Revelation Cross References - JMNT

¹ An unveiling of, and which is, Jesus Christ (or: A disclosure from Jesus [the] Anointed; A revelation which pertains to Jesus [the Messiah]) which God gave by Him (in Him; for Him; to Him) to point out to His slaves that which continues necessary to come to be (or: to be birthed) in swiftness (= speedily) [note: this phrase means either the manner in which events will happen, or that it is quickly going to happen]. And sending [Him] as an emissary (or: representative), through means of His agent (or: messenger) He indicated [it] by signs (or: symbols) to (or: in; for) His slave John, ² who witnessed (or: gives testimony and evidence of) the Word of God (or: God’s Logos; the ideas of and thoughts from God), even the witness (testimony; evidence) pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: the martyrdom of Jesus [the] Anointed) – as many things as he saw (or: as much as he saw [of it]). ³ Happy and blessed is the person constantly reading [it] aloud (or: retrieving knowledge from [it in the midst of an assembly]), and those constantly hearing (or: listening and paying attention to; = observing and obeying) the words of the prophecy (or: the messages contained in the light and understanding seen ahead of time) and habitually keeping watch over (guarding; observing) the things having been written within it, for the situation is close at hand (or: for you see, the season, fertile moment and appointed occasion is near – close enough to touch). ⁴ John, to the seven called-out communities (congregations; summoned forth assemblies) within Asia: grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] for and among you) folks from the One continuously existing (or: unceasingly being; Who continuously IS), even the One Who was, and continued being, and the One Who is continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming or going – even from the Seven Spirits (or: Breath-effects; Attitudes) which [are] in front of His throne – ⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the faithful Witness (or: reliable Evidence; loyal Martyr), the First-born of (or: pertaining to; from among; or: belonging to) the dead folks: even the Ruler (or: Prince; Leader, Beginner; Originator) of the kings of the earth – by (or: in) the One continuously loving us by loosing [other MSS: washing] us from [other MSS: out of] our failures and deviations (or: sins; errors; situations and results of where we missed the target or fell short of the goal) within His blood (or: in union with the blood which is Him), ⁶ and made (formed; created; produced) us [to be] a kingdom (or: sovereign reign; [other MSS: constructed of us a kingdom which brings sovereign influence]): priests in (or: by; for; with) His God and Father. In Him [is] the Glory (or: For Him [is] the good reputation; By Him [is] the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; With Him [is] the appearance which affects the opinion of the whole of human experience) and the Strength (or: Might), on into the ages! It is so (Count on it; Amen). ⁷ Consider (or: Look; Behold)! He is continuously (or: presently; repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming with the clouds, and every eye will repeatedly see Him, even which ever of you folks pierce (or: pierced) Him. And all the tribes (people-groups) of the Land (or: territory; earth) shall beat themselves (strike their breasts in grief, mourning or repentance) upon (= because of) Him. Yes! It is so (Amen)! [Dan. 7:13; Zech. 12:10, 12, 14] ⁸ “I am continuously (or: repeatedly) the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] God, “the One continuously being, even the One Who was and continued being, and the One presently and continuously (or: progressively) coming and going, the Almighty.” (or: The Owner is laying out these thoughts: "I Myself exist being the Alpha and the Omega – the continuously existing God, even the One Who continued existing [as] Being, as well as the One habitually being on the go and repeatedly moving about – the All-Strong.") ⁹ I, John, your brother and joint-participant (or: sharer of common-being/partnered-existence) within the pressure (squeezing; affliction; tribulation; oppression) and kingdom (or: reign; sovereign rule and activity) and persistent remaining-under (steadfast, humble and supportive endurance), in union with (or: within; [Griesbach and other MSS: of; originating in; pertaining to]) Jesus Christ (= [the] Messiah), ¹⁰ was within the island called Patmos because of God’s Word (or: the message which is God) and because of the testimony (witness; evidence) pertaining to and having the characteristics of Jesus Christ. I came to be (or: birthed myself; happened to be) within spirit (or: in union with [the] Spirit; in the midst of a Breath-effect) within the Day which pertains to or has the characteristics of the Lord (the Lord’s Day; = the Day of Yahweh; or, = the Day of Christ; = Christ’s Day), and I heard behind me a great voice (or: = a loud sound), as of a trumpet, saying (or: = like that of a trumpet sounding a command or a message), ¹¹ “What you are presently observing (or: continue seeing) write into a scroll and send [it] to the seven called-out communities (or: summoned-forth congregations): into Ephesus, and into Smyrna, and into Pergamos, and into Thyatira, and into Sardis, and into Philadelphia, and into Laodicea.” ¹² And so I turned upon the Voice, to see who spoke with me. And upon fully turning around, I saw seven golden lampstands, ¹³ and within the midst of the lampstands, One like a Son of Man (or: a son of mankind; = [the] son of Adam; = like a human being; [or: an eschatological symbol referring to such as in Dan. 7:13 and 10:5-6]), being clothed (or: invested) [with a garment] reaching to the feet; being girded about at the breasts with a golden belt. ¹⁴ Now His head and hairs [are] white, as white wool – as snow – and His eyes as a flame of fire, ¹⁵ and His feet [are] like white brass (or: bronze; fine copper) as having been set on fire in a furnace, and His Voice [is] as a roar (or: sound; voice) of many [rushing or crashing] waters. [Ezk. 1:24; 43:2] ¹⁶ Furthermore, [He is] constantly holding (or: having; possessing) [the] seven stars within His right hand, and a sharp two-mouthed (= double-edged) broadsword is continuously (or: repeatedly) proceeding (issuing forth) from out of His mouth. And His appearance (countenance; sight) continually shines as the sun, in its power. ¹⁷ And so when I saw Him, I fell toward His feet, as dead. And He placed His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be (or: Stop) fearing (Don’t be terrified)! As for Me, I am the First and the Last (or: I Myself continuously exist being the first one as well as the Last One), ¹⁸ "even The Living One (or: and now, the One continuously living), I also brought Myself to be (or: birthed Myself) [to be] a dead one (or: I also came by Myself to be dead), and now, Look and consider! I am living on into the ages of the ages (or: the unspecified and indefinite time periods of the eons), and I constantly hold (or: have; possess) the keys of Death and of the Unseen (Greek: hades)." ¹⁹ "So then, write the things you see (or: saw), and the things presently existing (or: what they are), as well as which things are progressively about to occur (or: are now impending to be coming into existence) after these things. ²⁰ "The secret of the seven stars which you saw upon My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are agents of (or: pertaining to; belonging to; having the qualities and characteristics of; or: folks with a message from) the seven called-out communities, and the seven lampstands are the seven communities (or: summoned-forth congregations)."

¹⁴ "You folks, yourselves, exist being (are) the light of the ordered System (the world of culture, religion, politics, government and secular society; = the human sociological realm). A city located up on a mountain (or: situated on top of a mountain range) continues unable to be hidden or concealed. ¹⁵ "Likewise, people are not normally lighting a lamp and then placing it under the measuring bowl (or: a one-peck grain-measuring basket), but rather upon the lampstand – and it continues shining and giving light for all those within the house. ¹⁶ "In this way, let the Light, which you folks possess (or: which has a source in you folks; or: which you people are), shine in front of mankind (before humans), so that people can see your fine works (or: the beautiful works that you are; the ideal acts which come from you folks) and they can give glory to (or: and [these deeds; or: these works of beauty] will bring a good reputation for) your Father – the One in union with the atmospheres [that surround you folks] (or: within the midst of the heavens)!

¹³ Also, may You not bring (or: carry) us into an ordeal or a putting to the proof – neither by trial, nor by temptation, nor by examination. But to the contrary, rescue us away from the bad situation (the wicked person; the miserable condition; the painful labor; the unprofitable endeavor; the malicious man). [later MSS add: because Yours is the reign (kingdom) and the ability (power) and the manifestation which calls forth praise (the reputation; the glory), on into the ages. It is true (Make it so; Amen).]'

¹¹ So giving a decided response, He said to them, "To (or: For; With) you folks it has been given to intimately experience and insightfully know the secrets (mysteries) of the reign of the heavens (or: the kingdom which is the heavens; the royal rule which pertains to and has its origin in the heavens, and which emanates from the atmospheres), yet it has not been given to those people.

¹⁹ "I will continue giving to you the keys [note: = means of locking or unlocking] which have their origin and source in the reign and activities of the heavens (or: which pertain to and have the characteristics of the kingdom of the heavens; or: which belong to the sovereignty from the atmospheres; or, as a genitive of apposition: the keys which are the sovereign reign of the heavens). And so, whatever you can (or: may; should) bind upon the earth will continue being [something] having been bound, and still remaining bound, within the midst of the heavens (or: in the atmospheres). Also, whatever you can (or: may; should) loose upon the earth will continue being [something] having been loosed (unbound; untied), and remaining free of bonds, within the midst of the heavens (or: in the atmospheres)."

² And then, all of a sudden, He was transformed (changed in external form and appearance) and His face radiated light, like a lamp, and shone like the sun. His outer garments also turned white – bright as the light!

² And then, all of a sudden, He was transformed (changed in external form and appearance) and His face radiated light, like a lamp, and shone like the sun. His outer garments also turned white – bright as the light! ³ Next – consider this! – Moses and Elijah, continuing in a discussion and conferring together with Him, were seen by them [i.e., the disciples]. ⁴ Now Peter, making a considered response, said to Jesus, "O Lord (Master), it is beautiful, fine and ideal [for] us to continue being (or: existing) here in this place. If You continue intending [to] (or: If You now will [it to be so]; If You desire [me to]), I will proceed erecting three tents (or: will progressively make three tabernacles; will be constructing three temporary shelters) here: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah." ⁵ Now consider this! While he was still speaking, a cloud composed of light (or: a cloud full of light; a cloud radiating light; a luminous cloud; an illuminated cloud) suddenly brought shade upon them (or: cast a shadow over them; overshadowed, or enveloped them). And think of this! A Voice – from out of the midst of the cloud – progressively saying, "This Man continues existing being My Son! The Beloved One (or: The One exemplifying and expressing My love) within Whom I think good thoughts (or: in Whom I imagine thoughts of wellness and ease; in Whom I appear well; in Whom I approve and of Whom I have a good opinion). Make it a habit to listen, to continue paying attention, and then to [really] hear Him (implies: obey Him)!" ⁶ At once, upon hearing [this], the disciples fell (= flung themselves) upon their faces and then were made extremely afraid (or: became terrified). ⁷ So Jesus approached and, upon touching – and as it were kindling – them, said, "Be aroused, get up and stop being made afraid!"

⁴³ He then says to them, "How, then, is David – within and in union with [the] Spirit (or: in spirit; in the effect of [His] Breath; in attitude) – normally calling Him 'Lord' (Master)?, saying,

³⁰ "And at that time, the 'sign' which is the Son of the Man (= Adam's son; the son who has the [true] character and qualities of humanity; or: = the expected Messianic figure; the Human Being) will be made progressively visible (be brought to light and made to shine), in union with heaven (or: within the midst of [the] atmosphere), and at that point ‘all the tribes of the land (or: earth) will continue beating themselves (= a figure of striking one's breast in grief and remorse; or: as when grain is being threshed; or: give themselves to wearisome toil; or: cut themselves off, as when harvesting grain),’ [Zech. 12:10, 14] and they will proceed in seeing for themselves ‘the Son of the Man progressively coming upon the clouds of the atmosphere (or: sky),’ [Dan. 7:13-14] with power and ability, as well as much glory (= many manifestations which call forth praise; an extensive good reputation).

⁶⁴ Jesus is then saying to him, "You yourself are saying [it] (or: are [so] saying)! Moreover, I am now saying to you people, from now (this present moment) on you folks will proceed to be seeing ‘the Son of the Man (= Adam's son; the eschatological Messiah figure; the representative human) continuously sitting at the right [hand] ’ of the Power, and ‘progressively coming (or: repeatedly coming and going) upon the clouds of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven).’" [Dan. 7:13; Ps. 110:1]

³ Now his outward appearance was, and continued being, as lightning (or: a bright beam radiating from a lamp) – and his clothing bright-white, as snow. ⁴ And so – from the fear of him – the men guarding and keeping watch over [the situation] were made to tremble, and came to be as dead men.

¹⁸ And so, after approaching, Jesus, [breaking the silence], suddenly spoke to them, by saying, "All authority (or: Every right and privilege from out of Being) is (or: was at once) given to Me within heaven and upon the earth (or: in sky and atmosphere, as well as on land)!

²⁶ "Then, at that time, they will proceed seeing the Son of the Man (the son of the human; the Human Being) progressively coming within the midst of clouds, with much power (or: ability) and a manifestation which calls forth praise (glory). [Dan. 7:13-14]

⁶² Now Jesus said, "I am (or: I, Myself, am [He]) [some later MSS and quotes by Origen, read: You are saying that I am])! And furthermore, you men will proceed seeing the Son of the Man (the human's son; the Human Being) by habit (or: continue) sitting at (or: forth from the midst of) [the] right [hand; section] of the Power, and progressively (or: repeatedly; as by habit) coming (or: coming and going) with the clouds of the atmosphere (or: the sky; the heaven)." [Dan. 7:13; Ps. 110:1]

⁵ Next, upon entering into the memorial tomb, they saw a young man (or: a fresh, new one [or: person?]) continuing sitting down on [the places, or, furnishings] at the right, being a person having clothed himself with a bright, white, long flowing robe – and they were stunned from amazement. ⁶ Now he is then saying to them, "Stop being alarmed (or: Don't continue being utterly amazed). You are still looking for (trying to find) Jesus the Nazarene – the Man having been crucified (attached to an execution stake). He was aroused and raised up; He is not here. Look at (or: See and consider) the place where they put Him.

¹⁰ So He said, "To (or: For; With; In; Among) you folks it has been given (or: granted; gifted) to intimately know from experience the secrets (or: mysteries) of (or: pertaining to; whose source is; or: which are) God's reign (or: kingdom; sovereign influence and activity). Yet to (for; in; among) the rest (the remaining folks) [it is given] in illustrations (parables; things cast alongside for comparison), to the end that, ‘while constantly looking, they can not (or: may not; would not) be presently seeing, and while repeatedly listening, they can (or: could; should; would) not make things flow together so as to understand (comprehend; = get the meaning).’ [Isa. 6:9]

²⁸ Yet He said, "On the contrary, the people continually listening to and habitually hearing [so as to obey] – as well as watching over, guarding and keeping – God's Word (Logos; Thought; idea; message) [are the] happy, blessed and privileged folks."

²⁷ "And at that point (or: time), they will keep on seeing (or: perceiving) ‘the Son of the Man (= Adam's son; the Human Being; = the eschatological messianic figure) progressively coming within the midst of a cloud,’ [Dan. 7:13-14] with power and much glory (or: with ability and a profound reputation; or: along with power and a manifestation which calls forth praise).

²⁸ Yet, being turned toward them, Jesus said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, do not continue crying for Me (or: stop weeping on and over My [account])! Much more be constantly weeping for yourselves and for your children (or: on your own [account] and over your children's [situation]), ²⁹ "because – look and consider! – days are progressively coming in which they will proceed declaring, 'Happy [are] the sterile and barren women, and the wombs which do not give birth, and breasts which do not nourish!' ³⁰ "At that time, 'They will begin saying to the mountains, "Fall at once upon us!" and to the mounds (or: hills), "At once veil (cover; = hide) us!"' [note: quoting Hos. 10:8, referring to Israel's "high places" of idolatry]

³⁷ Yet as [some] were being startled, while [other] were being terrified – then [all] were becoming ones in the grips of fear – they kept on supposing (imagining; assuming) to be presently watching (being a spectator of) a spirit or life-force. ³⁸ Then He said to them, "Why are you folks shaken... troubled... disturbed? And because of what are reasonings and doubts repeatedly climbing up within the midst of your hearts? ³⁹ "Look at My hands, and My feet... see and perceive that I, Myself, am Him (or: that I Myself continue existing; or: because, as for Me, I continue existing [as] Myself)! Handle Me, and feel as you grope and touch, then perceive that spirit (breath-effect; wind; life-force) does not usually have flesh and bones – according as you folks continue viewing Me [as] continuously having."

¹ Within a beginning (or: In union with Headship and Sovereignty) there was the Logos (the Word; the Thought; the collection of thoughts; the Idea; the Reason; the discourse; the communication; the verbal expression). And the Logos (the idea; the thought; the expression; the Word) was facing, [directed, and moving] toward, (or: continued being face to face with) God. And the Logos (the Word; the thought; the idea; the reason; the expression) continued being God.
(or: Originally, within the midst of the first principle, the Word was existing and continued to be, and the Word was being [projected] toward God. And this Word, It was existing actually being God;
or: In command was Reason, and Reason was staying with God, for Reason was just what God was;
or: The Thought was in the midst of [the] Source, the Thought was oriented toward Deity, and the Thought was [an extension of] Deity;
or: In beginning, the collected and put side by side Thoughts continued in progressive existence, and the collected and put side by side Thoughts continued being a progression to God, and God {“the Divine Mystery” – Paul Tillich's definition of theos} was in continued existence being those collected and put side by side Thoughts;
or: In union with [the] beginning there was the continued existence of the Idea, and the Idea was continued existence face to face with God, and the Idea continued in existence being “the Divine Mystery;”
or: In beginning, the Word continued Being. Then the Word was Being directed toward God. And yet the Word was Being God;
or: Within the power of beginning – which is the controlling principle and power of the entire process – there existed the Idea, and the Idea was aimed at and moving toward God.
Also, the Idea existed being God).

