Mark Cross References - AUV

¹ This is [how] the good news about Jesus Christ, the Son of God, began. ² It was even written in Isaiah, the prophet [Note: Verse 2 is quote from Mal. 3:1; verse 3 from Isa. 40:3], “Look, I am sending my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the way for you. ³ He will be the voice of a man shouting out in the desert, [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [to travel on]; to make a straight pathway for him.” ⁴ John [the Immerser] came immersing people in the desert and proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. ⁵ And people from throughout all the regions of Judea and all of Jerusalem went out to John [in the desert]. And he immersed them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. ⁶ John wore clothing made of camel’s hair and he had a leather belt around his waist. He ate grasshoppers and wild honey. ⁷ In his preaching John said, “One who is more powerful than I am will follow my ministry. I am not [even] worthy to stoop down and loosen the straps of His sandals [i.e., to serve as His slave]. ⁸ I am immersing you in water, but He will immerse you in the Holy Spirit.” ⁹ And it happened at that time that Jesus went from Nazareth, in Galilee [i.e., south to Judea], where He was immersed by John in the Jordan River. ¹⁰ And immediately upon emerging from the water, He saw the sky split open and the Holy Spirit descending on Him as a dove. ¹¹ And a voice called out from heaven, saying, “You are my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with you.” ¹² Then right after that the Holy Spirit drove Jesus out into the desert. ¹³ He spent forty days in this desert where He was put to the test by Satan. He was with wild animals, and angels ministered to His needs [while there]. ¹⁴ Now after John was turned over [i.e., to the authorities and imprisoned] Jesus went [back] to Galilee preaching the good news from God ¹⁵ and saying, “The appointed time has arrived and the kingdom of God is near. So, you people should repent [i.e, change your hearts and lives] and believe the good news [about the kingdom].” ¹⁶ And while walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw Simon [i.e., Peter] and his brother Andrew casting their net in the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishermen for people.” ¹⁸ So, they left their nets immediately and became His followers. ¹⁹ Then, as He walked on a little farther, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were in their boat repairing nets. ²⁰ Immediately He called them [to become His followers] and they left their father, Zebedee, and went along with Him. ²¹ So, they went to Capernaum [Note: This was a city in Galilee that later became Jesus’ headquarters while in Galilee. See verse 29 and 2:1], and on the [first] Sabbath day Jesus entered the synagogue and taught people. ²² They were amazed at His teaching for He taught them as one who had [real] authority, and not as the experts in the law of Moses. ²³ And just then there appeared in the synagogue a man dominated by an evil spirit. He shouted out, ²⁴ “What business do we have with you, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are; [you are] God’s Holy One.” ²⁵ Jesus spoke sternly to him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him.” ²⁶ And the evil spirit caused the man to have a convulsion, then shouted with a loud voice and came out of him. ²⁷ And all the people [in the synagogue] were so amazed they began asking one another, “What is this, some new teaching? And it is spoken with such authority He even orders evil spirits, and they obey him.” ²⁸ And news about Him quickly spread everywhere, [even] into all of Galilee and the surrounding regions. ²⁹ And as soon as they left the synagogue, they went into the house of Simon [i.e., Peter] and Andrew, taking James and John with them. ³⁰ Now Simon’s mother-in-law was sick [in bed] with a fever. Immediately, Jesus was told about her [condition] ³¹ so He went to her, took her by the hand and raised her up [from bed]. The fever left her and she began serving them. ³² When evening came and the sun had set, they brought to Jesus all those who were sick and those dominated by evil spirits. ³³ And people from all over the city [of Capernaum] gathered at the door of the house, ³⁴ and He healed many of those who were sick with various diseases and drove out many evil spirits. But He did not permit the evil spirits to tell people [who He was], because they knew who He was [i.e., the Christ]. ³⁵ Very early in the morning, [even] before daylight, Jesus woke up, left Simon’s house [verse 29] and went out to a deserted place where He prayed. ³⁶ And Simon and those who were with him [i.e., probably Andrew, James and John. See verse 29] followed Him. ³⁷ When they found Him, they said to Him, “Everyone is looking for you.” ³⁸ He said to them, “Let us go on to the next towns so that I can preach there also, for this was why I came out [i.e., Jesus was sent by God to preach to other towns as well as Capernaum. See Luke 4:43].” ³⁹ So, Jesus went into the [Jewish] synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching [the good news about the coming kingdom, verses 14-15] and driving out evil spirits. ⁴⁰ Then a person with an infectious skin disease came to Jesus and, kneeling down before Him, begged Him, saying, “If you want to, you can heal me.” [Note: Throughout this narrative the term “heal/healing” is originally “clean/cleansing” because the Jews viewed a person with such a disease as ceremonially “unclean.” See Lev. 13:1-3]. ⁴¹ And being moved with deep pity, Jesus reached out His hand, touched him and said, “I do want to; be healed.” ⁴² And immediately the infectious skin disease left him and he was healed. ⁴³ Jesus sternly warned him, sending him directly out, ⁴⁴ and saying to him, “Make sure you do not say anything to anyone. But go and show yourself to the priest and make an offering for your healing with whatever Moses ordered [Lev. 14:1-9], as evidence to people [that you were completely healed].” ⁴⁵ But [instead] the man went out telling everyone about the miracle of healing and spreading the story widely, so that Jesus was not able to enter a town publicly but had to remain outside in deserted places. [So], people went to Him there from all over the region.

⁵ They replied to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what was written by the prophet [Micah 5:2],

²³ and settled in a town called Nazareth, so that it could fulfill what was spoken by the prophets [Isa. 11:1 in the Hebrew text] that Jesus would be called a Nazarene.

¹ In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying,

¹ In those days, John the Immerser went into the desert of Judea preaching [to Jews], saying, ² “You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

² “You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.”

² “You must repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven will soon be here.” ³ For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], “[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on].”

³ For this is the man who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, who said, [Isa. 40:3], “[It is] the voice of a man who speaks out in the desert, [urging people to] make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on].” ⁴ Now John dressed in clothing made of camel’s hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet].

⁴ Now John dressed in clothing made of camel’s hair and he wore a leather belt around his waist; he ate grasshoppers and wild honey [i.e., for his regular diet]. ⁵ [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him,

⁵ [People from] Jerusalem and all over Judea and the region around the Jordan River all went out [to the desert] to [hear] him, ⁶ and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

⁶ and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

⁶ and people were immersed by him in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins. ⁷ But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to be immersed, John said to them, “You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? ⁸ Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, ⁹ and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham’s children out of these stones. ¹⁰ And even now the axe is ready to chop down the trees [i.e., you Jewish people]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., godly, repentant lives] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the final punishment of the wicked]. ¹¹ “I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses 10 and 12].

¹¹ “I certainly am immersing you in water following [your] repentance, but the One who follows my [ministry], whose sandals I do not deserve to remove [as His slave], will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment in hell. See verses 10 and 12].

¹³ Jesus then came from [the province of] Galilee to be immersed by John in the Jordan River. ¹⁴ But John tried to discourage Him [from being immersed], saying, “I should be immersed by you, and you are coming to me [for immersion]?”

¹⁴ But John tried to discourage Him [from being immersed], saying, “I should be immersed by you, and you are coming to me [for immersion]?” ¹⁵ But Jesus answered him, “Allow it [to be done], for it is proper for us to complete everything that is right [before God].” So, John agreed to it. ¹⁶ After Jesus was immersed [by John], He came up out of the water and heaven was opened up before Him and He saw the Holy Spirit from God descending, as a dove, and landing upon Him.

¹⁶ After Jesus was immersed [by John], He came up out of the water and heaven was opened up before Him and He saw the Holy Spirit from God descending, as a dove, and landing upon Him. ¹⁷ Then a voice came out of heaven, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with Him.”

¹⁷ Then a voice came out of heaven, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with Him.”

¹ Then Jesus was led up to the desert by the Holy Spirit in order to be put to the test by the devil. ² After He had fasted forty days and nights, He was [very] hungry. ³ The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread.”

³ The tempter [i.e., the devil] came and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command these stones to turn into bread.” ⁴ But Jesus answered, “It is written [Deut. 8:3], ‘A person is not to live by [eating] bread only, but [instead] by [believing and obeying] every statement spoken by God.’” ⁵ Then the devil took Him to the holy city [i.e., Jerusalem] and placed Him on an [elevated] wing of the Temple, ⁶ and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God jump off, for it is written [Psalm 91:11-12]: ‘He will put His angels in charge of you’ and ‘They will lift you up with their hands so you do not trip over a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus said to him, “It is also written [Deut. 6:16], ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” ⁸ The devil took Him again, [this time] to a very high mountain and showed Him all the world’s kingdoms, along with their splendor, ⁹ and said to Him, “I will give you all these things if you fall to the ground and worship me.” ¹⁰ Then Jesus replied to him, “Get away from me Satan, for it is written [Deut. 6:13], ‘You are supposed to worship the Lord your God, and serve only Him.’” ¹¹ Then the devil left Him and angels came and tended to His needs [i.e., food, water, etc.]. ¹² Now when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, He left [the province of Judea] and went to Galilee. ¹³ [After] leaving Nazareth [i.e., a major town in Galilee], He came to live in Capernaum, [a city] beside Lake Galilee, near the districts of Zebulun and Naphtali.

