Galatians 3 Cross References - AUV

¹ You foolish people [of the churches] of Galatia [Note: This was a province in present-day Turkey], who tricked you? Was not Jesus Christ graphically portrayed before you as being put to death on a cross? ² The only thing I would like to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Holy Spirit [into your lives] by [meeting the requirements of] the law of Moses or by hearing [and obeying the message] of faith [in Christ]? ³ Are you so foolish [as to believe that after] having begun [your Christian lives] through [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you can [now] become complete by [living according to your human strength]? ⁴ Did you suffer so many things [for the faith] all for nothing? [That is], if it really was for nothing? ⁵ Therefore, as God has provided you with the Holy Spirit and has produced miracles among you, [do you think He has done all this] as a result of your obeying the requirements of the law of Moses or as a result of hearing [and responding to the message of] the faith? ⁶ [An example of this is] Abraham, who believed God’s [promise] and [because of such faith] he was considered right with God. ⁷ You should know, then, that people who have faith are [truly] God’s children. ⁸ And, predicting that God would consider the Gentiles right with Him by [their] faith, the Scriptures previously recorded [this promise of] the Gospel to Abraham by saying [Gen. 12:3], “All nations will receive a blessing through your descendant [i.e., Jesus].” ⁹ So then, all those who have faith [in Jesus] receive a blessing along with Abraham, a man of faith. ¹⁰ For all who seek to be right with God by trying to meet all the requirements of the law of Moses are under a curse [from God], because it is written [Deut. 27:26], “Every person is cursed [i.e., cut off from God] who does not continue to obey all of the requirements written in the law of Moses.” ¹¹ Now it is evident that no person can be made right with God by [obeying all the requirements of] the law of Moses for [Hab. 2:4 says], “The righteous person will obtain life by [his] faith [in God].” ¹² Now the law of Moses is not based on one’s faith, for [Lev. 18:5 says], “The person who obeys the requirements of the law of Moses will obtain life by doing so.” ¹³ Christ bought us back from the curse [caused by our not obeying all the requirements] of the law of Moses; He became a curse for us [by dying on the cross], for it is written [Deut. 21:23], “Every one who hangs on a tree [i.e., a cross] is cursed [i.e., cut off from God].” ¹⁴ [This happened] so that the blessing [promised] to Abraham might be received by the Gentiles through [the person and work of] Christ, so that we might receive the promised [gift of the] Holy Spirit through [our] faith [in Jesus]. ¹⁵ Brothers, I will use an illustration from the way people deal with each other: Even though an agreement is made between people, once it is finally settled, no one can cancel it or include additional provisions to it. ¹⁶ Now [specific] promises were made to Abraham and to his seed [i.e., descendants]. [God] did not say “seeds” [plural] as though He were referring to many persons but “seed” [singular] showing that He meant one [descendant]; [Gen. 13:15 says] “And to your seed,” referring to Christ. ¹⁷ Here is what I am saying: The Agreement originally made by God [with Abraham], with its attending promises, was not canceled when the law of Moses was given some four hundred and thirty years later. ¹⁸ For if the inheritance [of never ending life] can be obtained by [obeying the requirements of] the law of Moses, it would not come from the promise [of God]; but God provided [this inheritance] for Abraham according to [His] promise. ¹⁹ What then is [the benefit of] the law of Moses? It was introduced [as part of God’s revelation] in order to define what sin was, until the seed [i.e., Jesus] would come, to whom the promise [of never ending life] was made. The law of Moses was ordained through [the medium of] angels and [delivered] through the hand of an intermediary [i.e., Moses]. ²⁰ Now an intermediary does not serve in a situation involving [only] one person. However, God is one [Being]. ²¹ Is the law of Moses contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could provide [never ending] life, then a person could be considered right with God by [obeying the requirements of such] a law. ²² But the Scriptures indicate that everything [i.e., everyone] is under the control of sin, so that the promise [of never ending life] could be available [only] to those who have faith in Jesus Christ. ²³ But before faith [in Christ] became available, we [Jews] were kept in bondage under [condemnation for not obeying perfectly] the law of Moses. [This condition existed] until the faith [i.e., the Gospel message] was made known [to people]. ²⁴ So, the law of Moses became like our “transportation to school,” bringing us to [the school of] Christ where we [learn how to be] made right with God by faith [in Christ]. ²⁵ But now that faith [in Christ] has become available, we are no longer in need of this “transportation to school.” ²⁶ For all of you are children of God through your faith in Christ Jesus [as God’s only Son]. ²⁷ For all of you who were immersed into [a relationship with] Christ have been clothed with Him [i.e., His life]. ²⁸ [In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are [truly] Abraham’s seed [i.e., his spiritual descendants] and thereby [you will] inherit what was promised to him [i.e., God’s blessings].

¹⁷ “Do not think that I came to do away with the law of Moses or the prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to fulfill them [i.e., their requirements and predictions].

¹⁷ “Do not think that I came to do away with the law of Moses or the prophets. I did not come to do away with them, but to fulfill them [i.e., their requirements and predictions]. ¹⁸ For it is true when I say, not one little letter or even a portion of a letter will be removed from the law of Moses until everything is accomplished [that is required by them]. [When that happens, then] heaven and earth will pass away [i.e., be destroyed. See II Peter 3:12].

¹⁸ For it is true when I say, not one little letter or even a portion of a letter will be removed from the law of Moses until everything is accomplished [that is required by them]. [When that happens, then] heaven and earth will pass away [i.e., be destroyed. See II Peter 3:12]. ¹⁹ Therefore, whoever disregards one of these least [significant] requirements [of the law of Moses] and teaches others to [disregard them], he will be considered the least [significant person] in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever obeys them and teaches [others to obey] them, will be considered important in the kingdom of heaven. ²⁰ For I say to you people, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven unless what you do that is right excels what the experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] do that is right.

²⁶ And every person who hears these words of mine but does not obey them will be like the foolish person who built his house on [a foundation of] sand.

¹⁷ Jesus answered him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is [only] One who is good [i.e., God]. But if you want to enter [never ending] life, [then] obey His commandments.”

²⁴ For false Christs and false prophets will appear and they will perform great [miraculous] signs and [supernatural] wonders in order to lead astray even the elect [i.e., God’s people], if possible.

⁴¹ Then He [i.e., the King] will say to those at His left side, ‘Go away from me, you who are cursed [by God], into the never ending fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels.

²⁸ for this is [i.e., represents] my blood of the Agreement [i.e., between God and mankind], which is [to be] poured out for many people in order for [their] sins to be forgiven.

⁵ And he threw down the thirty silver coins in the Sanctuary [i.e., probably the outer area of the Temple], then left and went out and hanged himself.

¹⁹ So, as you go, make disciples out of people from all the nations, then immerse believers [See Mark 16:15-16] into the name of [i.e., to enter a relationship with] the Father, and the Son and the Holy Spirit. ²⁰ [Then] go on teaching them [i.e., these new converts] to obey everything I have commanded you and my presence will be with you always, even to the end of the age.

¹⁵ Then He said to them, “You [men] go into the entire world and preach the good news to every person. ¹⁶ The person who believes [i.e., the Gospel] and is immersed will be saved [i.e., from condemnation], but whoever does not believe it will be condemned.

¹⁶ The person who believes [i.e., the Gospel] and is immersed will be saved [i.e., from condemnation], but whoever does not believe it will be condemned.

⁵⁴ (As He said to our forefathers), He has helped His servants, the Israelites, [showing] that He remembered to be merciful ⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

⁵⁵ to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

⁶⁸ “May the Lord be praised, [who is] the God of the Israelites, for He has come to [the aid of] His people and bought them back [i.e., from bondage]. ⁶⁹ He has provided a horn of salvation [i.e., His saving strength] for us from a descendant of His servant King David [i.e., Jesus, born of Mary] ⁷⁰ (as He spoke through the message of the holy prophets of long ago). ⁷¹ [He has provided] salvation from our enemies, and from the [destructive] hand of all those who hate us, ⁷² in order to show mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy Agreement.

⁷² in order to show mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy Agreement. ⁷³ [This Agreement was] the oath by which He swore to Abraham, our forefather,

⁷³ [This Agreement was] the oath by which He swore to Abraham, our forefather, ⁷⁴ that we would be delivered from the [destructive] hand of our enemies and [then] serve Him without fear ⁷⁵ by living holy and righteous lives before Him all of our days. ⁷⁶ Yes, you [my] child [i.e., John], will be called the prophet of the Highest [i.e., God], for you will go ahead of the Lord’s presence to prepare His ways. ⁷⁷ And [you will] provide the knowledge of salvation to His people, by [granting them] the forgiveness of their sins ⁷⁸ because of God’s merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise ⁷⁹ to shine on those who are sitting in darkness and [are under] the shadow of death, and to direct our feet into the way of peace.”

¹⁰ And the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for look, I am bringing good news that will cause great joy to all people. ¹¹ For a Savior has been born today in David’s city [i.e., Bethlehem], who is Christ the Lord [i.e., God’s specially chosen one].

²³ Then Jesus turned to the disciples and said privately, “The eyes that see the things you see are [truly] blessed, ²⁴ for I tell you, many prophets and kings wanted to see the things that you see, but did not [get to] see them. And [they wanted] to hear the things that you hear, but did not [get to] hear them.” ²⁵ Just then a certain teacher of the law of Moses stood up and [attempted to] test Jesus, saying, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit [never ending] life?” ²⁶ And Jesus said to him, “What is written in the law of Moses? How do you read it?” ²⁷ And the man answered Him, [Deut. 6:5], “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind.” And [Lev. 19:18 says], “ [You must love] your neighbor just as [you love] yourself.” ²⁸ Then Jesus said to him, “You have answered correctly; [if] you do this, you will live” [i.e., forever. See verse 25].

¹³ If then you know how to give good gifts to your children, even though you are sinful [human beings], how much more [likely] is it that your Father in heaven will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

²² But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him. And put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

³¹ And Abraham replied, ‘If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded [even] if someone rises from the dead [i.e., to come back and warn them].’”

⁹ Then Jesus told this parable to certain ones who were relying on their own goodness and putting everyone else down: ¹⁰ “Two men went up to the Temple [in Jerusalem] to pray. One of them was a Pharisee and the other one was a tax collector. ¹¹ The Pharisee stood up [conspicuously] and prayed about himself this way [i.e., bragging to God about how good he was], ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people: swindlers, unjust, sexually unfaithful to their mates, or even like that tax collector [over there]. ¹² I fast [i.e., going without food and/or drink for religious reasons] twice a week and I give [to God’s work] a tenth of everything I get.’ ¹³ But the tax collector stood at a distance [i.e., inconspicuously] and would not even look up to heaven, but struck his chest [i.e., in remorse], saying, ‘God, [please] have mercy on a sinner like me.’

⁹ Then Jesus said to him, “Salvation has come to this house today, since he too [i.e., Zacchaeus] is a descendant of Abraham.

³¹ In the same way also, when you see these things happening [i.e., the above mentioned “signs”], you can know that the kingdom of God [i.e., either its heavenly phase or the destruction of Jerusalem] is near.

²⁵ Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish men! How slow your minds are to believe everything the prophets have spoken [in their writings]!

⁴⁹ And look, I [am going to] send upon you apostles what my Father promised [i.e., the Holy Spirit. See John 14:26]; but you should wait in the city [of Jerusalem] until you are clothed with power from above.” [Note: This promise was fulfilled when the apostles were immersed in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 1:4 - 2:4].

¹² But He gave all those who did welcome Him the opportunity of becoming children of God by believing in His name [i.e., as the Messiah]. ¹³ [Such people] were born of God, not of blood ties [i.e., from physical descendants], nor of the will of the flesh [i.e., merely from a sexual desire], nor of the will of man [i.e., from a husband’s desire for offspring].

¹⁷ For the law was given through Moses; [but] God’s favor and truth came through Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ so that whoever believes in Him would have never ending life.” [Note: Some translations extend Jesus’ conversation with Nicodemus through verse 21]. ¹⁶ For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life. ¹⁷ For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge [i.e., to condemn it], but [rather] so that the people of the world could be saved [from condemnation] though Him. ¹⁸ The person who believes in Him will not be condemned, but the one who does not believe in Him has already been condemned, because he did not believe in the name of God’s one and only Son.

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

²⁴ “Truly, truly, I tell you, the person who listens to my message and believes [in] the One who sent me [i.e., God] has never ending life [i.e., as a hope. See Titus 1:2; 3:7]. He will not be judged [and condemned], but has [already] passed from being [spiritually] dead to being [spiritually] alive.

⁴⁵ “Do not think that I will accuse you [of wrongdoing] before the Father; Moses, on whom you have set your hope [i.e., you base your acceptance with God on the promises found in Moses’ writings], he is the one who accuses you [i.e., in his writings]. ⁴⁶ For if you believed Moses’ [writings], you would [also] believe in me, for he wrote about me. [See Deut. 18:15-19]. ⁴⁷ But if you do not believe his writings, how do you expect to believe my message?”

⁴⁰ And this is what [else] my Father wants: That every person who sees the Son [i.e., with the eye of faith] and believes in Him should have never ending life, and I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.”

