The BIBLETEXTS Online Bible Commentary


Excerpts that are relevant to the Bible Lesson for Sunday, March 29, 1998

plus other biblical resources to enrich the study of the current Bible Lesson


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<GT> Psalm 66

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Come <03212> and see <07200> the works <04659> of God <0430>:...

NRSV - 5 Come and see what God has done:...

TEV - 5 Come and see what God has done, his wonderful acts among men. 6 He changed the sea into dry land; our ancestors crossed the river on foot. There we rejoiced because of what he did. 7 He rules forever by his might and keeps his eyes on the nations. Let no rebels rise against him. 8 Praise our God, all nations; let your praise be heard. 9 He has kept us alive and has not allowed us to fall.


<RR1> Isaiah 66

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, The heaven <08064> [is] my throne <03678>, and the earth <0776> [is] my footstool: where <0335> [is] the house <01004> that ye build <01129> unto me? and where <0335> [is] the place <04725> of my rest <04496>? {2} For all <03605> those <0428> [things] hath mine hand <03027> made <06213>, and all <03605> those <0428> [things] have been <01961>, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>:...

{10} Rejoice <08055> ye with Jerusalem <03389>, and be glad <01528> with her, all <03605> ye that love <0157> her: rejoice <07797> for joy <04885> with her, all <03605> ye that mourn <056> for her:

{12} For thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068>, Behold <02005>, I will extend <05186> peace <07965> to her like a river <05104>, and the glory <03519> of the Gentiles <01471> like a flowing <07857> stream <05158>:...

{22} For as the new <02319> heavens <08064> and the new <02319> earth <0776>, which <0834> I will make <06213>, shall remain <05975> before <06440> me, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, so <03651> shall your seed <02233> and your name <08034> remain <05975>.

NRSV - 1 Thus says the Lord: Heaven is my throne and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is my resting place? 2 All these things my hand has made, and so all these things are mine, says the Lord.

10 Rejoice with Jerusalem, and be glad for her, all you who love her; rejoice with her in joy, all you who mourn over her—

12 For thus says the Lord: I will extend prosperity to her like a river, and the wealth of the nations like an overflowing stream; and you shall nurse and be carried on her arm, and dandled on her knees. 13 As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, says the Lord; so shall your descendants and your name remain.

TEV - 1 The LORD says, "Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house, then, could you build for me, what kind of place for me to live in? 2 I myself created the whole universe! I am pleased with those who are humble and repentant, who fear me and obey me.

7 "My holy city is like a woman who suddenly gives birth to a child without ever going into labor. 8 Has anyone ever seen or heard of such a thing? Has a nation ever been born in a day? Zion will not have to suffer long, before the nation is born. 9 Do not think that I will bring my people to the point of birth and not let them be born." The LORD has spoken. 10 Rejoice with Jerusalem; be glad for her, all you that love this city! Rejoice with her now, all you that have mourned for her! 11 You will enjoy her prosperity, like a child at its mother's breast. 12 The LORD says, "I will bring you lasting prosperity; the wealth of the nations will flow to you like a river that never goes dry. You will be like a child that is nursed by its mother, carried in her arms, and treated with love. 13 I will comfort you in Jerusalem, as a mother comforts her child. 14 When you see this happen, you will be glad; it will make you strong and healthy. Then you will know that I, the LORD, help those who obey me, and I show my anger against my enemies." 15 The LORD will come with fire. He will ride on the wings of a storm to punish those he is angry with. 16 By fire and sword he will punish all the people of the world whom he finds guilty -- and many will be put to death.

22 "Just as the new earth and the new heavens will endure by my power, so your descendants and your name will endure. 23 On every New Moon Festival and every Sabbath people of every nation will come to worship me here in Jerusalem," says the LORD. 24 "As they leave, they will see the dead bodies of those who have rebelled against me. The worms that eat them will never die, and the fire that burns them will never be put out. The sight of them will be disgusting to all mankind.


<RR2> Isaiah 64

KJV w/Strong# - {4} For since the beginning <05769> of the world <05769> [men] have not heard <08085>, nor <03808> perceived <0238> by the ear <0238>, neither <03808> hath the eye <05869> seen <07200>, O God <0430>, beside <02108> thee, [what] he hath prepared <06213> for him that waiteth <02442> for him.