¹⁷ From that time onward Jesus began to preach, saying, “You people [must] repent [i.e., change your hearts and lives], for the kingdom of heaven is near.” ¹⁸ While Jesus was walking beside Lake Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting their net into the lake, because they were fishermen. ¹⁹ And He said to them, “Come with me, and I will make you fishermen for people.”

¹⁹ And He said to them, “Come with me, and I will make you fishermen for people.” ²⁰ They immediately left their nets and went with Him.

²⁰ They immediately left their nets and went with Him. ²¹ [As] Jesus went from there He saw two [other] brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in the boat with their father Zebedee, repairing their nets. He called them,

²¹ [As] Jesus went from there He saw two [other] brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They were in the boat with their father Zebedee, repairing their nets. He called them, ²² and immediately they left their boat and their father and went with Him. ²³ Jesus went all over Galilee teaching in the [Jewish] synagogues and preaching the good news of the [coming, see verse 17] kingdom, and healing all kinds of disease and sickness among the people. ²⁴ The news [of what Jesus was doing] spread all over [the country of] Syria and they brought to Him all those who were sick, stricken with various diseases and pains, dominated by evil spirits, and afflicted with seizures and paralysis, and He healed them [all]. ²⁵ Large crowds followed Him from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond [i.e., the east side of] the Jordan River.

²⁸ And so it happened when Jesus had finished [speaking] these words, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, ²⁹ for he taught like a person who had authority, instead of like their experts in the law of Moses.

² Just then a person with an infectious skin disease came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can heal me.” ³ Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man, saying, “I do want to; you are healed.” And immediately his infectious skin disease was healed. ⁴ Jesus said to him, “Be sure you do not tell anyone [about your healing yet]; but [first] go and show yourself to the priest and then offer the [sacrificial] gift required by the law of Moses [See Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff], as evidence to them [that you have been healed].”

⁴ Jesus said to him, “Be sure you do not tell anyone [about your healing yet]; but [first] go and show yourself to the priest and then offer the [sacrificial] gift required by the law of Moses [See Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff], as evidence to them [that you have been healed].”

¹⁴ When Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. ¹⁵ He touched her hand and [immediately] her fever subsided and she got up [out of bed] and waited on Him. ¹⁶ When evening came they brought many persons who were dominated by evil spirits to Jesus and He drove out the spirits with [just] a word and healed all those who were sick.

²¹ Then another one of His disciples said to Him, “Allow me to go and bury my father first.” ²² But Jesus answered him, “Become my follower, and let the [spiritually] dead bury them” [i.e., let a person’s relatives care for their own family members until they die].

²⁹ Suddenly they shouted out, “What do you want with us, you Son of God? Have you come here to torture us before it is time to?” [i.e., before our punishment is due. See II Pet. 2:4; Jude 6].

³⁰ And [immediately] they were able to see. Jesus then strongly urged them, saying, “Make sure that no one knows [what I have done for you].” ³¹ But [instead], they went all over the district telling people about Him.

³³ When the evil spirit was driven out [by Jesus] the [former] deaf-mute began to speak, and the crowds marveled, saying, “No one in Israel has ever seen this done before.”

³⁵ Jesus traveled throughout all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the [coming] kingdom and healing all kinds of diseases and illnesses. ³⁶ But when He saw the large crowds He felt compassion for them because they were distressed and disoriented like sheep without a shepherd.

² Now the names of the twelve apostles were: First, Simon, also called Peter, Andrew, his brother, James and John, sons of Zebedee,

⁷ And preach as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’

³⁷ The person who loves his father and mother more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple]. And the person who loves his son or daughter more than me does not deserve me [i.e., to be my disciple].

² Now while still in prison, John [the Immerser] heard about the things Christ was doing, [so] he sent [word] through his disciples

⁵ [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them.

¹⁰ He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], ‘Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.’

²² Then a person dominated by an evil spirit, who was [also] blind and mute, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he was able [both] to speak and see [again]. ²³ All the crowds of people were amazed and said, “Can this [Jesus] be the son of David?”

⁴³ But when an evil spirit has been driven out of a person, it roams through desert regions trying to find rest but cannot find it.

⁵⁴ And when He came to His home town [i.e., Nazareth], Jesus taught people in their synagogues to their amazement. They said, “Where did this man get [such] wisdom and [the ability to perform] these supernatural deeds?

² He told his servants, “This must be John, the Immerser; he has risen from the dead and [that explains how] these powers can work through him [i.e., Jesus].”

²³ After He had dispersed them, He went up into the mountain by Himself to pray. When evening had come He was there alone.

³³ Then the disciples in the boat worshiped Jesus, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.”

²⁸ Then Jesus answered her, “O, woman, how great your faith is. May what you want be done for you.” And her daughter was healed that very moment.

³¹ so that the crowd marveled when they saw deaf-mutes talking, injured people healed, crippled people walking and blind people seeing. And they honored the God of the Israelites [for such great miracles].

⁵ While he was still talking, suddenly a bright cloud engulfed them. Just then, a voice spoke out of the cloud, saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, who is very pleasing to me; listen to Him.”

¹⁴ When Jesus and His disciples met the crowd [that was gathered], a man came kneeling down to Jesus and saying to Him,

²⁷ Peter then answered Him, “Look, we have left everything [i.e., homes, jobs, family, etc.], to follow you. What will we get for it?” ²⁸ Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, [since] you have become my followers, in the time of new beginnings [i.e., the church age], when the Son of man sits on His glorious throne, you apostles will also sit on twelve thrones, judging [i.e., through their writings] the twelve tribes of Israel [i.e., God’s people]. ²⁹ And every person who has left his house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or children or property, for my name’s sake [i.e., to become a servant of the Lord], will receive [back] a hundred times as much [in this life] and will [also] inherit never ending life. ³⁰ But many will be last [i.e., in importance and blessings] who [seem to] be first, and those [who seem to be] first will [end up] being last.”

³¹ Which of these two sons did what his father wanted?” They answered, “The first one.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I tell you, tax collectors and prostitutes [will] enter the kingdom of God ahead of you. ³² For John came to show you the way to be right with God, but you would not believe his message. Yet the tax collectors and prostitutes believed it, and when you saw this, even then you did not change your minds so as to believe his message.

² saying, “The experts in the law of Moses and the Pharisees teach by the authority of Moses. ³ Therefore, observe and practice everything they urge upon you, but do not follow their example [of living] because they say [the right things] but do not do them.

¹⁶ “It is too bad for you blind leaders who say that whoever takes an oath ‘by the Temple,’ it does not [really] mean anything, but whoever takes an oath ‘by the gold of the Temple,’ he is obligated to [fulfill] the oath. ¹⁷ You foolish, blind people! Which is greater, the gold or the Temple that makes its gold sacred? ¹⁸ And [you say], whoever takes an oath ‘by the Altar,’ it does not [really] mean anything, but whoever takes an oath ‘by the gift on the Altar,’ he is obligated to [fulfill] the oath. ¹⁹ You blind people! Which is more important, the gift or the Altar that makes the gift sacred? ²⁰ The person, therefore, who takes an oath ‘by the Altar,’ [not only] swears by it, but [also] by everything on it. ²¹ And the person who takes an oath ‘by the Temple,’ [not only] swears by it, but [also] by Him [i.e., God] who lives there. ²² And the person who takes an oath ‘by heaven,’ swears ‘by the throne of God,’ and [also] by Him [i.e., God] who sits on it. ²³ “It is too bad for you hypocritical experts in the law of Moses and [you] Pharisees! For you give a tenth of your mint, dill and cumin [i.e., small garden herbs used for seasoning or fragrance], and [yet] neglect the heavier responsibilities required by the law, [such as] justice, mercy and faith. You should have done these [”lighter”] things and not neglected to do the other [”heavier”] things [as well]. ²⁴ You blind leaders, who strain out a [tiny] gnat [i.e., from your drinking water] and [yet] swallow a [whole] camel.

²⁴ The Son of man is going [to die], but it is too bad for that person through whom the Son of man is turned over [to the Jewish leaders]! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

³¹ Then Jesus said [to His disciples], “All of you will have doubts about me tonight, for it is written [Zech. 13:7], ‘I will strike down the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will be scattered everywhere.’

