrow.


text:
I now rejoice, not because you* were caused sorrow, _but_ because you* were caused sorrow to repentance; for you* were caused sorrow toward God, so that in nothing you* would suffer loss from us.


text:
For the sorrow according to God <i>[fig., godly sorrow]</i> produces repentance to salvation, free from regret, but the sorrow of the world produces death.


text:
For this very thing, your* being caused to sorrow according to God <i>[fig., in a godly manner]</i>, look how much diligence it produced in you*! <i>[And not only this]</i> _but_ <i>[also]</i> defense <i>[fig., an eagerness to defend yourselves]</i>, _but_ <i>[also]</i> indignation, _but_ <i>[also]</i> fear, _but_ <i>[also]</i> longing desire, _but_ <i>[also]</i> zeal, _but_ <i>[also]</i> avenging <i>[of wrong]</i>! In every<i>[thing]</i> you* demonstrated yourselves to be pure in this matter.


text:
So even if I wrote to you*, <i>[it was]</i> not for the sake of the one having done wrong nor for the sake of the one having been wronged, _but_ for the sake of your* diligence on our behalf to be revealed to you* before God.


text:
For this reason we have been comforted. So in your* comfort we rejoiced all the more over the joy of Titus, that his spirit had been refreshed by you* all.


text:
Because if I have boasted anything to him concerning you*, I was not put to shame, _but_ we spoke as all things to you* in truth, so also our boasting before Titus became truth.


text:
And his bowels <i>[fig., affections]</i> are especially <i>[or, all the more]</i> toward you*, remembering the obedience of you* all, how with fear and trembling you* received him.


text:
Now we make known to you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the grace of God, the one having been given in the assemblies <i>[or, churches, and throughout epistle]</i> of Macedonia:


text:
that in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their extremely deep poverty overflowed to the riches of their generosity.


text:
Because I testify <i>[that]</i> according to <i>[their]</i> ability and above <i>[their]</i> ability <i>[they gave]</i> of their own accord,


text:
imploring us with much urging <i>[for]</i> the grace and the fellowship of the ministry <i>[which is]</i> to the holy ones-


text:
and not just as we hoped <i>[or, expected]</i>, _but_ they themselves gave first to the Lord and to us through <i>[the]</i> will of God,


text:
so that we urged Titus, that just as he began previously, so also he should finish to you* also this grace.


text:
_But_ even as you* abound in every <i>[thing]</i>-in faith and in word and in knowledge and in all diligence and in your* love for us-<i>[see]</i> that also in this grace you* are abounding.


text:
I do not speak <i>[this]</i> as a command, _but_ by means of the diligence of others, I am also proving the genuineness of your* love.


text:
For you* know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that being rich, for your* sake, He became poor, so that _you*_ by that poverty should become rich.


text:
And I give <i>[my]</i> opinion in this <i>[matter]</i>: for this is advantageous for you*, who began previously a year ago not only to do <i>[this]</i>, _but_ also to be desiring <i>[to do it]</i>.


text:
And now also finish to do <i>[it]</i>, in order that even as <i>[there was]</i> the eagerness to be desiring <i>[it]</i>, so also <i>[have]</i> the <i>[desire]</i> to finish <i>[it]</i>, from <i>[the ability which you*]</i> are having.


text:
For if the eagerness is present, according as anyone shall be having, <i>[it is]</i> acceptable, not according as he does not have.


text:
_but_ by <i>[way of]</i> equality; at the present time your* abundance for their lack, so that also their abundance shall be for your* lack, in order that there shall be equality;


text:
just as it has been written, "The <i>[one who gathered]</i> much did not have too much; and the <i>[one who gathered]</i> little had no lack." <i>[Exod 16:18]</i>


text:
Now thanks <i>[be]</i> to God, the One giving the same diligence <i>[or, earnest care]</i> concerning you* in the heart of Titus.


text:
Because indeed he accepted my appeal, but being more diligent, he went forth to you* of <i>[his]</i> own accord.


