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HOW CAN THIS WEB PAGE BE HELPFUL TO YOU? This weekly Bible study aid is intended to provide optional research resources that can be used to more deeply explore the three components of the current Christian Science Quarterly Bible Lesson: the Bible, and Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures (S&H), and the Christian Science Quarterly. The BibleTexts Website study aids enable students to read the Bible Lesson's biblical texts with a more accurate understanding of what the original Hebrew and Greek texts said. (See S&H 24:4; S&H 139:15; No and Yes 15:7-12) This aid also enables students to explore additional references in the Bible and in the writings of Mary Baker Eddy that shed further light on the value of the biblical citations in the Bible Lesson.

New Testament textual commentary contained on this Web page is based upon a word-by-word comparison, in Greek, of (a) the Greek New Testament used in 1611 by the KJV translators and (b) the United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament (Third Edition and/or Fourth Revised Edition), which is widely regarded today as the definitive, best representation of the original New Testament text. Also on this Web page, the footnotes beneath the Bible verses list many cross-references to other Bible verses and pages in Mary Baker Eddy's writings that quote, allude to, or relate to the Bible Lesson's biblical citations.

The footnoted bold, unlined words (such as to:, omit:, and add:) indicate places where corrections of the Greek text resulted in noticeable changes in the English translation, as compared with the KJV wording. There are many additional places where the KJV's Greek text needs corrections but where also the corrections make no noticeable difference in the meaning of the text. For more details about this Web page, browse or click on http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/BT-info.html.

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The "Footnotes Only" text file, in Concord notebook-file format

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE TEXT FILE? The downloadable "Footnotes Only" text file is based on this BibleTexts Web page, and it designed for use with Concord. On this BibleTexts study aid, the footnotes beneath each Bible verse list many cross-references to other Bible verses and pages in Mary Baker Eddy's writings that quote, allude to, or relate to the corresponding Bible Lesson's biblical citations. The downloadable text file lists all of those cross-references, so that you can use Concord to easily read and study those cross-references. (This will save you either from page-flippping in the paper-based books or from manually typing the references into a Concord notebook file.)

WHEN IS THE FOOTNOTES ONLY TEXT FILE POSTED EACH WEEK? The "FOOTNOTES  ONLY" text file is usually first posted at ftp://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/BT-File-ThisWeek.txt by midnight on Monday of the week of the corresponding Bible Lesson. If the text file is ready early, it is posted at ftp://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/BT-File-NextWeek.txt. To retrieve the text file, simply begin by browsing or clicking on the appropriate underlined address in this paragraph. This week it was last modified on Tuesday, 2/3/98, at 12:30 pm (USA East Coast Time).

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Acknowledgements of the Bible versions and footnotes used below

TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION (TEV) HEADING AND WHOLE PARAGRAPHS. (Copyright 1976, 1992, American Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Since the two software editions of the TEV both use the 1976 edition, usually the TEV texts are taken from the 1976 edition. The 1992 edition is used only when it provides a significantly clearer translation. The Bible texts directly corresponding with the KJV texts in the Bible Lesson are printed below in non-indented, non-italicized, larger bold letters.)

STRONG'S NUMBERS FOR HEBREW AND GREEK WORDS WITHIN THE KJV TEXT. (From the ABS Reference Bible CDROM, American Bible Society. Used by permission.) Strong's numbers are enclosed in <> and identify the Hebrew or Greek word from which the English word was translated. French brackets {} indicate verse numbers. [_] <-> indicates places where words are missing in the KJV text due to missing words in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated. Textual corrections are explained in the footnotes below the verses. These also sometimes include Strong's numbers. For a listing of some helpful Bible study resources that are keyed to the Strong's number system, browse or click on http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/Strongs.html.

FOOTNOTES: TEXTUAL AND EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY AND CROSS-REFERENCES. Biblical cross references either were taken from various American Bible Society materials or are based upon original research done by Robert Nguyen Cramer (RNC). All commentary and cross-references to the writings of Mary Baker Eddy were done by RNC, unless otherwise noted. Acomprehensive listing of biblical cross-references may be found in Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge, which is available from bookstores in hardback or from Logos Research Systems, Inc. in their Logos Bible Software. Additional resources used in the preparation of this Web page are described in the bibliography.

"The Coming of Jesus" (TEV) - 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, "Come!" Everyone who hears this must also say, "Come!" Come, whoever is thirsty; accept the water of life as a gift, whoever wants it.

{17} And the Spirit <4151> and the bride <3565> say <3004>, Come <2064>. And let him that heareth <191> say <2036>, Come <2064>. And let him that is athirst <1372> come <2064>. And whosoever <3588> will <2309>, let him take <2983> the water <5204> of life <2222> freely <1432>.

• Rev 22:17 - ATHIRST... WATER OF LIFE {see also Rev 21:6; 22:1; S&H 548:1; S&H 570:14; Mis 324:28; No v:8; Pul 14:14}

"The LORD's Servant" (TEV) - 5 God created the heavens and stretched them out; he fashioned the earth and all that lives there; he gave life and breath to all its people. And now the LORD God says to his servant, 6 "I, the LORD, have called you and given you power to see that justice is done on earth. Through you I will make a covenant with all peoples; through you I will bring light to the nations. 7 You will open the eyes of the blind and set free those who sit in dark prisons. 8 "I alone am the LORD your God. No other god may share my glory; I will not let idols share my praise. 9 The things I predicted have now come true. Now I will tell you of new things even before they begin to happen."