⁵³ Or, do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father and He will immediately send me more than twelve legions of angels [i.e., Jesus could have called about 72,000 angels to minister to Him. See Matt. 4:11]?

⁵⁵ And many women, who had followed Jesus from Galilee and had ministered to His needs, were watching [all this] from a distance.

¹⁵ So, they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story [i.e., that Jesus’ body had been stolen by His disciples] was told widely among the Jews, and continues to be told to this day.

⁵ And people from throughout all the regions of Judea and all of Jerusalem went out to John [in the desert]. And he immersed them in the Jordan River as they confessed their sins.

¹⁶ And while walking along the shore of Lake Galilee, Jesus saw Simon [i.e., Peter] and his brother Andrew casting their net in the lake, for they were fishermen. ¹⁷ And Jesus said to them, “Come, follow me and I will make you fishermen for people.” ¹⁸ So, they left their nets immediately and became His followers. ¹⁹ Then, as He walked on a little farther, He saw James, the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were in their boat repairing nets. ²⁰ Immediately He called them [to become His followers] and they left their father, Zebedee, and went along with Him. ²¹ So, they went to Capernaum [Note: This was a city in Galilee that later became Jesus’ headquarters while in Galilee. See verse 29 and 2:1], and on the [first] Sabbath day Jesus entered the synagogue and taught people.

²³ And just then there appeared in the synagogue a man dominated by an evil spirit. He shouted out,

²⁵ Jesus spoke sternly to him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him.”

³¹ so He went to her, took her by the hand and raised her up [from bed]. The fever left her and she began serving them.

³⁴ and He healed many of those who were sick with various diseases and drove out many evil spirits. But He did not permit the evil spirits to tell people [who He was], because they knew who He was [i.e., the Christ].

³⁹ So, Jesus went into the [Jewish] synagogues throughout all Galilee, preaching [the good news about the coming kingdom, verses 14-15] and driving out evil spirits.

⁴⁵ But [instead] the man went out telling everyone about the miracle of healing and spreading the story widely, so that Jesus was not able to enter a town publicly but had to remain outside in deserted places. [So], people went to Him there from all over the region.

¹ After Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, it became known that He was [back] at home [i.e., possibly at the house of Peter and Andrew, where He was staying. See 1:29].

¹ After Jesus returned to Capernaum several days later, it became known that He was [back] at home [i.e., possibly at the house of Peter and Andrew, where He was staying. See 1:29]. ² And there were so many people gathered to listen to His message that there was no room for any more [in the courtyard] around the doorway.

¹³ Then Jesus went out again, walking along the shore of the lake, and [when] all the crowd came out to Him, He taught them.

² And the Pharisees were watching Him to see if He would heal the man on the Sabbath day, so that they could [find a reason to] accuse Him.

⁷ [Then] Jesus withdrew [from there] with His disciples and went to the lake [i.e., Lake of Galilee], being followed by a large crowd from Galilee. Also, a large crowd from Judea,

¹¹ And whenever they saw Him, [people possessed by] evil spirits fell to the ground in front of Him, shouting, “You are the Son of God.” ¹² But He sternly ordered them not to reveal His identity.

¹² But He sternly ordered them not to reveal His identity.

¹⁶ These apostles were: Simon, to whom He gave the added name Peter, ¹⁷ James and his brother John, the sons of Zebedee, to whom He gave the added name Boanerges, which means “Sons of Thunder,” ¹⁸ Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], James, the son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus [i.e., the same as Judas, the son of James. See Luke 6:16], Simon the Canaanean [i.e., the same as the Zealot. See Luke 6:15],

³⁹ He [immediately] awoke and spoke sternly to the wind and called out to the water, “Be peaceful and still.” [Immediately] the wind stopped blowing and a great calm came over the water.

² When Jesus left the boat, immediately a man with an evil spirit came from the graveyard to meet Him.

⁷ And shouting with a loud voice, he said, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, in God’s name, do not torture me.”

²³ He begged Him earnestly, saying, “My little daughter is about to die; [please] come and place your hands on her so she may be healed and live.”

²⁹ And immediately her flow of blood stopped and she felt healed in her body from the affliction.

³⁷ He did not allow anyone to follow Him [i.e., to the official’s house] except Peter, James and his brother John.

⁴¹ And taking the child by the hand He said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which means “Little girl,” (I tell you), “get up.”

⁴³ But He strictly ordered them not to tell anyone about this; then He told them to give the girl something to eat.

² And when the Sabbath day came, He began teaching in the synagogue and many who heard Him were amazed, and asked [such questions as], “Where did this man get these things [i.e., knowledge, miracles, etc.]?” and “What kind of wisdom has been given to him?” and “What do these supernatural powers he performs mean?

³⁴ Then Jesus left [His place of seclusion] and, seeing the large crowd, He felt deep compassion for them because they were [as disoriented] as sheep without a shepherd, so He began teaching them.

⁴⁶ And after He had left them He went into a mountain to pray. ⁴⁷ When evening came the boat [containing His disciples] was in the middle of the lake while He remained alone on the shore. ⁴⁸ When He saw how distressed His disciples were, rowing against an opposing wind, Jesus came to them between three and six o’clock in the morning, walking on the water, and almost walked past them.

³ (For the Pharisees and all the Jews would not eat anything unless they first scrubbed their hands [i.e., up to the wrists] in accordance with the [long-established] tradition of the Jewish elders). ⁴ And when they returned from the open shopping markets they refused to eat [anything] until they washed themselves [or “it,” that is, the food, thoroughly]. There were also many other traditions which they [strictly] observed, like washing cups, pots and copper kettles [thoroughly].) [Note: The most accurate Greek manuscripts do not add “and beds” in this verse]. ⁵ The Pharisees and experts in the law of Moses asked Jesus, “Why do your disciples not live according to the traditions of the Jewish elders, but [instead] eat their food with contaminated [i.e., ceremonially unwashed] hands?” ⁶ And He answered them, “Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites very well when he wrote [Isa. 29:13], ‘These people honor me with their lips [i.e., by what they say], but their heart is far from [honoring] me. ⁷ They are worshiping me for nothing because they are teaching principles which are [merely] the requirements of men.’ ⁸ You disregard the commandment of God and [yet] hang onto the traditions of men.” ⁹ And He said to them, “You are good at rejecting the commandment of God so you can keep your traditions. ¹⁰ For Moses said, [Ex. 20:12] ‘Give honor to your father and mother,’ and [Ex. 21:17 says], ‘Whoever says bad things about his father or mother should surely be put to death.’ ¹¹ But when you people say, ‘If someone says to his father or mother, [the money] I could have helped you with is Corban; in other words, [it is] given to God,’ ¹² you are not allowing him to do anything for his father or mother anymore. ¹³ You are making God’s message useless by [enforcing] the tradition you have been following. And you do many things like that.”

²⁵ But just then a woman whose little daughter was dominated by an evil spirit heard about Jesus and came and fell down at His feet.

³⁰ And she went away to her house and found her child lying on her bed with the evil spirit gone from her.

³⁶ Then Jesus ordered the people [who witnessed the miracle] not to tell anyone [about it], but the more He urged them not to, the more widely they publicized it. ³⁷ And they were utterly amazed, saying, “He has done everything just right; He makes even the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.”

² And after six days had passed, Jesus took Peter, James and John aside alone and went up to a high mountain [i.e., probably Mt. Tabor, which was nearby]. [There] His whole appearance was [miraculously] changed in front of them.

⁷ [Just then] a cloud engulfed them and a voice spoke out of the cloud saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, listen to Him.”

²⁰ Then they [i.e., some people from the crowd] brought the sick boy to Jesus, and when the spirit saw Him, it immediately caused the boy to have convulsions and to fall to the ground and roll around, foaming at the mouth.

²² And frequently the evil spirit has tried to kill him, throwing him into a fire or into the water. But if you can do anything [for him], have pity on us and help us.” ²³ And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can.’ [Note: By repeating the man’s words Jesus seems to be saying, “You mean, if YOU can believe”]. Everything is possible to the person who believes [it can happen].”

²⁵ When Jesus saw a crowd running together [toward Him], He spoke sternly to the evil spirit [in the boy], saying to it, “You deaf-mute spirit, I order you to come out of this boy and to never return to him again.” ²⁶ The spirit shrieked and caused violent convulsions [in the boy], then came out of him. The boy appeared to be dead, so that most of the people were saying, “He is dead.”

¹ And Jesus left there and went to the region of Judea and east of the Jordan River. Again crowds gathered around Him and He continued teaching them, as was His custom.

¹⁷ As Jesus was leaving to go on His way, a man ran to Him and kneeled down in front of Him and asked, “Good Teacher, what should I do in order to possess never ending life?”