text:
And we sent along with him the brother, whose praise in <i>[things of]</i> the Gospel <i>[is]</i> <i>[spread]</i> through all the assemblies;


text:
And not only <i>[this]</i>, _but_ also having been elected by a raising of hands <i>[fig., having been appointed by a vote]</i> by the assemblies <i>[as]</i> our fellow-traveler with this grace <i>[or, gift]</i>, the one being ministered <i>[or, administered]</i> by us, to the glory of the Lord Himself and <i>[to show]</i> our eagerness;


text:
trying to guard against this, lest anyone finds fault with us in this generous gift, the one being ministered <i>[or, administered]</i> by us;


text:
providing <i>[or, having regard]</i> <i>[for]</i> honorable <i>[things]</i>, not only before <i>[the]</i> Lord, _but_ also before people.


text:
And we sent along with them our brother, whom we often proved <i>[as]</i> being eager in many <i>[things]</i>, but now <i>[being]</i> much more diligent by his great confidence <i>[or, trust]</i>, the <i>[one]</i> toward you*.


text:
If <i>[anyone inquires]</i> about Titus, <i>[he is]</i> my partner and co-worker towards you*; or if <i>[anyone inquires about]</i> our brothers, <i>[they are]</i> apostles <i>[or, messengers]</i> of <i>[the]</i> assemblies, a glory to Christ.


text:
Therefore, show to them proof of your* love and of our boasting on your* behalf in <i>[the]</i> face <i>[fig., presence]</i> of the assemblies.


text:
For indeed concerning the ministry, the <i>[one]</i> to the holy ones, it is unnecessary for me to write to you*.


text:
For I know your* eagerness, which I boast concerning you* to <i>[the]</i> Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your* the zeal stirred up the majority.


text:
But I sent the brothers, so that our boasting about you* is not made empty in this matter, so that, just as I said, you* shall have been prepared;


text:
lest perhaps <i>[some]</i> Macedonians come with me and find you* unprepared, _we_ should be put to shame (that we say not you* <i>[fig., not to mention you*]</i>) in this confidence of boasting.


text:
Therefore, I considered <i>[it]</i> necessary to urge the brothers, so that they should go before to you* and prepare in advance your* blessing having been previously announced, that this <i>[would]</i> be ready, thus as a blessing <i>[or, bountiful gift]</i> and not as grudgingly given.


text:
Now <i>[I say]</i> this: the one sowing sparingly, will also reap sparingly; and the one sowing in blessings <i>[fig., bountifully]</i>, will also reap in blessings <i>[fig., bountifully]</i>;


text:
<i>[Let]</i> each one <i>[give]</i> just as he decides in his heart, not from sorrow <i>[fig., reluctantly]</i> or from necessity <i>[fig., under compulsion]</i>, for God loves a cheerful giver.


text:
And God <i>[is]</i> able to cause all grace to abound to you*, so that in every <i>[thing]</i> always having all sufficiency, you* shall abound to every good work,


text:
just as it has been written, "He scattered abroad <i>[fig., gave generously]</i>, He gave to the poor; His righteousness endures into the age <i>[fig., forever]</i>." <i>[Psalm 112:9]</i>


text:
Now the One supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, may He supply and multiply your* seed and increase the fruits of your* righteousness;


text:
in every <i>[thing]</i> being enriched to all generosity, which is producing through us thanksgiving to God.


text:
Because the ministry <i>[or, administration]</i> of this sacred service not only is supplying the needs of the holy ones _but_ is also overflowing through many thanksgivings to God,


text:
<i>[while]</i> through the proof of this ministry they are glorifying God for the obedience of your* confession to the Gospel of Christ and <i>[for the]</i> generosity of the fellowship to them and to all,


text:
and their petition <i>[to God]</i> on your* behalf, longing for you* because of the surpassing grace of God upon you*.


text:
Now _I_, Paul, myself plead with you* by the gentleness and kindness of Christ, <i>[I]</i> who according to face <i>[fig., in presence]</i> indeed <i>[am]</i> humble <i>[or, servile]</i> among you*, but being absent, act boldly toward you*.


text:
Now I implore <i>[you*]</i>, that when I am present I <i>[need]</i> not to act boldly with the confidence with which I am considering <i>[or, planning]</i> to be bold against some, the ones considering us as walking about <i>[fig., conducting ourselves]</i> according to the flesh.


text:
For <i>[though]</i> walking about <i>[fig., conducting ourselves]</i> in the flesh, we do not wage war <i>[fig., struggle against evil forces]</i> according to the flesh.