NRSV - 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

TEV - 1 Why don't you tear the sky open and come down? The mountains would see you and shake with fear. 2 They would tremble like water boiling over a hot fire. Come and reveal your power to your enemies, and make the nations tremble at your presence! 3 There was a time when you came and did terrifying things that we did not expect; the mountains saw you and shook with fear. 4 No one has ever seen or heard of a God like you, who does such deeds for those who put their hope in him.


<B1> Psalm 40

KJV w/Strong# - {5} Many <07227>, O LORD <03068> my God <0430>, [are] thy wonderful <06381> works [which] thou hast done <06213>, and thy thoughts <04284> [which are] to us-ward <0413>: they cannot <0408> be reckoned up in order <06186> unto thee: [if] I would declare <05046> and speak <01696> [of them], they are more <06105> than can be numbered <05608>.

NRSV - 5 You have multiplied, O Lord my God, your wondrous deeds and your thoughts toward us; none can compare with you. Were I to proclaim and tell of them, they would be more than can be counted.

TEV - 4 Happy are those who trust the LORD, who do not turn to idols or join those who worship false gods. 5 You have done many things for us, O LORD our God; there is no one like you! You have made many wonderful plans for us. I could never speak of them all -- their number is so great!


<B2> Psalm 104

KJV w/Strong# - {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>.

NRSV - 30 When you send forth your spirit, they are created; and you renew the face of the ground. 31 May the glory of the Lord endure forever; may the Lord rejoice in his works—

TEV - 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!


<B3> Psalm 33

KJV w/Strong# - {1} Rejoice <07442> in the LORD <03068>, O ye righteous <06662>: [for] praise <08416> is comely <05000> for the upright <03477>.

{4} For the word <01697> of the LORD <03068> [is] right <03477>; and all <03605> his works <04640> [are done] in truth <0530>. {5} He loveth <0157> righteousness <06666> and judgment <04941>: the earth <0776> is full <04390> of the goodness <02617> of the LORD <03068>.

{9} For he spake <0559>, and it was [done]; he commanded <06680>, and it stood <05975> fast. {10} The LORD <03068> bringeth <06331> the counsel <06098> of the heathen <01471> to nought <06331>: he maketh the devices <04284> of the people <05971> of none <05106> effect <05106>. {11} The counsel <06098> of the LORD <03068> standeth <05975> for ever <05769>, the thoughts <04284> of his heart <03820> to all generations <01755>.

NRSV - 1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righteous. Praise befits the upright.

4 For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. 5 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.

9 For he spoke, and it came to be; he commanded, and it stood firm. 10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

TEV - 1 All you that are righteous, shout for joy for what the LORD has done; praise him, all you that obey him. 2 Give thanks to the LORD with harps, sing to him with stringed instruments. 3 Sing a new song to him, play the harp with skill, and shout for joy! 4 The words of the LORD are true, and all his works are dependable. 5 The LORD loves what is righteous and just; his constant love fills the earth. 6 The LORD created the heavens by his command, the sun, moon, and stars by his spoken word. 7 He gathered all the seas into one place; he shut up the ocean depths in storerooms. 8 Worship the LORD, all the earth! Honor him, all peoples of the world! 9 When he spoke, the world was created; at his command everything appeared. 10 The LORD frustrates the purposes of the nations; he keeps them from carrying out their plans. 11 But his plans endure forever; his purposes last eternally. 12 Happy is the nation whose God is the LORD; happy are the people he has chosen for his own!


<B4> Job 34

KJV w/Strong# - {4} Let us choose <0977> to us judgment <04941>: let us know <03045> among <0996> ourselves what <04100> [is] good <02896>.

NRSV - 4 Let us choose what is right; let us determine among ourselves what is good.

TEV - 1...2 You men are so wise, so clever; listen now to what I am saying. 3 You know good food when you taste it, but not wise words when you hear them. 4 It is up to us to decide the case. 5 Job claims that he is innocent, that God refuses to give him justice. 6 He asks, "How could I lie and say I am wrong? I am fatally wounded, but I am sinless." 7 Have you ever seen anyone like this man Job? He never shows respect for God. 8 He likes the company of evil men and goes around with sinners. 9 He says that it never does any good to try to follow God's will.