²⁴ And His disciples were amazed at what He said. But Jesus spoke to them again and said, “How difficult it is [for anyone] to enter the kingdom of God

²⁸ Peter began saying to Him, “Look, we have left everything [i.e., homes, jobs, family, etc.] to follow you.” ²⁹ Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, no one who has left his house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children or property for my sake and the Gospel’s sake [i.e., to become a servant of the Lord],

²⁹ Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, no one who has left his house, or brothers, or sisters, or mother, or father, or children or property for my sake and the Gospel’s sake [i.e., to become a servant of the Lord], ³⁰ but what he will receive [back] a hundred times as much now in this life --- houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children and property --- [yet] with persecutions. And in the coming age [he will receive] never ending life. ³¹ But many that [appear to] be first [i.e., in importance and blessings] will [end up] being last. And [those appearing to] be last will [end up] being first.” ³² Now Jesus and His disciples were [traveling] along the road, going up to Jerusalem, with Jesus moving on ahead of the others. The disciples were amazed and they followed [behind Him] fearfully. [Note: From the context, it appears their amazement was due to His eagerness to enter Jerusalem in spite of the imminent danger they felt awaited Him there]. He took the twelve apostles aside and began telling them about the things that were going to happen to Him.

³⁵ Now James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came over to Jesus and said to Him, “We would like you to do for us whatever we ask you.”

³³ And He took Peter, James and John with Him and began to be troubled and deeply distressed.

⁴¹ These women had ministered to Jesus’ needs when they followed Him from Galilee. Others watching were many women who had come up to Jerusalem with Him.

² [that is, people] who were ministers of the word and original eyewitnesses [of these events], and who passed them on to us; [and since] ³ I have thoroughly investigated the entire series of events [myself], I felt it would be good for me also to write you an orderly account of them.

¹⁵ For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and he will not drink any wine or intoxicating drinks [Note: This restriction suggests that John may have taken the special vow of consecration making him a “Nazarite”]. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born. ¹⁶ And he will influence many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. ¹⁷ He will go on ahead of the Messiah [See verse 76], in the spirit and power of Elijah, to rekindle the affections of fathers for their children, and [to influence] disobedient people to live wisely like righteous people. And he will prepare the people to be ready for [the coming of] the Lord.”

³⁵ The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest [i.e., God] will overshadow you. Therefore, the child you carry will be called the holy Son of God.

⁷⁰ (as He spoke through the message of the holy prophets of long ago).

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

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].

⁴⁹ And He replied to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in my Father’s house [i.e., the Temple]?”

² [During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas’ son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God’s message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea].

² [During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas’ son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God’s message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. ³ He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God].

³ He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. ⁴ This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], “The voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on].

⁴ This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], “The voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]. ⁵ Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out.

⁵ Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out. ⁶ And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them].”

⁶ And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them].” ⁷ He said to the crowds of people that went out [to the desert] to be immersed by him, “You children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? ⁸ Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, and quit saying to yourselves, ‘We claim Abraham as our forefather,’ because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham’s children out of these stones. ⁹ And even now the axe is also ready to chop down the trees at their roots [i.e., you Jews]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., a godly life] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the punishment of hell].” ¹⁰ Then the crowds asked him, “What then must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?” ¹¹ And he answered them, “The person who has two coats should give [one of them] to the person who does not have any; and the person who has food should do the same thing.” ¹² Then some tax collectors came to him to be immersed and asked him, “Teacher, what must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?” ¹³ And he answered them, “Do not collect any more [tax money] than you are required to.” ¹⁴ Some soldiers on duty also asked him, “And what must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?” And he answered them, “Do not force people to give you money or accuse them falsely, and be content with your pay.” ¹⁵ Now as people were anticipating [what would happen] and everyone was wondering in their hearts if perhaps John were the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one], ¹⁶ John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, “I am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12].

¹⁶ John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, “I am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12].

²⁰ to top it off, Herod put John in prison. ²¹ Now it happened when all the people had been immersed [by John], that Jesus was also immersed [by him]. And while Jesus was praying, heaven was opened ²² and the Holy Spirit came down on Him in a physical form, as a dove, and a voice spoke out of heaven [saying], “You are my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with you.”

²² and the Holy Spirit came down on Him in a physical form, as a dove, and a voice spoke out of heaven [saying], “You are my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with you.”

¹ Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River [i.e., where He had been immersed. See 3:21] and was led by the Holy Spirit [See Matt. 4:1] into the desert. ² During the forty days He was being put to the test by the devil, He did not eat anything; then after it was over He was [very] hungry. ³ Then the devil said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to turn into bread.” ⁴ But Jesus answered him, “It is written [Deut. 8:3], ‘A person is not to live by [eating] bread only.’” ⁵ Then he led Him up [i.e., to a high mountain. See Matt. 4:8] and showed Him all the world’s kingdoms in a fleeting instant. ⁶ And the devil said to Him, “I will give you full authority [over them] and their splendor, for it has [all] been granted to me and to whom I want to give it. ⁷ Therefore, if you will worship in front of me it will all be yours.” ⁸ And Jesus answered him, “It is written [Deut. 6:13], ‘You are supposed to worship the Lord, your God, and serve only Him.’” ⁹ Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and placed Him on the elevated wing of the Temple and said to Him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, ¹⁰ for it is written [Psa. 91:11-12], ‘He will put his angels in charge of you, to protect you,’ ¹¹ and ‘They will lift you up with their hands so you do not trip over a stone.’” ¹² And Jesus answered him, “It is said [Deut. 6:16], ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’” ¹³ And when the devil had finished every test, he left Jesus until a [later] time.

¹⁶ Jesus then went to Nazareth where He had been brought up. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, according to His custom, and stood up to read [the Scriptures]. ¹⁷ The book [i.e., actually a scroll] of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book and found the passage where it was written [Isa. 61:1f],

¹⁷ The book [i.e., actually a scroll] of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book and found the passage where it was written [Isa. 61:1f], ¹⁸ “The Holy Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me [i.e., specially chose me] to preach good news to poor people. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to those who are captives [i.e., to sin]; recovery of sight to the [spiritually as well as physically] blind; to set free those who are oppressed [i.e., by Satan] and

¹⁸ “The Holy Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me [i.e., specially chose me] to preach good news to poor people. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to those who are captives [i.e., to sin]; recovery of sight to the [spiritually as well as physically] blind; to set free those who are oppressed [i.e., by Satan] and ¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s acceptance [i.e., the time when people would become His obedient followers].”

¹⁹ to proclaim the year of the Lord’s acceptance [i.e., the time when people would become His obedient followers].” ²⁰ Then He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were focused on Him. ²¹ He began speaking to them [saying], “Today this [passage of] Scripture has been fulfilled as you listened to it.”

³¹ Then He went down to the Galilean city of Capernaum and taught the Jews on the Sabbath day. ³² They were amazed at His teaching for He spoke with authority.

³² They were amazed at His teaching for He spoke with authority. ³³ Now there was a man in the synagogue who was dominated by the spirit of an evil demon [Note: These “evil spirits” or “demons” were powerful beings sent by Satan to inhabit people, causing physical, mental and spiritual harm to them]. He was shouting with a loud voice, ³⁴ “Ha! What business do we have with you, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are; [you are] God’s Holy One.”

³⁴ “Ha! What business do we have with you, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are; [you are] God’s Holy One.” ³⁵ Then Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit [in the man], saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him.” And when the evil spirit had thrown the man down in front of them, it came out of him, without causing any harm.

³⁵ Then Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit [in the man], saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him.” And when the evil spirit had thrown the man down in front of them, it came out of him, without causing any harm. ³⁶ And everyone became amazed and began saying to one another, “What is he saying? For he orders the evil spirits with authority and power to come out [of people], and they do.”

³⁶ And everyone became amazed and began saying to one another, “What is he saying? For he orders the evil spirits with authority and power to come out [of people], and they do.” ³⁷ Then a report about Him spread to the entire surrounding region.

³⁷ Then a report about Him spread to the entire surrounding region. ³⁸ So, He left the synagogue and entered Simon’s [i.e., Peter’s] house. Now Simon’s mother-in-law was [in bed] stricken with a high fever. And they [i.e., Andrew, James and John, besides Peter. See Mark 1:29] begged Him [to do something] for her. ³⁹ So, He stood over her and spoke sternly to the fever. It left her and she got up [out of bed] and began serving them. ⁴⁰ And when the sun was setting, everyone who had friends or relatives who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus and He placed His hands on each one of them and healed them. ⁴¹ And evil spirits also came out of many people, shouting [at Him], “You are the Son of God.” And Jesus spoke sternly to them and would not allow them to speak [anymore] because they knew He was the Christ [Note: Jesus would not accept the endorsement of these Satanic spirits]. ⁴² And when it became daylight He left [Simon’s house] and went to a deserted place [i.e., to pray. See Mark 1:35]. The crowds were looking for Him and [upon finding Him] went to Him and tried to discourage Him from leaving them. ⁴³ But He told them, “I must go to other towns also to preach the good news of God’s [coming] kingdom, for this is why I was sent [by God].”