text:
For the weapons of our warfare <i>[are]</i> not fleshly _but_ powerful in God for <i>[the]</i> tearing down of strongholds <i>[or, fortresses]</i>,


text:
tearing down misleading arguments and every high place <i>[fig., arrogance]</i> lifting itself up against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ,


text:
You* are looking at <i>[things]</i> according to <i>[their outward]</i> face <i>[fig., appearance]</i>. If anyone has persuaded himself <i>[that he]</i> is Christ's, let him again consider this in himself, that just as he <i>[is]</i> Christ's, so also we <i>[are]</i> Christ's.


text:
For even if also I boast something further concerning our authority, which the Lord gave to us for edification and not for tearing you* down, I will not be ashamed,


text:
Because "His letters indeed," he says, "<i>[are]</i> weighty and strong, but his bodily presence weak, and his speech having been despised <i>[fig., amounts to nothing]</i>."


text:
Let such <i>[a person]</i> consider this: that such as we are in word, by letters, being absent, such also, being present, <i>[we are]</i> in deed.


text:
For we do not dare to classify or to compare ourselves with any of the ones commending themselves; _but_ they, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves with themselves, do not understand.


text:
But _we_ will not at all boast in the immeasurable <i>[things]</i> <i>[fig., excessively]</i>, _but_ after the measure of the sphere <i>[of influence]</i> which the God of measure appointed to us to reach even as far as you*.


text:
For we are not overextending ourselves, as if not reaching to you*, for even as far as you* we came with the Gospel of Christ;


text:
not boasting in the immeasurable <i>[things]</i> <i>[fig., excessively]</i> in other people's labors, but having hope <i>[or, confident expectation]</i>, <i>[that as]</i> your* faith increases, to be enlarged to abundance <i>[or, greatly]</i> by you*, according to our sphere <i>[of influence]</i>,


text:
to proclaim the Gospel in the <i>[regions]</i> beyond you*, <i>[and]</i> not to boast in regard to the <i>[things]</i> prepared <i>[fig., the work already done]</i> in another's sphere <i>[of influence]</i>.


text:
O that you* would put up with me <i>[in]</i> a little of my foolishness <i>[or, boastful folly]</i>! _But_ indeed you* are putting up with me.


text:
For I am jealous <i>[or, zealous]</i> for you* with <i>[the]</i> jealousy <i>[or, zeal]</i> of God, for I betrothed you* <i>[or, promised you* as a bride]</i> to one husband, to present <i>[you* as]</i> a pure virgin to Christ.


text:
But I am afraid, lest perhaps, as the serpent deceived Eve in his craftiness, so your* minds shall be corrupted from the sincerity <i>[or, single-hearted devotion]</i>, the <i>[one]</i> in <i>[or, to]</i> Christ.


text:
For if indeed the one coming <i>[to you*]</i> preaches another Jesus whom we did not preach, or you* receive a different Spirit which you* did not receive, or a different gospel which you did not accept, you* may well put up <i>[with it]</i>!


text:
For I consider <i>[myself]</i> to have fallen short in nothing <i>[compared]</i> to those "super-apostles."


text:
But even if <i>[I am]</i> unskilled in word <i>[or, speech]</i>, yet not in knowledge, _but_ in every <i>[way]</i> we have been made known to you* in all <i>[things]</i>.


text:
Or did I commit sin <i>[by]</i> humbling myself so that _you*_ should be exalted, because I freely proclaimed the Gospel of God to you*?


text:
and being present with you* and having been in need, I was not a <i>[financial]</i> burden to anyone, for the brothers supplied my need, having come from Macedonia. And in everything I kept myself from being a burden to you*, and I will keep <i>[myself]</i>.


text:
<i>[The]</i> truth of Christ is in me, because this boasting in regard to me will not be stopped in the regions of Achaia.


text:
But what I am doing, I also will do, so that I shall cut off the opportunity of the ones desiring an opportunity, so that in what they boast they shall be found just as we also <i>[are]</i>.


text:
For such <i>[ones are]</i> false apostles, deceitful laborers, transforming themselves into <i>[or, disguising themselves as]</i> apostles of Christ.


text:
And no wonder! For even Satan transforms himself into <i>[or, disguises himself as]</i> an angel of light.


text:
Therefore, <i>[it is]</i> not a great thing if also his servants are transformed <i>[or, disguised]</i> as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.


text:
Again I say, let no one consider me to be a fool; but if <i>[you* do]</i>, at least receive me as a fool, so that _I_ also shall boast a little something <i>[fig., in a small way]</i>.