<B5> Joshua 24

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And Joshua <03091> gathered <0622> all <03605> the tribes <07626> of Israel <03478> to Shechem <07927>, and called <07121> for the elders <02205> of Israel <03478>, and for their heads <07218>, and for their judges <08199>, and for their officers <07860>; and they presented <03320> themselves before <06440> God <0430>. {2} And Joshua <03091> said <0559> unto all <03605> the people <05971>, Thus <03541> saith <0559> the LORD <03068> God <0430> of Israel <03478>, Your fathers <01> dwelt <03427> on the other <05676> side <05676> of the flood <05104> in old <05769> time <05769>, [even] Terah <08646>, the father <01> of Abraham <085>, and the father <01> of Nachor <05152>: and they served <05647> other <0312> gods <0430>.

{6} And I brought <03318> your fathers <01> out of Egypt <04714>:...

{13} And I have given <05414> you a land <0776> for which <0834> ye did not labour <03021>, and cities <05892> which <0834> ye built <01129> not, and ye dwell <03427> in them; of the vineyards <03754> and oliveyards <02132> which <0834> ye planted <05193> not do ye eat <0398>. {14} Now <06258> therefore fear <03372> the LORD <03068>, and serve <05647> him in sincerity <08549> and in truth <0571>: and put <05493> away <05493> the gods <0430> which <0834> your fathers <01> served <05647> on the other <05676> side <05676> of the flood <05104>, and in Egypt <04714>; and serve <05647> ye the LORD <03068>. {15} And if <0518> it seem evil <07489> unto you to serve <05647> the LORD <03068>, choose <0977> you this day <03117> whom <04310> ye will serve <05647>; whether <0518> the gods <0430> which <0834> your fathers <01> served <05647> that [were] on the other <05676> side <05676> of the flood <05104>, or the gods <0430> of the Amorites <0567>, in whose <0834> land <0776> ye dwell <03427>: but as for me and my house <01004>, we will serve <05647> the LORD <03068>. {16} And the people <05971> answered <06030> and said <0559>, God forbid <02486> that we should forsake <05800> the LORD <03068>, to serve <05647> other <0312> gods <0430>;

{22} And Joshua <03091> said <0559> unto the people <05971>, Ye [are] witnesses <05707> against yourselves that ye have chosen <0977> you the LORD <03068>, to serve <05647> him. And they said <0559>, [We are] witnesses <05707>.

{24} And the people <05971> said <0559> unto Joshua <03091>, The LORD <03068> our God <0430> will we serve <05647>, and his voice <06963> will we obey <08085>.

NRSV - 1 Then Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and summoned the elders, the heads, the judges, and the officers of Israel; and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel: Long ago your ancestors—Terah and his sons Abraham and Nahor—lived beyond the Euphrates and served other gods.

6 ...I brought your ancestors out of Egypt,...

13 I gave you a land on which you had not labored, and towns that you had not built, and you live in them; you eat the fruit of vineyards and oliveyards that you did not plant. 14 “Now therefore revere the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness; put away the gods that your ancestors served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 Now if you are unwilling to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served in the region beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” 16 Then the people answered, “Far be it from us that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods;

22 Then Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord, to serve him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.”