³⁸ As the Scripture has recorded [Note: The following is not an exact quotation from the OT, but echoes Isa. 58:11 and Zech. 14:8], ‘Streams of life-giving water will flow from the person’s heart who believes in me.’” ³⁹ Now He said this about the Holy Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were to receive [See Acts 2:38]. For [at that time] the Holy Spirit had not yet been given, since Jesus had not yet received splendor [in heaven].

⁴² Does not Scripture say [Micah 5:2] that the Christ will come as the descendant of King David, and from Bethlehem, the town where David lived?”

³⁹ They answered Him, “Our forefather was Abraham.” Jesus replied to them, “If you were Abraham’s descendants, you would do the [kinds of] deeds that Abraham did.

⁵⁶ Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad.” ⁵⁷ So, the Jews said to Him, “You are not even fifty years old [yet] and have you seen Abraham?” ⁵⁸ Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am.” [Note: The words “I am” were probably construed as a reference to being Deity. See Ex. 3:14].

¹⁶ I have other sheep [also] which are not [presently] in this corral; I must lead them, too. They will hear my voice and become one flock [i.e., with the others], having one shepherd. [Note: This probably refers to believing Gentiles becoming God’s people, along with the Jews].

²⁵ Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life; the person who believes in me will live on, even though he dies [physically]. ²⁶ And whoever goes on living and believing in me, will never die [spiritually]. Do you believe this?”

⁵² And not just [die] for the [Jewish] nation, but also that He would assemble together into one body the children of God who were scattered [throughout the world].

⁴⁶ I have come into the world to be a light [to it], so that whoever believes in me would not have to remain in [spiritual] darkness.

²² They would not be guilty of sinning if I had not come and spoken to them. But now [that I have], they have no excuse for their sin.

¹¹ And [now] I am coming to you, for I will not be in the world any longer, yet these men are [still] in the world. Holy Father, protect them by [the power of] your name which you have given me. May these men be one, as we are.

²⁰ “I am not praying for these [apostles] only, but also for [all of] those who believe in me through their message. ²¹ [I pray] that all of them may be one, just as you, Father, are [one] in [fellowship with] me, and I [am one] in [fellowship with] you, so that they also may be [one] in [fellowship with] us in order that the world may [see it and] believe that you sent me.

³⁷ And another Scripture says [Zech. 12:10], “People will look at him whom they [had] pierced.”

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

³¹ But these [signs] are written down so that you will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that when you believe [this], you will have [never ending] life in His name [i.e., through His person and work].

⁴ [One day, as He was] gathered with these apostles, He urged them not to leave Jerusalem, but to wait there until they received what the Father had promised them. (Jesus had previously discussed this with them). [See Luke 24:49]. ⁵ For [Jesus had said, Matt. 3:11], "John immersed you [men] in water but [this time] you will be immersed in the Holy Spirit, and [it will happen] in just a few more days."

²⁵ King David said this about Jesus [Psa. 16:8ff], 'I always see the Lord in front of me, He is at my right side for protection; ²⁶ therefore, I was glad in my heart, and my mouth expressed this [joy]. In addition, my body will live in hope [of being raised]

³³ Jesus is [now] exalted at the right side of God, and having received the promised Holy Spirit from His Father, He has poured out what you have seen and heard [here this day].

³⁵ until I put your enemies [in subjection] beneath your feet.'

³⁸ And Peter replied, "Every one of you must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ [i.e., by His authority] so that your sins will be forgiven [by God] and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [to live in your hearts].

³⁸ And Peter replied, "Every one of you must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives] and be immersed in the name of Jesus Christ [i.e., by His authority] so that your sins will be forgiven [by God] and then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit [to live in your hearts]. ³⁹ For the promise [of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit] is being given to you [Jews] and to your descendants and [also] to all those who are far away [i.e., Gentiles. See Eph. 2:17]. [This promise is] to as many as [respond to] the Lord, our God's call [through the Gospel, See II Thess. 2:14]."

²⁵ You people are descendants of these prophets and [recipients] of the Agreement God made with your forefathers when He said to Abraham [Gen. 12:3], 'And through your seed [i.e., your descendant Jesus] all the people of the earth will receive the blessings [of God].'

²⁵ You people are descendants of these prophets and [recipients] of the Agreement God made with your forefathers when He said to Abraham [Gen. 12:3], 'And through your seed [i.e., your descendant Jesus] all the people of the earth will receive the blessings [of God].' ²⁶ You [Jews] were the first ones to receive this blessing when God raised up [i.e., selected] His Servant [i.e., Jesus] and sent Him to turn all of you [away] from your sins."

¹² And there is salvation in no other One [than Jesus] for there is no other Name in the whole world, proclaimed by men, by which [a person] can be saved."

³⁰ The God of our forefathers raised up Jesus [from the dead], whom you put to death by hanging Him on a tree [i.e., the cross].

³² We apostles are witnesses of these things and so is the Holy Spirit whom God has given to every person who obeys Him."

⁷ So, the message of God increased [in its influence] and the disciples multiplied in number greatly in Jerusalem, [so that even] a large number of [Jewish] priests became obedient to [the message of] the faith.

⁶ And God had spoken about this [beforehand] by saying that Abraham's descendants would live in a foreign country and that they would [eventually] be ill-treated as slaves for four hundred years.

³⁸ This is the man who was with our forefathers and with the assembly [of Hebrews] in the wilderness [after] the angel had spoken to him at Mt. Sinai. He [is the one] who received the living messages [from God at Mt. Sinai] and gave them to us.

⁵³ You received the law that was ordained through [the medium of] angels [See Gal. 3:19] and yet have not obeyed its requirements."

⁹ But a certain man named Simon, from there in Samaria, who had been amazing the people with his magical powers, was claiming to be someone great. ¹⁰ Everyone, from the least to the greatest [in importance], was being impressed by him. They were saying, "This man is being called Great [and has] power from God." ¹¹ And people were paying attention to him because he had been amazing them with his magic for a long time.

¹⁵ When these two apostles had come [to Samaria] they prayed for some [of the disciples] to receive [miraculous power from] the Holy Spirit, ¹⁶ for as yet [such power] had not fallen on any of them; they had only been immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus [i.e., with no accompanying miraculous powers].

³⁶ As they [i.e., Philip, the Ethiopian eunuch and his attendants] traveled along they came to a certain [body of] water. The [Ethiopian] eunuch said, "Look, here is [a body of] water, why can’t I be immersed [right now]?" {{Verse ³⁷ is absent from many manuscripts}}. ³⁸ So, the eunuch ordered the chariot to be stopped; then both Philip and the [Ethiopian] eunuch went down into the water and Philip immersed the eunuch [into Christ].

¹⁸ And suddenly, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes and his sight was [immediately] restored. So, he got up and was immersed [See 22:16];

⁴⁴ While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit descended upon all those who were listening to this message [i.e., Cornelius and his household]. ⁴⁵ And the believers of Jewish descent, who had come with Peter, were amazed [when they saw] that the gift of the Holy Spirit had [now] been poured out on the Gentiles also. ⁴⁶ For [as evidence of it] they heard them speaking in [other] languages [supernaturally] and lifting up God [in praise]. Peter then said, ⁴⁷ "Who can keep these people [i.e., Cornelius' household] from being immersed in water now that they have received the Holy Spirit just like we [apostles] have?" [See 2:4].

¹⁵ "And while I was speaking, [the power of] the Holy Spirit descended on them [i.e., Cornelius' Gentile household] just like [it fell] on us [Jewish apostles] at the beginning [i.e., the day of Pentecost, See chapter 2].

¹⁵ "And while I was speaking, [the power of] the Holy Spirit descended on them [i.e., Cornelius' Gentile household] just like [it fell] on us [Jewish apostles] at the beginning [i.e., the day of Pentecost, See chapter 2]. ¹⁶ Then I remembered what the Lord had said [See 1:4-5]: 'John immersed you [people] in water but you [apostles] will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.'

¹⁶ Then I remembered what the Lord had said [See 1:4-5]: 'John immersed you [people] in water but you [apostles] will be immersed in the Holy Spirit.' ¹⁷ [Therefore], if God gave to them [i.e., the Gentiles] the same gift as He gave to us [Jews] when we [apostles, See chapter 1-2] believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, how could I stand against [the will of] God [by refusing to immerse them]?'” ¹⁸ So, when the apostles and the brothers from Judea heard these things, they stopped arguing [See verse 2] and gave honor to God, saying, “[This means] that God has permitted the Gentiles also [as well as the Jews] to repent [i.e., change their hearts and lives] so they, too, could have [the promise of never ending] life.”

²⁰ Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon [Note: These were seaport cities not under his jurisdiction]. They came to him as a group, having befriended Blastus, an officer of the king [Herod], and tried to arrange a peaceful relationship [with him] because the country was dependant on him for their food supply.

³⁸ "Brothers, you should know, therefore, that forgiveness of sins is being proclaimed [to people] through this man [Jesus], ³⁹ and [it is] by Him that every believer is made right with God in every way that he could not have been made right by [observing the requirements of] the law of Moses.

³ Paul and Barnabas remained there a long time and spoke [the message] boldly for [or, in the power of] the Lord who gave His approval to the message of unearned favor by allowing [miraculous] signs and wonders to be performed by them.

⁹ As he listened to Paul, [the apostle] looked at him intently, perceiving that he had [enough] faith to be fully healed [of his lame condition], ¹⁰ so he said loudly, "Stand straight up on your feet." And the man jumped up and began walking.

⁸ And God, who knows [all people's] hearts, gave His testimony [to their acceptance] by giving them the Holy Spirit just as He did to us [See 11:15-17].

¹⁵ And this was predicted by the message of the prophets when they wrote [Amos 9:11ff], ¹⁶ 'After these things [have transpired], I will return [to my people] and will rebuild the Tabernacle [i.e., the Temple] of David, which has been destroyed. I will rebuild it from its ruins and reestablish it, ¹⁷ so that the rest of mankind, including all the Gentiles [or nations], may seek after the Lord and be called by my name. ¹⁸ This is what the Lord said when He predicted these things long ago.'

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

³¹ Paul and Silas said, "You and your family can be saved if you [all] believe in the Lord Jesus."

³¹ Paul and Silas said, "You and your family can be saved if you [all] believe in the Lord Jesus." ³² Then they [continued to] speak the message of the Lord to him and everyone [else] in his household. ³³ The jailor immediately took Paul and Silas, and cleansed [and soothed] their wounded [backs] and then he and his [believing] household were immersed [into Christ].

² He asked them, "Did [any of] you receive the [indwelling] Holy Spirit when you became believers [in Jesus]?" They answered him, "No, we have never [even] heard that there was a Holy Spirit." ³ Paul [again] asked, "Into what were you immersed then?" They answered him, "Into John's immersion." ⁴ Paul [then] said, "John immersed people who [demonstrated their] repentance, telling them they must believe in Jesus, the One who would come after him." ⁵ When they heard this they were immersed into the name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ Then Paul placed his hands on them and [the supernatural power of] the Holy Spirit came on them and they [began to] speak in [other] languages and prophesy [i.e., speak God's message].

¹¹ And God performed special miracles through the hands of Paul, ¹² such as sick people, who were given hand towels or [leather] aprons that had touched Paul's body, being healed from diseases and delivered from evil spirits.

¹⁶ I am not ashamed of the good news [i.e., the Gospel], because it is God’s power for [bringing] salvation to every person who believes [in Jesus]; first to Jews and then to Greeks [i.e., unconverted Gentiles]. ¹⁷ For the Gospel reveals how a person can be made right with God. It is through faith [in Jesus], from beginning to end, just as it is written [Hab. 2:4], “The righteous person will [obtain] life by [his] faith [in God].”

⁸ But to the ones who have selfish ambition [Note: Some translate these words “are contentious”] and refuse to obey the truth, but [instead] obey what is wrong, [God will bring] wrath, fury, ⁹ anguish and distress. He will bring these upon every human being who does wrong, upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks [i.e., Gentiles]. ¹⁰ But [He will bring] glory, honor and peace upon every person who does what is good; upon the Jews first, then also upon the Greeks,

¹³ For [it is] not those who hear the law of Moses who are right with God, but [it is] those who obey [the requirements of] that law [perfectly] who will be considered right with God.

¹ What advantage then does the Jew have [i.e., over the Gentile]? Or what value is there in circumcision? ² Much in every way! First of all, the Jews were entrusted with the messages of God [i.e., their prophets received divine revelations]. ³ But what if some [of the Jews] were unfaithful? Does their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God? Certainly not! ⁴ But let God be truthful, [even if] everyone [else] is a liar. For it is written [Psa. 51:4], “[God], you should be proven right when you speak, and win [your case] when put on trial.” ⁵ Now if our wrongdoing serves to emphasize more clearly that God does what is right, what should we say about that? Is God being unjust for sending [His] wrath [on the world]? (I am raising a human objection). ⁶ Certainly not, for then how could He judge the world?