text:
What I speak, I speak not according to <i>[the]</i> Lord, _but_ as in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting.


text:
For you* put up with <i>[it]</i> if someone enslaves <i>[fig., takes advantage of]</i> you*, if someone devours <i>[you*]</i>, if someone takes away <i>[from you*]</i>, if someone exalts himself, if someone repeatedly slaps you* in the face <i>[fig., insults you*]</i>.


text:
According to shame I speak, how that _we_ were <i>[too]</i> weak <i>[for that]</i>; but in whatever anyone is bold, in foolishness I say <i>[it]</i>, _I_ also am bold.


text:
Servants of Christ are they? (As out of my mind I speak), I even more <i>[so]</i>: in labors far more, in beatings many more times, in prisons more frequently, in deaths frequently <i>[or, frequently [in danger of] death]</i>.


text:
Three times I was beaten with rods, once was I stoned, three times I was shipwrecked, I have spent a night and a day in the deep;


text:
frequently on journeys, in dangers of rivers, dangers of robbers, dangers from <i>[my]</i> race, dangers from Gentiles, dangers in a city, dangers in a desolate place <i>[or, uninhabited region]</i>, dangers in sea, dangers among false brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> <i>[fig., ones only pretending to be believers]</i>;


text:
in labor and toil, frequently in sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, frequently without food, in cold and nakedness <i>[or, without sufficient clothing]</i>.


text:
Apart from these external <i>[things]</i>, the burden on me daily: my anxiety for all the assemblies.


text:
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is caused to stumble <i>[fig., to sin]</i>, and _I_ do not burn <i>[with anger]</i>?


text:
The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, the One being blessed into the ages <i>[fig. forever]</i>, knows that I am not lying!


text:
In Damascus the official of Aretas the king was guarding the city of the Damascenes, desiring to arrest me,


text:
and I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall and escaped out of his hands. <i>[see Acts 9:25]</i>


text:
To be boasting surely is not profitable for me, for I will come to visions and revelations of <i>[the]</i> Lord.


text:
I know a man in Christ, fourteen years ago-whether in body I do not know, or outside the body I do not know, God knows-such a one being carried off to <i>[the]</i> third heaven.


text:
that he was carried off into Paradise and heard inexpressible <i>[or, sacred]</i> words, which it is not permissible for a person to speak.


text:
Concerning such a one I will boast, but concerning myself I will not boast, except in my weaknesses.


text:
For if I desire to boast, I will not be a fool, for truth I will speak; but I refrain <i>[from this]</i>, lest anyone considers me above what he sees me <i>[to be]</i> or hears something from me.


text:
And so that I should not be puffed up with pride by the exceeding greatness of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger <i>[or, angel]</i> of Satan, so that it should be beating me with its fists <i>[fig., treating me harshly]</i>, so that I should not be puffed up with pride.


text:
And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." Therefore, gladly I will rather boast in my weakness, so that the power of Christ should rest upon me.


text:
For this reason, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in troubles, in persecutions, in distresses on behalf of Christ; for whenever I am weak, then I am strong.


text:
I have become a fool by boasting; _you*_ compelled me! For _I_ ought to be commended by you*. For in nothing did I fall short of those "super-apostles"-even if I am nothing.


text:
Indeed the signs of the apostle were performed among you* with all perseverance, in signs and wonders and miraculous works.


text:
For what is <i>[there in]</i> which you* were inferior to the rest <i>[of the]</i> assemblies, except that _I_ myself was not a <i>[financial]</i> burden to you*? Forgive me this injustice!


text:
Listen! A third time I am ready to come to you*, and I will not be your* <i>[financial]</i> burden. For I do not seek the <i>[things]</i> of you*, _but_ you*! For the children ought not to store up <i>[or, save]</i> for the parents, _but_ the parents for the children.


text:
And _I_ gladly will spend and be entirely spent for the sake of your* souls, even if, loving you* more so, less I am loved.


text:
But be <i>[that as it may]</i>, _I_ did not burden you, _but_ being crafty, I took you* with deceit!


text:
I urged Titus and sent with <i>[him]</i> the brother; Titus did not take advantage of you*, did he? We walked about <i>[fig., conducted ourselves]</i> in the same Spirit, did we not? <i>[We walked]</i> in the same footsteps, did we not?