24 The people said to Joshua, “The Lord our God we will serve, and him we will obey.”

TEV - 1 Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel together at Shechem. He called the elders, the leaders, the judges, and the officers of Israel, and they came into the presence of God. 2 Joshua said to all the people, "This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, has to say: "Long ago your ancestors lived on the other side of the Euphrates River and worshiped other gods. One of those ancestors was Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor. 3 Then I took Abraham, your ancestor, from the land across the Euphrates and led him through the whole land of Canaan. I gave him many descendants. I gave him Isaac, 4 and to Isaac I gave Jacob and Esau. I gave Esau the hill country of Edom as his possession, but your ancestor Jacob and his children went down to Egypt. 5 Later I sent Moses and Aaron, and I brought great trouble on Egypt. But I led you out; 6 I brought your ancestors out of Egypt, and the Egyptians pursued them with chariots and cavalry. But when your ancestors got to the Red Sea 7 they cried out to me for help, and I put darkness between them and the Egyptians. I made the sea come rolling over the Egyptians and drown them. You know what I did to Egypt. "You lived in the desert a long time. 8 Then I brought you to the land of the Amorites, who lived on the east side of the Jordan. They fought you, but I gave you victory over them. You took their land, and I destroyed them as you advanced. 9 Then the king of Moab, Balak son of Zippor, fought against you. He sent word to Balaam son of Beor and asked him to put a curse on you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam, so he blessed you, and in this way I rescued you from Balak. 11 You crossed the Jordan and came to Jericho. The men of Jericho fought you, as did the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Girgashites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. But I gave you victory over them all. 12 As you advanced, I threw them into panic in order to drive out the two Amorite kings. Your swords and bows had nothing to do with it. 13 I gave you a land that you had never worked and cities that you had not built. Now you are living there and eating grapes from vines that you did not plant, and olives from trees that you did not plant.' 14 "Now then," Joshua continued, "honor the LORD and serve him sincerely and faithfully. Get rid of the gods which your ancestors used to worship in Mesopotamia and in Egypt, and serve only the LORD. 15 If you are not willing to serve him, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your ancestors worshiped in Mesopotamia or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are now living. As for my family and me, we will serve the LORD." 16 The people replied, "We would never leave the LORD to serve other gods! 17 The LORD our God brought our fathers and us out of slavery in Egypt, and we saw the miracles that he performed. He kept us safe wherever we went among all the nations through which we passed. 18 As we advanced into this land, the LORD drove out all the Amorites who lived here. So we also will serve the LORD; he is our God." 19 Joshua said to the people, "But you may not be able to serve the LORD. He is a holy God and will not forgive your sins. He will tolerate no rivals, 20 and if you leave him to serve foreign gods, he will turn against you and punish you. He will destroy you, even though he was good to you before." 21 The people said to Joshua, "No! We will serve the LORD." 22 Joshua told them, "You are your own witnesses to the fact that you have chosen to serve the LORD." "Yes," they said, "we are witnesses." 23 "Then get rid of those foreign gods that you have," he demanded, "and pledge your loyalty to the LORD, the God of Israel." 24 The people then said to Joshua, "We will serve the LORD our God. We will obey his commands."


<B6> Psalm 18

KJV w/Strong# - {30} [As for] God <0410>, his way <01870> [is] perfect <08549>: the word <0565> of the LORD <03068> is tried <06884>: he [is] a buckler <04043> to all <03605> those that trust <02620> in him. {31} For who <04310> [is] God <0433> save <01107> the LORD <03068>? or <0176> who <04310> [is] a rock <06697> save <02108> our God <0430>? {32} [It is] God <0410> that girdeth <0247> me with strength <02428>, and maketh <05414> my way <01870> perfect <08549>.

NRSV - 30 This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. 31 For who is God except the Lord? And who is a rock besides our God?— 32 the God who girded me with strength, and made my way safe.

TEV - 30 This God -- how perfect are his deeds! How dependable his words! He is like a shield for all who seek his protection. 31 The LORD alone is God; God alone is our defense. 32 He is the God who makes me strong, who makes my pathway safe. 33 He makes me sure-footed as a deer; he keeps me safe on the mountains. 34 He trains me for battle, so that I can use the strongest bow.


<B7> Psalm 37

KJV w/Strong# - {23} The steps <04703> of a [good] man <01397> are ordered <03559> by the LORD <03068>: and he delighteth <02654> in his way <01870>.

{27} Depart <05493> from evil <07451>, and do <06213> good <02896>; and dwell <07931> for evermore <05769>.

{29} The righteous <06662> shall inherit <03423> the land <0776>, and dwell <07931> therein <05921> for ever <05703>. {30} The mouth <06310> of the righteous <06662> speaketh <01897> wisdom <02451>, and his tongue <03956> talketh <01696> of judgment <04941>. {31} The law <08451> of his God <0430> [is] in his heart <03820>; none <03808> of his steps <0838> shall slide <04571>.

{37} Mark <08104> the perfect <08535> [man], and behold <07200> the upright <03477>: for the end <0319> of [that] man <0376> [is] peace <07965>.

NRSV - 23 Our steps are made firm by the Lord, when he delights in our way;

27 Depart from evil, and do good; so you shall abide forever.

29 The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever. 30 The mouths of the righteous utter wisdom, and their tongues speak justice. 31 The law of their God is in their hearts; their steps do not slip.

37 Mark the blameless, and behold the upright, for there is posterity for the peaceable.

TEV - 21 The wicked man borrows and never pays back, but the good man is generous with his gifts. 22 Those who are blessed by the LORD will possess the land, but those who are cursed by him will be driven out. 23 The LORD guides a man in the way he should go and protects those who please him. 24 If they fall, they will not stay down, because the LORD will help them up.

27 Turn away from evil and do good, and your descendants will always live in the land; 28 for the LORD loves what is right and does not abandon his faithful people. He protects them forever, but the descendants of the wicked will be driven out. 29 The righteous will possess the land and live in it forever. 30 A good man's words are wise, and he is always fair. 31 He keeps the law of his God in his heart and never departs from it.

35 I once knew a wicked man who was a tyrant; he towered over everyone like a cedar of Lebanon; 36 but later I passed by, and he wasn't there; I looked for him, but couldn't find him. 37 Notice the good man, observe the righteous man; a peaceful man has descendants, 38 but sinners are completely destroyed, and their descendants are wiped out.


<B8> I Corinthians 13

KJV w/Strong# - {9} For we know <1097> in part <3313>, and we prophesy <4395> in part <3313>. {10} But when <3752> that which is perfect <5046> is come <2064>, then <5119> that which is in part <3313> shall be done <2673> away <2673>. {11} When <3753> I was <2252> a child <3516>, I spake <2980> as a child <3516>, I understood <5426> as a child <3516>, I thought <3049> as a child <3516>: but when <3753> I became <1096> a man <435>, I put <2673> away <2673> childish <3516> things. {12} For now <737> we see <991> through <1223> a glass <2072>, darkly <135>; but then <5119> face <4383> to face <4383>: now <737> I know <1097> in part <3313>; but then <5119> shall I know <1921> even <2531> as also <2532> I am known <1921>.

NRSV - 9 For we know only in part, and we prophesy only in part; 10 but when the complete comes, the partial will come to an end. 11 When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child; when I became an adult, I put an end to childish ways. 12 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face. Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.

TEV - 4 Love is patient and kind; it is not jealous or conceited or proud; 5 love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs; 6 love is not happy with evil, but is happy with the truth. 7 Love never gives up; and its faith, hope, and patience never fail. 8 Love is eternal. There are inspired messages, but they are temporary; there are gifts of speaking in strange tongues, but they will cease; there is knowledge, but it will pass. 9 For our gifts of knowledge and of inspired messages are only partial; 10 but when what is perfect comes, then what is partial will disappear. 11 When I was a child, my speech, feelings, and thinking were all those of a child; now that I am a man, I have no more use for childish ways. 12 What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to-face. What I know now is only partial; then it will be complete -- as complete as God's knowledge of me. 13 Meanwhile these three remain: faith, hope, and love; and the greatest of these is love.


<B9> Psalm 103

KJV w/Strong# - {2} Bless <01288> the LORD <03068>, O my soul <05315>, and forget <07911> not all <03605> his benefits <01576>: {3} Who forgiveth <05545> all <03605> thine iniquities <05771>; who healeth <07495> all <03605> thy diseases <08463>; {4} Who redeemeth <01350> thy life <02416> from destruction <07845>; who crowneth <05849> thee with lovingkindness <02617> and tender mercies <07356>;

NRSV - 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do not forget all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your iniquity, who heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the Pit, who crowns you with steadfast love and mercy,

TEV - 1 Praise the LORD, my soul! All my being, praise his holy name! 2 Praise the LORD, my soul, and do not forget how kind he is. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He keeps me from the grave and blesses me with love and mercy. 5 He fills my life with good things, so that I stay young and strong like an eagle.


<B10> Mark 1

KJV w/Strong# - {14} Now <1161> after <3326> that John <2491> was put <3860> in prison <3860>, Jesus <2424> came <2064> into <1519> Galilee <1056>, preaching <2784> the gospel <2098> of the kingdom <932> of God <2316>, {15} And saying <3004>, The time <2540> is fulfilled <4137>, and the kingdom <932> of God <2316> is at <1448> hand <1448>: repent <3340> ye, and believe <1722> the gospel <2098>.

NRSV - 14 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”

TEV - 14 After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God. 15 "The right time has come," he said, "and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!" 16 As Jesus walked along the shore of Lake Galilee, he saw two fishermen, Simon and his brother Andrew, catching fish with a net. 17 Jesus said to them, "Come with me, and I will teach you to catch men." 18 At once they left their nets and went with him.


<B11> Mark 3

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And he entered <1525> again <3825> into <1519> the synagogue <4864>; and there was a man <444> there <1563> which had <2192> a withered <3583> hand <5495>. {2} And they watched <3906> him, whether <1487> he would heal <2323> him on the sabbath <4521> day; that they might accuse <2723> him. {3} And he saith <3004> unto the man <444> which had <2192> the withered <3583> hand <5495>, Stand <1453> forth <3319>. {4} And he saith <3004> unto them, Is it lawful <1832> to do <15> good <15> on the sabbath <4521> days, or <2228> to do <2554> evil <2554>? to save <4982> life <5590>, or <2228> to kill <615>? But they held <4623> their peace <4623>. {5} And when he had looked <4017> round <4017> about <4017> on them with anger <3709>, being grieved <4818> for the hardness <4457> of their hearts <2588>, he saith <3004> unto the man <444>, Stretch <1614> forth <1614> thine <4675> hand <5495>. And he stretched <1614> [it] out: and his hand <5495> was restored <600> whole <5199> as the other <243>.

NRSV - 3 Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. 2 They watched him to see whether he would cure him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. 3 And he said to the man who had the withered hand, “Come forward.” 4 Then he said to them, “Is it lawful to do good or to do harm on the sabbath, to save life or to kill?” But they were silent. 5 He looked around at them with anger; he was grieved at their hardness of heart and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was restored.

TEV - 1 Then Jesus went back to the synagogue, where there was a man who had a paralyzed hand. 2 Some people were there who wanted to accuse Jesus of doing wrong; so they watched him closely to see whether he would cure the man on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man, "Come up here to the front." 4 Then he asked the people, "What does our Law allow us to do on the Sabbath? To help or to harm? To save a man's life or to destroy it?" 4b But they did not say a thing. 5 Jesus was angry as he looked around at them, but at the same time he felt sorry for them, because they were so stubborn and wrong. Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and it became well again. 6 So the Pharisees left the synagogue and met at once with some members of Herod's party, and they made plans to kill Jesus.


<B12> Deuteronomy 18

KJV w/Strong# - {13} Thou shalt be perfect <08549> with the LORD <03068> thy God <0430>.

NRSV - 13 You must remain completely loyal to the Lord your God.

TEV - 9 "When you come into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, don't follow the disgusting practices of the nations that are there. 10 Don't sacrifice your children in the fires on your altars; and don't let your people practice divination or look for omens or use spells 11 or charms, and don't let them consult the spirits of the dead. 12 The LORD your God hates people who do these disgusting things, and that is why he is driving those nations out of the land as you advance. 13 Be completely faithful to the LORD."


<B13> Matthew 15

KJV w/Strong# - {32} Then <1161> Jesus <2424> called <4341> his disciples <3101> [unto him], and said <2036>, I have compassion <4697> on <1909> the multitude <3793>, because <3754> they continue <4357> with me now <2235> three <5140> days <2250>, and have <2192> nothing <5101> to eat <5315>: and I will <2309> not send <630> them away <630> fasting <3523>, lest <3379> they faint <1590> in the way <3598>. {33} And his disciples <3101> say <3004> unto him, Whence <4159> should we have so <5118> much <5118> bread <740> in the wilderness <2047>, as to fill <5526> so <5118> great <5118> a multitude <3793>? {34} And Jesus <2424> saith <3004> unto them, How <4214> many <4214> loaves <740> have <2192> ye? And they said <2036>, Seven <2033>, and a few <3641> little <2485> fishes <2485>. {35} And he commanded <2753> the multitude <3793> to sit <377> down <377> on <1909> the ground <1093>. {36} And he took <2983> the seven <2033> loaves <740> and the fishes <2486>, and gave <1325> thanks <2168>, and brake <2806> [them], and gave <1325> to his disciples <3101>, and the disciples <3101> to the multitude <3793>. {37} And they did all <3956> eat <5315>, and were filled <5526>: and they took <142> up of the broken <2801> [meat] that was left <4052> seven <2033> baskets <4711> full <4134>. {38} And they that did eat <2068> were four <5070> thousand <5070> men <435>, beside <5565> women <1135> and children <3813>.

NRSV - 32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for the crowd, because they have been with me now for three days and have nothing to eat; and I do not want to send them away hungry, for they might faint on the way.” 33 The disciples said to him, “Where are we to get enough bread in the desert to feed so great a crowd?” 34 Jesus asked them, “How many loaves have you?” They said, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35 Then ordering the crowd to sit down on the ground, 36 he took the seven loaves and the fish; and after giving thanks he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds. 37 And all of them ate and were filled; and they took up the broken pieces left over, seven baskets full. 38 Those who had eaten were four thousand men, besides women and children.

TEV - 32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, "I feel sorry for these people, because they have been with me for three days and now have nothing to eat. I don't want to send them away without feeding them, for they might faint on their way home." 33 The disciples asked him, "Where will we find enough food in this desert to feed this crowd?" 34 "How much bread do you have?" Jesus asked. "Seven loaves," they answered, "and a few small fish." 35 So Jesus ordered the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, gave thanks to God, broke them, and gave them to the disciples; and the disciples gave them to the people. 37 They all ate and had enough. Then the disciples took up seven baskets full of pieces left over. 38 The number of men who ate was four thousand, not counting the women and children. 39 Then Jesus sent the people away, got into a boat, and went to the territory of Magadan.


<B14> Romans 14

KJV w/Strong# - {22} Hast <2192> thou faith <4102>? have <2192> [it] to thyself <4572> before <1799> God <2316>...

NRSV - 22 The faith that you have, have as your own conviction before God...

TEV - 19 So then, we must always aim at those things that bring peace and that help strengthen one another. 20 Do not, because of food, destroy what God has done. All foods may be eaten, but it is wrong to eat anything that will cause someone else to fall into sin. 21 The right thing to do is to keep from eating meat, drinking wine, or doing anything else that will make your brother fall. 22 Keep what you believe about this matter, then, between yourself and God. Happy is the person who does not feel guilty when he does something he judges is right!


<B15> Romans 1

KJV w/Strong# - {20} For the invisible <517> things of him from the creation <2937> of the world <2889> are clearly <2529> seen <2529>, being understood <3539> by the things that are made <4161>, [even] his eternal <126> power <1411> and Godhead <2305>;...

NRSV - 20 Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made...

TEV - 18 God's anger is revealed from heaven against all the sin and evil of the people whose evil ways prevent the truth from being known. 19 God punishes them, because what can be known about God is plain to them, for God himself made it plain. 20 Ever since God created the world, his invisible qualities, both his eternal power and his divine nature, have been clearly seen; they are perceived in the things that God has made. So those people have no excuse at all! 21 They know God, but they do not give him the honor that belongs to him, nor do they thank him. Instead, their thoughts have become complete nonsense, and their empty minds are filled with darkness.


<B16> Jeremiah 29

KJV w/Strong# - {11} For I know <03045> the thoughts <04284> that I think <02803> toward <05921> you, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>, thoughts <04284> of peace <07965>, and not of evil <07451>, to give <05414> you an expected <08615> end <0319>.

{13} And ye shall seek <01245> me, and find <04672> [me], when <03588> ye shall search <01875> for me with all <03605> your heart <03824>. {14} And I will be found <04672> of you, saith <05002> the LORD <03068>:...

NRSV - 11 For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.

13 When you search for me, you will find me; if you seek me with all your heart, 14 I will let you find me, says the Lord,...

TEV - 10 "The LORD says, "When Babylonia's seventy years are over, I will show my concern for you and keep my promise to bring you back home. 11 I alone know the plans I have for you, plans to bring you prosperity and not disaster, plans to bring about the future you hope for. 12 Then you will call to me. You will come and pray to me, and I will answer you. 13 You will seek me, and you will find me because you will seek me with all your heart. 14 Yes, I say, you will find me, and I will restore you to your land. I will gather you from every country and from every place to which I have scattered you, and I will bring you back to the land from which I had sent you away into exile. I, the LORD, have spoken.'


<B17> Philippians 4

KJV w/Strong# - {8} Finally <3063>, brethren <80>, whatsoever <3745> things are true <227>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] honest <4586>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] just <1342>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] pure <53>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] lovely <4375>, whatsoever <3745> things [are] of good <2163> report <2163>; if <1487> [there be] any <1536> virtue <703>, and if <1487> [there be] any <1536> praise <1868>, think <3049> on these <5023> things. {9} Those <5023> things, which <3739> ye have both <2532> learned <3129>, and received <3880>, and heard <191>, and seen <1492> in me, do <4238>: and the God <2316> of peace <1515> shall be with you.

NRSV - 8 Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think aboutthese things. 9 Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you.

TEV - 5 Show a gentle attitude toward everyone. The Lord is coming soon. 6 Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. 7 And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. 8 In conclusion, my brothers, fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise: things that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and honorable. 9 Put into practice what you learned and received from me, both from my words and from my actions. And the God who gives us peace will be with you.


<B18> Revelation 21

KJV w/Strong# - {1} And I saw <1492> a new <2537> heaven <3772> and a new <2537> earth <1093>: for the first <4413> heaven <3772> and the first <4413> earth <1093> were passed <3928> away; and there was no <3756> more <2089> sea <2281>.

{3} And I heard <191> a great <3173> voice <5456> out of heaven <3772> saying <3004>, Behold <2400>, the tabernacle <4633> of God <2316> [is] with men <444>, and he will dwell <4637> with them, and they shall be his people <2992>, and God <2316> himself <846> shall be with them, [and be] their God <2316>. {4} And God <2316> shall wipe <1813> away <1813> all <3956> tears <1144> from their eyes <3788>; and there shall be no <3756> more <2089> death <2288>, neither <3777> sorrow <3997>, nor <3777> crying <2906>, neither shall there be any <2089> more <2089> pain <4192>: for the former <4413> things are passed <565> away <565>. {5} And he that sat <2521> upon the throne <2362> said <2036>, I make <4160> all <3956> things new <2537>. And he said <3004> unto me, Write { for these <3778> words <3056> are true <228> and} faithful <4103>.

NRSV - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; 4 he will wipe every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; mourning and crying and pain will be no more, for the first things have passed away.” 5 And the one who was seated on the throne said, “See, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

TEV - 1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth disappeared, and the sea vanished. 2 And I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared and ready, like a bride dressed to meet her husband. 3 I heard a loud voice speaking from the throne: "Now God's home is with mankind! He will live with them, and they shall be his people. God himself will be with them, and he will be their God. 4 He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. The old things have disappeared." 5 Then the one who sits on the throne said, "And now I make all things new!" He also said to me, "Write this, because these words are true and can be trusted." 6 And he said, "It is done! I am the first and the last, the beginning and the end. To anyone who is thirsty I will give the right to drink from the spring of the water of life without paying for it. 7 Whoever wins the victory will receive this from me: I will be his God, and he will be my son. 8 But cowards, traitors, perverts, murderers, the immoral, those who practice magic, those who worship idols, and all liars -- the place for them is the lake burning with fire and sulfur, which is the second death."


LINKS TO SOME OTHER USEFUL BIBLE-LESSON-RELATED WEB PAGES

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS COMMENTARY (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://www.bibletexts.com/abbrev.htm)

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CHRISTIAN SCIENCE QUARTERLY BIBLE LESSONS - HISTORICAL INSIGHTS - This is a link to a Webpage 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://www.bibletexts.com/articles/bl.htm)

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DAILY 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 - This is a Webpage that describes various  Bible study aids that are keyed to the Strong's number system. These materials will enable you to 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://www.bibletexts.com/strongs.htm)

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