⁹ What then? Are we [Jews] any better off [than those Gentiles]? No, not at all, for we have already charged that both Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles] alike are under [the power of] sin, ¹⁰ as it is written [Psa. 14:1ff; 53:1ff], “No one [always] does what is right; not even one person. ¹¹ No one understands [everything]. No one looks to God [all the time]. ¹² Everyone has turned away [from God]. All of them have become worthless. No one is [always] kind; no, not even one person.” ¹³ [Psa. 5:9 says], “Their throats are like open graves [i.e., they are foul-mouthed]. They have spoken deceitfully.” [Psa. 90:3 says], “There is snake venom under their lips [i.e., their words are deadly].” ¹⁴ [Psa. 10:7 says], “Their speech is full of cursing and bitterness.” ¹⁵ [Isa. 59:7ff says], “Their feet [take them where they] are quick to commit murder. ¹⁶ Their pathways are strewn with ruin and misery [i.e., caused by them]. ¹⁷ They have not known [how to walk on] a peaceful pathway.” ¹⁸ [Psa. 36:1 says], “They do not view God with reverence.” ¹⁹ Now we [all] know that everything the law says applies to those who are under [obligation to obey] that law, [Note: Here “the law” appears to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures generally, since Psalms and Isaiah are quoted. See verses 10-18]. This is so that the mouth of every objector may be stopped [i.e., from making excuses for his sin], and thereby bring the entire world under God’s judgment [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles].

¹⁹ Now we [all] know that everything the law says applies to those who are under [obligation to obey] that law, [Note: Here “the law” appears to refer to the Old Testament Scriptures generally, since Psalms and Isaiah are quoted. See verses 10-18]. This is so that the mouth of every objector may be stopped [i.e., from making excuses for his sin], and thereby bring the entire world under God’s judgment [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles]. ²⁰ This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the law of Moses.

²⁰ This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the law of Moses. ²¹ But now [i.e., under the Gospel age], a way of being considered right with God apart from [any] law has been made known. [The writings of] the law [i.e., the Pentateuch] and the prophets bear witness to this. ²² Being considered right with God is [obtained] through faith in Jesus Christ by every person who believes [in Him], for there is no favoritism [with God],

²² Being considered right with God is [obtained] through faith in Jesus Christ by every person who believes [in Him], for there is no favoritism [with God], ²³ for everyone has sinned and falls short of God’s glory [i.e., His approval, or His perfect character]. ²⁴ But people are made right with Him as a free gift by His unearned favor, through being bought back [from Satan] by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Jesus as the atoning sacrifice [for our sins] through [our] faith in His blood [i.e., His death on the cross]. This was in order to demonstrate His justice when, by using forbearance, He passed over people’s sins in previous generations.

²⁵ God presented Jesus as the atoning sacrifice [for our sins] through [our] faith in His blood [i.e., His death on the cross]. This was in order to demonstrate His justice when, by using forbearance, He passed over people’s sins in previous generations. ²⁶ [In doing this] God [also] demonstrated His justice [to people] of this present time, that He Himself is just and the One who makes the people right with Him who have faith in Jesus.

²⁸ For we conclude that a person is made right with God by faith [in Christ], apart from [obedience to] the requirements of a law [or, the law of Moses, See verse 20]. ²⁹ Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is He not the God of the Gentiles also? Yes, [indeed], of the Gentiles also, ³⁰ since there is [only] one God, who makes the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews] right with Him by faith [in Christ] and the uncircumcised ones [i.e., the Gentiles] through faith [in Christ]. ³¹ Do we then [intend to] destroy law [observance] because faith [in Christ is now required]? Certainly not! But [instead], we uphold [the validity of] law.

³ For what does the Scripture say? [Gen. 15:6 says], “And Abraham believed God, so God considered him righteous.”

³ For what does the Scripture say? [Gen. 15:6 says], “And Abraham believed God, so God considered him righteous.” ⁴ Now wages are not considered a gift if the person has to work for them, but [rather] an obligation [of his employer].

⁴ Now wages are not considered a gift if the person has to work for them, but [rather] an obligation [of his employer].

⁴ Now wages are not considered a gift if the person has to work for them, but [rather] an obligation [of his employer]. ⁵ But to the person who believes in God, who makes ungodly people right with Himself apart from doing good deeds, that person’s faith is considered by God [as the basis] for being righteous.

⁵ But to the person who believes in God, who makes ungodly people right with Himself apart from doing good deeds, that person’s faith is considered by God [as the basis] for being righteous.

⁵ But to the person who believes in God, who makes ungodly people right with Himself apart from doing good deeds, that person’s faith is considered by God [as the basis] for being righteous. ⁶ Even King David also spoke of the blessing experienced by the person who was considered righteous by God apart from doing good deeds.

⁶ Even King David also spoke of the blessing experienced by the person who was considered righteous by God apart from doing good deeds. ⁷ He said [Psa. 32:1ff], “Those people whose ungodly deeds are forgiven [by God] and whose sins are covered over, are [truly] blessed. ⁸ That person whose sin will not be held against him by the Lord is [truly] blessed.” ⁹ Is this blessing experienced by the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews only] or by the uncircumcised ones [i.e., the Gentiles] also? We are saying, “Abraham’s faith was credited to him for righteousness.”

⁹ Is this blessing experienced by the circumcised ones [i.e., the Jews only] or by the uncircumcised ones [i.e., the Gentiles] also? We are saying, “Abraham’s faith was credited to him for righteousness.” ¹⁰ [But] when was he given credit [i.e., for being righteous]? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was before he was circumcised, not afterward.

¹⁰ [But] when was he given credit [i.e., for being righteous]? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was before he was circumcised, not afterward. ¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith].

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith].

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith].

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith].

¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal [confirming] that he had been [considered] righteous because of the faith he had before being circumcised. Thus, he became the [spiritual] father of all people who believe [in God], even though they have not been circumcised, so that they could be considered righteous [by their faith]. ¹² And he also became the father of circumcised people [i.e., the Jews], who are not only circumcised, but who also follow the [same] example of faith [in God] which our forefather Abraham had before he was circumcised.

¹² And he also became the father of circumcised people [i.e., the Jews], who are not only circumcised, but who also follow the [same] example of faith [in God] which our forefather Abraham had before he was circumcised.

¹² And he also became the father of circumcised people [i.e., the Jews], who are not only circumcised, but who also follow the [same] example of faith [in God] which our forefather Abraham had before he was circumcised.

¹² And he also became the father of circumcised people [i.e., the Jews], who are not only circumcised, but who also follow the [same] example of faith [in God] which our forefather Abraham had before he was circumcised. ¹³ For it was not through [obedience to] law [See 3:31] that the promise to Abraham or his descendants of inheriting [the best of] the world [was made], but through their being considered righteous because of faith [in God].

¹³ For it was not through [obedience to] law [See 3:31] that the promise to Abraham or his descendants of inheriting [the best of] the world [was made], but through their being considered righteous because of faith [in God].

¹³ For it was not through [obedience to] law [See 3:31] that the promise to Abraham or his descendants of inheriting [the best of] the world [was made], but through their being considered righteous because of faith [in God].

¹³ For it was not through [obedience to] law [See 3:31] that the promise to Abraham or his descendants of inheriting [the best of] the world [was made], but through their being considered righteous because of faith [in God]. ¹⁴ For if [only] those who are obedient to the law deserve an inheritance, [then their] faith [in God] is for nothing, and God’s promise is nullified.

¹⁴ For if [only] those who are obedient to the law deserve an inheritance, [then their] faith [in God] is for nothing, and God’s promise is nullified.

¹⁴ For if [only] those who are obedient to the law deserve an inheritance, [then their] faith [in God] is for nothing, and God’s promise is nullified.

¹⁴ For if [only] those who are obedient to the law deserve an inheritance, [then their] faith [in God] is for nothing, and God’s promise is nullified. ¹⁵ For the law brings [God’s] wrath [i.e., because of man’s failure to obey it perfectly], but where there is no law, there is no [responsibility for] sin.

¹⁵ For the law brings [God’s] wrath [i.e., because of man’s failure to obey it perfectly], but where there is no law, there is no [responsibility for] sin.

¹⁵ For the law brings [God’s] wrath [i.e., because of man’s failure to obey it perfectly], but where there is no law, there is no [responsibility for] sin. ¹⁶ For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],

¹⁶ For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],

¹⁶ For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],

¹⁶ For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers], ¹⁷ just as it is written [Gen. 17:5], “I [i.e., God] have made you [i.e., Abraham] forefather of many nations.” He received this promise in the presence of God, in whom he believed, and who gives life [back] to dead people and who refers to things [promised] as though they were [already] fulfilled.

¹⁷ just as it is written [Gen. 17:5], “I [i.e., God] have made you [i.e., Abraham] forefather of many nations.” He received this promise in the presence of God, in whom he believed, and who gives life [back] to dead people and who refers to things [promised] as though they were [already] fulfilled. ¹⁸ Abraham hoped for what he believed [God had promised], even when there seemed little hope [of it happening], so this made him forefather of many nations, according to the words spoken to him [Gen. 15:5], “Your descendants will be many.” ¹⁹ Abraham’s faith did not become weak [even though] he was about one hundred years old and considered his body almost dead and Sarah’s womb incapable of conceiving a child. ²⁰ Yet he looked for the promise of God [to be fulfilled] and did not waver, doubting [that it would happen], but his faith strengthened him. He honored God ²¹ and was fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to carry out.

²¹ and was fully convinced that what He had promised, He was able to carry out. ²² So therefore, God considered him righteous [i.e., because of such faith].

²⁴ but they were written for our sake also, who will be considered righteous by God for believing in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ²⁵ [This] Jesus was delivered up [to die] for our sins and was raised [from the dead] to make us right with God.

¹² Therefore, just as sin came into the world through [the action of] one man [i.e., Adam] and [physical] death through that sin, so [physical] death has spread to all people, because all people have sinned. [Note: This difficult passage (verses 12-21) seems to be saying that the entire human race must experience physical death because of Adam’s sin (I Cor. 5:22), which is somehow considered to be everyone’s sin. See Murray, pp. 180-187, for a thorough discussion].

²⁰ Now the law of Moses was introduced [into the world] in order to cause sin to increase [i.e., it defined many things to be wrong that were previously not regarded as sin]. But with the increase of sin, God’s unearned favor increased all the more. ²¹ This was so that just as sin ruled [over mankind], causing [physical] death, even so God’s unearned favor would rule [over mankind], providing [them with] righteousness, and leading to never ending life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

³ Or, do you not know that all of us who were immersed into Christ Jesus were immersed into His death? ⁴ Therefore, we were buried with Him through [our] immersion [in water] into [a relationship with] His death, so that, just like Christ was raised up from the dead through the glorious power of the Father, so we also can [be raised up from the water to] live a new life.

¹⁴ For sin must not be your master [i.e., it must not have power over you], for you are not governed by law, but by God’s unearned favor.

¹⁴ For sin must not be your master [i.e., it must not have power over you], for you are not governed by law, but by God’s unearned favor. ¹⁵ [So], what then? Should we sin because we are not governed by law but by God’s unearned favor? Certainly not!

¹⁷ Thank God that you people, who were once slaves to [the practice of] sin, became obedient from [your] heart to the pattern of teaching [i.e., the Gospel message] you committed yourself to.

¹⁹ I am using human reasoning because of your human weakness. For just as you once offered the parts of your bodies as slaves to impurity and to wickedness, which led to further wickedness; so now [you should] offer the parts of your body as slaves to do what is right, which leads to holy living.

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

⁴ Therefore, my brothers, you also died to the law [i.e., were released from its binding requirements] through the body of Christ [Note: This seems to refer to Christ’s death on the cross, but some think it refers to becoming a part of the church], so that you could belong to someone else, [namely] to Christ, who was raised from the dead in order that we might live spiritually productive lives for God.

⁷ What shall we say then? Is the law of Moses sinful? Certainly not! For I would not have known what sin was if it had not been for the law. For [example]; I would not have known [what it meant] to covet [i.e., have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else] except that the law said [Ex. 20:17], “You must not covet.”

⁷ What shall we say then? Is the law of Moses sinful? Certainly not! For I would not have known what sin was if it had not been for the law. For [example]; I would not have known [what it meant] to covet [i.e., have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else] except that the law said [Ex. 20:17], “You must not covet.” ⁸ So, through that commandment, sin found an opportunity to produce in my heart all kinds of improper desires for what belonged to others. For until there was the law, sin was dead [i.e., it did not stimulate excitement and activity as much].

⁸ So, through that commandment, sin found an opportunity to produce in my heart all kinds of improper desires for what belonged to others. For until there was the law, sin was dead [i.e., it did not stimulate excitement and activity as much]. ⁹ And I was [once] alive before being aware of the law [i.e., complacent and without a sense of guilt]; but when [awareness of] the commandment [not to sin] came, sin sprang to life,

⁹ And I was [once] alive before being aware of the law [i.e., complacent and without a sense of guilt]; but when [awareness of] the commandment [not to sin] came, sin sprang to life, ¹⁰ and I died [i.e., came under its power]. And [so] the commandment, which was [intended] to bring [spiritual] life, actually brought [spiritual] death. ¹¹ For by means of God’s commandment [against sinning], sin found an opportunity to deceive me and [even] kill me [spiritually]. ¹² So, the law of Moses itself is holy and the commandment [against sinning] is holy and just and good. ¹³ Was this [commandment] then, which was intended for my good, [actually] responsible for my [spiritual] death? Certainly not! But so that sin could be seen as [truly] sinful, it produced [spiritual] death in me through something that was good [i.e., the commandment against sinning]. This was so that, by means of the commandment [against sinning], sin could be seen as extremely sinful.