text:
Again, do you* think that we are defending ourselves to you*? Before God in Christ we are speaking. But <i>[we do]</i> all the things, beloved, for the sake of your* up-building <i>[or, edification]</i>.


text:
For I am afraid lest, having come, I find you* not such as I desire; and _I_ am found by you* such as you* do not desire, lest perhaps <i>[there be]</i> quarrels, jealousies, angry outbursts, rivalries, slanders, gossipings, conceits, rebellions <i>[or, disorders]</i>;


text:
lest again having come, my God will humble me in regard to you*, and I will mourn <i>[for]</i> many of the ones having sinned previously and not having repented concerning the impurity <i>[or, immorality]</i> and sexual sin and flagrant sexual immorality which they practiced.


text:
This <i>[will be the]</i> third time I am coming to you*. "By <i>[the]</i> mouth of two or three witnesses every word will be established." <i>[Deut 19:15]</i>


text:
I have previously said as being present <i>[or, when I was present]</i> the second time, and also now being absent I say <i>[it]</i> in advance <i>[or, forewarn]</i>, I write to the ones having sinned previously and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare <i>[you*]</i>,


text:
since you* are seeking proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you*, _but_ is strong in you*.


text:
For even since <i>[or, For although]</i> He was crucified out of weakness, _yet_ He lives by <i>[the]</i> power of God; for _we_ also are weak in Him, yet we will live with Him by <i>[the]</i> power of God toward you*.


text:
Be testing yourselves, if you* are in the faith; be examining yourselves. You* yourselves know that Jesus Christ is in you*, do you* not?-unless you* fail to meet the test.


text:
But I hope <i>[or, confidently expect]</i> that you* will know that _we_ do not fail to meet the test.


text:
Now I pray before God that you* do not do any evil, not so that _we_ should appear approved, _but_ so that _you*_ should do the good <i>[thing]</i>, but _we_ shall be as failing to meet the test.


text:
For this reason these things, being absent, I write, so that being present, I shall not deal sharply <i>[with you*]</i>, according to the authority which the Lord gave to me for building up <i>[or, edifying]</i> and not for tearing down.


text:
Finally, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, be rejoicing; be striving for perfection; continue being comforted, be thinking the same <i>[thing]</i> <i>[fig., be in agreement]</i>, be living at peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you*.


text:
The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit <i>[be]</i> with you* all! So be it!


text:
Paul, an apostle (not from people <i>[or, a human [authority]]</i> nor by a person, _but_ by Jesus Christ, and God <i>[the]</i> Father, the One having raised Him from <i>[the]</i> dead)


text:
and all the brothers <i>[and sisters]</i> with me, to the assemblies <i>[or, churches]</i> of Galatia:


text:
the One having given Himself for our sins, in order that He should deliver us out of the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father,


text:
I marvel <i>[or, am amazed]</i> that you* are so quickly turning away <i>[or, apostatizing]</i> from the One having called you* in <i>[or, by]</i> the grace of Christ to a different gospel,


text:
which is not another <i>[Gospel]</i>, except there are some, the ones having disturbed you* and desiring to distort the Gospel of Christ.


text:
_But_ even if we or an angel out of heaven shall himself be proclaiming a gospel to you* besides <i>[or, contrary to]</i> what we proclaimed to you*, let him be accursed <i>[Gr., anathema]</i>!


text:
As we have forewarned and now say again, if anyone shall be proclaiming a gospel to you* besides <i>[or, contrary to]</i> what you* received, let him be accursed!


text:
For am I now persuading <i>[or, seeking the approval of]</i> people or God? Or am I seeking to be pleasing people? For if I am still trying to please people, I would not be Christ's slave.


text:
But I make known to you*, brothers <i>[and sisters]</i>, the Gospel, the one having been proclaimed by me, that it is not according to humanity <i>[or, human [standards]]</i>.


text:
For neither did _I_ receive it from humanity <i>[or, human [origins]]</i>, nor was I taught <i>[it]</i>, _but_ <i>[I received it]</i> through a revelation of Jesus Christ.


text:
For you* heard of my former conduct in Judaism, that I was excessively persecuting the Assembly <i>[or, Church]</i> of God and trying to destroy it.


text:
And I was advancing in Judaism above many contemporaries <i>[or, beyond many of my own age]</i> among my race, being far more a zealot for the handed down teachings <i>[or, traditions]</i> of my forefathers.