⁴³ But He told them, “I must go to other towns also to preach the good news of God’s [coming] kingdom, for this is why I was sent [by God].”

⁴³ But He told them, “I must go to other towns also to preach the good news of God’s [coming] kingdom, for this is why I was sent [by God].” ⁴⁴ So, He [went and] preached in the [Jewish] synagogues of Judea [also].

¹ Now it happened while Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Genneseret [i.e., Lake Galilee] that the crowd was pushing closer to Him to hear God’s message. ² He saw two boats [tied up] along the shore of the lake, for the fishermen had left them [there] and were washing their nets [i.e., on the beach]. ³ So, He entered one of the boats that belonged to Simon [i.e., Peter], and asked him to launch out a short distance from shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat. ⁴ And when He had finished talking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into deeper water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].” ⁵ Simon replied, “Master, we worked all night, but did not catch anything. But I will lower the nets if you say so.” ⁶ And when they had done this, they gathered in a large number of fish [until] their nets began to break. ⁷ So, they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. When they came, they filled both boats until they began to sink. ⁸ But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Go away from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man.” ⁹ For he and those who were with him were amazed at the [huge] quantity of fish they had caught. ¹⁰ Simon’s partners James and John, sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. So, Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch people.”

¹⁰ Simon’s partners James and John, sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. So, Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid; from now on you will catch people.” ¹¹ And when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.

¹¹ And when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus. ¹² And it happened while Jesus was in one of the towns [i.e., surrounding Lake Galilee], that a man covered with an infectious skin disease appeared and, when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face [to the ground] and begged Him, saying, “If you want to, you can heal me.” [Note: Throughout this narrative the terms “heal/healing” are originally “clean/cleansing” because the Jews viewed a person with such a disease as ceremonially “unclean.” See Lev. 13:1-3]. ¹³ Then He reached out His hand and touched the man, saying, “I [do] want to; be healed.” And immediately the infectious skin disease left him. ¹⁴ Then He ordered the man not to tell anyone [about the healing], saying, “Go on your way and show yourself to the priest and offer the proper sacrifice for your healing that Moses required [Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff] as evidence to people [that you were healed].”

¹⁴ Then He ordered the man not to tell anyone [about the healing], saying, “Go on your way and show yourself to the priest and offer the proper sacrifice for your healing that Moses required [Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff] as evidence to people [that you were healed].” ¹⁵ But the news about what Jesus had done spread all the more widely, so that large crowds assembled to listen to Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. ¹⁶ So, He went away to deserted places and prayed.

¹⁶ So, He went away to deserted places and prayed. ¹⁷ And it happened on one of those days [in Capernaum. See Mark 2:1], as He was teaching, that some Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] and teachers of the law of Moses, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem, were sitting around [i.e., listening to Him]. And the power of the Lord was with Him, enabling Him to heal people.

¹² And it happened during that time that Jesus went out to the mountain [i.e., probably a hillside near Capernaum] to pray, and continued praying to God all night.

¹⁴ [They were] Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew, James and John [also brothers], Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45],

⁶ So, Jesus went with them. And when He got close to the military officer’s house, the officer sent [his] friends to Jesus, saying to Him [i.e., speaking on behalf of the military officer], “Sir, do not trouble yourself, for I do not deserve for you to come into my house; ⁷ [and] for the same reason I did not think I deserved to come to you either. So, [just] say the word and [I know] my slave will be healed.

¹² Now when He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out; it was the only son of his widowed mother. And many people from the town were with her. ¹³ Now when the Lord saw her, He felt very sorry for her and said to her, “Do not cry.”

²⁷ He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], ‘Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.’ ²⁸ And I tell you, among [all] those born of women, there is no one greater than John [the Immerser], yet the least significant person in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

¹ And it happened soon after this that Jesus went through one town and village after another, preaching and proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. [Traveling] with Him were the twelve apostles ² and certain women who had been healed from [domination by] evil spirits and diseases. [These women were] Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven evil spirits had been driven out, ³ and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s property manager, and Susanna and many others. These [all] had provided the material support for the group from their own means.

²⁸ And when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet [i.e., in worship. See Mark 5:6] and shouted out with a loud voice saying, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Highest God? I beg you, do not torture me.”

³⁷ Then all the people around the district of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were gripped with great fear. So, He entered a boat and returned.

⁵⁶ Her parents were amazed, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

¹ Jesus then called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all evil spirits and [the ability] to heal diseases.

³⁵ Then a voice spoke out of the cloud, saying, “This is My Son, [whom] I have chosen; listen to Him.”

³⁹ For when an evil spirit takes hold of him he suddenly screams and [then] it throws him into convulsions so that he foams [at the mouth]. And it does not want to leave him, [even after] severely bruising him.

⁴² And while the boy was approaching [Jesus], an evil spirit threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit and [then] returned him to his father healed.

⁵⁸ Jesus replied to him, “The foxes have dens [in which to live] and the birds of the sky have nests [in which to roost], but the Son of man does not have anywhere to lay His head.”

⁹ and heal the sick people who live there. Say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’

¹¹ ‘We are wiping off even the dust of your city that has stuck to our feet [in protest] against you. Yet you should know this, that the kingdom of God has come near [to you].’

¹⁵ And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up [as high] as heaven? [Certainly not], you will be brought down to the unseen place of departed spirits [i.e., you will become obscure or obliterated as a city].

¹⁷ So, the seventy-two disciples returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the evil spirits submitted to us in your name [i.e., by your authority].” ¹⁸ And Jesus said to them, “I saw Satan falling from heaven as lightning. ¹⁹ See, I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions [i.e., to receive protection from accidental contact with venomous creatures. See Acts 28:5] and [to have authority] over all the power of the enemy [i.e., Satan. See verse 18]. And nothing at all will hurt you. ²⁰ Nevertheless, do not rejoice over the [evil] spirits submitting to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven [i.e., in the book of life. See Rev. 3:5; Heb. 12:23].”

²² But when someone stronger than he attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away all the armament the strong man relied on, and [then] divides up his storehouse of possessions. [Note: The word here translated “possessions” may be translated “arms” so the meaning could be “divides up his armament”].

¹⁰ Now Jesus was teaching in one of the [Jewish] synagogues on the Sabbath day.

²⁶ “If anyone comes to me [i.e., to be my disciple], and does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers and sisters and, yes, even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.

³³ So therefore, every one of you who does not say ‘goodbye’ to everything he owns, cannot be my disciple.

¹² And as He entered a certain village, He was met by ten men with infectious skin diseases, who were standing some distance away [Note: Restrictions in the Jewish law prevented contact with persons having infectious diseases. See Lev. 13:45ff], ¹³ and shouting, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us.” ¹⁴ And when Jesus saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” [See Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff]. And it happened, as they went [along], that they were healed.

¹⁴ And when Jesus saw them, He said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” [See Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff]. And it happened, as they went [along], that they were healed. ¹⁵ Then one of them, seeing he had been healed, returned and praised God in a loud voice. ¹⁶ And he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him. And he was a Samaritan. [Note: Samaritans were despised by the Jews and regarded as a ‘half-breeds’]. ¹⁷ Jesus asked [those standing nearby], “Were there not ten men [who were] healed? Where are the [other] nine? ¹⁸ Did not anyone [else] come back to give praise to God, except this foreigner?” ¹⁹ Then Jesus said to the one [who had returned], “Get up and go on your way. Your faith has made you well.”

²⁸ Then Peter said, “Look, we have left our homes to follow you.” ²⁹ And Jesus said to the disciples, “Truly I tell you, there is no person who has left his house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children for the sake of the kingdom of God [i.e., to become a servant of the Lord], ³⁰ who will not receive [back] many times as much [as he left in this life], and never ending life in the coming age.” ³¹ Then Jesus took the twelve apostles with Him, saying to them, “Look, we are going up to Jerusalem and [while there] everything written in [the writings of] the prophets will be fulfilled concerning the Son of man.

¹⁵ for I will give you a mouth [i.e., the ability to speak properly] and wisdom [i.e., the knowledge of what to say], which none of your opponents will be able to resist or speak against.

³⁹ Then Jesus went out to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed to doing [each evening during His final week], and His disciples followed Him. ⁴⁰ And when He got there He said to them, “Pray that you do not give in [i.e., to the devil] under trials.” ⁴¹ Then Jesus went away from them about the distance of a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed,

⁴¹ Then Jesus went away from them about the distance of a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed, ⁴² saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup [i.e., of suffering] away from me; nevertheless, let it not be what I want, but what you want [for me].” ⁴³ Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. [See Matt. 4:11]. ⁴⁴ And He became anguished as He prayed more fervently; even His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. ⁴⁵ And when He got up from praying He went to His disciples and found them asleep, exhausted from grief. ⁴⁶ So, He said to them, “Why were you sleeping? Get up and pray so you do not give in [to the devil] under trials.”