²⁴ What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body doomed to [spiritual] death? ²⁵ Thank God [that I can be rescued] through [the power of] Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, I personally [try to] serve God’s law with my mind, but [all too often] I serve the law of sin with my flesh [i.e., submitting in weakness to my human desires].

³ For what the law was not able to do [for mankind], since it was [too] weak [to deliver them from condemnation] because fleshly people [were unable to obey it perfectly], God condemned sin in the flesh [i.e., sin was declared evil and its power over man broken]. God did this by sending His own Son in a body like sinful man’s, and to destroy sin, ⁴ so that the requirements of the law could be [considered] fulfilled in us, who do not live according to [the dictates of] the flesh, but according to [the promptings of] the Holy Spirit.

⁷ This is because the one whose mind is [controlled] by the flesh is an enemy of God; for he is not obedient to God’s law, and in fact, cannot obey it.

⁹ But if the Spirit of God [truly] lives in your heart, you are not [being controlled] by the flesh, but by the Holy Spirit. But if any person does not have the Spirit of Christ [living in him], he does not belong to Christ. ¹⁰ And if Christ lives in your hearts, even though the body is [doomed to] death because of [Adam’s ?] sin; yet the spirit is [destined to] live [forever] because of being [made] right with God. [Note: Some take “spirit” here to be “Spirit” and make it “The Holy Spirit gives you life.” See next verse]. ¹¹ But if the Spirit of God, who raised up Jesus from the dead, lives in your hearts, [then] that One [i.e., God] who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead, will restore life to your mortal bodies also, through [the power of] God’s Spirit who lives in your hearts. ¹² So then, brothers, we are under obligation, but not to live under [the control of] the flesh, ¹³ for if you people live under [the control of] the flesh, you must die [spiritually]; but if you put to death [i.e., stop practicing] the [sinful] habits of the body by [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you will live [spiritually]. ¹⁴ For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

¹⁴ For all of those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. ¹⁵ For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba”, [which means] “Father.”

¹⁵ For you did not receive the Holy Spirit, to enslave you again to fear, [Note: Some translators take “Holy Spirit” here to be “spirit,” making the verse say “you did not receive the spirit of slavery”], but you received the Holy Spirit [who produces] sonship, so we can call out, “Abba”, [which means] “Father.” ¹⁶ The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God.

¹⁶ The Holy Spirit Himself bears testimony [along] with our [human] spirit that we are the children of God. ¹⁷ And if we are [His] children, then we have an inheritance from God [i.e., blessings here and hereafter] and are fellow-sharers with Christ [of such blessings], providing we [are willing to] suffer with Him, so we can also be honored with Him [i.e., in the future life. See verses 18-25].

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

²⁶ And in the same way, the Holy Spirit helps [us in] our weakness; for we do not know what we ought to pray for [Note: Some translators understand this as “how to pray”]. But the Holy Spirit goes to God on our behalf with groanings [in our hearts] that are not expressed [in words]. ²⁷ And God, who searches our hearts, knows what the Holy Spirit [has] in mind, because He [i.e., the Holy Spirit] goes to God on behalf of the saints [i.e., God’s holy people] in harmony with God’s will.

³ For I could wish that I, personally, were cut off from Christ [and lost] for the sake of my brothers, who are my physical relatives,

⁷ Neither are all [Jewish] people children [of God], [simply] because they are Abraham’s descendants. But [Gen. 21:12 says], “It is through Isaac that you [i.e., Abraham] will have descendants.” ⁸ This means that it is not the physical descendants [of Abraham] who are God’s children, but it is the children [born] according to [God’s] promise who are [Abraham’s true] descendants.

¹⁷ For the Scripture said to Pharaoh [Ex. 9:16], “I raised you up [to be a ruler] for the very purpose of demonstrating my power in your life and that my name might be made known throughout the entire world.”

²⁴ We were these people, whom He called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.

³⁰ What shall we say then? [Simply this]: That the Gentiles, who did not attempt to become right with God [by how they lived] were made right with God, and this was the result of their faith [in Christ].

³⁰ What shall we say then? [Simply this]: That the Gentiles, who did not attempt to become right with God [by how they lived] were made right with God, and this was the result of their faith [in Christ]. ³¹ But the Israelites, who were attempting to become right with God by [conformity to] the law of Moses, never achieved [this righteousness] by that law.

³¹ But the Israelites, who were attempting to become right with God by [conformity to] the law of Moses, never achieved [this righteousness] by that law. ³² Why? Because they did not [attempt to do it] by faith [in Him], but by trying to fulfill all the requirements [of the law]. So, they stumbled over “the stumbling stone,” [i.e., the Jews refused to become obedient to Christ. See I Pet. 2:6-8].

³² Why? Because they did not [attempt to do it] by faith [in Him], but by trying to fulfill all the requirements [of the law]. So, they stumbled over “the stumbling stone,” [i.e., the Jews refused to become obedient to Christ. See I Pet. 2:6-8]. ³³ Even as it is written [Ex. 28:16], “Look, I am placing a stone in the city of Zion that people will stumble over and a rock on which they will trip and fall. But the person who believes in Him will not be put to shame [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him].”

³ For they did not know about God’s way of making people right with Himself, so they attempted to establish their own way. In doing this they did not submit to God’s way for being made right with Him. ⁴ So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him].

⁴ So, Christ has brought an end to the law [as a means] of being made right with God for every person who believes [in Him]. ⁵ For Moses wrote [Lev. 18:5] about a person being made right with God by obeying the requirements of the law of Moses, that he would gain [never ending] life for doing this. ⁶ But the [means of] being made right with God by faith [in Christ] is described in the Scripture this way [Deut. 30:12-13], “Do not ask yourself, ‘Who will go up into heaven?’” (in order to bring Christ down [to earth]).

⁹ So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

⁹ So, if you profess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe with your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰ For a person believes [in Christ] with his heart in order to be made right with God, and he makes a profession with his lips in order to be saved. ¹¹ For the Scripture says [Isa. 28:16], “Whoever believes in Him [i.e., Christ] will not be put to shame.” [i.e., he will never have unforgiven sin brought up against him] ¹² For there is no distinction [with God] between Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], for all have the same Lord, who is generous to all who appeal to Him [for help]. ¹³ For [Joel 2:32 says], “Every person who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” [i.e., whoever appeals to God through obedient faith in Christ] ¹⁴ [But] how can they appeal to Him if they have not [first] believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they have not [first] heard [about Him]? And how can they hear [about Him] if there is no preacher? ¹⁵ And how can people preach [anywhere] unless they are sent out? Even as it is written [Isa. 52:7], “How welcome is the coming of those who preach the good news [of salvation through Christ]?” ¹⁶ But not everyone [of the Israelites] obeyed [that] good news. For Isaiah said [Isa. 53:1], “Lord, who has believed our message?”

¹⁶ But not everyone [of the Israelites] obeyed [that] good news. For Isaiah said [Isa. 53:1], “Lord, who has believed our message?” ¹⁷ So, faith results from [people] hearing, and [their] hearing results from [the preaching of] the message about Christ.

⁶ And if [they were selected] by God’s unearned favor, [then] the choice is not based on the good that people may do. Otherwise, God’s favor would not be [really] unearned.

³² For God has made all people prisoners of a disobedient life, so that He could show mercy to everyone.

⁵ In the same way, though we [Christians] are many, we are one [spiritual] body in [fellowship with] Christ, and each one of us is part of [all] the others.

¹⁴ But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ and do not make any plans for satisfying the strong desires of your flesh [i.e., your appetites for sinful pleasures].

¹⁹ in the power demonstrated by [miraculous] signs and wonders, [produced] by the power of the Holy Spirit. So, I have completed preaching the good news about Christ from Jerusalem, all the way around [the area] to Illyricum [Note: This country was located northwest of Greece and in present-day Croatia].

⁴ I always thank God for you, [especially] for God’s unearned favor that was given to you [in providing salvation and blessings] in Christ Jesus. ⁵ For in [fellowship with] Him you people have been made [spiritually] rich in every way, through all [kinds of] speech and knowledge. [Note: This probably refers to the communication and comprehension of truth represented by the spiritual gifts of languages and revelation].

¹² Now this is what I mean: Each of you is saying, “I am a follower of Paul,” and another “I am a follower of Apollos,” and another “I am a follower of Cephas [i.e., Peter],” and another “I am a follower of Christ.”

¹⁷ For Christ did not send me to immerse people, but to preach the good news. [Note: Christ specifically commissioned Paul to preach; most of the immersing was done by his attendants]. It was not to be done with words of [human] wisdom, so that the [message of the] cross of Christ would not have its power taken away.

²³ but we [apostles] preach that Christ was crucified [for our sins]. This message is offensive to Jews and foolishness to [unconverted] Gentiles. ²⁴ But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30].

² For I have decided not to know anything [while] among you, except Jesus Christ and His being crucified.

²² including Paul, and Apollos, and Cephas [i.e., Peter], and the world, and life and death, and present and future things. All of these things are yours. [Note: Paul is showing that, as Christians, they really possessed and should value all preachers and circumstances of life alike]. ²³ And you people belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.

¹⁵ For although you have ten thousand guardians [Note: This word means someone who transported a child to his teacher] in [the fellowship of] Christ, you do not have many [spiritual] fathers. For I [spiritually] conceived you people through [preaching to you] the good news [about Christ]. [Note: Paul here refers to his work in establishing the church at Corinth].

¹⁴ For the unbelieving husband is set apart [i.e., as an acceptable mate, although not yet saved. See verse 16], through his wife [i.e., her Christian commitment is viewed as having a godly effect on the home], and the unbelieving wife is set apart through the brother [i.e., for the same reason]. Otherwise, your children would be [considered] unclean. [Note: “Unclean” suggests they would be viewed as pagans were it not for one parent being a Christian]. But, as it is, they are set apart as acceptable [i.e., to God, because of the influence of the one Christian parent].

¹⁹ Being circumcised does not matter [with God], nor does being uncircumcised matter [either]. But observing God’s commands is what matters.

²⁹ But I say this, brothers; there is not much time left [i.e., before the crisis arrives in full fury. See verse 26]. From now on those men who are married should live as though they were single.

²⁰ I behaved like a Jew in front of the Jews in order to win Jews [to Christ]. I behaved like a person who was under [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Jews] in front of those who observe that law, although I was not [really] under [obligation to] it. I did this to win those who are under [obligation to observe] the law. ²¹ I [also] behaved like a person without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., a Gentile] in front of those who are not obligated to it, although I was not [really] without obligation to God’s law; but was under [obligation to] Christ’s law. I did this to win those who are without [obligation to observe] the law [i.e., Gentiles].

² [In doing this] they were all [actually] immersed into [fellowship with] Moses in the cloud and in the sea.

¹⁹ So, what am I saying? That an animal sacrificed to idols is [really] anything, or that an idol [itself] is anything?

²⁶ For whenever you eat this bread and drink from this cup, you are proclaiming the Lord’s death until He comes [again].

⁷ But the evidence of the Holy Spirit’s [power] is given to each person for the good of everyone. ⁸ For one person is given the [supernatural] message of wisdom through the Holy Spirit; another person is given the [supernatural] message of knowledge by means of the same Holy Spirit. ⁹ Still another person is given [supernatural] faith [See 13:2] by the same Holy Spirit; yet another person is given gifts [providing the ability] to perform [supernatural] healings by that one Holy Spirit. ¹⁰ Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally].

¹⁰ Another [is given] the ability to perform miracles; and another [is given] the ability to prophesy [supernaturally]; and another [is given] the ability to speak in different languages [supernaturally]; and still another [is given] the ability to interpret those languages [supernaturally]. ¹¹ Now all of these [supernatural gifts] are the work of one and the same Holy Spirit, who distributes them to each person individually as He desires. ¹² For [just] as the human body is one [unit], made up of many parts, and all the many parts make up a single body, so it is with Christ. [Note: Just as a human body is a single unit, and Christ is a single being, so the members of His body, the church, constitute one body. See verses 27-28].

¹² For [just] as the human body is one [unit], made up of many parts, and all the many parts make up a single body, so it is with Christ. [Note: Just as a human body is a single unit, and Christ is a single being, so the members of His body, the church, constitute one body. See verses 27-28]. ¹³ For we were all immersed by means of the one Holy Spirit into one body [i.e., the church], whether [we were] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], whether slaves or free people, and were all given the one [and the same] Holy Spirit to drink. [Note: This probably refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given to all immersed believers. See John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38].

¹³ For we were all immersed by means of the one Holy Spirit into one body [i.e., the church], whether [we were] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], whether slaves or free people, and were all given the one [and the same] Holy Spirit to drink. [Note: This probably refers to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, given to all immersed believers. See John 7:37-39; Acts 2:38].

²⁷ Now you people are the [spiritual] body of Christ and each one of you is an individual part of it.

² [and] you have been saved by it also, if you hold on to it firmly [i.e., continue believing and practicing it]. For if you do not [hold on to it firmly], you will have believed [it] all for nothing.