{5} Thus <03541> saith <0559> God <0410> the LORD <03068>, he that created <01254> the heavens <08064>, and stretched <05186> them out; he that spread <07554> forth the earth <0776>, and that which cometh <06631> out of it; he that giveth <05414> breath <05397> unto the people <05971> upon it, and spirit <07307> to them that walk <01980> therein: {6} I the LORD <03068> have called <07121> thee in righteousness <06664>, and will hold <02388> thine hand <03027>, and will keep <05341> thee, and give <05414> thee for a covenant <01285> of the people <05971>, for a light <0216> of the Gentiles <01471>; {7} To open <06491> the blind <05787> eyes <05869>, to bring <03318> out the prisoners <0616> from the prison <04525>, [and] them that sit <03427> in darkness <02822> out of the prison <03608> house <01004>.

{9} Behold <02009>, the former <07223> things are come <0935> to pass, and new <02319> things do I declare <05046>: before <02962> they spring <06779> forth I tell <08085> you of them.

• Isa 42:5 - {see also Gen 1:1-31}
• Isa 42:7 - OPEN THE BLIND EYES {see also Isa 29:18; 35:5; 42:16; Psa 146:8; Mat 11:5; Luk 4:18;Luk 13:16; Joh 9:39; Act 26:15,17,18; Rev 3:17-19; S&H 49:1; S&H 221:23; S&H 443:22; S&H 451:19-26; S&H 570:30-10; Mis 48:13; Mis 210:27; Mis 211:3-7; Mis 212:24; Mis 277:13-24; Mis 307:15; Mis 362:8-13; Mis 368:3-6; Ret 64:24; Pul 14:29-11 (to .); My 270:24-27}
• Isa 42:7 - BRING OUT FROM THE PRISON/DARKNESS {see also Isa 42:22; 49:9; 61:1; Psa 107:9-16; 146:7; Zec 9:11,12; Luk 4:18,19; 2Ti 2:24-26; Heb 2:14,15; 1Pe 2:9; S&H 114:23-29; S&H 202:6; S&H 203:17-19; S&H 251:30-32; S&H 366:30; S&H 371:14; S&H 431:13-442:15; S&H 495:6; S&H 516:12-13,16 2nd The; Mis 124:12-18; Mis 130:27; Mis 262:19; Mis 275:17; Mis 340:26; My 110:18; My 117:13}

"The LORD Prepares to Rescue His People" (TEV) - 20 The LORD says to his people, "I will come to Jerusalem to defend you and to save all of you that turn from your sins. 21 And I make a covenant with you: I have given you my power and my teachings to be yours forever, and from now on you are to obey me and teach your children and your descendants to obey me for all time to come."

{20} And the Redeemer <01350> shall come <0935> to Zion <06726>, and unto them that turn <07725> from transgression <06588> in Jacob <03290>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>. {21} As for me, this <02063> [is] my covenant <01285> with them, saith <0559> the LORD <03068>; My spirit <07307> that [is] upon thee, and my words <01697> which <0834> I have put <07760> in thy mouth <06310>, shall not depart <04185> out of thy mouth <06310>, nor out of the mouth <06310> of thy seed <02233>, nor out of the mouth <06310> of thy seed's <02233> seed <02233>, saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, from henceforth <03254> and for ever <05769>.

• Isa 59:20 - {see also Rom 11:26,27}

"In Praise of the Creator" (TEV) - 24 LORD, you have made so many things! How wisely you made them all! The earth is filled with your creatures. 25 There is the ocean, large and wide, where countless creatures live, large and small alike. 26 The ships sail on it, and in it plays Leviathan, that sea monster which you made. 27 All of them depend on you to give them food when they need it. 28 You give it to them, and they eat it; you provide food, and they are satisfied. 29 When you turn away, they are afraid; when you take away your breath, they die and go back to the dust from which they came. 30 But when you give them breath, they are created; you give new life to the earth. 31 May the glory of the LORD last forever! May the LORD be happy with what he has made! 32 He looks at the earth, and it trembles; he touches the mountains, and they pour out smoke. 33 I will sing to the LORD all my life; as long as I live I will sing praises to my God. 34 May he be pleased with my song, for my gladness comes from him. 35 May sinners be destroyed from the earth; may the wicked be no more. Praise the LORD, my soul! Praise the LORD!

{24} O LORD <03068>, how <04100> manifold <07231> are thy works <04639>! in wisdom <02451> hast thou made <06213> them all <03605>: the earth <0776> is full <04390> of thy riches <07075>.

{30} Thou sendest <07971> forth thy spirit <07307>, they are created <01254>: and thou renewest <02318> the face <06440> of the earth <0127>. {31} The glory <03519> of the LORD <03068> shall endure <01961> for ever <05769>: the LORD <03068> shall rejoice <08055> in his works <04639>.

{33} I will sing <07891> unto the LORD <03068> as long <05704> as I live <02416>: I will sing <02167> praise to my God <0430> while <05750> I have my being <05750>.

• Psa 104:24 - a/r: MANIFOLD or: many
• Psa 104:24 - a/r: RICHES or: creatures
• Psa 104:24 - MADE THEM ALL {see also Gen 1:31 (to 1st .); Act 17:24,25; Joh 1:1-3; S&H 206:28; S&H 229:7; S&H 311:4; S&H 318:5; S&H 472:24; S&H 520:23-30; S&H 525:17; S&H 532:3 God; S&H 543:25-28; S&H 583:20; Hea 9:21-28; Hea 17:5; Mis 45:21-9; Mis 49:30; Mis 57:5; Mis 22:27; Mis 186:13; Mis 362:8-13; Mis 364:10; My 107:24; My 178:15; My 235:15; My 239:17-27; My 288:29; Pan 6:15-18 If}
• Psa 104:31 - a/r: THE GLORY OF THE LORD SHALL ENDURE FOR EVER: THE LORD SHALL REJOICE IN HIS WORKS. or: May the glory of the LORD endure forever: may the LORD rejoice in his works.

"God's Complete Knowledge and Care" (TEV) - 7 Where could I go to escape from you? Where could I get away from your presence? 8 If I went up to heaven, you would be there; if I lay down in the world of the dead, you would be there. 9 If I flew away beyond the east or lived in the farthest place in the west, 10 you would be there to lead me, you would be there to help me. 11 I could ask the darkness to hide me or the light around me to turn into night, 12 but even darkness is not dark for you, and the night is as bright as the day. Darkness and light are the same to you. 13 You created every part of me; you put me together in my mother's womb. 14 I praise you because you are to be feared; all you do is strange and wonderful. I know it with all my heart. 15 When my bones were being formed, carefully put together in my mother's womb, when I was growing there in secret, you knew that I was there -- 16 you saw me before I was born. The days allotted to me had all been recorded in your book, before any of them ever began.

{7} Whither <0575> shall I go <03212> from thy spirit <07307>? or whither <0575> shall I flee <01272> from thy presence <06440>?

{11} If I say <0559>, Surely <0389> the darkness <02822> shall cover <07779> me; even the night <03915> shall be light <0216> about <01157> me.

{14} I will praise <03034> thee; for I am fearfully <03372> [and] wonderfully <06395> made: marvellous <06381> [are] thy works <04639>; and [that] my soul <05315> knoweth <03045> right well.

• Psa 139:11 (11 and 12) - {see also Job 34:22}
• Psa 139:14 - a/r: MY SOUL or: I
• {The Hebrew word translatable as "soul" is nephesh. To read a commentary on the meaning and use of nephesh, browse of click on http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/soul.html.}

"God the Supreme King" (TEV) - 1 Sing a new song to the LORD! Sing to the LORD, all the world! 2 Sing to the LORD, and praise him! Proclaim every day the good news that he has saved us. 3 Proclaim his glory to the nations, his mighty deeds to all peoples. 4 The LORD is great and is to be highly praised; he is to be honored more than all the gods. 5 The gods of all other nations are only idols, but the LORD created the heavens. 6 Glory and majesty surround him; power and beauty fill his Temple.

{4} For the LORD <03068> [is] great <01419>, and greatly <03966> to be praised <01984>: he [is] to be feared <03372> above <05921> all <03605> gods <0430>. {5} For all <03605> the gods <0430> of the nations <05971> [are] idols <0457>: but the LORD <03068> made <06213> the heavens <08064>.

"The Question about Food Offered to Idols" (TEV) - 4 So then, about eating the food offered to idols: we know that an idol stands for something that does not really exist; we know that there is only the one God. 5 Even if there are so-called "gods," whether in heaven or on earth, and even though there are many of these "gods" and "lords," 6 yet there is for us only one God, the Father, who is the Creator of all things and for whom we live; and there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom all things were created and through whom we live.

{5} For though <1512> there be that are called <3004> gods <2316>, whether <1535> in heaven <3772> or <1535> in earth <1093>, (as there be gods <2316> many <4183>, and lords <2962> many <4183>,) {6} But to us [there is but] one <1520> God <2316>, the Father <3962>, of whom <3739> [are] all <3956> things, and we in him;...

• 1Co 8:5 - GODS MANY, AND LORDS MANY {see also Jer 2:11,28; 11:13; Dan 5:4; Gal 4:8; 2Th 2:3,4; S&H 280:16; S&H 388:7; S&H 579:15-8 (to ;); Mis 333:10; Pan 2:10}
• 1Co 8:6 - ONE GOD,... AND ONE LORD JESUS CHRIST {see also Exo 20:3; Mar 12:32; Joh 1:1-3; 1Co 12:5,6; Col 1:9,10,13-17; Eph 4:5,6; 1Ti 2:5; Jam 2:19; S&H 331:26; S&H 332:9-17 Christ; S&H 361:4; S&H 497:5; '00 7:17-19; Man 15:6; Man 42:11; Mis 22:1; Pul 74:27-1; My 109:19-20; My 155:7-9; My 191:11-12; My 303:2-3,13-19; My 339:4; My 342:19; My 344:5; '01 8:1-12}

"Jesus and the Samaritan Woman" (TEV) - 21 Jesus said to her, "Believe me, woman, the time will come when people will not worship the Father either on this mountain or in Jerusalem. 22 You Samaritans do not really know whom you worship; but we Jews know whom we worship, because it is from the Jews that salvation comes. 23 But the time is coming and is already here, when by the power of God's Spirit people will worship the Father as he really is, offering him the true worship that he wants. 24 God is Spirit, and only by the power of his Spirit can people worship him as he really is."

{24} God <2316> [is] a Spirit <4151>: and they that worship <4352> him must <1163> worship <4352> [him] in spirit <4151> and in truth <225>.

• Joh 4:23 (23-24) - WORSHIP... IN SPIRIT AND IN TRUTH {see also S&H 31:25; S&H 93:2; S&H 140:16; Mis 123:29; Mis 150:17; Mis 152:16; Mis 219:6; Mis 321:13; My 5:23; My 25:21; My 270:31; No 34:9-13; Pan 14:4; Pul 21:1-7; Un 31:1; Ret 65:6}
• Joh 4:24 - omit: A
• Joh 4:24 - GOD IS... SPIRIT - {see also S&H 73:3; S&H 117:6-10; S&H 120:4; S&H 192:4; S&H 206:32-4; S&H 229:9; S&H 300:23-31; S&H 331:13-14; S&H 417:10; S&H 468:13; '01 3:8-16; '01 22:4-7; '01 23:4-16; Mis 21:20-22; Mis 55:26; Mis 75:11; Mis 113:4; Mis 184:1 the; Mis 217:30; Mis 219:6; My 221:16; My 235:19; My 266:18; My 270:31; My 356:25; Peo 7:30-3; Rud 4:21; Rud 13:14; Un 25:6-9; Un 29:6; Un 31:1-6; Un 34:10 - Note: In addition, the phrase, 'Spirit, God' or 'God, Spirit', is used 41 times in S&H and 36 times in Prose Works.}

"The Speeches of Elihu" (TEV) - 1 And now, Job, listen carefully to all that I have to say. 2 I am ready to say what's on my mind. 3 All my words are sincere, and I am speaking the truth. 4 God's spirit made me and gave me life. 5 Answer me if you can. Prepare your arguments. 6 You and I are the same in God's sight, both of us were formed from clay. 7 So you have no reason to fear me; I will not overpower you.

{4} The Spirit <07307> of God <0410> hath made <06213> me, and the breath <05397> of the Almighty <07706> hath given me life <02421>.

• Job 33:4 - {see also Job 32:8; Rom 8:2}

"Testing and Tempting" (TEV) - 16 Do not be deceived, my dear brothers! 17 Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. 18 By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures.

{16} Do not err <4105>, my beloved <27> brethren <80>. {17} Every <3956> good <18> gift <1394> and every <3956> perfect <5046> gift <1394> is from above <509>, and cometh down <2597> from the Father <3962> of lights <5457>, with whom <3739> is no <3756> variableness <3883>, neither <2228> shadow <644> of turning <5157>. {18} Of his own will <1014> begat <616> he us with the word <3056> of truth <225>, that we should be a kind <5100> of firstfruits <536> of his creatures <2938>.

• Jam 1:17 - a/r: THE FATHER OF LIGHTS or: the Father of the heavenly lights (or: the Creator of the stars)
• Jam 1:17 - a/r: WITH WHOM IS NO VARIABLENESS, NEITHER SHADOW OF TURNING or: with whom change or an eclipse has no place.
• {In this verse the Greek words represented here as "an eclipse" literally means "a shadow's turning." See Martin Dibelius' James: A Commentary on the Epistle of James, revised by Heinrich Greeven (part of the Hermeneia commentary series, Philadelphia: Fortress Press, 1976, pages 99-103)}
• Jam 1:17 - {see also Mat 7:11}
• Jam 1:18 - {see also Joh 1:13; 1Pe 1:23}

"The Tongue" (TEV) - 11 No spring of water pours out sweet water and bitter water from the same opening. 12 A fig tree, my brothers, cannot bear olives; a grapevine cannot bear figs, nor can a salty spring produce sweet water.

"The Wisdom from Above" (TEV) - 13 Is there anyone among you who is wise and understanding? He is to prove it by his good life, by his good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. 14 But if in your heart you are jealous, bitter, and selfish, don't sin against the truth by boasting of your wisdom. 15 Such wisdom does not come down from heaven; it belongs to the world, it is unspiritual and demonic. 16 Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. 17 But the wisdom from above is pure first of all; it is also peaceful, gentle, and friendly; it is full of compassion and produces a harvest of good deeds; it is free from prejudice and hypocrisy. 18 And goodness is the harvest that is produced from the seeds the peacemakers plant in peace.

{11} Doth a fountain <4077> send <1032> forth <1032> at <1537> the same <846> place <3692> sweet <1099> [water] and bitter <4089>? {12} Can <1410> the fig <4808> tree <4808>, my brethren <80>, bear <4160> olive <1636> berries <1636>? either <2228> a vine <288>, figs <4810>? so <3779> [can] no <3762> fountain <4077> both yield <4160> salt <252> water <5204> and fresh <1099>. {13} Who <5101> [is] a wise <4680> man and endued <1990> with knowledge <1990> among <1722> you? let him shew <1166> out of a good <2570> conversation <391> his works <2041> with meekness <4240> of wisdom <4678>. {14} But if <1487> ye have <2192> bitter <4089> envying <2205> and strife <2052> in your <5216> hearts <2588>, glory <2620> not, and lie <5574> not against <2596> the truth <225>.

• Jam 3:11 - a/r: DOTH A FOUNTAIN SEND FORTH AT THE SAME PLACE SWEET WATER AND BITTER? or: Does a spring pour forth from the same opening both fresh and salt water?
• Jam 3:12 - a/r: VINE or: grapevine
• Jam 3:12 - a/r: FOUNTAIN or: spring
• Jam 3:13 - a/r: CONVERSATION or: way of life

"The Spirit and Human Nature" (TEV) - 16 What I say is this: let the Spirit direct your lives, and you will not satisfy the desires of the human nature. 17 For what our human nature wants is opposed to what the Spirit wants, and what the Spirit wants is opposed to what our human nature wants. These two are enemies, and this means that you cannot do what you want to do. 18 If the Spirit leads you, then you are not subject to the Law.

22 But the Spirit produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 humility, and self-control. There is no law against such things as these. 24 And those who belong to Christ Jesus have put to death their human nature with all its passions and desires. 25 The Spirit has given us life; he must also control our lives. 26 We must not be proud or irritate one another or be jealous of one another.

{16} [This] I say <3004> then <1161>, Walk <4043> in the Spirit <4151>, and ye shall not fulfil <5055> the lust <1939> of the flesh <4561>. {17} For the flesh <4561> lusteth <1937> against <2596> the Spirit <4151>, and the Spirit <4151> against <2596> the flesh <4561>: and these <5023> are contrary <480> the one <240> to the other <240>: so <2443> that ye cannot <3361> do <4160> the things that ye would <2309>.

{22} But the fruit <2590> of the Spirit <4151> is love <26>, joy <5479>, peace <1515>, longsuffering <3115>, gentleness <5544>, goodness <19>, faith <4102>, {23} Meekness <4236>, temperance <1466>: against <2596> such <5108> there is no <3756> law <3551>.

• Gal 5:16 - a/r: WALK or: live
• Gal 5:16 - a/r: FULFIL or: gratify
• Gal 5:16 - a/r: LUST or: desire
• Gal 5:16 - a/r: FLESH or: physical desires (or: lower nature) {literally: flesh}
• Gal 5:16 - WALK IN THE SPIRIT {see also Rom 8:1,4; Gal 5:25; S&H 223:2; S&H 461:1-4; Mis 188:8; Mis 244:19; Pul 2:22; My 113:8-14; My 205:1}
• Gal 5:17 - a/r: FLESH or: physical desires (or: lower nature) {literally: flesh}
• Gal 5:17 - a/r: LUSTETH AGAINST or: desires what is contrary to
• Gal 5:17 - a/r: THESE ARE CONTRARY THE ONE TO THE OTHER or: they oppose each other
• Gal 5:17 - a/r: THE THINGS THAT YE WOULD or: what you want
• Gal 5:17 - {see also S&H 167:20; S&H 347:1}
• Gal 5:22 - a/r: FAITH or: faithfulness
• Gal 5:22 - {see also My 167:3-6; S&H 106:26}
• Gal 5:23 - a/r: TEMPERANCE or: self-control
• Gal 5:23 - {see also S&H 106:26}

"The Preaching of John the Baptist" (TEV) - 1 At that time John the Baptist came to the desert of Judea and started preaching. 2 "Turn away from your sins," he said, "because the Kingdom of heaven is near!" 3 John was the man the prophet Isaiah was talking about when he said, "Someone is shouting in the desert, "Prepare a road for the Lord; make a straight path for him to travel!" 4 John's clothes were made of camel's hair; he wore a leather belt around his waist, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 People came to him from Jerusalem, from the whole province of Judea, and from all over the country near the Jordan River. 6 They confessed their sins, and he baptized them in the Jordan. 7 When John saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to him to be baptized, he said to them, "You snakes -- who told you that you could escape from the punishment God is about to send? 8 Do those things that will show that you have turned from your sins. 9 And don't think you can escape punishment by saying that Abraham is your ancestor. I tell you that God can take these rocks and make descendants for Abraham! 10 The ax is ready to cut down the trees at the roots; every tree that does not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown in the fire. 11 I baptize you with water to show that you have repented, but the one who will come after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. He is much greater than I am; and I am not good enough even to carry his sandals.

"The Baptism of Jesus" (TEV) - 13 At that time Jesus arrived from Galilee and came to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. 14 But John tried to make him change his mind. "I ought to be baptized by you," John said, "and yet you have come to me!" 15 But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so for now. For in this way we shall do all that God requires." So John agreed. 16 As soon as Jesus was baptized, he came up out of the water. Then heaven was opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down like a dove and lighting on him. 17 Then a voice said from heaven, "This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased."

{1} In those <1565> days <2250> came <3854> John <2491> the Baptist <910>, preaching <2784> in the wilderness <2048> of Judaea <2449>, {2} And saying <3004>, Repent <3340> ye: for the kingdom <932> of heaven <3772> is at <1448> hand <1448>.

{11} I indeed <3303> baptize <907> you with water <5204> unto repentance <3341>: but he that cometh <2064> after <3694> me is mightier <2478> than I, whose <3739> shoes <5266> I am <1510> not worthy <2425> to bear <941>: he shall baptize <907> you with the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>, and [with] fire <4442>:

{13} Then <5119> cometh <3854> Jesus <2424> from Galilee <1056> to Jordan <2446> unto John <2491>, to be baptized <907> of him. {14} But John <2491> forbad <1254> him, saying <3004>, I have <2192> need <5532> to be baptized <907> of thee, and comest <2064> thou to me? {15} And Jesus <2424> answering <611> said <2036> unto him, Suffer <863> [it to be so] now <737>: for thus <3779> it becometh <4241> us to fulfil <4137> all <3956> righteousness <1343>. Then <5119> he suffered <863> him. {16} And Jesus <2424>, when he was baptized <907>, went <305> up straightway <2117> out of the water <5204>: and, lo <2400>, the heavens <3772> were opened <455> unto him, and he saw <1492> the Spirit <4151> of God <2316> descending <2597> like <5616> a dove <4058>, and lighting <2064> upon him: {17} And lo <2400> a voice <5456> from heaven <3772>, saying <3004>, This <3778> is my beloved <27> Son <5207>, in whom <3739> I am well <2106> pleased <2106>.

• Mat 3:2 - a/r: HEAVEN <3772, plural> or: the <3588> heavens <3772, plural>
• Mat 3:15 - {see also S&H 56:1; Mis 91:8; Mis 380:17; My 140:19; My 162:3; My 218:1-4; My 356:28-8}
• Mat 3:16 - omit: UNTO HIM
• Mat 3:17 - a/r: HEAVEN <3772, plural> or: the <3588> heavens <3772, plural>

"Confession and Forgiveness" (TEV) - 1 Happy are those whose sins are forgiven, whose wrongs are pardoned. 2 Happy is the man whom the LORD does not accuse of doing wrong and who is free from all deceit.

8 The LORD says, "I will teach you the way you should go; I will instruct you and advise you. 9 Don't be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with a bit and bridle to make it submit." 10 The wicked will have to suffer, but those who trust in the LORD are protected by his constant love. 11 You that are righteous, be glad and rejoice because of what the LORD has done. You that obey him, shout for joy!

{2} Blessed <0835> [is] the man <0120> unto whom the LORD <03068> imputeth <02803> not iniquity <05771>, and in whose spirit <07307> [there is] no <0369> guile <07423>.

{11} Be glad <08056> in the LORD <03068>, and rejoice <01524>, ye righteous <06662>: and shout <07442> for joy, all <03605> [ye that are] upright <03477> in heart <03820>.

• Psa 32:2 - NO GUILE {see also Joh 1:47; 1Pe 2:1,2; Rev 14:5}

"The Conversion of Saul" (TEV) - 1 In the meantime Saul kept up his violent threats of murder against the followers of the Lord. He went to the High Priest 2 and asked for letters of introduction to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he should find there any followers of the Way of the Lord, he would be able to arrest them, both men and women, and bring them back to Jerusalem. 3 As Saul was coming near the city of Damascus, suddenly a light from the sky flashed around him. 4 He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute me?" 5 "Who are you, Lord?" he asked. "I am Jesus, whom you persecute," the voice said. 6 "But get up and go into the city, where you will be told what you must do." 7 The men who were traveling with Saul had stopped, not saying a word; they heard the voice but could not see anyone. 8 Saul got up from the ground and opened his eyes, but could not see a thing. So they took him by the hand and led him into Damascus. 9 For three days he was not able to see, and during that time he did not eat or drink anything. 10 There was a believer in Damascus named Ananias. He had a vision, in which the Lord said to him, "Ananias!" "Here I am, Lord," he answered. 11 The Lord said to him, "Get ready and go to Straight Street, and at the house of Judas ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul. He is praying, 12 and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come in and place his hands on him so that he might see again."

17 So Ananias went, entered the house where Saul was, and placed his hands on him. "Brother Saul," he said, "the Lord has sent me -- Jesus himself, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here. He sent me so that you might see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18 At once something like fish scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he was able to see again. He stood up and was baptized; 19 and after he had eaten, his strength came back.

"Saul Preaches in Damascus" (TEV) - 19b Saul stayed for a few days with the believers in Damascus. 20 He went straight to the synagogues and began to preach that Jesus was the Son of God. 21 All who heard him were amazed and asked, "Isn't he the one who in Jerusalem was killing those who worship that man Jesus? And didn't he come here for the very purpose of arresting those people and taking them back to the chief priests?" 22 But Saul's preaching became even more powerful, and his proofs that Jesus was the Messiah were so convincing that the Jews who lived in Damascus could not answer him.

{1} And Saul <4569>, yet <2089> breathing <1709> out threatenings <547> and slaughter <5408> against <1519> the disciples <3101> of the Lord <2962>, went <4334> unto the high <749> priest <749>, {2} And desired <154> of him letters <1992> to Damascus <1154> to the synagogues <4864>, that if <1437> he found <2147> any <5100> of this <3588> way <3598>, whether <5037> they were men <435> or <2532> women <1135>, he might bring <71> them bound <1210> unto Jerusalem <2419>. {3} And as he journeyed <4198>, he came <1096> near <1448> Damascus <1154>: and suddenly <1810> there shined <4015> round <4015> about <4015> him a light <5457> from heaven <3772>: {4} And he fell <4098> to the earth <1093>, and heard <191> a voice <5456> saying <3007> unto him, Saul <4549>, Saul <4549>, why <5101> persecutest <1377> thou me? {5} And he said <2036>, Who <5101> art <1488> thou, Lord <2962>? And the Lord <2962> said <2036>, I am <1510> Jesus <2424> whom <3739> thou persecutest <1377>: [it is] hard <4642> for thee to kick <2979> against <4314> the pricks <2759>. {6} And he trembling <5141> and astonished <2284> said <2036>, Lord <2962>, what <5101> wilt <2309> thou have me to do <4160>? And the Lord <2962> [said] unto him, Arise <450>, and go <1525> into <1519> the city <4172>, and it shall be told <2980> thee what <5101> thou must <1163> do <4160>.

{8} And Saul <4569> arose <1453> from the earth <1093>; and when his eyes <3788> were opened <455>, he saw <991> no <3762> man <3762>: but they led <5496> him by the hand <5496>, and brought <1521> [him] into <1519> Damascus <1154>.

{10} And there was a certain <5100> disciple <3101> at <1722> Damascus <1154>, named <3686> Ananias <367>; and to him said <2036> the Lord <2962> in a vision <3705>, Ananias <367>. And he said <2036>, Behold <2400>, I [am here], Lord <2962>. {11} And the Lord <2962> [said] unto him, Arise <450>, and go <4198> into <1909> the street <4505> which <3588> is called <2564> Straight <2117>, and enquire <2212> in the house <3614> of Judas <2455> for [one] called <3686> Saul <4569>, of Tarsus <5018>: for, behold <2400>, he prayeth <4336>, {12} And hath seen <1492> in a vision <3705> a man <435> named <3686> Ananias <367> coming <1525> in, and putting <2007> [his] hand <5495> on <2007> him, that he might receive <308> his sight <308>.

{17} And Ananias <367> went <565> his way, and entered <1525> into <1519> the house <3614>; and putting <2007> his hands <5495> on <1909> him said <2036>, Brother <80> Saul <4549>, the Lord <2962>, [even] Jesus <2424>, that appeared <3700> unto thee in the way <3598> as thou camest <2064>, hath sent <649> me, that thou mightest receive <308> thy sight <308>, and be filled <4130> with the Holy <40> Ghost <4151>. {18} And immediately <2112> there fell <634> from his eyes <3788> as it had been scales <3013>: and he received <308> sight <308> forthwith <3916>, and arose <450>, and was baptized <907>.

{20} And straightway <2112> he preached <2784> Christ <5547> in the synagogues <4864>, that he is the Son <5207> of God <2316>.

• Act 9:5 - omit: IT IS HARD FOR THEE TO KICK AGAINST THE PRICKS.
• Act 9:6 - omit: AND HE TREMBLING AND ASTONISHED, SAID, LORD WHAT WILT THOU HAVE ME TO DO? AND THE LORD SAID UNTO HIM,

"The Authority of the Son" (TEV) - 19 So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the truth: the Son can do nothing on his own; he does only what he sees his Father doing. What the Father does, the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all that he himself is doing. He will show him even greater things to do than this, and you will all be amazed. 21 Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, in the same way the Son gives life to those he wants to. 22 Nor does the Father himself judge anyone. He has given his Son the full right to judge, 23 so that all will honor the Son in the same way as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.

{21} For as the Father <3962> raiseth <1453> up the dead <3498>, and quickeneth <2227> [them]; even <2532> so <3779> the Son <5207> quickeneth <2227> whom <3739> he will <2309>.

• Joh 5:21 - THE FATHER RAISETH UP THE DEAD, AND QUICKENETH {see also Act 2 6:8; Rom 4:17}
• Joh 5:21 - THE SON QUICKENETH {Luk 7:14,15; 8:54,55; Joh 11:43,44}

"In Lystra and Derbe" (TEV) - 8 In Lystra there was a crippled man who had been lame from birth and had never been able to walk. 9 He sat there and listened to Paul's words. Paul saw that he believed and could be healed, so he looked straight at him 10 and said in a loud voice, "Stand up straight on your feet!" The man jumped up and started walking around. 11 When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they started shouting in their own Lycaonian language, "The gods have become like men and have come down to us!" 12 They gave Barnabas the name Zeus, and Paul the name Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. 13 The priest of the god Zeus, whose temple stood just outside the town, brought bulls and flowers to the gate, for he and the crowds wanted to offer sacrifice to the apostles.

{8} And there sat <2521> a certain <5100> man <435> at <1722> Lystra <3082>, impotent <102> in his feet <4228>, being <5225> a cripple <5560> from his mother's <3384> womb <2836>, who <3739> never <3763> had walked <4043>: {9} The same <3778> heard <191> Paul <3972> speak <2980>: who <3739> stedfastly <816> beholding <816> him, and perceiving <1492> that he had <2192> faith <4102> to be healed <4982>, {10} Said <2036> with a loud <3173> voice <5456>, Stand <450> upright <3717> on <1909> thy feet <4228>. And he leaped <242> and walked <4043>.

• Act 14:8 - IMPOTENT {see also Joh 5: 3,7; Act 4: 9; S&H 160:14-29}

"Spiritual Blessings in Christ" (TEV) - 3 Let us give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! For in our union with Christ he has blessed us by giving us every spiritual blessing in the heavenly world. 4 Even before the world was made, God had already chosen us to be his through our union with Christ, so that we would be holy and without fault before him. Because of his love 5 God had already decided that through Jesus Christ he would make us his sons -- this was his pleasure and purpose. 6 Let us praise God for his glorious grace, for the free gift he gave us in his dear Son!

"Paul's Prayer" (TEV) - 15 For this reason, ever since I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all of God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks to God for you. I remember you in my prayers 17 and ask the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, to give you the Spirit, who will make you wise and reveal God to you, so that you will know him. 18 I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, 19 and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength 20 which he used when he raised Christ from death and seated him at his right side in the heavenly world.

{3} Blessed <2128> [be] the God <2316> and Father <3962> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, who <3588> hath blessed <2127> us with all <3956> spiritual <4152> blessings <2129> in heavenly <2032> [places] in Christ <5547>: {4} According <2531> as he hath chosen <1586> us in him before <4253> the foundation <2602> of the world <2889>, that we should be holy <40> and without <299> blame <299> before <2714> him in love <26>:

{15} Wherefore <5124> I also <2504>, after I heard <191> of your <5209> faith <4102> in the Lord <2962> Jesus <2424>, and love <26> unto all <3956> the saints <40>, {16} Cease <3973> not to give thanks <2168> for you, making <4160> mention <3417> of you in my prayers <4335>; {17} That the God <2316> of our Lord <2962> Jesus <2424> Christ <5547>, the Father <3962> of glory <1391>, may give <1325> unto you the spirit <4151> of wisdom <4678> and revelation <602> in the knowledge <1922> of him: {18} The eyes <3788> of your <5216> understanding <1271> being enlightened <5461>;...

• Eph 1:3 - SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS {see also S&H 53:16; S&H 512:8}
• Eph 1:3 - HEAVENLY PLACES {see also Eph 1:20; 2:6; 3:10; S&H 535:1}
• Eph 1:4 - THE FOUNDATION OF THE WORLD {see also Mat 13:35; 25:34; Luk 11:50; Joh 17:24; Eph 1:4; Heb 4:3; 9:26; 1Pe 1:20; Rev 13:8; 17:8; S&H 317:1; S&H 334:21; S&H 567:31-5; My 185:16}
• Eph 1:18 - UNDERSTANDING... ENLIGHTENED {see also S&H 12:22-24 No 45:13 My 128:9-17 My 187:6}

"From Death to Life" (TEV) - 4 But God's mercy is so abundant, and his love for us is so great, 5 that while we were spiritually dead in our disobedience he brought us to life with Christ. It is by God's grace that you have been saved. 6 In our union with Christ Jesus he raised us up with him to rule with him in the heavenly world. 7 He did this to demonstrate for all time to come the extraordinary greatness of his grace in the love he showed us in Christ Jesus. 8...9 For it is by God's grace that you have been saved through faith. It is not the result of your own efforts, but God's gift, so that no one can boast about it. 10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus he has created us for a life of good deeds, which he has already prepared for us to do.

{10} For we are his workmanship <4161>, created <2936> in Christ <5547> Jesus <2424> unto good <18> works <2041>, which <3739> God <2316> hath before <4282> ordained <4282> that we should walk <4043> in them.

• Eph 2:10 - GOOD WORKS {Note: The phrase "good work/works" is used 29 times in the KJV, 3 times in S&H, and 11 times in Prose Works}

"God's Promise of Help and Healing" (TEV) - 15 "I am the high and holy God, who lives forever. I live in a high and holy place, but I also live with people who are humble and repentant, so that I can restore their confidence and hope. 16 I gave my people life, and I will not continue to accuse them or be angry with them forever. 17 I was angry with them because of their sin and greed, and so I punished them and abandoned them. But they were stubborn and kept on going their own way. 18 "I have seen how they acted, but I will heal them. I will lead them and help them, and I will comfort those who mourn. 19 I offer peace to all, both near and far! I will heal my people. 20 But evil men are like the restless sea, whose waves never stop rolling in, bringing filth and muck. 21 There is no safety for sinners," says the LORD.

{15} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the high <07311> and lofty <05375> One that inhabiteth <07931> eternity <05703>, whose name <08034> [is] Holy <06918>; I dwell <07931> in the high <04791> and holy <06918> [place], with him also [that is] of a contrite <01793> and humble <08217> spirit <07307>, to revive <02421> the spirit <07307> of the humble <08217>, and to revive <02421> the heart <03820> of the contrite <01792> ones.

{18} I have seen <07200> his ways <01870>, and will heal <07495> him: I will lead <05148> him also, and restore <07999> comforts <05150> unto him and to his mourners <057>.

• Isa 57:15 - HUMBLE/CONTRITE SPIRIT {see also Psa 34:18; 51:17; Pro 16:19; 29:23; Isa 66:2}

"The LORD Is the Only God" (TEV) - 1 The LORD says, "Listen now, Israel, my servant, my chosen people, the descendants of Jacob. 2 I am the LORD who created you; from the time you were born, I have helped you. Do not be afraid; you are my servant, my chosen people whom I love. 3 "I will give water to the thirsty land and make streams flow on the dry ground. I will pour out my spirit on your children and my blessing on your descendants. 4 They will thrive like well-watered grass, like willows by streams of running water.

{3} For I will pour <03332> water <04325> upon him that is thirsty <06771>, and floods <05140> upon the dry <03004> ground: I will pour <03332> my spirit <07307> upon thy seed <02233>, and my blessing <01293> upon thine offspring <06631>:

"The Conflict in Man" (TEV) - 12 So then, my brothers, we have an obligation, but it is not to live as our human nature wants us to. 13 For if you live according to your human nature, you are going to die; but if by the Spirit you put to death your sinful actions, you will live. 14 Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's sons. 15 For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, "Father! my Father!" 16 God's Spirit joins himself to our spirits to declare that we are God's children. 17 Since we are his children, we will possess the blessings he keeps for his people, and we will also possess with Christ what God has kept for him; for if we share Christ's suffering, we will also share his glory.

"The Future Glory" (TEV) - 28 We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. 29 Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many brothers. 30 And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.

{14} For as many <3745> as are led <71> by the Spirit <4151> of God <2316>, they are the sons <5207> of God <2316>.

{16} The Spirit <4151> itself <846> beareth <4828> witness <4828> with our spirit <4151>, that we are the children <5043> of God <2316>:

{28} And we know <1492> that all <3956> things work <4903> together <4903> for good <18> to them that love <25> God <2316>, to them who are the called <2822> according <2596> to [his] purpose <4286>. {29} For whom <3739> he did foreknow <4267>, he also <2532> did predestinate <4309> [to be] conformed <4832> to the image <1504> of his Son <5207>, that he might be the firstborn <4416> among <1722> many <4183> brethren <80>. {30} Moreover <1161> whom <3739> he did predestinate <4309>, them he also <2532> called <2564>: and whom <3739> he called <2564>, them he also <2532> justified <1344>: and whom <3739> he justified <1344>, them he also <2532> glorified <1392>.

• Rom 8:16 - {see also 2Co 1:22; Mis 46:14-25; Mis 255:10}
• Rom 8:28 - a/r: ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THEM or: in all things God works for good together with them
• Rom 8:28 - WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD {see also S&H 444:2; '00 11:8-13 (to 1st .); My 143:20-29; Mis 10:4}

ABBREVIATIONS (such as a/r=alternate rendering, c/m=changed meaning since KJV translation, omit=omit wording not found in the Hebrew or Greek texts from which the KJV was translated but not in the original Hebrew or Greek texts, add=add wording that was omitted from the KJV's Hebrew or Greek texts but were found in the original Hebrew or Greek texts). Also other information about this commentary: http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/Abbreviations.html.

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Web page that lists articles from early issues of the Christian Science periodical -- articles that give insights on how Mary Baker Eddy and early Bible Lesson Committee members viewed the Bible Lessons: http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/Articles/BibleLessons.html.

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RELIGIOUS ARTICLE from today's issue of The Christian Science Monitor: http://www.csmonitor.com/todays_paper/graphical/today/home/relarticle.1.html.

STRONG'S-BASED BIBLE STUDY AIDS that will help you use the above "KJV/Strong's" texts and <numbers> to explore the actual meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words from which the English wording was translated: http://members.aol.com/BibleTexts/Strongs.html.