¹⁹ And He replied, “What things?” And they said to Him, “The things concerning Jesus, from Nazareth, who was a prophet speaking powerful words and performing powerful deeds in front of God and all the people.

⁴⁷ And [the need for] a change of heart and life in order to receive the forgiveness of sins [from God] will be preached in Jesus’ name [i.e., by His authority] to people of all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.

¹⁴ [Eventually] this Word became a human being and lived among us [Note: The word “lived” here refers to pitching a temporary tent]. (And we saw His splendor; such splendor as belongs to the Father’s only Son), full of God’s favor and truth. ¹⁵ John gave testimony about Jesus, shouting out, “This person is the one about whom I said, ‘He who will come after me ranks above me because He existed before me.’”

¹⁹ And this is the testimony John [the Immerser] gave when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” [Note: Levites were men who assisted the priests in the Temple service]. ²⁰ Then he declared openly, without denying it, “I am not the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one].” ²¹ So, they asked him, “Who then [are you]? Are you Elijah [i.e., returned from the dead]?” But he answered, “[No], I am not.” “[Then], are you the prophet [i.e., Moses. See Deut. 18:15-19]?” they asked. And he answered, “No.” ²² So, they asked him [again], “[Then], who are you? We need to take back an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” ²³ He replied, “I am the voice of a man who is calling out in the desert, [urging people to] ‘Make the road for the Lord straight,’ as Isaiah the prophet said, [Isa. 40:3].” ²⁴ Now those who were sent [i.e., to question John] were Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion]. ²⁵ They asked him, “Why do you immerse people then, if you are not the Christ, or Elijah, or the prophet [Moses]?” ²⁶ So, John answered them, saying, “I am immersing people in water, but there is Someone among you whom you do not recognize. ²⁷ He is the One who will follow my ministry; [and] I do not deserve to untie his sandal lace.”

²⁷ He is the One who will follow my ministry; [and] I do not deserve to untie his sandal lace.” ²⁸ These things happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River where John was immersing people. [Note: This was a different Bethany from the one just outside of Jerusalem].

²⁸ These things happened in Bethany on the east side of the Jordan River where John was immersing people. [Note: This was a different Bethany from the one just outside of Jerusalem]. ²⁹ On the next day John [the Immerser] saw Jesus approaching him and said, “Look, [there is] the Lamb of God; He [will] take away the sin of the people of the world. ³⁰ He is the One about whom I said, ‘A man will come after me who ranks above me, for He existed before me.’ ³¹ And I would not have recognized Him, but I came immersing people in water so that He would become known to the Israelites.” ³² So, John gave his testimony, saying, “I have seen the Holy Spirit descending as a dove out of heaven, and it remained on Him. ³³ And I did not recognize Him, but He [i.e., God], who sent me to immerse in water, said to me, ‘The one on whom you see the Holy Spirit descending and remaining is the same One who [will] immerse people in the Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴ And I have seen and given testimony that this person is the Son of God.”

³⁴ And I have seen and given testimony that this person is the Son of God.”

⁴⁰ One of the two men who had listened to John and had become a follower of Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. ⁴¹ The first thing Andrew did was to find his own brother Simon and say to him, “We have found the Messiah (which means Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one]).” ⁴² So, Andrew brought Simon Peter to Jesus. [And when] Jesus saw him, He said [to him], “You are Simon, the son of John [Note: Peter’s father is called Jonah in Matt. 16:17]; you will be called Cephas (which means Peter [i.e., “a stone.” See Matt. 16:18]).”

⁴⁹ Nathaniel replied to Him, “Rabbi [i.e., Teacher], you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.”

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.

²² After this Jesus and His disciples went to the country-[side] of Judea and there they remained and immersed people. ²³ John [the Immerser] was also immersing people in Aenon, near Salem [Note: These locations are thought to have been in northeastern Judea, near the Jordan River], because there was a lot of water there; so people were coming to be immersed.

²³ John [the Immerser] was also immersing people in Aenon, near Salem [Note: These locations are thought to have been in northeastern Judea, near the Jordan River], because there was a lot of water there; so people were coming to be immersed. ²⁴ Now John had not yet been thrown into prison.

²⁶ These disciples went to John and said to him, “Rabbi, look, that man who was with you on the east side of the Jordan River [i.e., Jesus], whom you testified about, is immersing people and everyone is going to him.” [Note: Actually, it was Jesus’ disciples who did the immersing. See 4:2].

²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] but [rather] that I was sent [by God] ahead of Him.’

²⁸ You yourselves can testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ [i.e., God’s specially chosen one] but [rather] that I was sent [by God] ahead of Him.’ ²⁹ The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry].

²⁹ The one who has the bride is the groom; but the best man, who stands up with him and listens to him [take his vows], is very happy when he hears him speak. So, [now] my joy is complete [i.e. over hearing about Jesus’ ministry]. ³⁰ He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease.”

³⁰ He [i.e., Jesus] must increase [in importance and influence], while I must decrease.” ³¹ The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others].

³¹ The One who comes from above [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]; but the one who is out of the earth [i.e., of human origin] is [merely] an earthly [being] and he speaks in earthly [ways]. [But] the One who comes from heaven [i.e., Jesus] ranks over all [others]. ³² He testifies concerning what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony. ³³ The person who has accepted Jesus’ testimony has confirmed this [fact], that God is truthful. ³⁴ For the One whom God has sent [i.e., Jesus] speaks the words of God, for He [i.e., God] does not give the Holy Spirit in a limited quantity [i.e., to Jesus. See next verse]. ³⁵ The Father loves the Son and has given everything into His hands [See Eph. 1:20-22]. 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.

³⁴ Jesus answered them, “My food is doing what God, who sent me, wants me to, and accomplishing His work.

⁵⁰ Jesus said to him, “Go on [home]; your son will live.” And the man believed what Jesus said to him and went [home]. ⁵¹ While he was going along, his slaves met him and told him that his son was [still] alive. ⁵² Then he asked them what the [exact] time was when his son began to get better. They said to him, “[It was] yesterday at seven o’clock in the morning that the fever left him.” [Note: This would have been 1 PM, if Jewish time were meant]. ⁵³ So [then], the father realized that it was at that [exact] hour that Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So, he and his entire family believed [in Jesus].

²⁰ For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him everything that He Himself does; and He will show Him [even] greater deeds [i.e., more extensive in scope] than these [i.e., than merely healing a crippled man], so that you people will be amazed. ²¹ For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them [renewed] life [for their bodies ?], even so the Son also gives [renewed] life to [the spirits ?] of whoever He wants to. ²² For the Father does not judge anyone, but He has given [full responsibility for] judging people to His Son, ²³ so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. The person who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

³⁷ And the Father who sent me testifies concerning me. You people have never heard His voice nor seen His form.

² And a large crowd followed Him because they had seen the [miraculous] signs He had performed on sick people.

⁸ [Then] one of His disciples, named Andrew, [who was] Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him,

¹⁵ So, [when] Jesus knew that the people were about to come and forcibly take Him and make Him [their] king, He left there again and went to the high plateau [to be] alone [i.e., to pray. See Mark 6:46].

⁶⁹ And we apostles have believed [in you] and know that you are God’s Holy One.”

⁴⁶ The guards answered, “No one has ever spoken like this man.”

⁴ While it is still daytime we must perform the acts of God, who sent me. Nighttime is coming, when no one can act.

³ So, the sisters sent [someone] to Him, saying, “Look, Lord, the person you love [i.e., your dear friend, Lazarus] is sick.”

⁴⁸ If we allow him to go on [doing this], everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and destroy our Temple and our nation [i.e., its people].”

¹⁹ So, the Pharisees were saying among themselves, “Look, you men are getting nowhere [in this situation]. See, the [whole] world has gone after him.”

²² Philip went and told [this to] Andrew [his brother]; [then] Andrew and Philip told [it to] Jesus.

²⁸ ‘Father, honor your name [in all this].’” Then a voice came out of heaven, saying, “I have honored it, and I will honor it again.” ²⁹ The crowd that was standing around heard this [i.e., the sound of the Father’s voice], but said it was thunder. Others said, “An angel spoke to Him [i.e., Jesus].” ³⁰ Jesus said to them, “This voice did not speak for my sake, but for yours.

³ You people are already ‘clean’ [i.e., have been pruned of undesirable traits] because of [obedience to] the teaching I have given you.

²⁸ I came from the Father into this world and now I am leaving the world and returning to the Father.”

⁴ I am honoring you [while] on earth by completing the work you gave me to do.

⁸ because I have given them the message you gave me, and they accepted it. They [also] knew for certain that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me.