²³ But each one [is raised up] in his own turn: Christ as the firstfruits [See verse 20]; then those who are Christ’s [i.e., believers], when He returns.

³² What benefit was it to me, from a human standpoint, if I fought wild animals in Ephesus, and [yet] the dead are not raised? [Note: This probably refers to Paul facing ferocious opposition from people there in Ephesus]. We should [just] eat and drink, for tomorrow we [may] die.

²⁰ For [no matter] how many promises God has made, in Christ [the answer] is “yes” [i.e., Christ has fulfilled all of God’s promises to mankind]. Also, through Christ, the “amen” [Note: This word is always translated elsewhere as “May it be so”] can be said by us in order to honor God.

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

⁸ will not the ministry of the Holy Spirit [i.e., the New Agreement] have [greater] splendor?

¹⁹ That is, God was in Christ restoring the world to fellowship with Himself, not counting people’s sins against them. And He entrusted to us the message of restoring people to fellowship [with Him]. ²⁰ So, we [apostles] are ambassadors, [speaking] on behalf of Christ. [It is] as though God were appealing [to people] through us: “We urge you people, on behalf of Christ, to be restored to fellowship with God.” ²¹ God considered Christ to be sinful on our behalf, even though He never sinned, so that we could be considered right with God through Him.

²¹ God considered Christ to be sinful on our behalf, even though He never sinned, so that we could be considered right with God through Him.

¹⁸ The Lord Almighty [also] said [Hos. 1:10], “I will be a Father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me.”

⁶ But [remember] this: The person who plants only a few seeds will harvest a meager crop. And the one who plants many seeds [Note: The Greek says, “plants with blessings”] will harvest a bumper crop.

⁴ For the weapons of our warfare are not like the world’s [i.e., which rely on human ingenuity and unspiritual principles], but they are empowered by God to overthrow [Satanic] fortifications. ⁵ We overthrow [vain] reasonings and every lofty idea raised against the knowledge of God [i.e., as revealed through the Gospel], and take captive [our] every thought to [make it] obey Christ.

⁷ You people are looking [merely] at the appearance of things [or, “You should look at what is obvious!” In either case, it suggests they were misjudging Paul’s ministry]. If any person is confident within himself that he belongs to Christ, he should reflect on this again: We are just as much Christ’s [servants] as he is.

³ But I am afraid that somehow, just as the snake tricked Eve by his cunning, your minds might [also] be led astray from your sincere and pure devotion to Christ. ⁴ For if someone comes [to you] proclaiming another “Jesus,” whom we [apostles] had not preached, or if you people receive a different “spirit” from the one you have [already] received, or a different “gospel” from the one you have [already] accepted, you put up with him quite well.

¹³ For such men are false apostles; they are deceitful workers, who disguise themselves as [true] apostles of Christ. ¹⁴ And it is no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light [i.e., someone pure and righteous]. ¹⁵ Therefore, it should not be surprising for Satan’s ministers to disguise themselves as ministers of righteousness. Their [final] end will be what they deserve for such actions.

¹² Truly, I endured [opposition] patiently, while showing evidence of being an apostle among you. I performed [supernatural] signs, and wonders and powerful miracles.

³ since you are looking for proof that Christ is speaking through me. Christ is not weak in His dealing with you, but is powerful among you. [Note: Paul probably refers to the positive effects of his ministry there in Corinth].

⁶ I am astonished that you people are so quickly abandoning God [i.e., by rejecting His truth], who called you [to Himself] through the unearned favor bestowed [on us] by Christ. [You are turning] to a different “gospel,”

¹⁴ But, when I saw that they did not act in harmony with [the principles of] the truth of the Gospel [message], I said to Cephas in front of everyone, “If you, being a Jew, act like a Gentile [by showing such discrimination], how do you expect to persuade Gentiles to live like Jews [i.e., like Christian Jews who are taught to love all people]?”

¹⁶ still we know that a person is not justified [i.e., made right with God] by [perfect obedience to] the law of Moses, but rather through faith in [the person and work of] Christ. [Knowing this] we have trusted in Christ Jesus [to save us], so that we might be made right with God by trusting in Him and not by [our compliance with] the requirements of the law of Moses. Because by such law-compliance no one can be made right with God. ¹⁷ But, if while we were trying to be made right with God through a relationship with Christ, we were discovered to still be sinners [by acting like unsaved Gentiles], does that mean Christ is responsible for our sin? Of course not.

¹⁹ For it was by means of [this system of] law-keeping that I [realized I] was dead. This was so I could find life through a relationship with God.

²¹ [In doing this] I am not trying to disregard God’s unearned favor, for if a person could become right with God by [perfect obedience to the requirements of] the law of Moses, then Christ died for nothing.

² The only thing I would like to learn from you is this: Did you receive the Holy Spirit [into your lives] by [meeting the requirements of] the law of Moses or by hearing [and obeying the message] of faith [in Christ]? ³ Are you so foolish [as to believe that after] having begun [your Christian lives] through [the power of] the Holy Spirit, you can [now] become complete by [living according to your human strength]?

⁵ Therefore, as God has provided you with the Holy Spirit and has produced miracles among you, [do you think He has done all this] as a result of your obeying the requirements of the law of Moses or as a result of hearing [and responding to the message of] the faith?

⁵ Therefore, as God has provided you with the Holy Spirit and has produced miracles among you, [do you think He has done all this] as a result of your obeying the requirements of the law of Moses or as a result of hearing [and responding to the message of] the faith? ⁶ [An example of this is] Abraham, who believed God’s [promise] and [because of such faith] he was considered right with God. ⁷ You should know, then, that people who have faith are [truly] God’s children.

⁷ You should know, then, that people who have faith are [truly] God’s children.

⁷ You should know, then, that people who have faith are [truly] God’s children. ⁸ And, predicting that God would consider the Gentiles right with Him by [their] faith, the Scriptures previously recorded [this promise of] the Gospel to Abraham by saying [Gen. 12:3], “All nations will receive a blessing through your descendant [i.e., Jesus].”

⁸ And, predicting that God would consider the Gentiles right with Him by [their] faith, the Scriptures previously recorded [this promise of] the Gospel to Abraham by saying [Gen. 12:3], “All nations will receive a blessing through your descendant [i.e., Jesus].”

⁸ And, predicting that God would consider the Gentiles right with Him by [their] faith, the Scriptures previously recorded [this promise of] the Gospel to Abraham by saying [Gen. 12:3], “All nations will receive a blessing through your descendant [i.e., Jesus].”

⁸ And, predicting that God would consider the Gentiles right with Him by [their] faith, the Scriptures previously recorded [this promise of] the Gospel to Abraham by saying [Gen. 12:3], “All nations will receive a blessing through your descendant [i.e., Jesus].” ⁹ So then, all those who have faith [in Jesus] receive a blessing along with Abraham, a man of faith.

⁹ So then, all those who have faith [in Jesus] receive a blessing along with Abraham, a man of faith.

⁹ So then, all those who have faith [in Jesus] receive a blessing along with Abraham, a man of faith. ¹⁰ For all who seek to be right with God by trying to meet all the requirements of the law of Moses are under a curse [from God], because it is written [Deut. 27:26], “Every person is cursed [i.e., cut off from God] who does not continue to obey all of the requirements written in the law of Moses.”

¹⁰ For all who seek to be right with God by trying to meet all the requirements of the law of Moses are under a curse [from God], because it is written [Deut. 27:26], “Every person is cursed [i.e., cut off from God] who does not continue to obey all of the requirements written in the law of Moses.”

¹² Now the law of Moses is not based on one’s faith, for [Lev. 18:5 says], “The person who obeys the requirements of the law of Moses will obtain life by doing so.”

¹⁴ [This happened] so that the blessing [promised] to Abraham might be received by the Gentiles through [the person and work of] Christ, so that we might receive the promised [gift of the] Holy Spirit through [our] faith [in Jesus]. ¹⁵ Brothers, I will use an illustration from the way people deal with each other: Even though an agreement is made between people, once it is finally settled, no one can cancel it or include additional provisions to it. ¹⁶ Now [specific] promises were made to Abraham and to his seed [i.e., descendants]. [God] did not say “seeds” [plural] as though He were referring to many persons but “seed” [singular] showing that He meant one [descendant]; [Gen. 13:15 says] “And to your seed,” referring to Christ. ¹⁷ Here is what I am saying: The Agreement originally made by God [with Abraham], with its attending promises, was not canceled when the law of Moses was given some four hundred and thirty years later.

¹⁹ What then is [the benefit of] the law of Moses? It was introduced [as part of God’s revelation] in order to define what sin was, until the seed [i.e., Jesus] would come, to whom the promise [of never ending life] was made. The law of Moses was ordained through [the medium of] angels and [delivered] through the hand of an intermediary [i.e., Moses].

²¹ Is the law of Moses contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could provide [never ending] life, then a person could be considered right with God by [obeying the requirements of such] a law.

²¹ Is the law of Moses contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could provide [never ending] life, then a person could be considered right with God by [obeying the requirements of such] a law. ²² But the Scriptures indicate that everything [i.e., everyone] is under the control of sin, so that the promise [of never ending life] could be available [only] to those who have faith in Jesus Christ.

²² But the Scriptures indicate that everything [i.e., everyone] is under the control of sin, so that the promise [of never ending life] could be available [only] to those who have faith in Jesus Christ. ²³ But before faith [in Christ] became available, we [Jews] were kept in bondage under [condemnation for not obeying perfectly] the law of Moses. [This condition existed] until the faith [i.e., the Gospel message] was made known [to people].

²³ But before faith [in Christ] became available, we [Jews] were kept in bondage under [condemnation for not obeying perfectly] the law of Moses. [This condition existed] until the faith [i.e., the Gospel message] was made known [to people]. ²⁴ So, the law of Moses became like our “transportation to school,” bringing us to [the school of] Christ where we [learn how to be] made right with God by faith [in Christ]. ²⁵ But now that faith [in Christ] has become available, we are no longer in need of this “transportation to school.”

²⁵ But now that faith [in Christ] has become available, we are no longer in need of this “transportation to school.” ²⁶ For all of you are children of God through your faith in Christ Jesus [as God’s only Son].

²⁶ For all of you are children of God through your faith in Christ Jesus [as God’s only Son]. ²⁷ For all of you who were immersed into [a relationship with] Christ have been clothed with Him [i.e., His life]. ²⁸ [In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus.

²⁸ [In this relationship] there is to be no [distinction between] Jews or Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], slaves or free persons, men or women; for all of you are united into one [body] because of your relationship with Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are [truly] Abraham’s seed [i.e., his spiritual descendants] and thereby [you will] inherit what was promised to him [i.e., God’s blessings].

²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are [truly] Abraham’s seed [i.e., his spiritual descendants] and thereby [you will] inherit what was promised to him [i.e., God’s blessings].

¹ But as long as the person who has an inheritance coming to him is a child, he is really no better off than a slave, even though he himself is [rightfully] entitled [to the inheritance].

¹ But as long as the person who has an inheritance coming to him is a child, he is really no better off than a slave, even though he himself is [rightfully] entitled [to the inheritance].

¹ But as long as the person who has an inheritance coming to him is a child, he is really no better off than a slave, even though he himself is [rightfully] entitled [to the inheritance]. ² He is [still] under [the direction of] guardians and managers [of his affairs] until the day his father decides [to give him his inheritance].

² He is [still] under [the direction of] guardians and managers [of his affairs] until the day his father decides [to give him his inheritance].

² He is [still] under [the direction of] guardians and managers [of his affairs] until the day his father decides [to give him his inheritance].

² He is [still] under [the direction of] guardians and managers [of his affairs] until the day his father decides [to give him his inheritance]. ³ So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the law of Moses].

³ So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the law of Moses].

³ So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the law of Moses].

³ So also, when we [Jews] were like children, we were under bondage to the basic worldly rules [of the law of Moses]. ⁴ But, when [God’s] timing fully arrived, He sent His Son, born to a woman [i.e., Mary], born during [the time when] the law [of Moses was still in effect],

⁴ But, when [God’s] timing fully arrived, He sent His Son, born to a woman [i.e., Mary], born during [the time when] the law [of Moses was still in effect],

⁴ But, when [God’s] timing fully arrived, He sent His Son, born to a woman [i.e., Mary], born during [the time when] the law [of Moses was still in effect], ⁵ so that He could buy back [from Satan] those who were [still] under [obligation to] the law of Moses, and that we could become adopted children.

⁵ so that He could buy back [from Satan] those who were [still] under [obligation to] the law of Moses, and that we could become adopted children.

⁵ so that He could buy back [from Satan] those who were [still] under [obligation to] the law of Moses, and that we could become adopted children. ⁶ And because you are [His] children, God sent the Holy Spirit of His Son into our hearts, to call out, “Abba,” [which means] “Father.”

⁶ And because you are [His] children, God sent the Holy Spirit of His Son into our hearts, to call out, “Abba,” [which means] “Father.” ⁷ So [now], you are no longer a slave but a child, and since you are a child, you also will receive an inheritance through [the blessings of] God.

⁷ So [now], you are no longer a slave but a child, and since you are a child, you also will receive an inheritance through [the blessings of] God. ⁸ At that time, when you did not know God [as your Father], you were in bondage to those who were, by nature, not really gods at all. ⁹ But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved?

⁹ But now that you have come to know God [as your Father], or rather, to be known by Him [as His children], how can you turn back again to the weak, cheap, elementary teachings [of the law of Moses], to which you [seem to] desire to become enslaved? ¹⁰ You are observing [certain] days, and months, and seasons, and years [as binding religious holidays].

²¹ Tell me, those of you who desire to be under [obligation to the requirements of] the law of Moses: Are you really paying attention to what the law of Moses says? ²² For it is written in the law about Abraham’s two sons [Gen. 16]; one [was] by his slave woman [Hagar] and the other by the free woman, [his wife, Sarah]. ²³ Now the son [Ishmael], born to the slave woman, was born simply of their natural relationship; but the son [Isaac], born to the free woman, was born in fulfillment of a [divine] promise. ²⁴ This set of circumstances contains an illustration; for these two women [Hagar and Sarah] represent the two Agreements [between God and mankind]. The one [Agreement], given at Mount Sinai, represents Hagar, whose children became [the Israelites], enslaved under bondage [to the requirements of the law of Moses]. ²⁵ Now this woman, Hagar, is similar to Mount Sinai, in Arabia, and represents the present [earthly] Jerusalem [i.e., Israel], consisting of children in bondage [to the law of Moses]. ²⁶ But the heavenly Jerusalem [Heb. 12:22] consists of free people, and is the mother of us [Christians]. ²⁷ For it is written [Isa. 40:1], “[Woman] you should be happy that you have not had children. Cry over your inability to experience the pain of childbirth. For the deserted woman has had more children than the one with a husband.” ²⁸ Now, brothers, you [Christians] are children of the promise [made to Abraham. See 3:29] just like Isaac, [Abraham’s son] was.

²⁸ Now, brothers, you [Christians] are children of the promise [made to Abraham. See 3:29] just like Isaac, [Abraham’s son] was. ²⁹ But, just as it was then --- the son born in the ordinary way [i.e., Ishmael] persecuting the one born according to the Holy Spirit’s [leading, i.e., Isaac] --- so it is now [i.e., Jews urging compliance with the requirements of the law of Moses persecuting those who refuse to return to dependance on that law for salvation. See 3:1-3]. ³⁰ What does the Scripture say about this matter? [It says, Gen. 21:10-12], “Get rid of the slave woman [Hagar], with her son [Ishmael]; for the son of the slave woman [Ishmael] will not inherit [what God promised to Abraham and his descendants], along with the son of the free woman [i.e., Isaac].”

³⁰ What does the Scripture say about this matter? [It says, Gen. 21:10-12], “Get rid of the slave woman [Hagar], with her son [Ishmael]; for the son of the slave woman [Ishmael] will not inherit [what God promised to Abraham and his descendants], along with the son of the free woman [i.e., Isaac].” ³¹ Therefore, brothers, we [Christians] are not the [spiritual] children of the slave woman [Hagar] but of the free woman [Sarah].

⁴ Those of you who seek to be right with God by observing the requirements of the law of Moses have severed yourselves from [your relationship with] Christ; you have fallen away from God’s unearned favor.

⁴ Those of you who seek to be right with God by observing the requirements of the law of Moses have severed yourselves from [your relationship with] Christ; you have fallen away from God’s unearned favor. ⁵ For we are waiting for the hope [to be fulfilled] of being made right with God by [the power of] the Holy Spirit. ⁶ For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

⁶ For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others]. ⁷ You [Christians] were running [the race of life] well; who hindered you [from making further progress] so that [now] you are no longer obeying the truth? ⁸ [Your] being persuaded [to do this] was not motivated by God, who called you [into His fellowship].

¹⁶ But, I am saying to you, live in harmony with the Holy Spirit’s [desire for you] and [then] you will not [always] be giving in to the wrong desires of your body.

¹⁸ But, if you are led by [what] the Holy Spirit [wants you to do], you are not under [obligation to meet the requirements of] the law of Moses.

²⁴ And those persons who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified [i.e., put out of their lives, Col. 3:4ff] the sinful cravings of the body, along with their passionate desires.

¹² Those who attempt to make a good impression by trying to force you to be circumcised really want only to avoid being persecuted for their commitment to Christ. ¹³ For not even those who practice circumcision comply with [the requirements of] the law of Moses, yet they want you to be circumcised so they can take credit for this physical evidence [of your compliance with the law of Moses]. ¹⁴ But the last thing I want to do is brag [about such things]. For [if I had any bragging to do at all], it would be about [salvation through] the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, for it is through Him that this [sinful] world has been crucified [i.e., died] as far as I am concerned and I have been crucified [i.e., died] as far as it is concerned.

⁵ God predetermined that we should be [considered] His adopted children through [fellowship with] Christ. This is what pleased God and is what He wanted,

¹³ You [Gentiles] also, who are in Christ, after having heard the message of truth, the good news about your salvation, and [after] believing in Him, were sealed [i.e., as evidence of ownership] with the promised Holy Spirit. [or, “the Holy Spirit who brings promises”]. ¹⁴ He is a down payment of our inheritance, until God’s own possession [i.e., His people] receives redemption. [Note: Here “redemption” refers to receiving a new body in heaven]. May this bring about praise to God’s splendor.

¹³ But now [that you are] in [fellowship with] Christ, you [Gentiles], who were once far away [from God], have been brought near [to Him] through the blood of Christ. ¹⁴ For Christ is [the source of] our peace. He made both [Jews and Gentiles] one people, and broke down the barrier wall of hostility that divided them, ¹⁵ by abolishing in His fleshly body the [entire Jewish] law of commandments contained in decrees. [This was] so that He could create in [unity with] Himself one new person [i.e., the church] out of the two peoples [i.e., Jews and Gentiles], thereby bringing about peace [between them]. ¹⁶ [This was also intended] to reestablish harmony between both of these peoples and God in [this] one body, through [Christ’s death on] the cross. By doing this He put to death the hostility [between them]. ¹⁷ And Christ came and preached peace to you [Gentiles], who were far away [from God], and peace to those [Jews] who were near [to Him]. ¹⁸ For through Him we [Jews and Gentiles] both have access to the Father by means of one Holy Spirit.

¹⁸ For through Him we [Jews and Gentiles] both have access to the Father by means of one Holy Spirit. ¹⁹ So then, you [Gentiles] are no longer foreigners and aliens [i.e., to God’s promises. See verse 12], but you are fellow-citizens with the saints [i.e., God’s holy people], and are part of God’s family. ²⁰ [You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets [See I Cor. 12:28], with Christ Jesus Himself being the principal stone by which the entire building is aligned. ²¹ In [harmony with] Him the entire building [i.e., the church] is properly assembled, rising into a dedicated temple for the Lord. [See I Cor. 3:16-17]. ²² In [harmony with] Him you people are also being constructed together into a place where God lives by His Spirit.

²² In [harmony with] Him you people are also being constructed together into a place where God lives by His Spirit.

⁵ which was not told to people of previous generations as it has now been revealed to His [i.e., Christ’s] holy apostles and prophets by the Holy Spirit. ⁶ This secret plan is that the Gentiles [now] share in the inheritance along with us [Jews], and are fellow-members of the body [i.e., the church], and that they share, along with us [Jews], in the promise of the Gospel, in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

⁶ This secret plan is that the Gentiles [now] share in the inheritance along with us [Jews], and are fellow-members of the body [i.e., the church], and that they share, along with us [Jews], in the promise of the Gospel, in [fellowship with] Christ Jesus. ⁷ I was made a minister [of the Gospel] according to the gift of God’s unearned favor, which was given to me according to the working of His power. ⁸ This favor of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles was given to me [even though] I am the least significant of all saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

⁸ This favor of preaching the unfathomable riches of Christ to the Gentiles was given to me [even though] I am the least significant of all saints [i.e., God’s holy people]. ⁹ [I was given the responsibility] to enlighten all people regarding the working out of God’s secret plan, which has been kept hidden for ages in [the heart of] God, who created everything. ¹⁰ This was done so that now God’s many-sided wisdom could be made known through the church, to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms [Note: “Heavenly realms” here refers to the world around us, where these angelic beings (good or bad) view the unfolding of God’s wonderful plan],

¹⁶ [I pray] that, according to God’s glorious abundance, He would empower you to become [spiritually] strong through His Holy Spirit in your inner person,

⁴ There is [only] one body [i.e., church] and one Holy Spirit, just as God also gave you one hope when He called you [See Titus 3:7].

¹⁴ Then we will no longer be [spiritual] babies, tossed back and forth [by waves], and blown around by every wind of [false] teaching, [deceived] by the clever trickery of people using deceptive schemes. ¹⁵ But [instead], we should speak [and practice] truth in a loving way, so that we can, in all respects, grow up [spiritually] into [union with] Christ, who is the head [i.e., of His body, the church]. ¹⁶ From Him all [members of] the body are properly joined together by every supporting ligament, as each part contributes to the growth of the body and builds itself up through [mutual] love. ¹⁷ So, I tell you this, and insist [on it] by [the authority of] the Lord: Do not continue to live with worthless thoughts as [unconverted] Gentiles do.

²⁴ And you should put on the new person who has been [re-] created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

³⁰ And do not grieve God’s Holy Spirit by whom you were sealed [i.e., given evidence of God’s ownership] until the day of redemption [i.e., until you receive your new body in heaven. See 1:14].

¹ So, as dearly loved children, you people should [try to] be like God. ² Live in a loving way, just like Christ loved us and gave Himself up [to die] for us as an offering and fragrant smelling sacrifice to God.

¹⁵ So, be careful how you live. Do not live ignorantly, but wisely,

²⁹ For no [normal] person ever hated his own [physical] body, but [instead] he feeds and cares for it, just as Christ also does for the church, ³⁰ because we are parts of His [spiritual] body.

³² The secret [truth] of this is great, but I am talking about Christ and the church.

¹⁵ so that you will be without just blame and innocent [of wrongdoing], children of God without fault in the middle of a crooked and perverted generation of people. You must shine among them like stars lighting up the sky,

⁶ As far as enthusiasm is concerned, I persecuted the church; as far as being righteous according to the law of Moses is concerned, I was without just blame. ⁷ However, those things which were [once regarded as] gain to me, I have [now] considered to be loss for [the sake of] Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything to be a loss compared to the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus [as] my Lord, for whose sake I have suffered the loss of all things. [I now] consider [all of] them to be trash, in order to gain Christ ⁹ and to be found in [fellowship with] Him, not having a righteousness of my own, acquired by observing the law of Moses, but one acquired through believing in Christ. This righteousness, which comes from God, is based on faith.

⁴ I say this so that no one will deceive you with persuasive arguments.

¹⁰ and you people have been made full [i.e., spiritually complete] in [fellowship with] Him, who is the [spiritual] head over all who rule and have authority. ¹¹ In [fellowship with] Him you people were also circumcised with a circumcision not performed by human beings, but performed by Christ, consisting of the removal of the body of [sinful] flesh. ¹² [This happened when you were] buried with Christ in [the act of] immersion, from which you were also raised up with Him through [your] faith in the accomplishment of God, who raised Him up from the dead.

¹⁷ These things are [only] a shadow of future things, but the body [i.e., the real substance of things] belongs to Christ. [Note: The idea here is that the ritual observances of the Mosaic law were like shadows pointing to the reality of life in Christ].

¹⁹ He is not holding on [firmly] to the head [i.e., Christ, the head of the church], from whom the entire body, being nourished and supported by its ligaments and joints, is caused to grow in size by God.

¹⁰ and have put on the new person, who is being [daily] renewed with full knowledge, according to the image of God, who [re-] created him. ¹¹ [In this state] there cannot be [such distinctions as] Greek [i.e., Gentile] and Jew; circumcised people and non-circumcised people; barbarian and Scythian [Note: These last two words refer to foreigners whose language was unintelligible and who were uncivilized heathens], or slave and free person; but Christ is all [that is important] and [He is] in all [of His people].

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

⁹ The coming [of this lawless person] is according to the work of Satan, [and will be] attended by all kinds of powerful [i.e., miraculous] signs and false wonders, ¹⁰ and all kinds of wicked deception toward those people who are perishing [spiritually], because they refused to love the truth so they could be saved. ¹¹ And this is the reason that God sends them a strong delusion [to influence them]: It is so that they would believe the lie, ¹² in order that all those who have not believed the truth, but have taken pleasure in wrongdoing, would be condemned.

⁸ But we know that the law of Moses is good if a person uses it properly. ⁹ We [also] know this: Law [or, “the law of Moses”] is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawbreakers and rebels, for ungodly people and sinners, for unholy and irreverent people, for people who kill their parents, for murderers,

⁴ who wants all people to be saved and come to a [full] knowledge of the truth. ⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus,

⁵ For there is one God and one Mediator between God and mankind --- the man Christ Jesus, ⁶ who gave Himself as a ransom on behalf of all people [i.e., as a substitute in place of others]. The proper time for the testimony [of this event to be proclaimed] has arrived. [Note: The correct meaning of the foregoing sentence is very difficult to determine].

⁴ that person is conceited. He does not understand anything, but has an unhealthy concern for controversy and arguments over words, which produce envy, dissension, abusive language, evil suspicions,

¹ [This letter is from] Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to [the ministry of proclaiming] the promise of never ending life, which is [obtained] through [fellowship with] Christ Jesus.

¹⁵ And [remember] that, from childhood, you have known the sacred Scriptures which are able to make you wise [enough] to be saved through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God [Note: Literally, this word means “breathed out by God”] and is useful for teaching [truth], rebuking [wrongdoing], correcting [error] and for providing instruction [i.e., training] on how to live right, ¹⁷ so that the man of God will be thoroughly equipped for [doing] every good deed.

¹⁴ He gave Himself up for us, to buy us back from [enslavement to] all [kinds of] wickedness and to purify for Himself a group of people who belong to Him and who are eager to do good deeds.

⁷ [This was] so that, being made right with God by His unearned favor, we could have the hope of [possessing our] inheritance of never ending life [in heaven].

¹⁴ Are not all angels ministering spirits sent out [by God] to serve those people who will inherit salvation?

² For if the message spoken through angels proved to be binding [Note: This is a reference to the law of Moses. See Acts 7:53; Gal. 3:19], and every violation [of it] and disobedience [to it] received a just penalty,

⁴ God also testified, along with those people, by [giving them] both signs and wonders and various miracles, and by [supernatural] gifts distributed [to them] by the Holy Spirit, as He desired. ⁵ For God did not place the coming inhabited world [Note: “The coming inhabited world” here probably refers to the present Christian age. It was viewed as “coming” from the perspective of Old Testament times], under the control of angels [and] that is the world we are talking about.

¹⁰ For it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, in order to lead many [of His] children to glory [i.e., heaven], would make the author [or, pioneer] of their salvation [i.e., Jesus] completely [qualified] through [His] sufferings. ¹¹ For, both the One who makes people holy [i.e., Jesus], and those who are made holy [i.e., Christians], all come from one [Father], and for this reason Christ is not ashamed to call them His brothers, ¹² for He says [Psa. 22:22], [Note: In the following three Old Testament quotations the writer represents Christ as the speaker] “I will declare your [i.e., God’s] name to my brothers, [and] in the presence of the assembly I will sing [a hymn of] praise to you.” ¹³ And again, [Isa. 8:17 LXX], “I will place my trust in God.” And again, [Isa. 8:18], “Look, [here] I am with the children whom God gave me.” ¹⁴ Therefore, since the children share in [bodies of] flesh and blood, Christ also, in the same way, took on a human body so that, through His death, He could destroy [the dominion of] him who had the power to cause death, that is, the devil. ¹⁵ And [also He could] release all of those people who, because of their fear of death, were [kept] in bondage all their lives.

² For we [Christians] have had the good news [about resting with God] preached to us, just as the Israelites [had good news proclaimed to them. See 1:16-19]. But the message they heard did not benefit them, because it was not coupled with faith by those who heard it.

⁹ and after becoming perfectly [qualified], He became the source of never ending salvation to all those who obey Him.

⁴ [These are people] who were once enlightened [by the Gospel message], who had experienced the gift from heaven [i.e., forgiveness, never ending life, etc. See Rom. 6:23], who had partaken of the Holy Spirit [See Acts 2:38],

⁴ [These are people] who were once enlightened [by the Gospel message], who had experienced the gift from heaven [i.e., forgiveness, never ending life, etc. See Rom. 6:23], who had partaken of the Holy Spirit [See Acts 2:38], ⁵ and who had experienced the good teaching of God and the powers of the coming age [i.e., they had already received some of the blessings of the Christian life, perhaps even miraculous signs]. ⁶ (OMITTED TEXT)

¹² We do not want you people to be [spiritually] slack, but to imitate those who will inherit [God’s] promises because of their faith and patience. ¹³ For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He could not make a vow by anyone greater, He vowed by Himself,

¹³ For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He could not make a vow by anyone greater, He vowed by Himself,

¹³ For when God made a promise to Abraham, since He could not make a vow by anyone greater, He vowed by Himself, ¹⁴ saying [Gen. 22:16-17], “I will certainly bless you and will multiply [your descendants].”

¹⁴ saying [Gen. 22:16-17], “I will certainly bless you and will multiply [your descendants].”

¹⁴ saying [Gen. 22:16-17], “I will certainly bless you and will multiply [your descendants].” ¹⁵ And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what [God] had promised.

¹⁵ And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what [God] had promised.

¹⁵ And so, after waiting patiently, Abraham received what [God] had promised. ¹⁶ For people make vows by someone greater [than themselves], and an argument is settled when someone takes an oath [that he is telling the truth].

¹⁶ For people make vows by someone greater [than themselves], and an argument is settled when someone takes an oath [that he is telling the truth]. ¹⁷ Since God wanted to show conclusively to those who would inherit the promise [i.e., Abraham and all of his spiritual descendants], how unchangeable His purpose was, He confirmed it with an oath.

¹⁷ Since God wanted to show conclusively to those who would inherit the promise [i.e., Abraham and all of his spiritual descendants], how unchangeable His purpose was, He confirmed it with an oath.

¹⁷ Since God wanted to show conclusively to those who would inherit the promise [i.e., Abraham and all of his spiritual descendants], how unchangeable His purpose was, He confirmed it with an oath. ¹⁸ He did this so that by two unchangeable things [i.e., His promise and His oath], (and it is impossible for God to lie), we, who have fled [to God] for refuge, could be greatly encouraged to take hold of the hope set before us [i.e., the hope of never ending life].

¹¹ So, if perfection [i.e., a right relationship with God] could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood, (for under it people had received the law of Moses), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, according to the order of Melchizedek, who was not considered “according to the order of Aaron”? ¹² For with the changing of the priesthood, it was necessary for a change to be made in the law also. ¹³ For the Lord [See next verse], about whom these things are being said, belonged to another tribe, from which no one has [ever] been appointed to serve at the Altar. ¹⁴ For it is quite evident that our Lord has descended from Judah, a tribe about which Moses said nothing concerning priests. ¹⁵ And this is even clearer if another priest like Melchizedek arises, ¹⁶ who was not appointed on the basis of human regulations governing one’s physical ancestry, but on the strength of One whose life never ends. ¹⁷ For it is declared [about Jesus in the Scriptures, Psa. 110:4], “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” ¹⁸ For on one hand, the previous command [i.e., the law of Moses] was set aside because it was weak and useless,

¹⁸ For on one hand, the previous command [i.e., the law of Moses] was set aside because it was weak and useless, ¹⁹ (since the law did not make anything [i.e., anyone] perfect), but on the other hand, there is the introduction of a better hope [which did bring perfection through Christ], by which we draw near to God.

²⁶ For Jesus was a very suitable head priest for us [i.e., He meets our needs very well], because He was holy, innocent, without [moral] corruption, separated from sinners and [exalted] above the heavens. ²⁷ He does not need to offer up [animal] sacrifices every day like those head priests did [Note: The head priest here is represented as being in charge of the daily sacrifices offered by the other priests], first for His own sins and then for the people’s sins. For He did this once for all time when He offered up Himself [on the cross].

³ For every head priest [on earth] is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, so it is necessary that this Head Priest [i.e., Jesus] also have something to offer. ⁴ Now if He were [still] on earth, He would not be a priest [at all], since there are [already] those [on earth] who offer gifts according to the law of Moses. ⁵ These priests serve [in a sanctuary] that is [only] a copy and a foreshadow of the heavenly one. Now Moses was warned [by God] when he was about to build the Tabernacle, for God said [Ex. 25:40], “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown to you on the mountain [i.e., Mount Sinai].” ⁶ But now Jesus has obtained a ministry that is as far superior [to that of the Levitical priesthood] as the [New] Agreement, of which He is the Mediator, is better [than the old one], because it has been enacted on better promises.

⁶ But now Jesus has obtained a ministry that is as far superior [to that of the Levitical priesthood] as the [New] Agreement, of which He is the Mediator, is better [than the old one], because it has been enacted on better promises. ⁷ For if that first Agreement had been faultless, then there would have been no need for a second one. ⁸ For God found fault with the Israelites [or, possibly with the first Agreement], saying [Jer. 31:31ff], “Look, the Lord says, the time will come when I will make a New Agreement with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. ⁹ [It will] not be like the Agreement that I made with their forefathers on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the country of Egypt. For they did not [continue to] keep my Agreement, so I did not regard them [as acceptable], says the Lord. ¹⁰ For this is the Agreement that I will make with the people of Israel in the coming days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and I will also write them on their hearts. And I will be their God and they will be my people. ¹¹ And everyone will not [have to] teach his neighbor or his brother [anymore], telling them to ‘Know the Lord,’ because all of them will know me [as their Lord], from the least [important] ones to the most important ones. ¹² For I will be merciful to their wickedness [i.e., by forgiving them] and I will not remember their sins anymore.” ¹³ [So], by saying “a New Agreement,” God has made the first one obsolete. And that which is becoming obsolete and getting aged is ready to [completely] disappear.

² For the Tabernacle was constructed with its outer compartment containing the lampstand and the table and the Bread of Presence. This was called the “Holy Place.”

⁸ [By his doing this] the Holy Spirit signifies that the way into the Holy Place [Note: This actually refers to the Holy of Holies, and represents heaven] had not yet been disclosed [i.e., made accessible] while the first Tabernacle was still standing. ⁹ [That Tabernacle] is symbolic of the present time, [indicating] that both gifts and [animal] sacrifices, which are offered [by the priests], are not able to give the worshiper a clear conscience

⁹ [That Tabernacle] is symbolic of the present time, [indicating] that both gifts and [animal] sacrifices, which are offered [by the priests], are not able to give the worshiper a clear conscience ¹⁰ since, with foods and drinks and various [ceremonial] washings, they are only outward regulations imposed until the time when everything would be made right [i.e., under the New Agreement].

¹⁰ since, with foods and drinks and various [ceremonial] washings, they are only outward regulations imposed until the time when everything would be made right [i.e., under the New Agreement]. ¹¹ But when Christ became the Head Priest of the good things that have come, He entered the greater and more complete Tabernacle, not made by hand, that is, not part of this creation [i.e., heaven, See 8:2]. ¹² And He did not enter [the heavenly Holy of Holies] by means of the blood of goats and calves but, by means of His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies [i.e., heaven] once for all time, [after] having obtained never ending redemption [i.e., salvation for us on the cross].

¹² And He did not enter [the heavenly Holy of Holies] by means of the blood of goats and calves but, by means of His own blood He entered the Holy of Holies [i.e., heaven] once for all time, [after] having obtained never ending redemption [i.e., salvation for us on the cross]. ¹³ For if the blood of goats and bulls, and a [burnt] heifer’s ashes sprinkled on people who had been [ceremonially] defiled, could purify them so as to make them [ceremonially] clean on the outside, ¹⁴ how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Holy Spirit [or, His eternal Spirit] offered Himself without [moral] blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from deeds which lead to [spiritual] death to serve the living God? ¹⁵ Therefore, Christ is the Mediator of a New Agreement, so that [all] those people who have been called [by God] can receive the promise of the never ending inheritance. [This is possible because] a death has taken place for the redemption of [people’s] sins who lived under the first Agreement.

¹⁵ Therefore, Christ is the Mediator of a New Agreement, so that [all] those people who have been called [by God] can receive the promise of the never ending inheritance. [This is possible because] a death has taken place for the redemption of [people’s] sins who lived under the first Agreement. ¹⁶ For where a will exists, it is necessary to prove the death of the person who made it [i.e., in order to benefit by its provisions]. ¹⁷ For a will is in force [only] when there has been a death; for it is not in effect as long as the one who made it is [still] alive.

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

²⁸ so Christ also, who was once [for all] offered [as a sacrifice] to take away the sins of many people, will come back a second time, not to take away sin, [but] to provide salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

¹ For the law of Moses was [only] a foreshadow of the good things that [were] to come [i.e., in the Messianic age], not the exact image of those things. It can never, by the same sacrifices, continually offered year after year, make [morally] perfect those who draw near [to God in worship]. ² If it could, would not those sacrifices have stopped being offered [by now], since the worshipers would have been [ceremonially] cleansed and would not have had a sense of guilt anymore? ³ But those sacrifices were [only] a reminder of [the people’s] sins year after year, ⁴ because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins.

⁴ because it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. ⁵ Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said [to God], [Psa. 40:6-8 LXX], “You did not want an [animal] sacrifice and an offering, but you prepared a body for me [to sacrifice].

⁵ Therefore, when Christ came into the world, He said [to God], [Psa. 40:6-8 LXX], “You did not want an [animal] sacrifice and an offering, but you prepared a body for me [to sacrifice]. ⁶ You were not pleased with whole burnt offerings and sin offerings.

⁶ You were not pleased with whole burnt offerings and sin offerings. ⁷ Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do what you want, O God, [just as] it is written in the scroll of the book [about me].’”

⁷ Then I said, ‘Look, I have come to do what you want, O God, [just as] it is written in the scroll of the book [about me].’” ⁸ [After] saying the above, “You did not want, nor were you pleased, with [peace] sacrifices and [meal] offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin offerings,” [although] these are offered according to the law of Moses,

⁸ [After] saying the above, “You did not want, nor were you pleased, with [peace] sacrifices and [meal] offerings and whole burnt offerings and sin offerings,” [although] these are offered according to the law of Moses, ⁹ He then said, “Look, I have come to do what you want.” [So], Christ takes away the first [i.e., the animal and grain sacrifices] in order to establish the second [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself].

⁹ He then said, “Look, I have come to do what you want.” [So], Christ takes away the first [i.e., the animal and grain sacrifices] in order to establish the second [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself]. ¹⁰ By [Christ doing] what God wanted, we have been set aside for God through Jesus Christ offering His body once for all time.

¹⁰ By [Christ doing] what God wanted, we have been set aside for God through Jesus Christ offering His body once for all time. ¹¹ For every priest stands and performs his service day after day, offering over and over the same sacrifices which can never take away sins. ¹² But when this Priest [i.e., Christ] had offered one sacrifice for sins for all time, He sat down at the right side of God. ¹³ From that time onward He will wait until His enemies are placed [in full subjection] under His feet. ¹⁴ For by one offering [i.e., the sacrifice of Himself], Christ has made perfect forever those people who are being set apart for God. ¹⁵ And the Holy Spirit also testifies to us, for He said, first of all, ¹⁶ [Jer. 31:33f], “The Lord says, this is the Agreement I will make with them [i.e., with my people] after those days. I will put my laws in their hearts and I will write them on their minds.” Then He said, ¹⁷ “And I will not remember their sins or their wickedness anymore.” ¹⁸ Now where forgiveness of sins has taken place, there is no longer [a need for an] offering for sin.

³² But remember the earlier days when, after you were enlightened [to the truth], you endured a difficult struggle by having to suffer [much]. ³³ Sometimes you were subjected to public ridicule and abuse, and at other times you shared [vicariously] with those people who were treated that way. ³⁴ For you showed sympathy for those who were in prison and accepted it joyfully when your [own] possessions were taken away, [because] you knew that you yourselves had a better and more permanent possession [in heaven]. ³⁵ [So], do not throw away your confidence, because it pays a rich reward. ³⁶ For you need to be steadfast so that, after you have done what God wants, you will receive the promise [of an inheritance. See 9:15]. ³⁷ [Hab. 2:3-4 LXX says], “For [it will be] only a short time [before] He [i.e., Christ], who is coming, will be here without delay. ³⁸ And my [i.e., God’s] righteous person will [obtain] life by [his] faith [in God]. But if he turns back [from me], my soul is not pleased with him.”

³⁸ And my [i.e., God’s] righteous person will [obtain] life by [his] faith [in God]. But if he turns back [from me], my soul is not pleased with him.” ³⁹ But we are not like those people who turn back and are destroyed, but like those who have faith [in God] and obtain the salvation of their souls.

⁷ By [having] faith, when Noah was warned [by God] about conditions that had not yet been seen [i.e., regarding events of the coming Flood], he acted out of reverent concern [for God] by constructing a ship to save [i.e., rescue] his household [from the Flood waters]. By this [i.e., his faith which led to action], Noah condemned the world and inherited righteousness because of his faith. ⁸ By [having] faith, when Abraham was called [by God] to leave [his homeland] and go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance [i.e., Palestine], he obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going.

¹³ These people [all] continued to have faith until they died, [even though] they had not obtained [all] the things God had promised, but had [only] seen them and welcomed them from a distance. And they had confessed to being strangers and aliens on earth.

¹⁷ By [having] faith, when Abraham was tested [by God], he offered Isaac [as a sacrifice]. [Even though] he had received the promises [of having many descendants], he was ready to offer his only conceived [and eventually born] son, ¹⁸ [even though] he had been told [by God, Gen. 21:12], “Your descendants will be traced through Isaac.”

¹⁸ [even though] he had been told [by God, Gen. 21:12], “Your descendants will be traced through Isaac.” ¹⁹ [So], he reasoned that God was able to raise up [Isaac] from the dead, which, in a sense, he did receive him back [from the dead].

³⁹ And all of these people were commended [by God] for their faith, yet did not receive [all of] what was promised to them, ⁴⁰ because God had planned to give us something better [than they got], so that they would not be complete without us. [Note: The idea here is that these faithful people of Old Testament times did not receive the fullest of blessings until Christ came to make them available to both them and us together].

² We should fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and completer of the [or, “our”] faith. [Note: Jesus is here pictured as the one who completely fulfills the life of faith, or who provides us with the ability to live such a life]. [And] because He could look forward to joy, He endured the cross, despising its shame, and has sat down at the right side of God’s throne.

²⁴ and to Jesus, the Mediator of a New Agreement [between God and mankind], and to the sprinkled blood [of Jesus], which says better things [to us] than [the blood of] Abel did. [Note: The contrast seems to be that “Abel’s blood called for vengeance and death (See Gen. 4:10) whereas the blood of Christ provides mercy and life”].

²³ I want you people to know that our brother Timothy has been released [from prison ?]. If he comes [to me] soon, I will bring him with me when I visit you.

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

⁹ But if you show favoritism toward [certain] persons, you are committing a sin and are convicted by the law [of God] as lawbreakers. ¹⁰ For, whoever observes the entire law [of God] and yet breaks one requirement [of it], becomes guilty of [breaking] all of it. ¹¹ For God, who said [through Moses, Ex. 20:13f], “You must not be sexually unfaithful to your mate,” also said, “You must not murder.” Now if you are sexually faithful to your mate and yet murder [someone], you have become a lawbreaker.

²³ So, the Scripture was fulfilled, which says [Gen. 15:6], “Abraham believed God and [so] God considered him righteous,” and he was called God’s friend.

² For we all make mistakes in many areas [of life]. If anyone does not make a mistake in what he says, he is a perfect person, capable of keeping a tight rein on his whole life also.

¹¹ They studied [their own prophecies] to learn what, or which, [person or] time the Holy Spirit in them pointed to, in predicting the sufferings of Christ and the glories yet to come. ¹² It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

¹² It was revealed to these prophets that you people, not they, were the ones being ministered to in the matters now being announced to you by those who preached the Gospel to you by the Holy Spirit, who was sent from heaven. [This message contained] things which angels would like to look into.

¹⁸ You [should] know that you were bought back [from Satan], from your useless way of life, inherited from your forefathers, not with such perishable things as silver and gold, ¹⁹ but with [the] precious blood of Christ, who represents an unblemished lamb, without defect. ²⁰ For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times.

²⁰ For Christ was previously known [by God, even] before the world was created, yet was not fully revealed for your benefit until [these] final times. ²¹ [It is] through Christ, whom God raised from the dead and honored, that you people have become believers in God, so that your faith and hope could rest in God. ²² [Since] you have purified your souls by [your] obedience to the truth [i.e., the Gospel message], which produces a genuine love for your brothers, [now] you should have this kind of fervent, heartfelt love for one another.

²⁴ Jesus took upon Himself our sins [when] His body was placed upon the cross so that we, [through] dying to [i.e., giving up] the sinful life, would live for righteousness. You were healed [from your sins] by His being brutally treated.

¹⁸ For Christ suffered once for people’s sins [to be forgiven]. [It was the case of] a righteous Man suffering for unrighteous people, so that He could bring you [or, “us”] to God [for salvation]. [Though] He [i.e., Jesus] was put to death physically, He was brought back to life by the Holy Spirit [Note: Some translations say “in spirit”].

²¹ This water prefigured immersion [into Christ], which now also saves you, not by removing dirt from the [physical] body, but [by serving] as an appeal [or, “pledge”] to God for a clear conscience through the raising of Jesus Christ from the dead.

¹⁷ For the time has [now] come for the house of God [the church, See I Tim. 3:15] to begin receiving judgment [i.e., by undergoing persecution], and if it starts with us [Christians], what will be the [ultimate] end of people who do not obey the Gospel of God?

⁴ By these [blessings] He has given to us the precious and tremendous promises, so that you people may share in His divine nature, [after] having escaped the world’s corruption, caused by evil desires.

¹⁸ [Although] their talk is big, what they say is worthless, and by [offering people] fleshly desires [i.e., sexual gratification], they lead people astray, who are barely escaping from the error of the world.

²⁰ For if people who have escaped from the defiling practices of the world by coming to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, become tangled up in them again, and are overcome by them, these people are worse off than before they were converted. ²¹ It would have been better for them if they had not known the right way [to God] than, after knowing it, to turn back from the sacred message that had been presented to them. ²² It has happened to them like the true proverb [says], “The dog [throws up, and then] goes back and eats its own vomit,” and “The hog that was all cleaned up [goes back] to wallowing in the mud.”

¹³ But, since God has promised it, we look forward to new heavens and a new earth, where righteousness will prevail.

⁸ If we claim to have no sinful practices [in our lives], we are self-deceived and are not being truthful about the matter. ⁹ [But] if we confess our sins [to God], He is faithful [to His promise] and righteous [in His judgment], and will forgive us of those sins and cleanse us from all of our wrongdoing. ¹⁰ If we claim that we have not committed sins, we are [in effect] calling God a liar [i.e., because He says we have] and His word [i.e., the real truth about the matter] is not in our hearts.

¹ My little children [i.e., dear ones], I am writing this to you so that you will not sin anymore. But if anyone does sin, we have Someone to go to the Father on our behalf; it is Jesus Christ, the [only] righteous One. ² And He is the One who provides a “covering over” [or atonement] for our sins [See Heb. 2:17; Dan. 9:24; II Chron. 29:24], and not for ours [who are already Christians] only, but also for the sins of the people of the whole world.

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

¹ Look at how much love the Father has shown to us [Christians], that we should be called His children! But, that is what we [really] are! The reason the people of the world do not know who we are is because they do not know who God [really] is. ² Dearly loved ones, we are God’s children now, but it has not yet been revealed [to us] what we will be [in the future life, Luke 20:34-36]. But, we do know this, however, that when Jesus is revealed [i.e., at His second coming], we will be like Him [I Cor. 15:49], for we will see what He really looks like!

²³ And this is His commandment: We should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ [i.e., the person of Christ], and love one another, just He has commanded us to do. ²⁴ And God lives in the heart of the person who [continually] obeys His commands, and he lives in [fellowship with] God. And here is [another] way we know that God lives in our hearts: It is by [means of] the Holy Spirit, whom God gave to us. [See Rom. 8:9, 11; James 4:5; I Cor. 6:19].

¹⁰ Here is [the essence of] love: [It is] not that we loved God [first], but that He loved us [See Rom. 5:6-8] and sent His Son to be a “covering over” [i.e., atonement, 2:2] for our sins.

¹¹ And this is the testimony [of God]: He gave to us [the hope of] never ending life, and this life is [available through fellowship] in His Son. ¹² The person who has the Son [in his heart] possesses this “life;” the one who does not have the Son of God does not possess this “life.” ¹³ I have written these things to you people, who believe in the name [i.e., in the person and work] of the Son of God, so that you can have assurance that you have [the hope of] never ending life. [See Titus 1:2; 3:7; Mark 10:30].

⁸ Pay close attention to yourselves, so that you do not lose what we [Note: Some Greek manuscripts say “you”] worked for [i.e., the spiritual blessings you have acquired], but [continue faithful] so that you will receive a full reward. [See Luke 12:47-48; James 3:1; Matt. 20:1-15].

¹⁹ These are people who cause divisions [among God’s people]; they follow their natural inclinations [i.e., worldly principles], for they do not have the Holy Spirit [in their lives]. ²⁰ But, you dearly loved ones, build yourselves up [spiritually] on [the foundation of] your most sacred faith; pray in [the power of] the Holy Spirit.

⁵ [It is also] from Jesus Christ, who is the Faithful Witness [to the truth], the Firstborn from the dead [i.e., the first One raised never to die again], the Ruler of the kings of the world. May there be honor and power forever and ever to Christ, who loved us and released us from our sins by His blood [Note: Some manuscripts say “washed us” since the two words are spelled almost alike].

²⁰ But I have this against you, that you tolerate that woman [named] Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. She teaches and deceives my servants into [practicing] sexual immorality and into eating things sacrificed to idols.

⁹ And they sang a new song [which went like this]: “You deserve to take the book and break the seals on it, for you were killed and, with your blood, you purchased people for God from every tribe and language and race and nation,

¹⁴ And I answered him, “Sir, [surely] you know.” And he said to me, “These are the people who have come through the terrible persecution, and they have washed their robes and made them white with the blood of the Lamb. ¹⁵ So, [now] they are in front of God’s throne and they are serving Him day and night in His Temple. And He who sits on His throne will spread His tent over them [i.e., He will protect them].

¹⁵ Then the seventh angel sounded its trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord [i.e., God] and of His Christ, and He will rule forever and ever.”

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

¹³ And he [i.e., this second beast] performs great [miraculous] signs, including making fire come down from heaven to earth in [full] view of people. ¹⁴ [And] by being given [power] to perform these signs in the sight of the [first] beast, he deceived the people on earth. He told them to make a statue to [honor] the [first] beast, who had been wounded by a sword and yet lived [through it].

³ For all the nations have drunk [or, “have been forced to drink”] the wine of her passionate sexual immorality [See 14:8], and the kings of the earth have committed sexual immorality with her and the [retail] merchants of the earth became rich from her excessive luxury.”

⁷ The person who has victory [in the Christian life] will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be my child.