³² And John testified (gave witness), repeatedly saying that, "I have viewed and continued gazing at, so that I can now visualize, the Spirit progressively stepping down (or: the Breath-effect continuously descending), as a dove, forth from out of [the] atmosphere (or: as a pigeon out of the sky, or from heaven), and It remains and dwells upon Him (or: It abode upon Him).

¹¹ "Certainly it is so, I am now saying to you, that which we have seen and thus know (or: perceive), we are constantly speaking (or: telling; chattering [about]), and what we have caught sight of and seen we repeatedly bear witness of (constantly give testimony to), and you folks continue not receiving (or: none of you are laying hold of) our witness (or: testimony; evidence).

³² "What He has seen and hears (or: heard), to this He continuously bears witness (or: is repeatedly testifying and giving evidence), and yet no one is presently grasping (or: habitually takes in hand; continues receiving) His witness (or: testimony; evidence).

²³ "to the end that everyone (or: all mankind) may continuously be honoring the Son (or: would habitually value, and constantly find worth in, the Son), correspondingly as they may be continually honoring the Father. The one not habitually honoring (valuing; finding worth in) the Son is not habitually honoring (valuing; finding worth in) the Father – the One sending Him."

¹⁴ Jesus considers a reply, and then says to them, "Even if I Myself continue bearing witness (or: am now giving testimony) about Myself, My witness (testimony) is, and continues being, true (valid; real; genuine) because I have seen and thus know where (or: what place) I came from, as well as under where I progressively lead the way (or: to where I am going). Yet you folks, yourselves, have not seen and do not know from where (or: what place) I am progressively coming, nor under where I progressively lead the way (or: to where I am departing and continuing to go). ¹⁵ "You people, yourselves, continue making decisions based on the flesh (or: constantly separate, evaluate and judge down from, on the level of, and in accord with [the realm and system of] the flesh). I Myself am habitually judging (sifting, separating, evaluating and deciding about) no one. ¹⁶ "And yet, if I Myself ever proceed to be judging (or: if I am Myself separating and deciding), My deciding (separating, evaluating and judging) is, and continues being, true (valid; real; genuine), because I am not (or: I do not exist being) alone, but to the contrary, [it is] I Myself and the One sending Me: the Father.

²⁶ "I continuously hold and habitually have many things to be constantly speaking and deciding (or: separating and judging) about you folks. However, the One sending Me is truthful (exists being continuously true), and I, what I hear from His side, these things I constantly speak and utter into the System (into the world; into the ordered arrangement of the culture, religion, economy and polity; into the realm of the secular; or: unto the systems of control)."

¹⁷ Accordingly, the crowd of common folks – the one constantly being with Him when He summoned Lazarus forth from out of the memorial tomb and raised him out of the midst of dead ones – kept on bearing witness and giving testimony.

⁴⁹ "because I Myself do not speak from out of the midst of Myself, but to the contrary, the One sending Me – [the] Father, Himself – has given an implanted goal (an impartation of the finished, purposed product within; an inward directive of destiny) to Me: what I could (or: should; would; may) say, and what I will proceed to (or, as a subjunctive aorist: could, should, would or may) speak.

¹ Now before the festival (or: feast) of the Passover, Jesus, having seen and thus knowing that His hour comes (or: came) – to the end that He could (or: should; may; would) change His steps and move (walk differently; transfer; pass over to another place) from out of the midst of this world (ordered System; secular society; human aggregate; universe) toward the Father – loving His own [people? mankind? friends? disciples? created ones?]: those within the world (the System; society; the ordered universe), He loves them unto the end (or: the goal and attained destiny; the finished, purposed product; the accomplished and completed work; the consummation; or: = to the uttermost).

⁸ Peter then says to Him, "Under no circumstances can You wash my feet ... unto the Age (= Not in the foreseeable future)!" From discerning, Jesus replied and said to him, "Unless I can (or: If I should not) wash you, you do not continue to hold (or: have) a part with Me." ⁹ Simon Peter then says to Him, "O Lord ... not my feet only, but also [my] hands and [my] head." ¹⁰ Jesus in turn says to him, "The person being one having bathed himself or herself (or, as a passive: being one having been washed and cleansed) does not continue having a need to wash himself or herself – except [his] feet – but rather she or he continues to exist being wholly clean. And you men continue being clean folks – but yet, not everyone (or: not all folks)."

²³ Now one from among His disciples, whom Jesus was loving (also: was habitually accepting, cherishing, esteeming, admiring and appreciating), was by habit lying back (reclining) on the bosom (chest; = close beside Him, at His right, the place of honor and intimacy) of Jesus.

³⁴ "I am giving to you men a new implanted goal (an inward purposed directive different from that which had been formerly; an impartation of a finished product and destiny that is new in kind and character): that you folks are to be continuously and progressively loving (or: should constantly love and accept) one another, just as(correspondingly as; to the same level as; in the sphere as) I love you folks so that you also may constantly (or: would habitually) love and accept one another.

¹⁹ "Yet a little [while; longer] and the System (world; religious and secular society; ordered arrangement) no longer continues viewing (attentively watching) Me, but YOU people are constantly watching (attentively and contemplatively viewing) Me. Because I Myself am continuously living, you folks will also continue living [other MSS: will also of, or in, yourselves continue living].

⁹ "Correspondingly as (or: In the same sphere as; To the same degree as) the Father loves Me – and I Myself also love you folks – at once begin to remain (abide; dwell; stay) within the midst of (and: in union with; centered in) My love!

¹⁵ "I am no longer calling (or: terming) you people slaves, because the slave has not seen and does not know (or: is not aware of) what his owner (lord; master) is habitually doing. Yet now I have declared you folks friends, because I make intimately and experientially known to you everything (or: all things) which I heard and hear at My Father's side and in His presence.

³³ "I have spoken these things to you so that you may continuously have (hold; possess) peace centered in, within the midst of and in union with Me. Within the System (controlling world of culture, religion, economy and government) you normally have pressure and stress (or: continually have squeezing; repeatedly have tribulation and oppression), but nonetheless, be confident and take courage! I Myself have overcome and conquered the System (dominating world; organized arrangement of religion and society) so that it stands a completed victory!"

⁸ "because I have given to them the gush-effect (results of the flow; spoken words; sayings; declarations) which You gave to Me and give in and by Me, and they themselves took and received [them], and they intimately and experientially know truly (or: with reality) that I came out from beside You (or: went forth from Your presence), and they trust, believe and are convinced that You, Yourself, sent Me forth as an Emissary (or: Representative).

³⁷ Therefore Pilate said to Him, "Are you yourself not, then, a king? (or: So then... you are yourself a king!)" Jesus discerningly replied, "You yourself continue saying that I am a king. Into this [position, or purpose] I Myself have been born, and I have come into this System (world and culture; social arrangement) and continue being present: to the end that I could and should bear witness to Reality (or: give testimony to and evidence of the Truth). Everyone being (or: who is existing) from out of Reality (or: the Truth) is habitually hearing, progressively listening [and thus: continually obeys] My voice."

³⁴ but rather, one of the soldiers pierced (jabbed; punctured) His side through the rib cage with the head of a javelin (or: spear), and at once (straightway; immediately) blood and water came out (or: went straight out). ³⁵ Now the man having seen [this] has borne witness (given testimony), and his witness is true, and that one has seen and knows that he is repeatedly telling [the] truth, to the end that you folks can yourselves keep on loyally trusting and believing [other MSS: can come to trust and believe],

³⁷ and again, a different Scripture says, "They will proceed seeing, catching sight, and perceiving into Whom they deeply pierce forth (or: lance from out of a stabbing)." [Zech. 12:10]

¹⁹ Then, it being late in that day (or: evening on that day) – on one of the sabbaths – and the doors having been shut and locked (or: barred) where the disciples were gathered together, because of the fear of the Jews (= the religious authorities), Jesus came and suddenly stepped into the midst (or: came into the midst and stood {or: took a stand}) and is then saying to them, "Peace [= Shalom] to you folks (or, in our idiom: Hi)!"

²⁶ Now after eight days, His disciples (students; apprentices) were again indoors (or: inside), Thomas also with them. The door having been shut and locked (bolted), and being yet that way, Jesus is progressively coming, and then suddenly steps into the midst, and says, "Peace [= Shalom] to and for you folks!"

²⁰ Now Peter, being turned around, continues looking at the disciple progressively following along behind – [the one] whom Jesus was loving, who also leaned back upon His chest during supper and said to Him, "O Lord, who is the one giving You over?"

²⁴ This is the disciple: even the one constantly witnessing and testifying about these things, even the one writing these things – and we have seen and know that his witness (testimony) is true (genuine; real).

⁹ Then, after saying these things – during their continued looking and uninterrupted seeing – He was suddenly exalted (or: raised upon [them]; lifted up to a higher status), and then a cloud from underneath [Him] took and received Him (or: He was at once hoisted on and fully lifted up, and even a cloud took Him in hand, from below)... away from their eyes. ¹⁰ Next, as they were continuing in staring intently, straining and stretching with a fixed gaze into the sky (or: the atmosphere; heaven) during His progressively going on His way – and now look and consider! – two adult men (males of the human race; or: husbands) had taken a position and now stand beside them in bright white garments, ¹¹ who also said, "Men! Galileans! Why do you stand continuously looking into the sky (or: the atmosphere; heaven)? This Jesus – the One being taken (or: received; taken in hand) back up away from you folks into the atmosphere (or: the sky; heaven) – will thus be periodically coming and going, [in the] manner [in] which you gaze at Him progressively going His way into the atmosphere (or: will in this way be continuing to go, [by] which [in] turning, you watched Him continue journeying into the heaven)."

²⁰ "For you see, we ourselves are not able not to be constantly speaking [about] the things which we saw and heard."

¹⁰ But he became very hungry – almost ravenous – and began desiring to at once taste (= eat) [something]. Now during their being in the midst of preparing [a meal], an ecstasy happened (an out-of-place state of being was birthed [p45 reads: came]) upon him, ¹¹ and he is now – as a spectator – watching the sky (or: heaven; the atmosphere) – having been opened up – and in the process of descending [is] some container, like a large, fine linen sheet, being gradually but progressively lowered down onto the ground (or: Land; earth) by [its] four corners (extremities; origins; beginnings), ¹² within the midst of which were continuing under [the directive, or, power] of [their] origin all the four-footed animals, as well as creeping things (perhaps: insects; reptiles) of the ground (or: land; earth) and flying creatures of the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven). ¹³ Then a voice was birthed to him (or: occurred, [directed] toward him), "After getting up (or: Upon arising), Peter, slaughter (or: sacrifice) and then at once eat [it]!" ¹⁴ But Peter said, "Not even one [of those], Sir (or: Lord; Master; or: = Yahweh?), because I never eat (or: ate) all [that is] common (= what is not set-apart as food for Israelites and is forbidden by the dietary rules of the Law) and unclean (meaning: ceremonially unclean)!" ¹⁵ Then again, a voice, forth from a second [one, saying] to him: "You are not to continue making, or considering, common [the] things which God cleansed (or: cleanses) and made (or: makes) clean!" ¹⁶ Now this happened on a third [time] (or: So this occurred three times), and immediately the container was taken back up again, into the sky (or: the atmosphere; heaven). ¹⁷ Now as Peter was continuing thoroughly perplexed (bewildered and at a loss, as when not knowing what road to take) within himself [as to] what the vision (or: sight) which he saw would likely be (= mean) – now look and consider this! – the men who had been sent off on the mission by Cornelius, after sorting out by making inquiry throughout [the town] and ascertaining [the location of] Simon's house, approached and stood by at the portal (or: vestibule; gateway). ¹⁸ Then calling out loudly, they kept inquiring if Simon – the one surnamed Peter – is still being entertained as a guest (or: continues lodging) in this place. ¹⁹ Now during Peter's repeatedly going through his feelings about the vision (what he saw), continuing engrossed in pondering the effects of that which was seen, the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) said to him, "Look, and take note! Three [B reads: Two] men are presently seeking you! ²⁰ "But now, after getting up, you at once go downstairs (descend; climb down) then continue going you way together with them – doubting nothing and continuing in making no discrimination nor separating yourself in even one thing – because I Myself have commissioned them and sent them off on this mission." ²¹ So after walking downstairs to the men, Peter said, "Look, I myself am [the person] whom you are presently looking for. What [is] the cause for which you men are now present?" ²² So they said, "Cornelius – a centurion (army officer), a just, fair and equitable man who lives in accord with the way pointed out, as well as being habitually God-fearing, besides being a person constantly attested (reported by witnesses; = highly regarded) by the whole nation of the Judeans – was given useful and practical instructions on this matter, by a set-apart agent (or: sacred messenger): to send you over unto his house, and then to listen face-to-face to gush-effects of your spoken words and declarations (or: to [the] effects of the flow, at your side; or: = to hear in person what you have to say)." ²³ Therefore, upon inviting them in, he entertained and lodged [them] as guests. So on the next day, after getting up, he went with them – and some of the brothers (= fellow believers) from Joppa accompanied him. ²⁴ The following day (or: On the day after that) he entered into Caesarea. Cornelius, of course, was looking forward in anticipation for them, calling together to himself his relatives and the indispensable intimate friends. ²⁵ So it happened as Peter was [about] to enter, Cornelius, upon meeting with (or: encountering; intercepting) him, in falling prostrate at [his] feet did obeisance (showed respect and offered homage) [to him]. ²⁶ Yet Peter raised him up, while saying, "Get up (or: Stand up; Rise)! I myself also am the same as you – a human!" ²⁷ And so, while continuing to converse with him, he entered and is then finding many people having come together and now assembled. ²⁸ Thus he affirmed to them, "You folks continue well versed [in the fact] and are well aware of how illicit and inappropriate (forbidden by [our] Law and contrary to [our] established order) it is for an adult man [who is] a Jew (or: is of the Jewish culture) to be intimately joined to, or to regularly come to (or: visit and associate with), a man from another race. And yet God pointed out and demonstrated to me not to continue saying [that] even one human [is] common (= socially or ceremonially unhallowed or defiled) or unclean. ²⁹ "Wherefore – and without speaking against it or debating the matter – I come (or: came), being sent over. I am now, therefore, inquiring to ascertain for what reason (or: to what word; matter; issue) you folks sent over for me." ³⁰ Then Cornelius brought the matter to light: "Four days ago, exactly to this very hour, I was in the midst of thinking and speaking with a view toward having goodness and well-being (or: praying) within my house, at the ninth [hour] (three in the afternoon), and – now consider this! – an adult man (male human being) in bright, shining clothing stood before me ³¹ "and proceeds to utter, 'Cornelius, your thoughts, speech and deeds toward goodness and well-being (or: prayer) came into hearing (or: [entering] into the midst were heard; or: were listened into) and (or: even) your gifts, as well as acts, of mercy were remembered in God's sight and presence. ³² "'Therefore, send into Joppa and call over Simon, who is normally being surnamed Peter. This man is currently being lodged and entertained as a guest in the house of Simon, a tanner, by [the] sea.' ³³ "Thereupon I immediately sent to you [D adds: urging you to come to us and help us], and you did beautifully (or: ideally) in [D adds: quickly] coming to be at [our] side. At this time, then, we ourselves are all present – in the sight and presence of God – to at once hear all the things having been commanded to you from, and now arranged for you by, the Lord [= Yahweh; p74, D & others read: God]."

²² progressively establishing (fixing and making to stand) the souls (inner lives) of the disciples (or: students), repeatedly calling [them] alongside to give relief, aid and comfort while encouraging [them] to continue abiding and remaining within the midst of the faith (or: trust; confidence; loyalty; reliance; conviction; assurance), and [saying] that, "It continues binding and necessary for us to enter into the reign of God (or: God's kingdom; the sovereign activities which are God) through the midst of many pressures, squeezings, tribulations, afflictions and oppressions."

¹⁹ So they came down opposite unto (or: arrived into the midst of) Ephesus and [D adds: on the next sabbath] he left those folks there, yet he himself, upon entering into the synagogue, had dialogues and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰ Yet at their repeated asking [him] to stay on more time [D and others add: with them], he did not nod in consent, ²¹ but rather, upon arranging for himself to be off (or: away) while saying good-bye and saying, " [D and others add: Now it continues binding for me to by all means do (or: perform) the feast – the one periodically coming into Jerusalem, but] I will proceed coming back again to you folks, God's continuing in willing and intending [it]," he set sail from Ephesus.

²⁴ Now a certain Jew named Apollos came down unto (or: arrived into the midst of) Ephesus, a native of Alexandria – an adult man of reason, thought, and a gifted speaker (or: a learned and eloquent man; a man well-trained in rhetoric) being able and powerful in the Scriptures.

¹ [D and p38 read: Now upon Paul's desiring – according to {his} personal wish and intent – to continue traveling into Jerusalem, the Breath-effect (or: Spirit) told him to be progressively turned back into Asia]. So it happened during the [occasion] for Apollos to be within Corinth, [that] Paul, passing through the upper parts (= mountainous or highland regions; or: = by an inland route), came down into Ephesus. Then, upon finding certain disciples, he said to them, ² "Since trusting, believing and being loyal, did you folks receive [the] Set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit; or: a holy spirit and attitude)?" Yet these [said] to him, "To the contrary, we have not even heard if there is (or: exists) a Set-apart Breath-effect (or: Holy Spirit; or: consecrated spirit and attitude; [D* and p38 read: we have not so much as heard of any one's receiving a holy spirit])." ³ So he said, "Into what, therefore (or: then), were you folks immersed (or: baptized)?" And they said, "Into the immersion that originated with (or: which had the character of and pertained to; which was carried out by) John." ⁴ Yet Paul said, "John immersed (or: baptized) [into] an immersion (a baptism) of a change of thinking for the people, repeatedly saying that they could and should at once put their trust in, believe and place loyalty into the One progressively coming after him – that is, into Jesus." ⁵ Now, upon hearing [this], they were at once immersed (or: baptized) into the Name of the Lord Jesus. ⁶ Then, after (or: during) Paul's placing [his] hands upon them, the Set-apart Breath-effect (or: the Holy Spirit) came [p38 and D read: immediately fell] upon them and they began speaking in languages (or: with tongues), and then began (or: and continued) prophesying (speaking light ahead of time and in front of people). ⁷ There were about twelve adult men, [in] all. ⁸ Now upon entering into the synagogue, [D adds: in union with great power and ability] he began speaking publicly with the boldness and freedom which comes from citizenship – making this a habit for about three months – repeatedly holding discussions while thoroughly laying thoughts out with reasonings, as well as habitually seeking to persuade and endeavoring to convince [folks; other MSS read: {about} things], concerning the reign of God (or: about God's kingdom; sovereign influences and activities which are God). ⁹ Yet, as certain folks were being progressively dried up and began to be made hard and stiff, they continued unconvinced (unpersuaded) and began being uncompliant and obstinate, repeatedly speaking bad, worthless and malicious things about the Way before the crowd (or: multitude) [D adds: of the ethnic groups (or: nations). At that point,] immediately withdrawing from them, he set boundaries to separate the disciples (the folks who were learning) away from [them], continuing in daily holding discussions while thoroughly laying thoughts out with reasonings [D adds: from eleven o'clock in the morning until four in the afternoon] in the school (or: lecture hall or auditorium; or: place for leisure) of (or: belonging to) Tyrannus. ¹⁰ Now this took place for two years, so that all the folks permanently living in (or: normally inhabiting) [the province of] Asia [had the chance] to at some point listen to and hear the Logos of the Lord (or: = Christ's Word; or: [Yahweh] 's thought and idea; or: the message about, and which is, the Lord) – both Jews and Greeks.

¹⁰ Now this took place for two years, so that all the folks permanently living in (or: normally inhabiting) [the province of] Asia [had the chance] to at some point listen to and hear the Logos of the Lord (or: = Christ's Word; or: [Yahweh] 's thought and idea; or: the message about, and which is, the Lord) – both Jews and Greeks. ¹¹ More than this, God kept on performing (or: continued making and constructing) uncommon (or: extraordinary; what one doesn't experience every day) abilities and expressions of power through the hands of Paul, ¹² so that even sweat cloths (or: face cloths; handkerchiefs) or workman's (or: servant's; artisan's) aprons from the surface or proximity of him (= from his skin or having grazed his body) came to be periodically carried away [and placed] upon the folks being habitually without strength (= weak; infirm; ill; sick; incapable), even thus to cause the sicknesses and diseases to be transferred away from them (or: to be changed and transformed so as to be other than they were, and be away from them), and furthermore to cause the miserable spirits (or: the breath-effects and attitudes which cause pain, bad conditions, unsoundness, wickedness and evil) to journey out of the midst (or: to progressively travel out and depart), one after another. ¹³ So certain folks who were a part of the constantly wandering (or: periodically roving; habitually vagabond) Jews – being practicing exorcists (folks who exacted or administered oaths; people who pronounced incantations) – also took in hand (= ventured; undertook) to be repeatedly naming the Name of the Lord Jesus upon folks continuing in having miserable spirits (breath-effects or attitudes which bring pain, bad conditions, unsoundness, wickedness and evil), habitually saying, "I am now administering as an oath upon you folks (or: adjuring and solemnly charging you people by) the Jesus whom Paul is now repeatedly proclaiming (publicly heralding)!" ¹⁴ Now there were seven sons of a certain Sceva (or: Sceuas), a Jewish chief priest, repeatedly performing this [D and p38 read: desired to do this]. ¹⁵ [D and p38 add: They continued having a habit (or: custom) such as these things, to proceed in performing an exorcism. And so, upon entering to face the person affected by a demon (a Hellenistic religious word and concept), they began to repeatedly have the Name called upon, repeated saying, "In union with {the} Jesus, whom Paul continues preaching, we are now commanding and passing along this announcement to you, to come (or: go) out at once!"] But making a discerning reply, the miserable spirit (or: the malicious and mischievous breath-effect) said to them, "Indeed, from experience I recognize and have insight about Jesus, and I am learning of, and becoming increasingly acquainted with, Paul, but now who (or: what [sort of] men) are you folks?" ¹⁶ And then suddenly leaping (springing like a panther) upon them, the man within whom was the miserable breath-effect (the bad spirit or attitude) – in coming down as master and owner of both of them (= two at a time; or, thus: = all of them, one after another) – exerted [his] strength down on and against them (= prevailed over them), with the result that, naked and having been wounded and traumatized, [they managed] to make an escape (to flee out) from that house. ¹⁷ Now this [incident] came to be known to (or: by) everyone – both Jews and Greeks – normally residing in Ephesus. And so fear fell upon them all, and then the Name of the Lord Jesus began becoming great and continued enlarging. ¹⁸ More than that, many of the folks having believed, trusted and come to be full of faith and loyalty, continued coming, one after another, constantly making open confession (speaking out agreement) and continuing in reporting again their practices in public announcements. ¹⁹ So a considerable number of the folks practicing the meddling arts (acts or works concerning [other folks]; things that work around [nature or people]; or: = sorcery or magic arts), after bringing together the scrolls, began burning [them] down (= up) in the sight of all (or: before everybody). Then folks calculated the prices (or: values) of them and they found [them worth] fifty thousand [pieces] of silver (= a day's wage per piece of silver). ²⁰ Thus, down with force and in accord with [the] might of the Lord [= Yahweh, or, Christ], the Logos (Word; idea and message) continued growing and increasing – and It increasingly exerted strength so as to prevail. ²¹ Now as these things were being fulfilled (or: made full), Paul put himself in the attitude (or: set himself in union with the Breath-effect; or; placed within the spirit for himself [the intent]) to continue journeying into Jerusalem – after passing through Macedonia and Achaia – saying, "After the [situation] occurs [for] me to come to be in that place [i.e., Jerusalem], it continues binding and necessary for me to see Rome at some point, also." ²² So after sending off Timothy and Erastus – two of the folks normally giving him attending service (= two of his assistants) – on a mission into Macedonia, he himself held on [for] a period of time (= stayed longer), [eventually passing deeper] into the [province of] Asia. ²³ Now corresponding to that particular situation [in Ephesus] (or: Now during that season) there occurred no slight disturbance (agitation; trouble) about (or: concerning) the Way. ²⁴ You see, a certain silversmith named Demetrius was habitually furnishing a continual supply of no small working profit (or; trade; business for gain; income) to (or: for) the craftsmen (or: artisans) – by constantly making silver temples (or: shrines) of Artemis – ²⁵ whom convening into a crowded body (or: assembly) – as well as the workers and laborers involved with such things (= workers in similar trades) – then says, "Gentlemen! You men continue well knowing and habitually stand upon [the fact] that from out of this trade (vocation; business) is prosperity (a good means of passing through life; = wealth and a high standard of living) for us. ²⁶ "And yet, you folks continue as spectators gazing with contemplation, and you are constantly hearing that not only in regard to Ephesus, but as it pertains to nearly all of the [province] of Asia, this Paul, by persuading, caused a considerable crowd to change positions and stand with a changed opinion, now continually saying that they are not gods which are periodically coming into being (or: existence) by means of [people's] hands. ²⁷ "Now not only this, but the part for us (= the trade done by us) is now progressing in danger (or: peril) to come into discredit (refutation and disrepute), but further, even (or: also) the temple of the great goddess Artemis will come into being logically considered nothing, and reckoned of no account. Besides this, her magnificence – which the whole [district or province of] Asia and the inhabited area [of the empire] continues adoring with godly fear and worship – also proceeds in being about to be progressively pulled (or: brought) down and demolished." ²⁸ Now at hearing these things and coming to be full of rushing and violent emotions (or: impetuous passion leading to indignation and fury) [D adds: then (or: while) running (or: dashing; rushing out forward) into the street], they began crying out, one after another repeatedly saying, "Great [is] Artemis of [the] Ephesians!" (or: they continued making exclamations of entreaty, constantly saying, "O Great Artemis of Ephesus!") ²⁹ So the city came to be filled with the confusion that comes with the actions of a disorderly mob [D reads: And thus the whole city was being poured together with the sense of shame and disgrace]. What is more, with similar emotions and passion they rushed headlong (or: stampeded) into the theater, having suddenly and violently seized and drug away Gaius and Aristarchus – the Macedonian traveling companions of Paul (or: folks traveling abroad with Paul). ³⁰ Now at Paul's persistent desiring and intending to go inside unto the people of the local society, the disciples [D: began preventing (hindering)] [and] continued not letting him [do so]. ³¹ Moreover, even some of the annually elected officials who presided over and funded the public games and religious festivals in the province of Asia [note: called Asiarchs, they acted as high priests of the cult of the goddess Roma, and of the Emperor cult], being friendly to him and having affection for him, were sending [word] to him, continuing in offering assistance, as well as entreating him (= kept on insisting for him) not to give himself unto the theater (or: not to venture into the theater). ³² Indeed, other folks then kept on crying out some other thing – for you see, that called-out group was one having been commingled into a state of confusion, and the majority had not seen, and were thus unaware of, what reason or account they had come together. ³³ So folks of the Jews, thrusting him forward, together made Alexander stand out of the crowd. Thus now Alexander, gesturing (or: motioning) downward with [his] hand, was wanting and intending to be defending himself to the people (or: populace). ³⁴ Yet upon recognizing (or: coming to clearly know) that he is a Jew, one voice was birthed (= arose) forth from the midst of all of them, [like a flock of gulls] continuously crying out for about two hours, "Great [is] Artemis of [the] Ephesians (or: O Great Artemis of Ephesus)!" ³⁵ Finally, upon quelling and composing the crowd (or: throng), the city recorder (or: town clerk; [note: this was the chief elected magistrate of the city]) continued saying, "Gentlemen! Ephesians! Now really, who is there of mankind who does not continue with personal, experiential knowledge and insight [that] the city of [the] Ephesians continues being the temple keeper (warden; custodian; sexton; official in charge of keeping the temple clean, decorated and in repair) of the great Artemis, and of the [stone; statue] fallen from Zeus? ³⁶ "Therefore, with these things being undeniable (indisputable; beyond question of being spoken against), it continues being binding for you folks to be from the source submitted (or: to be submitted from the beginning; = be calm), being ones having been quelled and composed, and to continue practicing (committing; performing) nothing rash or reckless (as though from falling headlong toward something). ³⁷ "For you see, you folks led these men [here], [who are] neither robbers of temples nor folks blaspheming (slandering; speaking abusively or contemptuously of) our goddess. ³⁸ "Indeed, therefore, if Demetrius and those artisans (craftsmen) with him continue having (or: holding) a matter aimed toward someone (= a case or a charge against anybody), court sessions are regularly being convened, and there are proconsuls (= governors of the Roman provinces); let them continue to call in the cases (= bring the charges) to (or: for; = against) one another. ³⁹ "If, however, you folks continue seeking (or: searching for) anything beyond that [other MSS: concerning different things], it will be released (= resolved and settled) in the lawful assembly, ⁴⁰ "for we also continue being in danger (or: peril; at risk) to be now arraigned and indicted (or: accused and charged) for a rebellious posture (a stance which signifies civil insurrection) concerning today's [affair; commotion; events], possessing (or: there inhering [D reads: there being]) not one cause concerning which we will be able to render a reason (an account; a word; a thought; = an explanation) about this turning-together (= a conspiracy, a riot, or a disorderly mob)." ⁴¹ And so, upon saying these things, he dismissed (loosed-away) the assembly.

⁷ Now on that one particular sabbath (literally: in the one of the sabbaths), at our having been gathered together to break bread (= share a meal), Paul began dialoging with (or: discussing and reasoning through a discourse to) them. [He was] being about to depart on the next day, so he continued prolonging the message (stretching out beside [them] the thoughts and reasons of the Logos) until midnight.

¹⁷ Now by sending from Miletus unto Ephesus, he summoned the older men of the called-out community [there] to journey over to him.

²⁸ "Continue holding focused toward and taking attentive care – to and for yourselves, as well as for all the little flock among whom the Set-apart Breath-effect Itself (or: the Holy Spirit Himself) set you folks [as] ones who look around over people for their welfare and oversee situations – to be continuously (or: habitually) acting as shepherds of God's [other MSS: {the} Lord's {= Christ's or Yahweh's}] called-out community which He built as a surrounding for Himself (or: made to encompass Himself), through (or: by means of) His own blood.

¹⁵ "'because (or: that) you will be a witness for (or: to; with; by) Him to all mankind (or: you will be evidence about Him with a view toward all humanity) of what (or: concerning which things) you have seen and heard (or: and now hear).

¹³ " [being] down on the road at midday, I saw, O king, a light from [the] sky (or: from heaven) – more intense than (or: above) the brightness and brilliance of the sun – shining and flashing around me and the folks then traveling with me.

¹⁶ "'But now, get up and stand upon your feet! You see, into this [situation; commission] and unto this [purpose] I became seen by you (or: was made to appear to you): to take you in hand beforehand (or: to handle you in advance; or: to hand-pick you ahead of time) [to be] a subordinate (one who is a rower of a ship's crew) and a witness (one who testifies and gives evidence) – both of things in which you saw Me, and of things in which I will continue being seen by (or: in; with) you –

²³ "since the Christ (the Anointed One) [is] a suffering [Messiah] (or: [is] subject to suffering) – since He, [the] first one forth from a resurrection of dead people, is presently about to, as a herald, be repeatedly and progressively announcing Light to the public – both to and for the People [= the Jews and Israel] as well as to, for and among the ethnic multitudes (the nations; the non-Jews; the Goyim; the Gentiles)."

⁷ to (or: for) all those being in Rome: God’s loved ones (folks dearly loved of God), set-apart (holy) called ones, joyous grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] [are] in and with you) from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father God, and [the] Master, Jesus Christ; or: from God our Father, even [the] Owner – [the] Anointed Jesus).

⁷ in those (to those; for those), on the one hand, in accord with [the] patient endurance (humbly remaining under for persistent support) of a good work (or: virtuous action) [who] are constantly seeking glory (a good reputation; a manifestation of that which calls forth praise) and honor (value; worth) and incorruptibility (or: incorruption) – life which belongs to, is connected with, and is proper to the Age (or: eonian life; the life of and for the ages). ⁸ Yet, on the other hand, in those (to those; for those) out of a work for ambitious, factious or contentious purposes, and in (or: by) being continuously incompliant (disobedient; unwilling to be persuaded) to (or: by) the Truth (reality; veritable essence), but constantly compliant (obedient; persuaded) in, to, by and for the injustice (inequity; that which is not in accord with the Way pointed out), [there will be] personal emotion (or: inherent fervor; passionate impulse; anger; indignation; wrath; a habit of mind; a mental bent or disposition) and rushing of feelings (or: intense passion of the mind; violent breathing; glowing animation; turbulent commotion of the mind; or: rage; fury),

³ So not only this, but further, we also keep on being proud of and boasting within the pressures, while exulting in ordeals, afflictions and tribulations, having seen and thus knowing that the pressure (or: the ordeal, affliction or tribulation) is habitually producing (working down; accomplishing) a relentless remaining (or: abiding and dwelling) under [situations and circumstances] (or: humble and persistent endurance and fortitude as we get through it, as well as the patient ability to give support). ⁴ Yet the remaining and abiding under [produces] a quality of being approved by testing (= maturity of character); in turn, the quality of being approved by testing [produces] expectation and hope.

⁹ having seen and thus knowing and perceiving that Christ, being aroused and raised forth from out of the midst of dead folks, is no longer dying. His death is no longer exercising ownership (or: Death is no longer being lord or exerting mastery pertaining to Him; or: Death, from Him, is no longer functioning as a lord),

¹⁷ Now since children (or: Yet if ones born by natural descent), also heirs (possessors and enjoyers of an allotted inheritance; those who hold sway over the allotted portion): on the one hand, God’s heirs, on the other, Christ’s joint-heirs (or: indeed possessors and enjoyers of an allotment pertaining to God and from God, yet possessors and enjoyers together in an allotment pertaining to Christ and belonging to Christ) if so be (or: provided) that we are continually affected by sensible experiences together – feeling together; receiving impressions, undergoing passion or suffering together – to the end that we may also be glorified together (or: can be given a shared appearance; would together receive a manifestation of that which calls forth praise; should be given a joint-approval and a joint-reputation; may be thought of and imagined together [in covenant relationship]).

²⁵ Yet since (or: even if) we continue expecting what we are not seeing (or: observing), we continue taking away and accepting from out of it through remaining under [our present situation and circumstances] (or: through patient, humble, persistent, supportive endurance).

³⁷ But rather (or: On the contrary), within all these things we are habitually over-conquering (we are remaining completely victorious; we continue more than conquering) through the One loving us.

³⁶ Because, forth from out of the midst of Him, then through the midst of Him (or: through means of Him), and [finally] into the midst of Him, [is; will be] the whole (everything; [are] all things; or: = Because He is the source, means and goal/destiny of all things – everything leads into Him)! By Him (In Him; To Him; For Him; With Him) [is] the glory (the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; the reputation; the notion; the opinion; the imagination; the credit; the splendor) on into the ages. It is so (Amen; So be it; Count on it)!

¹¹ This also – being folks having seen and thus knowing the season (the fit of the situation; the appointed fertile moment) – that [it is] by this time (or: already) an hour to be aroused (or: awakened) out of sleep, for now our rescue (our deliverance; our wholeness, health and salvation) [is] closer than when we came to trust (or: we believed with faith and conviction).

⁸ For it follows, both if we are (or: should be) living, in the Lord (or: for, to and by the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ]) we are (or: could and should be) living, and then, if we may (or: would) be dying, in, for, to and by the Lord we would be dying. Then, both if we are living, and if we may be dying, we are the Lord's (we constantly exist being of [Yahweh]; we continuously belong to the Lord; we are from the Owner). ⁹ For into this [situation] Christ not only died away, but also now lives, to the end that He would (or: should) be Lord (Owner; Master; Possessor) both of dead folks as well as of living people.

⁶ to the end that at the same time, with a unanimous rush of passion, you folks may (or: would) in one mouth continuously glorify (or: enhance the reputation of and the opinion about) the God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

²⁵ Now by the One (in the One; to the One) being continuously able and powerful to set you steadfast (to make you stand firm and settled) in accord with (or: corresponding to; in the sphere of; in line with) my message of goodness and well-being – even the preaching and public heralding of the message of and from Jesus Christ – down from (in accord with; in line with) an unveiling of a secret (or: a revelation and a disclosure of a mystery) that had been being kept silent (or: quiet) in eonian times (or: for time periods of the [preceding] ages; to [the] times [that would] pertaining to the Age [of Messiah]),

³ Grace (the influence and boon of undeserved favor, kindness, joy and goodwill) and peace (or: harmony; = shalom), from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father, God, and [the] Owner, Jesus [the] Anointed).

⁶ correspondingly and in proportion as Christ's witness (or: the testimony pertaining to and whose origin is the Anointed One; or: the evidence of the Anointing) was made certain, stable and established on good footing (or: validated, warranted and confirmed) within you folks,

¹ And I myself, in coming toward you, brothers (= fellow believers), did not come repeatedly announcing the message of God's secret (or: constantly proclaiming the news of the mystery [other MSS: witness; testimony] from God) down to you as down from an elevation of thought (or: according to superiority of word), or of wisdom and cleverness (= with a message of transcendent rhetoric or philosophical subtlety and brilliance),

⁹ Indeed, it continues seeming to me that (or: I regularly suppose that; I am presently thinking and imagining that) God shows us off (exhibits us) – the last ones sent off with a mission (or: the emissaries and representatives put on display last) – as men condemned to die in the public arena [e.g., as gladiators, or as thrown to the lions], because we were made to be a theater for the world (or: to the organized and controlling System of culture, religion, economy and politics; or: in the secular society), as well as for agents (or: to and among messengers), and even for humanity (or: to mankind; among people). ¹⁰ We [are] stupid folks (fools; ones led by nonsense) because of Christ, yet you folks [are] sensible and intelligent ones (ones with understanding) within and in union with Christ; we [are] weak ones, yet you people [are] strong ones; you [are] folks in glory and illustrious reputation, yet we [are] dishonored and unvalued ones. ¹¹ Until the present hour (or: Up to now – this very minute), we also continue being hungry, constantly thirsty, habitually naked (= scantily clothed), repeatedly being struck on the ear with a fist (= treated roughly) and are continuously unsettled (= homeless and wanderers). ¹² Further, we continue toiling (laboring) to weariness – habitually active in work with our own hands [note: the Greek culture despised manual labor]. Being constantly insulted (reviled; cursed; verbally abused), we are repeatedly speaking words of goodness (or: blessing); being habitually pursued and persecuted, we are continuously holding up (or: holding back [i.e., from retaliation]); ¹³ being incessantly defamed (slandered; plied with ill-rumors; other MSS: blasphemed), we regularly called them to our sides (normally entreated and offered assistance). We were made to be as that which comes from cleaning all around (as the off-scouring results; as the filthy refuses) of the world (from the organized System of culture, religion, economy and government) – wiped-off filth and scum of all things and all people – until right now!

¹¹ And some of you were these things. But now you folks bathed yourselves off (took a bath to cleanse things away). But further, you were set apart (made holy; sanctified). But also you were rightwised and placed in the Way pointed out (turned in the right direction, made fair and equitable, and then joined in right relationship with God and mankind; = put in covenant) in union with and within the midst of the Name of our Lord, Jesus Christ – even in union with and within the midst of the Spirit of (or: Breath-effect and Attitude which is) our God!

⁴ Now there continue being different distributions (divided-out apportionments) of the effects of favor and the results of grace, yet the same Spirit (Breath-effect; Attitude), ⁵ and there are different distributions of attending services (divided-out apportionments of dispensings), and yet the same Lord (or: Owner; Master; [= Christ or Yahweh]); ⁶ also there continue being different distributions of the results of inner workings and the effects of inward operations, and still, the same God – the One continuously working inwardly and progressively activating all things within and in union with all people (or: constantly energizing and operating the whole within the midst of all things). ⁷ Yet in, to, for and with each person the manifestation (clear display in light) of the Breath-effect (or: from the Spirit) is continuously being given [with a view] to and [leading] toward progressively bringing [folks or things] together, face-to-face with the constant mutual bearing-together for benefit, advantage, expedience and the common good [of all]. ⁸ For you see, on the one hand, in (or: to; for; with; by) one person a word (a thought, message or expression; [the] reason) of wisdom (or: a wise idea) is repeatedly or from time-to-time or progressively being given. In (or: To; For; With; By) another person, on the other hand, [is given] a word (thought; message; expression; [the] reason) of intimate, experiential knowledge, insight or realization (gnosis) – in accord with (or: down from; in the sphere of; in line with) the same Breath (or: Spirit). ⁹ In (To; For; With; By) a different person [is given] faith (trust; loyalty; belief; conviction; trustworthiness), within and in union with the same effect of the Breath (or: Spirit; Attitude); yet in (to; for; by; with) another the effects of grace, and the results of joyous favor, which result in healings – within and in union with the one Breath-effect (or: Spirit; Attitude). ¹⁰ Yet in (to; for) another person [is given] the effects and results of inner workings and operations of abilities, powers and influences; still in (to; for; by) another [is given] a prophecy (or: light ahead of time), and in (to; for; by) another [is given] thorough discernings, distinguishings or discriminations pertaining to spirits (or: separations from spirits throughout [oneself]; [the] siftings and complete separations which lead to a thorough decision or judgment of spirits or attitudes). Yet, in (to; for; by) a different person [are given] races and species (families and classes) of languages (or: tongues), then in (to; for; by) another one [are given] translations and interpretations of languages (tongues). ¹¹ Now the one and the same Spirit (or: Breath-effect; Attitude) is habitually working within (energizing, activating and operating) all these things, constantly dividing, apportioning and distributing in (to; for) each person his own [effect of grace], correspondingly as He progressively intends (is habitually willing; continuously purposes). ¹² You see, correspondingly as the [human] body is one [body] and continuously has (possesses; holds) many members (body parts), and all the members of the one body – being many – are one body, in this way, also, [is] the Christ (or: even thus [is] the Anointed One and the Anointing). ¹³ For we, ourselves – within the midst of one Spirit (or: in union with one Breath-effect and Attitude) – are all submerged into one body (or: were all immersed into, so as to be enveloped by, one body) – whether Jews or Greeks (or: Hellenists), whether slaves or free folks – and we all are (or: were) made (or: caused) to drink one Spirit (or: spirit; Breath-effect; Attitude).

²⁰ Yet now – at this present time! – Christ is roused and awake from having been raised up from out of the midst of dead people: a Firstfruit (= the first of the harvest; the Sheaf Offering, signally the beginning of the harvest [Lev. 23:10]) of those having fallen asleep, and are yet sleeping (reposing). ²¹ For since through a person (or: a human; or: humanity) [came] death, through a Person (or: a Human), also, [comes] resurrection of dead people. ²² For just as within Adam all keep on (or: everyone continues) dying, in the same way, also, within the Christ, all will keep on being made alive (or: in union with the Anointed One, everyone will one-after-another be created with Life) ²³ – yet each person within the effect of his or her own class or division (or: result of an ordered rank; effect of place or appointed position [in line]; result of the arranged [time] or order of succession): Christ a Firstfruit (a First of the harvest), next after that, those belonging to the Christ (or: the ones who have their source and origin in the Anointing; those who are [a part] of the Christ) within the midst of, and in union with, His presence,

³² if I fight (or: fought) in accord with human [means, methods or purposes] with wild beasts in Ephesus, what [is] the benefit for or to me (or: how am I furthered by it)? If dead people are not habitually (or: continuously; periodically) being awakened and raised up, "we should eat and drink, for tomorrow we continue dying away!" [Isa. 22:13]

² on one day of the week (or: on one of the sabbaths) let each one of you have the habit of putting [something] beside himself (= at home), continually storing up that in which he may be repeatedly prospered (or: has been led, along a good path; other MSS: can be well-guided along the way) so that whenever I may come, no collections may continue to happen at that time.

⁸ Yet I am now continuing to remain on within Ephesus, until the [feast; festival] of Pentecost,

² Grace (The influence and boon of gracious favor, kindness, joy and goodwill) and peace (or: harmony; [= shalom]) from God, our Father and Lord, Jesus Christ (or: from our Father, God, and [the] Owner, Jesus [the] Anointed [= Messiah]).

¹⁴ for you see, Christ's love (urge for accepting reunion) continuously holds us together. [We are] deciding (discerning; judging) this: that [some MSS add: since] One Person (or: Man) died over [the situation of] all mankind (or: for the sake of all); consequently all people died (or: accordingly, then, all humanity died). ¹⁵ And further, He died over all humanity (over [the situation] of, and for the sake of all) to the end that those living may (or: could; would) no longer live for themselves (to themselves; in themselves; by themselves), but rather for (or: in; by; to; with) the One dying and then being awakened and raised up over them (over their [situation]; for their sakes),

¹⁸ "and so I will proceed into being a Father for you, and you will proceed in being (or: will continue being) sons and daughters in Me (by Me; to Me; for Me), says [the] Lord [= Yahweh] the All-strong (Almighty)." [2 Sam. 7:14; Isa. 43:6]

² I am acquainted with a person (or: a man; a human) in Christ (or: within the midst of Christ; in union with [the] Anointed) more than fourteen years ago – whether in body (or: in a body), I am not aware; whether outside of the body, I am not aware; God has seen and knows (is aware) – being snatched away (dragged off; seized and taken) as such, as far as [the; or: a] third heaven (or: atmosphere). ³ Further, I have seen and know such a person (man; human) – whether in body or apart from the body, I know not; God knows – ⁴ that was snatched away (seized and taken) into the Paradise and heard inexpressible gush-effects and utterances (unutterable sayings and results of a flow; unspeakable results of movement and flux; inexpressible matters and declarations) which are not being from out of existence (or: which are not continuing from within the midst of being; or: which it continues being not right; or: for which there is no privilege or authority; which are not being possible; which are not being allowed) in a person (to mankind; for a human) to at any point speak.

⁴ For even though He was crucified from out of weakness (or: put to death on a torture stake forth from the midst of weakness), yet in contrast He is continuously living from out of the midst of God's power and ability. For you see, we ourselves also continuing being weak within (or: in union with) Him, but still we shall continue living together with Him from out of the midst of God's power and ability [which is also directed] into you folks.

¹² for I myself neither received it to my side from a human (or: from beside a person), nor was I taught [it], but to the contrary, [it came] through an unveiling of Jesus Christ (or: through an uncovering pertaining to Jesus [the Messiah]; through a revelation from Jesus Christ; by means of a disclosure which is [the] Anointed Jesus).

²⁰ I was crucified together with Christ [= the Messiah], and thus it remains (or: I have been jointly put on the execution stake in [the] Anointed One, and continue in this state), yet I continue living! [It is] no longer I, but it is Christ continuously living and alive within me! (or: No longer an "I" – now Christ constantly lives in the midst of, and in union with, me). Now that which I, at the present moment, continue living within flesh (= a physical body), I am constantly living within faith, trust and confidence – in and by that [faith] which is the Son of God (or: in union with the trust and confidence that is from God’s Son [with other MSS: in the confidence belonging to God and Christ]), the One loving me and giving Himself over to another for the sake of me (or: even transmitting Himself, over my [situation and condition]; or: also passing Himself along for me).

¹ Paul, a sent-forth person belonging to Jesus Christ (or: an emissary from, and a representative pertaining to, Jesus, [the] Anointed One [= Messiah]) through and by means of God's will (resolve; determined purpose; resultant choice), to all those who continue being set-apart folks (or: holy ones; saints) [other MSS add: within Ephesus], as well as to believing folks (or: trusting and loyal people) within, in union with and centered in Christ Jesus:

²⁰ which is operative (or: which He exerted and inwardly worked) within the Christ (the Anointed One; = the Messiah), awakening and raising Him forth from out of the midst of dead folks and then seating Him within (or: = at) His right [hand] (or: in union with the place of honor, strength and receiving which is Him), within the things (or: among the folks, places or realms) situated upon the heavens (or: in the super-heavenlies; within the full, perfected heavenlies; in union with the celestials; among the folks [residing] upon the atmospheres), ²¹ up over (or: back above) every primacy (or: ruler; principality; government; controlling effect; or: beginning; origin) and authority (or: right and privilege from out of being) and power (or: ability) and lordship (or: ownership), as well as every name being continually named not only within this age, but also within the impending one (the one being presently about to come) ²² and then placed and aligned all people in humbleness under His feet (or: and arranges everyone in a supportive position by His feet; or: then by the feet which are Him He subjects all things), and yet gives (or: gave) Him, [as] a Head (or: Source; origin and beginning of a series; or: extreme and top part) over all humanity and all things, for the called-out community (or: and as a Head over all humanity, gave Him to the summoned and gathered assembly; or: and then by the called-forth congregation He gives Him [to be the] Source over [the situation] of, and for, all humanity),

⁴ But God, continuously being wealthy and rich in mercy, because of His vast (much; great in magnitude and quantity; outstretched; long-lasting; repeated) Love in (or: with) which He focused love on (or: loves and accepts) us [p46 reads: had mercy on us],

³ that, in accord with an unveiling (or: down from a revelation; in keeping with a disclosure), the secret (or: mystery) was made known to me even as I before wrote (or: wrote aforetime), in brief

² and keep on walking (walking around; = progressively living and maintaining your life) within, and in union with, Love, according as the Christ also loves (or: to the same level and commensurately as the Anointed One loved) you, and gives (or: gave) Himself over (or: up; alongside) in our behalf (over us and our [situation]; [other MSS: you]): a bearing toward and a bringingto be face to face, and then an offering (or: sacrifice) by (or: in; with; to; for) God (or: an approach [present], even a sacrifice by God) [turning] into a fragrant odor (sweet smell).

²⁵ O husbands, be constantly loving [your] wives (or: Men, continue loving the women), accordingly and correspondingly as the Christ also loved (or: to the degree that, and commensurately as, the Anointed One loves) the called-out community, and gave Himself up (or: commits and gives Himself over) in behalf of (for the sake of; over [the situation of]) her, ²⁶ to the end that He may set her apart (separate her; consecrate and make her holy), cleansing (purging) [her] by the bath of the Water [that is] within a result of a flow (or: in union with a gush-effect; or: in the midst of aspoken word, a declaration, or an utterance), ²⁷ so that He Himself could place beside Himself (or: should present to and make to stand alongside in Himself) the glorious (held in high esteem; in-glorious-array) called-out community, continuously having neither spot (or: stain), nor wrinkle, nor any of such things, but to the contrary, to the end that she may continuously exist being set-apart (holy; different from the ordinary and profane) and flawless (unblemished; or: unblamable).

¹⁷ And at once accept (or: receive and retain) for yourselves the helmet of the Deliverance (or: which comes from the Salvation; that belongs to health and wholeness; which is the restoration to the original realm and condition) and the Spirit's sword (the short sword from the Attitude; or: the dagger which is spirit; the dirk which is the Breath-effect) the one being God's gush-effect (or: which is the result of the flow from God; the one existing [as] a result of a flux or an effect of a continuous movement, the source of which is God; or: which is a spoken Word of God; or: that being an utterance or declaration which is God).

⁷ just as (or: correspondingly as) it is fair for me (or: it is right in me; it accords with the Way pointed out to me) to habitually think this regarding all of you folks (or: to continuously have this opinion and disposition over you all), because of the [situation for] me to constantly hold (or: have) you folks within my heart, both within my bonds (fetters; chains) and within the verbal defense (a word spoken from and on behalf of) and legally valid confirmation (the placement on a good footing to establish and make firm and steadfast) of the message of goodness and well-being – you all being my co-participants (common partners; fellow-sharers together) of the grace and joyous favor! (or: ... to continuously possess you people in the midst of the core of my being – you all being my joint-partners of this grace, both in union with my imprisonments and in verification of the good news!)

⁷ but to the contrary, He empties Himself (or: removed the contents of Himself; made Himself empty), receiving (or: taking; accepting) a slave's form (external shape; outward mold), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) within an effect of humanity's (mankind's; people's) likeness. ⁸ And so, being found in an outward fashion, mode of circumstance, condition, form-appearance (or: character, role, phase, configuration, manner) as a human (a person; a man), He lowers Himself (or: humbled Himself; made Himself low; degrades Himself; levels Himself off), coming to be (or: birthing Himself) a submissive, obedient One (one who gives the ear and listens) as far as (or: to the point of; until) death – but death of a cross (torture stake)!

¹¹ and every tongue (= person) may speak out the same thing (should and would openly agree, confess, avow and acclaim) that Jesus Christ [is] Lord (Master; Owner) – [leading] into [the] glory of Father God (or: unto Father God's good reputation; [progressing] into a manifestation which calls forth praise unto God [the] Father)!

¹⁵ so that you folks may come to be blameless ones (those without defect), even unmixed (unblended; artless and sincere) children of God – unblemished (flawless) people in the midst of a crooked and distorted (as having been misshaped on the potter's wheel) generation (or: a twisted family which has been altered and turned in different ways so as to be dislocated), within which (or: among whom) you folks are continuously shining (giving light; or: appearing; made visible by light) as illuminators (causes of light; or: luminaries) within [the] ordered System (world of secular culture, religion, economics and government), ¹⁶ constantly holding upon (or: having added; keeping a good grip on) Life's Word (or: a message which is life), [leading you] into loud-tongued exulting-effects (boasting; vaunting) for me (or: in me), on into Christ's Day (a day of [the] Anointed; or: a day which is anointed), because I do not (or: did not) run into emptiness (that which is without content), nor do I (or: did I) become weary or struggle in labor into emptiness (that which is without content).

¹⁴ Moreover you folks performed beautifully (acted ideally; did virtuously; produced finely), sharing (partnering; participating; having common association) together with me in my pressure (squeezing; tribulation; trouble; oppression).

¹⁸ and so He is the Head (or: Source) of the body – which is the called-out community (the ecclesia; the summoned congregation) – Who is the Beginning (or: the Ruler; the Originator and Ruling Principle; the Beginning Power and Ability of the process), a Firstborn forth from out of the midst of dead folks, to the end that He would be birthed (may come into existence; or: could come to be) within all things and in all people: He continuously holding first place (or: constantly being preeminent; or: habitually being the First One; or: continuing being the First Man [note: this phrase has in Greek literature been used as a title for a person]),

³ for you folks died, and your life has been hidden so that it is now concealed together with the Christ, within the midst of God (or: in union with God).

¹⁵ Embrace and greet the brothers within Laodicea, also Nympha and the called-out gathering (or: community) that corresponds to her [other MSS: from their] house. ¹⁶ And whenever the letter (or: epistle) may be read (caused to be known again) beside you (= in your presence and to you), you folks make an arrangement to the end that it may also be read within the set-apart community of the Laodiceans; and so that you folks may also read the one from out of Laodicea.

¹⁰ even to constantly dwell and remain (or: abide) back up again (or: fully lodge; or: stay up) [with] His Son – [living] from out of the heavens! (or: His Son, whose origin is from the midst of the atmospheres) – Whom He raised from out of the midst of dead folks, Jesus, the One constantly rescuing (or: repeatedly and progressively dragging) us to Himself from out of the midst of (other MSS: away from) the repeatedly (or: periodically; continuously; progressively) coming violent emotions (inherent fervor; mental disposition of teeming desire; passionate impulse; or: anger; internal teeming & agitation; outburst of rage; wrath).

¹⁷ Thereupon (or: After that; As a next step) we, the presently living folks, the ones presently continuing to be left around, will – at the same time, together with them – proceed being seized and snatched away within clouds (or: carried off by force, in union with clouds,) into the midst of [the] air (the air that we breathe in; the mist; the haze; the atmosphere around us; [note: this would be in the earth's lower atmosphere, the place where there is air]) – into the Lord's meeting ([Christ’s or Yahweh’s] encounter; an encountering which is the Lord). And thus (in this way and such a manner) shall we always continue being (or: continue existing at all times) together with [the] Lord [= Christ or Yahweh].

⁴ so that we ourselves boast in you folks among God's summoned-forth ones (among those called-out of God; or: in union with God’s called-out communities) over your steadfast remaining under to give support (or: persistent patient endurance) and faith (or: loyalty; trust) within all your pursuits (or: chasings; or: persecutions; harassments) and the pressures (squeezings; constrictions; contractions; tribulations; oppressions; ordeals) which you habitually have again (or: sustain; hold up). ⁵ [This is] a display-effect (result of pointing-out; demonstration) of God's fair and equitable (just; in accord with the Way pointed out) deciding (separating for an evaluation or a judging), [leading] unto your being accounted worthy (deemed of equal value) of God's kingdom (or: the sovereign reign which is God), over (or: on behalf of) which you are also constantly having sensible experiences (or: normally feeling emotions; or: repeatedly suffering),

⁵ So may the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] make fully straight, then direct and guide, your hearts into the midst of God's love (the love which is God) and into the relentless patient endurance which is Christ (or: the persistent remaining under to support, which comes from the Anointed One and the Anointing)!

³ Just as I called you alongside – while traveling into Macedonia – to encourage you to remain focused in Ephesus, to the end that you should pass on an announcement (should notify; would bring along a message) to certain folks (or: for some) not to continue teaching different things,

¹⁴ I am writing these things to you, expecting to come toward you swiftly (in quickness; or: = soon), ¹⁵ but if ever I should be slow (or: delay), [I am writing this] to the end that you may see and thus know how it is necessary and binding to be twisted and turned back up again within God's household (or: to be treated, conducted or caused to behave in God's house), which is (or: exists being) a called-out community of [the] Living God (or: whose source is a living God; which has the qualities and character of [the] living God; or: which is a living god), a pillar and foundational seat of The Truth (or: a base from and an effect of a settling of reality), ¹⁶ and so confessedly (admittedly; with common consent and sameness of speech) great is the secret (or: mystery) of the reverence (the standing in awe of goodness, with adoration; the healthful devotion and virtuous conduct of ease, in true relation to God): which is made visible (manifested) within flesh (= a physical body), is rightwised (set in equity and right relationship in the Way pointed out; also = is placed in covenant) in spirit (in union with Breath-effect), is seen by agents (or: messengers), is heralded (preached) within multitudes (among nations and ethnic groups), is trusted and believed within [the] world (an ordered system; secular culture), is received back in good opinion and reputation. (or: Who [some MSS read: God; others: He] was brought to clear light within flesh (= the natural realm); was shown righteous and just (= set in covenant) within spirit and attitude; was seen by agents; was proclaimed among Gentiles {non-Jews}; was believed within [the] world of society, religion, and government; was taken back up again, within glory – a manifestation which calls forth praise!)

¹³ In the sight and presence of God – the One continuously bringing forth all things as living creatures (the One habitually or repeatedly generating all things alive, keeping The Whole alive) – and of Christ Jesus, the One who was testifying the beautiful like-message (or: fine confession; making the ideal and excellent public declaration) on [the occasion with] Pontius Pilate, I am announcing to you (bringing this message to your side) and passing on this notification,

¹⁵ which, in its own fitting situations (appropriate seasons; appointed occasions; fertile moments), will proceed to exhibit and point out The Happy and Only Able One (only Powerful One; alone Potent One): The King of those reigning as kings, and Lord (Master; Owner) of those ruling as lords, ¹⁶ the Only One continuously holding and having possession of immortality (the absence or privation of death; deathlessness), the One continuously making inaccessible (or: unapproachable) light His home (or: dwelling), Whom not one of mankind sees, saw or perceived, nor is able or has power to see or perceive, in Whom [is] honor (value; worth), and eonian strength (might having the qualities and characteristics of the Age; strength enduring through and pertaining to the eons). It is so (Amen)!

⁸ Therefore, do not become ashamed of (or: You should not, then, be embarrassed by) the testimony of and from our Lord (or: the witness pertaining to our Master; the evidence which is our Owner), nor yet, [of; or: by] me, His bound-one (or: His prisoner). On the contrary, down from God's ability (or: in the sphere of power, which is God), experience things of bad quality (or: worthless encounters) together with [me] for the message of ease, goodness and well-being (or: But rather, corresponding to God's power, suffer evil and hardship with the evangel; But further, accept your share in bad treatment – in accord with the ability which comes from God – in [the Way of] the Good News),

³ Experience things of bad quality (or: worthless encounters) together (or: Accept your share of bad treatment and evil) as a beautiful (ideal; fine) soldier of Christ Jesus. ⁴ No one serving a tour of duty as a soldier (currently performing military service or being at war) habitually intertwines or entangles himself in (or: by) everyday affairs (undertakings and activities; business performances) of the course of life (or: of making a living), in order that he may please (or: be acceptable to) the one enlisting him in military service (the one collecting soldiers to gather an army). ⁵ So also, if anyone may be repeatedly competing in the athletic games, he is not normally being crowned with a winner's wreath if he does not compete lawfully (according to the rules of the game). ⁶ It is constantly binding (It is of continual necessity) for the farmer (or: field worker) that is habitually laboring in the field to be repeatedly first in taking a share of the fruits. ⁷ [So] give constant thought to (or: Continually put your mind to, so as to perceive and understand) what I am now saying, for you see, the Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] will continue giving comprehension and understanding (a sending and bringing things together into union) to you (for you; in you) within all things and among all people. ⁸ Be habitually keeping in mind (or: remembering) Jesus Christ, being the One having been aroused and raised, and now continuing risen, forth from out of the midst of dead folks: from out of David's seed! (or: = [Who came] forth from David's descendants.) – corresponding to and in the sphere of my message of goodness, ease and well-being (or: in line with the good news that came through me), ⁹ in which I am continually experiencing bad situations (suffering evil; experiencing bad treatment and conditions of poor quality) to the point of bonds (fetters or imprisonment) as a worthless worker (a criminal; one who acts badly; a worker of evil), but by comparison, the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message) has not been bound or imprisoned, and thus remains untied! ¹⁰ Because of this [fact], I continue remaining under to support all people and to patiently endure all [situations], on account of (= for the sake of) the selected and picked-out folks (the chosen-out people; the elect group; the choice ones), to the end that they, also, may hit the target of deliverance (rescue; health and wholeness; salvation) – that [which is] within Christ Jesus (or: the one pertaining to Jesus, resident within Christ: inherent in the Anointing) – together with glory (or: an appearance; an opinion; an imagination; a manifestation which calls forth praise) which has the characteristics and qualities of the Age (or: eonian glory; an age-lasting reputation). ¹¹ The Word (or: Logos) [is] full of faith. (or: Trustworthy [is] this statement and the message:) For since we died together with [Him] (or: For if we jointly die), we will also continue living together (or: proceed jointly living; constantly co-live); ¹² since we are continuously remaining under for support (or: if we continue patiently enduring), we will also continue reigning (ruling as kings) together with [Him]; if we shall continue denying (disowning; not consenting; renouncing; turning our back on [other MSS: are repeatedly denying]) [Him], That One also will continue denying (disowning; not consenting to; renouncing; turning His back on) us.

³ Who, continuously being an effect of the radiance from (or: a result from a dawning and breaking forth of the bright light of the Day which is; a result of the outshining which is; an effulgence from; an effect of an off-shining [light]-beam belonging to; or: a result of a reflection of) the Glory and Splendor as well as an exact impress (or: exact likeness as from a stamp or a die; or: a carving) of His substructure (or: of His substance [that is] standing under as a foundation; which is the underlying support of His outward form and properties; from His sub-placing; or: from His assumed groundwork of the full expression [of His idea]) – besides continuously bearing (or: and while progressively carrying; and then repeatedly bringing) the whole (all things; everything and all existence) by the gush-effect which is His power (or: in the result of the flow from the power which is Him; or: with the saying pertaining to His ability; in the spoken declaration of, and which has the character of and its source in, His power and ability) through and by means of Himself – in producing a cleansing of (or: after making a ritual purification in regard to) the failures (the misses of the target; the mistakes and errors; or: a clearing by pruning which pertains to the sins) He at once seated Himself within [the] right part (or: hand; = in union with the receiving aspect, honored position and place of power) of the Greatness centered and resident within high places.

¹⁰ And further, "O Lord [= Yahweh], down from beginnings (or: in accord with ruling [principle] s), You founded (or: laid the foundations of) the earth (or: land), and the works of Your hands are the heavens (or: skies; atmospheres). ¹¹ "They shall progressively destroy themselves (or: ruin, or lose, themselves) – but You continue remaining throughout. ¹² "And all people, as a garment, shall progressively be made (or: grow) old. Then like that which is thrown around [as a cloak], You will roll or wrap them up as a garment, and so they (or: the same people) will progressively be made another (be altered; be changed; be transformed), yet You are the same, and Your years will not fail." [Ps. 102:25-28] ¹³ Now to a certain one (or, as in vs. 5: Now in which one '85?) of the agents (or: folks with a message) He once said, "Sit at (or: out of [the authority of]) My right [hand; side] until I may place your foes (or: hostile ones) a footstool of your feet (or: = turn your enemies into your footstool [= a supportive role])." [Ps. 110:1]

¹⁴ Since, then, the young children have participated in and commonly shared existence of blood and flesh (= humanity), He also, nearly alongside [them], shared theirs in common (partook of the [ingredients] which comprise them), in order that through means of death He might render useless (or: deactivate; idle-down; discard) the one normally having the strength (or: the person presently holding the force) of death (or: which is death; or: whose source is death), that is, the adversary (or: that which throws folks into dualism with divided thinking and perceptions; or: the one that throws something through the midst and casts division; the one who thrusts things through folks; the slanderer who accuses and deceives; or, commonly called: the "devil"), ¹⁵ and would set them free (or: could fully change and transform these; or: should move them away to another [situation; existence]): as many as were through all of life held within slavery by fear of death (or: in fear, from death: or: with fear, which is death)! ¹⁶ For doubtless (or: assuredly; I hardly need say) it [i.e., fear of death] is not normally taking hold upon [the] messenger-agents (or: folks with the message), but even so it is repeatedly and progressively taking hold upon (seizing) Abraham's seed (= descendants). ¹⁷ Wherefore, He was indebted (or: obliged) to be assimilated by (or: made like or similar to) the brothers in accord with all things (or: concerning everything; = in every respect; or: in correlation to all people), so that He might become a merciful and a faithful (or: loyal) Chief Priest (Leading, Ruling or Beginning Priest) [in regard to] the things toward God, into the [situation] to be repeatedly and continuously overshadowing the failures (mistakes; errors; misses of the target; sins) of the People with a gentle, cleansing shelter and covering.

¹² For the Word of God (or: God's thought, idea and message; or: the expressed Logos from God; or: the Word which is God) [is] living (or: alive), and active (working; operative; energetic; at work; productive) and more cutting above every two-mouthed sword, even passing through (penetrating) as far as a dividing (or: parting; partitioning) of soul and spirit (or: of inner self-life and breath-effect), both of joints and marrows, even able to discern (separate; judge; decide) concerning thoughts (ponderings; reflections; in-rushings; passions) and intentions (notions; purposes) of a heart (= core of the being).

¹⁵ For you see, we do not have a chief priest who is unable or has no power to sympathize (to have a sense-experience with; to feel a stab of sympathy or suffer together; cf ch. 2:10) with our lack of strength, but One having been put to the proof – in accord with all things (or: down with all men; corresponding to all people) [and] in corresponding likeness – apart from failure (mistake; error; sin; failing to hit the target).

⁶ and yet then falling by the side (or: falling aside along the way), [are] powerless and unable to be repeatedly renewing again into a change of mind: [they are] continuously crucifying again in themselves (or: to, for or by themselves) the Son of God, and [are] constantly exposing [Him] to public disgrace.

¹⁶ Who has not been born (brought into existence) down in accord with a law of a fleshly implanted goal (in line with an impartation of a finished [human] product and destiny within; or: in correspondence to a custom of a fleshly injunction; = following the pattern of a human directive), but to the contrary, according to and on the basis of a power and ability of an indissoluble life (a life not subject to destruction).

²⁵ Consequently He is also continuously able and powerful to be constantly delivering (continuously setting-free, restoring to health and making whole) – unto the finishing of all (unto the completed goal of everything; into the midst of the all-perfection; unto the end of all; into the final act and destiny of all) – those folks habitually approaching God through Him [Who is] always living to be repeatedly effecting encounters over them and to hit the internal target.

¹⁴ to how much greater an extent shall the blood of the Christ (Anointed One; [Messiah]) – Who through means of a spirit (or: attitude; [the] Breath-effect) pertaining to the Age offers Himself (or: brought Himself face to face and offers Himself) without blemish by and with God (or: in, to and for God) – continue cleansing and pruning your conscience and shared consciousness from works of death (or: dead procedures and activities; deeds of dead folks) [leading] into [the situation] to be continuously rendering sacred service, as well as habitually doing the business and duties of life, for, in, by, to and with the living, as well as true and real, God?

²⁹ By how much worse punishment (= heavier the sentence) do you suppose he will be thought worthy and counted deserving: the one trampling down the Son of God, and considering the blood of the arrangement (or: covenant) common (= profane) – within which he was set-apart (made sacred and holy) – even insulting the Breath-effect of joyous favor (or: Spirit of Grace)?

³⁶ For you continuously have need (necessity of the use) of persistent patient endurance (steadfast remaining under for support), so that doing (or: performing) the will (intent; purpose) of God you may carry away for yourselves – in order to provide and care for – the Promise.

² turning [our] eyes away from other things and fixing them (or: looking away) into Jesus, the Inaugurator (First Leader; Prime Author) and Perfecter (Finisher; the Bringer-to-maturity and fruition; He who purposes and accomplishes the destiny) of the faith, trust, confidence and loyal allegiance, Who, instead of and in place of the joy (or: in the position on the opposite side from the happiness) continuously lying before Him (or: lying in the forefront within Him; lying ahead for Him), remained under a cross – despising shame (or: thinking nothing of [the] disgrace) – and has sat down and now continues seated, remaining in the right [hand] of (or: = in union with the place of receiving at; = at the place of power and honor, which is) God's throne.

⁸ Jesus Christ [is] the same yesterday and today and on into the ages, (or: Jesus [is and continues being] Christ [= the Messiah] – the Man Himself {or: the Very One}: yesterday as well as today, and even into the midst of the ages,)

²¹ at once render you folks thoroughly equipped (fitted; adapted) in the midst of all good and in every virtue, immersed in, and in union with, the blood of a thorough arrangement (or: a covenant; a deposit which moves throughout in every direction; a placing through the midst; or: a will and testament) pertaining to and having the qualities of the Age (or: an eonian – through the ages – settlement), in order to at once do (produce; perform) His will (the effect of His intent and purpose; the result of His design and pleasure) – progressively creating (doing; forming; producing) within you folks and in union with you people [other MSS: in us] the well-pleasing and satisfying [result] in His presence and sight, through Jesus Christ, in Whom (and: for Whom, by Whom, and to Whom) [is] the glory (the reputation and the manifestation which calls forth praise) on into the ages of the ages. It is so (Count on it; Amen)!

¹⁷ Every good leaving of a legacy, profitable contributing or excellent dosing, as well as all virtuous giving, and (or: All giving [is] beneficial, and yet), every perfect gift (finished, complete or mature result of giving) is from above, descending from the Father of the lights, beside Whom there is no otherness at [His] side (or: in the presence of Whom is no parallel otherness; [other MSS: along with Whom {is} not one interchange, variation, shifting or mutation]), nor a shadow cast by turning [other MSS: an effect caused by the passing of shadows].

⁷ Be patient (long-tempered; long-passioned; slow to rush; or: Have long-term feelings and emotions), then, brothers, during the continuance of the Lord's [= Yahweh's, or, Christ's] presence and His being alongside. Consider! The worker of the land repeatedly receives (takes out into his hands from within) the precious fruit of the land, being patient (slow to rush and with long-term feelings) upon it during the continuance where it can receive “an early as well as a latter (or: late) rain.” [Deut. 11:14] ⁸ You, too, be patient (be slow to rush while maintaining long-term feelings); establish (place supports and make stable; firmly set) your hearts, because the Lord's [= Yahweh's or Christ's] presence has drawn near (has approached and now exists close to us).

⁸ You, too, be patient (be slow to rush while maintaining long-term feelings); establish (place supports and make stable; firmly set) your hearts, because the Lord's [= Yahweh's or Christ's] presence has drawn near (has approached and now exists close to us). ⁹ Brothers, do not be groaning down against (or: sighing in relation to; or, may = complaining about or blaming) one another, so that you may not be separated and have a decision made (or: be put asunder, scrutinized and judged). Consider! The Decider (the Separator, Evaluator and Judge) has taken a stand, and now continues standing before the doors.

¹ Peter, one sent with a mission pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: an emissary and representative of, and from, [the] Anointed Jesus), to selected and picked out exiles (or: alien residents; sojourners; expatriates; strangers residing in a country not your own) of [the] dispersion (or: from a scattering; of [the] Diaspora), temporarily living beside residents of Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, the province of Asia, and Bithynia, ² – to folks gathered, laid-out and chosen in accord with and down from Father God's foreknowledge (or: corresponding to a previous experiential and intimate knowledge possessed by God, who is a Father), within a setting-apart of spirit (or: in union with the process of being set apart from common condition and use by [the] Spirit; or: in the midst of a sacred differencing which is a Breath-effect) [leading] into an obedient hearing (or: [focused] to being centered in a listening and paying attention with compliance) and a sprinkling with Jesus Christ's blood (or: a sprinkling of blood, which is Jesus Christ): May grace (or: favor) and peace [= shalom] be multiplied into fullness (or: be brought to fullness) in and among you folks (or: to you folks; for you folks)!

¹⁹ but rather by Christ's precious blood (or: in valuable blood, which is [the] Anointed One; with honorable blood of anointing; by costly blood from [the Messiah]) – as of a flawless (unblemished) and spotless Lamb:

⁵ you yourselves are, as living stones, continuously being erected (or: progressively constructed and built up), [being] a spiritual house (a building with its source being the Spirit, with the characteristics of a Breath-effect), into a set-apart (or: holy; sacred; different-from-the-ordinary) priesthood to bear up spiritual sacrifices (or: offerings) well (or: most) acceptable in God (or: by God; to God; with God), through Jesus Christ, ⁶ so that it continues being contained (encompassed; included) in Scripture: "Consider (Behold; Look)! I am progressively setting (placing; laying) within Zion a chosen (picked-out), precious (held in honor and value) cornerstone lying at the extreme angle, and the one habitually trusting (relying; believing; investing loyalty) upon It may by no means be disgraced or brought to shame or be disappointed." [Isa. 28:16] ⁷ Therefore, in (or: for; with) you folks – those habitually trusting (constantly believing and remaining convinced) – [is] the Precious and Honorable One (or: To you then, who continue loyal, [He is] valuable). Yet for (or: to; in; with) those continuing being without faith (or: being habitually distrustful; being constantly unbelieving or disloyal), [He is] "A Stone which those in process of building the house reject (or: threw away after inspecting and trying) – this One is brought to be (or: was birthed) into [position of] Head and Source of [the] corner, " [Ps. 118:22] ⁸ also [He is] "A Stone that [people] strike against and that causes a stumbling-effect, even a Rock-mass which functions as a trap-spring (designed to be a snare), " [Isa. 8:14] who, continuing being unpersuaded (unconvinced and thus, uncompliant or stubborn), are repeatedly stumbling by (or: in) the Word (or: who are constantly stumbling, habitually being disobedient to the message), into which [situation] they were placed (= as it was planned). ⁹ Yet you folks [are] "a picked-out (selected; chosen) offspring (family; kin; lineage; race; species; breed) [Isa. 43:20; Deut. 7:6], a royal (kingly; palace) priesthood [Ex. 19:6; Isa. 61:6], a set-apart (holy; different) multitude (company; nation; body of people living together; swarm; association; ethnic group; caste; [Ex. 19:6; note: implies a sacred life]), a people constructed into an encirclement (made into a surrounding structure; set as a perimeter; made into a performance about [Him]; formed around as an acquisition; gathered into a surrounding [flock])" [Isa. 43:21; Ex. 19:5] – so that you may tell forth the message of (or: out-message; publish; declare abroad) the excellencies and qualities of nobleness (virtues of braveness, courage, good character, quality, self-restraint, magnificence, benevolence, reliability) of and from the One calling you out of darkness (gloomy dimness; the realm of shadows and obscurity) into the midst of His wonderful (marvelous; amazing) light [p72 reads: into the wonderful Light],

⁷ Now the Goal (or: the end; the final act; or: the finished Product; or: the completion of the plan) of all people (and: pertaining to and affecting all things) has approached and is now near at hand and [He] is close enough to touch (= has arrived)! Therefore, you folks keep a healthy and sound frame of mind (be sane and sensible) and be sober (be unintoxicated; i.e., be functional and with your wits about you) into [a state, condition or realm] with a view toward having goodness and well-being (or: into the midst of prayers).

¹¹ If anyone is normally speaking, [let it be] as God's little words (= inspired sayings, messages, thoughts and ideas); if anyone is habitually providing attending service and dispensing, [let it be] as out of [the] strength which God is continually supplying (furnishing; providing), to the end that, in union with all people (and: within all things), God may be constantly glorified (may habitually receive a good reputation) through Jesus Christ, in Whom (by Whom; for Whom; to Whom; with Whom) is (or: exists) the glory (the manifestation of that which calls forth praise; the good reputation) and the strength (the might), on into the ages of the ages (or: into the indefinite time periods of the ages; into the superlative times of the eons).

¹¹ the strength (or: might) [to do these things is] in Him and by Him, on into the ages. It is so (Count on it)! [other MSS: the glory and the strength {is} in Him, on into the superlative times of the ages (or: the ages of the ages)]

⁸ Yet now this one thing [p72: But in this] – let it not continue unnoticed, escape your detection, or be hidden from you – beloved ones, one day beside the Lord [is] as a thousand years, and yet a thousand years [is] as one day.

¹⁸ So be continually growing and increasing within grace and in union with favor, as well as [in] intimate, experiential knowledge and insight of (or: the source of which is) our Lord (Owner; Master) and Savior (or: Deliverer; Rescuer; Restorer to health and wholeness), Jesus Christ (or: Anointed Jesus; = Jesus the Messiah). By Him (or: To Him; For Him; In Him) [is] the glory (the manifestation which calls forth praise) both now and on into a Day that lasts for an indefinite period of time, and which is [the] Age (or: unto a day whose character and quality is [the] Age; or: into the midst of a day whose source is [the] Age [of the Messiah]; or: to a day which belongs to [the] Age; into a Day which is an age). It is so (or: Count on it; Amen)! [written circa A.D. 61-62 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

¹ The One who was continuously existing from [the] beginning (or: He Who was progressively being parted away from Headship and Rule). The One whom we have listened to, and still hear; the One whom we have seen, and now yet perceive with our eyes (or: in our eyes); the One whom we gazed upon as a public spectacle (as an exhibit in a theater) and our hands handled (felt about for and touched) – groping around the Word of the Life (or: the Logos, which is the Life; the thought which pertains to life; the Idea from the Life; the message which has the character and qualities of the Life; the Reason which belongs to the Life; [note: I have treated ho as the definite article in the first four phrases here and in vs. 3; many treat it as a neuter relative and render it: That which])

⁷ Yet if we keep on walking about (= continue living our life) within the midst of and in union with the Light, as He exists (or: is) within the Light, we constantly have common being and existence (or: hold common fellowship, participation and enjoy partnership) with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, keeps continually and repeatedly cleansing us (or: is progressively rendering us pure) from every sin (or: from all error, failure, deviation, mistake, and from every [successive] shot that is off target [when it occurs]).

² Beloved ones, now (at the present time) we continuously exist being God's children (born-ones; bairns from the standpoint of origin), and it has not yet been made visible (or: it is not yet apparent or manifested) what we will proceed in being. We have perceived, and thus know (or: are aware) that if it (or: He) should be (or: whenever it {or: He} may be) made visible, apparent and manifested, [then] folks like to Him (like-ones to Him; ones like Him; people resembling Him) we will be existing, because we will continue seeing and will be progressively perceiving Him just as (according and exactly as; in the manner that) He constantly exists (or: He is).

¹⁰ Within this exists (or: is) the Love, not that we ourselves have loved [other MSS: not that we ourselves love or accept] God, but in contrast, that He Himself loves us and sends (or: urged toward reunion with us and sent) His Son as a Representative (Emissary): a cleansing, sheltering covering around our sins (failures to hit the target, errors, mistakes, deviations).

¹⁴ And we have gazed upon this public situation, and are repeatedly testifying (giving witness and evidence) that the Father has sent forth (dispatched as a Representative) the Son – [the] Savior of the world (or: Deliverer of the ordered and controlling System of religion and secular society; Restorer of the universe; or: = the Rescuer and Healer of all humanity).

⁷ Because there are three constantly testifying (or: ... that three progressively give evidence; or: seeing that the normal witness bearers exist being three):

⁷ Because there are three constantly testifying (or: ... that three progressively give evidence; or: seeing that the normal witness bearers exist being three): ⁸ the breath (or: spirit; Breath-effect) and the water and the blood, and these three are [coming; proceeding] into the midst of the One (or: exist [leading] into one [reality]; are existing into the one thing; or: = are in unison; or: = are in agreement, or are for one thing).

⁸ the breath (or: spirit; Breath-effect) and the water and the blood, and these three are [coming; proceeding] into the midst of the One (or: exist [leading] into one [reality]; are existing into the one thing; or: = are in unison; or: = are in agreement, or are for one thing). ⁹ Since (or: If) we are habitually receiving the testimony (the witness; the evidence) of humans (or: from people), the evidence of God (God's witness; testimony from God; or: the testimony and evidence which is God) is (or: exists being) greater, because it is God's testimony (or: the witness which is God) that He has testified (given as evidence; witnessed) and it now exists available as evidence (or: testimony), concerning His Son (or: round about the Son which is Him; about the Son Who originates from Him).

⁹ Since (or: If) we are habitually receiving the testimony (the witness; the evidence) of humans (or: from people), the evidence of God (God's witness; testimony from God; or: the testimony and evidence which is God) is (or: exists being) greater, because it is God's testimony (or: the witness which is God) that He has testified (given as evidence; witnessed) and it now exists available as evidence (or: testimony), concerning His Son (or: round about the Son which is Him; about the Son Who originates from Him). ¹⁰ The person continuously and progressively believing (or: keeping confidence and habitually putting trust) into the midst of God's Son constantly holds (or: has; possesses) the testimony (witness; evidence) [p74 & A add: of God] within himself; the one not believing in God [A reads: the Son] has made Him out to be (or: has construed Him) a liar, because he has not believed or put trust into the evidence (testimony; witness) which God has attested and affirmed concerning His Son (or: shown as proof round about the Son from, and which is, Him).

¹⁰ The person continuously and progressively believing (or: keeping confidence and habitually putting trust) into the midst of God's Son constantly holds (or: has; possesses) the testimony (witness; evidence) [p74 & A add: of God] within himself; the one not believing in God [A reads: the Son] has made Him out to be (or: has construed Him) a liar, because he has not believed or put trust into the evidence (testimony; witness) which God has attested and affirmed concerning His Son (or: shown as proof round about the Son from, and which is, Him). ¹¹ And so this is the evidence (or: exists being the testimony, witness and attested affirmation): that God gives (or: gave; grants) Life pertaining to, and having the quality of the Age (life whose source is the Age [of Messiah]; eonian life; Life of, for and on through the ages) to, for and in us, and this very Life continuously exists within His Son (or: is in union with the Son which is Him)!

¹² Demetrius has been attested (= has received supportive testimony) by all and by the Truth itself. Now we ourselves are also continuously bearing witness (or: testifying), and you have seen, and so know, that our witness (testimony; evidence) is (exists being) real and true.

¹⁴ But Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied to these folks, saying, "Behold, the Lord [=Yahweh] came (or: comes and goes) within His set-apart myriads (or: in union with innumerable holy multitudes, which are Him),

²⁵ By the only God (or: To God alone; In God alone), our Deliverer (Rescuer; Safe-keeper; Savior; Restorer) – through Jesus Christ our Lord (Master; Owner) – [is] glory (or: a manifestation of that which calls forth praise; a good reputation), greatness, strength, and authority (right and privilege from out of Being) both now and on into all the ages (eons; indefinite periods of time)! Amen (It is so; Count on it). [written circa A.D. 60-62 – Based on the critical analysis of John A.T. Robinson]

¹ An unveiling of, and which is, Jesus Christ (or: A disclosure from Jesus [the] Anointed; A revelation which pertains to Jesus [the Messiah]) which God gave by Him (in Him; for Him; to Him) to point out to His slaves that which continues necessary to come to be (or: to be birthed) in swiftness (= speedily) [note: this phrase means either the manner in which events will happen, or that it is quickly going to happen]. And sending [Him] as an emissary (or: representative), through means of His agent (or: messenger) He indicated [it] by signs (or: symbols) to (or: in; for) His slave John, ² who witnessed (or: gives testimony and evidence of) the Word of God (or: God’s Logos; the ideas of and thoughts from God), even the witness (testimony; evidence) pertaining to Jesus Christ (or: the martyrdom of Jesus [the] Anointed) – as many things as he saw (or: as much as he saw [of it]). ³ Happy and blessed is the person constantly reading [it] aloud (or: retrieving knowledge from [it in the midst of an assembly]), and those constantly hearing (or: listening and paying attention to; = observing and obeying) the words of the prophecy (or: the messages contained in the light and understanding seen ahead of time) and habitually keeping watch over (guarding; observing) the things having been written within it, for the situation is close at hand (or: for you see, the season, fertile moment and appointed occasion is near – close enough to touch). ⁴ John, to the seven called-out communities (congregations; summoned forth assemblies) within Asia: grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] for and among you) folks from the One continuously existing (or: unceasingly being; Who continuously IS), even the One Who was, and continued being, and the One Who is continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming or going – even from the Seven Spirits (or: Breath-effects; Attitudes) which [are] in front of His throne –

⁴ John, to the seven called-out communities (congregations; summoned forth assemblies) within Asia: grace and peace to you (or: favor and harmony [= shalom] for and among you) folks from the One continuously existing (or: unceasingly being; Who continuously IS), even the One Who was, and continued being, and the One Who is continuously (or: repeatedly; habitually; progressively) coming or going – even from the Seven Spirits (or: Breath-effects; Attitudes) which [are] in front of His throne –

⁸ “I am continuously (or: repeatedly) the Alpha and the Omega, ” says the Lord [= Christ or Yahweh] God, “the One continuously being, even the One Who was and continued being, and the One presently and continuously (or: progressively) coming and going, the Almighty.” (or: The Owner is laying out these thoughts: "I Myself exist being the Alpha and the Omega – the continuously existing God, even the One Who continued existing [as] Being, as well as the One habitually being on the go and repeatedly moving about – the All-Strong.") ⁹ I, John, your brother and joint-participant (or: sharer of common-being/partnered-existence) within the pressure (squeezing; affliction; tribulation; oppression) and kingdom (or: reign; sovereign rule and activity) and persistent remaining-under (steadfast, humble and supportive endurance), in union with (or: within; [Griesbach and other MSS: of; originating in; pertaining to]) Jesus Christ (= [the] Messiah),

¹¹ “What you are presently observing (or: continue seeing) write into a scroll and send [it] to the seven called-out communities (or: summoned-forth congregations): into Ephesus, and into Smyrna, and into Pergamos, and into Thyatira, and into Sardis, and into Philadelphia, and into Laodicea.”

¹¹ “What you are presently observing (or: continue seeing) write into a scroll and send [it] to the seven called-out communities (or: summoned-forth congregations): into Ephesus, and into Smyrna, and into Pergamos, and into Thyatira, and into Sardis, and into Philadelphia, and into Laodicea.” ¹² And so I turned upon the Voice, to see who spoke with me. And upon fully turning around, I saw seven golden lampstands, ¹³ and within the midst of the lampstands, One like a Son of Man (or: a son of mankind; = [the] son of Adam; = like a human being; [or: an eschatological symbol referring to such as in Dan. 7:13 and 10:5-6]), being clothed (or: invested) [with a garment] reaching to the feet; being girded about at the breasts with a golden belt.

¹³ and within the midst of the lampstands, One like a Son of Man (or: a son of mankind; = [the] son of Adam; = like a human being; [or: an eschatological symbol referring to such as in Dan. 7:13 and 10:5-6]), being clothed (or: invested) [with a garment] reaching to the feet; being girded about at the breasts with a golden belt.

¹⁶ Furthermore, [He is] constantly holding (or: having; possessing) [the] seven stars within His right hand, and a sharp two-mouthed (= double-edged) broadsword is continuously (or: repeatedly) proceeding (issuing forth) from out of His mouth. And His appearance (countenance; sight) continually shines as the sun, in its power. ¹⁷ And so when I saw Him, I fell toward His feet, as dead. And He placed His right hand upon me, saying, "Do not be (or: Stop) fearing (Don’t be terrified)! As for Me, I am the First and the Last (or: I Myself continuously exist being the first one as well as the Last One),

¹⁹ "So then, write the things you see (or: saw), and the things presently existing (or: what they are), as well as which things are progressively about to occur (or: are now impending to be coming into existence) after these things.

¹⁹ "So then, write the things you see (or: saw), and the things presently existing (or: what they are), as well as which things are progressively about to occur (or: are now impending to be coming into existence) after these things. ²⁰ "The secret of the seven stars which you saw upon My right hand, and the seven golden lampstands: the seven stars are agents of (or: pertaining to; belonging to; having the qualities and characteristics of; or: folks with a message from) the seven called-out communities, and the seven lampstands are the seven communities (or: summoned-forth congregations)."

¹ "To the agent of (or: For the messenger belonging to; In the person with the message which corresponds to) the called-out community within Ephesus, write: 'The One continuously holding in His strength (or: the One being constantly strong in) the seven stars residing within His right hand, the One continuously walking about within the midst of the seven golden lampstands, continues saying these things:

⁸ "And in and for the agent of (or: to the person with a message pertaining to; cf vs. 1, above) the called-out community within Smyrna, write: 'The First and the Last, the One Who came to be (was birthed) a dead one and lives (or: lived), is presently saying these things: ⁹ I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your works (deeds; actions) and pressure (squeezing; tribulation) and poverty – but rather, you are rich – and the blasphemy (slanderous speech; hindering of light) of those declaring themselves to be Jews – and yet they are not – but rather [are] a gathering-together (a synagogue) of the adversary (Greek: of satan; or: which is satan; or: from the adversary). ¹⁰ Do not be habitually fearing things which you are about to experience (or: to suffer; in which you are about to have sensible experience). Consider: the one who thrusts-through (the one who casts adversity through your midst; the devil) is about to thrust some from among you into prison (or: jail), so that you may be tried (put to the proof), and you will continue having pressure (squeezing; tribulation) [for] ten days. Progressively come to be a faithful and reliable person (or: You must be being birthed a trusting and loyal one) until death, and I will continue giving Life’s wreath to you (or: for you the wreath of The Life; or: the victor’s symbol, which is life in you).'

¹² "And in (or: to; for) the agent of (person with the message corresponding to; cf vs. 1, above) the called-out community within Pergamos, write: 'The One constantly holding (having) the sharp, two-mouthed broadsword is presently laying out and saying these things:

¹⁶ You must change your mind (your way of thinking), therefore! Yet if not, I am repeatedly (habitually) coming swiftly in you (to you; for you) [again: you, singular], and I will proceed waging war (do battle) with them within the broadsword of My mouth.'

¹⁸ "And to (or: in; for) the agent and message-bearer of the called-out community in Thyatira, write: 'The Son of God, the One having His eyes as a flame of fire and His feet like burnished (or: white) brass (bronze; fine copper), presently says these things:

¹ "Next, to (or: in; for) the agent of (or: messenger from; person with the message pertaining to) the called-out community within Sardis, write: 'The One having (or: holding) the seven spirits and attitudes of God – and (or: even) the seven stars – is presently saying these things, I have seen, and thus know (am aware of) your works (actions; deeds) [and] that you have a name (= reputation) that you are living, and yet you are dead!

⁷ "And so to the agent and message-bearer of the called-out community in Philadelphia, write: 'The Set-apart One (The Holy One; The Saint), the True One, the One having (continuously holding) David’s Key, the One habitually opening – and no one keeps on shutting (or: locking) – and He is repeatedly shutting (locking) – and no one keeps on opening – [Isa. 22:22] He, is presently saying these things,

¹⁰ Because you keep watch over (observe; preserve; guard) the Word of My patient endurance (of My remaining-under), I, also, will continue keeping watch over (observing; preserving; guarding) you from out of the hour of the putting to the proof (or: trial; test) which is presently about to be progressively coming upon the whole territory where folks normally dwell (or: inhabited land), to put to the proof (to test, try and put through an ordeal) those continually dwelling down in houses upon the Land (or: inhabiting the territory).'

¹⁴ "And then, to (or: in; for) the agent of (or: messenger from; person having the message with regard to) the called-out community within Laodicea, write: 'The Amen (The It-is-so), the Faithful (or: Trustworthy, Reliable) and True Witness, the Beginning of God's Creation (or: the Origin of God’s creation; the First Place or Corner of God’s Framing; the Beginning of God’s act of building and founding; the Beginning of God’s act of reducing from a state of wildness and disorder) is presently saying these things,

¹ After these things I saw (or: perceived) – and now consider this! – A door (or: gate; entrance; portal), having been opened (thus: standing open) within the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky). And the first sound (or: voice) which I hear (or: heard) [is; was] as a war-trumpet talking with me, saying, "Come up here (Ascend to this place), and I will proceed showing you what things it is necessary (binding) to birth (to come to be in existence) after these things."

¹ After these things I saw (or: perceived) – and now consider this! – A door (or: gate; entrance; portal), having been opened (thus: standing open) within the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky). And the first sound (or: voice) which I hear (or: heard) [is; was] as a war-trumpet talking with me, saying, "Come up here (Ascend to this place), and I will proceed showing you what things it is necessary (binding) to birth (to come to be in existence) after these things."

¹ After these things I saw (or: perceived) – and now consider this! – A door (or: gate; entrance; portal), having been opened (thus: standing open) within the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky). And the first sound (or: voice) which I hear (or: heard) [is; was] as a war-trumpet talking with me, saying, "Come up here (Ascend to this place), and I will proceed showing you what things it is necessary (binding) to birth (to come to be in existence) after these things." ² And then, immediately, I in myself came to exist within spirit (or: in myself I came to be within [the] Spirit; I birthed myself in union with a Breath-effect) – and now consider this! – A throne being laid down and lying within the atmosphere (or: heaven), and upon the throne [was] One continuously sitting.

² And then, immediately, I in myself came to exist within spirit (or: in myself I came to be within [the] Spirit; I birthed myself in union with a Breath-effect) – and now consider this! – A throne being laid down and lying within the atmosphere (or: heaven), and upon the throne [was] One continuously sitting. ³ And the One continuously sitting [was; is] for appearance (or: to [my] vision) like a jasper stone and a carnelian. And a rainbow, similar in appearance to an emerald, [was; is] around the throne. ⁴ Next, around (or: encircling) the throne, [were; are] twenty-four thrones, and upon the thrones, twenty-four elders (or: old people) continuously sitting, having been clothed in white garments. And upon their heads [were; are] golden wreaths (symbols of having won in a contest, or of festal celebration). ⁵ Also – forth from out of the throne – lightnings and voices (or: sounds) and thunders repeatedly (or: continuously) proceed out. Furthermore, [there were] seven shining ones (or: lamps; lights; torches) of fire, which are the Seven Spirits of God (or: God’s seven Breath-effects), being continuously caused to burn before the throne.

⁵ Also – forth from out of the throne – lightnings and voices (or: sounds) and thunders repeatedly (or: continuously) proceed out. Furthermore, [there were] seven shining ones (or: lamps; lights; torches) of fire, which are the Seven Spirits of God (or: God’s seven Breath-effects), being continuously caused to burn before the throne. ⁶ And before the throne [is; was] a sea as of glass (or: as a glassy sea), like clear ice (or: crystal). Then, within the middle of the throne, and in a circle around the throne [were; are] four living ones (or: living beings) continuously being full of eyes in front and behind: ⁷ the first living one resembling a lion, the second living one resembling a calf (or: young bullock), the third living one has a man’s face, and the fourth living one resembles a flying vulture (or: eagle). [Ezk. 1:5-10] ⁸ And the four living ones (or: living beings), each one of them having six wings apiece [Isa. 6:2], are continuously full of eyes in a circle around and internally; and day and night they continuously have no rest (or: intermission), constantly (or: repeatedly) saying, "Set-apart, Set-apart, Set-apart (Consecrated; Holy; Sacred)! O Lord [= Yahweh] God, The All-strong (the Almighty; the Strong Holder-of-all) [Isa. 6:3; Amos 3:13; 4:13] – the One Who was and continued being, the continuously Existing One, even the One continuously (habitually; repeatedly; progressively) coming or going (= the One constantly on the move)."

⁸ And the four living ones (or: living beings), each one of them having six wings apiece [Isa. 6:2], are continuously full of eyes in a circle around and internally; and day and night they continuously have no rest (or: intermission), constantly (or: repeatedly) saying, "Set-apart, Set-apart, Set-apart (Consecrated; Holy; Sacred)! O Lord [= Yahweh] God, The All-strong (the Almighty; the Strong Holder-of-all) [Isa. 6:3; Amos 3:13; 4:13] – the One Who was and continued being, the continuously Existing One, even the One continuously (habitually; repeatedly; progressively) coming or going (= the One constantly on the move)." ⁹ And whenever the living ones will repeatedly give glory and honor (or: value; respect) and thanks (gratitude; good favor) to the One continuously sitting upon the throne – to the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages,

⁹ And whenever the living ones will repeatedly give glory and honor (or: value; respect) and thanks (gratitude; good favor) to the One continuously sitting upon the throne – to the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages, ¹⁰ the twenty-four elders (or: older people) will repeatedly fall before the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and will continue worshiping (kissing toward) the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages, and they will proceed casting their wreaths (symbols of victory or celebration) before the throne, repeatedly saying, ¹¹ "You are constantly worthy (or: of equal value), our Lord [= Yahweh] and God, to receive (or: take) the glory (or: the reputation; ‘the opinion which is based on the whole of human experience’ – Paul Tillich), and the honor, and the power, because You create all things (or: You brought the whole from chaos, disorder and wildness to framed and founded order), and because of Your will, intent and purpose, they were and continued being, and they are (or: were) framed and created."

¹¹ "You are constantly worthy (or: of equal value), our Lord [= Yahweh] and God, to receive (or: take) the glory (or: the reputation; ‘the opinion which is based on the whole of human experience’ – Paul Tillich), and the honor, and the power, because You create all things (or: You brought the whole from chaos, disorder and wildness to framed and founded order), and because of Your will, intent and purpose, they were and continued being, and they are (or: were) framed and created."

⁶ And then within the midst of the throne and of the four living ones, and within the midst of the elders, I saw a little Lamb standing, as one having been slaughtered, having seven horns and seven eyes – which are the Seven Spirits of God (or: God’s seven Breath-effects/Attitudes): the Ones having been and still being sent forth as envoys (representatives) into all the Land (or: earth) –

¹⁰ "And You made (or: make; form; construct) them [minuscule 792, the Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasius (sixth century) read: us] kings [other MSS: a kingdom] and priests in (for; to; by) our God, and they [the Armenian, Clementia Vulgate (1592) and Primasiua read: we] continue reigning [reading with Westcott & Hort (following A); other MSS: they will reign] upon the Land (or: the earth)."

¹² repeatedly saying with a great voice, "The little Lamb, the One having been slaughtered, is worthy (of value) to take (receive) the power and ability, as well as wealth and riches, and wisdom and strength and honor and glory (or: reputation) and blessing." ¹³ And all creation (or: every creature) which exists within the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), and on the earth, even down under the earth (or: ground; soil), as well as which is upon the sea – even all things (the whole; everything) within them – I heard repeatedly saying, "The blessing and the honor and the glory (good reputation) and the strength (might) [are] in (by; for; to; with) the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and in (by; to; for) the little Lamb, on into the ages of the ages." ¹⁴ And then the four living ones say (or: said), "It is so (Amen)!" And the elders fall (or: the older people fell [forward]) and worship (or: worshiped; kissed the hand toward [the throne] and paid homage).

¹⁴ And then the four living ones say (or: said), "It is so (Amen)!" And the elders fall (or: the older people fell [forward]) and worship (or: worshiped; kissed the hand toward [the throne] and paid homage).

⁹ Then when He opened the fifth seal, I saw, down under the altar of burnt-offering, the souls of the folks having been slaughtered [as in sacrifice] because of the Word of God (or: God’s message), and because of the witness (testimony; evidence) which they were holding (or: continued to have).

¹⁵ And the kings of the Land (or: earth), and the great ones, and the commanders of thousands, and the wealthy (rich) folks, and the strong ones, and every slave, and every free one, [all] hid themselves into the caves and into the midst of the rocks of the mountains, ¹⁶ repeatedly saying to the mountains and to the rocks, "Fall upon us and hide us [Hos. 10:8] from the Face of the One continuously sitting upon the throne, and from the inherent fervor (natural impulse and propensity; internal swelling and teeming passion of desire; or: anger, wrath and indignation) of the little Lamb." ¹⁷ Because the great Day of their [other MSS: His] inherent fervor (internal swelling emotion, teeming and passionate desire; impulse; or: anger, wrath and indignation; or: natural bent) comes (or: came), and who (which one) is continuously able (or: continues having power) to be made to stand (or: to be established)?

¹⁴ And I had spoken to him, "O, my lord, you have seen, and thus know, " and so he said to me, "These are the ones continuously coming forth from out of the midst of great pressure (squeezing; ordeal; tribulation), and they washed their robes (uniforms; equipment) and made them bright and white within the little Lamb’s blood.

¹ And then the fifth agent (messenger) sounded a trumpet, and I saw a star – having fallen from out of the sky (or: heaven) into the Land (earth) – and the key of the well (cistern; shaft; pit) of The Deep was given to him. [note: the abyss, or, the Deep; that which is very deep so as to be considered bottomless; used in Gen. 1:2 (LXX), “darkness {was} up upon (or: over) the Deep, and God’s Spirit was bearing (conducting) Himself over upon the water;” used of “the fountains of the Deep” in Gen. 8:2 (LXX); of “springs of the Deep” in Deut. 8:7; used in Deut. 33:13 (LXX), “And to Joseph he said, ‘His land is of the blessing... from the springs of the Deep below;’” and in Ps. 104:2-6 (LXX), “Who dost robe Thyself with light as a garment.... Who covers His chambers with waters; Who makes the clouds His chariot... The Deep, as a garment, is His covering;” Ps. 107:23-26 (LXX), “They that go down to the sea.... these have seen the works of the Lord, and His wonders in The Deep;” Ps. 148:7, 8, “... and all Deeps.... the things continually performing His Word;” Isa. 63:13, “He led them through the Deep, as a horse through the wilderness...”]

¹ Next I saw a Strong Agent (other MSS: another Agent, a Strong One) progressively descending (stepping down) from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven) – having been clothed with a cloud, and the rainbow upon His head, and His face as the sun, and His feet as pillars of fire

³ Then He uttered a cry with (or: by) a great Voice, even as a Lion is roaring. And when He uttered a cry (or: cried out), the Seven Thunders uttered their own voices. ⁴ And when the Seven Thunders spoke (gave utterance), I was about to be writing and I heard a Voice from out of the atmosphere (or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "You must seal (or: = seal up and keep from being disclosed; place a seal on) what the Seven Thunders uttered (spoke), " and "You may not write these things."

⁴ And when the Seven Thunders spoke (gave utterance), I was about to be writing and I heard a Voice from out of the atmosphere (or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "You must seal (or: = seal up and keep from being disclosed; place a seal on) what the Seven Thunders uttered (spoke), " and "You may not write these things." ⁵ And the Agent, Whom I saw standing upon the sea and upon the land, lifted up His right hand into the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), ⁶ and swore (affirmed or promised with an oath) within (or: in union with) the One continuously living on into the ages of the ages (or: the Ages belonging to & pertaining to the ages; or: = the foremost of all the ages) – Who framed (created; founded; reduced from a state of disorder and wilderness) the atmosphere (or: heaven; sky), and the things within it, and the land (or: earth; ground), and the things within her, and the sea, and the things within her – that a time shall not longer be (or: that time will not further be; that {a} time will not still exist; = there will be no delay; = there will be no longer a time of delay); ⁷ but rather, within the days of the Seventh Agent, whenever he may be about to repeatedly sound a trumpet, God's secret (the secret, or mystery, of God or which pertains to God) is also completed (reached its goal and purposed destiny; finished; concluded; ended) as proclaimed as good news to (or: as He announced the message of goodness to) His own slaves, the prophets [other MSS: His own slaves, and the prophets]. ⁸ Then the Voice, which I heard from out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), is speaking again with me, and is saying, "Be going (departing), take (or: receive with the hand; seize) the tiny scroll – the one having been opened up within the Agent's hand, Who has taken a stand upon the sea and upon the land."

⁷ Now whenever they may complete (finish; make an end of) their witness (or: testimony), the little animal (or: beast) – the one repeatedly climbing up (or: ascending) out of the Deep – will proceed making war (or: do battle) with them, and will progressively overcome (or: conquer) them, and then will proceed in killing them.

¹⁵ Next the seventh agent sounded a trumpet, and great (or: loud) voices of themselves came to be (birthed themselves; occurred of themselves) within the sky (or: atmosphere; heaven), continuously saying, "The reign of the ordered System (of the world of religion, culture, government and economy; or: of the realm of the religious and secular) suddenly came to belong to our Lord [= Yahweh or Christ] and to the anointed of Him (or: The kingdom of the arranged system at once became our Lord’s and His Christ’s; The rule as king which pertains to the world, was birthed to be the possession of [Yahweh], as well as of His Anointed), and so He will continue reigning (ruling as King) on into the ages (or: indefinite time periods) of the ages [other MSS add: So it is (Amen)]."

¹⁷ repeatedly saying, "We are continuously grateful (thankful) for You (or: we continuously give You thanks), Lord [= Yahweh] God, the One of All Strength (the Almighty, Omnipotent One), the One continuously existing (or: being), even the One Who was continuously existing (being), because You have taken – so that You have in Your hand – Your great power and ability, and You reign (rule as King)."

¹ Next a great sign was seen within the atmosphere (or: sky; or: heaven): a Woman having been clothed (cast around) with the sun, and the moon down under her feet, and a wreath of twelve stars upon her head.

¹¹ And they at once overcame (or: at some point overcome; conquer) him because of the blood of the little Lamb, and (or: even) because of the word (or: message; Word; Logos) of their witness (evidence; testimony) – and they love not (or: did not love) their soul (soul-life; inner self; personhood) even to (or: until) death.

¹⁷ And so the dragon was enraged (is angered; swells with agitation of soul) upon the Woman and went away (or: goes off) to make war (do battle) with the remaining ones (the rest; those left) of her seed (= offspring) – those continuously keeping (guarding; observing) God's implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward directives) and continuously holding the testimony of Jesus (or: having the evidence about and having the character of Jesus).

¹⁰ If anyone (or: a certain one) [is; is destined] into captivity, into captivity he is repeatedly (continuously; presently) departing [Griesbach's text adds sunagei, so would read: If anyone is continuously gathering (bringing together) a captive host, into captivity he is proceeding to undergo]. If anyone (or: a certain one) is continually killing with a sword, it is necessary for him to be killed with a sword. The patient and persistent endurance (or: the steadfast, humble and supportive remaining-under) and the reliability and faith of the set-apart ones (or: trust and loyal confidence of the holy folks) continually exists here.

² Then I heard a voice (or: sound) out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), as a voice (or: sound) of many waters, and as a voice (or: sound) of a great thunder. And the voice (sound) which I heard [was] as lyre-singers, continuously playing their lyres (or: harps).

¹² Here (or: In this place) exists (or: is) the persistent and patient endurance (the steadfast, humble remaining-under for support) of the set-apart folks (or: from the saints) – the people continually keeping watch upon (guarding, observing, having custody over) God's implanted goals (impartations of the finished product within; inward purposed directives) and the faith of Jesus (or: the trust pertaining to Jesus; the loyalty belonging to Jesus; the faith which belongs to and comes from Jesus; the conviction which is Jesus; the reliability of and from Jesus). ¹³ Next I heard a voice out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), saying, "Write: 'From the present moment (from this time; from now; henceforth) the dead ones [are] blessed (happy) folks – those continuously dying within the Lord!'" "Yes, indeed, " the Spirit continues saying, "to the end that they may rest themselves from out of their wearisome labor (travail; toilsome exhaustion), for their works (actions; deeds) are continually following together with them." [Sinaiticus & p47 omit nai, "yes, indeed, " so an alternate rendering would be: "Happy {are} the dead ones – those continuously dying in the Lord! Henceforth, the Spirit says that they may rest, for their actions follow with them.”] ¹⁴ And I saw, and look: a bright, white cloud. And upon the cloud One like a son of man (= a human; or: = the eschatological Messiah figure) continually sitting, having a golden wreath upon His head and a sharp sickle (instrument for cutting off, cropping and harvesting) in his hand.

¹⁴ And I saw, and look: a bright, white cloud. And upon the cloud One like a son of man (= a human; or: = the eschatological Messiah figure) continually sitting, having a golden wreath upon His head and a sharp sickle (instrument for cutting off, cropping and harvesting) in his hand. ¹⁵ Then another agent (or: messenger) came forth out of the Temple, repeatedly crying out in a great voice to the One sitting upon the cloud, "You must send Your sickle and You must reap (gather in the harvest), because the hour to reap comes (or: came), because the harvest of the Land (or: earth) is dried (parched; withered; thus: = ripened)." ¹⁶ And the One continuously sitting upon the cloud cast (or: thrusts) His sickle upon the Land (or: earth) – and the Land (or: earth) was reaped!

⁶ and the seven agents – those continuously holding the seven plagues (smitings) – came out of the Temple, being clothed with bright, clean (unsoiled, pure) linen [other MSS: liqon, stone], and having been bound with a girdle around the breasts [with] golden girdles.

¹⁴ – for they are spirits (or: breath-effects; attitudes) of demons (a Hellenistic concept and term: = from animistic influences), continually doing (making; constructing; performing) signs – which are continuously going out (marching forth) upon the kings of the whole inhabited land, to assemble them (bring them together) into the battle (combat, war) of that great Day of the All-Strong (Omnipotent) God.

³ And he carried me away, in spirit (or: within [the] Spirit; in union with a Breath-effect), into a desert. And I saw a woman continuously sitting (or: seated) upon a crimson (or: scarlet) little wild animal (or: beast), [which was] continuously loaded (freighted) with names of blasphemy (which hinder light; of injurious, abusive slander; or: from a misrepresented image), having seven heads and ten horns.

¹⁴ "These will proceed waging war (or: do battle) with the little Lamb, and the little Lamb will progressively overcome (subdue; conquer) them because He is LORD of lords and KING of kings, and the ones with Him are CALLED ONES and CHOSEN ONES and FAITHFUL ONES (or: trusting folks; people filled with faith; loyal ones)."

¹⁵ "The merchants of these things – those becoming rich from her – will proceed standing away at a distance, because of the fear of her testing (examination) with the touchstone, continually weeping and mourning, ¹⁶ "saying repeatedly, 'Woe, tragic [is] the great city – the one being clothed in fine cotton and purple and crimson (scarlet), and being overlaid (gilded; adorned) in gold and precious stone and pearls – because in one hour so much wealth (so great riches) is (or: was) laid waste (made desolate; made as a desert).' ¹⁷ "And every navigator (helmsman; one who steers), and everyone repeatedly (habitually) sailing upon a place, and sailors (ship men; seamen; mariners), and as many as are continually working the sea, stand (or: stood) away at a distance, ¹⁸ "and, continuously observing the smoke of her burning, they were crying out, repeatedly saying, 'What [exists] like the Great City?' ¹⁹ "And they cast dust (loose earth) upon their heads, and were uttering cries, continually weeping and mourning, repeatedly saying, 'Woe, tragic [is] the Great City in which all those having ships in the sea became rich from out of her valuable merchandise (or: preciousness; estimated worth; imputed value), because in one hour she was laid waste (made like a desert).' ²⁰ "Continually rejoice (be made glad) upon her, O Atmosphere (Sky; Heaven), even the set-apart ones and the envoys and the prophets, because God decided and executed (or: judges; makes a distinction by separating) your sentence (effect of judgment; law-suit; decision-result) from out of her."

¹ After these things I heard – as it were a great voice of a large crowd – folks in the atmosphere (or: heaven) repeatedly saying, "Hallelujah (Praise Yahweh)!: the Deliverance (Salvation) and the Glory and the Power of, from and which is our God! ² "Because His judgings (decisions and administrations of justice; judicial processes; separations and evaluations according to the Way pointed out) [are] true ones and fair (equitable; just; rightwised) ones, because He judged (or: judges) the Great Prostitute – anyone who was spoiling (ruining; corrupting) the Land (or: earth) within her prostitution (or: fornication; = idolatry) – and He restored a rightwised situation of equity in fairness for (or: avenges; vindicates; executes the right for) the blood of His slaves from out of her hand." ³ Then a second time they have said, "Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)!" And so the smoke from her goes on rising up on into (or: progressively ascends into the midst of) the ages of the ages (or: crowning time-periods of the ages; indefinite eras which comprise the ages).

⁶ Next I heard as a voice of a large crowd, and as a sound of many waters, even as a sound of strong thunders saying, "Praise Yahweh (Hallelujah)! Because the Lord [= Yahweh] our God, the Almighty, reigns!

⁹ And then he is saying to me, "Write: 'Blessed (Happy) ones [are] the folks having been called (the summoned ones; those being invited) into the wedding supper (meal) of the little Lamb.'" He also is saying to me, "These are the true Words of (or: real thoughts and messages from) God!" ¹⁰ And so I fell before his feet to worship him, and he is saying to me, "See and perceive! No! (= Don't do that!) I am your fellow-slave and [am] from among your brothers (or: = even belonging to [a group of] your fellow believers) – the ones constantly holding (having) the witness of (or: the testimony pertaining to, and the evidence about) Jesus – Give worship to God! You see, the evidence of (or: testimony pertaining to; witness about) Jesus is the spirit of The Prophecy (or: For the Breath-effect which is prophecy is the evidence for, and comes from, Jesus)."

¹² And His eyes [are] a flame of fire; and upon His head [are] many diadems (kingly bands), having a name having been written [other MSS: having names written, and a name] which no one knows except Himself,

¹⁵ Also, a sharp two-edged broadsword repeatedly goes out (issues forth; proceeds) from His mouth, to the end that in it He may smite (or: strike) the multitudes (nations; ethnic groups). And He will continue shepherding them with an iron staff. Furthermore He is continually treading, [as on a path], (or: trampling) the tub (the wine vat) of the wine of the strong passion of the internal swelling fervor (natural impulse; mental bent; personal emotion; or: indignation; wrath) of the All-Strong (Almighty) God. ¹⁶ And upon His garment and upon [His] thigh He has a Name having been written: "King of kings and Lord of lords."

²¹ And the remaining ones (the rest; the ones left) were killed off in the broadsword coming out of the mouth of Him who is continuously sitting upon the horse. And all the birds were fed until satisfied from out of their flesh.

¹ Next I saw an Agent progressively descending out of the atmosphere (or: sky; heaven), continually holding (or: presently having) the key of the Deep (or: the abyss) and [there was] a great chain upon His hand. ² And He seizes (or: put a power-hold on) the dragon, the primeval (ancient; original) serpent, who is a false accuser and the adversary (or: a devil, even satan), and He binds (or: bound) it (or: him) "a thousand years."

⁶ Blessed and happy and set-apart (holy) [is] the one holding (or: having) a divided part (a piece) within the first resurrection (rising up) – upon these the second death has no authority (does not continue holding right or privilege), but rather, they will continue being priests belonging to God and to the Christ (or: priests pertaining to God and the Anointed One; or: God’s, even Christ’s, priests; or: priests from God and Christ), and they will continue reigning with Him a [other MSS: the] thousand years.

¹⁴ Next the Death and the Unseen (or: = the grave) are cast (or: were thrown) into the lake (or: basin; artificial pool) of the Fire (or: the marshy area where there is fire). This is the second death: the lake of the Fire (or: the basin which is fire).

² And then I saw the set-apart (or: holy) city, a new Jerusalem, continuously (or: progressively) descending from out of the atmosphere (or: presently stepping down out of the midst of the sky; or: steadily stepping in accord, forth from heaven), [coming] from God, being prepared (having been made ready) as a bride, being arranged (having been set in order; adorned; decorated) for (or: by) her man (husband; a male person of full age and stature).

⁵ And then the One (or: He [who is]) continuously sitting upon the throne said, "Consider this! I am presently making all things new (or: habitually creating everything [to be] new and fresh; progressively forming [the] whole anew; or, reading panta as masculine: periodically making all humanity new; progressively creating every person anew; constantly constructing all people fresh and new; continuously renewing everyone)!" Next He is saying [to me], "Write, because these words are dependable (or: faithful) ones and true ones (ones full of faith and realities)." ⁶ Then He said to me, "They have come into being (been born; come to be) and stand accomplished (are produced) [Concordant Gr. Text reads, with Sinaiticus: I have become (been born)!; Griesbach reads gegone: It has been done; Rotherham simply says: Accomplished; Barclay, Young, Beck, NASB, NKJV, Amplified all read w/Griesbach; Weymouth, Williams, Wuest, Robertson & Vincent read w/the Nestle-Aland & Metzger Text, gegonan (3rd. per. pl.)]! I am the Alpha and the Omega: The Beginning (Origin; Source; Headship; First Principle) and The End (The Goal; Consummation; The Finished Product; The Destiny; The Purpose). "To him who is continuously thirsty, I will continue giving from out of the spring (or: fountain) of the Water of the Life, as an undeserved (free) gift (or: I will freely continue giving...).

¹⁰ Next he carried (or: carries) me away, in spirit (or: in the midst of a Breath-effect), upon a great and high mountain, and showed (points out to) me the set-apart (or: holy) city, Jerusalem, progressively (or: habitually; or: presently) descending out of the atmosphere (or: heaven), from God

²² And I did not see an inner sanctuary [= the holy place, or places, of the Temple] within her, for the Lord [=Yahweh], Almighty (All-Strong) God, even the little Lamb, is her inner sanctuary (or: dwelling place).

⁴ and will constantly see His face, and His Name [is; or: will be] upon their foreheads.

⁶ Then he said to me, "These words are faithful ones and true ones, and the Lord [= Yahweh], the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent (or: sends) His agent with a commission (as an envoy) to show (point out; exhibit) to His slaves things which of necessity must (it is binding to) come into being (be birthed; happen, occur) in speed (swiftness, quickness, – so Lexicons; but Wuest, Williams, Barclay, Lattimore, Beck, Goodspeed, NEB translate this phrase: soon; others give: shortly).

⁶ Then he said to me, "These words are faithful ones and true ones, and the Lord [= Yahweh], the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent (or: sends) His agent with a commission (as an envoy) to show (point out; exhibit) to His slaves things which of necessity must (it is binding to) come into being (be birthed; happen, occur) in speed (swiftness, quickness, – so Lexicons; but Wuest, Williams, Barclay, Lattimore, Beck, Goodspeed, NEB translate this phrase: soon; others give: shortly). ⁷ "And consider this! I am continuously (habitually; repeatedly) coming quickly (swiftly). Blessed (Happy) [is] the one continuously keeping (actively observing; watching over) the words (or: messages; thoughts and ideas) of the prophecy of this scroll."

¹⁰ Next he is saying to me, "Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this scroll, for the season (fitting situation) is progressively near (or: continues existing close at hand).

¹² "Consider this! I am continuously (habitually; progressively) coming quickly (swiftly), and My wage (reward for work; compensation; recompense) [is] with Me, to give back (give away; render; pay) to each one as his work is (= what he deserves). ¹³ "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning (Origin; Source; Headship) and the End (Goal; Finished Product; Purposed Destiny).

¹⁶ "I, Jesus, sent (or: send) My agent to bear witness to you people [concerning] these things [being imposed] upon the called-out communities (or: to testify these things to, by or in you, over the [situation of the] summoned-forth assemblies). I am (I continuously exist being) the Root and the Offspring (Race; Genus) of David, The Bright (Radiant) Morning Star.

²⁰ The One continuously testifying these things is saying, "Yes, I am continuously (or: habitually; repeatedly; or: presently) coming quickly (swiftly; promptly)!" Amen (So be it; It is so; Count on it). Be continuously coming (or: repeatedly coming and going), Lord Jesus!