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].

¹ [Dear] Theophilus, in my former letter [i.e., the Gospel of Luke] I wrote to you concerning what all Jesus did and taught since the beginning [of His ministry], ² up until the day He returned to heaven. [Just before that time] He had given [certain] instructions to His [specially] selected apostles through [the direction of] the Holy Spirit.

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."

¹³ Upon arriving at the house where they were staying, they went upstairs. [Those present were]: Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James, the son of Alpheus, Simon the Zealous [one] and Judas, the son of James. [Note: Judas Iscariot, the twelfth apostle, had already committed suicide].

⁴ And they [i.e., the apostles] were all filled with [the power of] the Holy Spirit and began to speak ["the mighty accomplishments of God," See verse 11] in different languages, as the Holy Spirit gave them the ability.

¹⁷ God said that ‘in the last days [of the Jewish nation?] I will pour out My Holy Spirit upon all people [i.e., both Jews and Gentiles], and your sons and daughters will speak out [in prophecies] and your young men will see [supernatural] visions, and your old men will have [supernatural] dreams.

²⁷ because you [i.e., God] will not allow my soul [i.e., this is a reference to Jesus] to remain in Hades [i.e., the unseen place of the departed spirits], neither will you allow [the body of] your Holy One to decay.

³⁶ Therefore, let all those who make up the household of Israel [i.e., God's people] know with certainty that God has made this Jesus, whom you have crucified, both Lord and Christ." ³⁷ Now when the people heard this message [of Peter and the other apostles, See verse 14], they were convicted [of its truth] in their hearts and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do [about our condemned condition]?" 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].

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]." ⁴⁰ So, Peter testified and urged the crowd with many additional words, saying, "Save yourselves from [the condemnation coming on] this sinful generation [by responding to this message]." ⁴¹ Then those who responded [by faith] to the words [spoken by Peter and the apostles] were immersed, and about three thousand persons were added to them [i.e., the apostles] on that day.

¹⁴ But you denied the Holy and Righteous One [His rightful freedom] and asked for a murderer to be released to you [instead].

²⁷ For [truly] it was both Herod and Pontius Pilate, together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, who gathered together in this city [of Jerusalem] against your Holy Servant Jesus

¹⁰ But they could not stand up to the wisdom and [power of] the Holy Spirit by which Stephen spoke.

⁶⁰ Then he kneeled down and called out in a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold them responsible for this sin [of killing me]." And when he said this he fell asleep [in death].

²¹ And everyone who heard him was amazed and exclaimed, "Is this not the man who tried to destroy all the people who called on [Jesus'] name in Jerusalem and has now come here [to Damascus] for the purpose of arresting them and bringing them before the leading priests?" ²² But Saul was strengthened [spiritually] and proceeded to confound the Jews living [there] in Damascus by proving that Jesus was the Christ.

⁴¹ Peter then reached out his hand and raised her up; he called the saints [i.e., God's holy people] and the widows [back into the room] and presented her [to them] alive.

³⁷ You yourselves know [all this, and] how this message was proclaimed throughout Judea, having begun from Galilee after the preaching of the immersion [taught and practiced] by John.

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.

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.'

² He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword.

¹⁴ Then they traveled on past Perga and arrived at Antioch in Pisidia where they entered the [Jewish] synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down. ¹⁵ And after the reading of the law of Moses and [the writings of] the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent [word] to Paul and Barnabas, saying, "Brothers, if you [men] have any message that will exhort [or encourage] the people, you may speak." ¹⁶ So, Paul stood up, and motioning with his hand [to get their attention], he said, "You Israelites and those who have great respect for God, listen [to me]. ¹⁷ The God of Israel chose our forefathers [to be His people] and made them a great people when they lived in Egypt, and with His mighty power He led them out of it. ¹⁸ For about forty years He tenderly cared for them in the wilderness. ¹⁹ And then He destroyed seven nations in the country of Canaan and gave the Israelites the land as an inheritance for about four hundred and fifty years. ²⁰ "After that He gave the people judges [i.e., local military rulers] until the time of Samuel the [first] prophet. [See 3:24]. ²¹ And after that the people asked for a king [to rule their nation] so God gave them Saul, the son of Kish, from the [Israelite] tribe of Benjamin, who ruled as king for forty years. ²² And when God removed him [from the throne of Israel] He raised up David to be their king. God said about him, 'I have found David, the son of Jesse, to be a man close to my heart [i.e., whom I loved very much] and he will do all that I want him to.' ²³ [Now] it was this David's descendant Jesus who was sent to Israel as their Savior, just as God had promised. ²⁴ His coming occurred after John [the Immerser] had preached to Israel that those who repented should be immersed [as evidence that they had done so].

²⁴ His coming occurred after John [the Immerser] had preached to Israel that those who repented should be immersed [as evidence that they had done so]. ²⁵ As John was completing his ministry he said [to the great crowds], 'Who do you people think I am? [No], I am not the Messiah. But look, Someone is coming [to Israel] after [I complete] my mission whose sandal straps I am not even worthy to unfasten.'

²⁵ As John was completing his ministry he said [to the great crowds], 'Who do you people think I am? [No], I am not the Messiah. But look, Someone is coming [to Israel] after [I complete] my mission whose sandal straps I am not even worthy to unfasten.'

²⁵ As John was completing his ministry he said [to the great crowds], 'Who do you people think I am? [No], I am not the Messiah. But look, Someone is coming [to Israel] after [I complete] my mission whose sandal straps I am not even worthy to unfasten.' ²⁶ "You brothers, descendants of Abraham's family and those of you who respect God very much, this message of salvation was intended for us. ²⁷ For the people living in Jerusalem, together with their ruling officials, did not understand [that Jesus was the Messiah] or what the message of the prophets, which is read every Sabbath day, really meant. So, [because of this] they [actually] made these Scripture predictions come true by condemning Jesus. ²⁸ They asked Pilate to have Him put to death, even though they could not find any [legitimate] reason to execute Him. ²⁹ And when they had done everything that was predicted about Him, they took Jesus down from the tree [i.e., the cross] and placed Him in a tomb. ³⁰ But God raised Him up from the dead ³¹ so that He was seen for many days by those [apostles] who came with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. These men are now His witnesses before the people. ³² And we bring you good news concerning the promise [God] made to our forefathers ³³ and has now fulfilled to [us], their children, in raising up Jesus [to be the Messiah], just as it was written in the second Psalm [2:7]: "You [i.e., Jesus] are my Son; this day I have become Your Father." ³⁴ [Now] in regard to God raising Him up from the dead, never to decay, He said this about it [Isa. 55:3], "I will give you the sacred and certain blessings promised to David." ³⁵ God said in another Psalm [16:10], "You will not allow your Holy One to decay." ³⁶ For David died and was buried with his forefathers and [his body] decayed after he had served his generation according to the purpose of God. ³⁷ But Jesus, whom God raised up [from the dead], never did decay. 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. ⁴⁰ Beware that what was spoken by the prophets does not happen to you: ⁴¹ [Hab. 1:5 says], "Look, you people who despise [God], and be amazed [at what He can do] and be destroyed [for rejecting Him]; for I [i.e., God] will accomplish such a work during your days that you will not believe [it could happen, even] if someone told you about it." ⁴² As Paul and Barnabas left [the synagogue], the people urged them to speak [more] about this message the next Sabbath day. ⁴³ Now when the synagogue service was over, many of the Jews and devoted proselytes [i.e., converts to the Jewish religion] followed Paul and Barnabas, who urged them to continue accepting the unearned favor of God. ⁴⁴ On the following Sabbath day almost everyone in the town [of Antioch in Pisidia] gathered to listen to the message of God.

⁴⁴ On the following Sabbath day almost everyone in the town [of Antioch in Pisidia] gathered to listen to the message of God. ⁴⁵ But when the Jews saw the large crowds [gathered to hear the Gospel] they became very jealous and took sharp issue with the things Paul said, and [even] spoke against them. ⁴⁶ But Paul and Barnabas [continued to] speak out boldly, saying, "It was necessary that the message of God be delivered to you [Jews] first. But since you have rejected it and [thereby] consider yourselves to be unworthy of [receiving] never ending life, we [i.e., Paul and Barnabas] will now begin proclaiming it to the [unconverted] Gentiles. ⁴⁷ For the Lord commanded us to do this by saying, 'I have appointed you to be a light to the [unconverted] Gentiles, so that you should be [the occasion] for [bringing] salvation to the farthest corner of the earth.' " ⁴⁸ And when the Gentiles heard this they were glad and gave honor to the message of God [i.e., they accepted it as true]. And all those who were appointed [by God] to receive never ending life [through faith and obedience] became believers. ⁴⁹ And the Lord's message was spread far and wide over the entire region. ⁵⁰ But the Jews incited the devoted [non-Jewish] women who held respected positions, and the principal men of the city, by stirring up a persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and [succeeded] in running them out of the region. ⁵¹ But they shook the dust off of their feet against them [i.e., as an expression of contempt for the people's attitude] and went on to Iconium. ⁵² But the [newly won] disciples [of the Lord] were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

¹⁶ At a later time, when we were going to that [same] place of prayer, we met a certain young woman who was dominated by an [evil] spirit, [claiming to be] able to tell people's fortunes. This [claimed] power was the source of considerable income for the girl's slave-owner. ¹⁷ She followed Paul and us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Supreme God and they are proclaiming to you the way to be saved."

¹⁷ She followed Paul and us, shouting, "These men are servants of the Supreme God and they are proclaiming to you the way to be saved." ¹⁸ And she kept this up for a number of days. But Paul was very disturbed [over what she was doing] and [finally] turned [to her] and said to the spirit [in the girl], "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her." And the evil spirit did come out [of her] immediately.

² As his custom was, Paul went into the synagogue, [and] for three Sabbath days [in a row] he taught them from the Scriptures,

⁴ Every Sabbath day Paul held discussions in the synagogues, trying to convince [both] Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles, that Jesus was the Messiah].

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."

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].

¹⁸ Many of the believers also came confessing their sins and describing what they had [previously] done.

²¹ [You know how] I testified to both Jews and Greeks [i.e., Gentiles], that they must repent [i.e., change their attitudes and behavior] toward God, and have faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

²⁵ Now look, I know that none of you, among whom I traveled on preaching missions, will ever see my face again.

¹⁶ So now, what are you waiting for? Get up and be immersed [into Christ], and have your sins washed away as you appeal to His name [i.e., to Christ's authority].'

⁵ We have found this man [i.e., Paul] to be extremely bothersome, and an instigator of strife among the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes.

²³ And when they had arranged a day, large numbers of people came to Paul's house. He explained [everything to them], testifying from morning until evening concerning the kingdom of God and concerning [the Messiahship of] Jesus, both from the law of Moses and from [the writings of] the prophets.

¹ [This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God. ² God had promised this good news a long time ago through His prophets [and had it written] in the holy Scriptures [i.e., the Old Testament]. ³ It was about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born as a physical descendant of King David. ⁴ He was appointed to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of holiness [Note: This could refer to the Holy Spirit] when He was raised from the dead.

⁴ He was appointed to be the Son of God with power through the Spirit of holiness [Note: This could refer to the Holy Spirit] when He was raised from the dead.

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,

³² God did not withhold His own Son [from dying], but offered Him up for all of us. [Since He did that], will He not, along with Jesus, freely give us everything [else] also?

⁴ For whatever things were written previously [i.e., in the Old Testament], were intended for us to learn from, so that we could have hope [i.e., in the face of difficult times] through remaining steadfast, and through the encouragement [received] from reading the Scriptures.

²⁶ It is now being made known through the writings of the prophets, as commanded by the eternal God, to [people of] all the nations, in order to bring about their obedience to the faith

⁵ Do we not have the right to take a believing [i.e., a Christian] wife with us [on our preaching tours], just like the rest of the apostles, and the Lord’s brothers do [i.e., James, Joseph, Judas and Simon. Mark 6:3], and Cephas [i.e., Peter]?

¹¹ Now these events happened to those people as examples [to us], and they were written as warnings to us, to whom the fulfillment of the ages has come. [Note: This refers to past ages concluding with the coming of Christ in that day].

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].

² Instead, we have renounced [the practice of] secret, disgraceful behavior. We do not practice deception, nor resort to distorting God’s message. But, by making known the truth [i.e., the true message], we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the presence of God.

¹⁶ So, from now on we will not regard any person by worldly standards, even though we [once] regarded Christ that way. But we will not regard Him [that way] anymore. [Note: Paul seems to be saying that before his conversion he viewed Christ on the basis of His family, His education, His position, etc., but since his conversion he does not view Him that way anymore].

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],

¹⁰ [He did this] to fulfill His plan at the proper time, by bringing together everything [in the universe] under Christ’s headship --- things both in heaven and on earth.

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].

¹⁴ This is the reason that I bow my knees [in prayer] to the Father,

¹⁸ [Then] offer all kinds of prayers and requests in [harmony with] the Holy Spirit at all times, and be alert constantly in making requests for all the saints [i.e., God’s holy people].

⁵ You should think about things the way Christ Jesus did.

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

¹³ He rescued us from the domain of [spiritual] darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son whom He loves,

¹⁶ And without question the revealed secret of godly living is great. [It is this]: He [i.e., Christ, or God], who appeared in a fleshly body [was] vindicated [of false charges] by the Holy Spirit; [He was] seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed in throughout the world [and finally] was taken up into glory [i.e., heaven].

²⁵ [He must] gently correct those people who oppose [him], in hope that God will give them [opportunity for] repentance, leading to a [full] knowledge of the truth, ²⁶ and that they will come to their senses and escape from being trapped by the devil, who had captured them to do what he wanted.

¹⁰ For there are many rebellious people, especially among the circumcision [i.e., the Jews], whose talk is useless and who deceive people.

⁵ He saved us, not because of any good deeds we ourselves had done, but because of His mercy. [He saved us] through the washing of new birth [Note: This refers to our immersion in water] and the renewing [work] of the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom God poured out upon us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.

¹ In times past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets in many parts and in various ways, ² [but] during these final days He has spoken to us through His Son [Note: This period refers to the Christian age (See Acts 2:14-36)], whom He appointed to be heir of all things [and] through whom He created the universe. [See John 1:3; Col. 1:16]. ³ This Son expresses the radiance of God’s splendor and represents His very Being, and He sustains everything by His powerful word. After He had provided cleansing for [man’s] sins, He sat down at the right side of the Majesty [i.e., God] on high [i.e., in heaven].

¹⁷ So, for this reason, He had to become like His brothers in every way [i.e., except that He never sinned], so that He could become a merciful and faithful Head Priest in things related to God’s [service], [and] that He could provide a means of purifying [Lev. 16:30] for people’s sins [i.e., make atonement for them].

¹⁷ So, for this reason, He had to become like His brothers in every way [i.e., except that He never sinned], so that He could become a merciful and faithful Head Priest in things related to God’s [service], [and] that He could provide a means of purifying [Lev. 16:30] for people’s sins [i.e., make atonement for them]. ¹⁸ For since He Himself suffered when He was tempted, He is [also] able to help those who [suffer when they] are tempted.

¹² For God’s word is alive and active and sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates [deep enough] even to divide [a person’s] soul [from his] spirit, and his joints [from his] bone marrow [Note: This is figurative language describing the penetrating effect of God’s word into a person’s spiritual, inner being] and is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of a person’s heart. ¹³ And no created being is hidden from God’s sight, but everything is laid bare and is openly visible to the eyes of God, to whom we must give account.

¹⁵ For we do not have a head priest who is incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but One [i.e., Jesus] who has been tempted in every way that we have, and yet without sinning.

⁷ During His life on earth Jesus offered up prayers and special requests with loud crying and tears to God, who was able to save Him from dying, and He was heard because of His [earnest] devotion [to God].

¹⁹ You believe that there is [only] one God; that is good! Even the demons believe [that], and they shudder [with fear at the thought].

¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? [Then] he should call for the elders of the church and they should pray for him, after pouring [olive] oil on him in the name [i.e., by the authority] of the Lord. ¹⁵ And if their prayer is [offered] by faith, [God] will heal the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up [from his sickbed]. And if he had sinned, he will be forgiven for them [Note: This may imply that the man’s sickness was the result of some sin. In any event, his forgiveness would follow his repentance].

¹⁷ For Jesus had received honor and glory from God, the Father, when [God’s] voice came to Him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is my dearly loved Son, and I am very pleased with Him.” ¹⁸ And we heard this voice coming from heaven when we were with Him in the holy mountain.

¹ We [apostles] proclaim to you [the truth about Jesus], who existed from the beginning [of time]. We have heard [Him] and seen [Him] with our [own] eyes. We looked at Him, and [even] touched Him with our hands. [See John 20:20]. [So, we proclaim that] He is the word of life [i.e., the life-giving Word]! ² Truly, this “Life” was made known to us and we have [actually] seen it [i.e., Him], and so we testify and proclaim to you [that He is] “the Eternal Life,” who was with the Father and was made known to us [apostles]. ³ We declare to you what we have seen and heard [concerning Christ], so that you also may share a relationship with us. And indeed, our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.

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.

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.”

⁷ “And write [this] to the angel of the church at Philadelphia: These are the words of Him who is holy and true, [and] who possesses the key [i.e., the power and authority] of King David, [and] who opens [a door] which no one will close, and who closes one that no one will open: