The Eastern Greek Orthodox Bible New Testament

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE NEW TESTAMENT

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Date - Occasion

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE: NEW TESTAMENT

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE BASED ON THE SEPTUAGINT AND THE PATRIARCHAL TEXT

NEW TESTAMENT ALSO KNOWN AS

THE CHRISTIAN GREEK SCRIPTURES

With extensive introductory and supplemental material

(The EOB or) Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible or The Holy Bible of the Eastern / Greek Orthodox Churches, based on the Septuagint and Patriarchal Text No ISBN for this edition. © Laurent Cleenewerck, Editor, 2007-2009 – All rights reserved - Permissions to use, quote, reproduce and modify for non-commercial, liturgical or scholarly purposes is hereby granted to all institutions, parishes, clergy, or lay members of SCOBA affiliated jurisdictions and agencies, as well as all jurisdictions in communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. This clause applies to the biblical text and footnotes only, not to Introductory and Appendix articles. It is requested that such modifications be communicated to: [emailprotected] for possible inclusion in future editions of the EOB. Only the copyright holder may produce and sell printed versions of this translation. For non-ecclesiastical use, up to 1,500 verses may be quoted in print form as long as the verses amount to less than 60% of a completed book or work. Introductory and Appendix articles may be © by their respective authors. The list of all EOB contributors is in volume 1 (EOB OT 1). In this volume, Appendix articles are © by L. Cleenewerck and M. Bonocore (Appendix A). Chronological tables for the Introduction to the Pauline Epistles are used by permission of the author (Kevin P. Edgecomb). Analysis of PT variants by Darrin Roush. Please contact the Editor if by accident any copyright has not been properly credited or permission secured. Scriptural quotes in Introduction and Appendices are from various sources. All copyrights are hereby acknowledged, in particular: "Revised / New Revised Standard Version of the Bible, copyright by the Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved."

Official EOB web site: http://www.orthodoxanswers.org/eob Suggestions, corrections and comments are requested and should be sent to: [emailprotected]

The EOB New Testament is presented in memory of Archbishop Vsevolod of Scopelos (†2007) Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople And in honor of His Beatitude Metropolitan Jonah Primate of the Orthodox Church in America

Theophany: The Lord’s Baptism By the hand of Julia Hayes

ABBREVIATIONS AND CODES

[]

Indicates words added for clarity and accuracy but which may not be in the Greek text. For public reading, these words can be included or skipped

{}

Indicates words added for theological clarity and accuracy. For public reading, these words should be skipped

Indicates words that may have been added in the Byzantine textual tradition for the purpose of clarification, harmonization or liturgical use and which are present in PT, but which may not have been part of the original manuscripts

ANF/PNF

Ante-Nicene Fathers / Post-Nicene Fathers

BAC

Being as Communion, John Zizioulas

CCC

Catechism of the Catholic Church

Modern “eclectic” texts or reconstructed "critical texts" (United Bible Societies Text (UBS) or the Nestle-Aland Text (NA))

CTC

Called to Communion, Joseph Ratzinger

EBC

Eucharist, Bishop, Church, John Zizioulas

EOB

Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible

HBB

His Broken Body, Laurent Cleenewerck

Ecclesiastical History (Eusebius) (Paul Maier’s edition)

KJV

King James Version (sometimes called Authorized Version)

LXX

Greek translation of the Old Testament known as the Septuagint which is the basis for the main English text of the EOB/OT

The Majority Text is indicated as MT. It is based on the “majority” of readings found in available manuscripts and favors the Byzantine textual platform. The PT is very close to the MT. Please note that in the context of references to the Old Testament, MT means Masoretic Text.

NAB

New American Bible – a Roman Catholic translation

NETS

New English Translation of the Septuagint

NIV

New International Version – an evangelical translation

NJB

New Jerusalem Bible - a Roman Catholic translation

NKJV

New King James Version

NRS

New Revised Standard Version – a modern inclusive version

New Testament

NTTT

New Testament Text and Translation Commentary, Philip Comfort

OSB

Orthodox Study Bible

Old Testament

Official ecclesiastical Greek text of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople published in 1904, basis for the EOB/NT

TCAC

The Church of the Ancient Councils, Peter L’Huillier

TIT

Truth in Translation, Jason BeDuhn

TPOP

The Primacy of Peter, John Meyendorff

Textus Receptus, basis for the King James Version (KJV)

YLT

Young’s Literal Translation

TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS AND CODES ............................................................................... 9 THE GREEK ALPHABET .........................................................................................13 MANUSCRIPT CODES ..............................................................................................14 ABOUT THE EOB NEW TESTAMENT ..............................................................15

THE GOSPELS INTRODUCTION TO THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND ACTS .................34 (ACCORDING TO) MATTHEW (ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ)..................................40 (ACCORDING TO) MARK (ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ)...............................................108 (ACCORDING TO) LUKE (ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ) ................................................151 INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN .............................................220 (ACCORDING TO) JOHN (ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ)...............................................231 ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ) ....................284

THE EPISTLES AND REVELATION INTRODUCTION TO THE PAULINE EPISTLES.........................................344 ROMANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ) ............................................................................351 1 CORINTHIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α).....................................................377 2 CORINTHIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Β).....................................................400 GALATIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ) ........................................................................415 EPHESIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ) ........................................................................424 PHILIPPIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΗΣΙΟΥΣ) ..........................................................432 COLOSSIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΛOΣΣΑΕΙΣ)................................................................438 1 THESSALONIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΕΙΣ Α) ......................................444 2 THESSALONIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΕΙΣ Β).......................................449

1 TIMOTHY (ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΝ Α) .................................................................452 2 TIMOTHY (ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΜΟΘΕΟΝ B) .................................................................459 TITUS (ΠΡΟΣ ΤΙΤΟΝ)............................................................................................464 PHILEMON (ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΗΜΟΝΑ)......................................................................467 HEBREWS (ΠΡΟΣ ΕΒΡΑΙΟΥΣ)...........................................................................469 INTRODUCTION TO THE OTHER EPISTLES.............................................490 JAMES (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΙΑΚΩΒΟΥ).........................................................................493 1 PETER (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΠΕΤΡΟΥ Α)....................................................................499 2 PETER (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΠΕΤΡΟΥ B)....................................................................507 1 JOHN (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ Α) ...................................................................512 2 JOHN (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ B)....................................................................519 3 JOHN (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ Γ) ....................................................................520 JUDE (ΕΠΙΣΤΟΛΗ ΙΟΥΔΑ) ..................................................................................521 INTRODUCTION TO THE REVELATION OF JOHN .................................523 REVELATION (ΙΩΑΝΝΟΥ ΑΠΟΚΑΛΥΨΙΣ) ..................................................535 APPENDICES APPENDIX A: ACTS 20:28 - PRESBYTERS AND BISHOPS.......................571 APPENDIX B: MATTHEW 16:18 – CHURCH AND APOSTLES ..............583 APPENDIX C: JOHN 1:1,18 – JESUS AS ‘GOD’................................................626 APPENDIX D: JOHN 15:26 - THE FILIOQUE CONTROVERSY..............629 APPENDIX E: MARK 6:3 - THE ‘BROTHERS’ OF THE LORD.................652

INTRODUCTION

THE GREEK ALPHABET Letter Name

Lower Case

Upper Case

Transliteration

Alpha

Beta

Gamma

Delta

Epsilon

Zeta

Êta

e (ê or ē)

Thêta

θ, ϑ

Iota

Kappa

Lambda

Omicron

Rho

Sigma

σ, ς

Tau

Upsilon

u (sometimes v or y)

Phi

φ, ϕ

Chi

Psi

Omega

ô or ō

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

MANUSCRIPT CODES Code / Symbol

Type / Name / Date

(‫ )א‬01

Codex Sinaiticus / 4th cent.

A (02)

Codex Alexandrinus / 5th cent.

B (03)

Codex Vaticanus / 4th cent.

C (04)

Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus / 5th cent.

D (05)

Codex Bezae (Bezae Cantabrigiensis) / 5th cent.

Itala (old Latin) / 4th cent.

P45

Papyrus Chester Beatty I / 2nd cent.

P46

Papyrus Chester Beatty II / 2nd cent.

P52

Papyrus John Rylands P457 / 2nd cent.

P66

Papyrus Bodmer II / 2nd cent.

P75

Papyrus Bodmer XIV, XV / 2nd cent.

Patriarchal Text

W (032)

Codex Washingtonensis / Freer Gospels / 5th cent.

Δ (Delta, 037)

Sangallensis / 8th-9th cent.

Φ (Phi, 043)

Codex Beratinus / 5th-6th cent.

Θ (Theta, 038)

Codex Koridethianus / 7th-9th cent.

Ψ (Psi, 044)

Athos Laura B' 52 / 8th-9th cent.

INTRODUCTION

ABOUT THE EOB NEW TESTAMENT PURPOSE The EOB New Testament was prepared for personal study and liturgical use in English-speaking Orthodox Christian communities. Its format and font are designed to make both activities accessible and rewarding. Every attempt has been made to offer an accurate and scholarly translation of the Greek text, free of the theological bias that has affected most other translations of the New Testament, including the NIV (2 Thess. 2:15) and NAB (Matt. 5:32). Another intention of this translation is to foster interest in learning the Greek language (biblical, patristic and modern), which is why many footnotes make reference to the underlying Greek vocabulary. The purpose of this edition is also to make the reader aware of possible textual variants by footnoting all significant instances where the Patriarchal Text (PT) may not agree with the Textus Receptus (TR), the Majority Text (MT) or the Critical Text (CT). In several instances, the footnotes will provide references to specific manuscripts.

≈ Until the publication of the EOB, the King James and New King James versions have been the preferred translations, partly because they are based on the Textus Receptus (TR) which is a Byzantine-type text that is close to the normative ecclesiastical text of the Greek-speaking Orthodox Churches. The Textus Receptus (Latin: “received text”) is the name subsequently given to the succession of printed Greek texts of the New Testament which constituted the translation base for Luther’s original German Bible. The TR was also used for the translation of the New Testament into English by William Tyndale, for the King James Version, and for most other Reformation-era New Testament translations throughout Western and Central Europe. This series of printed texts originated with the first printed Greek New Testament to be published. This project was undertaken in Basel in 1516 by Desiderius Erasmus, a Dutch Roman Catholic scholar and humanist. This first TR was assembled on the basis of six manuscripts

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

which put together did not actually contain the entirety of the New Testament. For this reason, the Erasmus TR is especially problematic for the book of Revelation. Although based mainly on late manuscripts of the Byzantine text-type, Erasmus’ edition differed markedly from the classic form of that text. In 1,838 places (1,005 translatable) Textus Receptus differs from the Byzantine text-type (Majority Text). The TR was subsequently revised by Robert Estienne (known as Stefanus) (1503-1559), a printer from Paris, who edited four times the Greek New Testament, 1546, 1549, 1550, and 1551. The origin of the term “Textus Receptus” comes from the publisher's preface to the 1633 edition produced by the Elzevir brothers in Amsterdam. Several versions of the King James Version (KJV) currently exist, but all suffer from the imperfections of the Textus Receptus prepared by Erasmus (1522, third edition) from a small number of manuscripts and revised by Stephanus (1550). Moreover, the Old Testament of the KJV is mostly based on the Masoretic text and fails to include significant Septuagintal variants. Also, even though the original 1611 edition of the KJV included the so-called ‘apocryphal’ books, these were removed in subsequent editions, thus preventing proper ecclesiastical use in an Orthodox context.a In North America, most parishes of the Orthodox Church in America and of the Antiochian Archdiocese still use Elizabethan English in the liturgy, in which case the KJV does provide linguistic continuity, although at the expense of universal accessibility. In practice however, it seems that the majority of Orthodox parishes read the Scriptures in formal but contemporary English, often from the New King James Version (NKJV). This particular modern-language translation is also based on the Textus Receptus and follows the formal-equivalency approach and general style of the KJV. In addition, the NKJV provides comprehensive footnotes which discuss significant variant readings. One major limitation with the NKJV is that it is a commercial, copyrighted translation which lies completely outside the control of the Orthodox Christian community. Moreover, certain issues of translation and terminology (discussed below) also called for revisions within an Orthodox context. The EOB (Eastern / Greek Orthodox Bible or Holy Bible of the [Eastern / Greek] Orthodox Churches) addresses these limitations, both in the Old and New Testaments. A limited copyright (see inner front page) is held by the publisher but the text is non-commercial, held within the Orthodox community and made available almost without constraints to the Standing Conference of Orthodox Canonical Bishops, both for revisions a

See EOB/OT Introduction for an in-depth discussion of the OT canon

INTRODUCTION

and for liturgical use. Moreover, Orthodox Christians are invited to submit their suggestions so that the published text may be regularly updated and improved.

EOB FOOTNOTES Unlike the Orthodox Study Bible (OSB), the EOB footnotes focus on textual and translation issues, and refrain from providing extensive theological or doctrinal interpretations. Hence, the goal of the main text is to provide the reader with a clear sense of what the Scriptures say with possible nuances, not how they should be interpreted. There are two reasons for this philosophy. The first one is that footnote commentaries are often perceived as “authoritative” by the reader – almost on the level of Scripture or official commentary. Hence, the reader’s attention is directed to particular explanation, at the risk of not letting the inspired text speak for itself. The second reason is that a few of the explanatory footnotes of the OSB may be debated among Orthodox theologians, as in the case of Acts 1:20 and Revelation 17:1 among others. Please refer to the introductions and appendices for appropriate explanations.

PRIMARY GREEK TEXT(S) The translation of the New Testament included in the EOB is based on the official Greek text published by the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople in 1904 (Patriarchal Text or PT). During the Turkish occupation of the Greek lands, various editions of the NT had been published with significant variants. In 1902, in order to ensure ecclesiastical harmony, the Ecumenical Patriarchate appointed a committee whose task was to publish a common and official text. This committee retired to Mount Athos and studied about 20 major Byzantine manuscripts from which they adopted one, yet taking into consideration significant variants from other manuscripts. This text, which is very close to the socalled Majority Text (MT), was published for the first time in 1904. It has since then been adopted by all Greek-speaking Orthodox Churches (Constantinople, Alexandria, Jerusalem, Greece, Cyprus, and Crete). Its purpose is not to offer an always speculative reconstruction of the original autographs but to provide a uniform ecclesiastical text which is a reliable and accurate witness to the truth of the Christian faith. This Greek text was prepared more than a hundred years ago, hence before the discovery of new manuscripts and before the development of textual criticism. For this reason, even though the Patriarchal text is primary for the main body of the EOB/NT, constant reference has been made to socalled Critical Text (CT) published by the United Bible Society

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

(UBS/NA27 4th edition). In the process of comparing the differences between the Patriarchal Text and the Critical Text, special attention has been given to patristic quotations. All significant variants between PT/MT/TR and CT have been studied and footnoted to provide variant readings. The Byzantine text-type (also called Majority, Traditional, Ecclesiastical, Constantinopolitan, or Syrian) is one of several texttypes used in textual criticism to describe the textual character of certain Greek New Testament manuscripts. It is the form found in the largest number of surviving manuscripts. The New Testament text of the Greek Orthodox Churches, the Patriarchal edition of 1904 (PT), is based on this text-type. This textual tradition also underlies the Textus Receptus Greek text. A synthetic Greek New Testament text based on these majority readings – hence the name “Majority Text” - has been produced by Zane C. Hodges and Arthur L. Farstad, although this text does not correspond to any one particular manuscript. There are only six manuscripts earlier than the 9th century which conform to the Byzantine text-type; of which the 5th century Codex Alexandrinus, (the oldest), is Byzantine only in the Gospels with the rest of the New Testament being Alexandrian. By comparison, the Alexandrian text-type is witnessed by nine surviving uncials earlier than the ninth century (including the Codex Alexandrinus outside the Gospels); and is also usually considered to be demonstrated in three earlier papyri. Modern critical editions of the New Testament tend to conform most often to Alexandrian witnesses — especially Codex Sinaiticus and Codex Vaticanus (see below). The earliest of the Church Fathers who is considered to be a consistent witness to a Byzantine text-type in NT quotations is St. John Chrysostom. Orthodox Christians should be aware that the foundational Greek text used by most modern translations such as the New International Version and (New) Revised Standard Version is the Critical Text (CT). By contrast, the foundational text for the King James and New King James versions is the Textus Receptus (TR). Moreover, many use the dynamicequivalency translation approach as opposed to formal-equivalency. Due to doctrinal bias and other aberrations, these translations are generally prohibited for ecclesiastical use by Orthodox hierarchs. The EOB/NT was translated using the formal-equivalency approach, although like the King James Version, it sometimes adopts dynamicequivalent readings. Also, and for the purpose of easier readability and comprehension, long Greek sentences have been broken down into smaller

INTRODUCTION

units, yet without significant alterations of the intended meaning or of the original word-flow.a

UNDERSTANDING TEXTS AND VARIANTS Most scholars recognize the existence of four families of New Testament manuscripts: Byzantine, Alexandrian, Western and Caesarean. Obviously, all of these are part of the historical heritage of Orthodox Christianity. The majority of (Greek) manuscripts available today belong to the Byzantine type. They are all very close to the Textus Receptus which underlies the KJV/NKJV, to the Majority Text which is reconstructed based on the majorityb of manuscripts, and to the Patriarchal Text. The Patriarchal Text of 1904 is indeed extremely close to modern editions of the Majority Text, such as the Hodges & Farstad of 1982 and Pierpont & Robinson of 1991. On the other hand, there are significant variants between TR/MT/PT and the Critical Text. These variants are documented in the EOB footnotes. The reason for these “alternative readings” should be known and understood by all Orthodox Christians. Based on the discovery of new manuscripts, especially Sinaiticus, Vaticanus and ancient Egyptian papyri, modern textual critics analyze the relative value of each manuscript with the laudable intention of recovering the original reading of the New Testament autographs. Codexc Sinaiticus (British Library, Gregory-Aland nº ‫( א‬Alephd) or 01) was discovered in 1859 by Constantin von Tischendorf when he was staying at the Greek Orthodox Monastery of St. Catherine of Sinai. During his first visit to the Monastery, Tischendorf had noticed what appeared to be very ancient manuscripts in the wastebasket used for fire kindling. His excitement and alarm at the content of the monastic wastebasket was noticed by the monks, but in spite of the growing concern of his hosts, the German visitor was still able to consult ancient texts of great value. When he returned to the Monastery several years later to present as a gift his

New Testament Greek does not include punctuation marks. The approach used by the Majority Text is that all manuscripts are given the same weight and counted. The most frequent reading (which can have a large or small majority) is the one that is chosen. c A codex (Latin for block of wood, book; plural codices) is a book in the format used for modern books, with separate pages normally bound together and given a cover. It was a Roman invention that replaced the scroll, which was the first form of book in all Eurasian cultures. d In the footnotes, ‫ א‬refers to Codex Sinaiticus and ‫ * א‬to the first correction(s) in the same Codex. b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

recently published edition of the Septuagint, his monastic guests expressed interest and appreciation. Tischendorf writes: On the afternoon of this day, I was taking a walk with the steward of the convent in the neighborhood, and as we returned, towards sunset, he begged me to take some refreshment with him in his cell. Scarcely had he entered the room, when, resuming our former subject of conversation, he said: “And I, too, have read a Septuagint” - i.e. a copy of the Greek translation made by the Seventy. And so saying, he took down from the corner of the room a bulky kind of volume, wrapped up in a red cloth, and laid it before me. I unrolled the cover, and discovered, to my great surprise, not only those very fragments which, fifteen years before, I had taken out of the basket, but also other parts of the Old Testament, the New Testament complete, and, in addition, the Epistle of Barnabas and a part of the Pastor of Hermas.a

Tsar Alexander II, who had commissioned Tischendorf’s expedition, sent the monastery 9,000 rubles to compensate the monastery for the ‘loss’ of the manuscript. It should be noted that Tischendorf had promised that the codex would be returned to the monastery, but this never materialized. Instead, this ancient treasure was long kept by the Russian National Library and in 1933, the Soviet Union sold it to the British Library for £100,000. Hence, Codex Sinaiticus is not only one of the oldest manuscripts available today (330-350), it is also Orthodox in origin and was not itself ‘discovered in a trash can’ as many mistakenly believe. On the other hand, the codex is heavily corrected and may not be as reliable as modern textual critics often claim. Codex Vaticanus (Vatican Library, Gregory-Aland no. B or 03) is also one of the oldest extant manuscripts of the Bible. Its origins are not known, but it has been suggested that Codex Vaticanus was among the fifty bibles commissioned by Emperor St. Constantine I to Eusebius of Caesarea. The EOB/OT and Brenton’s LXX are primarily based on this manuscript (except for 1-4 Maccabees and the Prayer of Manasseh which are absent). Codex Alexandrinus (British Library, Gregory-Aland no. A or 02) is a 5th century manuscript containing the majority of the Septuagint and the New Testament. It is also considered as one of the earliest and most complete manuscripts of the Bible. It is named after the See of Alexandria where it resided for a number of years until the 17th century when Patriarch Cyril Lukaris offered it to the British Crown. In general, the Critical Text follows Sinaiticus and Vaticanus when they agree, which is rarer than one would expect. The Critical Text also tends a

Quoted in A History of the Textual Criticism of the New Testament by Marvin Richardson Vincent, p. 16

INTRODUCTION

to follow Sinaiticus or Vaticanus when either one agrees with ancient papyri and pre-Nicene quotations. Inasmuch as the debate still rages among biblical scholars regarding the relative merits of the Majority (Byzantine) Text versus the so-called Critical/Alexandrian Text, the EOB always follows the Patriarchal Text with textual signs such as footnotes, [ ], , and {}. Although there are good scholarly arguments both for and against using the Byzantine Majority Text over the Critical Text, many Orthodox hierarchs and theologians take the following into consideration: When a scribe had a choice of manuscripts to copy, he would normally copy the one that he trusted the most, thus causing the most trusted text to be copied more often; The Holy Spirit takes an active interest in preserving what He has inspired and in what the Church has used for her liturgical life. At the very least, the Byzantine textual tradition reflects ‘the life of the Spirit in the Church’ and can be considered ‘the ecclesiastical text’ and an assured witness. It is important to note that no doctrine is ever at stake on account of these variant readings. Moreover, if ancient writers such as Origen, Irenaeus, Basil or Chrysostom supported a non-Byzantine variant reading of significance, this will be mentioned in a footnote. Again, it is important to note that the main in-page wording of the EOB New Testament follows the Patriarchal/ecclesiastical text.

FOUNDATIONAL ENGLISH TEXT The EOB/NT project began as a revision of the WEB (World English Bible) which is a fairly accurate, easy-to-read and well-respected publicdomain translation based on the Majority Text. The WEB does not suffer from the constraints and occasional biases of other translations such as the NIV (New International Version). It is primarily an update of the 1901 edition of the ASV (American Standard Version) using the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, (also called The Stuttgart Bible), in the Old Testament,a and the Byzantine Majority Text (MT) in the New. During the process of verifying, correcting and retranslating the WEB text for the EOB/NT edition, the Patriarchal Text of 1904 and the UBS/NA Critical Text were systematically consulted. In addition, recent scholarly studies have been taken into consideration, notably Jesus as God: The New Testament Use of Theos in Reference to Jesus (Murray J. Harris); Truth in a

For the EOB, this only applies to the including of Job, Esther and Jeremiah according the Masoretic text.

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

Translation - Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament (Jason BeDuhn) and New Testament Text and Translation Commentary (Philip Comfort). Indeed, the revision and retranslation work has been so extensive as to make the EOB/NT an entirely new translation prepared to ensure accuracy and harmony with Orthodox theology and terminology. Compared to other translations, the following differences are noteworthy:

CHURCH OFFICES The Greek words dia,konoj (diakonos), presbu,teroj (presbyteros) and evpi,skopoj (episkopos), are translated “deacon” (instead of “servant” or “minister”), “presbyter” (instead of “elder”) and “overseer.” The modern English word “priest” is derived from “presbyter” but in a confused manner: it actually conveys the idea of “one who offers a sacrifice,” which is in Greek ièreu.j (hiereus) and !hek (kohen) in Hebrew. The Greek Orthodox tradition has properly retained the distinction between presbu,teroj and ièreu.j; the latter is applied to the Christian minister of the altar in his function as offerer of the Eucharistic gifts on behalf of the priestly people, which is why the Christian “priest” (Greek: ièreu.j Latin: sacerdos) par excellence originally was and still is the bishop. It is only with the development of the presbyter-led parish that the term “priest” (ièreu.j) came to be applied to the presbyter in his function as celebrant of the Eucharist. To this day, the annual directory of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America uses the title of “presbyter,” thereby maintaining the most traditional and theologically accurate terminology. In the New Testament, presbyter and overseer are interchangeable and synonymous,a which is why the EOB/NT translates evpi,skopoj (episkopos) as “overseer,” not “bishop.” For more information on the meaning of these terms and the biblicalapostolic origins of the so-called Monarchic episcopate, please refer to Appendix A.

TEMPLE AND SANCTUARY Most translations fail to properly distinguish between i`ero.n (hieron) and nao.j (naos) which are both rendered as “temple.” In the context of both heavenly and Jewish Temple worship, which finds their fulfillment in the Divine Liturgy of the Orthodox Churches, this difference is quite significant. Temple (i`erwn) usually refers to the overall structure, whereas a

See Appendix A for a comprehensive discussion of this topic.

INTRODUCTION

(nao.j) (“place of divine dwelling”) normally refers to the sanctuary, either the Holy Place or the Holy of Holies.

HELL AND HADES The King James Version caused lasting confusion by translating both Greek words a[|dou (hades) and ge,ennan (gehenna) as “hell.” This is often reflected in older Orthodox liturgical texts which say that “Christ descended into hell.” However, properly speaking, “hell” is theologically equivalent to gehenna or to “the lake of fire” of the “second death” (Rev. 20:14; 21:8). On the other hand, hades is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew l'avo (sheol) – the common place or state of the reposed. Paradise (Luke 23:43) or Abraham’s bosom (Luke 16:22) were understood as places or conditions within hades-sheol. Hence, the spirits of the righteous of old, as well as that of the repentant thief and of our Lord himself went into hades, but not into hell (gehenna or “the lake of fire”). The EOB makes this important distinction.

WORSHIP AND DIVINE SERVICE In modern English, “worship” (like prayer) has mainly taken on the meaning of an act (invocation, prostration) offered exclusively to God. However, the original and official semantic range of this word used to be much wider, as was the case of the Greek word proskunh/w (proskuneo) which is normatively applied to God but also to human beings.a The idea conveyed by proskuneo is that of “offering obeisance,” “making a physical demonstration of veneration and respect” or “prostrating oneself.” With this in mind, the New American Bible sometimes translates proskuneo as “to do homage,” including when applied to Jesus. In contemporary Eastern Orthodox terminology, the equivalent of proskuneo is often “venerate.” The Marriam-Webster dictionary offers the following definition for ‘worship:’ Function: verb; Inflected Form(s): -shipped also -shiped; -ship·ping also ship·ing 1 : to honor or reverence as a divine being or supernatural power 2 : to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion… synonym see REVERE

Genesis 27:29; 1 Kings 1:16; Revelation 3:9

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

As a result, some scholars have decided to translate proskuneo consistently as “worship,” but many others do not use “worship” in contexts where proskuneo is properly offered to a creature.a Indeed, there are instances when proskuneo is reserved for God (Exodus 20:5 LXX, Acts 10:25, Rev. 22:9) and others when proskuneo can be properly offered to creatures as derivative icons of God (1 Chronicles 29:20 LXX, 1 Kings 2:13 LXX, Rev. 3:9). Hence, although ‘all honor, glory and worship are due to God,’ relative honor, glory and worship are due to parents, rulers, bishops, angels, saints, etc. In the development of the Eastern Orthodox dogmatic framework and at the time of the iconoclastic controversy, St. John of Damascus and the Seventh Ecumenical Council clarified the definition of proskuneo as “derivative or relative worship” or “veneration,” while acknowledging the fact that proskuneo can also mean “worship” in the highest sense. On this basis, the Council declared such acts of reverence to be proper if the intention is to ultimately honor the ‘the true God and Father’b by honoring his icons, primarily the Son who is the perfect icon,c “True God of True God” and who shares the uncreated nature of the Father,d but also created icons, such as rulers and saints.e For clarity’s sake, the Council also declared that the highest form of worship would be associated with the unambiguous word latruo/latreia, a semantic clarification and adjustment comparable with the one that took place with the words episkopos and ousia/hypostasis.f Indeed, latreia is never used in the Scriptures in reference to anyone but God.g As the editor of the Acts of the Seventh Ecumenical Council for the Post-Nicene Fathers series observed:h The Council was most explicit in declaring that this was merely a veneration of honor and affection, such as can be given to the creature, and that under no circumstances could the adoration of divine worship be given to them but to God alone. The Greek language has in this respect a great advantage over the Hebrew, the Latin and the English; it has a word which is a general word and is properly used of the affectionate regard and veneration shown to any person or thing, whether to the divine Creator or to any of his creatures,

Some translations then use “bow down,” as NRS in Revelation 3:9 John 17:3 c Colossians 1:15 (evstin eivkw.n tou/ qeou/ tou/ avora,tou) d Hebrews 1:1-4 e For more information on the concept of “derivation” and “relative worship” in Orthodox theology, please refer to the Appendix D article on the Filioque f See Appendix A article “Presbyters and Bishops” g In the Creed of Nicea-Constantinople, it is proskuneo, not latreia, which is used in the clause “The Spirit, the Lord… who together with the Father and the Son is worshiped and glorified…” h PNF II (Volume 14) pp. 523-528 b

INTRODUCTION

this word is proskunesis; it has also another word which can properly be used to denote only the worship due to the most high, God, this word is latreia. When then the Council defined that the worship of “latria” was never to be given to any but God alone, it cut off all possibility for idolatry, mariolatry, iconolatry, or any other “latry” except “theo-latry.” If therefore any of these other “latrines” exist or ever have existed, they exist or have existed not in accordance with, but in defiance of, the decree of the Second Council of Nicea. But unfortunately, we have neither in Hebrew, Latin, nor English any word with this restricted meaning, and therefore when it became necessary to translate the Greek acts and the decree, great difficulty was experienced, and by the use of “adoro” as the equivalent of proskuneo many were scandalized, thinking that it was divine adoration which they were to give to the sacred images, which they knew would be idolatry. The same trouble is found in rendering into English the acts and decrees; for while indeed properly speaking “worship” no more means necessarily divine worship in English than “adoratio” does in Latin (e.g. I. Chr. xxix. 20, “All the congregation bowed down their heads and worshiped the Lord and the King” [i.e. Solomon]; Luke xiv. 10, “Then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee”), yet to the popular mind “the worship of images” is the equivalent of idolatry. In the following translations I have uniformly translated as follows and the reader from the English will know what the word is in the original. Proskuneo, to venerate; timao, to honour; latreuo, to adore; aspazomai, to salute; douleuo, to serve; eikon, an image. The relative force of proskunesis and latreia cannot better be set forth than by Archbishop Trench’s illustration of two circles having the same centre, the larger including the less. To make this matter still clearer I must ask the reader’s attention to the use of the words abadh and shachah in the Hebrew; the one abadh, which finds, when used with reference to God or to false gods its equivalent in latreuo; the other shachah, which is represented by proskuneo . Now in the Old Testament no distinction in the Hebrew is drawn between these words when applied to creator or creature. The one denotes service primarily for hire; the other bowing down and kissing the hand to any in salutation. Both words are constantly used and sometimes refer to the Creator and sometimes to the creature--e.g., we read that Jacob served (abadh) Laban (Gen. xxix. 20); and that Joshua commanded the people not to serve the gods of their fathers but to serve (abadh) the Lord (Josh. xxiv. 14). And for the use of shachah the following may suffice: “And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fathers and bowed down their heads and worshiped (Hebrew, shachah; Greek, proskuneo ; Latin, adoro) the Lord and the King” (I. Chr. xxix. 20). But while it is true of the Hebrew of the Old Testament that there is no word which refers alone to Divine Worship this is not true of the Septuagint Greek nor of the Greek of the New Testament, for in both proskuneo has always its general meaning, sometimes applying to

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

the creature and sometimes to the Creator; but latreuo is used to denote divine worship alone, as St. Augustine pointed out long ago. This distinction comes out very clearly in the inspired translation of the Hebrew found in Matthew iv. 10, “Thou shalt worship (proskuneseis) the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve (latreuseis).” “Worship” was due indeed to God above all but not exclusively to him, but latria is to be given to “him only.”

With this background in mind and taking into account the current, narrow sense of “worship,” the EOB has opted to always translate proskunh/w (proskuneo) as “to express adoration” with a consistent explanatory footnote. This approach faithfully conveys the meaning of proskuneo by combining the idea of a physical (or mental) expression with the broad sense of “adoration / to adore.” Latreia is always rendered by the expression “to offer divine service.” Note: The table below provides every instance where proskuneo is used; it is always and consistently translated “to express adoration.”

Verse

Jesus

Matt. 2:2

Matt. 2:8

Matt. 2:11

God

Matt. 4:9

Demons

Dragon, Beast, Image

Devil

Generic, People, Saints

Matt. 4:10

Matt. 8:2

Matt. 9:18

Matt. 14:33

Matt. 15:25

Matt. 18:26

Matt. 20:20

Matt. 28:9

Matt. 28:17

Mark 5:6

Idols

Peter

Angel

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Verse

Mark 15:19

Jesus

God

Demons

Generic, People, Saints

X X

John 4:21

John 4:22

John 4:23

John 4:24

X X

John 12:20

Acts 7:43

Acts 8:27

Acts 10:25

Acts 24:11

1 Cor. 14:25

Heb. 11:21

X X X

Rev. 3:9

Rev. 4:10

Rev. 5:14

Rev. 7:11

Rev. 9:20

Rev. 11:1 Rev. 11:16

Peter

John 4:20

Heb. 1:6

Idols

Luke 4:8

John 9:38

Devil

Luke 4:7

Luke 24:52

Dragon, Beast, Image

X X

Angel

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

Verse

Jesus

God

Demons

Dragon, Beast, Image

Rev. 13:4

Rev. 13:8

Rev. 13:12

Rev. 13:15

Rev. 14:7

Devil

Generic, People, Saints

Idols

Peter

Angel

Rev. 14:9

Rev. 14:11

Rev. 15:4

Rev. 16:2

Rev. 19:4

Rev. 19:10

Rev. 19:20

Rev. 20:4

Rev. 22:8

Rev. 22:9

KINGDOM It is normative to translate the Greek expression basilei,a tou/ qeou/ as “Kingdom of God,” although some scholars have also noted that such a translation is problematic. The late Fr. John Romanides insisted that: Another example is the phrase "kingdom of God" which makes it a creation of God instead of the uncreated ruling power of God. What is amazing is that the term "kingdom of God" appears not once in the original Greek of the New Testament. Not knowing that the "rule" or "reign of God" is the correct translation of the Greek "Basileia tou Theou," [many] do not see that the promise of Christ to his apostles in Mt.16:28, Lk. 9:27 and Mk. 9:1, i.e. that they will see God's ruling power, was fulfilled during the Transfiguration which immediately follows in the above three gospels. Here Peter, James and John see Christ as the Lord of Glory i.e. as the source of God's uncreated "glory" and "basileia" i.e. uncreated ruling power, denoted by the uncreated cloud or glory which appeared and covered the three of them during the Lord of Glory's Transfiguration. It was by means of His power of Glory that Christ, as the pre-incarnate Lord (Yahweh) of

INTRODUCTION

Glory, had delivered Israel from its Egyptian slavery and led it to freedom and the land of promise. The Greek text does not speak about the "Basileion (kingdom) of God," but about the "Basileia (rule or reign) of God," by means of His uncreated glory and power.a

For this reason, the YLT proposes “reign” as the most accurate translation, and a few translations occasionally render basilei,a as “reign” (NJB Luke 1:33). After due consideration, the EOB consistently maintains the usual translation (“Kingdom”) but the reader should be aware of this option and that “reign” or “rule” may be more accurate translations.

PRONOUNS New Testament Greek can be confusing if subjects and pronouns are translated literally, as in “He said to him.” The EOB/NT often replaces “he” with “Jesus” and “them” with “the disciples” or “the Pharisees,” as dictated by the context. If a replacement is potentially problematic, a footnote indicates the Greek original.

PROPER NOUNS Hebrew names follow the now usual Masoretic style, except for “Elias/Elijah,” “Isaias/Isaiah” and “Zacharias/Zachariah” which are rendered in the EOB/NT as Elias (Elijah), Isaias (Isaiah) and Zacharias (Zachariah). Public readers may choose either pronunciation.

GENDER FORMS Many recent translations have gone to great length to introduce questionable translation techniques in order to avoid any reference to “him,” “he,” “man,” etc. In many cases, these translations render singular constructions such as “he who loves” into a plural, gender-neutral form “they who love.” On the other hand, the original Greek is often genderneutral (“the one believing”) whereas the English may in fact introduce a gender element, as in “he who believes,” for the sake of common usage. As can be expected, the EOB/NT does not attempt to artificially avoid the traditional forms of expression and the personal-singular emphasis of the original Greek. Singular constructions are always maintained, except in rare instances (James 5:13-20) where the context does call for such a translation. In this case, an appropriate footnote is placed to indicate the fact that the underlying Greek is singular.

John Romanides, The Cure of the Neurobiological Sickness of Religion, accessed at http://www.romanity.org/data/nososen.doc

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

“He who calls his brother…” is often translated “Whoever calls his brother” or “The one who calls his brother” because this rendition is both faithful to the text and intention of the inspired writer as well as reasonably inclusive. The EOB/NT translates adelphoi as “brethren” when the word denotes a spiritual relationship. This is a traditional and well-understood way to include all the members of the family of Christ. In most cases, adelphoi does convey the meaning of “brothers and sisters,” but not always,a as the context may indicate. For an in-depth discussion of the meaning of avdelfoi when applied to the family of the Lord ‘according to the flesh,’ please consult Appendix E.

CAPITALIZATIONS Greek manuscripts do not have any capitalization. Hence, the introduction of capitalized forms is arbitrary and should be clarified. The EOB does not currently capitalize pronouns that refer to divinity. Specific nouns such as ‘Lord,’ ‘Spirit,’ ‘Lamb,’ ‘Son of Man’ and ‘God’ are capitalized. The reader should be aware that the capitalization of spirit is especially arbitrary and may in some instances influence one’s understanding of the text. ‘Name’ is capitalized when it refers to the divine Name(s). ‘Good News’ (in reference to the Gospel) is capitalized. This expression was normatively favored over the more traditional word ‘gospel.’ The Greek word euvagge,lion often conveyed the idea of ‘royal news delivered with authority.’

SPIRITb The English word “spirit” (or “Spirit”) normally translates the Greek pneu/ma (pneuvma) and the Hebrew x;Wr (ruah). For this word, capitalization is a major factor in leading the reader towards a particular understanding many passages, and we have seen that this has no equivalent in Greek and that the decision to capitalize is quite arbitrary.c In addition to this possible cause of misunderstandings, the meaning of the word itself is quite varied. The first thing to notice is that both pnevma and ruah also convey the a

James 3:1. Note that James 2:15 specifically says “brother or sister” (avdelfo.j h' avdelfh.) to make sure that the application is for everyone. b This paragraph is based on Truth in Translation by Jason BeDuhn, pp. 135-160 c It should be noted that this problem was known to the earliest copyists and they had to option to write either pnevma (in full) or in the form of a sacred name (nomina sacra) as PNA (with a bar above the letters). This is for instance the case of P66 and P75 in John 3:6-8.

INTRODUCTION

meaning “breath” or “wind,”a which explains the subtle nuances of such passages as Genesis 1:2; John 3:8 or James 2:26. On this basis, we could say that pnevma and ruah are used in reference to an unseen causal agent whose effects are visible. The Greek somewhat complicates the matter because it pnevma is neuter, which is why it is never spoken of with personal pronouns. Certainly, there a solid biblical reasons to believe in the hypostatic (personal, conscious) character of spirit and Spirit, but an unbiased translation requires the use of the conjunction “that / which” instead of “who / whom.” Good examples of how this is handled by various translations can be found by examining such texts as Acts 5:32, Ephesians 4:30 or 1 Corinthians 6:19. In the matter of capitalization, most translations follow the precedent of the King James Version in which perceived references to “the holy spirit (of God)” were capitalized as Holy Ghost (Holy Spirit in most recent translations). As a result, when capitalized, the word “Spirit” is assumed to mean “Holy Spirit,” even in cases where this may be less than certain. As it is, “Holy Spirit” appears 87 times in the New Testament, of which 45 occurrences lack the definite article (as in ‘a holy spirit’ without capitalization), but in many cases the Greek language does not require it. There are still 7 cases were the expression is truly indefinite and would necessitate the translation “a holy spirit” or more problematically “a Holy Spirit.” These texts are: Acts 8:15; 17-19; 10:38; 19:2; Luke 2:25; 11:13; John 20:22. Unlike other translations, the EOB footnotes explain the possible nuances of the expression “Holy Spirit / holy spirit” in these instances. Finally, it may be useful to bear in mind the following ranges of meaning for pnevma which sometime cause some confusion:

The breath or life-giving spirit which animates the body

A person’s individual spirit, or even one’s private thoughts

The spiritual realm of activity which transcends (and may influence) material reality.

In a related matter, the EOB dedicates Appendix D to a discussion of John 15:26 and the Filioque controversy.

THE ENGLISH PUNCTUATION The punctuation approach followed in the EOB/NT may seem inconsistent and at odds with strict rules. The reason for this approach is to use

Even “aroma / smell” for the Hebrew

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

punctuation marks primarily to make both personal and public reading easy to follow.

AMEN, AMEN After due consideration, it was decided that the Lord’s form of emphatic introduction, either “Amen” or “Amen, Amen,” should be transliterated into English rather then translated as “Most certainly,” “Truly, truly,” etc.

INTRODUCTION

Codex Sinaiticus (Gregory-Aland Number 01) 4th Century – British Museum

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

INTRODUCTION TO THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND ACTS The first three gospels are called synoptic gospels because they can be placed in parallel columns and compared “together in one glance” (synoptic).

MATTHEW Authorship / Date Matthew may be a translation or edition of a Hebrew or Aramaic original. This proto-Matthew may have been written by the apostle during and immediately after the ministry of Christ, especially if Matthew-Levi functioned as the ‘scribe’ of the apostolic band. Hence, there may have been an early recording of the Lord’s sayings which became a foundation for the gospel as we have it now in a Greek edition. Papias of Hierapolis (circa 100-120) is a very early witness to this tradition: Matthew composed the Logia (or “oracles / sayings (of the Lord)” in the Hebrew tongue and everyone interpreteda them as he was able. (Papias quoted in Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 3.39.16)

Both Irenaeus of Lyons and Origen concurred with Papias: Matthew also issued a written Gospel among the Hebrews in their own dialect while Peter and Paul were preaching at Rome and laying the foundations of the Church. (Irenaeus quoted by Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 3.39.16 and 5.25 for Origen’s confirmation)

Although modern scholarship sees Mark as the earliest gospel and as a major source used by the other evangelists, it is Matthew (or perhaps an earlier form of Matthew) which was considered as the earliest gospel by the early Fathers. Significantly, the existence of a Hebrew (or Aramaic) Matthew is attested by Eusebius. [Pantaenus] was sent to preach the Gospel of Christ to people in the East and went as far as India (possibly a reference to Arabia or Ethiopia). He found that the Gospel of Matthew had preceded him there among some who had come to know Christ. Bartholomew, one of the apostles, had preached to them and had left them Matthew’s account in Hebrew letters which was preserved until that time. (Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 5.10)

Here, “interpreted” almost certainly carried the meaning of “translated”

INTRODUCTION

St. Jerome also states that the Gospel of Matthew was originally written in Hebrew: Matthew, also called Levi, an apostle and previously a publican composed a gospel of Christ. It was at first published in Judea in Hebrew for the sake of those of the circumcision who believed, but this was afterwards translated into Greek though by what author is uncertain. The Hebrew itself has been preserved until the present day in the library at Caesarea which Pamphilus so diligently gathered. I have also had the opportunity of having the volume described to me by the Nazarenes of Beroea, a city of Syria, who use it. In this, it is to be noted that wherever the Evangelist, whether on his own account or in the person of our Lord the Savior quotes the testimony of the Old Testament he does not follow the authority of the translators of the Septuagint but the Hebrew. This is why these two forms exist 'Out of Egypt have I called my son,' and 'for he shall be called a Nazarene… Pantaenus was sent to Indiaa by Demetrius bishop of Alexandria, where he found that Bartholomew, one of the twelve apostles, had preached the advent of the Lord Jesus according to the gospel of Matthew. On his return to Alexandria, he brought this [document] with him written in Hebrew characters (Jerome - Lives of Illustrious Men, ch. 3 and 36).

However, only the Greek Matthew has survived and it is our only canonical text. It seems to have originated in Antioch in the second half of the first century. Theme(s) The gospel of Matthew is clearly addressed to a Jewish readership. Its theological purpose is to present Jesus as ‘the Christ’ or ‘Messiah’ (‘anointed’) who is the new Moses and the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and typologies. Among the central themes developed in Matthew’s gospel are the issue of observance of the Law and commandments, the Sabbath, the universal Messianic Kingdom and the Church.

MARK Authorship / Date Our earliest witness to the authorship and origins of Mark’s gospel is found in fragments from Papias’ writings preserved by Eusebius: The presbyter [John – not the apostle] said this: Mark became Peter’s interpreter and wrote accurately all that he remembered, (indeed, not in order), of the things said and done by the Lord. For he had not heard the Lord, nor had followed him, but later on, followed Peter, who used to give teaching as necessity demanded but did not make, as it were, an

“India” could also have been a reference to Arabia or Abyssinia-Ethiopia

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

arrangement of the Lord’s oracles, so that Mark did nothing wrong in thus writing down single points as he remembered them. He gave attention to one thing, to leave out nothing of what he had heard and to make no false statements in them. (Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 3.39)

Relying on Papias and other ancient testimonies, notably Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius and Jerome agreed on the remarkable origins of Mark’s gospel: So brightly shone the light of true religion on the minds of Peter’s hearers that, not satisfied with a single hearing or with the oral teaching of the divine message, they resorted to appeals of every kind to induce Mark (whose gospel we have), as he was a follower of Peter, to leave them in writing a summary of the instruction they had received by word of mouth. They did not let him go until they had persuaded him, and thus became responsible for the writing of what is known as the Gospel according to Mark. It is said that, on learning by divine revelation of the Spirit what had happened, the apostle was delighted at their enthusiasm and authorized the reading of the book in the Churches.” (Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 2.15.1-2) Mark, the disciple and interpreter of Peter, wrote a short gospel at the request of the brethren at Rome, embodying what he had heard Peter tell. When Peter had heard this, he approved it and published it to the Churches to be read by his authority as Clemens in the sixth book of his Hypotyposes and Papias, bishop of Hierapolis, record. (Jerome - Lives of Illustrious Men, chapter 8)

Hence, it is well established that Mark’s gospel was written in Rome before 70 AD, almost certainly in Greek, although some scholars have suggested a Latin original or immediate translation. The author, known as John Mark, was Barnabas’ cousina and his parents seemed to have owned properties used by the Lord and the early Church in Jerusalem. He is mentioned in Acts 12:12, 25; 13:13; 15:37-39; 2 Timothy 4:11; Colossians 4:10; Philemon 24; 1 Peter 5:13. Mark’s original manuscript seems to have ended abruptedly with 16:8, thus omitting the account of the Lord’s resurrection, perhaps because Mark was unable to complete his work. However, the resurrection is unambiguously foretold in 9:31 and 10:34. Theme(s) Mark is written for a Gentile audience unfamiliar with Jewish customs. The evangelist offers a fast moving account that focuses on the person and actions of Jesus Christ; the Lord’s emotions such as pity, anger and sadness are portrayed with unaffected naturalness. The Lord’s inability to perform a

Since Barnabas was a Levite, it is possible that John Mark also belonged to a priestly family.

INTRODUCTION

miracles in his hometown (6:5) and his two-phased healing of the blind man (8:22-26) indicate the complete absence of any intention to ‘polish’ or embellish the narrative. Commentators have often noticed the theme of mystery throughout the gospel – the mystery of the Kingdom (4:11) and that of Jesus’ identity. That he was “the holy one of God” was known by the demons (1:24) but Jesus also warned against reporting his miracles and revealing his identity. Interestingly, the gospel begins and ends with two parallel events: the tearing open of the heavens at the Lord’s baptism and the tearing of the temple curtain (which had an embroidered image of the heavens) at his death.

LUKE AND ACTS Authorship / Date Luke and Acts form two volumes of a single work. Tradition and internal evidence leave no doubt that Luke, a companion of Paul, was the author of this highly historical and polished account. Hence, the gospel was not written by an eyewitness but by an associate of St. Paul who admitted his reliance on the work and testimony of others (Luke 1:1-3). On the other hand, the book of Acts contains many “we” passages (beginning with 16:11) which indicate Luke’s presence in the events being reported. Based on the fact that Acts ends somewhat abruptly and without any information concerning the death of James of Jerusalem or the outcome of Paul’s trial, we may conclude that both Luke and Acts were composed between 60 and 66 AD. Modern scholarship suggest later dates, mostly because the accuracy of Jesus’ prophecies (Luke 21:20) regarding Jerusalem’s destruction are a challenge for rationalistic minds. Theme(s) Luke’s overarching theme is the universal salvation brought about by Christ and the fact that the outcast and neglected are embraced by it. This salvation extends into the life of Church which is the very “I” of Christ (Acts 9:4,5) and the place of the Spirit. This economy of salvation begins in Bethlehem and even reaches “the end of the world,” Rome (Acts 1:8; 23:11). This meeting of Word and Spirit which brings about a testimony or witness to Jesus as Christ and Savior is a major thread in Luke’s writings. It is expressed in John the Baptist (1:15; 35), in Mary as Theotokos and new ark,a in the incarnate Word of God

See “Typology” article in EOB/OT introduction

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

who is often seen in prayer (notably 3:21; 9:29), and in the Church whose very life is an anaphora and epiklesis, an encounter of Word and Spirit. Thus, the book of the ‘Acts of the Apostles’ could also be called ‘the Acts of the Holy Spirit’ who enables seemingly weak disciples to become powerful witnesses to “a savior who is Christ, the Lord” (Luke 2:11).

Head of the Glorious Forerunner and Baptist John Russian, 19th century

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed Contemporary (Source: Orthodox Church in America)

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

(ACCORDING TO) MATTHEW (ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ) 1 The Genealogy of Jesus The book of the originsa of Jesus Christ,b the son of David, the son of Abraham. 2Abraham became the father of Isaac. Isaac became the father of Jacob. Jacob became the father of Judah and his brothers. 3Judah became the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar. Perez became the father of Hezron. Hezron became the father of Ram. 4Ram became the father of Amminadab. Amminadab became the father of Nahshon. Nahshon became the father of Salmon. 5Salmon became the father of Boaz by Rahab. Boaz became the father of Obed by Ruth. Obed became the father of Jesse. 6Jesse became the father of King David. David became the father of Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. 7Solomon became the father of Rehoboam. Rehoboam became the father of Abijah. Abijah became the father of Asa.c 8Asa became the father of Jehoshaphat. Jehoshaphat became the father of Joram. Joram became the father of Uzziah. 9Uzziah became the father of Jotham. Jotham became the father of Ahaz. Ahaz became the father of Hezekiah. 10Hezekiah became the father of Manasseh. Manasseh became the father of Amon.d Amon became the father of Josiah. 11Josiah became the father of Jechoniah and his brothers, at the time of the exile to Babylon. 12After the exile to Babylon, Jechoniah became the father of Shealtiel. Shealtiel became the father of Zerubbabel. 13Zerubbabel became the father of Abiud. Abiud became the father of Eliakim. Eliakim became the father of Azor. 14Azor became the father of Sadoc. Sadoc became the father of Achim. Achim became the father of Eliud. 15Eliud became the father of Eleazar. Eleazar became the father of Matthan. Matthan became the father of Jacob. 16Jacob became the father of Joseph, the husband of Mary,e of whom was born Jesus who is called Christ. 17And so, all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; from David to the exile to Babylon fourteen generations; and from the exile to Babylon until the Christ, fourteen generations.

Or “history,” “generations” Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) both mean “Anointed One” c CT reads “Asaph” d CT reads “Amos” e A few manuscripts add “a virgin” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

The Birth of Jesus 18Now,

the birth of Jesus Christ happened like this: after his mother, Mary, was promised in marriage to Joseph but before they came together, she was found pregnant by the Holy Spirit. 19Joseph, her betrothed,a who was a righteous man did not want to make her a public spectacle and so intended to put her awayb quietly.c 20But as he was thinking about these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife home, for what is conceived in her is by the Holy Spirit. 21She will give birth to a son and you shall give him the name Jesusd because he will be the one to save his people from their sins.” 22Now,

all this happened so that what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bring forth a son. They shall call his name Emmanuel; which means, ‘with us [is] God.’e 23

24Joseph

arose from his sleep and did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him: he took his wife to [live with] him, 25and had no relations with her beforef she had brought forth her firstborng son; and he named him Jesus.

2 The visit of the wise men (magi) When Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the days of King Herod, behold, wise menh from the east came to Jerusalem, saying: 2“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and we have come to express adoration toi him.” 3When King Herod heard about this, he a

Or “husband” Some translations have “to divorce her” or “to dismiss her” c Or “secretly / in private” d “Jesus” (Yeshua) means “God saves” or in short “salvation” e Isaias (Isaiah) 7:14. NT agrees with LXX against MT (“virgin” instead of “young woman”) f Greek e[wj ou, literally “until.” Even in this form, this expression was not understood by the Greek – speaking Fathers as necessarily indicating a change after the event. See the Appendix E on ‘the brothers of the Lord’ g This expression indicates a legal status, not that other siblings are implied. Other ancient manuscripts (‫א‬, B) omit “firstborn” which may have been added in Matthew to harmonize with Luke 2:7. h The word for “wise men” (magoi) can also mean teachers, scientists, physicians, astrologers, seers, interpreters of dreams, or sorcerers. i proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4Gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he asked them where the Christa would be born. 5They replied, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is written through the prophet: You Bethlehem, land of Judah, are in no way least among the princes of Judah: for out of you shall come forth a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.b 7Then Herod privatelyc called the wise men, and learned from them exactly what time the star had appeared. 8He sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me word, so that I also may come and express adoration tod him.” 9After

listening to the king, they continued on their journey and behold, the star which they had seen in the east was going ahead of them, until it came and stood over the place where the young child was.e 10When they saw the star, they were filled with tremendous joy. 11Entering the house, they saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and expressed adoration tof him. Opening their treasures, they offered him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. 12But having been warned in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they returned to their own country using another way. The sojourn in Egypt - The massacre of the infants 13After

they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise! Take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt.g Stay there until I tell you, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him.” 14So Joseph arose and took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt. 15They remained there until the death of Herod, so what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled: Out of Egypt I have called my son.h

Or “Messiah” Micah 5:2 c Or “secretly” d See 2:2 e Quoted in the preparation of the gifts (proskomide) in the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom f See 2:2 g Like Moses, Jesus is threatened with death by an evil ruler. The irony is that the Jewish king is Pharao and Egypt is now the land of refugee. Compare also Revelation 12:4,14 h Hosea 11:1 (a typological application of Christ as Jacob-Israel). In this case, NT agrees with MT against LXX, as St. Jerome had noted (see Introduction to the synoptic gospels). b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 16When

Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the wise men, he became extremely angry. He dispatched [his men] and killed all the male children who lived in Bethlehem and all the surrounding countryside, two years old and under, according to the exact time which he had learned from the wise men. 17And so, what had been spoken by the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation,a weeping and great mourning: Rachel weeping for her children. She would not be comforted, because they are no more.b 18

19But

when Herod died, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream when he was in Egypt, saying: 20“Arise! Take the young child and his mother, and return the land of Israel; those who were trying to kill the young child are dead.”

21Joseph

arose and took the young child and his mother, and they came into the land of Israel. 22However, when Joseph heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in the place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Being warned in a dream, he withdrew into the region of Galilee. 23He thus arrived and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazarene.”c

3 The ministry of John the Baptist In those days, John the Baptizer was preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying: 2“Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” 3This is the one whom Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet had spoken about in these words: The voice of one crying in the wilderness:d Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!e 4It

was peculiar about John that he wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey. 5Soon, people from Jerusalem, all of Judea and the entire region around the

CT omits “lamentation” which may have been added to harmonize this quotation with Jeremiah 31:15 (38:15 in LXX). b Jeremiah 31:15 c No exact match in the Old Testament. Three possible figurative antecedents for the name Nazarene are the Hebrew words nazir (set apart, consecrated), nezer (crown), and netser (flower, branch, from the root) which have corresponding Old Testament passages. d NT agrees with LXX against MT e Isaias (Isaiah) 40:3

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

Jordan river went out to [listen to] him. 6They were baptized by John in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7But when John saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming to receive his baptism, he told them, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore, bring forth fruit worthy of repentance! 9Do not think [that you can say] to yourselves: ‘We have Abraham as our father!’ For I tell you that from these stones, God is able to raise up children to Abraham! 10Even now, the axe lies at the root of the trees!a Therefore, every tree that does not produce good fruit is to be cut down and cast into the fire. 11I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to carry his sandals! He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and with fire.b 12His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly clear his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff, he will burn up with unquenchable fire!” Theophany: The Lord’s Baptism 13Then,

Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and [it is] you who come to me?”

14However,

15But

Jesus answered and said to him, “Allow it for now, for it is fitting that in this way, we should fulfill all righteousness.” Then John allowed Jesus [to be baptized].c 16After he had been baptized, Jesus immediately came out of the water and behold, the heavens were opened to him.d He saw the Spirit of God descending as a dove and coming down on him. 17And behold, a voice from heaven said:e “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased!”

4 The temptation in the desert wilderness Jesus was then led by the Spirit [to go] into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2When he had fasted forty days and forty nights, Jesusf was hungry. 3The tempter came and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.”

See the traditional icon of the Lord’s baptism MT omits “and with fire” c Codices Vercellensis and Sangermanensis add “and when he was baptized an immense light flashed round from the water, so that all who had come were fearful” (also found in Diatesseron and St. Ephraem). d Other manuscripts omit “to him.” See also Revelation 4:1 e Compare the account of the Lord’s baptism with Genesis 1:1-4 f Greek “he” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 4But

Jesus answered, “It is written: Onea shall notb live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God!”c

5Then

the devil took him to the holy city. He placed him on the pinnacled of the temple 6and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, ‘He will put his angels in charge of you’ and [also], They will carry you in their hands, so that you may not dash your foot against a stone.e 7Jesus

replied,f “But it is also written, ‘You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.’”g

8The

devil took him to an extremely high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. 9The devil said to Jesus, “I will give you all of these things if you will fall down and express adoration toh me.”

10Then

Jesus said to him, “Get behind me,i Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall express adoration to the Lord your God, and to him only shall you offer divine service.’”jk

11Then

the devil left him, and behold, angels came and ministeredl to him.

The beginning of the Lord’s ministry in Galilee – First disciples 12Now,

when Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he withdrew into Galilee. 13Leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is by the sea, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14so that what had been spoken through Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet might be fulfilled: The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, toward the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles, the people who sat in darkness saw a great light, to those who sat in the region and shadow of death, a

In this case, the Greek a;nqrwpoj is clearly generic and a reference to human beings in general. Or “One does not” (NAB, NRS) c Deuteronomy 8:3 d Perhaps “the tower” or top of the holy of holies e Psalms 91:11-12 / 90 LXX f Greek “said to the devil” g Deuteronomy 6:13-16. NT agrees with LXX against MT h proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) i TR and CT read “Go away” instead of “Get behind me” j Greek latreu,seij (“service of worship,” reserved to God only) k Deuteronomy 6:13 l The Greek dihko,nou can mean “to server / wait on / provide for / serve as deacon” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

to them light has dawned.a 17From

that time on, Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent! For the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.”

18Walking

by the sea of Galilee, Jesus saw two brothers: Simon who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother. They were casting a net into the sea since they were fishermen. 19He said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fish for people!” 20Immediately,

they left their nets and followed him. 21Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them. 22At once, they left the boat and their father, and followed him. 23Jesus

traveled throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing all kinds of diseases and sickness among the people. 24His fame spread into all Syria, and they brought him all who were sick, afflicted with various diseases and torments,b people possessed with demons, epileptics, and paralytics; and he healed them. 25Great crowds from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea and from beyond the Jordan followed him.

5 The sermon on the mount Seeing the crowds, Jesusc went up to the mountain and when he had sat down, his disciples came to him. 2He began to speak and to teach them, saying: Blessed are the poord in spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven!e 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!f 5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth!g 3

Isaias (Isaiah) 9:1-2 A few significant witnesses (+WH) do not include the fourth “and,” which means that the people suffering from torments were the one who were demon-possessed. c Greek “he” d Or “destitute” – the expression “destitute in spirit” conveys the idea of a craving or deep awareness of a need for the things of the spirit e Isaias (Isaiah) 57:15; 66:2 f Isaias (Isaiah) 61:2; 66:10,13 g Or “land” (Psalms 37:11) b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled! 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy! 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God! 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called childrena of God! 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven! 11 Blessed are you when people revile you, persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for my sake! 12 Rejoice, and be extremely glad, for great is your reward in heaven! 6

Indeed, this is how they persecuted the prophets who were before you! 13You

are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is then good for nothing, only to be cast out and trampled under foot. 14You are the light of the world! A city located on a hillb cannot be hidden. 15Neither do you light a lamp and place it under a measuring basket, but on a stand. And so it shines to all who are in the house. 16Likewise, let your light shine before all, so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. The Law 17Do

not think that I came to destroy the law or the prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill! 18Amen, I tell you: until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letterc or one tiny pen stroked shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.e 19Whoever, therefore, shall break one of these least commandments and teach others to do so shall be called least in the Kingdom of Heaven; but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven. 20Indeed, I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.

Or “sons / heirs” Or “mountain” c Literally, iota d Or “serif” e Or “until all things have reached their end / purpose” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

Anger 21You

have heard that it was said of old, ‘You shall not murder;’a and ‘Whoever commits murder shall be in danger of the judgment.’ 22But I tell you that whoever is angry with his brother without a causeb shall be in danger of the judgment. Whoever calls his brother ‘Raca!’c shall be answerable to the Sanhedrin; and whoever shall say, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of the fire of Gehenna.d

23If therefore you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24leave your gift there, before the altar. First, go your way and be reconciled to your brother, and then offer your gift. 25Find an agreement with your adversary as soon as possible, even as you are on your way to court, fearing that perhaps the prosecutor will deliver you to the judge, the judge to the officer, and you may be thrown into prison. 26Amen, I tell you: you will not get out of there until you have paid the last penny.e

Adultery and divorce 27You

have heard that it was said to the ancients,f ‘You shall not commit adultery;’g 28but I tell you that anyone who gazes at a woman with a view to lusth after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29If your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you! Indeed, it is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 30If your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you! It is more profitable for you that one of your members should perish, than for your whole body to be cast into Gehenna. 31It

was also said, ‘Whoever shall divorcei his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce,’j 32but I tell you that whoever divorces his wife (except for the cause of sexual immorality), makes her an adulteress; and whoever marries a woman put away in this manner commits adultery.

Exodus 20:13 CT omits “without cause” since it it not founding P64+67, B, and attested by Origen. c “Raca” is an Aramaic insult, related to the word for “empty” and conveying the idea of emptyheadedness. d Or “hell” e literally, kodrantes. A kodrantes was a small copper coin worth about 2 lepta (widow’s mites) - not enough to buy very much of anything f CT and MT omit “to the ancients” g Exodus 20:14 h A few ancient manuscripts read “gazes / looks at a woman with lust / desire” i Or “put away” j Deuteronomy 24:1 b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

About swearing and oaths 33Again,

you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not swear falsely; you must fulfill your vows to the Lord.’ 34But I tell you: do not swear at all! Neither by heaven, for it is the throne of God; 35nor by the earth, for it is the footstool of his feet; nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King. 36Do not even swear by your head because you cannot make a single hair white or black. 37Instead, let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes’ and your ‘No’ be ‘No.’ Whatever goes beyond these is from the evil one. Retaliation and love for one’s enemies 38You

have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’a 39But I tell you: do not resist one who is evil, but to whoever strikes you on your right cheek, present the other cheek as well. 40If anyone sues you to take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41Whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him for two. 42Give to whoever asks you, and do not deny whoever desires to borrow from you. 43You

have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor,b and hate your enemy.c’ 44But I tell you: love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you! Pray for those who mistreat you and persecute you, 45so that you may be children of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and he sends rain on the just and the unjust. 46And so, if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47If you only greet your friends, what more do you do than others? Do not even the tax collectorsd do the same? 48Therefore, be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.

6 Almsgiving Be careful not to make your charitable givinge before other people, with the intention to be seen by them. If you do so, you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. 2Therefore, when you do merciful deeds,f do not sound a trumpet before yourself, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets in order to receive glory from men. Amen, I tell you: they have [already] received their reward. 3But when you do merciful deeds, do a

Exodus 21:24; Leviticus 24:20; Deuteronomy 19:21 Leviticus 19:18 c Not in the Bible, but see Qumran Manual of Discipline LX, 21-26 d CT reads “Gentiles” instead of “tax collectors” e Or “to give alms” f Or “when you practice righteousness” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4so that your merciful deeds may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you openly.a Prayer – ‘The Lord’s prayer’ 5When

you pray, do not be like the hypocrites who love to stand and pray in the synagogues and in the street corners, in order to be seen by men. Amen, I tell you: they have [already] received their reward! 6But you, when you pray, enter into your inner room, and having shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. Then your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.b 7When you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the Gentilesc do, for they think that they will be heard on account of their many words. 8Therefore, do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need even before you ask him.d 9Pray like this:

EOB Translation

Liturgical Form

‘Our Father in heaven, may your Name be sanctified. 10May your Kingdom come, May your will be done on earth as it is [done] in heaven. 11Give us this day our sustaininge bread and 12forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. 13Do not bring us to a period of trial, but deliver us from the evil one. .f

‘Our Father who are (art) in heaven, hallowed be your (thy) Name. 10Your (Thy) Kingdom come, your (thy) will be done on earth as it is in heaven. 11Give us this day our dailyg bread and 12forgive us our debts as we also forgive our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For yours (thine) is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory, now and unto ages of ages. Amen.h

CT omits “openly” CT omits “openly” c Or “nations, heathen, pagans” d Codex Bezae (D) reads “before you open your mouth” instead of “before you ask him” e Greek evpiou,sion (or also “supersubstantial”). This is a rare word which could also imply the idea of “of the future / of tomorrow” as in the Gospel of the Hebrews (mahar) and several Coptic manuscripts. Origen, Chrysostom and Jerome opted for the meaning “necessary for existence” which the EOB conveys as “sustaining.” f CT omits “For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” g Greek evpiou,sion (or also “supersubstantial”) – see note above. h CT omits “For yours is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory forever. Amen.” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 14For

if you forgive people their offences, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15But if you do not forgive people their offences, neither will your Father forgive your offences. About fasting – Treasures in heaven – The light of the body

16Moreover,

when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites with their gloomy faces. For they disfigure their faces so that people may see that they are fasting. Amen, I tell you: they have received their reward. 17But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face 18so that people may not see that you are fasting. Only your Father who is in secret will see, and your Father, who sees in secret, will reward you. 19Do

not store up treasures for yourselves on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal. 20Instead, store for yourselves treasures in heaven,a where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22The

lamp of the body is the eye! If therefore your eye is sound,b your whole body will be full of light. 23But if your eye is evil, your whole body will be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is the darkness! Two masters - Dependence on God’s providence 24No

one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Mammon.c 25Therefore, I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, wondering what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? 26See the birds of the sky: they do not sow, or reap, or gather into barns. Your heavenly Father feeds them! Are you not of much more value than they? 27Which

of you, by being anxious, can add one momentd to his lifespan? 28Why then are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow. They do not toil or spin, 29yet I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not dressed like one of these! 30But if God clothes the grass of the field which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven in such as way, will he not much more clothe you, you of little faith?

The 1611 Authorized Version associates Sirach 29:11 with Matthew 6:20, Luke 11:41 and 12:33, Acts 10:4, and 1 Timothy 6:18, 19 in a marginal note. b Or “healthy” c Or “Money” d Literally, cubit

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

31Therefore,

do not be anxious, saying: ‘What will we eat?,’ ‘What will we drink?’ or, ‘What will we wear?’ 32It is the Gentilesa who seek after all these things, but your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. 33Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

7 Judging others – ‘Pearls offered to swine’ Do not judge in order not to be judged. 2For in the same way that you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure that you use, it will be measured to you. 3Why do you see the speck that is in someoneb else’s eye but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye? 4How can you tell someone,c ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye;’ and behold, there is a beam in your own eye? 5You hypocrite! First, remove the beam out of your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly [so as] to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6Do

not give what is holy to the dogs and do not throw your pearls before pigs, for fear that they might trample them under their feet, and then turn [against you] and tear you to pieces. Perseverance in prayer – The Golden Rule

7Ask,

and it will be given you! Seek, and you will find! Knock, and it will be opened for you! 8Indeed, everyone who asks receives. Whoever seeks finds! To the one who knocks, it will be opened. 9Who is there among you, who, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, who will give him a snake? 11If you then who are evil [still] know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 12Therefore, whatever you desire other people to do for you, you shall also do for them! This is the law and the prophets. 13Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the wayd that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it. 14Howe narrow is the gate, and how pressingf is the way that leads to life! Few are those who find it.

Or “nations, heathen, pagans” Greek “your brother” c Greek “your brother” d Or “road” – note that a few manuscripts and ancient writers read “wide and broad is the road” e TR reads “Because” instead of “How” f Or “hard, difficult” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

False prophets and true disciples 15Beware

of false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing. Inwardly, they are ravenous wolves! 16You will recognize them by their fruits. Do you gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17Likewise, every good tree produces good fruit, but the corrupt tree produces evil fruit. 18A good tree cannot produce evil fruit, and neither can a corrupt tree produce good fruit. 19Every tree that does not grow good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire. 20Therefore, by their fruits you will recognizea them. 21It is not everyone who tells me, ‘Lord, Lord’ who will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22Many will tell me in that Day, ‘Lord, Lord, did not we prophesy in your Name, cast out demons in your Name and do many deeds of power in your Name?’ 23Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you! Depart from me, you who do what is wicked.’b Foundations on rock or sand 24Everyone

therefore who hears my words and does them, I will compare to a wise person who built his house on a rock.c 25The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, beating hard on that house. Yet, it did not collapse, because it was founded on the rock. 26But everyone who hears my words and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, beating hard on that house; then it collapsed, and great was its downfall.”

28It

happened, when Jesus had finished saying these things, that the crowds were astonished at his teaching 29because he taught them with authority, not like the scribes.

8 Healing of a leper When Jesus came down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. 2Behold, a leper came to him and expressed adoration tod him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean!” 3Jesus

stretched out his hand, and touched him, saying, “I want to! Be made clean.” Immediately, this man’s leprosy was cleansed. 4Jesus then said to him, “Do not tell anyone, but go, show yourself to the priest and offer the gift that Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.”

Or “know” Or “you who work iniquity” c Compare Matthew 16:18 d proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

Healing of the centurion’s servant – The centurion’s faith 5When Jesus came into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, asking 6and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying in the house paralyzed, grievously tormented.” 7Jesus answered, “I will come and heal him.” 8But the centurion replied, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should come under my roof! Only say the word and my servant shall be healed. 9For I am also a man under authority, having soldiers under my own authority. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and if I tell another, ‘Come,’ he comes. Or if I tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ he does it!” 10When

Jesus heard this, he marveled and said to those who followed, “Amen, I tell you that I have never found so great a faith, not even in Israel! 11I tell you that many will come from the east and the west, and will sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the Kingdom of Heaven. 12But the children of the Kingdom will be thrown out into the outer darkness and there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way. Let it be done for you as you have believed.” And his servant was healed in that hour. The healing of Peter’s mother in law and other healings 14When

Jesus came into Peter’s house, he saw Peter’s mother-in-law lying sick with a fever. 15He touched her hand, and the fever left her. She got up and served him.a 16When evening came, many who were possessed with demons were brought to him. He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were sick. 17Thus, what had been spoken through Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet was fulfilled: He took our infirmities, and bore our diseases.b 18Now,

when Jesus saw great crowds around him, he gave the order to depart to the other side. Requirements for discipleship – The calming of the storm

19A

scribe came and said to him, “Teacher, I will follow you wherever you go!” 20Jesus replied, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head.”

21Another

of his disciples said to Jesus,c “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 22But Jesus replied, “Follow me, and let the dead bury their [own] dead.”

TR reads “them” instead of “him” Isaias (Isaiah) 53:4 c Greek “him” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 23When

he got into a boat, his disciples followed him. 24Behold, a violent storm came up on the sea, so much that the waves swept over the boat, but Jesusa was asleep. 25They came to him and woke him up, saying, “Save us, Lord! We are dying!”

26He

said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then he stood up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a great calm.

27The

men marveled, saying, “What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?” The healing of the demoniacs - The expulsion of the demons into pigs

28When Jesusb arrived on the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes,c two men possessed by demons met him there, coming out of the tombs. They were extremely violent, so much that nobody could pass that way. 29Behold, they cried out, saying, “What do we have to do with you, Jesus, Son of God? Have you come here to torment us before the time?” 30Now, there was a herd of many pigs feeding at some distance from them. 31The demons begged him, saying, “If you cast us out, allow us to go away into the herd of pigs.” 32He

said to them, “Go!”

The demonsd came out and went into the herd of pigs: and behold, the whole herd of pigs rushed down the cliff into the sea and died in the water. 33Those who fed them fled and went into the city where they told everything, including what had happened to those who were possessed with demons. 34Behold, the entire city came out to meet Jesus. When they saw him, they begged that he would depart from their borders.

9 The healing of a paralytic Jesus entered into a boat, crossed over [the lake] and came into his own town. 2Behold, some people brought him a man who was paralyzed, lying on a bed. Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, be of good cheer! Your sins are forgiven!” 3At

this, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes!”

4Jesus,

knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil [thoughts] in your hearts? 5Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven’ or, ‘Get up,

Greek “he” Greek “he” c CT reads “Gadarenes.” This was an enclave where the Law was not observed. d Greek “they” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

and walk?’ 6But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (then he said to the paralytic), “Get up, take up your mat, and go up to your house.” 7The man got up and departed to his house. 8But when the crowds saw this, they were astonisheda and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.

The calling of Matthew 9As

Jesus was passing by from there, he saw a man called Matthew sitting at the tax collection office. Jesus said to him, “Follow me,” and the man got up and began to follow him. 10It so happened that as Jesus was sitting in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came [in] and sat down with Jesus and his disciples. 11When the Pharisees saw this, they said to his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12When

Jesus heard it, he told them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. 13But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’b for I did not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.c” About fasting – The old and new 14Then,

John’s disciples came to Jesus,d asking, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

15Jesus

said to them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then, they will fast. 16No one puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment because the patch would [shrink and] tear away from the garment, and a worse hole would be made. 17Neither do people put new wine into old wineskins, or else the skins would burst, and the wine be spilled, and the skins ruined. No, they put new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” The resurrection of a ruler’s daughter – The healing of a woman’s bleeding 18While

he was saying these things to them, behold, a ruler came and expressed adoration toe him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”

CT reads “afraid” Hosea 6:6. NT agrees with LXX against MT c CT omits “to repentance.” d Greek “him” e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo). In this context, it is obviously a profound b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 19Jesus

got up and followed him, as did his disciples. 20Behold, a woman who had had an issue of blood for twelve years came behind him and touched the fringea of his garment. 21[She did this because] she said within herself, “If I only touch his garment, I will be made well.” 22But

Jesus, turning around and seeing her, said, “Daughter, rejoice! Your faith has made you well.” And the woman was made well from that very hour.

23When

Jesus came into the ruler’s house, he saw the flute players and the crowd making a commotion. 24He said to them, “Make room, because the girl is not dead, but sleeping,” and they started to ridicule him. 25But when the crowd was put out, he entered in, took the girl by the hand and she arose. 26The report of this spread into the entire region. The healing of two blind men and of a mute – The Lord’s compassion 27As

Jesus passed by from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, “Have mercy on us, son of David!”

28When

he entered the house, the blind men came to him. Jesus asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They replied, “Yes, Lord.”

29He

then touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith, let it be done to you!” 30And their eyes were opened. Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, “See that no one knows about this.” 31However, they went out and spread his fame throughout that entire land. 32As

they were leaving, behold, a mute man who was demon-possessed was brought to him. 33When the demon was cast out, the mute began to speak. The multitudes marveled, saying, “Nothing like this has ever been seen in Israel!”

34But

the Pharisees said, “It is by the prince of the demonsb that he casts out demons.” 35Jesus went about all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and preaching the Good News of the Kingdom. He also healed every kind of disease and sickness among the people. 36But when he saw the crowds, he was moved with compassion for them because they were distressed and scattered, like sheep without a shepherd. 37He then said to his disciples,

act of reverence (probably with prostration) but not necessarily an acknowledgment of Jesus as Christ and the divine king. a Or “tassel” b Some manuscripts read “by the authority of demons he casts out demons” and others (D) omit this verse altogether.

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

“The harvest is plentiful indeed, but the workers are few! 38Pray therefore that the Lord of the harvest will send out workers into his harvest.”

10 The commission of the Twelve Jesusa called to himself his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every kind of disease and sickness. 2The names of the Twelve apostles are: first, Simon, who is called Peter; Andrew, his brother; James the son of Zebedee; John, his brother; 3Philip; Bartholomew; Thomas; Matthew the tax collector; James [the son] of Alphaeus; Lebbaeus, the one calledb Thaddaeus;c 4Simon the Canaanite;d and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. 5Jesus

sent these Twelve out and gave them this instruction, “Do not go among the Gentiles and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6Rather, go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7As you go, preach and say: ‘The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!’ 8Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the deade, and cast out demons. Freely you have received, give freely as well. 9Do not take any gold, silver or brass in your money belts. 10Do not take a bag for your journey, or two coats, or shoes, or staff: the one who works is worthy of his food. 11As you enter any city or village, find out who is worthy and stay there until you go on. 12As you enter into the household, greet it. 13If the household is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14If some place does not receive you and does not hear your words, shake off the dust from your feet as you depart from that house or that city. 15Amen, I tell you: in the day of judgment, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city. Persecutions – Sheep among wolves 16Behold,

I send you out as sheep among wolves! Therefore, be wise as serpents, and yet innocent as doves. 17But beware of men: they will hand you over to councils and in their synagogues, they will flog you. 18Yes, you will be brought before governors and kings for my sake, as witnesses to them and to the nations. 19When they arrest you, do not worry about what you will say; what you are to say will be given you in that hour. 20Indeed, it is not you who [shall] speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. a

Greek “he” CT omits “Lebbaeus, whose surname was” c Identified with Jude (Judas/Judah) [son of / brother of] James in Luke 6:16; Acts 1:13 d That is, “from Cana” – CT reads “the Zealot” (which is a similar but different Greek word) e MT and other ancient manuscripts (L, Θ) omit “raise the dead” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 21Brother

will deliver up brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 22You will be hated by all for my Name’s sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23Nevertheless, when they persecute you in this city, flee into the next. Amen, I tell you: you will not have finished going through the cities of Israel until the Son of Man comes.a 24A

disciple is not above his teacher, nor a servant above his master. 25It is enough for the disciple to be like his teacher and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebul,b how much more those of his household! 26Therefore, do not be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered that will not be revealed and nothing hidden that will not be known. 27What I tell you in the darkness, speak in the light; and what you hear whispered in the ear, proclaim on the housetops. 28Do not be afraid of those who [can] kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. Rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.c 29Are

not two sparrows sold for a small coind? Not one of them falls on the ground apart from your Father’s will, 30but the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31Therefore, do not be afraid! You are of more value than many sparrows! 32Whoever confesses me before men I will also confess before my Father who is in heaven. 33But whoever denies me in front of others I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven. Not peace but the sword 34Do

not think that I came to bring peace on the earth! I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. 35Indeed, I came to set a son against his father, a daughter against her mother and a daughter-in-law against her mother-inlaw. 36A man’s enemies will be memberse of his own household.f Requirements for discipleship - Rewards 37Whoever

loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. 38Whoever does not take his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. 39The one who savesg his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will obtain it. 40Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. 41Whoever receives a prophet a

Widely believed to be a reference to Pentecost or the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD. See Matthew 12:24; Luke 11:15 c Or “hell” d An assarion was a small coin worth one tenth of a drachma or a sixteenth of a denarius. It was approximately the wages of one half hour of agricultural labor. e Or “people” f Micah 7:6 g Or “secures” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward. Whoever receives a righteous person because of this person’s righteousness will receive the reward of the righteous. 42Amen, I tell you that whoever gives one of these little ones even just a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple will in no way lose his reward.”

11 Message from John the Baptist – The Lord bears witness to John When Jesus had finished giving instructions to his twelve disciples, he left that place to teach and preach in their cities. 2Now,

when John heard about the works of Christ from his prison, he sent twoa of his disciples 3to ask him, “Are you the one who comes or should we look for another?”

4Jesus

replied to them, “Go and tell John about the things you hear and see: blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear,b the dead are raised up and the poor have Good News preached to them.c 6Blessed is he who finds no occasion for stumbling in me.” 5the

7As

they went their way, Jesus began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 8If not, what did you go out to see? A man in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in king’s houses!d 9Why then did you go out? To see a prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet! 10Indeed, he is the one of whom it is written: Behold, I send my messenger before your face,e who will prepare your way before you.f 11Amen,

I tell you: among those born of women, there has not arisen anyone greater than John the Baptizer! Yet the least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he. 12From the days of John the Baptizer until now, the Kingdom of Heaven suffers violence, and the violentg take it by force.h 13For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John [came]. 14If you are willing to accept it, this [John] is Elias (Elijah) who was to come. 15Let anyone with ears listen! a

CT reads “he sent a message by way of his disciples” which has excellent manuscript support Isaias (Isaiah) 35:5 c Isaias (Isaiah) 61:1-4 d Or “palaces” e NT agrees with MT against LXX f Malachi 3:1 g Or perhaps “those who are eager” h Or “plunder it.” Greek a`rpa,zousin. Parallel in Luke 16:16. See Matthew 12:29 b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 16But

to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the marketplaces who call to their friends 17and say, ‘We played the flute for you and you did not dance. We mourned for you and you did not lament!’ 18As it is, John came neither eating nor drinking, and so they say, ‘He has a demon!’ 19The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and so they say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Nevertheless, Wisdom is justified by her children!”a Woe on Chorazin and Bethsaida 20He

then began to rebuke the cities in which most of his deeds of power had been done, because the peopleb did not repent.

21“Woe

to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes! 22But I tell you, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you! 23You, Capernaum, who [thought that you] were exalted to heaven, you will go down to hades! For if the deeds of power which were done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this [very] day. 24But I tell you: on the day of judgment, it will be more tolerable for the land of Sodom, than for you.” Jesus prays to God the Father – Finding rest in Christ

25At

that time, Jesus exclaimed, “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,c that you have hidden these things from the learned and intelligent, and revealed them to infants! 26Yes, Father, this was well-pleasing in your sight. 27All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and the one to whom the Son desires to reveal him.

28Come

to me, all of you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest! 29Take my yoke upon you and learn from me because I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest for your souls.d 30Indeed, my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

CT reads “actions / deeds / works” instead of “children” (but compare Luke 7:35). This variant reading was attested by Jerome. b Greek “they” c Compare Tobit 7:17 d Compare Sirach 51:26 (Jesus describes himself in a way that is reminiscent of Sirach’s description of Wisdom)

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

12 About the Sabbath – The Lord of the Sabbath At that time, on the Sabbath day, Jesus was going through grain fields. Being hungry, his disciples began to pluck heads of grain and to eat them. 2When the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, “Behold, your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath!” 3But

Jesus replied, “Have not you read what David did, when he and those who were with him were hungry? 4He entered into the house of God and ate the show bread,a which it was not lawful for him and those with him to eat, but only for the priests?b 5Or have you not read in the law, that on the Sabbath day, the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath, and yet remain without guilt?c 6But I tell you that someone greater than the temple is here! 7If you had known what this means, ‘I desire mercy, and not sacrifice,’d you would not have condemned the innocent. 8For the Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” The healing of the man with the withered hand 9Going

from that place, he went into their synagogue. 10And behold, there was a man with a withered hand. Looking for a reason to accuse Jesus,e the Phariseesf asked him, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?”

11Jesus

replied, “Who among you, having one sheep, and if this one falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will not take hold of it and lift it out? 12Of how much more value is a man compared to a sheep! Therefore, it is lawful to do what is good on the Sabbath day.” 13Then he told the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man stretched it out, and it was restored whole, just like the other hand! 14But the Pharisees went out and began to conspire against him, [discussing] how they might destroy him. 15Perceiving it, Jesus withdrew from that place. Many [people] followed him and he healed them all, 16commanding them not to reveal who he was, 17so that what was spoken through Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet might be fulfilled: Behold, my servant whom I have chosen; my beloved in whom my soul is well pleased! I will put my Spirit on him, He will proclaim justice to the nations, He will not quarrel or shout; a

Or “bread of the presence” 1 Samuel 21:3-6 c Compare Leviticus 24:5-9 d Hosea 6:6. NT agrees with LXX against MT e Greek “him” f Greek “they” - May also refer to the people in general (verse 2) b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

No one will hear his voice in the streets. He will not break a bruised reed, He will not put out a smoking wick, until he leads justice to victory. In his Name, the nationsa will hope.b The Lord accused of casting out demons by Beelzebul – The unforgivable sin 22Then,

a person possessed by a demon, blind and mute, was brought to him. Jesus healed him, so that the blind and mute man was now able to speak and to see. 23The crowds were amazed and exclaimed, “Can this be the son of David?” 24However, when the Pharisees heard this, they said, “This man can only cast out demons by {the authority of} Beelzebul, the prince of the demons!” 25Knowing their thoughts, Jesus told them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. 26If Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand? 27If it is by Beelzebul that I cast out demons, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. 28However, if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. 29Or how can someone enter into the house of the strong man and plunder his goods, unless he first bindc the strong man? Then he will [be able to] plunder his house. 30Whoever

is not with me is against me! Whoever does not gather with me scatters!d 31Therefore, I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven,e but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, neither in this age, nor in the one which is to come.f The tree and its fruits 33Make

the tree good and its fruit [will be] good, or make the tree corrupt and its fruit [will be] corrupt, for the tree is known by its fruit. 34You offspring of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? Indeed,

Or “Gentiles” Isaias (Isaiah) 42:1-4; NT agrees with LXX against MT c Compare Revelation 20:1-3 d Several authorities including ‫א‬, Origen and Athanasius read “scatters me” which sounds unusual to modern ears but which is consistent with Acts 9:4 and the possible translation “divides me.” However, this variant may also have an Alexandrian Gnostic origin. e Greek adds “to people” or “to men” f Acts 5:3-5 b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

words flow out of what fills the heart.a 35The good man brings out good things out of his good treasure, and the evil man brings out evil things out of his evil treasureb. 36I tell you that for every idle word that people speak, they will give an account of it in the day of judgment. 37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” Asking for a sign – The sign of Jonah 38Then

some of the scribes and Pharisees said, “Teacher, we want to see a sign from you!”

39But

Jesus answered, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to this generation except for the sign of Jonah the prophet. 40For just as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of the whale, so will the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41The people of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And behold, someone greater than Jonah is here! 42The queen of the south will stand up in the judgment with this generation and she will condemn it because she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, someone greater than Solomon is here! An unclean spirit leaves and returns 43After

anc unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he wanders through dry places seeking rest and does not find it. 44He then says, ‘I will return into my house from which I came out,’ and when he has come back, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order! 45Then, he goes [around] and brings with himself seven other spirits more evil than he, and they enter in and dwell there. And so, the last state of that person becomes worse than the first. This is how it will be with this evil generation.” The Lord’s true family 46While

Jesusd was still speaking to the multitudes, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, desiring to speak to him. 47Someone said to him, “Behold, your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to see you.”e 48But

to the person who had spoken, Jesusf answered, “Who is my mother? Who are my brothers?” 49He then stretched out his hand towards his

Or “For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks” TR adds “of the heart” c Greek “the” d Greek “he” e CT brackets this verse. PT has “desiring to see you” while most other manuscripts read “seeking to speak to you” f Greek “he” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

disciples and said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! 50As it is, whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother.”

13 The parable of the sower On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the seaside. 2Since great crowds had gathered to [listen to] him, he entered into a boat and sat while the people stood on the beach. 3He told them many things in parables, saying, “Behold, a farmer went out to sow. 4As he sowed, some seeds fell by the roadside, and the birds came and devoured them. 5Others fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up. But because they had no depth of soil, 6when the sun rose, they were [quickly] scorched, and since they had no root, they withered away. 7Others fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked them. 8Others fell on good soil, and yielded fruit: some a hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty. 9Anyone who has ears should listen!” Parables - The mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven 10The

disciples came and asked him, “Why do you speak to them in parables?”

11He

answered them, “To you, it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them, it is not given. 12Anyone who has will be given more and will have in abundance; but the one who does not have will be deprived even of what he has. 13Therefore, I speak to them in parables, because ‘seeing, they do not see,’ and ‘hearing, they do not hear,’ and neither do they understand. 14In them, the prophecy of Isaias (Isaiah) is fulfilled, which says: By hearing you will hear, and will in no way understand;a Seeing you will see, and will in no way perceive: for this people’s heart has grown callous; their ears are dull of hearing, they have closed their eyes; otherwise, they might perhaps perceive with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their heart, and should turn again; and I would heal them.a a

NT agrees with LXX against MT

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

The parable of the sower explained 16But

blessed are your eyes, because they see; and [blessed are] your ears, because they hear! 17Amen, I tell you that many among the prophets and the righteous desired to see what you see and they did not see them; and to hear what you hear, and [yet they] did not hear them.

18Hear,

then, the parable of the farmer. 19When someone hears the word of the Kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what has been sown in this person’s heart. This is what was sown by the roadside. 20The seed sown on the rocky places is when someone hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21Yet, this person has no root but endures only for a while. When oppression or persecution comes because of the word, this one immediately stumbles. 22What was sown among the thorns is when someone hears the word, but the anxieties of this age and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and so it produces nothing. 23What was sown on the good ground is when someone hears the word, understands it, and truly bears fruit, bringing forth, some a hundred times as much, some sixty, and some thirty times as much.” The parable of the good wheat and the weed grass 24He

also presented them another parable in these words, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field. 25While people slept, his enemy came and also sowed weed grassb among the wheat, and went away. 26But when the wheat sprang up and brought forth fruit, the weeds also appeared. 27The servants of the householder came [forward] and said to him, ‘Sir,c did you not sow good seed in your field? Where did this darnel come from?’ 28The

man said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’

The servants then asked him, ‘Do you want us to go and gather them up?’ 29But

the man replied, ‘No, for fear that while you gather up the darnel weeds, you might also uproot the wheat along with them. 30Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of the harvest I will tell the reapers: “First, gather up the darnel weeds, and bind them in bundles to burn them; but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” The parable of the mustard seed, of the yeast – The Lord’s us of parables 31Jesus

also presented another parable to them, saying, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his

Isaias (Isaiah) 6:9-10 Darnel is a weed grass (probably bearded darnel or lolium temulentum) that looks very much like wheat until it is mature, when the difference becomes very apparent. c Or “Lord” b

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field. 32It is indeed smaller than all [other] seeds, but when it is grown, it is the biggest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air can come and find shelter in its branches.” 33He

told them another parable: “The kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast that a woman took and mixed in with three measures of flour, until it was all leavened.”

34Jesus

spoke all these things in parables to the crowds; and he did not speak to them without a parable, 35so that that had been spoken through the propheta might be fulfilled: I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden from the foundation of the world.b The parable of the good seed and weeds explained

36Then

Jesus sent the multitudes away and went into the house. His disciples came to him, saying, “Explain to us the parable of the grass weeds of the field.”

37He

answered them, “The one who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. field is the world, the good seed the childrenc of the Kingdom and the darnel weeds are the children of the evil one. 39The enemy who sowed them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the reapers are angels. 40As the weeds are gathered up and burned with fire, so will it be at the end of this age. 41The Son of Man will send out his angels, and they will gather out of his Kingdom all things that cause stumbling,d and those who do evil, 42and he will cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be weeping and the gnashing of teeth. 43Then the righteous will shine forth like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father.e Anyone who has ears should listen! 38The

Other illustrations of the Kingdom – Old and new treasures 44The

Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field. When a man found it, he hid it again. In his joy, he then goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field! 45The

Kingdom of Heaven is also like a man who is a merchant seeking fine pearls. 46Having found one pearl of great price, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Other ancient manuscripts (some no longer extant but attested by Jerome) read “through Isaias / Isaiah” or “through Asaph.” b Psalms 78:2 / 77 LXX – a few manuscripts omit “of the world” c Or “sons / heirs / disciples / those having a special relationship with” d Romans 14:12-21 e Daniel 12:3

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

47The

Kingdom of Heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea which gathered fish of every kind. 48When the net was filled, people drew it up on the beach. They sat down and gathered the good fish into containers, but the bad they threw away. 49This is how it will be at the end of the age: the angels will come forth and separate the wicked from the righteous; 50they will cast them into the furnace of fire where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 51Jesus

asked them, “Have you understood all these things?”

They answered him, “Yes, Lord.” 52He

said to them, “Therefore, every trained persona who has been made a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new and old things.” Rejected in Nazareth

53When

Jesus had finished [speaking] these parables, he departed from there. 54Coming into his own country, he taught the people in their synagogue and they were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? 55Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers,b James, Joses, Simon, and Judas?c 56Are not all of his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all of these things?” 57And they stumbledd because of him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country and in his own house!” 58He did not do many deeds of power there because of their unbelief.e

14 Herod and the beheading of John the Baptist At that time, Herod the tetrarch heard the report concerning Jesus, 2and he said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist! He is risen from the dead! That is why these powers work in him.” 3As it is, Herod had arrested John, bound him, and put him in prison for the sake of Herodias, the wife of his brotherf Philip. 4For John had told him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5Even though Herod desired to have John put to death, he feared the crowds because they considered him to be a prophet. 6But when Herod’s

Or “scribe / expert in the law / scholar” See Appendix E c Or “Judah” d Or “were scandalized” (evskandali,zont) e See Mark 6:1-6 f Actually half-brother – a few manuscripts (it) omit the name “Philip.” b

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birthday came, Herodias’ daughter danced among them and pleased Herod, 7so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. 8She, prompted by her mother, said, “Give me here, on a platter, the head of John the Baptist.” 9The

king was grieved, but for the sake of his oaths and because of those who sat at the table with him, he commanded that it be brought. 10Herod gave orders and had John beheaded in the prison. 11His head was brought on a platter, given to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother. 12John’s disciples came, took the body, and buried it; and they went and told Jesus. 13When Jesus heard this, he withdrew from that place in a boat and went to a deserted place apart. When the crowds heard about this, they followed him on foot from the cities. The feeding of the five thousand 14Jesus

went out and saw that there was a great crowd. He had compassion on them and healed their sick. 15When evening came, his disciples came to him and said, “This place is deserted, and the hour is already late. Send the crowds away so that they may go into the villages and buy food for themselves.”

16But

Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” 17They

replied, “We only have here five loaves and two fish!”

18Jesus

said, “Bring them to me.” 19Having instructed the crowds to sit down on the grass, he took the five loaves and the two fish. Looking up to heaven,a he blessed, broke and gave the loaves to the disciples, and the disciples distributed it to the multitudes. 20And so, everyone ate and was satisfied. His disciples gathered up twelve baskets full of what remained left over from the broken pieces. 21Those who ate were about five thousand men, besides women and children. The Lord and Peter walk on water 22Immediately

after this, Jesus made the disciples get into the boat and told them to go ahead of him to the other side, while he would send the crowds away. 23After he had sent the people away, he went up into the mountain by himself in order to pray. When evening came, he was there alone. 24But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, distressed by the waves, because the wind was against it. 25In the fourth watch of the night,b Jesus came to them,

a b

Or “to the sky The night was equally divided into four watches, so the fourth watch is approximately 3:00 am to sunrise.

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

walking on the sea.a 26When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubledb and said, “It is a ghost!” and they cried out in fear. 27But at once, Jesus spoke to them, saying “Take heart! It is I!c Do not be afraid.” 28Peter

answered him and said, “Lord, if it is you, tell me to come to you upon the waters.”

29And

Jesus said, “Come!”

Peter stepped down from the boat and walked on the waters to come to Jesus. 30But when he saw that the wind was strong, he became afraid and beginning to sink, he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31Immediately, Jesus stretched out his hand, took hold of Peter,d and said, “You of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32When they got up into the boat, the wind ceased. 33Those who were in the boat came [forward] and expressed adoration toe him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”

Healings in Gennesaret 34When

they had crossed over [the lake], they arrived in the land of Gennesaret. 35When the people of that place recognized Jesus,f they sent word into that entire surrounding region and people brought him all who were sick. 36They begged him to be able to just touch the fringe of his garment, and all those who touched it were healed.

15 About tradition(s) that nullify the word of God Pharisees and scribes then came to Jesus from Jerusalem, saying: 2“Why do your disciples disobey the tradition of the presbyters? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3Jesus

answered them, “Why do you also disobey the commandment of God because of your tradition? 4For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’g and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother should be put to death.’h 5But you say, ‘Anyone may tell his father or his mother,

See Job 9:8 Or “perplexed,” even “panicked” c Or “I AM!” (evgw, eivmi) d Greek “him” e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) f Greek “him” g Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 h Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9 b

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“Whatever supporta you might otherwise have received from me is now a gift devoted to God,” and is not bound to honor his father or mother.’b 6Thus, you have made the commandmentc of God void because of your tradition. 7You hypocrites! Isaias (Isaiah) prophesied about you quite well when he said: These people draw near to me with their mouth,d and honor me with their lips; but their heart is far from me! In vain do they express adoration toe me, teaching as doctrine rules made by men.f 10Jesusg

gathered the crowds and said to them, “Hear, and understand. enters into the mouth does not defile a person, but what comes out of the mouth, this is what defiles a person.”

11What

12Then,

the disciples came and said to him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended when they heard this saying?”

13But

Jesus answered, “Every plant which my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted. 14Leave them alone! They are blind guides of the blind; and if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.” 15Peter

said to him, “Explain the parable to us.”

16And

so, Jesus answered, “Do you still fail to understand? 17Do you not understand that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and then out of the body? 18But the things which come out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile the person. 19Indeed, it is from the heart that evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual sins, thefts, false witness, and blasphemies come forth. 20These are the things which defile a person; but to eat with unwashed hands does not make anyone impure.” The faith of a Canaanite woman - Crumbs from their masters’ table 21Jesus

then left that area and withdrew into the region of Tyre and Sidon. a Canaanite woman came out from those borders and cried out, “Have mercy on me, Lord, you son of David! My daughter is severely demonized!”

22Behold,

Or “help, assistance” CT omits “or mother” c CT reads “word” and another variant is “law” d CT omits “draw near to me with their mouth” which may have been added to harmonize with the OT LXX quotation (see note below) e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) f Isaias (Isaiah) 29:13. NT agrees with LXX against MT g Greek “he” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT 23But

Jesus did not answer her a word.

His disciples came and begged him, saying, “Send her away! She is shouting after us!” 24However,

Jesus answered, “I was not sent to anyone but the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”

25Still,

the womana came forward and expressed adoration tob him, saying, “Lord, help me.”

26But

he answered, “It is not rightc to take the children’s bread and throw it to the little dogs.”

27But

she replied, “Yes, Lord, but even the little dogs eat the crumbs which fall from their masters’ table.”

28Then

Jesus answered her, “Woman, great is your faith! Let it be it done to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that hour. Other healings – Feeding of the four thousand

29Jesus

departed and came near the sea of Galilee. He went up into the mountain and sat there. 30Great crowds came to him, bringing with them the lame, blind, mute, crippled, and many others; and they put them down at his feet. So he healed them, 31and the crowds were amazed when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking and the blind seeing; and they glorified the God of Israel. 32Jesus

called his disciples and said, “I have compassion on the crowd because they have remained with me for three days now and they have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they might faint on the way.”

33The

disciples said to him, “But where should we get so many loaves in a deserted place in order to satisfy such a great multitude?” 34Jesus asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” They replied, “Seven, and a few small fish.” 35Jesus then told the people to sit down on the ground 36and took the seven loaves and the fish. He gave thanks, broke them, and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples distributed [the food] to the multitudes. 37Everyone ate and was satisfied. They gathered up seven baskets full of the broken pieces that were left over. 38Those who ate were four thousand

Greek “she” proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) c Or “appropriate” b

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men, besides women and children. 39Then, Jesus sent the people away, got into the boat, and came to the borders of Magdala.a

16 Seeking after a sign - The yeast or leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees The Pharisees and Sadducees came and put Jesus to the test by asking him to show them a signb from heaven. 2But he answered them,c “When it is evening, you say, ‘The weather will be pleasant because the sky is red.’ 3In the morning, you say, ‘The weather will be bad today because the sky is red and threatening.’ Hypocrites! You know how to discern the appearance of the sky, but you cannot discern the signs of the times! 4An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, but no sign will be given to this generation, except the sign of the prophet Jonah.” He left them and moved on. 5The disciples, arriving to the other side, [noticed that they] had forgotten to take bread. 6Jesus then said to them, “Take heed and beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 7At

this, they reasoned among themselves, saying, “We brought no bread!”

8Perceiving

this, Jesus said, “Why do you reason among yourselves, you of little faith, ‘because you have brought no bread?’ 9Do you still not understand or remember the five loaves that fed the five thousand and how many baskets you gathered up? 10Or do you not remember the seven loaves for the four thousand and how many baskets you took up? 11How is it that you do not understand that I was not speaking to you about {physical} bread? But beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees!” 12Then,

they understood that he had not told them to beware of the yeast of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees. Peter’s confession – “I will build my Church”

13Now,

when Jesus arrived in the area of Caesarea Philippi, he asked a question to his disciples, saying, “Who do people say that I, the Son of Man, am?”d 14They

replied, “Some say John the Baptist, some say Elias (Elijah), and others say Jeremiah or one of the prophets.”

15Jesus

then said to them, “But [you], who do you say that I am?”

Other manuscripts read “Magadan / Magedan” and “Magdalan” Greek shmei/on c CT brackets verse 2 and 3 after “them” (omitted in ‫ א‬and B. Also omitted in Origen’s commentary on Matthew. It parallels Luke 12.54-57 but with some differences.) d CT (‫א‬, B) reads “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT 16Simon

Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God!”

17And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you,a Simon Barb Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18I also tell you that you are Peter,c and upon this rock I will build my Church,d and the gates of hadese will not prevail against it. 19I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven.” 20Then, he commanded the disciples not to tell anyone that he was Jesus,f the Christ.g

The passion announced – The Lord rebukes Peter - Discipleship 21From

that time, Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he had to go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the presbyters, the chief priests, and the scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.

22Peter

then took him aside and began to rebuke him, saying, “Far be it from you, Lord! This will never be done to you!”

23But

Jesus turned and said to Peter, “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me, for you are not setting your mind on the things of God but on the things of men.” 24Then Jesus said to his disciples, “If anyone desires to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 25Whoever desires to save his life will lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake will find it. 26Indeed, what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world and loses his life? Or what will a person give in exchange for his life? 27For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then, he will render to everyone according to their deeds. 28Amen, I tell you: some are standing here who will not have tasted death until they see the Son of Man coming in his Kingdom.”h

17 The Lord’s transfiguration – Elijah’s coming Six days later, Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and he brought them up into a high mountain by themselves. 2[There], he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his garments a

Singular “you” in verses 17-19 “Son of” c Peter’s name is (Pe,troj) Petros (Rock) in Greek, Kepha in Aramaic (also Kephas / Khfa/j in the NT) d See Appendix B e That is “the power of death” (see Hebrews 2:15 and Psalms 24 / 23 LXX) f CT omits “Jesus” g Or “Messiah / Anointed One” (Cristo,j) h Generally understood as a reference to the Transfiguration (following chapter) b

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became as white as the light. 3And behold, Moses and Elias (Elijah) appeared to them, talking with him. 4Peter

then said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here! If you want, let usa make three tents here: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias (Elijah).”

5While

Peter was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. And behold, a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him.”

6When

the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were very afraid. came and touched them, saying, “Get up, and do not be afraid.” 8Lifting up their eyes, they saw no one, except Jesus alone. 9As they were coming down from the mountain, Jesus gave them this order, “Do not tell anyone what you saw, until the Son of Man has risen from the dead.” 7Jesus

10His

disciples asked him, “Why then is it that the scribes say that Elias (Elijah) must come first?”

11Jesus

answered them, “Elias (Elijah) indeed is coming first,b and he will restore all things. 12But I tell you that Elias (Elijah) has already come, and they did not recognize him. Instead, they did to him whatever they wanted to. Likewise, the Son of Man will also suffer at their hands.” 13Then, the disciples understood that he was speaking about John the Baptist. c

The healing of a possessed boy 14When

they came to the crowd, a man came to Jesus.d He knelt down before him and said: 15“Lord, have mercy on my son! He is epileptic and suffers terribly as he often falls into the fire and in the water. 16And so, I brought him to your disciples, but they could not cure him.” 17Jesus

answered, “Faithless and perverse generation! How much longer must I be with you? How long must I bear with you? Bring him to me.” 18When Jesus rebuked it, the demon went out of the boy and he was cured from that hour. 19Then,

the disciples came to Jesus in private and asked, “Why were we not able to cast it out?”

20He

replied, “Because of your unbelief!e Amen, I tell you that if you have faith [even] like a grain of mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, ‘Move

Or “we will,” but CT (‫א‬, B) reads “I will” CT omits “first” c Compare Sirach 48:10 d Greek “him” e CT reads “little faith” which has good manuscript support b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you! 21But this kind [of spirit] does not go out except by prayer and fasting.”a The passion announced again – The payment of the temple tax 22While

they were stayingb in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man is about to be delivered into the hands of men. 23They will kill him, and the third day, he will be raised up.” They were extremely distressed. 24When they arrived in Capernaum, those who collected the temple taxc came to Peter, and said, “Does not your teacher pay the temple tax?” 25He replied, “Yes {he does}.” When he came into the house, Jesus spoke to him first, saying, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth receive toll or tribute? From their children, or from foreigners?”d 26Peter

replied, “From strangers!”

Jesus said to him, “Therefore, the children are exempt. 27But in order not to cause them to stumble, go to the sea, cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. When you have opened its mouth, you will find a stater coin.e Take it, and give it to them for me and you.”

18 Like a child – Greatest in the Kingdom – Causing little ones to sin At that time, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who then is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2Jesus

called a little child to himself and set him in their midst. 3He then said, “Amen, I tell you that unless you change and become as little children, you will in no way enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4But whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5Whoever receives such a little child in my Name receives me, 6but whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for such a person that a huge millstone be hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.

CT omits this verse CT reads “gathering together” c A didrachma is a Greek silver coin worth 2 drachmas, about as much as 2 Roman denarii, or about 2 days’ wages. It was commonly used to pay the half-shekel temple tax, because 2 drachmas were worth one half shekel of silver. d Or “strangers” e A stater is a silver coin equivalent to four Attic or two Alexandrian drachmas, or a Jewish shekel: just exactly enough to cover the half-shekel temple tax for two people. b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 7Woe

to the world because of occasions of stumbling! Such occasions are bound to come, but woe to the one through whom the occasion does come! 8If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off, and throw it away from you! It is better for you to enter into life maimed or crippled rather than to have two hands or two feet and yet be cast into eternal fire. 9If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and throw it away from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than to be cast into the Gehennaa of fire having two eyes. 10Do not despise any of these little ones, for I tell you that in heaven, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven. 11For

the Son of Man has come to save the lost.b

The parable of the lost sheep 12What

do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine to go into the mountains and look for the one that has gone astray? 13Amen, I tell you: if he finds it, he rejoices over this one more than over the ninety-nine which did not go astray. 14Likewise, it is not the willc of your Father who is in heaven that any of these little ones should perish. Dealing with a brother who has sinned – The authority of the Church 15If

your brother sins against you,d go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother! 16But if he does not listen, take one or two more with you, so that at the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.e 17If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the Church. If he refuses to hear the Church also, let him be to you as a Gentile or a tax collector. 18Amen, I tell youf that whatever you bind on earth will have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will have been loosed in heaven. 19Again, I tell you that if two of you will agree on earth concerning anything they will ask, it will be done for them by my Father who is in heaven. 20Indeed, where two or three are gathered together in my Name, there I am among them.”g

Or “hell” CT omits this verse c Or “desire” d A few manuscripts omit “against you” including (‫א‬, B, 0281, Origen) e Deuteronomy 19:15 f Plural “you” in verses 18-19 g Or “in their midst” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

The parable of the unforgiving servant 21Then

Peter came forward and asked Jesus,a “Lord, how often shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Until seven times?”

22Jesus

said to him, “I do not tell you until seven times, but seventy times seven! 23Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who wanted to settle his accounts with his servants. 24When he began the settlement, someone was brought in who owed him ten thousand talents.b 25But because the servantc could not pay, his lord gave orders that he be sold, with his wife, children, and all that he had, so that payment may be made. 26At this, the servant fell down on his knees before him, saying: ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’ 27The lord of that servant, moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28However,

that servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants who owed him one hundred denarii.d He grabbed him and took him by the throat, saying: ‘Pay me what you owe!’

29And

so, his fellow-servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying: ‘Have patience with me, and I will repay you!’ 30But the first man would not [have compassion] but went off and had him cast into prison, until he should pay back what was due. 31When his [other] fellow-servants saw what had been done, they were extremely distressed and came to their lord to report all that had taken place. 32Then, his lord summoned the [first] servant and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33Should not you also have had mercy on your fellow-servant, even as I had mercy on you?’ 34His lord was angry and delivered him to the jailerse until he would pay all that was due. 35This is how my heavenly Father will also treat you if you do not each forgive each other from your hearts.”

19 About marriage and divorce – Eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom When Jesus had finished [speaking] these words, he departed from Galilee and arrived at the borders of Judea, beyond the Jordan. 2Great crowds followed him, and he healed them there. 3Pharisees came to him to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?”

Greek “him” Ten thousand talents represents an extremely large sum of money, equivalent to about 60,000,000 denarii, where one denarius was typical of one day’s wages for agricultural labor. c Greek “he” d 100 denarii was about one sixtieth of a talent. e Or “tormentors” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 4Jesus

answered, “Have you not read that he who madea them from the beginning made them male and female,b 5and said, ‘For this reason, a man shall leave his father and mother and shall be attached to his wife; and the two shall become one flesh?’c 6And so, they are no longer two, but one flesh! Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one tear apart.” 7They

asked him, “Why then did Moses command us to give our wifed a bill of divorce and send her away?”

8Jesus

replied, “Because of the hardness of your hearts, Moses allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it has not been so. 9I tell you that whoever divorces his wife (except for reason of sexual immoralitye) and marries another commits adultery;f and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” 10His

disciples said to him, “If this is the situation of the man with his wife, it is not advantageous to marry!”

11But

Jesus said to them, “Not all men can receive this saying: only those to whom it is given. 12Certainly, there are eunuchs who were born that way from their mother’s womb, there are also eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the Kingdom of Heaven. He who is able to receive this saying, let him receive it.” The Lord blesses little children 13Then,

little children were brought to him so that he may lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples began to rebuke the people, 14but Jesus said, “Allow the little children and do not forbid them to come to me, for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.” 15He laid his hands on them, and departed from that place. The rich young man – How to enter into eternal life 16Behold,

a man came to him and asked, “Goodg teacher, what good thing shall I do in order to have eternal life?”

CT reads “created” Genesis 1:27 c Genesis 2:24 d Greek “her” e Greek pornei,a. The Roman Catholic translation of this clause as “I am not speaking of an illicit marriage” (NJB) or “unless the marriage is unlawful” (NAB) is very unlikely. f CT omits the end of verse (“and he who marries a divorced woman commits adultery”). There are significant variants on this verse. In particular, D.C. Parker, in his "The Living Text of the Gospels" (1997: 85-86) lays out eight different variant readings. Compare with 5:32 which does not have variants. g CT omits “good” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

17Jesus

said to him, “Why do you call me good?a No one is good but one, that is, God. But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18The

man asked him, “Which ones?”

Jesus replied, “‘You shall not murder.’ ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ ‘You shall not steal.’ ‘You shall not bear false witness.’ 19‘Honor your father and mother;’b and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”c 20The

young man then said to him, “All these things I have observed from my youth! What do I still lack?”

21Jesus

replied, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have, give it to the poor, and you will have [a] treasure in heaven. Then come, and follow me!” 22But when the young man heard , he went away sad because he was a person with great possessions. 23Jesus said to his disciples, “Amen I say to you: it will be hard for someone who is rich to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven! 24Indeed, I tell you that it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God.” 25When

the disciples heard this, they were extremely astonished and said, “Who then can be saved?”

26Gazing

at them, Jesus answered, “By human resources,d this is impossible, but with God all things are possible!” 27Then

Peter said, “Behold, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?”

28Jesus

said to them, “Amen, I tell you that you who have followed me, at the regeneration,e when the Son of Man will sit on the throne of his glory, you also will sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29Everyone who has left houses, brothers, sisters, father, mother, wife,f children, or lands for my Name’s sake will receive a hundred times [more] and will inherit eternal life. 30But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first!”

CT reads “Why do you ask me about what is good? [There] is [only] One [who] is good.” Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20 c Leviticus 19:18 d Greek para. avnqrw,poij tou/to avdu,nato,n evstin.. EOB follows the NJB understanding of this expression, but other common translations are “With men this is impossible” (KJV, NIV) or “For mortals it is impossible” (NRSV). e Or “recreation, renewal of all things” (paliggenesi,a)| f CT omits “wife” but compare Luke 18:29 where all manuscripts agree. b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

20 Laborers in the vineyard “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household and who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2After agreeing with the laborers for a [salary of one] denariusa a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3[Later], he went out when it was about the third hourb and saw other men standing idle in the marketplace. 4He told them, ‘You too should go into the vineyard, and I will pay you whatever is right.’ And so, they went their way. 5Again, he went out when it was about the sixth and the ninth hour,c and did the same thing. 6About the eleventh hour,d he went out and still found others standing idle. He asked them, ‘Why do you stand here all day, doing nothing?’ 7They

said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us!’

The master told them, ‘You too should go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’ 8When evening came, the lord of the vineyard said to his manager, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’ 9When

those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. 10Now, when the first came, they supposed that they would receive more, but they each likewise received one denarius. 11When they received it, they grumbled against the master of the household, 12saying: ‘These last [workers] have spent one hour, and yet you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’ 13But

the master answered to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong! Did you not agree with me for one denarius? 14Take what is yours, and go your way. What if I wishe to give to this last one just as much as to you! 15Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ 16And so, the last will be first, and the first last! Indeed, many are called, but few are chosen.”f

A denarius is a silver Roman coin worth 1/25th of a Roman aureus. This was a common wage for a day of farm labor. b Time was measured from sunrise to sunset, so the third hour would be about 9:00 am. c Noon and 3:00 pm d 5:00 pm e Or possibly as an affirmation “I desire to give…” f CT omits this last clause.

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

The passion announced for the third time 17As

Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, he took the Twelve disciples aside, and on the way he said to them, 18“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death, 19and they will hand him over to the Gentiles to mock, scourge and crucify him. And on the third day, he will be raised up.” Request from James and John – The great shall be the servant 20Then

the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him. 21He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to him, “Command that these, my two sons, may sit, one on your right hand, and one on your left hand, in your Kingdom.” 22But

Jesus answered, “You do not know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink,a and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to him, “We are able!”

23Jesus

answered, “You will indeed drink my cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, but to sit on my right and on [my] left hand is not mine to give! It is [reserved] for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

24When

the ten heard [about] this, they were upsetb with the two brothers.

25However,

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and great ones make their authority felt. 26But it shall not be so among you! Instead, whoever desires to become great among you shall bec your servant. 27Whoever desires to be firstd among you shall be your servant,e 28even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransomf for many.”g a

CT omits the end of the verse which appear to be a scribal harmonization with Mark 10:38-39 Or “indignant” c TR reads “let him be” instead of “shall be” d Greek prw/toj e Or “slave” f Greek lu,tron - a means of release or redeeming g A few manuscripts (D, it, syriac) add the following: “But as for you, though you are little to seek to make yourselves important and from greatness you make yourselves small. When you are invited to a banquet, do not take one of the seats of honor because someone more important than you may arrive. Then the host would have to say, ‘move down lower’ and you would be put to shame. Take the lowest place then, and if someone less important than you comes in, the host will say to you, ‘move up higher!’ And this would be to your advantage.” (Compare Luke 22:24-27) b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

The healing of two blind men 29As

they were leaving Jericho, a great crowd was following Jesus.a two blind men were sitting by the road, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!” 31The crowd rebuked them and told them to be quiet, but the blind men cried out even more, “Lord, have mercy on us, you son of David!”

30Behold,

32Jesus stood still and called them, asking, “What do you want me to do for you?” 33They

told him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened!”

34Moved

with compassion, Jesus touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received their sight, and they began to follow him.

21 The Lord’s entrance into Jerusalem As they were approaching Jerusalem and came to Bethsphage,b to the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples [ahead of the group]. 2He told them, “Go into the village that is opposite you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them, and bring them to me. 3If anyone says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately, he will let them go.” 4All

this was done so that what had been spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled: Tell the daughter of Zion, behold, your King comes to you, humble, and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.c

6The

disciples went and did exactly what Jesus had instructed them. 7They brought the donkey and the colt, laid their clothes on them, and Jesus sat on them.d 8A very great crowd spread their clothes on the road while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9Many people went before him and those who followed kept shouting, “Hosannae

Greek “him” TR & CT read “Bethphage” instead of “Bethsphage” c Zechariah 9:9 d There are several types of variant readings for verses 5-7 which attempt to harmonize Matthew’s account with the fact that the other evangelists mention only one animal. e “Hosanna” means “save us” or “help us, we pray.” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

to the son of David! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!”a 10When

he had come into Jerusalem, the entire city was stirred up and people were saying, “Who is this?” 11And the multitude answered, “This is the prophet, Jesus, from Nazareth of Galilee!” The cleansing of the temple

12Jesus

entered into the temple of Godb and drove out all of those who did business there.c He overthrew the table of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. 13He said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer,’d but you have made it a den of thieves!”e 14The

blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them. when the chief priests and the scribes saw the amazing things that he was doing and that children were shouting in the temple and saying “Hosanna to the son of David!,” they were very displeased. 16They asked him, “Do you hear what these [children] are saying?” 15But

Jesus replied, “Yes! Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of babes and nursing babies you have prepared praise?’”f The cursing of the fig tree 17He

left them, went out of the city to Bethany and spent the night there. the morning, as he was returning to the city, he was hungry. 19Seeing a fig tree by the roadside, he came to it, and found nothing on it but leaves. He said to it, “Let there be no fruit from you, unto the ages!”

18In

Immediately the fig tree withered away! 20When the disciples saw it, they marveled and asked, “How did the fig tree wither away at once?” 21Jesus

answered them, “Amen, I tell you that if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ it would be done! 22Whatever you ask in prayer, if you believe, you will receive them all!” By what authority 23When

he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the presbyters of the people came to him as he was teaching. They asked, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you this authority?”

Psalms 118:26 / LXX 117 CT omits “of God” c Or “sold and bought in the temple” d Isaias (Isaiah) 56:7 e Jeremiah 7:11 f Psalms 8:2. NT agrees with LXX against MT b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 24Jesus

answered them, “I also will ask you one question and if you answer me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. 25The baptism of John, where was it from? From heaven or from men?”

They reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will ask us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the crowd because everyone considers John as a prophet.” 27So they answered Jesus: “We do not know.” He also said to them, “Then neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” The parable of the two sons – The parable of the vineyard tenants 28“But

what do you think? A man had two sons. He came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ 29The son answered, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he was sorrya and went. 30The father came to his second son, and said the same thing. The son answered, ‘I will go, sir,’b but he did not go. 31Which one of the two sons did the will of his father?” They replied, “The first.”c Jesus said to them, “Amen, I tell you that tax collectors and prostitutes are entering into the Kingdom of God befored you! 32For John came to you in the way of righteousness and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. After seeing this, you did not even repent and you did not believe him.

33Hear

another parable. There was a man who was the ownere of a household. He planted a vineyard, put a fence around it, dug a winepress in it, built a tower and leased it out to farmers. He then left for another country. 34When the season for the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the farmers, to receive his fruit. 35But the farmers took his servants, beat one, killed another, and stoned yet another. 36Again, the owner sent other servants, even more than the first time; and they treated them in the same way. 37Then, he sent his son to them, saying: ‘They will respect my son!’ 38But the farmers, when they saw the son, said to each other, ‘This is the heir! Come, let us kill him and seize his inheritance.’ 39And so, they seized him, threw him out of the vineyard and killed him. 40Therefore, when the lord of the vineyard returns, what will he do with those farmers?”

Greek metamelhqei.j – or “changed his mind” Or “Lord” (ku,rie) c A few manuscripts, notably D, read “the second” which is unlikely but presents the Jewish leaders as spoiling the parable by giving (seemingly deliberately,) the wrong answer. d Or “ahead of” e Or “master” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

41They

answered him, “He will bring those wretches to a wretched end and he will lease out the vineyard to other farmers who will give him the fruit in its season.”

42Jesus

said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:

‘The [very] stone which the builders rejected was made the head of the corner. This was from the Lord and it is marvelous in our eyes?’a 43Therefore,

I tell you that the Kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and it will be given to a peopleb bringing forth its fruit. 44Whoever falls on this stone will be broken to pieces, and whoever it will fall on will be scattered as dust.”c 45When

the chief priests and the Pharisees heard his parables, they perceived that he had spoken about them. 46They began to look for a way to arrest Jesus,d but they feared the crowds because the people considered him to be a prophet.

22 The parable of the wedding feast – The wedding garment Jesus now addressed them with another parable, saying: 2“The Kingdom of Heaven is like a king who planned a wedding feast for his son. 3He then sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding feast, but they refused to come. 4Again, the king sent out other servants, saying: ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner! My cattle and my fatted calves have been killed and everything is ready. Come to the wedding feast!”’ 5But those who were invited made light of it and went off, one to his own farm, another to his merchandise, 6and the others seized the king’s servants, treated them shamefully, and killed them. 7When the king heard about it, he was furious. He sent out his soldiers to destroy those murderers and to burn their city. 8Then,

the king said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9Go therefore to the crossroads of the highways, and as many people as you may find, invite to the wedding feast.’ 10Those servants went out into the highways and gathered as many people as they could find, both good and bad. Thus, the wedding [hall] was filled with guests. 11But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man a

Psalms 118:22-23 / 117 LXX Greek e;qnei c CT brackets this verse d Greek “him” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

who was not wearing a wedding garment. 12He asked him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here, not wearing a wedding garment?’ And the man was speechless. 13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, take him away,a and throw him into the outer darkness where there will be weeping and grinding of teeth.’ 14For many are called, but few chosen.” Paying taxes to Caesar 15Then

the Pharisees went off and took counsel on how they might ensnare Jesusb in his talk. 16They sent their own disciples to Jesus, along with the Herodians, and asked, “Teacher, we know that you are honest and that you teach the way of God in truth. You are not swayed by men because you pay no attention to who they are. 17Tell us therefore, what do you think? Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 18But

Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, “Why do you test me, you hypocrites? 19Show me the tax money.”

They brought him a denarius. 20Jesus

asked them, “Whose imagec and inscription is this?”

21They

answered, “Caesar’s.”

Then he said to them, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” 22When

they heard this [reply], they were amazed, and leaving him, they went away. The Sadducees question the resurrection

23On

that [same] day, Sadducees (those who say that there is no resurrection,) came to him. They asked him [a question], 24saying, “Teacher, Moses said, ‘If a man dies without having children, his brother shall marry his wife and have a posterity for his brother.’ 25Now there were with us seven brothers. The first married and died, and having no descendant he left his wife to his brother. 26In the same way, the second also, and the third, to the seventh. 27After them all, the woman also died. 28In the resurrection therefore, which one of the seven brothers will have her as wife, for they all had her as wife?” 29But

Jesus answered them, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God. 30For in the resurrection, peopled neither marry nor

CT omits “take him away” Greek “him” c Greek eivkw.n d Greek “they” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

are given in marriage, but they are like angels a in heaven. 31However, concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying: 32‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’b God is not the God of the dead,c but of the living!” 33When

the crowds heard it, they were astonished at his teaching. 34But the Pharisees, when they heard that he had silenced the Sadducees, gathered together. The greatest commandment

35One

of them, a lawyer, then asked him a question in order to test him. which is the greatest commandment in the law?”

36“Teacher, 37Jesus

said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’d 38This is the first and great commandment. 39The second is likewise,e ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’f 40The entire law and the prophets depend on these two commandments.” About Messiah, Son of David 41Now

while the Pharisees were assembled, Jesus asked them a question, “What do you think of the Messiah?g Whose son is he?”

42saying,

They answered, “[He is the son] of David.” 43Jesus

saying:

said to them, “How, then, does David, in the Spirit, call him ‘Lord,’

‘The Lordh said to my Lord, i sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet?’j 45If

then David calls him Lord, how is he his son?”

CT reads “like angels in heaven” Exodus 3:6. Jesus quotes from the Pentateuch which was the only ‘canon’ accepted by the Sadducees. c CT reads “He is not the God of the dead but of the living.” A very strong case can be made for variant 1 (in NTTT) based on ‫א‬, D and W. In this case, theos is indefinite and descriptive to emphazise what king of God God is. d Deuteronomy 6:5 e Or “similar, like unto it” f Leviticus 19:18 g Or “Christ” h Greek o` ku,rioj – Hebrew Yahweh (hw"hy) i Greek kuri,w| mou j Psalms 110:1 / 109 LXX b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 46No

one was able to answer him a word, and from that day on, no one dared to ask him any more questions.

23 Woe on the Scribes and Pharisees Jesus then spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, 2saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselvesa in the chair of Moses. 3Therefore, whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do, but do not imitate their works; for they preach and [yet] do not act accordingly. 4Indeed, they bind heavy burdens that are dreadful to bear and put them on people’s shoulders; but they themselves will not lift a finger to help them. 5Instead, they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteriesb broad, they enlarge the fringesc 6and love the place of honor at feasts. They love the best seats in the synagogues, 7the greetings in the marketplaces, and to be called ‘Rabbi, ’d by people. 8But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for one is your teacher, the Christ, and all of you are brothers. 9Call no man on the earth ‘your father,’ for one is your Father, he who is in heaven. 10And do not be called ‘teacher,’e for one is your teacher, the Christ.f 11Instead, the one who is the greatest among you shall be your servant. 12Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. 13Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and as a pretense you make long prayers. Therefore, you will receive a greater condemnation.

14Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you shut the Kingdom of Heaven in the face of people and you yourselves do not enter! And those who would enter, you prevent from doing so.g 15Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel around by sea and land to make one convert; and when one is converted, you make him twice as much of an heirh of Gehennai as yourselves.

Or “are seated / have taken their seat” Phylacteries (tefillin in Hebrew) are small leather pouches that some Jewish men wear on their forehead and arm in prayer. They are used to carry a small scroll with some Scripture in it. Jews would reverently kiss them before and after use. See Deuteronomy 6:8. c Or “tassels” d CT omits this repetition e Or “leader/ professor/ master” (Greek kaqhghtai) f CT omits “the Christ” g Some Greek manuscripts reverse the order of verses 13 and 14, and some omit verse 13, numbering verse 14 as 13. h Or “a son” i Or “hell” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

16Woe

to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘If someone swears by the sanctuary, it is nothing; but whoever swears by the gold of the sanctuary is bound.’ 17You blind fools! Which is greater, the gold, or the sanctuary that sanctifies the gold? 18You say, ‘If someone swears by the altar, it is nothing; but if someone swears by the gift that is placed on it, he is bound!’ 19You blind men! Which is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20Therefore, whoever swears by the altar swears by it and by everything on it. 21Whoever swears by the sanctuary swears by it and by the one dwellinga in it. 22Whoever swears by heaven swears by the throne of God and by the one who sits on it. 23Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint, dill, and cumin,b but you have not fulfilled the truly significant matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faith. It is these you should have practiced, without neglecting the others. 24You are blind guides who filter out a fly and yet swallow a camel!

25Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and the platter, but inside, they are full of greed and unrighteousness.c 26You blind Pharisees, first clean the inside of the cup and platter, so that the outside may also become clean.

27Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which appear beautiful on the outside, but inside, they are full of dead bones and all [kinds of] impurity. 28Likewise, you also appear righteous to men in appearance,d but inside, you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness. 29Woe

to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets and decorate the tombs of the righteous, 30saying, ‘If we had lived in the days of our forefathers, we would not have partaken with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31Therefore, you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets! 32Fill up, then, the measure [of sin] of your forefathers. 33You serpents, offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehennae? 34Therefore, behold, I send you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them, you will kill and crucify; others you will flog in your synagogues and persecute from city to city. 35Thus all the righteous blood shed on the earth will come upon you, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiahf a

Some manuscripts (C, D, Δ) read “having dwelt in it” which may indicate that it is no longer the case. Cumin is an aromatic seed resembling caraway in flavor and appearance. It is used as a spice. c Other texts (TR/CT) read “excess” or “self-indulgence” d Or “outwardly” e Or “hell” f See Zech. 1:1, 7. It is also possible that reference is made to Zechariah, the son of Jehoiada (2 Chronicles 24:20) or even to the father of John the Baptist. b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. 36Amen, I tell you: all these things will come upon this generation. The Lord laments over Jerusalem 37Jerusalem,

Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often have I desired to gather your children, just as a hen gathers her brood under her wings; but you were not willing! 38Behold, your house is left to you in a desolate state. 39For I tell you, you will not see me from now on until [the day when] you are saying, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord!’”a

24 Questions about the Lord’s coming – Prophecies of calamities Jesus went out from the temple and was going on his way. His disciples came to him and showed him the buildings of the temple. 2But he told them, “You see all of these things, do you not? Amen, I tell you that not one stone will be left standing on another; all will be thrown down.” 3As

Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him in private, saying, “Tell us, when will these things be? What is the sign of your comingb and of the end of the age?”

4Jesus

answered them, “Be careful not to be led astray! 5For many will come in my Name, saying: ‘I am the Christ,’ and they will lead many people astray. 6You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Do not be troubled; all of this must take place, but the end is not yet. 7Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom; and there will be famines, plagues, and earthquakes in various places. 8But all these things are [only] the beginning of the birth pains. 9Then, they will deliver you up to oppression and they will kill you. You will be hated by all the nations for my Name’s sake. 10Many will stumble and will betray and hate each other. 11Many false prophets will arise and they will lead many astray. 12Because wickedness will be multiplied, the love of many will grow cold. 13But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14This Good News of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come. The abomination of desolation – The great tribulation 15Therefore,

when you see the abomination of desolationc which was spoken about by the prophet Daniel standing in the holy place (let the reader a

Psalms 118:26 / 117 LXX Greek parousi,aj c Daniel 9:27; 11:31; 12:11 b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

understand), 16let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 17The one who is on the housetop should not [even] go down to carry out the things that are in the house. 18The one who is in the field should not [even] return to get his clothes. 19But woe to those who are with child and to nursing mothers in those days! 20Pray that your flight will not be in the winter or a Sabbath day. 21For then, there will be great oppression, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, and such as will never be again. 22Unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved. But for the sake of the elect,a those days will be shortened. 23Then,

if any one tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There,’ do not believe it! 24False messiahs and false prophets will arise, and they will show great signs and wonders in order to lead many astray, and if possible, even the elect.

25Behold, I have told you this in advance. 26If therefore people tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it! 27For as the lightning flashes from the east and is seen even to the west, this is how the coming of the Son of Man will be.

The sign of the Son of Man – The glorious coming 28For

wherever the bodyb is, there the eaglesc will be gathered together. immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, the powers of the heavens will be shaken;d 30and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky.e All the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heavenf with power and great glory. 31He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpetg and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. 29But

Learning from the fig tree – The days of Noah – Hour and day unknown 32Now,

learn this parable from the fig tree. When its branch has become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near.

Or “chosen ones” An obscure verse, perhaps a reference to the Church as the Eucharistic gathering. The Greek word may also convey the idea of “corpse” - see note on Luke 17:3. c According to St. John Chrysostom, this verse refers to “the multitude of the angels, of the martyrs, of all the saints.” Some translators prefer “where the corpse is, there the vultures will gather” which is also consistent with the context (“where,” the ‘taking away’ of the wicked) and biblical imagery (Proverbs 30:17; 1 Kings 21:24; Revelation 19:21) d See Isaias (Isaiah) 13:10; 34:4 e Or “in heaven” f Or “the sky” g Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:16 b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 33Likewise,

when you see all these things, know that the time is near, even at the doors. 34Amen, I tell you that this generationa will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. 35Heaven and earth will pass away,b but my words will not pass away. 36No one knows that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven,c but only my Father. 37As

in the days of Noah, so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. as in those days which were before the flood, people were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark. 39They did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will it be at the coming of the Son of Man. 40Then, two men will be in the field: one will be takend and one will be left; 41two women will be grinding at the mill: one will be taken and one will be left! 42Therefore, watch, because you do not know in what hour your Lord is coming. 43However, know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44Therefore, be ready, for it is at an hour which you do not expect that the Son of Man will come. 38Just

The faithful and wise servant 45Who

then is the faithful and wise servant whom his mastere has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? 46Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. 47Amen, I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. 48But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his return,’ 49and if he should begin to beat his fellow-servants and eat and drink with the drunkards, 50the lord of that servant will come in a day when he does not expect it and in an hour when he does not know, 51and he will cut him into pieces and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. And there will be weeping and gnashingf of teeth.”

25 The parable of the ten wise and foolish virgins “Then, the Kingdom of Heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3Those who were foolish took their lamps but brought no oil along with them, 4whereas the wise ones brought oil in their vessels a

The word for “generation” (genea) can also be translated as “race” See Hebrews 1:10-13 c CT adds “nor the son.” The reading of the parallel passage (Mark 13:32) is not disputed. d In context, this indicates being lost or destroyed. e Or “lord” f Or “grinding” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

along with their lamps. 5Now, since the bridegroom was late, they all became tired and fell asleep. 6But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Behold! The bridegroom is coming! Come out to meet him!’ 7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps.a 8The foolish virgins said to the wise ones, ‘Give us some of your oil because our lamps are going out.’ 9But the wise virgins answered: ‘What if there is not enough for us and you?b You should rather go to those who sell [oil] and buy some for yourselves.’ 10While they went away to buy [oil], the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and then the door was shut. 11Afterwards, the other virgins also arrived and said: ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12But he answered, ‘Amen, I tell you that I do not know you!’ 13Watch therefore, for you do not know the day or the hour c The parable of the talents 14Indeed,

the Kingdomd is like a man who was leaving for another country. He called his own servantse and entrusted his goods to them. 15To one he gave five talents, to another two, to another one; to each according to his own ability. Then he went on his journey. 16Immediately, the one who received five talents went off, did business with them and earned another five talents. 17In the same way, the one who had received two gained another two. 18But the servant who received one talent went off, dug [a hole] in the ground and hid his lord’s money. 19After

a long time, the lord of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. 20The one who had received the five talents came forward and brought another five talents, saying: ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained another five!’ 21The

lord said to the servant, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!’

22The

one who had received the two talents also came forward and said, ‘Lord, you entrusted me with two talents. Behold, I have gained another two talents!’

The end of the wick of an oil lamp needs to be cut off periodically to avoid having it become clogged with carbon deposits. The wick height is also adjusted so that the flame burns evenly and gives good light without producing a lot of smoke. b CT reads “it is certain that there will not be enough” c CT omits this part of the verse on strong manuscript evidence. d Greek “it” e Or “slaves”

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 23The

lord said to this servant, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful over a few things, I will set you over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord!’

24The

one who had received one talent now came forward and said, ‘Lord, I knewa you that you are a hard man, reaping where you did not sow, and gathering where you did not scatter. 25I was afraid! I went away and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, you have what is yours!’ 26But

his lord answered, ‘You wicked and lazy servant! You understood that I reap where I did not sow, and that I gather where I did not scatter. 27And so, you should have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming, I would have received it back with interest. 28Therefore, take away the talent from this one, and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29For to everyone who has, [more] will be given and he will have in abundance. But from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. 30Throw out the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’” The judgment – The sheep and the goats 31“But

when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. 32All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate them one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33He will place the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. 34Then, the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of my Father! Inherit the Kingdom prepared for you since the foundation of the world! 35For I was hungry and you gave me food to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in. 36I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison, and you came to me.’ 37Then

the righteous will answer him, saying: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you; or thirsty and give you a drink? 38When did we see you as a stranger and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? 39When did we see you sick, or in prison, and visit you?’ 40The

King will answer them, ‘Amen, I tell you: as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren,b you did it to me.’ 41Then, he will also say to those on his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you accursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels! 42For I was hungry and you gave me no food; I was thirsty and you gave me no drink; 43I was a stranger and you did not receive me; naked, and you did not clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit me.’ a b

Or “perceived” Or “brothers”

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

44Then,

they will answer: ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not help you?’

45Then

he will answer them, saying: ‘Amen, I tell you: as much as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 46These [ones on the left] will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

26 The passion announced again - The plot against Jesus When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to his disciples, 2“You know that in two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” 3Then,

the chief priests, the scribes, and the presbyters of the people were assembled in the court of the high priest who was called Caiaphas. 4They were taking counsel together in order to take Jesus by deceit and kill him. 5But they were saying, “Not during the feast, for fear that the people may cause a riot.” A woman anoints the Lord 6Now,

when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, 7a woman came to him with an alabaster jar containing very expensive fragrant oil, and she poured it on his head as he sat at the table. 8But when his disciples saw this, they were upset and said, “Why this waste? 9This oil could have been sold for a good amount and given to the poor.” 10However,

knowing this, Jesus said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? She has done a good deed for me! 11You always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me. 12But by pouring this oil on my body, she did it to prepare me for burial. 13Amen, I tell you: wherever this Good News is preached in the whole world, what this woman has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Judas betrays the Lord – Preparations for the Passover 14Then

one of the Twelve who was called Judas Iscariot went to the chief priests 15and said, “What are you willing to give me in order for me to hand him over to you?” They weighed out for him thirty pieces of silver. 16From that time on, Judasa looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.b

a b

Greek “he” Greek “him”

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 17Now,

on the first day of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Where do you want us to make preparations for you to eat the Passover?”

18He

replied, “Go into the city to a certain person and tell him, ‘The Teacher says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.”’”

19The

disciples did as Jesus instructed them and they prepared the Passover. 20When evening had come, he was reclining at the table with the Twelve. 21As they were eating, he said, “Amen, I tell you that one of you will betray me.” 22They

were extremely distressed, and each one began to ask him, “Surely not I, Lord?”

23He

answered, “He who dipped his hand with me in the dish is the one who will betray me. 24The Son of Man goes, even as it is written of him, but woe to that man through whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would be better for that man if he had not been born.”

25Judas,

who betrayed him, said, “Surely not I, Rabbi?”

And Jesus replied, “You said it.” 26As they were eating, Jesus took bread, gave thanks fora it, and broke it. He gave it to his disciples, saying, “Take, eat; this is my body.” 27Taking theb cup, he gave thanks and gave it to them, saying, “Drink [from] it all of you, 28for this is my blood of the c covenant which is shed for many, for the remission of sins. 29But I tell you that from now on, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s Kingdom.” 30After singing [the psalms], they went out to the Mount of Olives.

Peter’s denial foretold – The agony in the Garden 31Then

Jesus said to them, “All of you will stumble because of me tonight, for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’d 32But after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.”

33But

Peter replied, “Even if all [others] will stumble because of you, I never will!”

34Jesus

said to him, “Amen, I tell you that tonight, before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.”

CT and TR have “blessed” instead of “gave thanks for” CT reads “a cup” c CT omits “new” d Zechariah 13:7 b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

35Peter

said to him, “Even if I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And all the disciples said likewise.

36Then

Jesus arrived with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go there and pray.” 37He took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and he began to feel sadness and anguish. 38Then, he said to them, “My soul is extremely sorrowful, even unto death.a Stay here, and watch with me.” 39He

went a little forward, fell on his face, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass away from me; nevertheless, not what I will,b but what you will.”

40When

he returned to the disciples and found them sleeping, he said to Peter, “Could you not watch with me for one hour? 41Watch and pray, so that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak!”

42Again,

a second time he went away, and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it is not possible to let this cup passc from me unless I drink it, let your will be done.” 43Again, he came back [to the disciples] and found them asleep because their eyes were heavy. 44He left them again, went away, and prayed a third time, saying the same words. 45Then, he came to his disciples and told them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners! 46Arise, let us go! Behold, he who betrays me is near.” Judas’ kiss of betrayal – The Lord is arrested 47While

he was still speaking, behold, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived and with him came a great crowd with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priest and presbyters of the people. 48Now, he who betrayed Jesus gave them a sign, saying, “Whoever I kiss is the one. Seize him.” 49Immediately, he came to Jesus, and said, “Hail, Rabbi!” and kissed him. 50Jesus

said to him, “Friend, why are you here?” Then, they came, laid hands on Jesus, and took him away. 51But behold, oned of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 52Then Jesus said to him, “Put your sword back into its place, for all those who take the sword will die by the sword. 53Do you not think that I could ask my Father, and he would even now send me more than twelve legions of angels? 54How then would the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must happen this way?” a

Compare Sirach 37:2 Or “desire” c CT reads “if this cannot pass” d A reference to Peter (John 18:10) b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ 55In

that hour, Jesus said to the crowd, “Have you come out as against a robber with swords and clubs to seize me? I sat every day in the temple, teaching, and you did not arrest me [there]. 56But all this has happened so that the writings of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then, all the disciples left him and fled. The Lord before the Sanhedrin 57Those

who had arrested Jesus took him to Caiaphas the high priest where the scribes and the presbyters were assembled. 58But Peter followed Jesus from a distance, to the court of the high priest. Having entered in,a he sat with the officers to see [what would happen in] the end. 59Now, the chief priests, the presbyters, and the whole councilb were looking for a false witness against Jesus, so that they might put him to death, 60and they found none. Even though many false witnesses were coming forward, they found none [valid]. But at last, two false witnesses came forward, 61and they said, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the sanctuary of God, and to build it in three days.’”c 62The

high priest stood up and said to Jesus,d “Do you not have any answer? What is this that these people testify against you?” 63But Jesus remained quiet. The high priest told him, “I adjure you by the living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ,e the Son of God.” 64Jesus

replied, “You have said it! Nevertheless, I tell you that after this, you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power,f coming on the clouds of heaven.”

65Then

the high priest tore his vestments and exclaimed, “He has spoken blasphemy! Why do we need any more witnesses? Behold, now you have heard his blasphemy. 66What do you think?”

They answered, “He deserves death!” 67Then, they spit in his face and beat him with their fists. And some slapped him, 68saying, “Prophesy to us, O Christ! Who hit you?” Peter’s threefold denial 69As

Peter was sitting outside in the court, a servant-girl came to him and said, “You too were with Jesus, the Galilean!”

See John 18:16 Or “Sanhedrin” c Compare John 2:19 d Greek “him” e Or “Messiah” f See Daniel 7 b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

100

70But

he denied it before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are talking about.”

71When

he had gone out onto the porch, someone else saw him and said to those who were there, “This man also was with Jesus of Nazareth.”

72Again,

Peter denied it with an oath, “I do not know the man!”

73After a little while those who stood by came and said to Peter, “Surely you are also one of them, for your speech reveals that you are [a Galilean].” 74Then,

he began to curse and swear, “I do not know the man!”

Immediately, the rooster crowed. 75Then Peter remembered the word which Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” He went out and wept bitterly.

27 The Lord before Pilate – Judas hangs himself In the morning, all the chief priests and the presbyters of the people took counsel against Jesus to put him to death; 2they bound him, led him away, and delivered him up to Pontius Pilate, the governor. 3When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he felt remorse and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and presbyters, 4saying, “I have sinned by betraying innocenta blood.” But they answered, “What is that to us? You see to it.” 5He

threw the pieces of silver in the sanctuary, and departed. He then went away and hanged himself.b 6The chief priests took the pieces of silver and said, “It is not lawful to put them into the treasury, since it is the price of blood.” 7They took counsel and bought the potter’s field with the money, [as a place] to bury strangers. 8Therefore, that field was called “The Field of Blood” even to this day. 9Thus, what was spoken through Jeremiahc the prophet was fulfilled: They took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him upon whom a price had been set, whom some of the children of Israel priced, and they gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord commanded me.d a

A few manuscripts read “righteous blood” See footnote for Acts 1:18 c A few manuscripts read “Zecharias / Zachariah” or “Isaias / Isaiah” d Zechariah 11:12-13; Jeremiah 19:1-13; 32:6-9 b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

Pilate questions the Lord – The Lord condemned to be crucified 11Now,

Jesus stood before the governor and the governor asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “And so, you say.”

12But

when he was accused by the chief priests and the presbyters, he answered nothing. 13Pilate then said to him, “Do you not hear how many charges they present against you?” 14Jesus

gave him no answer, not even one word, so that the governor was astonished. 15Now, on the [occasion of the] feast, the governor had the custom to release one prisoner to the crowd, whoever they desired. 16At that time, they had a notable prisoner called Barabbas.a 17When they were gathered, Pilate asked them, “Who do you want me to release to you? Barabbas,b or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18For he perceived that it was because of envy that they had arrested him. 19While

Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent a note to him that said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man! Today, I have suffered many things in a dream because of him.” 20Now, the chief priests and the presbyters convinced the crowds to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus done away with. 21But the governor asked them, “Which one of the two do you want me to release to you?” They said, “Barabbas!” 22Pilate

said to them, “What then shall I do to Jesus, who is called Christ?”

They all replied, “Let him be crucified!” 23The

governor asked, “Why? What evil has he done?”

But they cried out loudly, saying, “Let him be crucified!” 24And

so, when Pilate saw that nothing was being gained, but rather that a riot was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this righteousc man. You see to it.”

25All

the people answered, “May his blood be on us, and on our children!”

26At

this, Pilated released Barabbas to them, but had Jesus flogged and delivered to be crucified.

CT reads “Jesus Barabbas” CT reads “Jesus Barabbas” c Or “just” – CT omits this word. d Greek “he” b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

102

Roman soldiers mock the Lord – The crown of thorns 27Then,

the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the praetorium and gathered the whole garrison against him. 28They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him. 29They made a crown of thorns and placed it on his head, and a reed in his right hand. They knelt down before him and mocked him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30They also spat on him, took the reed and struck him on the head. 31When they had mocked him, they removed the robe from him, put his [own] clothes on him and led him away to crucify him. Simon of Cyrene – The way to Golgotha – The crucifixion of the Lord 32As

they were coming out, the soldiersa found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name, and they compelledb him to go with them and to carry the cross. 33They arrived to a place called “Golgotha,” which means, “The place of a skull.” 34They gave him sour winec mixed with gall to drink, but having tasted it, he would not drink. 35After crucifying him, they divided his clothing among them, casting lots.’d 36Then, the soldierse sat and watched him. 37They placed above his head the accusation against him in these words, “THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS.” Matthew

Mark

Mt 27:37

Mk 15:26

ουτος εστιν ιησους ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων

ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων

This is Jesus, the King of the Jews

The King of the Jews

Luke

John

Lk 23:38

Jn 19:19-20

ουτος εστιν ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων HIC·EST·REX·IVDÆORVM ‫היהודים מלך זהו‬

‫היהודים ומלך הנצרי ישוע‬ ιησους ο ναζωραιος ο βασιλευς των ιουδαιων IESVS·NAZARENVS·REX·IVDÆORVM

This is the King of the Jews

Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews

38Two

rebels were also crucified with him, one on his right hand and one on the left. 39Those who passed by blasphemed him, shaking their heads 40and saying, “You who [would] destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in

Greek “they” See Matthew 5:41 c Or “vinegar” - CT simply reads “wine” d TR adds “so that what had been spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: ‘They divided my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” [see Psalms 22:18 / 21 LXX and John 19:24] e Greek “they” b

ACCORDING TO MATTHEW - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΤΘΑΙΟΝ

three days, save yourself! If you are the Son of God, come down from the cross!” 41Likewise

the chief priests also mocked him, with the scribes, the presbyters and the Pharisees,a saying, 42“He saved others, but he cannot save himself! If he is the King of Israel, let him come down from the cross now, and we will believe in him! 43He trusts in God! Let God deliver him now, if he wants him; for he said, ‘I am the Son of God.’”b 44The rebels also who were crucified with him reviled him as well [and] in the same way. The death of the Lord – Miraculous signs 45From

the sixth hour,c there was darkness over all the landd until the ninth hour. About the ninth hour, Jesus cried with a loud voice, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?” That is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”f e 46

47Some

of those who stood there heard it and said, “This man is calling Elias (Elijah)!” 48Immediately,

one of them ran to take a sponge; he filled it with vinegar, put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. 49But the others said, “Let him be. Let us see whether Elias (Elijah) comes to save him.”g 50Jesus

cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. 51Behold, the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from the top to the bottom. The earth quaked and the rocks were split. 52The tombs were opened, and many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised 53and came out of the tombs after his resurrection. (They entered into the holy city and appeared to many). 54Now, when the centurion and those who were with him watching Jesus saw the earthquake and the things that were taking place, they became extremely fearful and said, “Truly, this was the Son of God!” 55Many

women who had followed Jesus from Galilee to serve him were there, watching from afar. 56Among them were Mary Magdalene, Maryh the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of the sons of Zebedee.

CT and TR omit “and the Pharisees” Compare Wisdom 2:12-24 (especially verse 18) c Noon d Or “earth” e 3:00 pm f Opening verse of Psalms 22:1 / 21 LXX (ynIT'b.z:[] hm'l' yliae ylia) g Some manuscripts (including ‫א‬, B, C, L – see table introduction to understand these manuscript abbreviations) add “Another [soldier], taking a spear, pierced his side, and water and blood came out” - (see John 19:34). These manuscripts can be taken as a strong attestation. However, this is omitted in A, D, W, Δ, Θ and in the Byzantine tradition. h See Appendix E b

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT

104

The burial of the Lord – Joseph of Arimathea – Events at the tomb 57When

evening came, a rich man from Arimathaea named Joseph, who himself was also a disciple of Jesus, arrived. 58This man went to Pilate, asked for the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave order that the body be delivered [to him]. 59Joseph took the body, wrapped it in a clean linen cloth, 60and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had carved out in the rock. He then rolled a great stone to the door of the tomb and departed. 61Mary Magdalene was there, and also the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb. 62On the next day which was the day after the day of preparation,a the chief priests and the Pharisees came together to Pilate 63and said, “Lord, we remember what that deceiver said when he was still alive: ‘After three days, I will rise again.’ 64Therefore, give orders that the tomb be made secure until the third day, for fear that his disciples may come at night, steal him away, and then tell the people, ‘He is risen from the dead!’ This last deception would be worse than the first.” 65Pilate

said to them, “You have a guard. Go, make it as secure as you can.” so, they went off in order to made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting a watch.

66And

28 The Lord’s resurrection Afterb the Sabbath, as it began to dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. 2Behold, there was a great earthquake, for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and came to roll away the stone from the door, and [the angel] sat on it. 3His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4Out of fear, the guards were shaken and became as dead. 5The angel told the women, “Do not be afraid! I know that you seek Jesus who has been crucified. 6He is not here, for he is risen, just as he said. Come, see the place where the Lordc was lying. 7Go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has risen from the dead, and behold, he goes before you into Galilee; there you will see him.’ Behold, this is my message for you.” 8They

departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to report it to his disciples. 9As they went to tell his disciples,d behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!”

Greek paraskeuh,n Or “at the end of” c CT has “he” instead of “the Lord” d CT omits “As they went to tell his disciples” b

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They came forward and took hold of his feet, and expressed adoration toa him. 10Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid! Go tell my brethrenb that they should go into Galilee. There, they will see me.”

The (Jewish) guards make their report 11While

they were going, behold, some of the guards came into the city and told the chief priests all the things that had happened. 12When they were assembled with the presbyters in order to take counsel, they gave the soldiers a large amount of silver, 13with these words, “Say that his disciples came by night and stole him away while we slept. 14If this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and make you free of worry.” 15And so, they took the money and did as they were told. This story is widespread among the Jews until this day. The Great Commission 16The

eleven disciples went into Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17When they saw him, they expressed adoration [toc him],d but theye doubted.f 18Jesus came to them and said, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. Behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” g

proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b Or “brothers” c proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) d There is actually no object for the action, but it may be inferred that Jesus is the one to whom proskuneo is offered here. e The Greek could also be translated “but some doubted,” but the translation chosen for the main text is more literal. f NJB renders the Greek verb as “hesitated” g CT omits “Amen”

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Entrance into Jerusalem (Feast: Palm Sunday) By Theophanis the Cretan, 1567, now on Mount Athos

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Transfiguration of Christ (Feast: August 6) Constantinople, 12th century, (Now at St. Catherine's Monastery, Sinai)

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(ACCORDING TO) MARK (ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ) 1 The ministry of John the Baptist – The Lord’s baptism The beginning of the Good News of Jesus Christ, the Son of Goda. 2As it is written in the prophets:b Behold, I send my messenger before your face,c who will prepare your way before you.d The voice of one crying in the wilderness:e ‘Make ready the way of the Lord! Make his paths straight!’f 4John

came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching the baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5All the country of Judea and all those from Jerusalem went out to him. They were baptized by John in the Jordan river, confessing their sins. 6John was clothed with camel’s hair, a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7He preached, saying, “He who comes after me is more powerful than I, and I am not worthy to kneel down and untie the strap of his sandals. 8I baptized you ing water, but he will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.” 9It

happened, in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and he was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10Immediately coming up from the water, he saw the heavens torn openh and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11A voice came out of the heavens, “You are my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased.”

The words “the Son of God” are omitted in some manuscripts and therefore bracketed in CT Based on various manuscripts including ‫א‬, B, L, and Δ, CT reads “in Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet.” This is a mixed quotation of two prophets (see notes below). c NT agrees with MT against LXX d Malachi 3:1 e NT agrees with LXX against MT f Isaias (Isaiah) 40:3 g The Greek word (en) translated here as “in” could also be translated as “with” in some contexts. h Compare Mark 15:38 b

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The temptation in the desert – Ministry in Galilee – The first four disciples 12At once, the Spirit drove him out into the desert. 13He was there, in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals and the angels were ministeringa to him.b 14Now,

after John had been arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom of God, 15and saying, “The time is fulfilled! The Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent and believe in the Good News.” 16Passing

along by the sea of Galilee, Jesus saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 18Immediately, they left their nets and followed him. 19Going on a little further from there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in a boat, mending the nets. 20At once, he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired servants, and they began to follow him. 21They went into Capernaum, and on the Sabbath day, Jesusc entered into the synagogue and taught. 22The people were astonished at his teaching because he taught them as having authority, not like the scribes. 23Just then, there was in their synagogue a man with an unclean spirit who cried out, 24“Away! What do we have to do with you, Jesus, you Nazarene? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God!” 25Jesus

rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!”

26The

unclean spirit, convulsing the man and crying with a loud voice, came out of him. 27The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, “What is this? A new teaching? For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him!” 28The newsd about him went out immediately everywhere into the entire regione of Galilee and its surrounding area. The healing of Peter’s mother in law – Other healings 29As

soon as they left the synagogue, they came into the house of Simon and Andrew, [along] with James and John. 30Now, Simon’s mother-in-law lay sick with a fever, and immediately, they told him about her. 31Jesus came, took her by the hand, and raised her up. The fever left her and she began to serve them. 32At evening, when the sun had set, they brought him

The Greek dihko,noun can mean “to serve / wait on / provide for / serve as deacon” Compare Revelation 4:7,9; 5:1 c Greek “he” d Or “report” e Or “district” b

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all who were sick or possessed by demons. 33The entire city was gathered at the door. 34He healed many who were afflicted with various diseases and cast out many demons. However, he did not allow the demons to speak because they knew him. 35Early

in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus arose, left the house, went out into a deserted place and prayed there. 36Simon and those with him followed Jesus.a 37When they found him, they told him, “Everyone is looking for you!” 38He

replied, “Let us go somewhere else, into the next towns, so that I may preach there also, for this is why I came.” 39He went into their synagogues throughout all of Galilee, preaching and casting out demons. The healing of a leper 40A

leper came to him, begging to him, kneeling down before him, and saying, “If you want to, you can make me clean!”

41Being

moved with compassion,b Jesus stretched out his hand, touched the man, and said to him, “I want to! Be made clean.” 42When Jesus said this, the leprosy immediately departed from the leperc and he was made clean. 43Jesus strictly warned him, and sent him out at once, 44saying, “See that you do not say anything to anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest. Offer for your cleansing what Moses instructed, as a testimony to them.” 45However,

the man went off and began to proclaim it freely and to spread news about this matter, so that Jesus could no longer enter into a city openly. Instead, he remained outside in deserted places and people came to him from everywhere.

2 The healing of a paralytic After some time, when Jesus returned to Capernaum, it was heard that he was in the house. 2Immediately, many people gathered so that there was no more room, not even around the door. As Jesus was preaching the word to them, 3four men came, carrying a paralytic to him. 4Since they could not come near Jesusd because of the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat which the

Greek “him” CT also gives the following alternative reading: “Becoming angry, Jesus…” which was mentioned by St. Basil and St. Ambrose (also Mark 3:5; 10:14). c Greek “him” d Greek “him” b

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paralytic was lying on. 5Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.” 6But

there were some of the scribes sitting there, and they reasoned in their hearts, 7“Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins except God alone?”

8Immediately,

Jesus perceived in his spirit that they were reasoning within themselves in this way. He asked them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts? 9Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Arise, take up your bed, and walk?’ 10But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” - he said to the paralytic - 11“I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house!” 12The

man arose, and at once took up the mat, and went out in front of everyone. The people were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!” The calling of Levi (Matthew) – About fasting

13Jesus went out again by the seaside. The crowd came to him and he taught them. 14As Jesusa was passing by, he saw Levi,b the son of Alphaeus, sitting at the tax office, and he said to him, “Follow me!” And Levi arose and followed Jesus. 15It

then happened that Jesus was reclining at the table in Levi’s house, and many tax collectors and sinners sat down with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him. 16The scribes and the Pharisees, when they saw that Jesusc was eating with sinners and tax collectors, said to his disciples, “Why is it that he eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17When

Jesus heard it, he replied to them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”d

18John’s

disciples and the Pharisees were fasting, and they came to ask him, “Why do John’s disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples do not?”

19Jesus

told them, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast! 20But the days will come when the bridegroom will be

Greek “he” Also called Matthew c Greek “he” d CT omits “to repentance” b

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taken away from them, and then, they will ast in that day. 21No one sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment, or else the patch shrinks and tears away from the old, and a worse hole is made. 22No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, the wine will pour out and the skins will be destroyed! Instead, new wine is put into fresh wineskins.” Plucking grains on the Sabbath – The Lord of the Sabbath 23Now,

it happened that he was going on the Sabbath day through the field of grain, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck some heads of grain. 24The Pharisees asked Jesus,a “Behold, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” 25Jesus

replied, “Have you never read what David and those with him did, when he had need and was hungry? 26How he entered into the house of God in the days of Abiatharb the high priest, and ate the bread of the presence,c which is not lawful [for anyone] except for the priests to eat. And [how] Davidd also gave it to those who were with him?” 27Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made for humankind, not humankinde for the Sabbath! 28Therefore, the Son of Man is lord even of the Sabbath.”

3 The healing of a man with a withered hand – Other healings Again, Jesus entered into the synagogue, and there was a man who had a withered hand. 2The Phariseesf were watching Jesusg to see if he would heal the man on the Sabbath day, so that they might accuse him. 3Jesus said to the man who had his hand withered, “Stand up!” 4He then said to those who were watching, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day, or [is it lawful] to do harm? Is it lawful to save a life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5After looking around at them with anger and being grieved at the hardening of their hearts, Jesus said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” The man stretched it out, and his hand was restored as healthy as the other. 6The Pharisees went out and immediately began to conspire with the Herodians against Jesus,h [discussing] how they might get rid of him.

Greek “him” See “Mark 2:26 and the Problem of Abiathar” by Daniel B. Wallace c Or “show bread” d Greek “he” e Here, the Greek a;nqrwpoõ is clearly inclusive f Greek “they” g Greek “him” h Greek “him” b

ACCORDING TO MARK - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ 7Jesus

withdrew to the sea with his disciples, and a great crowd followed him from Galilee, Judea, 8Jerusalem, Idumaea beyond the Jordan, and also from around Tyre and Sidon. Hearing what great things Jesus was doing, a great multitude of people came to him. 9Jesus instructed his disciples to have a little boat stay near him because of the crowd, so that they would not press on him. 10For he had healed many people, so that as many as had diseases pressed on him in order to touch him. 11The unclean spirits, whenever they saw him, fell down before him and cried, “You are the Son of God!” 12He sternly warned them that they should not make him known. The commission of the Twelve 13Jesus went up into the mountain and called to himself those he wanted and they came to him. 14He appointed twelve to be with him, to send them out to preach, 15and to have authority to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. [They were:] 16Simon, to whom he gave the name Peter; 17James the son of Zebedee and John, the brother of James, to whom he gave the name Boanerges which means ‘Sons of Thunder;’ 18Andrew; Philip; Bartholomew; Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus;a Thaddaeus; Simon the Zealot;b 19and Judas Iscariot, who was to betray him.

The Lord accused of casting out demons by Satan – The unforgivable sin Jesus returned [to his] home and 20again, the crowd assembled, so much that they could not even eat bread. 21When his own [friends]c heard it, they came to take charge of him, saying, “He is insane!” 22The scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul,” and, “He is casting out demons by the [authority of the] prince of the demons!” 23Jesus

called them and spoke to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26If Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand, but has [come to] an end. 27But no one can enter into the house of a strong man in order to plunder it, unless he first bindsd the strong man. Then he will plunder his house. 28Amen, all human sins will be forgiven, and all the blasphemies ever uttered; 29but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is guilty of an eternal sin.”30[He spoke these words] because they had said, “He has an unclean spirit!”

Compare 2:13 Greek Si,mwna to.n Kananai/on c Or possibly “relatives” d Compare Revelation 20:2 b

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The Lord’s true family 31His mother and his brothersa came and, standing outside, sent in a message asking for him. 32A large group was sitting around him, and they told him, “Behold, your mother and your brothersb are standing outside, looking for you.” 33He

answered them, “Who are my mother and my brothers?” 34Looking around at those who sat around him, he said, “Behold, my mother and my brothers! 35For whoever does the will of God is my brother, and my sister, and mother.”

4 The parable of the sower – About the use of parables Again he began to teach by the seaside. A great crowd was gathered close to him, so that he got into a boat in the lake and sat down while the people were on the shore. 2He taught them many things in parables, saying, 3“Listen! A farmer went out to sow. 4As he sowed, some seed fell by the road and the birdsc came and devoured it. 5Others fell on the rocky ground where it had little soil and it sprang up right away. Because the soil was shallow, 6when the sun came, it was scorched; and since it had no root, it withered away. 7Others fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew up, choked it and it produced no fruit. 8Others fell into the good ground and produced fruit, growing up and increasing, some multiplying thirty times, some sixty times, and some a hundred times.” 9Then Jesus said, “Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!” 10When

he was alone, those who were around him together with the Twelve asked him about the parables. 11Jesus told them, “The mystery of the Kingdom of God is given to you, but to those who are outside, everything comes in parables, 12so that ‘seeing they may [indeed] see, and [yet] not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and [yet] not understand; otherwise they might repent and be forgiven.’”d 13Jesus asked them, “Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the [other] parables? 14The farmer sows the word. 15Some people are like the seed sowed by the edge of the road where the word is sown. As soon as they have heard, Satan comes and takes away the word which had been sown in them. 16Likewise, those who are sown on the rocky places are those who receive the word with joy as soon as they hear

See Appendix E Some manuscripts add “your sisters.” See Appendix E c TR adds “of the air” d Isaias (Isaiah) 6:9-10. NT agrees with LXX against MT b

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it. 17But they have no root in themselves and only last for a short while. When oppression or persecution comes because of the word, they immediately stumble. 18Others are those who are sown among the thorns. These are people who have heard the word, 19but the worries of this age, the deceit of wealth, and the desire to possess things enter in and choke the word. Thus, it produces no fruit. 20The seeds which were sown on the good ground are those who hear the word, accept it, and bear fruit. Some multiply thirty times, some sixty, and some a hundred times!” The example of the lamp – Nothing hidden 21Jesus

said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be placed under a basketa or under a bed? Is it not placed on a stand? 22For there is nothing hidden that should not be revealed,b and nothing was made secret that should not come to light. 23Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!” 24He

also told them, “Pay attention to what you hear! With whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you, and more will be given to those who hear. 25For whoever has will receive even more, but to the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.” The parable of the growing seed – The mustard seed

26Jesus

said, “The Kingdom of God is as if a man would scatter seed on the ground, 27and then go to sleep. Night and day, whether he sleeps or rises, the seed springs up and grows, even if he does not know how. 28For the earth bears fruit: first the blade comes, then the head, then the full grain in the head. 29But when the fruit is ripe, at once the man pulls out his sickle, because the harvest has come.” 30Jesus

said, “What can we compare the Kingdom of God to? Or with what parable will we illustrate it? 31It is like a grain of mustard seed sown in the ground! Even though it is smaller than all the seeds on earth, 32when it is sown and grows up, it becomes greater than all garden plants! It puts out great branches and the birds of the sky can find shelter under its shade.” 33Using

many parables like these, he spoke the word to the people, as much as they were able to hear it. 34He would not speak to them except in parables, but to his own disciples, he explained everything in private.

a b

Literally, a modion, a dry measuring basket containing about 9 liters The Greek expression has received a number of possible translations, notably “whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed” (NIV), “there is nothing hidden, except to be disclosed” (NRSV), “there is nothing hidden except to be made visible” (NAB) and “there is nothing hidden, but it must be disclosed” (NJB).

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The calming of the storm 35That day, when evening came, Jesusa said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36Leaving the crowd behind, his disciples took him with them in the boat, just as he was; and there were also other small boats with him. 37A great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so much that the boat was already filling. 38But Jesus was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. They woke him up and told him, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?” 39Jesusb awoke and rebuked the wind, saying to the sea, “Peace! Be still!” The wind ceased, and there was a great calm. 40He then asked his disciples,c “Why are you so afraid? How is it that you have no faith?” 41They

were greatly afraid and said to one another, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

5 The healing of the demoniac – The demons (legion) sent in the pigs They arrived on the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2As soon as Jesus came out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit met him out of the [nearby] tombs. 3This mand lived in the tombs and no one was able to bind him, not even with chains. 4(He had often been chained hand and foot but had torn the chains apart and broken the footshackles in pieces). Indeed, nobody had the strength to control him. 5Night and day, he remained in the tombs and the mountains, howling and cutting himself with stones. 6When this man saw Jesus from afar, he ran and expressed adoration toe him. 7He cried out with a loud voice, “What have I to do with you, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? By God’s Name, do not torment me!” 8(For Jesus had just said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!”) 9Jesus

asked him, “What is your name?”

He answered, “My name is Legion, for we are many!” 10He implored Jesus not to expel them from the earth.f 11Now, there was a great herd of pigs feeding on the mountainside. 12All the demons begged him, saying, “Send us into the pigs, so that we may enter into them.” a

Greek “he” Greek “he” c Greek “them” d Greek “he” e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) f Or “send them out of the land” b

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once, Jesus gave them permission. The unclean spirits came out and entered into the pigs. The herd of about two thousand rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and they were drowned in the sea. 14Those who fed them ran away and told the story in the [nearby] town and countryside. The people then came to see what had taken place. 15They came to Jesus and saw the man who had been possessed by demons sitting, clothed, and in his right mind. This was the very man who had [been possessed by] the legion [of demons,] and they were afraid. 16The eyewitnesses reported to them what had happened to the man who was possessed by demons and [also] to the pigs. 17Then, they began to beg Jesus to leave their region. 18As

Jesus was entering into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged to be allowed to stay with him. 19But Jesus did not allow him, saying to him, “Go to your house, to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how he had mercy on you.”

20The

man went off on his way, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how Jesus had done great things for him, and everyone was amazed. Jairus’ daughter is raised – The healing of the woman with the issue of blood

21When

Jesus had crossed back over in the boat to the other side, a great crowd was gathered to [welcome] him and he remained by the seashore. 22Behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue whose name was Jairus came forward. Seeing Jesus, he fell at his feet, 23and profusely begged him, saying, “My little daughter is at the point of death! Please come and lay your hands on her, so that she may be made healthy and live.” 24Jesus

went with him, and a great multitude followed him, pressing upon him on all sides. 25There was a certain woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years. 26She had endured much at the hands of many physicians and spent all that she had. Yet, she was not feeling better but worse. 27Having heard about Jesus, she came up behind him in the crowd and touched his clothes. 28For she thought, “If I just touch his clothes, I will be made well!” 29And immediately, the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of her affliction. 30Jesus,

perceiving in himself at once that power had gone out from him, turned around in the crowd and asked, “Who touched my clothes?”

31His

disciples said to him, “You see the multitude pressing against you, and you ask, ‘Who touched me?’”

32Jesus looked around to see the woman who had done this. 33But she, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done to her, came forward and fell down before him, and told him all the truth.

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34Jesus

said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well! Go in peace, and be cured of your disease.”

35While

he was still speaking, people came from the house of the ruler of the synagogue, saying, “Your daughter is dead! Why bother the Teacher any longer?”

36But

when Jesus heard the message, he immediately said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid, only believe!” 37He allowed no one to follow him, except Peter, James, and John (the brother of James). 38He arrived at the synagogue ruler’s house, and saw a commotion with weeping and great wailing. 39When Jesus had entered in [the house], he said to them, “Why do you make a commotion and weep? The child is not dead, but asleep!” 40At this, they laughed at him. But Jesus,a having put them all out, took the father of the child, her mother, and those who were with him, and went into the room where the child was lying. 41Taking the child by the hand, Jesus said to her, “Talitha cumi!” which means, “Little girl, I tell you, get up!” 42Immediately, the girl (who was twelve years old) rose up and began to walk. At this, they were overcome with amazement. 43He strictly ordered them that no one should know this and told them to give her something to eat.

6 Rejected in Nazareth Jesusb left that place and came into his own country, and his disciples followed him. 2When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue. Hearing him, many were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things?” and, “What is the wisdom that is given to this man, that such powerful works come about by his hands? 3Is this not the carpenter, the son of Mary,c and brother of James, Joses, Judah, and Simon? Are not his sisters here with us?” And they rejected him. 4Jesus

said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and among his own relatives, and in his own house.” 5He could not perform any miracles there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick people and healed them. 6He was astonished because of their unbelief.

The sending of the Twelve He went around the villages, teaching. 7Calling to himself the Twelve, he began to send them out two by two and gave them authority over the

Greek “he” Greek “he” c See Appendix E b

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unclean spirits. 8He told them to take nothing for their journey, except for a staff: no bread, no wallet, no money in their purse. 9He also told them to wear sandals and not put on two tunics. 10He said to them, “Wherever you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from the area. 11If any place does not welcome you and if people refuse to listen to you, as you walk away, shake off the dust under your feet as a testimony against them.a Amen, I can tell you that in the day of judgment, things will be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah than for that city!” 12They

went out and preached that people should repent. 13They also cast out many demons and anointed with oil many people who were sick and healed them. Herod and the death of John the Baptist 14King

Herod heard this report, for Jesus’ name had become well-known, and he said, “John the Baptizer has risen from the dead! This is why these powers are at work in him!” 15But others said, “He is Elias (Elijah).” Others said, “He is a prophet, or like one of the prophets!” 16But when he heard this, Herod said, “This is John whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead!” 17For Herod himself had given order that John be arrested and he had him chained in prison. This was for the sake of Herodias, the [former] wife of his brother Philip, for Herod had married her. 18John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife!” 19Herodias became furious against John and desired to kill him, but she could not 20because Herod feared John. He knew that John was a righteous and holy man, and kept him safe. When he had heard Johnb speak, he was greatly perplexed, and yet he liked to listen to him. 21An

opportunity came when on his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his nobles, high officers, and for the leading figures of Galilee. 22When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and those sitting with him. The king said to the girl, “Ask me whatever you want, and I will give it to you!” 23He swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give you, up to half of my kingdom!”

24She

went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?”

Herodias answered, “The head of John the Baptizer!” 25At

once, the girl hurried to the king and said, “I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptizer on a platter.”

26The

king was extremely sorry, but for the sake of his oaths and because of his dinner guests, he did not wish to deny her. 27Immediately, the king

a b

CT omits this sentence Greek “him”

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sent out a soldier of his guard and commanded [him] to bring John’s head. The soldier went off and beheaded John in the prison. 28He brought the Baptist’sa head on a platter and gave it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother. 29When John’sb disciples heard this, they came, took hisc body, and laid it in a tomb.

The report of the Twelve – The feeding of the five thousand 30The

apostles came back together around Jesus and told him all that they had done and taught. 31Because there were many [people] coming and going, the apostles did not even have time to eat. Jesus then said to them, “You should go away into a deserted place and rest for a while.” 32They went away in the boat to a deserted place by themselves. 33The multitudes saw them going away and many recognized Jesus. People rushed there on foot from all the [surrounding] cities and arrived before the disciples,d arriving there ahead of them. 34Jesus came out, saw a great crowd, and he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. He then began to teach them many things. 35When it was late in the day, Jesus’e disciples came to him and said, “This place is deserted and it is late in the day! 36Send them away so that they may go into the surrounding countryside and villages to buy bread, for they have nothing to eat.” 37But

Jesus answered them, “You give them something to eat!”

They asked him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denariif worth of bread, and give them something to eat?” 38Jesus

replied, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.”

When they had found out, they said, “Five loaves and two fish.” 39Jesus

gave them instructions that everyone should sit down in groups on the green grass, 40and people sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties. 41He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed and broke the loaves. He then gave it to his disciples to set before the people, and he distributed the two fish among them all. 42Everyone ate and was satisfied, 43and the disciples collected twelve baskets full of broken pieces and of the [leftover] fish. 44Those who ate the loaves numbered about five thousand men.

Greek “his” Greek “his” c Greek “John’s” d Greek “them” e Greek “his” f 200 denarii was about 7 or 8 months wages for an agricultural laborer. b

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once, Jesusa made his disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, to Bethsaida, while he himself sent the crowd away. 46After he had taken leave of them, he went up the mountain to pray. The walking on the water – At Gennesaret 47When

evening came, the boat was in the middle of the sea while Jesusb was alone on the shore. 48Seeing the disciples hard pressed in their rowing as the wind was against them, he came to them when it was about the fourth watch of the night. Jesusc was walking on the sea and would have passed by them, 49but when they saw him walking on the sea, they thought that it was a ghost and cried out. 50They all saw him and were troubled, but immediately, Jesus spoke with them and said, “Rejoice! It is I!d Do not be afraid!” 51He got into the boat with them and the wind ceased. They were utterly astonished and marveled greatly 52because they had not understood about the [miracle of the] loaves, but their hearts were hardened. 53After

crossing over, they landed at Gennesaret and moored the boat to the shore. 54When they came out of the boat, the people immediately recognized Jesus.e 55They swarmed that whole region and began to bring the sick on mats to wherever they heard that he was. 56Wherever he entered, into villages, cities, or into the country, people laid the sick in the marketplaces and begged him to be able to touch just the fringe of his garment; and as many as touched him were made well.

7 Traditions that nullify the word of God Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes came from Jerusalem and gathered to [see] Jesus.f 2When they saw that some of his disciples were eating bread with defiledg (that is, unwashed) hands,h they found fault. 3(For the Pharisees and all the Jews hold to the tradition of the presbyters and do not eat unless they wash their hands and forearms. 4[Also], they do not eat when they return from the marketplace unless they [first] bathe themselves; and there are many other things which they have received and observe: washings of cups, pitchers, bronze vessels, and couches.) 5The Pharisees and the scribes asked him, “Why is it that your disciples do not a

Greek “he” Greek “he” c Greek “he” d Or “I AM!” e Greek “him” f Greek “him” g Or “(ritually) impure” h CT omits the rest of the verse b

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live bya the tradition of the presbyters, but eat their bread with unwashed hands?” 6Jesus

answered them, “Well did Isaias (Isaiah) prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. 7 But in vain do they express adorationb before me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’c

8Indeed,

you set aside the commandment of God and hold fastd to human tradition —the washing of pitchers and cups, and you do many other such things.” 9He said to them, “How ingeniously do you reject the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition! 10For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother;’f and, ‘Whoever speaks evil of father or mother should be put to death.’g 11But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or mother, “Whatever [support] you might have received from me is Corbanh (that is, dedicated to God)”’ 12then you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or mother. 13Thus, you nullify the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down.i And you do many [other] things like this.” e

14Jesus

called the entire crowd to himself and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand! 15There is nothing outside a person that by going in can defile; it is what comes out of a person that defiles the person. 16Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!”j 17When

he had entered into a house away from the crowd, his disciples asked him about the parable. 18He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Do you not perceive that whatever goes into someone from the outside cannot defile that person 19because it does not go into his heart but into the stomach, and then into the sewer (thus he declared all foods to be clean)k?” 20He said, “What comes out of a person is what defiles that a

Or “walk according to” proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) c Isaias (Isaiah) 29:13. NT agrees with LXX against MT d Or “observe / carry out” e By contrast with divine or apostolic tradition of God which by nature cannot contradict God’s commandments f Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16 g Exodus 21:17; Leviticus 20:9 h Corban is a Hebrew word for an offering devoted to God. i Note that the word tradition refers to a content (or teaching) as well as a process of transmission. j This verse is only found in the Byzantine tradition. CT omits this verse. k Or “thus purging all foods” b

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person. 21Indeed, it is from within, out of human hearts, that evil thoughts proceed: sexual immorality, theft, murder, 22adultery, greed,a wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, an evil eyeb, blasphemyc, pride, and foolishness.d 23All these evil things come from within and make a person unclean.” The faith of a Canaanite Woman – Crumbs from the table 24From

there, he arose and went away to the borders of Tyre and Sidon. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, yet he could not escape notice. 25Having heard about Jesus,e a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit came and fell down at his feet. 26Now, this woman was a Greek, of Syro-Phoenician descent. She begged him to cast the demon out of her daughter. 27But Jesus said to her, “Let the children be filled first, for it is not right to take the children’s bread and to throw it to the little dogs!” 28But

she answered, “Yes, Lord. Yet even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs!”

29Jesus

said to her, “For saying this, you may go your way! The demon has gone out of your daughter.”

30She

went away to her house and found the child having been laid on the bed, with the demon gone out. The healing of a deaf man

31Again,

Jesusf departed from the borders of Tyre and Sidon, and came to the sea of Galilee, passing through the region of the Decapolis. 32People brought him a person who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Jesus to lay his hand on him. 33He took the man aside from the crowd, in private, put his fingers into his ears, then spat and touched his tongue. 34Looking up to heaven, Jesusg sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha!” that is, “Be opened!” 35Immediately, the man’s ears were opened; the impediment of his tongue was released, and he spoke clearly. 36Jesus told the people to tell no one, but the more he ordered them, the more widely they proclaimed it. 37They were amazed beyond words, saying, “Everything he has done is good! He even makes the deaf hear, and the mute speak!”

Also “covetousness” or in some cases “forcing someone to do something / obtaining by force” Greek ovfqalmo.j ponhro,j, conveys the idea of looking with jealousy and evil intent c Or “slander” d Or even “folly” e Greek “him” f Greek “he” g Greek “he” b

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8 The feeding of the four thousand In those days, a very great crowd was [assembled] there and the people had nothing to eat. Jesus called his disciples to himself and told them, 2“I have compassion on the people because they have stayed with me for three days now, and they have nothing to eat. 3If I send them away hungry to their homes, they will faint on the way, for some of them came from far away.” 4His

disciples replied, “From where could we satisfy these people with bread, here, in a deserted place?”

5Jesusa

asked them, “How many loaves do you have?”

They replied, “Seven.” 6Jesus

directed the crowd to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves. After giving thanks, he broke them and gave them to his disciples to serve, and they served the people. 7They also had a few small fish. After blessing them, Jesus also told them to serve the fish. 8The people ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up seven baskets of broken pieces that were left over. 9Those who had eaten were about four thousand. After this, Jesus sent the people away. The Pharisees ask for a sign – The yeast of the Pharisees 10Right

after this, he got into the boat with his disciples and arrived into the region of Dalmanutha. 11The Pharisees came out and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, and putting him to the test. 12Jesus sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, “Why is this generation seeking a sign? Amen, I tell you: no sign will be given to this generation!” 13He

left them, and again entered into the boat and departed to the other side. 14But the disciplesb forgot to take bread and had only one loaf in the boat with them. 15Jesus warned them in these words, “Be watchful, beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Herod.” 16They

bread!”

reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no

17Jesus,

perceiving this, said to them, “Why do you reason that it is because you have no bread [that I have said this]? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Is your heart still hardened? 18Having eyes, do you not see? Having ears, do you not hear? Do you not remember? 19When I broke the

a b

Greek “he” Greek “they”

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five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you gather up?” They told him, “Twelve!” 20“And

after the seven loaves had fed four thousand people, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you gather up?” They replied, “Seven!”

21Jesus

asked them, “Do you still not understand?”

The healing of a blind man 22When

he arrived at Bethsaida, people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23Jesus took hold of the blind man by the hand and brought him out of the village. He spit on his eyes, laid his hands on the man, and asked him if he saw anything.

24The

man looked up and said, “I see people! I see them like trees walking!”

25Again,

Jesus laid his hands on the man’s eyes who then looked [around] intently. His sight was then restored and he saw everyone clearly. 26Jesus sent him away to his home, saying, “Do not enter into the village and do not tell anyone in the village.” Peter’s confession about Jesus – First announcement of the passion

27Jesus

went out with his disciples into the villages of Caesarea Philippi. On the way, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that I am?”

28They

told him, “John the Baptizer, and others say Elias (Elijah), but others yet [say that you are] one of the prophets.”

29Jesus

said to them, “But you, who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Christ!”a 30Jesus

commanded them not to tell anyone who he was.b 31He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the presbyters, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32He spoke to them openly. Peter took him [aside] and began to rebuke him. 33But Jesus, turning around and seeing his disciples, rebuked Peter and said, “Get behind me, Satan! For you have in mind not the things of God, but the things of men.”

a b

Or “Messiah (Anointed One)” Or “about him”

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Requirements for discipleship 34Jesus

called the multitude to himself with his disciples and said to them, “Whoever wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. 35Indeed, whoever wants to save his life will lose it; and whoever will lose his life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will save it. 36What does it profit if someone, to gain the whole world, losesa his life? 37For what will someone give in exchange for his life? 38Whoever will be ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man also will be ashamed of when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.”

9 The Lord’s transfiguration Jesusb said to them, “Amen, I tell you that there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the Kingdom of Godc come with power.” 2After

six days Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John, and brought them up to a high mountain in private, by themselves. [There], he was transfiguredd in front of them. 3His clothing became radiant, extremely white like snow, such as no launderer on earth could whiten them. 4Elias (Elijah) and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

5Peter

said to Jesus, “Rabbi, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three tents:e one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias (Elijah).” 6He did not know what to say, for they were very afraid.

cloud came which overshadowed them and a voice came out of the cloud, “This is my beloved Son! Listen to him.”

8Suddenly,

looking around, they saw no one with them any more, except

Jesus only.

Or “forfeits, gives up” Greek “he” c This may be a reference to the Transfiguration (verse 2-8) or to a coming judgment on unbelievers: “In conventional readings of Mark 9:1, the meaning of the "kingdom of God coming with power" determines the identity of the bystanders who will supposedly experience ("see") it. Since the prediction of the kingdom is usually regarded as a blessing, it is assumed that the bystanders are protagonists. In contrast to this conventional approach, the reading proposed in this essay begins with the group(s) which will experience ("see") "the kingdom of God coming with power", first in 9:1 and then in 13:26 and 14:62. When prior attention is given to these groups in the context of the narrative, Jesus’ prediction in Mark 9:1 emerges not as a blessing promised to the protagonists, but as a threat of judgment aimed at antagonists.” (Thomas Hatina in Biblica 86 (2005) 20-34) d Greek metemorfw,qh (metamorphosis, “changed into another form”) e Or “three tabernacles, booths, shelters,” perhaps a reference to the Jewish feast of the tabernacles. b

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Question about Elijah’s coming 9As

they were coming down from the mountain, he told them not to tell anyone what they had seen, until after the Son of Man would have risen from the dead. 10They kept this saying to themselves, wondering what “rising from the dead” meant. 11They

asked him, “Why do the scribes say that Elias (Elijah) must come

first?” 12Jesus

answered, “Indeed, Elias (Elijah) comes first and restores all things. Why then is it written about the Son of Man that he must suffer many things and be despised? 13But I tell you that Elias (Elijah) has [already] come, and they have also done to him whatever they wanted to, even as it is written about him.” The healing of a possessed boy 14Returning to the [other] disciples, Jesusa saw a great crowd around them, and scribes were questioning them. 15At once, when all the people saw him, they were greatly amazed and rushed to greet him. 16Jesus asked the scribes, “What are you asking them about?” 17In

the crowd, someone said, “Teacher, I brought you my son who has a mute spirit. 18Wherever the spirit seizes him, it throws him to the ground and my son foams at the mouth, grinds his teeth, and becomes rigid. I asked your disciples to cast it out, but they were not able.” 19Jesus

answered him, “Unbelieving generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to me.”

20They

brought the son to him, and when he saw Jesus, the spirit immediately convulsed the boy who fell to the ground and rolled around, foaming at the mouth.

21Jesus

asked the boy’s father, “How long has he been like this?”

“From childhood,” he answered. 22“Often, it has thrown him both into the fire and into water, in order to destroy him. But if you are able to do anything, have compassion on us and help us!” 23Jesus

said to the man, “If you are able! All things are possible to the one who believes!”

24Immediately

my unbelief!”

Greek “he”

the father of the child cried out with tears, “I believe! Help

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25When

Jesus saw that a crowd was running to the scene, he rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to him, “You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and never enter him again!”

26The spirit cried out, convulsed greatly, and came out of the boy. He became as dead, so much that most of the people said, “He is dead!” 27But Jesus took him by the hand, raised him up; and the boy stood up. 28When

Jesus entered into the house, his disciples asked him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29He answered, “This kind can come out by nothing, except by prayer and fasting.”a The Lord’s passion announced again – The greatest in the Kingdom

30They

left that place and passed through Galilee, [and] Jesus did not want anyone to know it. 31He was teaching his disciples and told them, “The Son of Man is to be delivered into the hands of men. They will kill him, and when he is killed, he will rise again on the third day.”

32But

they did not understand the saying and were afraid to ask him.

33Jesus

arrived in Capernaum, and when he was in the house, he asked his disciples, “What were you arguing among yourselves on the way?”

34However,

they remained silent because on the way, they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.

35He

sat down, called the Twelve and told them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all, and the servant of all.” 36He took a little child and set him in their midst. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37“Whoever receives such a little child in my Name, receives me; and whoever receives me, does not receive me, but the one who sent me.” The exorcist who uses Jesus’ Name 38John

said to him, “Teacher, we have seen someone who does not follow usb casting out demons in your Name; and we forbade him, because he does not follow us!” 39But

Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for no one who does a mighty work in my Name will be able to quickly speak evil of me. 40Whoever is not against us is on our side! 41Amen, I tell you that whoever will give you a cup of water to drink in my Name, because you belong to Christ, will not lose his reward. 42But if someone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to stumble, it would be better for such a person to be thrown into the sea with a millstone hung around the neck.”

a b

CT omits “and fasting” which is found in Byzantine manuscripts including PT CT omits “who does not follow us”

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Radical measures against causes of sin 43“If

your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off! It is better for you to enter into life maimed, rather than have your two hands and go into Gehenna,a the unquenchable fire 44‘where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’b 45If your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off! It is better for you to enter into life lame, rather than having your two feet to be cast into Gehenna,c the fire that will never be quenched, 46‘where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’d 47If your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out! It is better for you to enter into the Kingdom of God with one eye, rather than with two eyes be cast into the Gehennae of fire, 48‘where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.’f About salt 49Indeed,

everyone will be salted with fire, and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt.g 50Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

10 About marriage and divorce Jesus then left that place and arrived to the borders of Judea and beyond the Jordan. Again, crowds were gathering around him. As he usually did, he taught them again. 2Phariseesh came to test him, asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3Jesus

answered, “What instructions did Moses give you?”

4They

replied, “Moses allowed a certificate of divorce to be written, and to divorce her.”i

5But

Jesus said to them, “It was because of your hardness of heart that Moses wrote this law for you. 6But from the beginning of creation, God

Or “hell” CT omits this verse c Or “hell” d CT omits this verse e Or “hell” f Isaias (Isaiah) 66:24 g CT omits “and every sacrifice will be seasoned with salt” h Codex Bezae (D), several old Latin manuscripts and the Sinaitic Syriac, omit the words “the Pharisees.” In these (western) manuscripts, it is the people of Mark 10:1 that are presenting the question. i Deuteronomy 24:1-3 b

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made them male and female.a 7For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother, and will join to his wife, 8and the two will become one flesh.b Thus, they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9What therefore God has joined together, let no one tear apart!” 10In

the house, his disciples asked him again about the same matter. 11He told them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another [woman] commits adultery against her. 12And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.” The Lord blesses little children

13People

were bringing little children to him so that he might touch them, but the disciples rebuked those who were bringing them. 14But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, “Let the little children come to me! Do not forbid them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 15Amen, I tell you that whoever will not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will in no way enter into it!” 16He took the children in his arms and blessed them, laying his hands on them. The question of the rich man – How to inherit eternal life 17As

Jesusc was setting out on his journey, someone ran to him, knelt before him, and asked him, “Good Teacher, what shall I do in order to inherit eternal life?” 18Jesus replied, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except one: God. 19You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder,’ ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not give false testimony,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’”d 20The

man said, “Teacher, I have observed all these things since my youth!”

21Jesus looked at him and felt lovee for him. He then said, “You [still] lack one thing. Go, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor. You will have a treasure in heaven! Then come and follow me, taking up the cross.” 22However,

the man was distressed when he heard this. He went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions. 23Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How difficult it is for the wealthy to enter into the Kingdom of God!”

Genesis 1:27 Genesis 2:24 c Greek “he” d Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20 e Greek hvga,phsen, related to agape b

ACCORDING TO MARK - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ 24The

disciples were amazed at his words. But again, Jesus said, “Children,a how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into the Kingdom of God! 25It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter into the Kingdom of God!” 26They

were extremely astonished and said to him, “Who then can be

saved?” 27Jesus

looked at them and answered, “With men it is impossible, but not with God, for all things are possible with God!”

28Peter

began to tell him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed

you.” 29Jesus

replied, “Amen, I tell you: there is no one who has left house, brothers or sisters, father or mother, or wife, children, or land, for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, 30who will not receive a hundred times more in this time: houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and land, (with persecutions); and in the age to come eternal life. 31But many who are first will be last; and the last [will be] first.” Third announcement of the passion

32They

were on their way up to Jerusalem, and as Jesus was going in front of them, they were as stunned; and those who followed were afraid. Again, he took the Twelve [aside] and began to tell them about the things that were going to happen to him. 33“Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem. The Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and the scribes. They will condemn him to death and deliver him to the Gentiles. 34They will mock him, spit on him, scourge him, and kill him. On the third day, he will rise again.” The request from James and John – ‘Whoever wishes to be great’ 35James

and John, the sons of Zebedee, approached Jesusb and said, “Teacher, we want you to do for us whatever we will ask!”

36He

replied, “What do you want me to do for you?”

37They

answered, “Grant to us that we may sit, one at your right hand, and one at your left hand, in your glory.”

38But

Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you are asking! Are you able to drink the cup that I drink, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?”

39They

a b

replied, “We are able!”

Greek te,kna, compare John 21:5 Greek “him”

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Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink the cup that I drink, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with! 40However, to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but it is for whom it has been prepared.” 41When

the ten heard this, they became upset with James and John.

42Jesus

called them, and told them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers over the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43But it shall not be so among you! Whoever wants to become great among you shall be your servant. 44Whoever of you wants to become first among you shall be slave of all. 45For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” The healing of Bartimaeus, a blind beggar 46Then,

they arrived in Jericho. As Jesus was leaving the citya with his disciples and a great crowd, the son of Timaeus, Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the road. 47When he heard that it was Jesus the Nazarene, he began to cry out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” 48Many rebuked him and told him to be quiet. But Bartimaeus cried out even more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!”

49Jesus

stood still and said, “Call him.”

They called the blind man and said to him, “Cheer up! Get up! He is calling you!” 50Having 51Jesus

thrown his cloak aside, he got up and came to Jesus.

asked him, “What do you want me to do for you?”

The blind man replied, “Rabboni,b that I may see again!” 52Jesus

said to him, “Be on your way! Your faith has made you well.” At once, the man received his sight and followed him along the way.

11 The Entrance into Jerusalem As they were approaching Jerusalem, at Bethsphagec and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesusd sent two of his disciples 2and said to them, “Go your way into the village that is facing you. Immediately as you enter into a

Greek “Jericho” Rabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for “great teacher.” c TR & CT read “Bethphage” instead of “Bethsphage” d Greek “he” b

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it, you will find a young donkey tied, on which no one has ever sat. Untie him and bring him [to me]. 3If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say, ‘The Lord needs him and will send him back right away.’” 4They

went away and found a young donkey tied by a door outside, in the open street. As they untied him, 5some of the bystanders asked them, “What are you doing, untying the young donkey?” 6The two disciples replied just as Jesus had said, and the people let them go. 7They

brought the young donkey to Jesus, threw their garments on it, and Jesus sat on it. 8Many spread their garments on the way, while others cut down branches from the trees and spread them on the road. 9Those who went in front as well as those who followed cried out, Hosannaa! Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord!b 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that is coming in the Name of the Lord!c Hosanna in the highest! 11Jesus

entered Jerusalem and went into the temple. After looking around at everything, since it was now evening, he went out to Bethany with the Twelve. The cursing of the fig tree – The cleansing of the temple 12The

next day, as they were coming out from Bethany, Jesusd was hungry. in the distance a fig tree with leaves, he came to see if perhaps, he might find something on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. 14Jesus then said to the tree, “May no one ever eat fruit from you again!” and his disciples heard it.

13Seeing

15They

arrived in Jerusalem and Jesus entered into the temple. He began to drive out those who did businesse in the temple and he overthrew the tables of the money changers, as well as the seats of those who sold doves. 16He would not allow anyone to carry a container through the temple. 17He taught them, saying, “Is it not written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations?’f But you have made it a den of thieves!”g

“Hosanna” means “save us” or “help us, we pray.” Psalms 118:25-26 / 117 LXX c Some manuscripts do not have the clause “in the name of the Lord” d Greek “he” e Greek “those who sold and those who bought” f Isaias (Isaiah) 56:7 g Jeremiah 7:11 b

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18When

the chief priests and the scribes heard this, they considered how they might destroy him. As it is, they feared Jesus,a because the crowd was astonished at his teaching.

19When

evening came, he left the city. 20As they passed by in the morning, the disciples saw the fig tree withered from the roots. 21Remembering [what had happened], Peter said to him, “Rabbi, look! The fig tree which you cursed has withered away!”

22Jesus

answered them, “Have faith in God! 23For amen, I tell you that if anyone tells this mountain, ‘Be taken up and cast into the sea,’ without doubt in the heart but believing that what he says is happening; he shall have whatever he says. 24Therefore, I tell you, whatever things you pray for and ask for, believe that you have received them, and you shall have them. 25Whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive; so that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive your transgressions. 26But if you do not forgive, neither will your Fatherb forgive your transgressions.”c By what authority 27They

returned to Jerusalem, and as Jesus was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the presbyters came to him. 28They began to ask him, “By what authority do you do these things? Who gave you the authority to do such things?”

29Jesus

replied, “I will ask you one question. Answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30The baptism of John - was it from heaven, or from men? Answer me.” 31They

debated among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven’ he will reply, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 32But dare we say, ‘From men?’” They feared the people, for all considered that John was indeed a prophet. 33They answered Jesus, “We do not know!” Jesus said to them, “Then neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.”

12 The parable of the tenant farmers of the vineyard He began to speak to them in parables. “A man planted a vineyard, put a hedge around it, dug a pit for the winepress, and built a tower. He then

Greek “him” MT and TR add “in heaven” c CT omits this verse b

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rented it to tenant farmers and left for another country. 2When it was time, he sent a servant to the farmers to receive his share of the fruit of the vineyard. 3But they took the servant, beat him, and sent him away empty. 4Again, the owner sent another servant to them, and they threw stones at him, wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully treated. 5Again he sent another; and they killed him along with many others, beating some, and killing some. 6The man still had one left to send, his beloved son. Finally, he sent him to them, saying: ‘They will respect my son!’ 7But the tenants of the vineyard said among themselves, ‘This is the heir! Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’ 8They took him, killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard. 9What then will the lorda of the vineyard do? He will come to destroy the farmers, and he will give the vineyard to others. 10Have you not even read this Scripture: ‘The very stone which the builders rejected, Has become the head of the corner. 11 This is the Lord’s doing, And it is marvelous in our eyes?’b The question of paying taxes to Caesar 12They

kept trying to arrest Jesus, but they feared the multitude because they understood that he had spoken the parable against them. So they left him and went away. 13They sent some of the Pharisees and Herodians to Jesus, in order to trap him in what he said. 14They came to him and said, “Teacher, we know that you are truthful, and that you are not afraid of anyone because you do not look at human rank but truly teach the way of God. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not? 15Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But knowing their hypocrisy, Jesus replied, “Why do you test me? Bring me a denarius, so that I may see it.” 16They

brought it.

Jesus then asked them, “Whose imagec and inscription is this?” They answered, “Caesar’s.” 17Jesus

then said, “Renderd to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to God.” And they were amazed at him.

Or “owner” Psalms 118:22-23 / 117 LXX c Greek eivkw.n d Or “give back / return” b

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18After

this, Sadducees (who say that there is no resurrection) came to him. They asked him, 19“Teacher, Moses wrote to us, ‘If a mana dies leaving a wife behind him but no children, his brother should take his wife, and raise up an offspring for him.’b 20There were seven brothers. The first took a wife, died, and left no offspring. 21The second [brother] took her and [also] died, leaving no children behind him. The third likewise; 22and so the seven [brothers] married her and left no children. Last of all, the woman also died. 23In the resurrection, when they rise, whose wife will she be? For the seven [brothers] had her as a wife.” 24Jesus

answered them, “Is this not why you are mistaken, by not knowing the Scriptures or the power of God? 25For when people {will} rise from the dead, they do not marry nor are given in marriage; instead, they are like angels in heaven. 26But regarding the fact that the dead are raised, have you not read in the book of Moses (in the passage about the bush), how God spoke to him, saying: ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?’c 27He is not the God of the dead, but of the living! This is why you are greatly misled.”d

The greatest commandment 28One

of the scribes came and heard them debating. Knowing that Jesus had answered them well, he asked him, “Which commandment is the greatest of all?”

29Jesus

answered, “The greatest is, ‘Hear, Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one: 30you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.’e This is the first commandment. 31The second is likewise,f ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’g There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32The

scribe said to him, “It is well, teacher, that you have said truly that he is one, and there is none other but he, 33and to love him with the whole heart, with the whole mind, with the whole soul, and with the whole strength; and to love one’s neighbor as oneself. It is more important than any whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices.”

34When

Jesus saw that the scribe had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the Kingdom of God!”

Greek “man’s brother” Greek “his brother” c Exodus 3:6 d Or “badly mistaken, greatly led astray” e Deuteronomy 6:4-5 f CT omits “likewise.” The Greek work homoia conveys the idea of similarity or sameness. g Leviticus 19:18 b

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No one dared to ask him any [other] question after that. About David’s son – Warning about the scribes 35As

he taught in the temple, Jesus asked, “How is it that the scribes say that the Christa is the son of David? 36For David himself said in the Holy Spirit: The Lord said to my Lord,b Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.c

37Therefore,

David himself calls him Lord, so how can he be his son?”

The large crowd listened to him with delight. 38In his teaching, he told them, “Beware of the scribes! They like to walk in long robes, to be greeted in the marketplace, 39and [to have] the best seats in the synagogues and at banquets. 40They devour widows’ houses, and for a pretensed say long prayers. Such men will be punished most severely.” The gift of the poor widow 41Jesus

sat down opposite the treasury and watched the people putting their money into the treasury. Many who were rich gave much. 42A poor widow came, and she put in two small coins,e which amount to a quadrans coin.f 43He called his disciples to himself, and told them, “Amen, I tell you that this poor widow gave more than all those [others] who are giving to the treasury. 44For they all gave out of their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, gave all that she had to live on.”

13 The destruction of the Temple is foretold – The signs of the end As Jesus went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Teacher, see! What [amazing] stones and buildings!” 2Jesus

said to him, “Do you see these great buildings? There will not be left here one stone upon another that will not be thrown down.”

Or “Messiah” - in Matthew (which is addressed to a Jewish readership), ‘Messiah’ in used for this particular verse (Matthew 22:42 EOB). b Hebrew text: “YHWH said to my Lord (Adonai);” see comments on parallel text in Matthew c Psalms 110:1 / 109 LXX d Or “for a show, for a false motive” e Literally, lepta (or widow’s mites). Lepta are very small brass coins worth half a quadrans each, which is a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of an agricultural worker’s daily wages. f A quadrans is a coin worth about 1/64 of a denarius. A denarius is about one day’s wages for an agricultural laborer.

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3As

he sat on the Mount of Olives facing the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him in private, 4“Tell us, when will these things take place? What is the sign that these things are all about to be fulfilled?”

5Then 6Many

Jesus began to tell them, “Be careful that no one leads you astray! will come in my Name, saying: ‘I am he!a’ and they will lead many

astray. 7When

you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled. Those things must take place, but the end is not [there] yet. 8Indeed, nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom! There will be earthquakes in various places, as well as famines and troubles. These things are [only] the beginning of birth pains. Warning about persecutions – The great tribulation and second coming

9But

be on your guard, for people will hand you over to the courts.b You will be beaten in the synagogues, you will stand before rulers and kings for my sake, as a testimony to them. 10The Good News must first be preached to all the nations. 11When they take you away and arrest you, do not worry in advance. Do not think ahead about what you will say, but say whatever will be given you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit. 12Brother

will deliver up [his own] brother to death, and a father his [own] child. Children will rise up against parents and cause them to be put to death. 13You will be hated by all for my Name’s sake, but the one who endures to the end will be saved. 14But when you see the abomination of desolationc spoken of by Daniel the prophetd standing where it should not stand (let the reader understand), then those who are in Judea should flee to the mountains. 15Then, whoever is on the housetop should not go down or enter in to take anything out of the house. 16He who is in the field should not come back to take his cloak. 17But woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse babies in those days! 18Pray that your flight will not be in the winter! 19For in those days, there will be oppression such as there has not been since the beginning of God’s creation until now, and never will be. 20If the Lord had not cut those days short, no one would be saved; but for the sake of the elect whom he chose, he has shortened the days. 21Then, if anyone tells you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ do not believe it. 22For false christs and false prophets will arise, and they will show signs and wonders in order to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. 23You, therefore, must be on your guard. a

Or, “I am!” Or “local councils,” literally “sanhedrins” c Daniel 9:17; 11:31; 12:11 d CT omits “spoken of by Daniel the prophet” b

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Behold, I have told you all things beforehand. 24But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, 25the stars will be falling from the sky, and the powers that are in the heavens will be shaken.a 26Then, people will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27After that, he will send out his angels and [they] will gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the sky. Learning from the fig tree – Call to be watchful 28Learn

this parable from the fig tree. When the branch has become tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that the summer is near! 29Likewise, when you see these things taking place, know that it is near, at the doors! 30Amen, I tell you: this generation will not pass away until all these things happen. 31Heaven and earth will pass away,b but my words will not pass away. 32But no one knows that day or that hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time is. 34It

is like a man who journeyed to another country. He leaves his house, gives authority to his servants and to each one his task. He also instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. 35Watch therefore, for you do not know when the lord of the house is coming [back], whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning. 36But fear that coming suddenly, he might find you sleeping. 37What I tell you, I [also] tell everyone: keep watch!”

14 The plot against Jesus – The anointing of the Lord at Bethany It was now two days before the feast of the Passover and of the unleavened bread. The chief priests and the scribes were seeking a way to arrest him by deception in order to kill him. 2They said, “Not during the feast, because there might be a riot of the people.” 3While Jesusc was at Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar, and poured the oil over his head. 4But there were some who were upset and who said, “Why has this ointment been wasted? 5It could have been sold for more than three hundred denarii,d and given to the poor.” They grumbled against her, but Jesus said,

Isaias (Isaiah) 13:10; 34:4 Hebrews 1:12 c Greek “he” d 300 denarii was about a years wages for an agricultural laborer. b

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“Leave her alone! Why do you trouble her? She has done a good work for me. 7You always have the poor with you, and whenever you want to, you can do them good; but you will not always have me! 8She has done what she could: she has anointed my body in advance for the burial. 9Amen, I tell you: wherever this Good News will be preached throughout the whole world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.” Judas’ betrayal – Preparations of the Passover meal 10Judas

Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve, went off to [meet] the chief priests, in order to deliver Jesus to them. 11When they heard this, they were glad, and promised to give him money. Judasa began to seek how he might conveniently deliver him. 12On the first day of unleavened bread, when the Jewsb sacrificed the Passover, his disciples asked him, “Where do you want us to go and make preparations so that you may eat the Passover?” 13He

sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and there you will meet a man carrying a pitcher of water. Follow him, 14and wherever he enters, tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says, “Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 15He will himself show you a large upper room furnished and ready. Make preparations for us there.” 16His

disciples went out, and came into the city, and found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

17When

it was evening, Jesus came with the Twelve. 18As they sat and were eating, Jesus said, “Amen, I tell you: one of you will betray me; the one who eats with me.” 19They

began to be distressed, and they asked him, one by one, “Surely not I?” And another said, “Surely not I?”

20He

answered them, “It is one of the Twelve, the one who dips with me in the dish. 21For the Son of Man goes just as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been better for that man not to have been born.” The institution of the Eucharist – The Lord’s supper 22As

they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after saying a blessing, he broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “Take, eat. This is my body.”

a b

Greek “he” Greek “they”

ACCORDING TO MARK - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ 23He

took the cup, and after giving thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24He said to them, “This is my blood of the newa covenant, which is poured out for many. 25Amen, I tell you: I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the Kingdom of God.” 26After singing a hymn,b they went out to the Mount of Olives. Peter’s denial is foretold – The agony in the garden

27Jesus

said to them, “All of you will be made to stumble because of me tonight,c for it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’d 28However, after I am raised up, I will go before you into Galilee.” 29But

Peter said to him, “Even if all fall away, I will not!”

30Jesus

said to him, “Amen, I tell you that today, this very night, before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times!”

31But

Peter insisted, “If I must die with you, I will not deny you!” And they all said the same thing.

32They

arrived at a place which was named Gethsemane. Jesus said to his disciples, “Sit here while I pray.” 33He took with him Peter, James, and John, and began to be greatly troubled and distressed. 34He said to them, “My soul is extremely sorrowful, even to death.e Stay here, and keep watch.” 35He

went ahead a little, fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass away from him. 36He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to you. Please remove this cup from me. However, not what I desire, but what you desire.”f 37Coming

back, he found the disciples sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping? Could you not watch one hour? 38Watch and pray, that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak!” 39Again,

he went away, and prayed, saying the same words.g 40Once again, he came back and found them asleep because their eyes were very heavy, and they did not know what to answer him. 41The third time, he came and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. It is enough! The hour has

CT omits “new” – the Greek word could also mean “renewed” Probably a Psalm (118 and following) c CT omits “because of me tonight” d Zechariah 13:7 e Compare Sirach 37:2 f Or “will” g Some manuscripts (D and Latin) omit “saying the same words” b

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come! Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42Arise, let us be on our way, for behold, the one who betrays me is near.” Judas’ kiss of betrayal – The Lord is arrested 43Immediately,

while he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him came a crowd with swords and clubs, sent by the chief priests, the scribes, and the presbyters. 44Now, the betrayer had given them a sign, saying, “The one I will kiss is the man; arrest him and take him away under guard.” 45So, when the traitor came, he immediately went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi! Rabbi!” and kissed him. 46They laid their hands on Jesusa and arrested him. 47But one of those who stood by drew his sword, and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. 48Jesus

said, “Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs to seize me? 49Every day I was with you in the temple, teaching, and you did not arrest me! But this is [taking place] so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.”

50All

his disciplesb left him and fled. 51A certain young man was following Jesus,c who only wore a linen cloth [as a tunic]. The young mend grabbed him, 52but he left the linen cloth [behind], and fled from them naked.e Before the Sanhedrin 53They

led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the presbyters and the scribes were assembled.

54Peter

had followed Jesus from a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. He was sitting with the officers, warming himself in the light of the fire. 55Now, the chief priests and the whole council were looking for witnesses [to testify] against Jesus in order to put him to death. But they could not find any. 56Many gave false testimony against him, and their testimony did not agree with each other. 57Some stood up, and bore false witness against Jesus,f saying: 58“We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this sanctuary that is made with hands, and in three days, I will build another made without hands.’”g 59Even so, their testimony did not agree.

60The

high priest stood up in their midst and asked Jesus, “Do you have no answer? What is this which these testify against you?” 61But Jesus

Greek “him” Greek “they” c Greek “him” d CT has “they” instead of “the young men” e Or possibly “wearing only an undergarment” (see also John 21:7) f Greek “him” g Compare John 2:19 b

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remained silent and answered nothing. Again, the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ,a the Son of the Blessed?” 62Jesus

replied, “I am. You will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of the sky.”

63At

this, the high priest tore his robes and said, “What further need do we have for witnesses? 64You have heard the blasphemy! What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. 65Some began to spit on him, to blindfold him, and to beat him with fists, saying, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck him with the palms of their hands. Peter’s threefold denial 66As

Peter was in the courtyard below, one of the maidservants of the high priest came in. 67Seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, “You were also with Jesus the Nazarene!” 68But

he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are talking about!” He went out on the porch, and the rooster crowed.

69When

the servant girl saw him there, she began to tell those who stood by, “This is one of them!” 70But again, he denied it. A little while later, those who stood by again said to Peter, “Surely you are one of them! You are a Galilean, and your accentb shows it.” 71But Peter began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak!” 72The rooster crowed the second time, and Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” When he thought about that,c he broke down and wept.

15 Before Pilate – The Lord is condemned to be crucified As soon as it was the morning, the chief priests, the presbyters, the scribes and the whole council held a consultation. Having bound Jesus, they carried him away and delivered him to Pilate. 2Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “You have said it.”

Or “Messiah” Or “speech / dialect” c The Greek expression can be translated as “broke down” (NRSV, NIV) or “thought about it” (NKJV). The EOB combines both expressions. b

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3The

chief priests began to accuse him of many things. 4Again, Pilate asked him, “Do you have no answer? See how many charges they bring against you!”

5But

Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was astonished.

6Now,

he used to release to the Jewsa one prisoner on the occasion of the feast, whichever one they asked of him. 7There was one called Barabbas, who was then in prison with the rebels who had committed murder during the uprising. 8The multitude, crying aloud, began to ask Pilate to do as he always did for them. 9Pilate answered them, “Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 10For he understood that it was from envy that the chief priests had delivered Jesus. 11But the chief priests stirred up the crowd so that Pilate would release Barabbas to them, instead [of Jesus]. 12Pilate again asked them, “What then should I do to the one whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13“Crucify 14Pilate

him!” they shouted.

said to them, “Why, what evil has he done?”

But they shouted even louder, “Crucify him!” 15Wishing

to please the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them, and after having Jesus flogged, he handed him over to be crucified. The Roman soldiers mock Christ 16The

soldiers led Jesus away inside the courtyard which is [called] the Praetorium, and they called together the whole cohort. 17They clothed him with purple, and weaving a crown of thorns, they put it on his head. 18They began to salute him, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19They struck his head with a reed, spat on him, and bowing their knees, expressed adoration tob him. 20After mocking him, they stripped him of the purple [cloak] and put his own garments on him. Then they led him out to crucify him. The Lord’s death and burial 21Simon

of Cyrene, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was then returning from the countryside and passing by. The soldiersc compelled him to go with them so that he might carry Jesus’ cross. 22And they brought Jesus to the place called Golgotha, which means, “The place of a skull.” 23They offered him wine mixed with myrrh to drink, but Jesusd did not take it.

Greek “to them” proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) c Greek “they” d Greek “he” b

ACCORDING TO MARK - ΚΑΤΑ ΜΑΡΚΟΝ 24Then,

they crucified him and shared his garments among them, casting lots for them to see what each one would take. 25It was the third houra when they crucified him. 26The written notice of his accusation was written above him, “THE KING OF THE JEWS.” 27With him, they also crucified two rebels; one on his right hand, and one on his left. 28The Scripture was fulfilled, which says, “He was numbered with transgressors.”b 29Those

who passed by blasphemed him, shaking their heads and saying, “So! You who would destroy the sanctuary and rebuild it in three days,c 30save yourself [now] and come down from the cross!” 31In

the same way, the chief priests also, along with the scribes, were mocking him among themselves and saying, “He saved others! He cannot save himself! 32Let the Christ, the King of Israel, now come down from the cross, so that we may see and believe him.”d Those who were crucified with him also insulted him. 33When

the sixth houre came, there was darkness over the whole landf until the ninth hour.g 34At the ninth hour, Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”h 35Some

of those who stood by, when they heard this, exclaimed, “Behold, he is calling Elias (Elijah)!”

36One

[of them] ran to fill a sponge with vinegar. He put it on a reed and gave it to Jesus to drink. Then he said, “Let us leave him alone and see if Elias (Elijah) will come to take him down.”

37But

Jesus cried out with a loud voice and gave up the spirit. 38The veil of the sanctuary was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 39When the centurion who stood there in front of Jesus saw that he had cried out like this and breathed his last, he said, “Truly this man was Son of God!” 40There

were also women watching from afar, among whom were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James ‘the little’i and of Joses, and Salome. 41When Jesus was in Galilee, they had followed him and served him; along with many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem.

9:00 a.m. CT omits verse 28 c John 2:19 d TR and CT omit “him” e Or “noon” f Or “earth” g 3:00 pm h Psalms 22:1 / 21 LXX i Or “James the Less” b

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42Evening

had now come. Because it was the Preparation Day (the day before the Sabbath), 43Joseph of Arimathea (a prominent council member who was also looking for the Kingdom of God), came forward. He boldly went in to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 44Pilate wondered if Jesus was already dead. Calling the centurion, he asked him whether Jesus had been dead for a long time. 45Having been assured of this by the centurion, he granted the body to Joseph. 46Accordingly,

Joseph bought fine linen, took Jesus down and wrapped him in the linen cloth. Having placed him in a tomb which had been cut out of a rock, he rolled a stone against the door of the tomb. 47Mary Magdalene and Mary, the mother of Joses, saw where Jesusa had been laid.

16 The Lord’s resurrection When the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome, bought spices in order to come and anoint him. 2Very early on the first day of the week, they arrived at the tomb when the sun had risen. 3They were saying among themselves, “Who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us?” 4But when they looked up, they saw that the stone was [already] rolled back, although it was extremely large. 5Entering

into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting on the right side, dressed in a white robe, and they were amazed. 6He said to them, “Do not be amazed! You seek Jesus, the Nazarene, who has been crucified. He has risen! He is not here! Behold, the place where they laid him! 7But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He goes before you into Galilee. There you will see him, as he told you.’”

8They went outb and fled from the tomb, for trembling and astonishment had come upon them. They said nothing to anyone because they were afraid.

a b

Greek “he” TR adds “quickly”

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Left: Mark 16:8 in 4th century Codex Vaticanus Summary of Manuscript evidence for verses 9-10 (Information taken from apparatus of Nestle-Aland 27th edition). Omit Mark 16:9-20: Codex Sinaiticus, Vaticanus, 20, 22, 304, Syriac Sinaiticus, a Sahidic manuscript, Armenian manuscripts; Eusebius, manuscripts according to Eusebius, manuscripts according to Jerome. Add 16:9-20 in its form seen in the Textus Receptus: A, C, D, W, Codex Koridethi, f13, 33, 565, 700, 892, 2427, 2674, the majority text; the Vulgate and part of the Old Latin, Syriac Curetonian, Peshitta, Bohairic; the Latin text of Irenaeus, manuscripts according to Eusebius, manuscripts according to Jerome (add with obeli f1 al). Add shorter ending only: Codex Bobbiensis (Latin) Add shorter and longer ending: L (019), Ψ (044), 0112, 099, 274 (margin) 579 lectionary 1602, Syriac Harclean margin, Sahidic manuscripts, Bohairic manuscripts, Ethiopic manuscripts. Add 16:9-20 with "Freer Logion": Codex Washingtonianus (fourth/fifth century); manuscripts according to Jerome.

LONGER ENDING:a 9Now, after Jesusb had risen early on the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, from whom he had cast out seven demons. 10She went and told [this to] those who had been with him, as they mourned and wept. 11When they heard that Jesusc was alive and had been seen by her,

The last twelve verses, 16:9-20, are not present in many ancient manuscripts, including the fourth century Sinaiticus and Vaticanus. Mark 16:9-20 is preserved in its traditional form in about a dozen uncials (the earliest being Codex Alexandrinus) and in all undamaged minuscules. In addition to these, approximately 100 Armenian manuscripts, as well as the two oldest Georgian manuscripts, also omit the appendix. The Armenian Version was made in 411-450, and the Old Georgian Version was based mainly on the Armenian Version. One Armenian manuscript, made in 989, features a note, written between 16:8 and 16:9, Ariston eritzou, that is, “By Ariston the presbyter.” The longer ending is generally not considered to have undisputable canonical authority but it is part of the Patriarchal Text (PT) and therefore included in the main text. b Greek “he” c Greek “he”

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they disbelieved. 12After these things, he was revealed in another forma to two of them, as they walked, on their way into the country. 13They went on their way and told it to the rest who did not believe them, either. The commission of the Apostles 14Afterward,

Jesusb was revealed to the eleven themselves as they sat at the table, and he rebuked them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen him after he had risen. 15He said to them, “Go into the whole world, and preach the Good News to the whole creation.c 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved;d but whoever disbelieves will be condemned. 17These signs will accompany those who believe: they will cast out demonse in my Name; they will speak with new languagesf; 18they will take up snakes;g and if they drink any deadly thing, it will in no way hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.” The Ascension 19And

so, the Lord,h after he had spoken to them, was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. 20They went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word by the signs that accompanied [them].i Amen.

Greek morfh/, see Luke 24:13-35; also compare with Philippians 2:4-6 Greek “he” c Compare Matthew 28:19 d Compare 1 Peter 3:21; Acts 16:30-33 e Compare Acts 16:18 f Compare Acts 2:6-12; 1 Corinthians 14:2-19 g Compare Acts 28:1-7 h CT adds “Jesus” i Some manuscripts omit “Amen” b

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Archangel Gabriel By the hand of Julia Hayes

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The presentation at the Temple Russian, 15th century, Novgorod Museum, Russia

150

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(ACCORDING TO) LUKE (ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ) 1 Luke’s motivations and methods Manya have undertaken to set in order a narrative concerning those matters which have been fulfilled among us, 2even as those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word since the beginning have delivered them to us. 3For this reason, it has seemed good to me also, after reviewing the course of all things accurately from the beginning, to write an ordered account to you, most excellent Theophilus, 4so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. The birth of John (the Baptist) is announced 5In

the days of Herod king of Judea, there lived a priest named Zacharias who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah. He had a wife of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6Both of them were righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord. 7Yet, they had no child because Elizabeth was barren, and both were well advanced in years. 8Now, it came to pass that while Zacharias was performing his priestly office before God in the order of his division, 9according to the custom of the priest’s office, that his lot was [drawn] to enter into the sanctuaryb of the Lord and burn incense. 10Now, at the time of the incense offering, the whole multitude of the people was praying outside. 11Then,

an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing on the right side of the altar of incense. 12Zacharias was startled when he saw the angel and was gripped with fear. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zacharias, because your petition has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth. 15Indeed, he will be great in the sight of the Lord! He will drink no wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16He will bring back many of the children of Israel to the Lord, their God. 17He will go before the Lordc in the spirit and power of Elias (Elijah), ‘to turn the hearts a

Perhaps a reference to Matthew (or Proto-Matthew) and Mark In this case the ‘holy place’ (not the ‘holy of holies’) c Greek “him” b

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of the fathers to the children,’ and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” 18Zacharias

said to the angel, “How can I be sure of this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years!”

19The

angel answered him, “I am Gabriel who stands near before God.a I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.b 20Behold, you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in their proper time.” 21The

people were waiting for Zacharias and wondering as he delayed in the sanctuary. 22When he came out, he could not speak to them and they understood that he had seen a vision in the sanctuary. He continued to make signs to them and remained mute. 23When the days of his service were fulfilled, Zacharias returned to his house. 24After these days, his wife Elizabeth conceived, and she hid herself five months, saying: 25“The Lord has done this to me in the days when he looked at me, in order to take away my disgrace among men.” The Annunciation of the birth of Jesus 26Now,

in the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27to a virgin pledged to be married to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. 28Having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice,c full of grace!d The Lord is with you! Blessed are you among women!”e 29But

when she saw him, she was greatly troubled at the saying and considered what kind of greeting this might be. 30The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a son, and you will call his name ‘Jesus.’ 32He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father, David, 33and he a

Greek aresthkw.j evnw,pion tou/ qeou/ Or indeed “Good News” c Or “Hail!” / “Greetings” – One of the most common Hebrew greetings is ~Alv', “peace,” reflected in eivrh,nh in Lk 10:5; 24:36, but the LXX never translates ~Alv', “peace,” by the imperative Cai/re. J. McHugh, in The Mother of Jesus, 38-39, notes, "The imperative form Cai/re, far from being a conventional greeting, always refers to the joy attendant on the deliverance of Israel; wherever it occurs, it is a translation of a Hebrew verb meaning 'Rejoice greatly!'" (or “shout” for joy). d This is the traditional expression. “The perfect participle kecaritwme,nh has the strongest connotation of the present: ‘having been favored and as a result still being in this blessed condition.’ The root in the verb is ca,rij, grace, the unmerited favor bestowed by God. The passive voice makes God the agent.” (R.C.H. Lenski, The Interpretation of St. Luke's Gospel (Minneapolis: Augsburg Publishing House, 1946) p. 62). Many translations have “Greetings, favored one!” or something similar. e CT omits “Blessed are you among women” b

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will reign over the house of Jacob forever. And to his Kingdom there shall be no end.”a 34Mary

said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?”b

35The

angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadowc you. Therefore, the holy one who is born from you will be called the Son of God. 36Behold, your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and this is the sixth month [of her pregnancy] for her who was called barren. 37For everything spoken by God is possible.”

38Mary

said, “Behold, the handmaid of the Lord! Be it to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Mary, the Theotokos and new Ark, visits Elizabeth

39In

those days, Mary arose and went into the hill country with haste to a city of Judah. 40She entered into the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. 41And it happened that when Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42In a loud voice, she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! 43Why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lordd should come to me? 44For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the baby leapede in my womb out of joy! 45Blessed is she who believed, for the things which have been spoken to her from the Lord will be fulfilled!” The Magnificat 46Mary

said,

My soul magnifies the Lord 47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked at the humble state of his handmaid. For behold, from now on, all generations shall call me blessed! a

Used in the Creed of Nicea-Constantinople Or “since I am a virgin?” c Greek evpiskia,sei - Compare Exodus 40:33-35 LXX which is the only other instance where this verb is used: “And Moses was not able to enter into the tabernacle of testimony, because the cloud overshadowed (evpeski,azen) it, and the tabernacle was filled with the glory of the Lord” d Compare 2 Samuel 6:9. This verse, coupled with John 1:1,14; 20:28 is the basis for the expression theotokos applied to the Virgin Mary at the Council of Ephesus in 431. This is a Christological title used to safeguard the unity of the divine hypostatis of the incarnate Word from the point of conception onward. Luke 1:39-50 parallels 2 Samuel 6 (see Introductory Section – Typologies), indicating that Mary is the fulfilment of the Ark of the Covenant. e Also spelled “leapt” b

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Indeed, he who is mighty has done great things for me, and Holy is his Name! 50 His mercy is for generations of generations on those who fear him. 51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts,a 52 He has put down princes from their thrones, and has exalted the lowly.b 53 He has filled the hungry with good things, he has sent the rich away empty. 54 He has given help to Israel, his servant, so that he might remember mercy, 55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and his posterityc forever. 49

56Mary

stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then returned to her house. The birth of John the Baptist

57Now,

the time when Elizabeth should give birth was fulfilled, and she gave birth to a son. 58Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown his great mercy towards her, and they rejoiced with her. 59On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child and they wanted to name him Zacharias after his father. 60But his mother answered, “It shall not be! Instead, he will be called John!” 61They

said to her, “But there is no one among your relatives who is called by this name!” 62They made signs to his father to see what he wanted to have his son called.

63Zacharias

asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.”

They were all very surprised. 64Suddenly, his mouth was opened and his tongue was freed. He began to speak, blessing God. 65Awe came upon all who lived around them, and people talked about these sayings throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66All those who heard these things took them to heart and exclaimed, “What then will this child be?” And indeed, the hand of the Lord was with the child.d

Or “those who are proud in their inmost thoughts” (NIV) Compare Sirach 10:14 c Or “seed / descendants” d Greek “him” b

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The canticle of Zacharias (Zachariah) 67His

father, Zacharias, was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying: Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and worked redemption for his people; 69 and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David 70 (as he spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets who have been from of old), salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us; 72 to show mercy towards our fathers, to remember his holy covenant, 73 the oath which he spoke to Abraham, our father, to grant us 74that being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, we should offer him divine servicea without fear, 75 in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life. 76 And you, child, [you] will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways, to give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins, 78 because of the tender mercy of our God, by which the dawn from on high will visit us, 79 to shine on those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death; to guide our feet into the way of peace. 68

80The

child was growing up and became strong in spirit, and he was in the desert until the day of his public appearance to Israel.

2 The Nativity of our Lord In those days, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire [Roman] world. 2This was the first census made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to enroll themselves, everyone to his own city. 4Because he was of the house and family of David, Joseph left the city of Nazareth in Galilee and went up to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem. 5He did so to enroll himself with Mary who was pledged to be married to him as wife and who was pregnant. 6While

they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7She gave birth to her firstbornb son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes. She

a b

Greek latreu,ein See Appendix E

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laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.a 8There were shepherds in the same countryside, staying in the field and keeping watch by night over their flock. 9And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10The angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you Good News of great joy which will be for all the people. 11For there is born to you, this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord! 12This is the signb to you: you will find a baby wrapped in strips of cloth,c lying in a manger.” 13Suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, [and] good will among mankind.d 14

The shepherds’ visit 15When

the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, “Let us go to Bethlehem now and see what has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16They came with haste and found both Mary and Joseph, and the baby was lying in the manger. 17After seeing it, they revealed the news which had been spoken to them about this child. 18All those who heard what the shepherds were saying were amazed, 19but Mary kept all these sayings, pondering them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things which they had heard and seen, just as it was told them. The Circumcision of our Lord – The Presentation in the Temple 21When

the eight days were fulfilled and the time came for the circumcision of the child, he was named Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22And

when the days of their purification according to the law of Moses were fulfilled, Joseph and Mary brought him up to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord. 23(For it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”).e 24[They also brought him] to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, “A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”f

Or perhaps “guest room” Compare Isaias (Isaiah) 7:14 LXX which also used the Greek word shmei/on c Or “swaddling clothes” d Or “peace for those whom he favors / peace to those on whom his favor rest” (NJB/NAB) e Exodus 13:2,12 f Leviticus 12:8 b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 25Behold,

there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and [the]a Holy Spirit was upon him. 26It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s anointed.b 27He came in the Spirit into the temple. The parents brought in the child Jesus in order to do according to the custom of the law concerning him. 28Then Simeon took Jesus in his arms and blessed God, saying, Now you let your servant depart in peace, Master, according to your word, 30 for my eyes have seen your salvation,c 31 which you have prepared before the face of all peoples; 32 a light to enlighten the gentiles,d and the glory of your people Israel. 29

33Josephe

and his mother were wondering at the things which were spoken concerning him. 34Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother, Behold, this child is set for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and as a sign which is spoken against. 35 Yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul, so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36There

was a certain Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher (she was of a great age, having lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,f 37and she had been a widow for about eighty-four years), who did not depart from the temple, offering divine serviceg with fastings and petitions night and day. 38Coming up at that very hour, she gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Jesush to all those who were looking for redemption in Jerusalem. Return to Nazareth of Galilee 39When

Joseph and Maryi had accomplished all things that were according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40The child was growing, and was becoming strong in spirit,

The Greek actually uses the indefinite Or “Christ” (Greek) and “Messiah” (Hebrew) both mean “Anointed One” c Compare Tobit 11:9,14 d Or “a light of revelation to the nations” e CT reads “his father” instead of “Joseph” f This is the literal translation – it seems that Anna was married for seven years. NJB reads “Her days of girlhood over, she had been married for seven years” g Greek latreu,ousa h Greek “him” i Greek “they” b

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being filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was upon him. 41His parents went every year to Jerusalem for the feast of the Passover. Jesus as a twelve-year old in the temple 42When

Jesusa was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43When they had fulfilled the days, as they were returning, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Joseph and his mother did not noticeb it. 44Supposing him to be in the company, they went a day’s journey and began to look for him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, looking for him. 46After three days, they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. 47All who heard him were amazed by his understanding and answers. 48When his parentsc saw him, they were astonished, and his mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us this way? Behold, your father and I were anxiously looking for you.” 49He

said to them, “Why were you looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” 50But they did not understand what he said to them. 51After this, he went down with them, and came to Nazareth. He was obedientd to them, and his mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, as well as in favor with God and men.

3 The ministry of John the Baptist Now, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of the region of Ituraea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene, 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John, the son of Zacharias, in the wilderness. 3He came into the entire region around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for remission of sins. 4As it is written in the book of the words of Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet: The voice of one crying in the wilderness,e “Make ready the way of the Lord. Make his paths straight. a

Greek “he” Or “know” c Greek “they” d Or “subject” e NT agrees with LXX against MT b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ

Every valley will be filled. Every mountain and hill will be brought low. The crooked will become straight, and the rough ways smooth. 6 All flesh will see God’s salvation.”a 5

7To

the multitudes who went out to be baptized by him, John said, “You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore, bring forth fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say among yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father;’ for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones! 9Even now, the axe also lies at the root of the tree, and so every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is [to be] cut down and thrown into the fire.” 10The

multitudes asked him, “What then must we do?”

11Johnb answered them, “Whoever has two coats should give to the one who has none. He who has food should do likewise.” 12Tax

collectors also came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what must we do?”

13He

replied, “Do not collect more than what is appointed to you.”

14Soldiers

also asked him, “What about us? What must we do?”

He said to them, “Extort from no one by violence and do not accuse anyone wrongfully. Be satisfied with your wages.” 15As

the people were in expectation, and everyone reasoned in their hearts concerning John, whether perhaps he was the Christ, 16John answered them all, “I indeed baptize you with water, but the one who is coming is more powerful than I! I am not worthy to untie the strap of his sandals! He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit and fire! 17His winnowing fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather the wheat into his barn; but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire.” 18With

many other exhortations, he preached Good News to the people. Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother’sc wife, and for all the evil things which he had done, 20added this also to them all, that he shut up John in prison.

19But

Isaias (Isaiah) 40:3-5. NT agrees with LXX against MT Greek “he” c TR reads “brother Philip’s” instead of “brother’s” b

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Theophany: The Lord’s Baptism 21Now

it happened, after all the people were baptized, that Jesus was also baptized. As he was praying, heavena was opened, 22and the Holy Spirit descended in a bodily form as a dove on him. A voice came out of heaven,b saying “You are my beloved Son! In you I am well pleased.”c 23Jesus

himself, when he began to teach, was about thirty years old, being the son (as was supposed) of Joseph, the son of Heli, 24the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, the son of Melchi, the son of Jannai, the son of Joseph, 25the son of Mattathias, the son of Amos, the son of Nahum, the son of Esli, the son of Naggai, 26the son of Maath, the son of Mattathias, the son of Semein, the son of Joseph, the son of Judah, 27the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri, 28the son of Melchi, the son of Addi, the son of Cosam, the son of Elmodam, the son of Er, 29the son of Jose, the son of Eliezer, the son of Jorim, the son of Matthat, the son of Levi, 30the son of Simeon, the son of Judah, the son of Joseph, the son of Jonan, the son of Eliakim, 31the son of Melea, the son of Menan, the son of Mattatha, the son of Nathan, the son of David, 32the son of Jesse, the son of Obed, the son of Boaz, the son of Salmon, the son of Nahshon, 33the son of Amminadab, the son of Aram,d the son of Joram,e the son of Hezron, the son of Perez, the son of Judah, 34the son of Jacob, the son of Isaac, the son of Abraham, the son of Terah, the son of Nahor, 35the son of Serug, the son of Reu, the son of Peleg, the son of Eber, the son of Shelah, 36/the son of Cainan/,f the son of Arphaxad, the son of Shem, the son of Noah, the son of Lamech, 37the son of Methuselah, the son of Enoch, the son of Jared, the son of Mahalaleel, the son of Cainan, 38the son of Enos, the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God.

4 The temptation in the desert Full of the Holy Spirit, Jesus returned from the Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. 2For forty days, he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing in those days and afterward, when they were completed, he was hungry. 3The devil said to him, “If you are the Son of God, command this stone to become bread!”

Or “the sky” Or “the sky” c Codex Bezae (D) reads “You are my son, I today have begotten you” (Psalms 2:7) which is mentionned by Justin Martyr and Clement of Alexandria. d CT reads “Admin, the son of Arni” instead of “Aram” e CT omits “the son of Joram” f This extra ‘Cainan’ entry may be a transcription error made by an early copyist. b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 4Jesus

answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”a

5Leading

him up on a high place, the devil showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. 6The devil said to him, “I will give you all this authority and their glory, for it has been delivered to me and I give it to whomever I want.b 7If you therefore will express adoration toc me,d it will all be yours.” 8Jesus

answered him, “Get behind me Satan!e For it is written, ‘You shall express adoration to the Lord your God, and to him only shall you offer divine service.’”f

9The

devilg led him to Jerusalem, set him on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, cast yourself down from here, 10for it is written, He will put his angels in charge of you, to guard you; 11and,

They will carry you with their hands, for fear that you may dash your foot against a stone.h 12In

reply, Jesus said to him, “It has been said, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’”i

13When

the devil had completed every temptation, he departed from Jesusj until another time. The Lord’s ministry in Galilee and his rejection in Nazareth 14Jesus

returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and news about him spread through all the surrounding area. 15He taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

Deuteronomy 8:3. CT omits “but by every word of God” - The PT is unique in this instance in that it not only contains “but by every word…of God” but also has the additional words (parallel Matthew 4:4): “but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God” b Revelation 13:12 c proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) d Revelation 13:4,12 e CT omits “Get behind Me, Satan!” f Deuteronomy 6:13. NT agrees with LXX against MT g Greek “he” h Psalms 91:11-12 / 90 LXX i Deuteronomy 6:16 j Greek “him”

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16He

came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. As was his custom, he entered into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17The scroll of the prophet Isaias (Isaiah) was handed to him. He opened the book, and found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,a because he has anointed me to preach Good News to the poor. He has sent me to heal the brokenhearted,b to proclaim release to the captives, recovery of sight to the blind, to deliver those who are crushed,c 19 and to proclaim the favorabled year of the Lord.e 18

20He

closed the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him. 21He began to tell them, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

22All

testified about him and marveled at the gracious words which came out of his mouth; and they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?”

23He

said to them, “Without doubt, you will quote me this proverb, ‘Physician, heal yourself! Do also [right] here in your hometown whatever we have heard that was done at Capernaum!’” 24Jesusf continued, “Amen, I tell you that no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. 25But I tell you in truth, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elias (Elijah), when the sky was shut up for three years and six months, when a great famine came all over the land. 26Elias (Elijah) was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27There were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet not one of them was cleansed, except Naaman, the Syrian.” 28As

they heard these things, all in the synagogue were filled with anger. rose up, threw Jesusg out of the city, and led him to the edge of the hill that their city was built on in order to push him off the cliff. 30But passing through their midst, he went his way.

29They

NT agrees with LXX against MT CT omits “to heal the brokenhearted” c Or “to set free those who are bruised.” NT agrees with LXX against MT d Or “acceptable” e Isaias (Isaiah) 61:1-2 f Greek “he” g Greek “him” b

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The healing of a demoniac in Capernaum 31Jesusa

came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee. He was teaching the peopleb on the Sabbath day, 32and they were astonished at his teaching because his word was with authority. 33In the synagogue, there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and he cried out with a loud voice, 34“Ah! what have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know you who you are: the Holy One of God!” 35Jesusc

rebuked him, saying, “Be silent, and come out of him!” When the demon had thrown the man among them, he came out of him, having done him no harm.

36Amazement

came on all, and they spoke together, one with another, saying, “What is this word? For he commands the unclean spirits with authority and power, and they come out!” 37News about him went out into every place of the surrounding region. The healing of Peter’s (Simon’s) mother in law – Other healings

38Jesus left the synagogue and entered into Simon’s house. Simon’s motherin-law was afflicted with a great fever, and they asked him [to do something] for her. 39He stood over her, rebuked the fever, and it left her. Immediately, she rose up and served them. 40When the sun was setting, all those who had anyone sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus;d and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them. 41Demons also came out from many, crying out, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” Rebuking them, Jesuse did not allow them to speak, because they knew that he was the Christ. 42When it was day, he departed and went into an uninhabited place. The people were looking for him and came to him. They held on to Jesusf in order to prevent himg from leaving them. 43But he said to them, “I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God to the other cities as well. I have been sent for this reason!” 44And he continued preaching in the synagogues of Galilee.

Greek “he” Greek “them” c Greek “he” d Greek “him” e Greek “he” f Greek “him” g Greek “Jesus” b

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5 The calling of Simon (Peter), James and John Now it happened, while the multitude pressed on him and heard the word of God, that he was standing by the lake of Gennesaret. 2He saw two boats standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them and they were washing their nets. 3Jesusa entered into one of the boats, which was Simon’s, and asked him to put out a little from the land. He sat down and taught the multitudes from the boat. 4When he had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch.” 5Simon

answered him, “Master, we worked all night and took nothing! But at your word, I will let down the net.” 6When they had done this, they caught a great multitude of fish, and their net was breaking. 7They beckoned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. They came and filled both boats, so [much] that they began to sink. 8But when Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord!” 9He and all who were with him were amazed at their catch of fish; 10and so also were James and John, sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. Jesus said to Simon, “Do not be afraid! From now on, you will be catching people alive.” 11When

they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. The healing of a leper

12It

happened, while Jesusb was in one of the cities, that there was a man full of leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell on his face, and begged him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”

13Jesus

stretched out his hand, touched him, and said, “I want to! Be made

clean.” Immediately the leprosy left him. 14Jesus commanded him to tell no one: “But go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing according to what Moses commanded, as a testimony to them.” 15Still, the report concerning him spread much more, and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed by him of their infirmities. 16However, Jesusc withdrew into the desert and prayed.

Greek “he” (also in verse 13, 15, 17 and 27) Greek “he” c Greek “he” b

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The healing of a paralytic 17It

happened, on one of those days, that Jesus was teaching; and there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every village of Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was with him to heal the people. 18Behold, men brought a paralyzed man on a cot, and they sought to bring him in to lay before Jesus. 19Not finding a way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up to the housetop and let him down through the tiles with his cot, right in the center, in front of Jesus. 20Seeing their faith, Jesusa said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21The scribes and the Pharisees began to think about this, saying, “Who is this that speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?” 22But

Jesus, perceiving their thoughts, answered them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts in such a way? 23Which is easier to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you;’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk?’ 24However, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins” (he said to the paralyzed man), “I tell you, arise, take up your cot, and go to your house.” 25Immediately,

the man rose up before them and took up what he was laying on, and departed to his house, glorifying God. 26Amazement took hold of all, and they glorified God. They were filled with fear,b saying, “We have seen strange things today!” The calling of Levi (Matthew) 27After

these things, Jesusc went out and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the tax office. He said to him, “Follow me!”

28Levi

left everything, got up and began to follow Jesus. 29He made a great feast for Jesusd in his house. A great crowd of tax collectors was [assembled] there, and other people were also at tablee with them. 30The scribes and the Pharisees murmured against Jesus’ disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with the tax collectors and sinners?” 31Jesus answered them, “Those who are healthy have no need for a physician, but those who are sick do! 32I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

Greek “he” Or “awe” c Greek “he” d Greek “him” e Or “reclining” b

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About fasting 33They

asked him, “Why do John’s disciples often fast and pray, as also the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?”

34Jesusa

said to them, “Can you make the friends of the bridegroom fast, while the bridegroom is with them? 35But the days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them. Then, they will fast in those days.”

36He

also told them a parable: “No one puts a piece from a new garment on an old garment, or else he will tear the new, and also the piece from the new will not match the old. 37No one puts new wine into old wineskins, or else the new wine will burst the skins, and it will be spilled, and the skins will be destroyed. 38Instead, new wine must be put into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved. 39No one who has drunk old wine immediately desires new, for he says, ‘The old is better!’”

6 About the Sabbath On a certain Sabbath day, Jesus was walking through the grain fields. His disciples plucked heads of grain and ate them, rubbing the heads in their hands. 2But some among the Pharisees asked them, “Why do you do what is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” 3Jesus

answered them with these words, “Have not you read what David did when he was hungry, along with those who were with him? 4How he entered into the house of God, took and ate the show breadb and also gave it to those who were with him, even though it is not lawful to eat [from it] except for the priests alone?” 5He said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.” 6On

another Sabbath, Jesus entered into the synagogue and began to teach. A man was there whose right hand was withered. 7The scribes and the Pharisees were watching Jesus,c to see if he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find an accusation against him. 8But Jesus perceivedd their thoughts. He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise up, and stand in the midst [of all];” and the man arose and stood up. 9Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you something: Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath, or to do harm? To save a life, or to kill?” 10He looked around at all of them and said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” The man did so, and a

Greek “he” Or “bread of the presence” c Greek “him” d Or “knew” b

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his hand was restored as healthy as the other. 11However, the scribes and the Phariseesa were filled with rage and talked with one another about what they might do to Jesus. The Twelve 12It

happened in these days, that Jesusb went out into the mountain to pray; and he continued all night, in prayer to God. 13When day came, he called his disciples and chose twelve from among them, which he also named ‘apostles’:c 14Simon, whom he also named Peter; Andrew, his brother; James;d John; Philip; Bartholomew; 15Matthew; Thomas; James, the son of Alphaeus; Simon, who was called the Zealot; 16Judas [the son] of James; and Judas Iscariot, who also became a traitor. 17He came down with them and stood on a level place. A large number of his disciples and of people from all Judea, Jerusalem, and the sea coast of Tyre and Sidon came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. 18Those who were troubled by unclean spirits also came, and they were healed. 19The whole multitude desired to touch him because power came out from him and healed them all. The Lord’s sermon 20Jesus

looked up to his disciples, and said:

Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God. 21 Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you will laugh. 22 Blessed are you when men shall hate you, and when they shall exclude and mock you, and throw out your name as evil for the sake of the Son of Man. 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did the same thing to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich! For you have received your consolation. 25 Woe to you, you who are full now, for you will be hungry. 24

Greek “they” Greek “he” c Which means “sent” d Greek VIa,kwbon b

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Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe [to you,]a when allb men speak well of you, for their fathers did the same thing to the false prophets. Love for one’s enemies 27But

I tell you who hear: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you. 29To the one who strikes you on the cheek, offer also the other [cheek]. If someone takes away your cloak, do not refuse your coat as well. 30Give to anyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.

31As

you would like others to do to you, do the same to them. 32If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners love those who love them! 33If you do good to those who do good to you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners do the same! 34If you lend to those from whom you hope to receive [back], what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to receive back as much. 35But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing back. Then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High, for he is kind [even] to the ungrateful and evil. Therefore, be merciful, even as your Father is also merciful. 37 Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Set free, and you will be set free. 36

38Give,

and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing will be given to you.c For with the same measure [that] you measure, it will be measured back to you.” The beam and the speck – Judging others – The tree and its fruits

39He

spoke a parable to them. “Can the blind guide the blind? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40A disciple is not above his teacher, but after being fully trained, everyone will be like their teacher. 41Why do you see the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye but do not consider the beam

TR adds “to you” Other manuscripts omit “all” c Literally “into your bosom” b

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that is in your own eye? 42Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me remove the speck of chaff that is in your eye,’ when you do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrites! First, remove the beam from your own eye, and then you will be able to see clearly in order to remove the speck of chaff that is in your brother’s eye. 43For there is no good tree that brings forth rotten fruit, or any rotten tree that produces good fruit. 44Indeed, each tree is recognizeda by its own fruit!b People do not gather figs from thorns, nor do they pick up grapes from a bramble bush. 45Out of the good treasure of his heart, a good person brings out what is good, but out of the evil treasure of his heart, one who is evil brings out what is evil. For out of the overflowing of the heart, thec mouth speaks. Those who say ‘Lord, Lord’ – Building on rock or sand 46Why

do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47I will show you what the person is like who comes to me, hears my words and does them. 48He is like a man building a house who dug and went deep, and laid a foundation on the rock. When a flood arose, the waterd rushed against that house but could not shake it, because it was founded on the rock.e 49But the one who hears and does not practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The stream rushed against it, and at once it fell down; and the ruin of that house was great.”

7 The healing of the Centurion’s servant When Jesus had finished speaking all that he wanted the people to hear, he entered into Capernaum. 2There was the servant of a certain centurion, a man highly valued by his master, who was sick and at the point of death. 3When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him presbyters of the Jews to ask him to come and save his servant. 4When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, saying, “This man deserves to have you do this 5because he loves our nation and [even] built our synagogue for us.” 6Jesus went along with them, but as he was approaching the house, the centurion sent word to him (by some friends to say to him), “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to come under my roof. 7Therefore, I did not even think myself worthy to come to you. But [only] say the word and my servant will be healed. 8For I am also a man placed

Or “known” James 2:18 c Greek “his” d Greek “stream” e Compare Matthew 16:18 b

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under authority, and I have soldiers under my command.a I tell this one, ‘Go!’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come!’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9When

Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him. Turning around, he said to the multitude who followed him, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel!” 10And the messengers, returning to the house, found that the servant who had been sick was [now] well. The raising of the son of the widow of Nain 11Soon

afterwards, Jesus went to a city called Nain. Many of his disciples, along with a great multitude, went with him. 12Now, when Jesus drew near to the gate of the city, behold, a dead person was being carried out, who was the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. Many people of the city were with her. 13When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said to her, “Do not cry.” 14He came near and touched the coffin, and the bearers stood still. He then said, “Young man, I tell you, arise!” 15And the dead man sat up, and began to speak. Jesus then gave him to his mother. 16They

were all filled with awe and glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has arisen among us!” and, “God has visited his people!” 17This news concerning Jesus spread throughout Judea and in all the surrounding countryside. Messengers from John the Baptist – The Lord’s own witness about John 18John’s disciples told the Baptistb about all these things. 19John called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus to ask, “Are you the one who is coming, or should we look for another?” 20When the men reached Jesus, they said, “John the Baptizer has sent us to you, saying: ‘Are you the one who is coming or should we look for another?’” 21At

that very time, Jesus had been healing many diseases, plagues and evil spirits; and had given sight to many who were blind. 22Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you have seen and heard: the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have Good News preached to them. 23Blessed is he who is not offended by me!” 24When

John’s messengers had departed, Jesusc began to tell the multitudes about John, “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25What then did you go out to see? A man clothed in a

Greek “myself” Greek “him” (“Baptist” substituted for clarification) c Greek “he” b

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soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously dressed and live delicately are in kings’ courts. 26But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and much more than a prophet! 27This is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send my messenger before your face,a who will prepare your way before you.’b 28For

I tell you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptizer; yet whoever is least in the Kingdom of God is greater than he.”

29Hearing

this, all the people and the tax collectors who had been baptized with John’s baptism confessed God to be vindicated. 30However, the Pharisees and the lawyers rejected God’s purpose,c not being baptized by him themselves. 31d“To

what, then, can I compare the people of this generation? What are they like? 32They are like children who sit in the marketplace and who call one another, saying: ‘We played the pipes to you, and you did not dance! We mourned, and you did not cry!’ 33For John the Baptizer came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon!’ 34The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold, a glutton and a drunkard; a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35Yet Wisdom is justifiede by all her children.”f A sinful woman is forgiven 36One

of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. He entered into the Pharisee’s house, and sat at the table. 37And behold, a woman who was a sinner in the city, when she learned that he was at table in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster jar of perfume. 38Standing behind at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears, and she wiped them with the hair of her head. She also kissed his feet and anointed them with the perfumed oil. 39Now, when the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, he would have perceived who is touching him and what kind of woman this is, that she is a sinner.”

40Jesus

said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.”

He replied, “Speak, teacher.”

NT agrees with MT against LXX Malachi 3:1 c Or possibly “rejected the counsel (purpose) of God for themselves” d TR adds “But the Lord said” e Or “vindicated” f See Wisdom of Sirach 4:11; Revelation 12:1-2,17 and notes b

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41“A

certain lender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. 42When they could not pay, he forgave them both. Then, which of them will love him the most?” 43Simon

answered, “The one to whom he forgave the most I suppose.”

Jesus said to him, “You have judged correctly.” 44Turning to the woman, he said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house, and you gave me no water for my feet; but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with the her hair. 45You gave me no kiss, but since the time I came in, she has not ceased kissing my feet. 46You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with perfume. 47Therefore, I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven because she has loved much. But the one to whom little is forgiven loves little.” 48Jesusa said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49Those

who sat at the table with him began to say to themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

50Then

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

8 The women disciples of the Lord Soon afterwards, Jesusb went through cities and villages, preaching and bringing the Good News of the Kingdom of God. With him were the Twelve, 2and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; 3Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod’s steward; Susanna; and many others; who served himc from their possessions. The parable of the sower – About parables 4As

a great crowd was coming together and as people from every city were coming to him, he spoke by a parable.

5“A

farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was sowing, some [seed] fell along the wayside; it was trampled under foot, and the birds of the sky devoured it. 6Other seed fell on the rock, and as soon as it grew, it withered away because it had no moisture. 7Other fell among the thorns, and the thorns grew with it, and choked it. 8Other fell into the good ground, grew, and brought forth fruit a hundred times.” As he said this, he exclaimed, “Let anyone with ears to hear listen!”

Greek “he” Greek “he” c Other manuscripts read “them” instead of “him” b

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his disciples asked him, “What does this parable mean?”

10Jesus

replied, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of God, but to the rest, [it is given] in parables, so that ‘seeing they may not see, and hearing they may not understand.’a 11Now, this what the parable means: The seed is the word of God. 12Those along the wayside are those who hear. Then, the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they may not believe and be saved. 13Those on the rock are those who receive the word with joy when they hear. But they have no root; they believe for a while, then fall away in time of temptation. 14What fell among the thorns is those who have heard, and as they go on their way, they are choked with worries, wealth, and the pleasures of life; and they bring no fruit to maturity. 15As for the seed that fell in the rich soil, this is those who have heard the word with an honest and good heart, who retain it and bring forth fruit with endurance. The lamp – Nothing is secret 16No

one who has lit a lamp covers it with a lid, or puts it under a bed. Instead, it is put on a stand so that those who enter in may see the light! 17Nothing is hiddenb that will not be revealed. Nothing is secretc that will not be known and come to light. 18Therefore, be careful how you hear. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him.” The Lord’s true family 19His

mother and brothersd came to him, but they could not come near him because of the crowd. 20It was reported to him, “Your mother and your brothers are standing outside, desiring to see you.” 21But

Jesuse answered, “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” The calming of the storm

22On

one of those days, he entered into a boat with his disciples and said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” And so, they launched out. 23But as they were sailing, Jesusf fell asleep. A windstorm came down on the lake, and they were taking on dangerous amounts of water. 24His disciples came to him and woke him up, saying, “Master, master, we are

Isaias (Isaiah) 6:9 Greek krupto.n from which we have the word ‘cryptography’ c Greek avpo,krufon from which we have the word ‘apocrypha’ d See Appendix E e Greek “he” f Greek “he” b

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perishing!” Jesusa awoke, rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and it was calm.b 25He said to them, “Where is your faith?” In fear and amazement, they said to one another, “Who is this, then, that he commands even the winds and the water, and they obey him?” 26Then, they reached the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee. The healing of a demoniac – The demons expelled in the herd of swine 27When

Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the town who had had demons for a long time came to meet him. cThis man wore no clothes, and he did not live in a house, but in the tombs. 28When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him. With a loud voice, he said, “What do you want from me,d Jesus, you Son of the Most High God? I beg you, do not torment me!” 29(For Jesus was commanding the unclean spirit to come out of the man). The unclean spirit had often seized the man and he was kept under guard, bound with chains and fetters. [But he had been] breaking the chains and was driven by the demon into deserted places. 30Jesus

asked him, “What is your name?”

He replied, “Legion,” for many demons had entered into him. 31And they begged him not to command them to go into the abyss. 32Now, there was a large herd of swine feeding on the mountain, and the demonse begged him that he would allow them to enter into those [pigs]; and Jesus allowed them. 33The demons came out from the man and entered into the pigs. Then the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and [the swine] were drowned. 34When the people who fed the pigs saw what had happened, they fled and told the story in the city and in the countryside. 35Then,

people went out to see what had happened. They came to Jesus and found the man from whom the demons had gone out. He was sitting at Jesus’ feet, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. 36Those who had seen it told the people how the demon-possessed man had been delivered.f 37All the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked Jesusg to depart from them, because they were extremely afraid. So he got into the boat and went back. 38The man from whom the demons had gone out begged to go with Jesus, but Jesus sent him away, saying: 39“Return to your house and proclaim what great things God has done for

Greek “he” See Psalms 107:29 / 106 LXX c Some translations connect the “for a long time” clause with the second part of the verse (the fact that the man wore no clothes, etc) instead of the first part (how long he had been possessed) d Literally “What do I have to do with you” e Greek “they” f Greek evsw,qh (may also mean “saved / rescued /delivered / healed”) g Greek “him” b

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you.” So the man went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole city what great things Jesus had done for him. The healing of Jairus’ daughter and of the woman with an issue of blood 40When

Jesus returned, the multitude welcomed him, for they were all waiting for him. 41And behold, a man named Jairus came, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. He fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged him to come to his house 42because he had an only daughter, about twelve years old, who was dying. But as Jesus went, the crowd pressed against him. 43There was a woman who had a flow of blood for twelve years and who had spent all she had on physicians,a but she could not be healed by any. 44She came behind him and touched the fringeb of his cloak. Immediately, the flow of her blood stopped. 45Jesus said, “Who touched me?” As everyone was denying it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you,c and you ask, ‘Who touched me?’” 46But

Jesus said, “Someone has touched me, for I perceived that power has gone out from me.” 47When the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came forth trembling. Falling down before Jesus, in the presence of all the people, she confessed to him why she had touched him, and how she had immediately been healed. 48He said to her, “Daughter, be of good cheer! Your faith has made you well. Go in peace.” 49While

Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Teacher.”

50But

when Jesus heard it, he answered, “Do not be afraid! Only believe, and she will be healed.”

51When

Jesus arrived at the house, he did not allow anyone to enter in, except Peter, John, James, as well as the father of the child and her mother. 52All were weeping and mourning the girl,d but Jesus said, “Do not weep! She is not dead, but sleeping.” 53But

they mocked him, knowing that she was dead. 54Jesus put them all outside, and taking the girl by the hand, he called, “Child, arise!” 55Her spirite returned, and she immediately got up. He ordered that something to

A few manuscripts omit “and who had spent all she had on physicians” Or “tassel” c CT omits “and you say, who touched me?” d Greek “her” e Or “breath” b

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eat should be given to her. 56Her parents were amazed, but he commanded them to tell no one what had been done.

9 The commission of the Twelve apostles Calling his twelve disciplesa together, Jesus gave them power and authority over all demons, and [power] to cure diseases. 2He then sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. 3Jesus said to them, “Do not take anything for the journey - no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic. 4Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave from that place. 5Wherever people do not welcome you, shake the dust off your feet when you leave their town, as a testimony against them.” 6They

departed and went throughout the villages, preaching the Good News, and healing everywhere. Herod’s view of Jesus

7Now,

Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Jesus. He was very perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead. 8Some said that Elias (Elijah) had appeared, and others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9Herod said, “I have beheaded John, but who is this about whom I hear such things?” And he desired to see Jesus. 10When

they returned, the apostles told him what things they had done.

Then, Jesus took them with him, and they withdrew to a deserted place [which was part] of a city called Bethsaida.b The feeding of the five thousand 11However,

the crowd perceived this and followed him. Jesus welcomed them, speaking to them about the Kingdom of God, and curing those who needed healing. 12Late in the afternoon, the Twelve came to him and said, “Send the people away, so that they may go into the surrounding villages and farms to find lodging and get food, for we are here in a deserted place.” 13But

Jesus said to them, “You give them something to eat.”

They replied, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14(For they were about five thousand men). Jesus then said to his disciples, “Make them sit down in groups of about fifty each.” 15They did so, and made them all sit down. 16He took the five a b

Other manuscripts read “the Twelve” instead of “his twelve disciples” Other translations “And he took them, and withdrew in private to a city called Bethsaida”

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ

loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke them, and gave them to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17Everybody ate, and all were satisfied. The disciples gathered up twelve baskets of broken pieces that were left over. Peter’s confession of faith – The Lord’s passion is announced 18Once,

as Jesusa was praying alone and the disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the multitudes say that I am?” 19They

answered, “‘John the Baptizer,’ but others say, ‘Elias (Elijah),’ and others, that one of the old prophets is risen again.”

20Jesus

said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”

Peter answered, “The Christ of God!” 21But

he warned them and commanded them to tell this to no one, 22saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, be rejected by the presbyters, the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and the third day be raised up.” Requirements for discipleship

23Jesus

said to all, “Anyone who desires to come after me must deny himself, take up his cross daily,b and follow me. 24For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake will save it. 25Indeed what profit is there if someone gains the whole world but loses or surrendersc his own self? 26If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory, and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels. 27But I tell you the truth: There are some who stand here who will in no way taste of death, until they see the Kingdom of God.” The Lord’s transfiguration 28About

eight days after these sayings, Jesus took with him Peter, John, and James, and went up to the mountain to pray. 29As he was praying, the appearance of his face was altered, and his clothing became white and dazzling. 30And behold, two men were talking with him, who were Moses and Elias (Elijah). 31They appeared in glory and spoke of his departure,d which he was about to accomplish in Jerusalem. 32Now,

Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, but when they were fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men who

Greek “he” Some manuscripts omit “daily” c Or “forfeits / gives up” d Literally, “exodus” b

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stood with him. 33As Moses and Elias (Elijah)a were departing from him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here! Let us make three tents: one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elias (Elijah).” He did not know what he was saying. 34While

Peter was saying these things, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud. 35A voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is my beloved Son. Listen to him!” 36And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. They kept silent and told no one in those days of what they had seen. The healing of a demon-possessed boy 37On

the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, a great multitude met him. 38A man from the crowd called out, saying, “Teacher, I beg you to look at my son, for he is my only child. 39Behold, when a spirit seizes him, he suddenly cries out and it convulses him so that he foams [at the mouth]. It scarcely ever leaves him and is breaking him. 40I begged your disciples to cast it out, but they could not.” 41Jesus

answered, “Faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you and bear with you? Bring your son here.”

42While

the boy was still coming, the demon threw him down and convulsed him violently. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father. 43And all were astonished at the majesty of God. The Lord announces his passion While all were marveling at all that Jesus did, he said to his disciples, 44“Let these words sink into your ears, for the Son of Man will be delivered up into the hands of men.” 45But they did not understand this saying; it was concealed from them so that they should not understand its meaning, and they were afraid to ask him about this saying. Who is greatest in the Kingdom 46A

dispute sprang up among them about which [one] of them was the greatest. 47Jesus, perceiving the reasoning of their hearts, took a little child and set him by his side. 48He then said to them, “Whoever receives this little child in my Name receives me. Whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For whoever is the least among you all, this one will be great.”

Greek “they”

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ

The exorcist who used the Name of Jesus 49John

said, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in your Name, and we tried to stopa him because he does not follow with us.”

50Jesus

us.”

said to him, “Do not forbidb him, for whoever is not against us is for

The journey to Jerusalem – Would-be disciples 51It

came to pass, when the days were near for him to be taken up, that he resolutely set his faced to go to Jerusalem, 52and he sent messengers ahead of him.e They went and entered into a village of the Samaritans in order to make preparation for him. 53But the people did not receive him because he was heading for Jerusalem. 54When his disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven and destroyf them, just as Elias (Elijah) did?” 55But

Jesus turned around and rebuked them, “You do not know of what kind of spirit you are.g 56For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them.” They went on to another village. 57As they went on the way, a certain man said to him, “I want to follow you wherever you go, Lord!”

58Jesus

said to him, “The foxes have holes, and the birds of heaven have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

59He

said to another, “Follow me!”

But the man said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 60But

Jesus replied, “Leave the dead to bury their own dead. But you go and announce the Kingdom of God.”

61Another

also said, “I want to follow you, Lord, but first allow me to say goodbye to those who are at my house!”

62But

Jesus said to him, “No one who has put his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Or “we forbade him” Or “prevent” c See also Luke 11:23 d Or “determined to go” e Literally “before his face” f Or “consume” g Other manuscripts omit “you do not know of what kind of spirit you are.” Here, PT is supported by codex Bezae (D) as well as by Epiphanius, Chrysostom, and Theodoret. CT omits “You do not know of what kind of spirit you are. For the Son of Man did not come to destroy people’s lives but to save them.” b

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10 The seventy apostles After these things, the Lord also appointed seventya others and sent them two by two ahead of himb into every city and place where he was about to go. 2Jesus said to them, “The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few. Pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he may send out laborers into his harvest. 3Go on your ways, [but] be aware that I am sending you out as lambs among wolves. 4Do not carry a purse, a wallet, or sandals. Do not greet anyone on the way. 5Whatever house you enter, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6If a followerc of peace is there, your peace will rest on him; but if not, it will return to you. 7Remain in that house, eating and drinking what they will give [you], for the laborer deserves his wages. Do not go from house to house. 8Whatever town you enter and if the people welcome you, eat whatever is set before you. 9Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come near to you!’ 10But if you enter into any town and people there do not welcome you, go out into its streets and say, 11‘Even the dust from your city that clings to us, we wipe off against you. Nevertheless, know this, that the Kingdom of God has come near to you!’ 12I tell you, it will be more tolerable in that day for Sodom than for such a city. Woe to Chorazin and Bethsaida 13Woe

to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the deeds of power which were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14But in the judgment, it will be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon than for you. 15You, Capernaum, will you be exalted to heaven? No, you will be brought down to hadesd! 16Whoever listens to you listens to me, and whoever rejects you rejects me. Whoever rejects me rejects the one who sent me.” Return of the seventy – Satan falling like lightning 17The

seventye returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us in your Name!”

Other manuscripts read “seventy-two” Literally “before his face” c Or “son” d Hades is the realm of the dead. The upper part of hades was considered to be luminous and it was called “paradise” or “Abraham’s bosom.” Hades is not to be confused with hell (Gehenna) which is the final place or state of the damned (“the lake of fire”). The KJV translated hades as hell which may have been acceptable at the time but which causes great confusion today, including in liturgical translations. e CT reads “seventy-two” - TR, MT and PT all agree with “seventy” which was the number of the sons of the Most High God in Deuteronomy 32:8 LXX and DSS. b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 18Jesus

said to them, “I saw Satan having fallen like lightning from heaven!a I give you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will in any way hurt you. 20Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you; but rejoice that your names are writtenb in heaven.” 19Behold,

The Lord praises the Father 21In that same hour, Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, “I confessc you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earthd, that you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for doing so was well-pleasing in your sight.” 22Turning

to the disciples, he said, “All things have been delivered to me by my Father. No one knows who the Son is, except the Father, and who the Father is, except the Son, and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

23Turning

to the disciples, Jesus said privately, “Blessed are the eyes which see the things that you see! 24For I tell you that many prophets and kings desired to see what you see, but they did not see them; and to hear what you hear, but they did not hear them.” The greatest commandment - The parable of the good samaritan

25Behold,

an expert in the law stood up and put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?”

26Jesus

answered, “What is written in the law? How do you read it?”

27The

man answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind;e and your neighbor as yourself.”f 28Jesus

said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this, and you will

live.” 29But

the lawyer, desiring to justify himself, asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?”

30Jesus

answered, “A certain man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes and beat him. Then they went away, leaving him half-dead. 31By

Compare Revelation 12:7-9 Compare Revelation 13:8 c The Greek VExomologou/mai, may also be translated “bless, praise, acknowledge, thank” d Compare Tobit 7:17 e Deuteronomy 6:5 f Leviticus 19:18 b

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chance, a certain priest was going down that way. But when the priest saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32In the same way, a Levite also came to the place, but when he saw the beaten man, he [also] passed by on the other side. 33Now, a certain Samaritan was traveling and arrived at the spot where the man was. When the Samaritan saw the wounded man,a he was moved with compassion, 34came to him, and wrapped his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. He placed the man on his own animal and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35On the next day, when he was leaving, he took out two denarii and gave them to the host, saying to him, ‘Take care of him. Whatever you spend beyond that, I will pay you back when I return.’ 36Now, which one of these three do you think seemed to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers?” 37The

lawyer replied, “The one who showed mercy on him!”

Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” Martha and Mary 38As

they went on their way, Jesus entered into a village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. 39She had a sister called Mary who also sat at Jesus’ feet and listened to his word. 40However, Martha was distracted with much serving. She came up to Jesus, and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Ask her to help me!” 41But

Jesus answered, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things! 42Yet, one thing is needed! Mary has chosen the good part, and it will not be taken away from her.”

11 ‘The Lord’s Prayer’b One day, when Jesusc had finished praying in a certain place, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” 2Jesus

said to them, “When you pray, say:

‘Our Father in heaven,d May your Name be kept holy! May your Kingdom come! a

Greek “him” Please see the presentation of the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew’s gospel which has one column for the translation and one for the liturgical version. c Greek “he” d CT omits “in heaven” and “Our” before “Father” b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ

May your will be done on Earth, as it is in heaven.a 3 Give us day by day our daily bread. 4 Forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone who is indebted to us; and leadb us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’c Persistence in prayer 5He

said to them, “Suppose [that] one of you has a friend. You go to this friend’s house at midnight and tell him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread! 6A friend of mine has come to me from a journey, and I have nothing to set before him.’ 7Then, the one inside answers and says, ‘Do not bother me! The door is now shut and my children are with me in bed. I cannot get up and give you anything!’ 8I tell you, although he will not get up and give food to him because they are friends, yet because of the requester’sd bold persistence, he will get up and give him as much as he needs. 9I

tell you, keep asking, and it will be given you. Keep seeking, and you will find. Keep knocking, and it will be opened to you. 10For everyone who asks receives. Whoever seeks finds. To the one who knocks it will be opened. 11Who

among you fathers, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?e Or if a son asks for a fish, the father will not give him a snake instead of a fish, will he? 12Or if a son asks for an egg, the father will not give him a scorpion, will he? 13If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give [the]f Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 14Jesus

was casting out a demon which was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the people were amazed. 15However, some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the prince of the demons!” 16Others put him to the test and asked from him a sign from heaven. 17But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation. A house divided against itself falls. 18If Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that I cast out demons by Beelzebul! 19But if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore, they will be your judges. 20However, if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come to you! a

CT omits this clause Or “bring” c CT omits this clause d Greek “his” e CT omits the first part of the verse f The Greek actually uses the indefinite b

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21When

a strong man is fully armed and guards his own house, his goods are safe. 22But when someone stronger attacks him and overpowers him, he takes away the armor in which the man trusted and divides up the spoils.a 23Whoever

is not with me is against me! Whoever does not gather with me

scatters! An evil spirit leaves and returns 24When

an unclean spirit has gone out of a person, he passes through dry places, seeking rest. But finding no rest, the unclean spirit says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came out.’ 25When he returns, he finds it swept and put in order. 26He then goes and brings seven other spirits more evil than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. The last state of that person becomes worse than the first.” Great and greater blessedness

27As Jesus was saying these things, a womanb called out from the crowd and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts which nursed you!” 28But

Jesus said, “Yes, and more than that,c blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” The sign of Jonah

29As

the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This is an evil generation; it asks for a sign. No sign will be given to this generation except the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30For just as Jonah became a sign to the Ninevites, the Son of Man will also be a sign to this generation. 31The Queen of the South will rise up in the judgment along with the people of this generation, and she will condemn them: for she came from the ends of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and behold, someone greater than Solomon is here! 32The people of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and they will condemn it because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and behold, someone greater than Jonah is here. The lamp of the body

33No

one who has lit a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket! Instead, it is placed on a stand so that those who come in may see the light. 34The

Compares Revelation 12; 20 Or “a certain woman” c Greek menou/n (compar Romans 9:20; 10:18; Philippians 3:8). The meaning “on the contrary” is extremely unlikely. b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ

lamp of the body is the eye! Therefore, when your eye is healthy,a your whole body is also full of light; but when it is evil, your body also is full of darkness! 35And so, see whether the light that is in you is not darkness. 36If your whole body is full of light, having no dark part, it will be completely full of light, as when the lamp with its bright shining gives you light.” About the Pharisees 37Now,

as Jesus was speaking, a certain Pharisee asked him to have dinner with him. Jesus went in, and reclined at the table. 38When the Pharisee saw it, he was astonished that Jesus had not first washed himself before dinner. 39But the Lord said to him, “You Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and platter, but your inside is full of extortion and wickedness. 40You fools! Did not the one who made the outside also make the inside? 41But as for what is inside you, be generous to the needy, and behold, all things will be clean to you. 42But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and every herb, but you bypassb justice and the love of God. You should have done these while not leaving the other undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!c You are like hidden graves, and people who walk over them do not [even] know it.” 45One

of the experts in the law exclaimed, “Teacher, in saying this you insult us also.”

46Jesus

said, “Woe to you lawyers also! For you load men with burdens that are difficult to carry, and you yourselves will not even lift one finger to help carry those burdens! 47Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48And so, you testify and consent to the works of your fathers! For they killed the prophets,d and you build their tombs. 49Therefore, the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles. Some of them they will kill and persecute, 50so that the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation; 51from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zachariahe who perished between the altar and the sanctuary.’ Yes, I tell you that this generation will be charged with this blood.f 52Woe to you experts of the law! You have taken away the key to knowledge; you yourselves have not entered, and you have hindered those who were entering.” a

Or “sound / clear / generous” Or “neglect” c CT omits “scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites” d Greek “them” e Compare Protoevangelium of James but also Isaias (Isaiah) 8:2. The Orthodox tradition normally favors the identification of this Zacharias / Zachariah with the father of John the Baptist. f Greek “it” b

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53As

he said these things to them, the scribes and Pharisees began a furious attack on him and tried to force answers from him on many questions. 54They were lying in wait for him and seeking to catch him in something he might say,a in order to accuse him.

12 Warning about the Pharisees – Nothing is hidden Meanwhile, a crowd of many thousands had gathered, to the point that they trampled on each other. Jesus began to speak, first of all to his disciples, “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees which is hypocrisy. 2Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed; or hidden, that will not be known. 3Therefore, whatever you have said in the darkness will be heard in the light. What you have whispered in the ear in the inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops. Persecutions – True fear 4I

tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more. 5But I will warnb you whom you should fear: fear the one who after he has killed, has [also] power to cast into Gehenna.c Yes, I tell you, fear him! 6Are

not five sparrows sold for two small coinsd? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore, do not be afraid! You are of more value than many sparrows. 8I

tell you, whoever confessese me before men, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. 9But whoever denies me in the presence of men will be denied in the presence of the angels of God. The unforgivable sin

10Everyone

who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but those who blaspheme against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. 11When you are brought before the synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not be anxious about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say; 12for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that same hour what you must say.” 13Someone

from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to share the inheritance with me!”

Other manuscripts omit “in order to accuse him” Or “show” c Or “hell” d An assarion was a small copper coin worth about an hour’s wages for an agricultural laborer. e Or “acknowledges” b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 14But

Jesus replied, “Friend,a who made me a judge or arbitrator over you?” said to them, “Beware! Keep yourselves from covetousness, for a person’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

15He

The rich fool 16Then

Jesus told them a parable, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man produced in abundance. 17He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? I do not have room to store my crops!’ 18Then the man said, ‘This is what I will do: I will pull down my barns, build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19Then I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods stored up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry!”’b 20But

God said to him, ‘You fool! Tonight your soul is demanded of you.c The things which you have prepared, to whom will they belong?’ 21This is how it is when someone amasses treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” Anxiety – Reliance on God 22Jesus

said to his disciples, “Therefore, I tell you not to be anxious about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. 23Life is more than food and the body is more than clothing! 24Consider the ravens: they do not sow, they do not reap, they do not have a warehouse or barn, and [yet] God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! 25Which one of you by worrying can add a single day to his life?d 26If you are not able to accomplish even the smallest things, why then are you anxious about the rest? 27Consider the lilies, how they grow. They do not toil or spin; yet, I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28But if this is how God clothes the grass in the field, which today exists and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, you of little faith? 29Do not set your hearts on what you will eat or drink; do not be apprehensive. 30It is the pagan world that runs after all these things, and your Father understands that you need them. 31Seek rather the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you. 32Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. 33Sell your possessions and give to those in need. Make for yourselves purses which do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief can reach and where moth cannot destroy. 34For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Or “man” Compare Sirach 11:19 c Literally “they require your soul from you” d Or “can add a cubit to his height?” b

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Well-prepared servants 35Be dressed in readinessa and keep your lamps burning. 36Be like people waiting for their masterb to return from the wedding feast, ready to open the door as soon as he comes and knocks. 37Blessed are those servants whom the lord will find watching when he comes! Amen, I tell you: he will dress himself [to serve], make them recline, and he will come to serve them! 38They will be blessed if the master comes in the second or third watch, and finds them doing so. 39But know this, that if the master of the house had known whenc the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and not allowed his house to be broken into. 40Therefore, be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour when you do not expect him.” 41Peter

said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable [only] to us, or to everyone?”

42The

Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and wise steward whom his master will set over his household to give [his people] their allowance of food at the proper time? 43Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he returns. 44Truly I tell you, he will set this servant over all that he has. 45But what if the servant says in his heart, ‘My lord is late in returning’ and begins to beat his fellow-servants, both men and women, and also to eat, drink and become drunk? 46Then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he is not expecting him, and in an hour that he does not know. He will cut the servant in two and assign him a place with the unbelievers. 47Such a servant, who knew his lord’s will and yet did not prepare or do what the master wanted will be beaten with many stripes. 48But a servant who did not know and did things worthy of punishmentd will be beaten with few stripes. From everyone to whom much is given, much will be required; and from whoever was entrusted with much, much will be asked. Fire, division, not peace upon the earth 49I

have come to bring fire upon the earth, and how I wish it were blazing already! 50But now, I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed I am until it is accomplished! 51Do you think that I have come to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but rather division. 52For from now on, there will be five in a divided house, three against two, and two against three. 53They will be divided, father against son, son against father; mother

Literally “let your loins be girded” Or “Lord” (ku,rioj) c Literally “in what hour” d Literally “stripes” b

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against daughter, and daughter against her mother; mother-in-law against her daughter-in-law, and daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.”a Interpreting the signs of the time – Making peace with opponents 54Jesus

also said to the multitudes, “When you see a cloud rising from the west, you immediately say, ‘A shower is coming,’ and so it happens. 55When a south wind blows, you say, ‘There will be a scorching heat,’ and it happens. 56You hypocrites! You know how to interpret the appearance of the earth and sky, but how is it that you do not interpret this [present] time? 57Why

do you not judge for yourselves what is right? 58For when you are going with your adversary before the magistrate, as you are on the way, do your utmost to be released from him, for fear that perhaps he will drag you to the judge, and the judge might deliver you to the officer, and the officer might throw you into prison. 59I tell you, you will by no means get out of there, until you have paid the very last penny.b ”

13 Call to repentance At that time, some [Jews] were present who told Jesus about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices. 2Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered such things? 3I tell you, no, but unless you repent, you will all perish in the same way! 4Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell. Do you think that they were worse offenders than all those who live in Jerusalem? 5I tell you, no, but, unless you repent, you will all perish as they did!” The parable of the unproductive fig tree 6He

then said this parable. “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came to look for fruit on it, but found nothing. 7He said to the vine dresser, ‘Behold, I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree for three years, and found none. Cut it down! Why does it waste the soil?’ 8The gardenerc answered, ‘Lord, let it be for this year also, until I dig around it and fertilize it. 9If it bears fruit, fine; but if not, after that, you can cut it down.’”

Micah 7:6 Literally “lepton.” A lepton is a very small brass Jewish coin worth half a Roman quadrans each, which is worth a quarter of the copper assarion. Lepta are worth less than 1% of an agricultural worker’s daily wages. c Greek “he” (a reference to the vine dresser or gardener) b

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The healing of crippled woman on the Sabbath 10Jesus

was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath day. there was a woman who had had a spirit of infirmity for eighteen years. She was bent over and could not straighten herself up. 12When Jesus saw her, he called her, and said to her, “Woman, you are freed from your infirmity!” 13He laid his hands on her and immediately, she stood up straight and glorified God. 11Behold,

14However,

the ruler of the synagogue was indignant because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the crowd, “There are six days in which people should work! Therefore, come on those days and be healed, not on the Sabbath day!”

15Then,

the Lord answered him, “You hypocrites! Does not each one of you free his ox or his donkey from the stall on the Sabbath, and lead it out to water? 16Should not this woman, a daughter of Abraham who was bound by Satan for eighteen years, be freed from this bondage on the Sabbath day?”

17As

he said these things, all his adversaries were put to shame and all the people rejoiced over all the glorious things that were done by him. The mustard seed – The yeast – The narrow door

18Jesus

said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? To what shall I compare it? 19It is like a grain of mustard seed which someone picked up and planted in his own garden. It grew and became a large tree, and the birds of the air found shelter in its branches.”

20Again

he said, “To what shall I compare the Kingdom of God? 21It is like yeast, which a woman took and hid in three measuresa of flour, until it was all leavened.”

22Jesus

was on his way through cities and villages, teaching and traveling onward to Jerusalem. 23Someone asked him, “Lord, are those who are saved [only] a few?” Jesus replied, 24“Do your utmost to enter in by the narrow door! For I tell you that many will try to enter, but they will not be able. 25Once the master of the house has risen up and shut the door, you will stand outside and knock on the door, saying: ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ But then, he will answer, ‘I do not know you or where you come from!’ 26Then you will start saying, ‘We ate and drank in your company and you taught in our streets!’ 27But the masterb will reply, ‘I tell you, I do not know where you come from! Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity.’ 28In that place, there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac, a b

Literally, three sata, about 39 liters or about 10 gallons Greek “he”

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Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, and yourselves being thrown outside. 29Peoplea will come from the east, west, north, and south, and they will have a placeb in the Kingdom of God. 30And behold, some are last who will be first and some are first who will be last.” Herod wants to kill the Lord – Lament over Jerusalem 31On

that same day, some Pharisees came and said to Jesus,c “Leave this place and go somewhere else, for Herod wants to kill you!” 32Jesus

replied, “Go and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out demons and perform cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I fulfill my end.d 33Nevertheless, I must go on my way today and tomorrow and the next day, for it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside of Jerusalem.’ 34Jerusalem,

Jerusalem, [you] that kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often have I longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you were not willing! 35Behold, your house is left to you desolate! I tell you, you will not see me, until you say, ‘Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord!’”e

14 The healing of a man with dropsy on the Sabbath day Now, it happened that Jesus went into the house of one of the rulers of the Pharisees on a Sabbath to eat bread, and they were watching him [closely]. 2And behold, a certain man who had swollen arms and legsf was [standing] in front of him. 3Jesus answered and spoke to the experts in the law and to the Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath?” 4But

they remained silent.

So taking hold of the man, Jesus healed him and sent him away. 5He answered them, “Which of you, if your song or ox falls into a well on a Sabbath day, would not immediately pull it out?” 6And

they could not answer him regarding these things.

Greek “they” Literally “sit down” c Greek “him” d Or “reach my purpose” e Psalms 118:26 / 117 LXX f Literally “hydropsy” g TR reads “donkey” instead of “son” b

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Seating at banquets: about self-exaltation 7When

Jesus noticed how people chose the best seats, he told the guest a parable, saying, 8“When you are invited by anyone to a marriage feast, do not sit in the best seat. It could be that someone more honorable than you might have been invited by the host,a 9and he who invited both of you would come and tell you, ‘Make room for this person.’ Then, with shame, you would proceed to take the lowest place. 10Instead, when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place. And so, when the host comes, he may tell you, ‘Friend, move up higher!’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at the table with you. 11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” 12Jesus

also said to the one who had invited him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, do not call your friends, brothers, kinsmen or rich neighbors because they might return the favor and pay you back. 13Instead, when you give a feast, ask the poor, the maimed, the lame, or the blind [to come]. 14Then, you will be blessed, because they do not have the means to pay you back. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.” The parable of the great feast or banquet 15When

one of those who sat at the table with him heard these things, he said to Jesus, “Blessed is the one who will feast in the Kingdom of God!”

16But

Jesus replied, “A certain man gave a great banquet and invited many people. 17At supper time, he sent out his servant to tell those who were invited, ‘Come, for everything is ready now!’ 18But they all began to make excuses. The first told him, ‘I have bought a field, and I must go and see it. Please have me excused!’ 19Another

said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen and I must go try them out. Please have me excused!’

20Another

said, ‘I have just been married, and therefore I cannot come!’

21That

servant came back and reported these things to his lord. At this, the master of the house became angry and said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys of the city, and bring in the poor, the maimed, the blind, and the lame.’

22The

servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as you commanded, and there is still

room!’

Greek “him”

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lord then told the servant, ‘Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel people to come in, so that my house may be filled! 24For I tell you that none of those who were invited will taste of my supper.’” About discipleship 25Great

crowds were now traveling with him. He turned and said to them, who comes to me and does not disregarda his own father, mother, wife, children, brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, cannot be my disciple. 27Whoever does not bear his own cross and follow me cannot be my disciple. 28For which of you, desiring to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it? 29Otherwise, when he has laid a foundation and is not able to finish, everyone who sees would begin to mock him, 30saying: ‘This fellow began to build and he was not able to finish!’ 31Or what king, as he goes to encounter another king in war, will not first sit down and consider whether he is able with ten thousand [troops] to meet the one who comes against him with twenty thousand [troops]? 32If he cannot, while the other [king] is still far away, he sends an embassy and asks for the conditions of peace. 33In the same way, any of you who does not renounce all that he has cannot be my disciple. 26“Anyone

About salt 34Salt is good, but if it becomes tasteless, what can make it salty again? 35It is fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile and it is thrown out! Anyone who has ears for listening should listen!”

15 The parable of the lost sheep Now, all the tax collectors and sinners were coming close to him to hear him. 2But the Pharisees and scribes began to grumble, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them!” 3So

Jesus told them this parable. 4“Which one of you, if you had one hundred sheep and lost one of them, would not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after the one that was lost, until he finds it? 5And when he has found it, he carries it on his shoulders, rejoicing! 6Coming home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, telling them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous who need no repentance.

Or literally “hate”

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The parable of the lost coin 8Or what woman, if she had ten drachmaa coins and lost one,b would not light a lamp, sweep the house, and look hard until she finds it? 9And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying: ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma coin which I had lost!’ 10Likewise, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

The parable of the prodigal son and the disgruntled brother 11Jesusc

said, “A certain man had two sons. 12The younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the estate that will come to me.’ So the father divided his livelihoodd between them. 13A few days later, the younger son gathered all that he had and traveled to a far country. There, he squandered his property, living immorally. 14When he had spent everything, a severe famine took place in that country, and he began to be in need. 15He went and hired himself to one of the citizens of that country who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. 16He wanted to feed himselfe with the husks that the pigs ate, but no one gave him anything. 17But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have bread enough to spare, and I am dying with hunger! 18I will get up, go to my father, and tell him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you! 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me as one of your hired servants.”’ 20So

he set off and went to his father. But while he was still at a distance, his father saw him and was moved with compassion. He ran, and embraced his son,f and kissed him. 21Then the son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you! I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22But

the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the firstg robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet! 23Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let us eat and celebrate; 24for this, my son, was dead, and he is alive again! He was lost and [now he] is found!’ And they began to celebrate. 25Now,

his elder son was in the field. As he came near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26Calling one of the servants, he asked what was

A drachma coin was worth about 2 days wages for an agricultural laborer. Greek text adds “drachma coin” c Greek “he” d Or “property, substance, wealth” e Literally “fill his belly” f Greek “him” g Greek prw,thn. Perhaps “best” or a reference to the robe that the son used to wear (“former”). b

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going on. 27The servant replied, ‘Your brother has returned! Your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and healthy.’ 28However, the elder son became angry and he would not go in. Therefore, his father came out and begged him. 29But he answered his father, ‘Look, for so many years I have served you, and I have never disobeyed a commandment of yours. Yet, you never gave me a goat so that I might celebrate with my friends. 30But when this, your son, arrived, he who has devoured your living with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him.’ 31The

father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours! 32But it was fitting to celebrate and to rejoice, for this, your brother, was dead, and is alive again. He was lost and is found!’”

16 The parable of the dishonest yet wise manager Jesus also said to his disciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a manager. An accusation was made to him that this man was wasting his possessions. 2He called his manager and told him, ‘What is this that I hear about you? Give an accounting of your stewardship, for you can no longer be [my] steward.’ 3The

manager said within himself, ‘What will I do, seeing that my lord is taking away the management position from me? I do not have strength to dig! I am ashamed to beg! 4I know what I will do, so that when I am removed from management, peoplea may receive me into their houses.’ 5Calling each one of his lord’s debtors to him, he said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my lord?’ 6The man replied, ‘A hundred measuresb of oil.’ The manager said to him, ‘Take your bill, sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7Then he said to another, ‘How much do you owe?’ That one replied, ‘A hundred corsc of wheat.’ The manager said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8His

masterd praised the dishonest manager because he had acted wisely, for the children of this world are wiser than the children of the light in [dealing with] their own kind. 9I tell you, make for yourselves friends by means of unrighteous mammone, so that when it fails you,f you may be received into the eternal dwellings. 10Whoever is faithful in a very little is a

Greek “they” 100 batos is about 395 liters or 104 gallons c 100 cors = about 3,910 liters or 600 bushels d Or “lord” e “Mammon” refers to riches or a false god of wealth f Some translations render “when you fail” b

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also faithful in much. Whoever is dishonest in very little is also dishonest in much. 11Therefore, if you have not been faithful with unrighteous mammon, who will entrust you with true riches? 12If you have not been faithful in what belongs to another, who will give you what is your own? 13No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate one and love the other; or else he will be attached to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” About the Pharisees – About the Law – About divorce 14The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him. 15Jesus told them, “You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of people, but God knows your hearts. Indeed, what is exalted among people is an abomination in the sight of God. 16The law and the prophets were [proclaimed] until John [came]. Since then, the Good News of the Kingdom of God is preached, and everyone enters into it with a struggle.a 17Yet, it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tiny stroke of a pen in the law to fall [out]. 18Everyone who divorces his wife and marries another [woman] commits adultery; and the man who marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

The rich man and Lazarus 19Now,

there was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen, feasting in luxury every day. 20A certain beggar named Lazarus was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21who desired to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even dogs came and licked his sores. 22It happened that the beggar died and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. 23In hades,b he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.c 24He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in agony in this flame!’ 25But

Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime, you received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now, he is comforted here and you are in anguish. 26Besides all this, between us and you a great gulf is fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot [do so], and that no one may cross over from there to us.’ 27He

said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send Lazarus to my father’s house; 28for I have five brothers, that he might bear witness to them, so that they would not also come to this place of torment.’

Or “everyone is forcing his way into it” (NIV), “everyone who enters does so with violence” (NAB) See note for 10:15 c Or “in his embrace” b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 29But

Abraham replied to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets! Let them listen to them!’

30But

he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’

31Then

Abraham said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone rises from the dead.’”

17 Things that cause sin – About forgiveness Jesus told the disciples, “It is impossible that no occasions of stumbling should come, but woe to the one through whom they come! 2It would be better for such a person to have a millstone hung around the neck and be thrown into the sea, rather than to cause any of these little ones to stumble. 3Be careful! If your brother sins against you, rebuke him. If he repents, forgive him. 4If he sins against you seven times in the day, and comes back seven times, saying: ‘I repent!’ you must forgive him.” Faith like mustard seed 5The

apostles also said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

6The

Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you would tell this sycamore tree, ‘Be uprooted and transplanted into the sea,’ and it would obey you! The attitude of a servant

7Now,

who is there among you, having a servant plowing or sheepherding, that will say when that servanta returns from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down at the table.’ 8Instead, will you not tell him, ‘Prepare my supper, clothe yourself properly, and serve me while I eat and drink. Afterwards, you may eat and drink?’ 9Does the masterb thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded? I think not!c 10So you also, when you have done all those things which you are commanded [to do], say, ‘We are unworthy servants, we have [only] done our duty!’” The healing of ten lepers 11As

Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem, it happened that he was passing between [the borders of] Samaria and Galilee. 12As he entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers met him, and they stood at a

Greek “he” Greek “he” c οὐ δοκῶ is omitted in some manuscripts (CT) b

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distance. 13They lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14When

Jesus saw them, he told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And it happened that as they went, they were cleansed. 15One of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. 16He fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks; and this man was a Samaritan. 17Jesus said, “Were not ten cleansed? But where are the nine [others]? 18Was no one found who came back to glorify God, except for this foreigner?” 19Then Jesus said to him, “Get up and go your way. Your faith has healeda you!” The coming of the Kingdom – The coming of the Son of Man 20Being

asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus answered them, “The Kingdom of God does not come with observation! 21Neither will people say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, the Kingdom of God is in your midst.”b

22Jesus

told the disciples, “The days will come when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. 23People will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Do not go away or follow [them], 24for as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. 25But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. 26As it happened in the days of Noah, so will it be in the days of the Son of Man. 27People ate, drank, got married and were given in marriage, until the day when Noah entered into the ship; and the flood came, destroying them all. 28Likewise, even as it happened in the days of Lot: people ate, drank, bought, sold, planted and built. 29But in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky which destroyed them all. 30It will be the same in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. 31In that day, whoever is on the housetop, [having] his goods in the house, should not go down to take them away! Likewise, whoever is in the field should not return. 32Remember Lot’s wife! 33Whoever seeks to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life will preserve it. 34I tell you that in that night, there will be two people in one bed! One will be taken, and the other will be left. 35There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.” 36c 37In

reply, the disciples asked him, “Where, Lord?”

Or “saved you, made you well” Or “within you” - In the context of Jesus addressing the Pharisees, the translation “within you” is less probable than “among you” or “in your midst” c This verse (from Matthew 20:40) is included in PT and TR but absent in CT and MT. b

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He said to them, “Where the body is, there the eagles will also be assembled.”a

18 The parable of the persistent widow Jesus also told them a parable [illustrating] that they must always pray and not give up, 2saying: “In a certain city, there was a judge who did not fear God and did not care [about anyone]. 3A widow lived in that city, and she often came to him, saying: ‘Defend me from my adversary!’ 4For a time, he would not [do anything], but after a while, he said to himself, ‘Although I neither fear God nor care for anyone, 5yet because this widow is bothering me, I will defend her, or else she will wear me outb by her continual visits.’” 6The

Lord said, “Listen to what the unrighteous judge has to say! 7Will not God grant justice to his elect who are crying out to him day and night,c although he exercises patience regarding them?d 8I tell you that he will avenge them quickly! And yet, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee 9Jesus

also spoke this parable to certain people who were convinced of their own righteousness and who despised everyone else.

10“Two

men went up into the temple to pray; one was a Pharisee, and the other was a Publican.e 11The Pharisee stood and prayed by himself, like this: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like the rest of men, dishonest, unrighteous, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I earn.’ 13But the tax collector, standing far aside, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he would beat his breast, saying: ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner!’ 14I tell you, this man, rather than the other, went down to his house justified. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

See notes for Matthew 24:28 Literally “blacken the face,” which may also mean “come and attack” c Compare Revelation 6:9-10 d Or “even though he still delays to help them?” (NJB), “Will he delay long in helping them?” (NRS) e Or “tax collector.” The word “Publican” is used in the opening verse since it is still frequent in Orthodox usage b

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About children and the Kingdom 15People

were also bringing their infants to him, so that Jesus might lay handsa on them. But when the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. 16Jesus summoned his disciples and told them, “Allow the little children to come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. 17Amen, I tell you: whoever does not receive the Kingdom of God like a little child will in no way enter into it.” The question of the rich ruler – About riches and renunciation 18A

certain rulerb asked him, “Good Teacher, what shallc I do to inherit eternal life?” 19Jesus

asked him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good,d except one know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not - God. murder,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’”e 20You

21The

ruler replied, “I have observed all these things from my youth.”

22When

Jesus heard this, he said, “You still lack one thing. Sell all that you have, distribute it to the poor, and you will have a treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”

23But

when the man heard these things, he became very distressed because he was very rich.

24Jesus,

seeing that he had become very distressed, said, “How hard it is for those who have wealth to enter into the Kingdom of God! 25Indeed, it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of a needle than for someone who is wealthy to enter into the Kingdom of God!” 26Those

who heard this exclaimed, “Then, who can be saved?”

27But

Jesus replied, “The things which are impossible with men are possible with God.”

28Peter

said, “Look, we have left everything and followed you!”

29And

Jesus said to them, “Amen, I tell you: there is no one who has left house, or wife, or brothers, or parents, or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, 30who will not receive many times more in this [present] time, and in the age to come, eternal life.”

Or “touch” Or “judge, official, member of a Sanhedrin” c Or “what must I do” d But compare John 10:14 e Exodus 20:12-16; Deuteronomy 5:16-20 b

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A third announcement of the passion 31He

took the Twelve aside, and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all the things that are written through the prophets concerning the Son of Man will be fulfilled. 32For he will be delivered to the Gentiles, mocked, mistreated, and spit upon. 33Having flogged him, they will kill him, and on the third day, he will rise again.” 34However,

they understood none of these things. What Jesus was saying was concealed from them, and they did not understand the things that were said. The healing of a blind man

35As

Jesusa was approaching Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the road, begging. 36Hearing a crowd going by, he asked what this meant. 37People told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38He began to cry out, “Jesus, you son of David, have mercy on me!” 39Then, those who led the way rebuked him, ordering him to be quiet. But the blind manb cried out all the more, “You son of David, have mercy on me!” 40Standing still, Jesus commanded that the blind manc be brought to him. When the man had come near, Jesus asked him, 41”What do you want me to do?”

The man replied, “Lord, that I may see again!” 42Jesus

said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has healed you.”

43Immediately,

the man received his sight and began to follow Jesus, glorifying God. When all the people saw this, they praised God.

19 Zacchaeus the tax collector Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through town. 2There was a man named Zacchaeus who was a chief tax collector, and he was rich. 3He was trying to see who Jesus was, and could not because of the crowd, because he was short. 4He ran on ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Jesus who was [about] to pass that way. 5When Jesus came to the place, he looked up, saw Zacchaeus, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house!” 6He hurried, came down, and received Jesus with joy. 7But when the people saw it, they all grumbled, saying, “He has gone in to stay with a man who is a sinner!” a

Greek “he” Greek “he” c Greek “he” b

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8Zacchaeus

stood up and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have wrongfully obtained money from anyone, I restore four times as much!”

9Then

Jesus said to him, “Today, salvation has come to this house, because he, too, is a son of Abraham. 10For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.” The parable of the ten mina coins

11As

the people heard these things, Jesusa went on to tell [them] a parable because he was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that the Kingdom of God would be revealed immediately. 12He said therefore, “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive a kingdom for himself, and then return. 13So he called ten of his slavesb gave them ten mina coins,c and told them, ‘Do business [with these] until I come.’ 14But his subjects hated him, and they sent a delegation after him, to say: ‘We do not want this man to reign over us.’ 15It

so happened that when he returned after receiving the kingdom, that he commanded these servants to whom he had given the money to be called to him, so that he might know what they had earned by conducting business. 16The first came before him, saying: ‘Lord, your mina has made ten more minas!’ 17The

kingd said to him, ‘Well done, you good servant! Because you were found faithful with very little, you shall have authority over ten cities.’

18The

second came, saying: ‘Your mina, Lord, has made five minas!’

19And

so, the king said to him, ‘And you are to be set over five cities.’ came, saying: ‘Lord, behold, your mina, which I kept laid away in a piece of cloth. 2I was afraid of you, because you are a strict man! You take up what you did not lay down, and you reap what you did not sow.’ 20Another

22The

king said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth will I judge you, you wicked servant! You perceivede that I was a severe man, taking up what I did not lay down, and reaping what I did not sow. 23Why then did you not place my money on deposit, and at my coming, I would have collected it with interest on it?’ 24He then said to those who stood by, ‘Take the mina

Greek “he” Or “servants” c 10 minas represented more than 3 years’ wages for an agricultural laborer. d Greek “he” e Or “knew” b

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away from him, and give it to the one who has the ten minas.’ they said to the master,a ‘Lord, he [already] has ten minas!’

25At

this,

26‘For

I tell you that to everyone who [already] has, more will be given; but from the one who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. 27As for those enemies of mine who did not want me to reign over them here, bring them here and kill them before me.’” The Entrance into Jerusalem

28Having

said these things, Jesus went on ahead, going up to Jerusalem. 29It so happened that when he approached Bethsphageb and Bethany, at the mountain that is called Olivet, he sent two of his disciples, 30saying, “Go your way into the village on the other side. There, as you enter, you will find a colt tied up, on which no one has ever sat. Untie it, and bring it. 31If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ reply, ‘The Lord needs it!’” 32Those

who were sent went away found things exactly as Jesus had told them. 33As they were untying the colt, its owners asked them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34They replied, “The Lord needs it!” 35They brought it to Jesus, threw their cloaks on the colt, and set Jesus on them. 36As he went, they [also] spread their cloaks in the way. 37As Jesus was now approaching, at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multitude of the disciples began to rejoice and praise God with a loud voice for all the deeds of power which they had seen. 38[They were] saying, “Blessed is he who is coming, a King in the Name of the Lord!c Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” 39And

from the multitude, some of the Pharisees said to Jesus, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples!”

40But

he answered them, “I tell you that if these were silent, the stones would cry out!” The Lord weeps over Jerusalem

41As

Jesusd was drawing near, he saw the city and began to weep over it, “If you, even you, had today recognized what is for your peace! But now, those thingse are hidden from your eyes! 43For the days will come upon you, when your enemies will throw up a fortification against you, surround you, and hem you in on every side. 44They will crush you and your children within you to the ground. They will not leave in you one 42saying,

Greek “him” CT and TR read “Bethpage” instead of “Bethsphage” c Psalms 118:26 / 117 LXX d Greek “he” e Greek “they” b

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stone [standing] on another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” The cleansing of the temple 45Then

Jesus entered into the temple, and he began to drive out those who bought and sold in it, 46saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is a house of prayer,’a but you have made it a ‘den of robbers!’”b 47He

was teaching every day in the temple, but the chief priests, the scribes and the leading men among the people were looking for a way to destroy him. 48However, they could not find a way to do so because all the people were captured by every word that he said.

20 By what authority It happened on one of those days, as he was teaching the people in the temple and preaching the Good News, that the cpriests and scribes came to him with the presbyters. 2They asked him, “Tell us: by what authority do you do these things? Who is giving you this authority?” 3He answered them, “I too will ask you one question. Tell me: 4the baptism of John, was it from heaven,d or from men?” 5They

discussed it among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ he will reply, ‘Why then did not you believe him?’ 6But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us because they are convinced that John was a prophet.” 7So they answered that they did not know where it was from.

8Then

Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” The parable of the tenant farmers

9He

began to tell the people this parable. “A certain man planted a vineyard, and rented it out to some farmers, and went into another country for a long time. 10At the proper season, he sent a servant to the farmers to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farmers beat the servant and sent him away with nothing.e 11The ownerf then sent yet another servant, and they also beat him, treated him with contempt, and a

Isaias (Isaiah) 56:7 Jeremiah 7:11 c CT and TR add “chief” d A common Jewish circumlocution to avoid direct references to God and his Name e Or “empty” f Greek “he” b

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sent him away empty. 12The ownera sent yet a third [servant], and they also wounded him, and threw him out. 13Then, the lord of the vineyard thought, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son! It may be that seeing him, they will respect him.’ 14But

when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying: ‘This is the heir! Come, let us kill him, so that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15So, they threw the sonb out of the vineyard, and killed him. Now, what will the lord of the vineyard do to them? 16He will come and destroy these farmers, and he will give the vineyard to others.” When the peoplec heard this, they exclaimed, “May it never be!” 17But

Jesus looked at them, and said, “Then what is this that is written:

‘The stone which the builders rejected, Has become the chief cornerstone?’d 18 Everyone who falls on that stone will be broken to pieces, and it will crush to dust whoever it falls on. About paying taxes to Caesar 19The

chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to lay hands on him that very hour, but they feared the people because they knew that he had spoken this parable against them. 20They watched him and sent out spies who pretended to be righteous in order to trap him in something he might say, so that they might hand him over to the power and authority of the governor. 21They asked him, “Teacher, we know that you say and teach what is right, and that you are not partial to anyone but truly teach the way of God. 22Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” 23But

Jesus perceived their trickery and said to them, “Why are you testing me?e 24Show me a denarius! Whose image and inscription are on it?” They answered, “Caesar’s.”

25So

Jesus said to them, “Then, give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and [give] to God what belongs to God!”

26And

they were not able to ensnare him in his words before the people. They marveled at his answer and remained silent.

Greek “he” Greek “him” c Greek “they” d Psalms 118:22 / 117 LXX e CT omits “Why are you testing me?” b

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The Sadducees question the resurrection 27Some

of the Sadducees came to him, people who deny that there is a resurrection. 28They asked him, “Teacher, Moses wrote to us that if a man dies having a wife and without a child, his brother should take the wife and raise up a posterity for his brother. 29There were therefore seven brothers: the first took a wife and died childless. 30The second took her as wife,a and he [also] died childless. 31The third took her, and likewise all seven [brothers] left no children and died. 32Afterwards, the woman also died. 33Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife will she be? For the seven had her as wife.” 34Jesus replied to them, “The children of this age get married and are given in marriage. 35But those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead do not marry or are given in marriage. 36They cannot die any more, because they are like the angels, and they are children of God, being children of the resurrection. 37But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the [story of the burning] bush, when he called the Lord ‘The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’b 38Now, he is not the God of the dead, but of the living, because all are alive to him!” 39Some

of the scribes answered, “Teacher, you speak well!” 40Then, they did not dare to ask him any more questions. About David’s son

41Jesus 42David

asked them, “Why do they say that the Christ is David’s son? himself says in the book of Psalms,

‘The Lordc said to my Lord,d Sit at my right hand, 43 until I make your enemies the footstool of your feet.’e 44David

therefore calls him Lord, so how is he his son?”

45While

all the people were listening, Jesusf said to his disciples, 46“Beware of the scribes who like to walk in long robes and who love greetings in the marketplaces, the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at

CT omits the second part of this verse and continues with verse 31 Exodus 3:6 c Hebrew “YHWH” d Hebrew “Adonai” e Psalms 110:1 / 109 LXX f Greek “he” b

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feasts. 47Theya devour the houses of widows and for a pretense say long prayers: they will receive greater condemnation!”

21 The gift of the poor widow Looking up, Jesus saw the rich who were putting their gifts into the treasury. 2Then, he saw a certain poor widow casting in two small brass coins.b 3He said, “Amen, I tell you that this poor widow has put in more than all of them! 4For all these [people] put in gifts for God from their abundance, but she, out of her poverty, put in all that she had to live on.” Destruction of the temple foretold – The signs of the end 5As

some were talking about the temple and how it was adorned with beautiful stonework and votive offerings, Jesusc said, 6“As for these things which you see, the days will come when not one stone will be left here [standing] on another and that will not be thrown down!” 7Then,

they asked him, “Teacher, so when will these things take place? What is the sign that these things are about to happen?”

8Jesus

replied, “Watch out that you do not get led astray, for many will come in my Name, saying: ‘I am hed,’ and, ‘The time is at hand!’ Do not follow them! 9When you hear of wars and insurrections,e do not be terrified, for these things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10Then he said to them, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in various places. There will be fearful eventsf and great signs from heaven. Coming persecutions 12But

before all these things [happen], you will be placed under arrest and be persecuted, you will be handed over to synagogues and prisons, brought before kings and governors for my Name’s sake. 13It will turn out for you as an occasion to bear witness. 14Therefore, settle it in your hearts not to ponder in advance how to answer, 15for I will give you a mouth and wisdom which all your adversaries will not be able to withstand or contradict. 16You will be handed over even by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends. a

Greek “who” Literally, “two lepta.” 2 lepta was about 1% of a day’s wages for an agricultural laborer c Greek “he” d Or “I AM” e Or “disturbances / disorder / revolutions” f Or “terrors / awesome sights” b

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Some of you will be put to death.a 17You will be hated by all for my Name’s sake, 18yet not a hair of your head will perish. 19By your endurance you will acquire your lives. The fall of Jerusalem foretold – The time of the Gentiles 20But

when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that its desolation is at hand. 21Then, let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains! Let those who are in the midst of her depart! Let those who are in the countryside not enter in [the city]. 22For these are days of vengeance,b so that all things which are written may be fulfilled. 23Woe to those who are pregnant and to those who nurse infants in those days! For there will be great distress in the land, and wrath to this people. 24They will fall by the edge of the sword and will be taken away as captives into all the nations. Jerusalem will be trampled down by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled. The coming of the Son of Man 25There

will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth, the anxiety of nations, perplexed over the roaring of the sea and the waves. 26People will faint from fear, apprehensive what is coming upon the world, as the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27Then, they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28But when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemptionc is near.” Learning from the fig tree – A call to be watchful 29Then

he told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree and all the trees. they are already budding, you see it and know on your own that the summer is already near. 31Likewise, when you see these things happening, understand that the Kingdom of God is near. 32Amen, I tell you: this generation will not pass away until all [these] things are accomplished. 33Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. 30When

34And

so, be on guard, for fear that your hearts may be weighed down with entertaining distractions, overdrinking, and the worries of this life, and that day will come upon you unexpectedly. 35For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36Therefore, be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Acts 12:1-2 Or “retribution” c Or “deliverance / liberation” b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 37Every

day, Jesus was teaching in the temple, and every evening, he would go out and spend the night on the mountain that is called Olivet. 38Then early in the morning, all the people came to him in the temple in order to listen to him.

22 The plot against Jesus Now, the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, was approaching. 2The chief priests and the scribes were looking for a way to do away with Jesusa by killing him,b but they feared the people. 3Then Satan entered into Judas, called Iscariot, who was numbered with the Twelve. 4So Judas went and talked with the chief priests and officers of the guard about how he might deliver him to them. 5They rejoiced and agreed to give him money. 6Judas agreed and began to look for an opportunity to deliver him to them when there would be no crowd. Preparations for the Passover – The Lord’s Supper or Eucharist 7Then, the day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed. 8So Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat [the Passover meal].” 9They

asked him, “Where do you want us to make preparations?”

10Jesus

replied, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters. 11Then tell the master of the house, ‘The Teacher says to you, “Where is the guest room where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?”’ 12He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there.” 13They

went, found things as Jesus had told them, and made preparations for the Passover. 14When the hour had come, he sat down with the Twelve apostles. 15He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer, 16for I tell you, I will not eatc of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God.” 17Then, taking a cup and having given thanks, he said, “Take this, and share it among you, 18for I tell you, I shall never again drink from the fruit of the vine until the Kingdom of God comes.”

Greek “him” Greek “to death” c Some translations translate as “no longer” which seems to suggest that the Last Supper was a Passover / Seder meal, which is disputed. b

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19And

having taken breada and given thanks, he broke it and gave [it] to them, saying, “This is my bodyb which is given for you. Do this in memoryc of me.” 20Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. 21But behold, the hand of the one who betrays me is with me at the table. 22The Son of Man indeed is going, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!” 23Then

they began to discuss among themselves which of them it was who would do this thing. Greatness and servanthood – The Twelve – Simon Peter’s role

24An

argument also arose between them about which one of them was considered to be the greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the nations have lordship over the people, and those who have authority over peopled are called ‘benefactors.’ 26But not so with you! Instead, the one who is the greater among you should become as the younger, and the one who is leading as the one who serves. 27Indeed, who is greater, the one reclining at the table, or the one who serves? Is it not the one at the table? Yet, I am among you as one who serves. 28But you are those who have remained with me in my trials, 29and now I bestow a kingdom upon you, just as my Father bestowed [a kingdom] upon me, 30so that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom; and you will sit on thrones, judging the Twelve tribes of Israel.” 31And

the Lord said,e “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has asked to have you,f so that he might sift youg [all] like wheat! 32But I have prayed for you,h that your faith would not fail. And you, when you have turned back, strengthen your brethren.” 33But

Simon said, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!”

34At

this Jesus replied, “I tell you, Peter, by the time the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me!”

The Greek word a;rton always refers to a leavened loaf in the New Testament. This seems to indicate that the Last Supper was not the Passover meal (see John 18:28). b Codex Bezae (D) and the old Latin omit the rest of the verse after “this is my body” c The Greek word avna,mnhsin often conveys the idea of memorial sacrifice and invocation in the Septuagint. d Greek “them” e CT omits “And the Lord said” f Singular g Plural, a reference to the Twelve h Singular

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 35Then

Jesus asked them, “When I sent you out without purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?” They replied, “Nothing.”

36He

then said to them, “But now, whoever has a purse should take it, and likewise a bag! Whoever has no sword should sell his cloak and buy one! 37For I tell you that what is written must still be fulfilled in me: ‘He was counted with transgressors.’a Indeed, the things [written] concerning me are [reaching] a completion.” 38So

the disciples exclaimed, “Lord, behold, here are two swords!” but he told them, “That is enough!” The agony in the garden

39Jesus

came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him. 40Having arrived at the place, he said to them, “Pray that you do not enter into temptation!” 41He

then withdrew from them about a stone’s throw [away], knelt down and prayed, 42saying, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done.” 43And

an angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him. 44Being in agony, he prayed [even] more intensely, and his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.b

45When

he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples and found them sleeping because of sheer grief. 46He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation!” The Lord’s betrayal and arrest in the garden

47While

he was still speaking, behold, a multitude [came], and he who was called Judas, one of the Twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him, 48but Jesus said to him, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49When

those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

51But

Jesus said, “Let me at least do this”c — and he touched the servant’s ear, and healed him. 52Then Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and presbyters who had come against him, “Have you come out as a

Isaias (Isaiah) 53:12 CT considers 43 and 44 as an interpolation and places this section in double brackets. c Or possibly “No more of this!” (literally: “Suffer ye thus far” in YLT) b

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against someone leading a rebellion, with swords and clubs? 53When I was with you in the temple every day, you did not stretch out your hands against me! But this is your hour, and the power of the darkness.” Peter’s threefold denial 54They

arrested him and led him away, and brought him into the high priest’s house. But Peter followed from a distance. 55When peoplea had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter also sat among them. 56A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, she exclaimed, “This man also was with him!” 57However,

Peterb denied Jesus,c saying, “Woman, I do not know him!”

58A

little while later, someone else saw him, and said, “You also are one of them!” But Peter answered, “Sir,d I am not!”

59After

about one hour had passed, another insisted, saying, “Truly, this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!”

60But

Peter said, “Sir, I do not know what you are talking about!” And immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. 61Then the Lord turned, and looked at Peter, and Peter remembered the Lord’s word, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” 62So Peter went out and wept bitterly.

63Now,

the men who held Jesus [in custody] were mocking him and beating him. 64Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the facee and asked him, “Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?” 65They said many other insulting things to him. Before the Sanhedrin 66As

soon as it was day, the assembly of the presbyters of the people was gathered, both chief priests and scribes. They brought Jesusf into their council, saying: 67“If you are the Christ,g tell us.” But Jesus said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe, 68and if I question [you], you will not answer me or arelease me. 69But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the Power of God.” a

Greek “they” Greek “he” c Greek “him” d Or “man, friend” e CT omits “they struck him on the face” f Greek “him” g Or “Messiah,” “Anointed one” b

ACCORDING TO LUKE - ΚΑΤΑ ΛΟΥΚΑΝ 70They

all asked, “Are you then the Son of God?”

He said to them, “You say it because I am.” 71Then

they exclaimed, “Why do we need any more witnesses? We ourselves have heard [it] from his own mouth!”

23 Before Pilate – Before Herod Their whole group arose and brought Jesus before Pilate. 2They began to bring charges against him, saying, “We have found this man perverting the nation, forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, and saying that he himself is Christ, a king.” 3So

Pilate questioned him, saying, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

Jesus replied, “You say it.” 4Pilate

said to the chief priests and to the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

5Still,

they insisted, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee [and] even to this place.” 6But when Pilate heard Galilee mentioned, he asked if the man was a Galilean. 7When he found out that Jesus was from Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem during those days. 8Now,

when Herod saw Jesus, he was extremely glad because he had desired to see him for a long time as he had heard many things about him, and he hoped to see some miracle done by him. 9He questioned Jesus with many words, but Jesus gave no reply. 10[Meanwhile], the chief priests and the scribes stood by, vehemently accusing him. 11Then Herod and his soldiers humiliated and mocked Jesus.b Dressing him in a luxurious robe, they sent him back to Pilate. 12And Herod and Pilate became friends that very day, [although] before this, they had been enemies. Pilate condemns the Lord to be crucified 13Pilate

called together the chief priests, the rulers and the people. 14He said to them, “You brought this man to me as someone who perverts the people, and behold, I did not find this man guilty of any of your charges against him. 15Neither has Herod, for he has sent him back. As you can see, this man has done nothing worthy of death! 16Therefore, I will punish him and [then] release him.”

a b

CT omits “or release me” Greek “him”

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17Now,

Pilate had to release one prisoner to them at the feast.a 18But they all cried out together, saying, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas to us!”19This one had been thrown into prison for a certain rebellionb in the city, and for murder. 20Then Pilate addressed them once more, desiring to release Jesus. they shouted, saying, “Crucify! Crucify him!”

21But

22For

the third time, Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has this man done? I have found no reason for death in him. I will therefore chastise him and release him.” 23But they were insistent with loud voices, demanding that Jesusc be crucified. And their shouts and the shouts of the chief priests prevailed. 24So Pilate decreed that what they were asking for should be done. 25He released the man who had been thrown into prison for insurrection and murder, as the people had requested. But Jesus, he delivered up to their will. Simon of Cyrene – The way of the cross 26As

the soldiers were leading Jesus away, they seized Simon, a Cyrenian [who was] coming from the countryside. They laid the cross on him, to carry it after Jesus. 27A great multitude of the people followed him, including women who also mourned and lamented him. 28But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me! Instead, weep for yourselves and for your children! 29For behold, the days are coming in which people will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30Then, people will begin to tell the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to tell the hills, ‘Cover us.’d 31For if they do these things when the wood is green, what will be done when it is dry?” 32There

were also others, two criminals, [who were] led with him to be put to death. The Lord is crucified – Paradise promised to the condemned

33When they arrived to the place which is called The Skull,e the soldiersf crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left.

CT omits verse 17 which may be an ancient marginal annotation. It is present in many manuscripts (‫א‬ W Δ, Θ, Ψ, ƒ1, ƒ13, Byzantine; in D it is placed after 23:19) but missing in some very important authorities (Ƿ75, A, B, L). b Or “uprising” c Greek “he” d Hosea 10:8 e Greek Krani,on f Greek “they”

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said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are

doing.”a Dividing his garments among them, the soldiersb [began to] cast lots. 35The people stood by, watching, and with them the rulers also scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others! Let him save himself, if this is the anointed onec of God, the chosen one!” 36The 37and

soldiers also mocked him, coming up to him, offering him vinegar, saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!”

38An

inscription was also written over him in letters of Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, “This is the king of the Jews.”

39One

of the criminals who hanged there began to insult Jesus,d saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us as well!”

40But

the other spoke up and rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same condemnation? 41We indeed [are punished] justly, because we are receiving the due reward for our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42He then said to Jesus, “Lord,e remember me when you come inf your Kingdom.” 43And

Jesus said to him, “Amen I tell you: today, you will be with me in Paradise.”g The Lord’s death and burial

44It

was now about the sixth hour,h and darkness came over the whole landi until the ninth hour.j 45The sun was darkened, and the veil of the sanctuary was torn in two. 46Crying with a loud voice, Jesus said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” Having said this, he breathed his last. 47When

the centurion saw what had taken place, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly, this was a righteous man.” 48When all the multitudes that had come together to see this saw what had happened, they returned home

CT places this section (Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”) in double brackets to indicate its absence from many early manuscripts (Ƿ75, ‫ א‬corrected, B, D, W, and Θ). b Greek “they” c That is “Christ” or “Messiah” d Greek “him” e CT reads “then he said, “Jesus, remember me…” f Or “into” g Compare 16:22; 10:5 and note h The day began with sunset and time was counted from sunrise, so the sixth hour was about noon. i Or “earth.” This was confirmed by Thallus and Phlegon of Tralles to extend as far as Asia Minor. j 3:00 pm

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beating their breasts. 49But all those who knew Jesusa and the women who had followed with him from Galilee stood at a distance, watching these things. 50And

now, there was a man named Joseph, who was a member of the council, a good and righteous man 51(who had not consented to their counsel and deed). He was from Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, and he was also waiting for the Kingdom of God. 52This man went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. 53He took it down, wrapped it in a linen shroud and laid him in a tomb that was cut in stone, where no one had ever been laid. 54It was the [day of the] Preparation,b and the Sabbath was drawing near. 55The women who had come with Jesusc out of Galilee followed [Joseph] and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid. 56They returned [home], and prepared spices and ointments. On the Sabbath, they rested according to the commandment.

24 The Lord’s resurrection On the first day of the week,d at early dawn, they and some others came to the tomb, bringing the spices which they had prepared. 2But they found the stone rolled away from the tomb. 3So they entered in and did not find the bodye of the Lord Jesus. 4And it happened, as they were greatly perplexed about this, that behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5Terrified, the women bowed their faces to the ground. The two menf said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? 6He is not here, but he is risen!g Remember what he told you when he was still in Galilee, 7saying that the Son of Man must be delivered up into the hands of sinful men, be crucified, and [on] the third day rise again?” 8Then, they remembered Jesus’h words. 9Returning from the tomb, they told all these things to the eleven, and to all the others. 10Now, they were Mary Magdalene, Joanna, and Mary the mother of James.i The other women with them told these things to the apostles. 11But these words

Greek “him” Greek paraskeuh/j c Greek “him” d Literally “on the first of the sabbaths” (day is often implied in Greek) e Codex Bezae (D) and some old Latin manuscripts omit “of the Lord Jesus” f Greek “they” g Codex Bezae (D) and some old Latin manuscripts omit “He is not here, but he is risen!” h Greek “his” i This James could be James of Jerusalem, James of Alphaeus (one of the Twelve) or another James. See Appendix E. b

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seemed to be nonsense to them, and they did not believe them. 12However, Peter got up and ran to the tomb. Stooping and looking in, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves. He returned to his home, wondering what had taken place.a Appearance on the road to Emmaus 13It

then happened that two of the disciples were going that very day to a village named Emmaus, which was sixty stadiab from Jerusalem. 14They were talking with each other about all of these things which had taken place. 15And as they were talking together and discussing this, Jesus himself came near and went along with them. 16However, their eyes were kept from recognizing him. 17He asked them, “What are you talking about as you walk?” And they stopped walking, looking sad. 18One

of them, named Cleopas, answered him, “Are you the only strangerc in Jerusalem who does not know what has happened there in these days?” 19“What

things?” he asked to them.

They replied, “The things concerning Jesus, the Nazarene! He was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people; 20and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and had him crucified. 21But we were hoping that he was the one who would redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since these things have taken place. 22Also, certain women of our company have puzzledd us: having arrived early at the tomb, 23they did not find his body. And they came back saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that he was alive! 24Some of us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said, but they did not see him.” 25He

said to them, “You foolish men! So slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! 26Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and enter into his glory?” 27And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. 28As they were approaching the village where they were going, he acted like he would continue on his way. 29“Stay

with us!” they urged him, saying, “It is almost evening, and the day is almost over!” So he went in to stay with them. 30Now, it happened that when he had sat down at the table with them, he took the bread and gave thanks. Breaking

Codex Bezae (D) and some old Latin manuscripts omit this verse. 60 stadia = about 11 kilometers or about 7 miles. c Or “foreigner” d Or “amazed” b

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it, he gave it to them. 31And their eyes were opened; they knewa him, and he vanished out of their sight. 32Then they said one to another, “Were not our hearts burning within us while he spoke to us along the way, and while he opened the Scriptures to us?” 33They rose up that very hour, returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together and [also] those who were with them. 34They were saying, “The Lord is risen indeed, and he has appeared to Simon!” 35Then, the two related what had happened along the way, and how they had recognized him in the breaking of the bread. Appearance to the disciples 36As

they were saying these things, Jesus himself stood among themb and said to them, “Peace be to you!”

37But

they were startled and frightened, supposing that they had seen a

spirit. 38He

said to them, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts arise in your hearts? 39See my hands and my feet, that it is truly me. Touch me and see! A spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see that I have.” 40When he had said this, he showed them his hands and his feet.c 41While they still did not believe for joy and were perplexed, he said to them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” 42They

gave him a piece of a broiled fish and a honeycomb from a beehive.d took them, and ate in front of them. 44He said to them, “This is what I told you, while I was still with you, that everything written in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms,e concerning me must be fulfilled.”

43He

45He

then opened their minds, so that they might understand the Scriptures. 46He said to them, “This is what is written, that it was necessary for the Christf to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his Name to all the nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 48You are witnesses of these things! 49Behold, I send forth the promiseg of my Father on you. But wait in the city of Jerusalem until you are clothed with power from on high.”

Or “recognized” Codex Bezae (D) and various old Latin witnesses omit “and said to them, ‘Peace be to you’” c Codex Bezae (D), as well as the Curetonian and Sinaitic Syriac versions, omit this verse. d CT omits “and a honeycomb from a beehive” e Notice the broad tripartite definition of the Old Testament f Or “Messiah” g Or “pledge” b

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The Ascension 50He

led them out as far as Bethany, lifted up his hands, and blessed them. happened, while he was blessing them, that he withdrewa from themb and was carried up into heaven.c 52They expressed adoration tod him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy; 53and they were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God. Amen.e 51It

Or “departed” ‫ *א‬and Codex Bezae (D), along with the Sinaitic Syriac and many old Latin manuscripts, omit the rest of the verse. c Or “the sky” d proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) e CT omits “Amen” and “praising and” in the same verse b

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INTRODUCTION TO THE GOSPEL OF JOHN AUTHORSHIP AND DATE The gospel itself is anonymous but the author is identified as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (21:20). In spite of modern speculations to the effect that this “disciple” may have been Lazarus (11:3,36), an entire community or someone else, the consistent and reliable tradition of the early Fathers is that John of Zebedee was in fact the apostolic origin of the Gospel which now bears his name. There are indications that the author may have been a (Jewish) priest,a a view which is not incompatible with John’s occupation as a fisherman and which harmonizes well with the focus of the Gospel (Jerusalem, Feasts, Temple). In the late second century, St. Polycrates of Ephesus evoked the not-so-distant memory of the Apostle John with these words: There is also John, who leaned on the Lord’s breast who was a priest wearing the petalon (high-priestly miter or crown), a witness and a teacher, and he sleeps at Ephesus.b

Early Christians (including Theophilus of Antioch, Irenaeus of Lyons and Clement of Alexandria) have handed down a consistent tradition indicating that John would have written his gospel in Ephesus, around the year 96.c Based on internal evidence (such as 5:2 “there is in Jerusalem”), some scholars also deem it possible that the fourth gospel was written before the year 70 AD and completed (or published, or released to other Churches) at a later time. As we shall see in our mention of the parallelism between Jacob/Israel and Jesus, as well as the successive theme of Joseph (of Genesis) and the Beloved Disciple, there seems to be an intentional focus on a symbolic and anonymous authorship. This is of course consistent with the unnamed authorship of the other gospels and serves to draw the reader’s attention on the one who is seen in glory (Jesus) as opposed to the one who bears witness. On the basic of linguistic data, a few scholars haved suggested that the fourth gospel may have been originally written in Aramaic/Hebrew or a

See Introduction to Revelation Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 3.31.2-51 c See also Introduction to Revelation for further discussion of the dating issue b

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directly in Greek but with an Aramaic/Hebrew mind. However, we shall also note important similarities between the Gospel of John and Jewish Hellenistic themes, notably those of Philo of Alexandria (20 BC – circa 50 AD).a

THEME(S) The High Priestly Gospel This gospel can be called “the High Priestly” Gospel, not only because of the famous prayer known by that name found in chapter 17, but also because this theme and approach runs throughout this unique gospel. St. John reveals the truth about Christ by “drawing aside the curtain”b on the person (hypostasis) of the Great High Priest who is the pre-eternal Word (logosc) of God. It is for this reason that the early Churches considered this gospel as reserved for those who are initiated or about to be initiated in the Holy Mysteries: to this day (in Orthodox practice,) it is only read during and after the baptismal season of Holy Pascha. This is consistent with the theme of mystery, initiation and intimate knowledge which is recurrent in the fourth gospel.d The manifestation in this world of the High Priest consecrated as the Holy One of God is the fulfillment of God’s revelation: the invisible Most High God is made manifest and “explained” or “exegeted” (1:18) by his very Word who shares his divine and uncreated nature. Thus, the God who had no visible form on Mount Sinai (Deut. 4:12,15) is now seen with human eyes: “we have seen his glory” (1:12;12:41). From the eternal and timeless holy of holies,e one’s perspective is quite different. One comes to Christ if drawn by the Father by whom we are “fully known” or ‘foreknown’ (1 Cor. 13:12). Hence, such passages as John 6:37-44 or 10:36 can only be rightly understood by those who live in the Church and who have experienced the fulfilled eschatology of the Kingdom in the Divine Liturgy (see Introduction to Revelation).

The Gospel of John relies heavily of the LXX text of the Old Testament (92% LXX / 72% MT according to one study). b From the writing of St. Clement of Alexandria: “they do not enter in as we enter in, through the tradition of the LORD, by drawing aside the curtain” (Misc. 7.17) which is ‘temple imagery for access to the presence of God, the privilege of the high priest.’ c Also meaning “Message” d Cf: Jerome H. Neyrey - The Sociology of Secrecy and the Fourth Gospel (electronic publication) e Cf: Margaret Barker - The Great High Priest (Continuum, New York, 2003), pp. 212-225

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Left: A representation of Jacob’s vision where the ladder is understood as the Temple

The high priestly theme is also connected with the gospel’s interest in the Temple or House of God, which is ultimately revealed as the Body of Christ (John 2:16-21). Jesus and Jacob – Wisdom for the Journey From this emphasis on the Temple or House of God (Bethel in Hebrew), we discover that this priestly theme of divine ascent (and descent) is echoed in the Gospel’s parallelism between Jacob-Israel and Jesus. Jacob - Israel

Jesus Christ

“He had a dream in which he saw a stairway resting on the earth, with its top reaching to heaven, and the angels of God were ascending and descending on it.” (Gen. 28:12)

“[Jesus] saith to [Nathaniel]: Amen, amen, I say to you, you shall see the heaven opened and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.” (John 1:51)

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Jacob - Israel

Jesus Christ

Jacob and the well (Genesis 29). Note that wisdom is associated with water in many passages, e.g. Prov. 18:4; Sirach 15:1-3a; 24:21-34b

“[Jesus] came to a town in Samaria called Sychar, near the plot of ground Jacob had given to his son Joseph… [The woman at the well asked:] Are you greater than our father Jacob?” (John 4:5,12)

Wisdom gives Jacob signs on the journey (Wisd. 10:9-12).

The ‘signs’ (shmei/a) or divine acts on the Lord’s journey to Jerusalem

“I, [Jacob] may return to my father’s house in peace” (Gen. 28:20)

“In my Father's house there are many mansions.” (John 14:2) “Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace!” (John 2:16)

“[Jacob] was afraid, and said: “how fearful is this place! this is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven” (Gen. 28:17)

“I am the gate; if any one enters by me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

“Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel,c because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome… So Jacob called the name of the place Peniel, saying, "For I have seen God face to face, and yet my life is preserved.” (Gen. 32:28-30)

The theme of “seeing” in John’s gospel: John 1:18, 34, 51; 3:3; 6:46; 11:40; 14:79

“Twins” (Gen. 25:24)

John 11:16; 20:24 (references to “a twin,” the only instance in the Bible apart from Jacob’s family).

“If God will give me bread to eat” (Gen. 28:20)

Bread as the central theme of John 6

Another related theme may be that of a special beloved successor to ChristIsrael, as Joseph was Jacob’s beloved whose sevenfold blessing foreshadows a

“The man who fears the Lord will do this, and he who holds to the law will obtain wisdom. She will come to meet him like a mother, and like the wife of his youth she will welcome him. She will feed him with the bread of understanding, and give him the water of wisdom to drink.” b “Those who eat me will hunger for more, and those who drink me will thirst for more.” Compare with the dialogue in John 4. c The view of Hellenistic Jews and of the Early Christians was that Israel meant “a human being who sees / has seen God” – see Traditions of the Bible by James Kugel

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the fullness of truth, intimacy and of the Holy Spirit manifested by the beloved disciple. Sonship is expressed by the “closeness to the bosom,”a as is the privilege of that disciple: One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was lying close to the breast of Jesus. 24 So Simon Peter beckoned to him and said, “Tell us who it is of whom he speaks.” 25 So lying thus, close to the breast of Jesus, he said to him, "Lord, who is it?”

Hence, even Peter, the Rock who may perhaps be compared to Judahb must ask this ‘Joseph-like’ disciple to obtain the great secret of the Lord’s betrayal. It is this same disciple who first believed that Jesus had risen from the dead (20:4-8) and who recognized the risen Lord on the lake side (21:7). As Joseph Grassi suggests: “the gospel descriptions envisage a father-son relationship modeled on that between Jesus and his own Father… Putting it all together, we would have the succession: God the Father – beloved son Jesus – beloved disciple and son.”c This is also a way to understand the entrusting of Mary to the disciple and of the disciple to the Lord’s mother. The sonship relationship is thus continued and the mother of the Lord is again the icon of Wisdom, as in Revelation 12. Genesis and Creation recapitulated As in Revelation, the patterns of the Old Testament are continued and fulfilled: John 1 is symmetrical to Genesis 1 and culminates in the Lord’s baptism which marks the beginning of the New Creation: Old Creation - Temporal

New Creation - Eternal

“In the beginning”d (Gen. 1:1)

“In the beginning” (John 1:1)

“The Spirit of God moved over the water” (Gen. 1:1)

“I have seen the Spirit coming down, as a dove, out of heaven, and it remained on him” (John 1:32)

“And God said…” (Gen. 1:3)

“a voice came from heaven which said” (Luke 3:22)

This theme starts with 1:18: “The unique Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he has explained him” b In the words of Joseph Grassi, “the holder of external authority.” Grassi is the author of the remarkable Secret Identity of the Beloved Disciple which provided important information for this section. See Appendix B. c Ibid., p. 52 d Greek evn avrch/| in LXX as in John 1:1

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Old Creation - Temporal

New Creation - Eternal

“Let there be light, and there was light” (Gen. 1:3)

“that was the true Light which gives light to everyone coming into the world” + Luke 3:20-23 and notes

“God separated the light from the darkness” (Gen. 1:4)

“everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed” (John 3:19)

Day One (Gen. 1:5)

Day Onea and the Eighth Day

Old Adam

New Adamb (1 Co. 15:22,45)

Sabbath, seal of the old creation (Exodus 20:11)

The Lord’s Day, seal of the new creation (2 Co. 5:17; Gal. 6:15)

The gospel of John is in many ways ‘a different gospel.’ Certain themes emphasized in the synoptics (parables, exorcisms, and parousia) are absent. Instead, the evangelist focuses on miracles (“signs”) not previously included and lengthy theological discourses. Many biblical scholars see a threefold structure in the book and a parallel between Jewish liturgical feasts and their fulfillment by the Lord of Glory:

The prologue about the Word

Book of Signs (Seven Signs)

Book of Glory, Last Teachings, Death and Resurrection.

The Seven Signs Our presentation of the seven signsc does not include the Lord’s walk on the water and suggests that the last sign is in fact the piercing of his side, which results in this remarkable structure:

There are good reasons to believe that Jesus was baptized right at the end of Sabbath on the first day, just as he also rose from the dead on the first day (the Lord’s Day). b Jesus triumphs over the old serpent in the desert immediately after his baptism to be revealed as the New Adam, which is why “immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness” (Mark 1:12). c Based on Grassi, p. 68

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The Wedding Feast at Cana (2:1-12) The raising of the dying son (4:56-54) The Sabbath healing at Bethseda (5:1-16) Multiplication of bread / Bread of Life (6:1-71) The Sabbath healing of the blind man (9:1-41) The raising of Lazarus (11:1-41) Blood and Water from the side (19:25-38)

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Resurrection of Lazarus (Feast: Lazarus Saturday) Rome, Via Latina Catacomb, 4th century

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The Hospitality of Abraham Andrei Rublev: Old Testament Trinity (c. 1410 CE; originally at the Holy Trinity Cathedral at the St. Sergius Holy Trinity Monastery; presently held the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow)

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The Great High Priest Contemporary – Greek Style

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Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας, και τοις εν τοις μνήμασι ζωήν χαρισάμενος

The Resurrection of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ (Pascha) By the hand of Julia Hayes

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(ACCORDING TO) JOHN (ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ) 1 Prologue: The Logos / Word of God In the beginning was the Word,a and the Word was with God, and the Word was {what} Godb {was}. 2This one was in the beginning with God. 3All things came into being through him, and without him, nothing came into being that has come into being.c 4In him was life, life that was the light of mankind. 5The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcomed it. 6There came a man, sent from God, whose name was John. 7John came as a witness, to bear witness to the light, so that all might believe through him. 8He was not the light, but [he was sent] to bear witness to the light. 9The true light who enlightens everyone was coming into the world. 10He

was in the world, and the world had come into existence through him, and the world did not recognizee him. 11He came to his own [people], and those who were his own did not receivef him. 12But as many as received him, to them he gave the abilityg to become God’s children, to those who

The Greek word Logos (lo,goj) is traditionally translated as “Word.” French translations sometimes use “Verb” which has a dynamic quality. The English “Message” or “Expression of the Mind” may also be appropriate attempts to convey the nuance of the Greek concept. The Jewish-Alexandrian theologian and philosopher Philo wrote extensively about the Logos in ways that are reminiscent of NT theology. For instance, his teaching that “For the Logos of the living God being the bond of every thing, as has been said before, holds all things together, and binds all the parts, and prevents them from being loosened or separated” echoes Colossians 1:17. b VEn avrch/| h=n o` lo,goj( kai. o` lo,goj h=n pro.j to.n qeo,n( kai. qeo.j h=n o` lo,gojÅ This second theos could also be translated ‘divine’ as the construction indicates a qualitative sense for theos. The Word is not God in the sense that he is the same person as the theos mentioned in 1:1a; he is not God the Father (God absolutely as in common NT usage) or the Trinity. The point being made is that the Logos is of the same uncreated nature or essence as God the Father, with whom he eternally exists. This verse is echoed in the Nicene Creed: “God (qualitative or derivative) from God (personal, the Father), Light from Light, True God from True God… homoousion with the Father.” c Compare Wisdom 9:1 d The word translated “overcome” (katelaben) can also be translated “comprehended.” It may refer to getting a grip on an enemy to defeat him. e Or “know” f The Greek also conveys the idea of “choosing / taking hold of / taking advantage of” g Greek evxousi,an - or “right / privilege”

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believe in his Name. 13They werea born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14The

Word became flesh and made his dwellingb among us. We beheld his glory, glory as a Father’s only-begottenc son, full of grace and truth. 15John testified about him; he cried out, saying, “This was the one of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’” 16From his fullness,d we have all received grace upon grace.e 17For the law was given through Moses, [but] grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. 18No one has seen God at any time! The uniquef Song who is in the bosom of the Father,h he has explained him. John bears witness – The Lamb of God 19This

is John’s testimony, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20He

admitted and did not deny [it], [plainly] admitting, “I am not the Christ!”

21They

asked him, “What then? Are you Elias (Elijah)?”

He said, “I am not!” “Are you the prophet?” He answered, “No.” 22Therefore, they asked him, “Who are you? Give us an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” 23John

said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness,i ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’j as Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet said.”

24Those

who had been sent were from the Pharisees. 25They asked him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elias (Elijah), nor the prophet?” a

A few manuscripts and ancient writers read “he” instead of “they” in reference to the incarnate Logos. b Or “pitched his tent,” a strong allusion to the journey motif discussed in the Introduction c Or “unique / one and only / uniquely loved” d Compare Colossians 1:19;2:9-10 e Or “grace in the place of the grace given in the past” f Or “one and only,” “uniquely loved” - the word can also mean “only-begotten” (monogenh.j) g CT reads “God” and many ancient writers (Irenaeus, Clement, Origen, Basil, Gregory of Nyssa) know of this reading. 1:18 is sometimes translated “the only-begotten God who is…” or “the unique God.” See Appendix C for a discussion of 1:1 and 1:18 h Or “intimate with the Father,” “close to the Father’s heart” i NT agrees with LXX against MT j Isaias (Isaiah) 40:3

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answered them, “I baptize in water, but among you stands one whom you do not know.a 27He is the one who comes after me, who is ranked before me,b whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28These things took place in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The

next day, Johnc saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! 30This is the one of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is ranked before me, because he was before me.’ 31I did not know him, but for this reason I came baptizing in water: so that he would be revealed to Israel.” 32John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending like a dove out of heaven and remain on him. 33I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize in water said to me, ‘Upon whom you will see the Spirit descending and remaining, this is he who baptizes in the Holy Spirit.’ 34Moreover, I myself have seen and testified that this is the Son of God.”d 35Again,

the next day, John was standing with two of his disciples. 36He looked at Jesus as he was walking by and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37The two disciples heard him speak, and they began to follow Jesus. 38Turning and seeing them following, Jesus asked them, “What are you looking for?” They said to him, “Rabbi” (which translated means Teacher), “where are you staying?” First disciples 39Jesuse

said to them, “Come, and see!”

They came and saw where he was staying, and they remained with him that day. (It was about the tenth hour).f 40One of the two who heard John and who began to follow Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41He first found his own brother, Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah!”g (which translated means Christ).h 42Andrewi brought him to Jesus who looked at him, and said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Kephas” (which translated means Peter). 43On the next day, a

Or “recognize” CT omits “who is ranked before me” c Greek “he” d A few manuscripts read “the chosen son of God / the chosen one of God” e Greek “he” f 4:00 pm g Greek Messi,an not Cristo,j h “Messiah” (Hebrew) and “Christ” (Greek) both mean “Anointed One.” i Greek “he” b

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being determined to go out into Galilee, Jesusa met Philip and said to him, “Follow me!” 44Now, Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45Philip found Nathaniel and said to him, “We have found the one of whom Moses in the law and the prophets, have written: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph!” 46Nathanael

asked him, “Can anything good come out of Nazareth?”

Philip replied, “Come and see!” 47As

Jesus saw Nathaniel coming to him, he said about him, “Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom there is no deceit!”

48Nathanael

asked Jesus, “How do you know me?”

Jesus answered him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49Nathanael

replied, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of

Israel!” 50Jesus

said to him, “Because I told you, ‘I saw you underneath the fig tree,’ do you believe? You will see greater things than these!” 51He said to Philip, “Amen, amen, I tell you; hereafter, youb will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending uponc the Son of Man.”

2 The wedding at Cana – First sign: the water changed into wine The third day, there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2Jesus also was invited, with his disciples, to the wedding. 3When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no wine.” 4Jesus

said to her, “Woman, what is that to you and me? My hour has not yet come.”

5His

mother said to the servants, “Whatever he tells you to do, do it.” six water jars made of stone were set there, meant for the rites of purification of the Jews, and they each contained two or three measures.d 7Jesus said to them, “Fill the jars with water!” So they filled them up to the brim. 8He then said to them, “Now, draw some out, and take it to the chief steward of the feast;” and they did so. 9When the chief steward of the feast 6Now,

Greek “he” This “you” is plural c Greek “upon, on, toward” – this may be an allusion to a Jewish understanding of Jacob’s vision of angels. Jesus is often presented as the new Jacob-Israel, as in Matthew’s (2:15) application of Hosea 11:1 MT. d 2 to 3 measures (metretes) is about 20 to 30 gallons, or 75 to 115 liters b

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tasted the water now become wine (not knowing where it had come from, but the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom 10and said to him, “Everyone serves the good wine first, and after the guests have drunk freely, the inferior one. But you have kept the good wine until now!” 11This, the beginning of his signs,a Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. He revealed his glory, and his disciples believedb in him. 12After

this, he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, his brothers,c and his disciples; and they did not stay there [more than] a few days. A cleansing of the temple 13Now,

the Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. the temple, he found those who sold oxen, sheep, and doves, as well as the money changers sitting [at their booths]. 15So, he made a whip of cords and drove [them] all out of the temple, with the sheep and the oxen; he also poured out the changers’ money and overthrew their tables. 16To those who sold the doves, he said, “Take these things out of here! Do not make my Father’s house a marketplace!” 17Then, his disciples remembered that it was written: 14In

“Zeal for your house will consume me.”d 18Therefore,

the Jews declared, “What sign do you show us, since you do these things?”

19Jesus

answered and responded to them, “Destroy this sanctuary, and in three days I will raise it up!”e

20The

Jews then said, “It took forty-six years to build this sanctuary, and you will raise it up in three days?” 21(But he was speaking of the sanctuary of his body). 22When therefore he was raised from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this, and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.

23Now,

when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many began to believe in his Name, observing the signs which he was performing. 24But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew everyone, 25and because he did not need a witness about human nature, for he himself knew what was in man.

The gospel of John uses the word “sign(s)” instead of “miracles” Or possibly “began to believe” c See Appendix E d Or “will devour me” - Psalms 69:9 / 68 LXX e See Matthew 26:61 b

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3 Dialogue with Nicodemus – The new birth Now, there was one of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a leader of the Jews. 2He came to Jesus by night, and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God because no one can performs the signs which you accomplish unless God is with him.” 3Jesus answered him, “Amen, amen, I tell you; unless one is born anew,a he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” 4Nicodemus

asked him, “How can someone who is old be born? Can one enter a second time into his mother’s womb, and be born [anew]?”

5Jesus

answered, “Amen, amen, I tell you; unless one is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God! 6What is born of the flesh is flesh. What is born of the Spiritb is spirit. 7Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born anew.’ 8The windc blows where it wants to, and you hear its sound, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9Nicodemus

said, “How can this be?”

10Jesus

replied and said, “You are the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things? 11Amen, amen, I tell you; we speak of what we know, and [we] bear witness to what we have seen, and you do not receive our testimony. 12If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you [about] heavenly things? 13No one has ascended into heaven, except for the one who came down out of heaven, the Son of Man who is in heaven.d 14And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, likewise, the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15so that everyone believing in him should not perish bute have eternal life. 16Indeed, God so loved the world that he gave his only-begottenf Son, so that everyone who believesg in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17Certainly, God did not send his Son into the world to judge the world, but so that the world should be savedh through him. 18Anyone who believes in him is not judged, a

The word translated “anew” (a;nwqen) (anothen) here and in John 3:7 also means “again,” “from above” or even “from the very first.” b Or “spirit” c The same Greek word (pneu,matoj)(pneuma) means wind, breath, and spirit. d CT omits “who is in heaven” based on the Alexandrian tradition. However, the longer ending “who is in heaven” was know to many ancient writers, including Hippolytus, Origen, Dionysius, Hilary, Jerome, Augustine). Origen and Jerome also mention the shorter form. e CT omits “not perish but” f Or “one and only / unique / uniquely loved” g Literally “the one believing in him” h The Greek swqh/ also conveys the idea of “to deliver / rescue / heal / make well”

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but whoever does not believe has already been judged, because such a person has not believed in the Name of the only-begottena Son of God. 19This is the judgment: that the light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than the light, because their deeds were evil. 20For everyone who practices evil hates the light and does not come to the light, for fear that his works would be exposed. 21But whoever practices the truth comes to the light, so that his works may be revealed as done in God.” John the Baptist bears witness again – ‘The friend of the bridegroom’ 22After

these things, Jesus came with his disciples into the land of Judea. He stayed there with them, and baptized. 23John also was baptizing at Enon near Salim, because there was much water there, and peopleb came, and [they] were baptized. 24(For John had not yet been thrown into prison). 25Now, a discussionc arose on the part of John’s disciples with some Jewsd about ceremonial washing.e 26They came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, he who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness, behold, this one is [now] baptizing, and everyone is coming to him!” 27John

answered, “No one can receive anything unless it has been given him from heaven. 28You yourselves testify that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but, ‘I have been sent before him.’ 29He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom who stands [by] and hears him rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. And so my joy is fulfilled. 30He must increase, but I must decrease.” The one who comes from abovef

31He

who comes from above is above all. He who is from the earth belongs to the earth, and he speaks from the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32What he has seen and heard is what he bears witness to, but no one acceptsg his testimony. 33He who has accepted his testimony has set his seal [to this], that God is true. 34Indeed the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without measure. 35The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. 36The one who

Or “one and only / unique / uniquely loved” Greek “they” c Or “controversy” d Other manuscripts read “a (certain) Jew” e Or “purification (rites)” f Verses 31-36 are either a discourse by John the Baptist or more probably a reflection by the evangelist. g Or “receives” b

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believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever does not believe ina the Son will not see life; instead, the wrath of God remains on such a person.

4 The Samaritan woman Then, when the Lordb learned that the Pharisees had heard, “Jesus is making and baptizing more disciples than John” 2(although Jesus himself did not baptize, but his disciples), 3he left Judea and departed into Galilee. 4Now, he needed to pass through Samaria. 5And so, he arrived at a city of Samaria called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob had given to his son Joseph; 6and Jacob’s well was there. Jesus, tired from his journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour.c 7A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give me [something] to drink.” 8(For his disciples had gone away into the city to buy food). 9The

Samaritan woman then said to him, “How is it that you, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans.)d

10Jesus

answered her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water!”

11The

woman replied, “Sir,e you have nothing to draw [water] with, and the well is deep! Where then do you get that living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob who gave us the well and drank of it himself, as did his children and his livestock?” 13Jesus

replied, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again! whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. Not only this, the water that I will give him will become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.”

14But

15The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water, so that I may never be thirsty or come all the way here to draw [water]!” 16Jesus 17The

said to her, “Go, call your husband, and come here.”

woman answered, “I have no husband.”

Or “disobeys” CT reads “Jesus” c Noon d This part of the verse is omitted in ‫*א‬, D, and several old Latin manuscripts. e Greek ku,rie (can also mean “Lord”) b

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Jesus replied, “You said well, ‘I have no husband,’ 18for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband. This you have said truthfully.” 19The woman said to him, “Sir, I perceive that you are a prophet! 20Our ancestors expressed adorationa on this mountain,b and you Jews say that Jerusalem is the place where people should express adoration.” 21Jesus

said to her, “Woman, believe me, a timec is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you express adoration to the Father. 22You express adoration to what you do not know. We express adoration to what we know, for salvation is from the Jews. 23But the hourd is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will express adoration to the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such [people] to express adoration to him. 24God is a spirit,e and those who express adoration to him must express adoration in spirit and truth.” 25The

woman said to him, “I know that Messiahf is coming, (he who is called Christ). When he comes, he will proclaim all things to us.” 26Jesus

replied, “I am he, the one who is speaking to you.” 27Just then, his disciples arrived. They were astonished that he was speaking with a woman, yet no one said, “What are you looking for?” or, “Why do you speak with her?” 28Then, the woman left her water jar, went away into the city, and said to the people, 29“Come, see a man who told me everything I have done! Could this be the Christ?” 30The

peopleg [then] went out of the city, and were coming to him. the disciples urged him, saying, “Rabbi, eat!”

31Meanwhile, 32But

he told them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”

33The

disciples then said one to another, “Has anyone brought him something to eat?”

34Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me, and to accomplish his work. 35Do you not say, ‘There are still four months until the harvest comes?’ Behold, I tell you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields! They are already white for the harvest! 36[Already], the one who

In John 4:19-14, proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo). b Mount Gerizim c Or “an hour / the hour” d Or “an hour / the hour” e Or “God is Spirit / spirit” f Greek Messi,aj g Greek “they”

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reaps is receiving his wages and gathering fruita to eternal life; so that both the one who sows and the one who reaps may rejoice together! 37For in this, the saying is true, ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ 38I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored. Others have labored, and you have entered into [the rewards of] their labor.” 39Many

of the Samaritans from that city believed in him because of the word of the woman who had testified, “He told me everything that I did!” 40For this reason, when the Samaritans came to him, they begged him to stay with them. So, he stayed there two days, 41and many more believed because of his word. 42Then they said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of what you said, but because we have heard for ourselves and [we] knowb that this is indeed the Savior of the world, the Christ.”c Return to Galilee – Healing of a child: a second sign in Cana 43After

the two days, Jesusd departed from there and went into Galilee. Jesus himself had testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country). 45When he arrived into Galilee, the Galileans welcomede him, having seen all that he had done in Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast. 46Therefore, Jesus returned to Cana of Galilee where he had turned the water into wine. Now, there was a certain royal official whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him and begged him that he would come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48Jesus then said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will never believe!” 44(For

49The

nobleman replied, “Sir,f come down before my child dies.” 50Jesus told him, “Go on your way. Your son lives.” The man believed the word that Jesus spoke to him and he went on his way. 51Even as he was on the way, his servants met him and told him the news: “Your child lives!” 52He asked them the hour when the boy had begun to get better. Then, they told him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour,g the fever left him!” 53And so, the father learnedh that it was at that [very] hour in which Jesus had said to him, “Your son lives.” And he believed, along with his whole household. 54This was the second sign that Jesus performed on his return from Judea into Galilee.

Or also “crop / outcome / gain” Or “perceive / recognize / acknowledge” c CT omits “the Christ” (following P66, P75, ‫א‬, B) d Greek “he” e Or “received” f Greek ku,rie (can also mean “Lord”) g 1:00 pm h Or “knew / realized” b

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5 The healing at the pool on the Sabbath After these things, there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2Now in Jerusalem, by the sheep gate, there is a pool with five porches called in Hebrew “Bethesda.” 3Under these laid a great multitude of people who were sick, blind, lame, or paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water.a 4.

certain man was there, who had been sick for thirty-eight years. 6When Jesus saw him lying there and perceivedb that the man had been sick for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to be made well?” 7The

sick man replied, “Sir,c I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, but while I am coming, someone else steps down before me!”

8Jesus

said to him, “Arise, take up your mat, and walk!”

9Immediately,

walk.

the man was made well; he took up his mat and began to

Now, it was the Sabbath on that day. 10And so, the Jews said to the man who had been cured, “It is the Sabbath! It is not lawful for you to carry the mat!” 11The

man answered them, “He who made me well, that one said to me, ‘Take up your mat, and walk.’”

12Then

they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your mat, and walk?’”

13But

the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn in the crowd that was there.

14Later,

Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you have become well. Sin no more, so that nothing worse may happen to you!” The Jews begin to persecute Jesus

15The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well. 16For this reason, the Jews persecuted Jesus a because he did these things on the Sabbath. 17But Jesus answered them, “My Father is still working, and I am also working.” 18Because of this, the Jews were seeking all the more to kill him, not only because he broke the Sabbath, but also because he called God his own Father,b making himself equal with God. The Father and the Son 19Accordingly,

Jesus answered them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; the Son can do nothing of himself, but [only] what he sees the Father doing. Indeed, whatever the Fatherc does, the Son also does likewise. 20For the Father has deep affectiond for the Son, and shows him all things that he himself does. And the Fathere will show him greater works than these, so that you may be astonished. 21For [just] as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, likewise the Son also gives life to whom he desires. 22As it is, the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, 23so that all may honor the Son even as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him! 24Amen,

amen, I tell you; the one who hears my word and believes in him who sent me has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. 25Amen, amen, I tell you; the hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will come to life. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so has he given to the Son to have life in himself. 27He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is Son of Man.f 28Do not be astonished at this, because the hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29and come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. 30I can do nothing of myself. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous because I do not seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.” Witnesses to Jesus – Belief and unbelief 31“If

I bear witness about myself, my testimony is not valid. 32There is another who bears witness to me, and I know that the testimony by which he bears witness about me is true. 33You have sent [messengers] to John, and he has testified to the truth. 34However, the testimony which I receive is not from man. However, I say these things so that you may be saved.

CT omits “and sought to kill him” Compare Wisdom 2:16 c Greek “he” d Or “loves” (Greek filei/) e Greek “he” f The Greek could be translated “a Son of Man” or “the Son of Man.” b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 35Johna

was the burning and shining lamp, and you were willing to rejoice for a while in his light. 36But the testimony which I have is greater than that of John, because the works which the Father has given me to accomplish, the very works that I do, they bear witness about me, that the Father has sent me. 37The Father himself, who sent me, he has testified about me. You have never heard his voice at any time, and you have never seen his outward appearance.b 38You do not have his word living in you, because you do not believe the one whom he sent. 39You

search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness to me. 40Yet, you will not come to me to have life. 41I do not receive glory from men, 42but I know you, that you do not have God’s love in yourselves. 43I have come in my Father’s Name, and you do not receive me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him! 44How can you believe, since you receive glory from one another and do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?c 45Do

not think that I will accuse you before the Father. The one who accuses you is in fact Moses, on whom you have set your hope. 46For if you believed Moses, you would believe me because he wrote about me. 47But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

6 The multiplication of the five loaves After these things, Jesus went away to the other side of the sea of Galilee (or [also called] of Tiberias). 2A great multitude followed him, because they saw the signs he accomplished on those who were sick. 3Jesus went up into the mountain and sat there with his disciples. 4Now, the Passover, the feast of the Jews, was near. 5When Jesus looked up and saw that a great crowd was coming to him, he asked Philip, “Where are we to buy bread, so that these [people] may eat?” 6But he said this to test Philip,d for he himself knew what he would do. 7Philip

answered him, “Two hundred denariie worth of bread is not sufficient for them, so that everyone might receive [even] a little!”

8One

of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9“There is a boy here who has five barley loaves [of bread] and two fish, but what are these among so many?” a

Greek “he” Greek ei=doj not morfh/| c Greek tou/ mo,nou qeou/ d Greek “he” e About 6 to 8 months of a laborer’s wages b

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10Jesus

said, “Have the people sit down.” Now, there was much grass in that place; and so the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11Then Jesus took the loaves, and having given thanks, he distributed [them] to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down; and [he did] likewise with the fish, as much as they desired. 12When they were filled, he said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces which are left over, so that nothing may be lost!”a 13And so, they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves, which were left over by those who had eaten. 14When the people saw the sign which Jesus had accomplished, they said, “This is truly the prophet who comes into the world!” 15Jesus therefore, perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force in order to make him king, withdrew again to the mountain by himself. The walking on water 16When

evening came, his disciples went down to the sea 17where they got into the boat and headed across the sea to Capernaum. It was now dark, and Jesus had not returned to them. 18Because a great wind was blowing, the sea became rough. 19After rowing about three or four miles,b the disciplesc saw Jesus walking on the sea and approaching the boat. And they were frightened, 20but Jesus said to them, “It is I!d Do not be afraid!” 21At this, they were willing to receive him into the boat, and immediately, the boat reached the shore where they were going. In the synagogue of Capernaum - The Bread of Life 22On

the next day, the multitude that stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, and that Jesus had not entered with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples had gone away alone. 23However, [a few] boats from Tiberias landed near the place where the people had eaten the bread after the Lord had given thanks. 24And so, when the multitude noticed that neither Jesus nor his disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum to seek Jesus. 25When they found him on the other side of the sea, they asked him, “Rabbi, when did you arrive here?” 26Jesus

answered them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; you seek me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were satisfied. 27Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which remains to

Or “wasted” 25 to 30 stadia is about 5 to 6 kilometers or about 3 to 4 miles c Greek “they” d Or “I am” b

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eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you. For the Father has sealeda him – [even] God!” 28As

a result, they asked him, “What must we do, that we may accomplish the works of God?”

29Jesus

replied, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent!”

30So

they said to him, “What then do you do for a sign, so that we may see and believe you? What work do you accomplish? 31Our fathers ate the manna in the wilderness! As it is written, ‘He gave them bread out of heavenb to eat.’”c

32Jesus

therefore said to them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; it was not Moses who gave you the bread out of heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33For the bread of God is what comes down out of heaven, and [it] gives life to the world.” 34Then

they said to him, “Lord, always give us this bread!”

35Jesus

told them, “I am the bread of life! The one who comes to me will not be hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 36But I told you that you have seen me, and yet, you do not believe. 37All that the Father gives me will come to me, and the one who is coming to me I will in no way reject.d 38For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will, but [to do] the will of the one who sent me. 39This is the will of my Father who sent me: that of all he has given me, I should lose nothing, but raise ite up on the last day. 40This is the will of the one who sent me: that everyone who sees the Son and believes in him should have eternal life; and this onef I will raise up on the last day.” 41At

this, the Jews began to murmur concerning him, because he had said, “I am the bread which came down out of heaven.” 42They said, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then does he say, ‘I have come down out of heaven?’”

43Therefore,

Jesus answered them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and this one I will raise up ong the last day. 45It is written in the prophets, ‘And

44No

Sealing is connected with anointing (in this case high priestly anointing) as in the Orthodox rite of Chrismation. b Greek and Hebrew use the same word for “heaven,” “the heavens,” “the sky,” and “the air.” c Psalms 78:24-25 / 77 LXX. NT agrees with LXX against MT. Also Exodus 16:4; Nehemiah 9:15 d Or “cast out” e Or “him” – some looser translations have “them” f Or “him” – some looser translations have “them” g Or “in”

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they will all be taught by God.’a Therefore, everyone who hears from the Father and has learned comes to me. 46Not that anyone has seen the Father, except he who is from God. He has seen the Father! 47Amen, amen, I tell you; the one who believes in meb has eternal life. 48I am the bread of life! 49Your ancestorsc ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. 50This is the bread which comes down out of heaven, its purpose is that anyone may eat of it and not die. 51I am the living bread which came down out of heaven. Anyone who eats of this bread will live forever!d Yes, the bread which I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.” 52At

this, the Jews disputed with one another, saying, “How can this man give us his flesh to eat?”

53Jesus

therefore said to them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you do not have life in yourselves. 54The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed. 56The one who eats my flesh and drinks my blood dwellse in me, and I in him. 57As the living Father sent me, and [as] I live because of the Father; whoever eatsf me will also live because of me. 58This is the bread which came down out of heaven. Unlike your ancestors [who] ate the manna and [still] died, whoever eats this bread will live forever!” 59He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum. The disciple’s reactions – Betrayal foretold 60Therefore,

many of his disciples, when they heard this, said, “This is a hard saying!g Who can listen to it?”

61But

knowing in himself that his disciples grumbled at this, Jesus said to them, “Does this cause you to stumble? 62What then if you would see the Son of Man ascending to where he was before? 63It is the spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and [they] are life. 64But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who were those who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him. 65He said, “For this reason, I have told you that no one can come to me, unless it is given to him by my Father.”

Isaias (Isaiah) 54:13 CT omits “in me” c Or “fathers” d Or “If anyone eats of this bread, this one will live forever!” e The Greek me,nei is also translated “abide(s)” f The Greek trw,gwn means “eat, chew.” It is sometimes loosely translated “feed on.” g Or “an offensive saying” b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 66At

this, many of his disciples lefta and no longer walked with him. 67Then Jesus said to the Twelve, “Do you also want to leave?”

68Simon

Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words of eternal life! 69We have come to believe and know that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”b

70Jesus

told them, “Did I not choose you, the Twelve? And [yet] one of you is a devil!” 71Now, he was speaking about Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot, for it was he who would betray him, and he was one of the Twelve.

7 The Feast of Tabernacles After these things, Jesus went about in Galilee; he did not wish to travel around in Judea because the Jews were seeking to kill him. 2Now, the feast of the Jews, the Feast of Tabernacles,c was at hand. 3So his brothersd said to him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, so that your disciples may also see the works which you are accomplishing. 4Certainly, no one who seeks to be known openly does anything in secret! If you do these things, reveal yourself to the world!” 5For even his brothers did not believe in him. 6Jesus

therefore said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7The world cannot hate you, but it hates me, because I bear witness concerning it, that its works are evil. 8You go up to the feast. I am not yete going up to this feast, because my time is not yet fulfilled.” 9Having

said these things to them, he remained in Galilee. 10However, when his brothers had gone up to the feast, then he also went up, not publicly, but as it were, in private.f 11As a result, the Jews were looking for him at the feast, and they were asking, “Where is he?” 12There was much murmuringg among the multitudes concerning him. Some said, “He is a good man!” Others replied, “Not so, but he leads the multitude astray!” 13Still, no one spoke openly about him for fear of the Jews. 14However, when it was the middle of the feast, Jesus went up into the temple and began to teach. 15At this, the Jews were amazed and said, “How does this man have such learningh without having been educated?” a

Or “retreated” CT reads “the Holy [One] of God” based on P75, ‫א‬, B, D, L, W. A few manuscripts read “the Christ, the Holy [One] of God” or “the Christ, the Son of God” c Or “Tents / Booths” d See Appendix E e CT omits “yet” f Or “in secret” g Or also “complaining / whispering” h Literally “know letters” b

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16Jesus

therefore answered them, “My teaching is not mine, but [it comes] from the one who sent me. 17Anyone who desires to do God’sa will recognizeb the teaching, whether it is from God, or if I am speaking from myself.c 18Whoever speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but he who seeks the glory of the one who sent him is true, and [there is] no unrighteousness in him. 19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why [then] do you seek to kill me?” 20The

crowd replied, “You have a demon! Who is seeking to kill you?”

21Jesus

answered them, “I did one work, and you all marvel because of it. gave you circumcision (not that it is of Moses, but of the fathers), and on the Sabbath, you circumcise a boy. 23If a boy receives circumcision on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses may not be broken, [why] are you angry with me because I made a man completely healthy on the Sabbath? 24Do not judge according to appearance, but make a right judgment.” 22Moses

25Then,

some people from Jerusalem said, “Is this not the one whom they seek to kill? 26Behold, he is speaking openly, and they say nothing to him! Could it be indeed that the rulers acknowledge that this is truly the Christ? 27However, we know where this man comes from! But when the Christ comes, no one will know where he comes from.” 28Then

Jesus cried out as he was teaching in the temple, “You both know me, and know where I am from. I have not come of myself, but he who sent me is true, and you do not know him. 29I know him, because I am from him, and he sent me.” Officers are sent to arrest the Lord

30At

this, they sought to arrest him, but no one laid a hand on him because his hour had not yet come. 31In fact, many in the multitude believed in him. They said, “When the Christ comes, he will not do more signs than the ones which this man has done, will he?” 32The Pharisees heard the multitude murmuring these things concerning him, and the chief priests and the Pharisees sent officers to arrest him. 33Then

Jesus said, “I will be with you a little while longer, then I go to him who sent me. 34You will seek me and will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

35The

Jews therefore said among themselves, “Where will this man go, so that we will not find him? Will he go to the Dispersion among the Greeks

Greek “his” Or “know about” c Or “on my own” b

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and teach the Greeks? 36What is this word that he said, ‘You will seek me, and will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come?’” Feast of the Tabernacles: Living Water 37Now,

on the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and spoke loudly, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink! 38As the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within the one who believes in me!”a 39But he said this concerning the Spirit, which those believing in him were to receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified. About the Messiah/Christ 40When

they heard these words, some of the people said, “This is truly the prophet!” 41Others said, “This is the Christ!” Still others said, “What? Does the Christ come out of Galilee? 42Has not the Scripture said that the Christ comes from the seed of Davidb and from Bethlehem,c the village where David was?” 43And so, there arose a divisiond in the crowd because of him. 44Some of them would have arrested him, but no one laid hands on him. 45And so, the officers returned to the chief priests and Pharisees who asked them,e “Why did you not bring him?” 46The

officers answered, “No one has ever spoken like this man!”

47At

this, the Pharisees replied, “You are not also led astray, are you? any of the rulers believed in him, or the Pharisees? 49But this multitude that does not know the law is accursed.”

48Have

50Nicodemus

(who had come to him by night, being one of the Pharisees)f said to them, 51“Does our law judge someone without first hearing from him personally to find out what this person is doing?” 52They

answered him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search, and see that no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.”g

A different punctuation would read “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink who believes in me! As the Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within him!” There are two ancient traditions as to ‘from whose body’ the rivers of living waters will flow – that of the believer or that of Christ. These second reading given in this footnote represents the reading and interpretation (“will flow from within him” = from Christ) of those associated with Asia Minor (sometimes called “Western view,” as in NTTT p. 282), including Justin, Hippolytus, Irenaeus, Ephrem and even Cyprian. The more usual view (main reading, where the waters flow from the believer) is associated with Origen, Athanasius and the Greek fathers. b 2 Samuel 7:12 c Micah 5:2 d Greek sci,sma (schism) e Or “the officers” f Greek “them” g See Isaias (Isaiah) 9:1 and Matthew 4:13-16.

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[a[ 53And so, they went each one to his home.

8 The woman caught in adultery But Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. 2Now, at daybreak, he appeared again in the temple, and all the people came to him. He sat down and began to teach them. 3Then, the scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman caught in [the act of] adultery. Making her stand before them all, 4they told him, “Teacher, we found this woman in adultery, in the very act. 5Now in our law, Moses commanded us to stone such [a person].b 6What then do you say?” They said this to test him, in order to have something to accuse him of. However, Jesus bent down and began to write on the ground with his finger. 7But as they continued to ask him, he looked up and said to them, “Let the one who among you is without sin throw the first stone at her.” 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground with his finger. 9When

they heard this,c they began to leave, one by one, starting from the oldest, even to the last. Jesus was left alone with the woman where she was, in the middle. 10Standing up, Jesus saw her and said, “Woman, where are your accusers? Did no one condemn you?” 11She

said, “No one, Sir.”d

Jesus replied, “Neither do I condemn you. Go your way! And from now on, sin no more.” ]] The Light of the world – Witnesses to Jesus 12Then

again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world.e Whoever follows me will not walk in the darkness but will have the light of life.” 13At

this, the Pharisees said to him, “You bear witness to yourself! Your testimony is not valid!”f

Verses 7:53-8:11 are not found in all manuscripts (7:53-8:11 does not appear in P66, P75, ‫א‬, B, Cvid, L, N, T, W, Δ, Θ, Ψ, and others) but are part of the Patriarchal Text. According to Eusebius (History of the Church; 3.39.17), both Papias and the lost gospel according to the Hebrews mention the story of a woman caught in many sins. b Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22 c MT and TR add “being convicted by their conscience” d Or “Lord” e Isaias (Isaiah) 60:1 f Or “true”

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 14Jesus

answered them, “Even if I bear witness to myself, my testimony is true, because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you do not know where I came from or where I am going. 15You judge according to the flesh. I judge no one. 16Even if I do judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I am with the Father who sent me. 17It is also written in your law that the testimony of two people is truthful.a 18I am one who testifies about myself, and the Father who sent me [also] bears witness to me.” 19At

this, they asked him, “Where is your Father?”

Jesus answered, “You do not know me nor my Father. If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” 20Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple. Yet no one arrested him, because his hour had not yet come. 21Then, Jesus spoke to them again, “I am going away; you will seek me, and you will die in your sins. Where I go, you cannot come.” 22At

this, the Jews said, “Will he kill himself, since he says, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come?’”

23Jesus

said to them, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I told you therefore that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I amb {the one},c you will die in your sins.” 25Therefore,

they asked him, “Who are you?”

Jesus said to them, “Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning! 26I have much to say concerning you and [much] to condemn.d However he who sent me is true; and the things which I heard from him, these [things] I say to the world.” 27They

did not understand that he spoke to them about the Father. 28So Jesus said to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am {he}.e I do nothing of myself, but as my Father taught me, this is what I proclaim. 29The one who sent me is with me. The Father has not left me alonef because I always do the things that are pleasing to him.”

Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15 Or “I AM” – this verse, as much as 8:58 is a very strong affirmation of the Lord’s unique status (see note below). c The Greek is simply eva.n ga.r mh. pisteu,shte o[ti evgw, eivmi, but many translators feel that the concluding {he} is implied. NIV reads “if you do not believe that I am the one I claim to be” – NAB has “if you do not believe that I AM” – see note on John 8:58. d Or “judge” e See verse 24 f Or “to myself” b

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About Abraham 30As

he spoke these things, many believed in him. 31Jesus therefore said to those Jews who had believed him, “If you remain in my word, then you are truly my disciples. 32You will knowa the truth, and the truth will set you free!”b 33They

answered him, “We are Abraham’s seed and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be made free?’”

34Jesus

answered them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; everyone who practices sin is the slave of sin! 35A slave does not live in the house forever, [but] a son remains forever. 36If therefore the Son makes you free, you will be free indeed! 37I know that you are Abraham’s seed, yet you seek to kill me, because my word finds no place in you. 38I speak of what I have seen with my Father; and you also do the things which you have seen with your father.” 39They

answered him, “Our father is Abraham!”

Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40But now, you seek to kill me, a man who has told you the truth which I heard from God! Abraham did not do this. 41You do the works of your father.” They replied to him, “We were not born of sexual immorality! We have one father, God.” 42Therefore,

Jesus said to them, “If God were your father, you would love me, for I issue forth [from God] and have come from God.c Indeed, I have not come of myself, but he has sent me. 43Why do you not understand my speech? Because you cannot hear my word! 44You are of your father, the devil,d and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning and he does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he utters a lie, he speaks of his owne because he is a liar and the father of lies. 45But because I tell the truth, you do not believe me. 46Which of you convicts me of sin? If I tell the truth, why do you not believe me? 47Whoever is of God hears the words of God. For this reason, you do not hear: because you are not of God.” 48Then

the Jews answered him, “Do we not say well that you are a Samaritan and have a demon?”

Or “have an intimate knowledge of / recognize / perceive” Psalms 119:45 / 118 LXX c Or “I came from God and now I am here” (as in NIV and NRS) d Greek diabo,lon (diabolos) – the dia-bolic is the opposite of sym-bolic, it is the disunity between the sign or word and what is real, as in Genesis 3:1-15 e Greek evk tw/n ivdi,wn lalei b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 49Jesus

replied, “I do not have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me. 50However, I do not seek my own glory. There is one who seeks and judges. 51Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever keeps my word will never see death.” 52At

this, the Jews said to him, “Now we know that you have a demon! Abraham died, and [so did] the prophets; and [yet] you say, ‘whoever keeps my word will never see death.’ 53Are you greater than our father, Abraham, who died? The prophets died [as well]. Who do you claim to be?”

54Jesus

answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is nothing. It is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say that he is our God. 55You have not known him, but I know him. If I said, ‘I do not know him,’ I would be like you, a liar. But I [do] know him, and I keep his word. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day. He saw it, and was glad!” 57At

this, the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and you have seen Abraham?”

58Jesus

said to them, “Amen, amen, I tell you; before Abraham came into existence, I am.a”

59Therefore, they took up stones to throw at him, but Jesus was hidden, and ,b he went out of the temple.

9 The healing of the man born blind As Jesusc was passing by, he saw a man blind from birth. 2His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who has sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3Jesus

answered, “Neither did this man sin, nor his parents; but [it was] in order that the works of God might be revealed in him. 4I must do the works of the one who sent me while it is day. The night is coming, when no one can work. 5While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

The sentence ends with the Greek evgw. eivmi which may be connected with Isaias (Isaiah) 41:4 and 46:4. However, the connection with Exodus 3:13-15 (LXX) is unlikely since the expression is evgw, eivmi o` w;n; where ego eimi simply introduces the predicate o hon (The Being, The Existing One). Since there are many other verses which clearly apply the Divine Name YHWH to Jesus Christ, the icon of the Savior always has the letters O` W;N; in the halo. Apart from these theological considerations, this construction is also fairly idiomatic (John 14:9; 15:27) and could be properly translated as “I have been [in existence] before Abraham was [even] born” - (see also 9:9 and compare with Micah 5:2). b CT omits this clause c Greek “he”

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6When

he had said this, he spat on the ground, made mud with the saliva and anointed the blind man’s eyes with the mud. 7He then said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). And so, the man went away, washed, and came back seeing. 8At this, the neighbors and those who saw that he had been blind before said, “Is this not the man who sat and begged?” 9Others were saying, “It is he!” Still others were saying, “He looks like him.” The man said, “I am he!”a your eyes opened?”

10Therefore,

the people asked him, “How were

11He answered, “A man called Jesus made mud, anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash.’ And so, I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12Then

they asked him, “Where is he?”

The man replied, “I do not know.” 13They

brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. 14It was a Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and opened his eyes. 15Again, the Pharisees also asked the man how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and I see!” 16At

this, some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God because he does not keep the Sabbath.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such signs?” There was division among them. 17Therefore, they asked the blind man again, “What do you say about him, since he opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet!”

18The

Jews did not believe [the report] about this man, that he had been blind and had received his sight until they called the parents of this man who had received his sight. 19They asked the parents, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?”

20His

parents answered, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind. 21But how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. He is of age. Ask him! He will speak for himself.” 22His parents said this because they feared the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone would confess Jesus as Christ, this person would be expelled from the synagogue. 23Therefore, his parents said, “He is of age. Ask him!” 24And

so, they called the man who had been blind a second time, and they told him, “Give glory to God! We know that this man is a sinner!”

Greek evgw. eivmi (which indicates that this idiomatic expression is fairly neutral – see note on 8:58).

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 25At

this, the man answered, “I do not know if he is a sinner. One thing I do know: that though I was blind, now I see!” 26Again,

eyes?”

they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your

27He

answered them, “I told you already, and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? You do not also want to become his disciples, do you?”

28Then

they insulted him and said, “You are his disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29We know that God has spoken to Moses; but as for this man, we do not know where he comes from.”

30The

man answered them, “How amazing! You do not know where he comes from, yet he opened my eyes. 31We know that God does not listen to sinners; God will listen to anyone who is God-fearing and who does his will.a 32Since the world began, it has never been heard of that anyone opened the eyes of someone born blind. 33If this man were not from God, he could do nothing.” 34They

answered him, “You were born completely in sins, and do you teach us?” And they threw him out.

35Jesus

heard that they had thrown out the man born blind,b he found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36The

man answered, “Who is he, Sir,c that I may believe in him?”

37Jesus

said to him, “You have seen him, and it is he who is speaking with

you.” 38Then

the man said, “Sir,d I believe!” and he expressed adoration toe Jesus.

39Jesus

said, “I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see; and so that those who see may become blind.”

40The

Pharisees who were present heard these things, and they asked Jesus, “Are we also blind?”

41Jesus

said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin; but now you say, ‘We see!’ and therefore, your sin remains.”

Psalms 66:18 / 65 LXX; Proverbs 15:29; 28:9 Greek “him” c Or “Lord” d Or “Lord” e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b

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10 The good shepherd “Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever does not enter by the gate into the sheep fold, but climbs up some other way is a thief and a robber. 2But the one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. 3The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. The shepherda calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4Whenever he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5They will by no means follow a stranger but flee from him because they do not recognizeb the voice of strangers.” 6Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what he was telling them. 7Jesus

therefore said to them again, “Amen, amen, I tell you; I am the gate for the sheep. 8All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. 9I am the gate! Anyone who enters in by me will be saved, and go in and out, and will find pasture. 10The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came so that people may have life, and have it in abundance. 11I am the good shepherd!c The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 12The one who is a hired hand, not a shepherd, and who does not own the sheep, leaves the sheep and flees when he sees the wolf coming. Then the wolf snatches the sheep and scatters them. 13The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and does not care for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd! I know my own, and I am known by my own; 15even as the Father knows me, and I know the Father. I lay down my life for the sheep. 16I have other sheep, which are not of this fold.d I must bring them also, and they will hear my voice. And there will be one flock one shepherd. 17Therefore, the Father loves me, because I lay down my life,e so that I may take it again. 18No one takes my lifef away from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again.g I received this commandment from my Father.” 19Once

again, a division arose among the Jews on account of these words. of them said, “He has a demon and he is insane! Why do you listen to him?” 21Others said, “These are not the sayings of someone possessed by a demon. It is not possible for a demon to open the eyes of the blind, is it?”h 20Many

Or “he” Or “know” c Isaias (Isaiah) 40:11; Ezekiel 34:11-12,15,22 d Isaias (Isaiah) 56:8 e Isaias (Isaiah) 53:7-8 f Greek “it” g John 2:19 h Exodus 4:11 b

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At the Feast of the Dedication 22At

that time, it was the Feast of the Dedicationa in Jerusalem. 23It was winter, and Jesus was walking in the temple, in Solomon’s porch. 24The Jews therefore gathered around him and asked him, “How long will you hold us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.”

25Jesus

answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in my Father’s Name, these bear witness to me. 26But you do not believe, because you are not of my sheep, as I told you. 27My sheep hear my voice; I know them, and they follow me. 28I give eternal life to them; they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. 29My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father’s hand. 30I and the Father are one.” 31Again,

the Jews picked up rocks to stone him. 32Jesus told them, “I have shown you many good works from my Father. For which of those do you stone me?”

33The

Jews answered him, “We do not stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy: because you, being a man, make yourself God.”b

34Jesus

answered them, “Is it not written in your law, ‘I said, you are gods?’c 35If he called them gods, (those to whom the word of God came, and the Scripture cannot be broken), 36do you say of him whom the Father has consecratedd and sent into the world, ‘You blaspheme,’ because I said, ‘I am the Son of God?’ 37If I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe me. 38But if I do them, even though you do not believe me, believe the works, so that you may recognizee and believe that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.” 39They

sought again to seize him, but he escaped out of their hand. 40He went away again beyond the Jordan into the place where John was baptizing at first, and he stayed there. 41Many came to him, saying, “John indeed did no sign, but everything that John said about this man is true!” 42And many believed in him there.

The “Feast of the Dedication” is the Greek name for “Hanukkah,” a celebration of the rededication of the Temple (see 1 Maccabees 4:59) b Or possibly “a god” (see verses 34-35) c Psalms 82:6 / 81 LXX d Or “sanctified.” This seems to be reference to Christ’s consecration as Great High Priest. e Or “know”

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11 The raising of Lazarus Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister, Martha. 2It was that [same] Mary who had anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped his feet with her hair and whose brother, Lazarus, was sick. 3So the sisters sent [word] to Jesus, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom you lovea is sick!” 4But when Jesus heard it, he said, “This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified by it.” 5Now, Jesus lovedb Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6Yet, when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed two [more] days in the place where he was. 7After this, he said to the disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.” 8The

disciples told him, “Rabbi, the Jews were just trying to stone you, and you are going there again?”

9Jesus

answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Someone who walks in the day does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. 10But someone who walks in the night will stumble because the light is not in him.” 11He said these things, and then added, “Our friend, Lazarus, has fallen asleep, but I am going so that I may awake him out of sleep.” 12At

this, the disciples said, “Lord, if he has fallen asleep, he will recover.”

13Now,

Jesus had spoken of his death, but they thought that he had spoken of taking rest in sleep. 14And so, Jesus told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15I am glad for your sake that I was not there, so that you may believe. But, let us go to him.” 16Then

Thomas (who is called Didymus)c said to his fellow-disciples, “Let us go also, so that we may die with him.”d

17And

so, when Jesus arrived, he found that Lazarus had been in the tomb four days already. 18Now, Bethany was near Jerusalem, about two milese away. 19Many of the Jews had joined the women around Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20Then, when Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went and met him, but Mary stayed in the house. 21Therefore, Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died! 22Even now, I know that whatever you ask of God, God will give you.” 23Jesus replied, “Your brother will rise again.” a

Or “him for whom you have great affection.” The Greek is filei/j Here, the word is hvga,pa c “Didymus” means “Twin” d This “him” seems to be a reference to Lazarus rather than to Jesus. e 15 stadia is about 2.8 kilometers or 1.7 miles b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 24Martha

said to him, “I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day.”

25Jesus

said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life! The one who believes in me, even though he dies, will live! 26Whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

27She

answered, “Yes, Lord! I have come to believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, he who comes into the world.”

28When

she had said this, she went away, and called her sister Mary in private,a saying, “The Teacher is here, and [he] is calling you.”

29When

Maryb heard this, she arose quickly and went to him. 30Now, Jesus had not yet come into the village, but was in the place where Martha had met him. 31Then the Jews who were with Mary in the house consoling her saw that she got up quickly and went out. They followed her because they thought, “she is going to the tomb to weep there.” 32Therefore, when Mary came to where Jesus was and saw him, she fell down at his feet and said to him, “Lord, if you would have been here, my brother would not have died!” 33When

Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her [also] weeping, he groaned in the spirit and was deeply moved. 34He asked, “Where have you laid him?” They told him, “Lord, come and see.” 35Jesus

wept.

36At

this, the Jews said, “See how much affection he had for Lazarus!” of them said, “Could not the one who opened the eyes of the man who was blind have also kept Lazarusc from dying?”

37Some

38Jesus

therefore, being again deeply moved, came to the tomb. Now, it was a cave, and a stone was placed against it. 39Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of the dead man, said to him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days!” 40Jesus

said to her, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see God’s glory?”

41And

so, they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.d Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, “Father, I thank you that you have

Or “secretly” Greek “she” c Greek “this one” d CT omits “from the place where the dead man was lying.” b

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listened to me. 42I know that you always listen to me, but because of the multitude that stands around, I said this, so that they may believe that you sent me.” 43After saying this, he cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44Then,

he who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with wrappings, and his face was wrapped around with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” The Sanhedrin discusses Jesus – The plot begins

45As

a result, many of the Jews who had come to Mary and had seen what Jesus had accomplished believed in him. 46However, some of them went away to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. 47Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What are we to do? This man does many signs! 48If we leave him alone like this, everyone will believe in him, and the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” 49But

one of them, Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You understand nothing at all! 50Do you not consider that it is better for us that one man should die for the people rather than the whole nation should perish?” 51Now, he did not say this of himself, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation, 52and not for the nation only, but also in order to gather as one the children of God scattered abroad. 53And so, from that day forward, they planned together to put him to death. 54For this reason, Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews. Instead, he left that place [and went] into the countryside near the wilderness, to a city called Ephraim. He stayed there with his disciples. Passover approaches 55Now,

the Passover of the Jews was near. Many went up from the countryside to Jerusalem before the Passover in order to perform their purification rites. 56Then, they began to look for Jesus and discussed with one another as they stood in the temple, “What do you think? Is he not coming to the feast at all?” 57Now, the chief priests and the Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where Jesus was should report it, so that they might arrest him.

12 The anointing at Bethany Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany where Lazarus (who had been dead and whom he had raised from the dead) lived. 2Therefore,

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they gave a supper for him there. Martha served while Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him. 3Then Mary took a pounda of fragrance of pure nard, very precious; she anointed the feet of Jesus and wiped his feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the ointment. 4Then Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, one of his disciples and the one who would betray him, said, 5“Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred denariib and given to the poor?” 6Now, Judas said this, not because he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and having the money box, he used to steal what was put into it. 7But Jesus said, “Leave her alone! She has kept this for the day of my burial. 8For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have me.” 9Meanwhile,

a large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there. They came, not only for Jesus’ sake, but also in order to see Lazarus whom he had raised from the dead. 10The chief priests even conspired to put Lazarus to death as well, 11because on his account many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and believed in him. The Entrance into Jerusalem 12On

the next day, a great multitude had come to the feast. When they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13they took branches from palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, “Hosanna!c Blessed is he who comes in the Name of the Lord,d the King of Israel!” 14Having

found a young donkey, Jesus sat on it. As it is written:

“Do not be afraid, daughter of Zion! Behold, your King is coming, sitting on a donkey’s colt.”e 15

16His

disciples did not understand these things at first, but after Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written about him, and that they had done these things to him. 17Now, the multitude that had been with Jesusf when he had called Lazarus out of the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to testify about it. 18For this reason also, the crowd had come out to meet him, because they had heard that he had done this sign. 19The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, “See how this is accomplishing nothing! Behold, the world has gone after him!”

A Roman pound of 12 ounces, or about 340 grams 300 denarii was about a year’s wages for an agricultural laborer. c “Hosanna” means “save us” or “help us, we pray.” d Psalms 118:25-26 / 117 LXX e Zechariah 9:9 f Greek “him” b

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Greeks inquire about Jesus – The voice from heaven 20Now, among those that went up to express adorationa at the feast were some Greeks. 21They came to Philip who was from Bethsaida of Galilee and asked him, “Sir,b we want to see Jesus.” 22Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn, Andrew came with Philip and they told Jesus. 23But Jesus answered them, “The time has come for the Son of Man to be glorified! 24Amen, amen, I tell you; unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains by itself a single seed. But if it dies, it bears much fruit! 25Whoever loves his life will lose it. The one who hates his life in this world will keepc it to eternal life. 26Anyone who serves me must follow me! Where I am, there will my servant also be. The Father will honor anyone who serves me. 27Now,

my soul is troubled. What shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this time?’ But I have come to this time for this reason. 28Father, glorify your Name!” Then, there came a voice out of heaven,d saying, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29At

this, the multitude who stood by heard it, and they said that it had thundered. Others said, “An angel has spoken to him.”

30Jesus

answered, “This voice has not come for my sake, but for your sakes. judgment is upon this world! Now, the prince of this world will be cast out! 32And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw alle [people] to myself.” 33But he said this to indicatef by what kind of death he should die. 34The multitude answered him, “We have heard out of the law that the Christ remains forever.g How do you say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up?’ Who is this Son of Man?” 31Now,

35Jesus therefore said to them, “The light is with you a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, so that darkness may not overtake you. Whoever walks in the darkness does not know where he is going. 36While you have the light, believe in the light, so that you may become children of light.”

proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b Or “Lord” c Or “protect” d Or “the sky” e Or “all kinds [of people]” (Jews and Gentiles) f Or “predict” g Isaias (Isaiah) 9:7; Daniel 2:44 (but see also Isaias (Isaiah) 53:8)

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Belief and unbelief After Jesus had said this, he left and hid from them. 37Still, even though he had performed so many signs in front of them, they did not believe in him. 38This was to fulfill the word of Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet: Lord, who has believed our report?a To whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?b 39For

this reason, they could not believe, for Isaias (Isaiah) said elsewhere:

He has blinded their eyes and he hardened their heart, lest they should see with their eyes, and perceive with their heart, and would turn, and I would heal them.c 40

41Isaias

(Isaiah) said these things when he saw his glory and spoke of him.d even many among the rulers believed in him, but because of the Pharisees, they did not confess it [openly], so that they would not be put out of the synagogue, 43for they loved human praise more than God’s praise.

42However,

44Jesus

cried aloud, “Whoever believes in me believes not in me but in the one who sent me! 45Whoever sees me sees the one who sent me. 46I have come as a light into the world, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in the dark. 47If anyone listens to my sayings and does not believe,e I do not judge this person. For I came not to judge the world, but to save the world! 48Whoever rejects me and does not receive my sayings has a judge [already]: the word that I spoke is what will judge such a person in the last day. 49Indeed, I did not speak from myself; instead, the Father who sent me has given me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak. 50I know that his commandment is eternal life. And therefore what the Father has told me is what I speak.”

NT agrees with LXX against MT Isaias (Isaiah) 53:1 c Isaias (Isaiah) 6:10 d A reference to Isaias (Isaiah) 6:1 or possibly 52:13 (doxasqh,setai sfo,dra) (compare Luke 24:26). The connection between John 12 (ei=den th.n do,xan auvtou/) and Isaias (Isaiah) 6:1 (o` oi=koj th/j do,xhj auvtou/) is almost certain. e CT reads “keep them / obey” b

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13 The washing of the disciples’ feet Now, [it was just] before the feast of the Passover. Jesus knew that his time had come for him to depart from this world to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end. 2During supper, the devil had already put into the heart of Judas Iscariot (Simon’s son) to betray him. 3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come forth from God and was going to God, 4arose from supper and laid aside his outer garments. He took a towel and wrapped it around his waist. 5After that, he poured water into the basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and wiped them with the towel that was wrapped around him. 6Then, he came to Simon Peter. Peter asked him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” 7Jesus

answered him, “You do not know what I am doing now, but you will understand later.”

8Peter

said to him, “You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus replied, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with me.” 9Simon

Peter said to him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!”

10Jesus

told him, “Someone who has bathed only needs to have his feet washed, apart from that he is completely clean. You are clean, but not all of you.” 11For he knew who was going to betray him, and this is why he said, “You are not all clean.” 12And so, after washing their feet, he put his outer garment back on, and sat down again. He said to them, “Do you knowa what I have done to you? 13You call me, ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord;’ and you say so correctly, for this is what I am. 14If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash each other’s feet. 15I have given you an example, so that you too would do as I have done to you. 16Amen, amen, I tell you; a servant is not greater than his master, neither is the one who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17Now that you know these things, blessed are you if you do them! 18I do not speak about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But it is in order that the Scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.’b 19From now on, I tell you before it happens, so that when it happens, you may believe that I am {he}.c 20Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever receives one

Or “understand / perceive the meaning” Psalms 41:9 / 40 LXX c Or “I AM” or “I am the one” - See note on 8:24 b

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whom I send receives me; and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.” Judas’ betrayal is announced 21After

saying this, Jesusa was troubled in spirit, and testified, “Amen, amen, I tell you that one of you will betray me!” 22The

disciples looked at one another, wondering who he was speaking about. 23One of his disciples, whom Jesus loved, was at the table, reclining close to Jesus’ breast.b 24Simon Peter then motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask who it is that he is speaking of!” 25Since

that disciple was reclining close to Jesus’ breast, he asked him, “Lord, who is it?”

26Jesus

answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And so, when he had dipped the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. 27Now, after [Judas received] the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.”

28However,

no one at the table knew why Jesus had said this to Judas. thought that because Judas had the money box, Jesus had told him, “Buy what we need for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30And so, having received that piece of bread, Judas immediately went out. It was night.

29Some

God is glorified – The new commandment 31When

Judasc had left, Jesus said, “Now, the Son of Man has been glorified, and God has been glorified in him. 32If God has been glorified in him, God will also glorify him in himself, and he will glorify him at once. 33Children, I will be with you [only] a little longer. You will seek me, and now I tell you just as I told the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come.’ 34I give you a new commandment: that you love one another! Just as I have loved you, love also one another. 35This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples: if you have love for one another.” 36Simon

Peter said to him, “Lord, where are you going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but later you shall follow {me}.”

Greek “he” This expression may be figurative (reclining close to someone, at the place reserved for an intimate friend or relative) or it may also be more literal. c Greek “he” b

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37Peter

asked, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you!”

38Jesus

answered, “Will you lay down your life for me? Amen, amen, I tell you; before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”

14 Discourse at the Last Supper – ‘Many mansions’ “Do not let your heart be troubled. Have faith in God! Have also faith in me! 2In my Father’s house are many mansions.a If it were not so, I would have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you. 3If I go and prepare a place for you, I will return and receive you to myself, so that where I am, you may be there also. 4You know where I am going, and you know the way.” 5Thomas

asked him, “Lord, we do not know where you are going! How can we know the way?”

6Jesus

replied to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. 7If you had known me, you would have known my Father also. From now on, you know him, and you have seen him.”

8Philip

said to him, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for

us!” 9Jesus

answered, “I have been with you for such a long time, and still, do you not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father! How can you say, ‘Show us the Father?’ 10Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words that I tell you, I do not speak from myself, but the Father who lives in me accomplishes his works. 11Believe me that I am in the Father and that the Father is in me; or else believe on account of the works themselves. 12Amen, amen, I tell you; whoever believes in me will also accomplish the works that I accomplish and will do [even] greater works than these, because I am going to my Father. 13Whatever you will ask in my Name is what I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14If you will ask anything in my Name, I will accomplish it. 15If you love me, keep my commandments!b

a b

Or “rooms / homes / dwelling places” Compare Wisdom 6:18

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The Counselor (Paraclete) - Peace 16I

will pray to the Father and he will give you another Counselora to be with you forever,17the Spirit of truth. The world cannot receive him because it does not see him and does not know him. You know him, because he lives with you and will be in you. 18I will not leave you orphans! I will come to you! 19In a short time, the world will no longer see me, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live! 20In that day, you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. 21Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, that person is someone who loves me. Whoever loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love and reveal myself to such a person.” 22Judas

(not Iscariot) asked him, “Lord, what has happened that you are about to reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?”

23Jesus

answered him, “The one who loves me will keep my word; my Father will love and we shall come to him and make a homeb in him. 24Whoever does not love me does not keepc my words. The word which you hear is not mine, but it belongs to the Father who sent me. 25I have said these things to you while still living with you. 26But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit which the Father will send in my Name, will teach you all things and remind you of all that I said to you. 27Peace

I leave with you! My peace I give to you! I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled and do not let it be afraid. 28You heard me tell you, ‘I am going away, and I [shall] return to you.’ If you loved me, you would have rejoiced because I said ‘I am going to my Father;’ for the Father is greater than I.d 29Now, I have told you before it happens so that, when it happens, you may believe. 30I will not speak with you much longer because the prince of the world is coming, and he has nothing in me. 31But so that the world may know that I love the Father, I do exactly as the Father has commanded me. Arise, let us be on our way!”

15 The vine and the branches “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. 2Every branch in me that does not bear fruit, he takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, he

Greek parakalw/n (parakleton): Comforter (KJV), Counselor (NIV, RSV), Helper, Intercessor, Advocate (NRS, NAB) b Or “our home” c Or “obey” d See Appendix D on the Filioque for the patristic understanding of this statement

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prunes,a so that it may bear more fruit. 3You have already been cleansed by the word that I have spoken to you. 4Remainb in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you, unless you remain in me. 5I am the vine, you [are] the branches! Whoever remains in me and I in him bears much fruit, for apart from me, you can do nothing. 6Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown out as a branch and is withered. Such branchesc are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned! 7If you remain in me and if my words remain in you, you may ask whatever you desire and it will be done for you. 8In

this is my Father glorified: that you bear much fruit; and [this is how] you will be my disciples. 9Even as the Father has loved me, I also have loved you! Remain in my love! 10If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love, even as I have kept my Father’s commandments and remain in his love.d 11I have told you these things so that my joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be complete. 12This

is my commandment: that you love one another, even as I have loved you. 13No one has a greater love than this: that someone would lay down his life for his friends. 14You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you. 15I no longer call you servants because the servant does not know what his lord is doing. Instead, I have called you friends, because everything that I heard from my Father I have made known to you. 16You did not choose me, but I chose you, and appointed you, so that you should go and bear fruit, and so that your fruit should remain. And so, whatever you will ask of the Father in my Name, he will give it to you. 17I

command these things to you, so that you may love one another.

About the world’s hatred – About the coming of the Paraclete 18If

the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. you were of the world, the world would love its own! But you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, and so the world hates you. 20Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his lord.’e If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. 21But they will do all these things to you on account of my Name, because they do not know the one who sent me. 22If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin; but now they have no excuse for their sin! 23Whoever hates me also hates my Father. 24If I had not accomplished among them the works which no one 19If

Hebrews 12:5-9 Or “abide” c Greek “they” d Compare Wisdom 3:9 e John 13:16 b

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else had done [before], they would not have had sin. But now, they have seen [those things] and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25But this has happened so that the word which was written in their law may be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without reason.’a 26When

the Counselorb has come, whom I will sendc to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceedsd from the Father, he will bear witness to me. 27You also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning.”

16 Persecutions – The Lord’s departure announced “I have told you these things, so that you would not be caused to stumble. 2They will expel you from the synagogues! Yes, the time is coming when whoever kills you will think that he is offering {divine} servicee to God! 3They will do these thingsf because they have not known the Father or me. 4But I have told you these things, so that when the time arrives, you may remember that I told you about them. I did not tell you these things from the beginning because I was with you. 5But now, I am going to him who sent me, and none of you is asking me, ‘Where are you going?’ 6But because I have told you these things, sorrow has filled your heart. 7Yet, I tell you the truth; it is to your advantage that I go away because if I do not go away, the Counselor will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 8When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; 9about sin, because they do not believe in me; 10about righteousness, because I am going to my Father and you will not see me any more; 11about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged. 12I

still have many things to tell you, but you cannot bear them now. when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth because he will not speak from himself, but whatever he hears, he will speak. He will tell you of things that are yet to come. 14He will glorify me by taking from what is mine, and he will declare it to you. 15Everything the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will takeg of [what is] mine and 13However,

Psalms 35:19 / 34 LXX; 69:4 / 68 LXX See 14:16 c Greek pe,myw (see Appendix D) d Greek evkporeu,etai (see Appendix D) e Greeke latrei,an f TR adds “to you” g CT and MT read “takes” instead of “will take” b

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will declare it to you. 16In a little while, you will no longer see me, and then after a little while you will see me .”a 17At

this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What is this that he is saying to us, ‘In a little while, you will no longer see me, and then after a little while you will see me’ and, ‘because I go to the Father?’” 18And so they kept asking, “What is this that he says, ‘A little while?’ We do not understandb what he is saying!” 19Now,

Jesus perceived that they wanted to ask him [about these things], and he said to them, “Are you discussing among yourselves concerning this, that I said, ‘In a little while, you will no longer see me, and then after a little while you will see me?’ 20Amen, amen, I tell you that you will weep and lament, but the world will rejoice. You will be sorrowful, but your sorrow will be turned into joy! 21When a woman gives birth, she has sorrow because her time has come. But when she has delivered the child, she does not remember the anguish any more because of the joy that a human being is born into the world. 22Therefore, you now have sorrow, but I will see you again; and your heart will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you! 23In

that day you will ask me no [more] questions. Amen, amen, I tell you; whatever you may ask of the Father in my Name, he will give it to you. 24Until now, you have asked nothing in my Name. Ask, and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete! 25I have told you these things in figures of speech. But the time is coming when I will no longer speak to you in figures of speech, but I will tell you plainly about the Father. 26In that day, you will ask in my Name. And I do not tell you that I will pray to the Father for you, 27because the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believed that I came forth from God. 28I came out from the Father, and I have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and return to the Father.” 29His

disciples said to him, “Behold, now you speak plainly, not in figures of speech. 30Now we know that you know all things and we do not need for anyone to ask questions from you. By this we believe that you came forth from God.” 31Jesus

answered them, “Do you now believe? 32Behold, the time is coming, yes, and it has now come, when you will be scattered, everyone to his own place, and you will desert me. Yet, I am not alone, because the Father is with me. 33I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have distress,c but rejoice! I have overcome the world.” a

CT omits this clause Or “know” c Or “tribulation” b

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17 The ‘high-priestly’ prayer Jesus said these things, and lifting up his eyes to heaven, he said, “Father, the time has come! Glorify your Son, so that your Son may also glorify you. 2Even as you gave him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. 3This

is eternal life: that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you have sent, Jesus Christ.a

have glorified you on the earth! I have accomplished the work which you have given me to do! 5Now, Father, glorify me with yourself with the glory I had with you before the world existed. 6I have revealed your Name to the people whom you have given me out of the world. They were yours, and you have given them to me; they have kept your word. 7Now, they have knownb that all things you have given me are from you. 8The words you have given me, I have given to them. They have received them and they have known for certain that I came forth from you, and they have believed that you sent me. 9I pray for them; I do not pray for the world, but for those whom you have given me, for they are yours. 10All things that are mine are yours, and yours are mine, and I am glorified in them. 11I am no longer in the world, but these are [still] in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keepc them through your Name which you have given me, so that they may be one, even as we are [one]. 12While I was with them in the world, I protectedd them in your Name. Those whom you have given me I have kept. None of them is lost, except the son of destruction, so that the Scripture might be fulfilled. 13But now I come to you, and I say these things in the world, so that they may have my joy made full in themselves. 14I have given them your word and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15I do not pray that you would take them from the world, but that you would protecte them from the evil one. 16They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17Sanctify them in your truth; your word is truth!f 18As you sent me into the world, I too have sent them into the world. 19I sanctify myself for their sake, so that they too may be sanctified in truth. 20I do not pray only for these, but also for those who [will] believe in me through their word,

It is unclear whether verse 3 is attributed to Jesus or if it is intended as a comment or exclamation by the evangelist. Compare Wisdom 15:3 b Or “recognized / perceived / understood” c Or “protect / preserve” d Or “kept” e Or “keep” f Psalms 119:142 / 118 LXX

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21so

that they may all be one; even as you, Father, are in me, and I in you. May they be one in us, so that the world may believe that you sent me. 22The glory which you have given me, I have given to them, so that they may be one even as we are one; 23I in them, and you in me. May they be perfected into one, so that the world may know that you sent me, and [that you have] loved them, even as you have loved me. 24Father, I desire that those whom you have given me would be with me where I am, so that they may see my glory which you have given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world. 25Righteous Father, the world has not known you, but I knew you; and these have knowna that you have sent me. 26I have made your Name known to them, and I will [continue to] make it known; so that the love with which you loved me may be in them, and I in them.”

18 The Lord is arrested in the garden – Peter and his sword After speaking these words, Jesusb went out with his disciples over the brook [called] Kidron. A gardenc was there and he and his disciples entered. 2Now Judas, who betrayed him, also knew about the place because Jesus often met there with his disciples. 3Judas then, having taken a band of soldiers and some officers from the chief priests and the Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4Jesus, therefore, knowing all that was happening to him, went forward and said to them, “Who are you looking for?” 5They

answered, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Jesus said to them, “I am he.”d Judas (who betrayed him), was also standing with them. 6Now, when Jesus said to them, “I am he,” they stepped back and fell to the ground. 7Again,

Jesus asked them, “Who are you looking for?”

They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8Jesus

answered, “I told you that I am he.e Therefore, if you are looking for me, let these [my disciples] go their way.” 9[He said this] so that the word which he had spoken (“Of those whom you have given me, I have lost nonef”) might be fulfilled.

Or “recognized / perceived” Greek “he” c Or perhaps an olive grove d Greek VEgw, eivmi e Greek VEgw, eivmi f John 6:39 b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ 10Then

Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11Jesus commanded Peter, “Put the sword into its sheath! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?”

12At

this, the band of soldiers, the commanding officer, and the officers of the Jews took hold of Jesus and bound him. 13They first led him to Annas because he was the father-in-law of Caiaphas who was the high priesta that year. 14Now, it was Caiaphas who had advised the Jews that it was better that one man should perish for the [entire] people. Peter’s denial – The Lord before Annas

15Simon

Peter followed Jesus, as did another disciple. Now, that disciple was known to the high priest and entered in with Jesus into the high priest’s courtyard. 16But Peter was standing at the door outside. So, the other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to the woman who guarded the door, and brought Peter in. 17Then the servant-girl who kept the door asked Peter, “Are you also one of this man’s disciples?” Peter replied, “I am not!”

18Now,

it was cold, and the servants and officers were standing there, around a charcoal fire they had made. As they were warming themselves, Peter was with them, standing and warming himself.

19Meanwhile,

the high priest asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teaching. 20Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in synagogues, and in the temple, where the Jews always meet. I said nothing in secret! 21Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I told them. Behold, these people know what I said.” 22When

Jesus had said this, one of the officers who was standing by slapped him with his hand, saying, “Do you answer the high priest like that?”

23Jesus

replied, “If I have spoken evil, testify to the evil; but if [I have spoken] well, why do you strike me?”

24Annas

sent him bound to Caiaphas, the [ruling] high priest. 25Now, while Simon Peter was standing and warming himself, people said to him, “You are not also one of his disciples, are you?” Peter denied it, and said, “I am not!” 26One

of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, said, “Did not I see you in the garden with him?”

Greek avrciereu.j

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274

this, Peter denied it again, and immediately the rooster crowed.

Before Pilate 28Then,

Jesus was taken from Caiaphas to the Praetorium. It was early, and the Jewsa themselves did not enter into the Praetorium in order not to be made ritually impureb and to be able to eat the Passover. 29For this reason, Pilate went out to them and asked, “What accusation do you bring against this man?”

30“If

he were not a criminal,” they replied, “we would not have handed him over to you.”

31At

this, Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him according to your law.” Then, the Jews told him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death!” was to fulfill the word which Jesus had spoken, by which he had indicated by what kind of death he would die).

32(This

33So

Pilate went back into the Praetorium. Having called Jesus, he asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?”

34Jesus

answered, “Do you say this by yourself, or did others tell you about

me?” 35Pilate

answered, “I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests delivered you to me. What have you done?”

36Jesus

replied, “My Kingdom is not of this world! If my Kingdom were of this world, my servants would have fought so that I would not be delivered to the Jews. But as it is, my Kingdom is not from here.”

37Pilate

therefore said to him, “Are you a king then?”

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. I was born and I have come into the world for this reason: that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is ‘of the truth’ listens to my voice.” 38Pilate

said to him, “What is truth?”

After saying this, he went out again to the Jews, and said, “I find no basis for a charge against him. 39But you have a custom, that I should release someone to you at the Passover. Therefore, do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40Then

they all shouted back, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a rebel.

a b

Greek “they” Or “defiled”

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19 The Lord is flogged, mocked, condemned Then, Pilate took Jesus and had him flogged. 2The soldiers twisted thorns into a crown, placed it on his head, and dressed him in a purple garment. 3They kept saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” and they kept slapping him. 4Then,

Pilate went out again. He said to the Jews,a “Behold, I bring him out to you, so that you may know that I find no basis for a charge against him.” 5When

Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple garment, Pilate said to them, “Behold, the man!”

6But

when the chief priests and the officers saw Jesus, they shouted, “Crucify! Crucify!” Pilate answered, “Take him yourselves, and crucify him, for I find no basis for a charge against him.”

7The

Jews insisted, “We have a law, and according to our law, he should die, because he made himself the Son of God.”

8However,

when Pilate heard these words, he was even more afraid. into the Praetorium, he asked Jesus, “Where are you from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10Then Pilate asked him, “Are you not speaking to me? Do you not know that I have power to release you, and the power to crucify you?”

9Returning

11Jesus

answered, “You would have no power at all against me, unless it were given to you from above. Therefore, he who delivered me to you has a greater sin.”

12From

then on, Pilate tried to release Jesus, but the Jews cried out, “If you release this man, you are not Caesar’s friend! Everyone who makes himself a king speaks against Caesar!”

13When

Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called “The Pavement,” and in Hebrew, “Gabbatha.” 14Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour.b He said to the Jews, “Behold, your King!” 15But

they shouted, “Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!”

Pilate asked them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar!” a b

Greek “them” “the sixth hour” would have been 6:00 am according to the Roman timekeeping system, or noon for the Jewish timekeeping system.

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The crucifixion – John and the Lord’s mother 16And

so, Pilate delivered Jesus to them, to be crucified. Accordingly, the guardsa took Jesus and led him away.b 17He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called “The Place of a Skull,” which is called in Hebrew, “Golgotha.” 18There, they crucified him, and along with him two other men, one on each side and Jesus in the middle. 19Pilate also wrote a notice and had it placed on the cross. It read, “Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews.” 20Many of the Jews read this inscription because the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city, and it was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. 21Then, the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but, ‘he said, I am King of the Jews.’” 22Pilate

answered, “What I have written, I have written.”

23After

the soldiers had crucified Jesus, they took his garments and divided them into four parts, to every soldier a part; with the tunicc remaining. Now, the tunic was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24Then, they said to one another, “Let us not tear it, but cast lots for it to decide whose it will be!” This was to fulfill the Scripture which says: They have divided my garments among them and for my cloak they cast lots.d

And this is what the soldiers did. 25But there were standing by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother’s sistere (Mary [the wife]f of Clopas), and Mary Magdalene. 26When Jesus saw his mother and the disciple whom he loved standing there, he said to his mother, “Woman, behold your son!” 27Then he said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour, the disciple took her to his own home. 28After

this, perceiving that all things were now accomplished,g and so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” 29Now, a vessel full of sour wine had been placed there; so the soldiers put a sponge full of the sour wine on [a stick of] hyssop and held it at his mouth. 30Then, after

Greek “they” CT omits the second part of this verse. c Or “undergarment” d Psalms 22:18 / 21 LXX; Mark 15:24 e In this verse, perhaps “sister in law” (Clopas may have been Joseph’s brother or a close relative). See Appendix E. f The expression ‘Mary of Clopas’ in the Greek text is ambiguous as to whether Mary was the daughter or wife of Clopas, but exegesis has commonly favored the reading "wife of Clopas" (as reflected in above translation). However, some commentators have held that St. Anne had three husbands and see Clopas as one of Anne's husbands and father of Mary of Clopas. g Greek tete,lesta (conveys the idea of reaching an end or purpose) b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ

Jesus received the sour wine, Jesusa said, “It is accomplished!”b And he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. Pierced by a lance: Blood and water 31Because

it was the Day of Preparation, in order that the bodies would not remain on the cross on the Sabbath (for that Sabbath was a great day), the Jews asked Pilate that the legs [of those crucified] might be broken, and that they might be removed. 32Therefore, the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first who has been crucified with Jesus, then the legs of the other. 33But when they came to Jesus and saw that he was already dead, they did not break his legs. 34However, one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and immediately, blood and water came out. 35He who has seen [this] has borne witness, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, so that you may believe. 36For these things happened so that the Scripture might be fulfilled, “Not one of his bones will be broken.”c 37Again, another Scripture says, “They will look on him whom they pierced.”d Joseph of Arimathaea – The Lord’s burial 38After

these things, Joseph of Arimathaea (who was a disciple of Jesus but secretly for fear of the Jews) asked Pilate for permission to take away the body of Jesus. Pilate gave him permission, and so Joseph came and took away his body. 39Nicodemus (who earlier had come to Jesus by night) also came and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred Roman pounds.e 40Then, they took Jesus’ body and wrapped it in linen cloths with the spices, according to the burial custom of the Jews. 41Now, there was a garden at the place where Jesus had been crucified. In the garden, there was a new tomb in which no one had ever yet been laid. 42Then, because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

20 The empty tomb – Appearance to Mary Magdalene Now, on the first [day] of the week,f Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark. She saw that the stone had been removed from the tomb. 2At this, she ran [back] and came to Simon Peter and to the a

Greek “he” Greek tete,lesta (conveys the idea of reaching an end or purpose) c Exodus 12:46; Numbers 9:12; Psalms 34:20 / 33 LXX d Zechariah 12:10. Compare LXX and MT (MT has “look on me whom they pierced”) e 100 Roman pounds of 12 ounces each, or about 72 pounds, or 33 Kilograms f Greek mia/| tw/n sabba,twn b

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other disciple whom Jesus loved, and she told them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid him!” 3Then, Peter and the other disciple went out toward the tomb. 4Both ran together: the other disciple outran Peter and arrived at the tomb first. 5Bending over and looking inside, he saw the linen cloths lying there, but he did not enter in.a 6Then Simon Peter arrived, following him, and he entered into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying, 7and the cloth that had been [placed] on Jesus’ head, not lying with the linen cloths but rolled up in a place by itself. 8Finally, the other disciple (who had arrived first at the tomb) also entered in, and he saw and believed. 9(For as yet, they still did not understand the Scripture: that Jesus had to rise from the dead). 10After this, the disciples returned to their own homes. 11However,

Mary remained standing outside the tomb, weeping. As she was crying, she stooped to look inside the tomb, 12and saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been, one at the head, and one at the feet. 13They asked her, “Woman, why are you weeping?”

She answered, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” 14After saying this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not knowb that it was Jesus. 15Jesus

for?”

said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Who are you looking

Supposing him to be the gardener, she answered, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away.” 16Jesus

said to her, “Mary!”

She turned around and said to him in Aramaic,c “Rabbouni!”d (which is to say, “Teacher!”)e 17Jesus

said to her, “Do not hold me, for I have not yet ascended to my Father. But go to my brethrenf and tell them, ‘I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God.’”g

18Mary

Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.

Perhaps because he was a Jewish priest Or “recognize / perceive” c Or “Hebrew” d Rabboni is a transliteration of the Hebrew word for “great teacher.” e Or “Master” f Here, avdelfou,j is clearly a reference to the spiritual brothers or disciples. g Notice that Jesus did not say “our Father and our God” b

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ

Appearance to the disciples - Thomas 19In

the evening on that [same] day (the first day of the week), and as the doors [of the place] where the disciples were assembled were locked, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

20When

he had said this, he showed them his hands and his side. At this, the disciples rejoiced when they saw the Lord. 21Then again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22When he had said this, he breathed on them and told them, “Receive thea Holy Spirit! 23If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you retain anyone’s sins, they are retained.” 24However,

Thomas called ‘the Twin,’b one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25So the other disciples told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But Thomas replied, “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and put my hand into his side, I will not believe!” 26After

eight days, his disciples were inside once again, and Thomas was with them. Although the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them, and he said, “Peace be with you.” 27Then, he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and see my hands! Place your hand here and put it into my side. Do not be unbelieving, but believing!”

28Thomas

answered him, “My Lord and my God!”

29Jesus

said to him, “Because you have seen me,c you have believed! Blessed are those who have not seen, and have believed.” The Author’s Purpose 30Now,

Jesus accomplished many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book. 31However, these ones are written, so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing, you may have life in his Name.

21 Appearance at the Lake After these things, Jesus manifested himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias. He manifested himself in this way: 2Simon Peter, Thomas a

The Greek actually uses the indefinite, which means that the most literal and accurate translation would be “receive a h/Holy s/Spirit” b Sometimes simply transliterated as “Didymus” c TR adds “ Thomas”

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called Didymus, Nathaniel of Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. 3Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing!” They replied, “We are also coming with you!” At once, they went out and got into the boat; however, but they caught nothing that night! 4Just after daybreak, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know that it was Jesus. 5Therefore, Jesus asked them, “Children, do you have anything to eat?” They answered him, “No!” 6He

said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.”

And so, they cast the net, and now, they were not able to draw it in because of the multitude of fish! 7At this, that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he wrapped his undergarment around him (for he was partly dressed)a and threw himself into the sea. 8But the other disciples came in the little boat dragging the net full of fish (for they were not far from the land, but about a hundred yardsb away). 9When they got out on the shore, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread. 10Jesus told them, “Bring some of the fish which you have just caught.” 11Simon

Peter went up, and drew the net to land, full of great fish, one hundred fifty-three; and even though there were so many, the net was not torn.

12Jesus

said to them, “Come and eat breakfast!”

None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13Then,

Jesus came and took the bread, gave it to them, and the fish likewise. 14This was now the third time that Jesus was manifested to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead. Jesus and Peter

15When

they had eaten their breakfast, Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon, son of Jonah,c do you loved me more than these?”a

The Greek word gumno,j is often translated “naked” but is more likely to mean “wearing only an undergarment” b 200 cubits is about 100 yards or about 91 meters c CT reads “John,” also in verse 17 d Greek avgapa/|j

ACCORDING TO JOHN - ΚΑΤΑ ΙΩΑΝΝΗΝ

Peter replied, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affectionb for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my lambs.” 16Again, Jesus asked a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you lovec me?” Peter replied, “Yes, Lord; you know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Tend my sheep.” 17A third time, Jesus asked, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you have affectiond for me?” Peter was grieved because Jesuse asked him the third time, “Do you have affection for me?” He said, “Lord, you know everything! You know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him, “Feed my sheep! 18Amen, amen, I tell you; when you were young, you dressed yourself, and you walked where you wanted to. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19Now,

Jesus said this to indicate by what kind of death Peter would glorify God. When he had said this, he said to Peter, “Follow me!” About the beloved disciple – His Testimony

20Then

Peter, turning around, saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following [them]. (This was the disciple who had also reclined near Jesus’ breast at the supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) 21Peter, seeing him, asked Jesus, “Lord, what about this man?” 22Jesus

answered, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you? You follow me.” 23Therefore, this saying went out among the brethren, that this disciple would not die. Yet, Jesus did not say to Peterf that he would not die, but, “If I desire that he stay until I come, what is that to you?” 24This is the disciple who bears witness about these things and who wrote these things. We know that his testimony is true. 25There are also many other things which Jesus did. If they were all written, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.

Here “these” is probably a reference to the other disciples. It also also been suggested that “these” could also be a reference to the fish (and fishing). b Greek filw/ c Greek avgapa/|j d Greek filw/ - the Lord changes from from avgapa/|j to filw/ e Greek “he” f Greek “him”

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James the Righteous, Bishop of Jerusalem Contemporary icon; Orthodox Church in America

282

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

Pentecost, the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Feast: Fifty days after Pascha) Theophanis the Cretan, 1546, Mount Athos

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ACTS OF THE APOSTLES (ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ) 1 The promise of the Spirit – The Lord’s Ascension The first book I wrote, Theophilus, dealt with all that Jesus did and taught from the beginning, 2until the day in which he was taken up, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles whom he had chosen. 3After he suffered, he also presented himself alive to them by many proofs,a appearing to them over a period of forty days, and speaking about God’s Kingdom. 4Being assembled togetherb with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which you heard from me. 5Indeed, John baptized in water, but not many days from now, you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.” 6Therefore,

when they had come together, they asked him, “Lord, are you now restoring the kingdom to Israel?”

7Jesus

told them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has set by his own authority. 8However, you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9After

saying these things, as they were watching, Jesusc was taken up and a cloud took him out of their sight. 10While they were gazing into the skyd as he was going, behold, two men in white clothing stood by them. 11They said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing into the sky? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into heaven.”e 12Then,

they returned to Jerusalem from the mountain called Olivet,f which is near Jerusalem, a Sabbath day’s journey away.

The Greek word tekmhri,oij may also convey the idea of “decisive, convincing proof” The Greek expression may also convey the idea of “eating with” c Greek “he” d In verses 9-11, “sky” and “heaven” are equally valid translations of ouranos e Or “the sky” (see note c) f Zechariah 14:4 b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

The disciples in the upper room – Matthias is chosen to replace Judas 13After

entering the city, they went up into the upper room where they were staying; that is Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James [the son] of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas [the son]a of James. 14With one accord, all these were continuing steadfastly in prayer , together with certain women, including Mary the mother of Jesus and his brothers.b 15In

those days, Peter stood up among the disciplesc (and the number of names was about one hundred twenty) and said: 16“Brethren, it was necessary that this Scripture should be fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit had spoken beforehand by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who became a guide to those who arrested Jesus. 17For he was numbered with us and received his portion in this ministry.

18(Now

this man obtained a field with the reward for his wickedness, and falling headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines gushed out.d 19It became known to everyone who lived in Jerusalem that in their language that field was called ‘Akeldama,’ that is, ‘The field of blood.’)

20For

it is written in the book of Psalms,

‘Let his habitation be made desolate, And let no one dwell in it;’e and, ‘Let another take his office of overseer’. f/g 21Therefore,

of the men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22beginning from the baptism of John and to the day that he was taken up from us, of these [men], one must become a witness with us of his resurrection.”h

Or “brother of” – as in every instance when [son of] is between brackets. See Appendix E c CT reads “brethren / brothers” d Judas committed suicide by hanging himself (Matthew 27:5) or possibly by throwing himself on a sword. In Matthew, the Greek avph,gxato (generally translated ‘hanged himself’) could also have the general meaning of committing suicide. If Judas did hand himself, it is possible that the branch (or rope) broke and caused the event described in Acts 1:18 to happen. e Psalm 69:25 / 68 LXX f Or “bishopric” (KJV) (Greek evpiskoph.n). In the NT, the related word episkopos (“overseer”) is interchangeable with “presbyter.” Hence, the idea that this passage teaches the Western concept of Apostolic Succession (where the bishops are successors of the Apostles) is not supported by this text. See Appendix A and B. g Psalm 109:8 / 108 LXX h See also 1 Peter 5:1 b

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23So,

they put forward two [candidates]: Joseph called Barsabbas who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24Then they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen 25to take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell away to go to his own place.” 26And they cast lotsa for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was added to the eleven apostles.

2 Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit Now, when the day of Pentecost came, they were all with one accord [gathered] in the same place. 2Suddenly, there came from heavenb a sound like the rushing of a mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3Divided tongues that seemed like fire appeared and one [tongue] rested on each of them. 4Then, they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languagesc, as the Spirit gave them the ability to speak. 5At that time {of year}, devout Jews from every nation under heaven were staying in Jerusalem. 6When this sound was heard, a crowd formed and people were bewildered because everyone heard the disciplesd speaking in one’s own language. 7They were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8How is it that we hear everyone [speak] in our own native language? 9Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and people from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, Asia, 10Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, the parts of Libya around Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, 11Cretans and Arabians: we hear them speaking in our languages [concerning] the deeds of power of God!” 12They were all amazed and perplexed, saying one to another, “What does this mean?” 13Others, mockingly, said, “They are filled with new wine!” Peter’s sermon 14But

Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and spoke out to them: “Men of Judea, and all of you who are [now] staying in Jerusalem, let this be explained to you and listen to my words. 15For these [people] are not drunk, as you suppose. It is only the third hour of the day!e 16But this is what has been announced through the prophet Joel: 17

It will be in the last days, says God,

Compare Luke 1:8-9; a reference to a priestly office Or “sky, air” c Or “tongues” (Greek glw,ssaij) d Greek “them” e About 9:00 am – mentioned in the prayer before the epiclesis of Saint John Chrysostom (“O you who at the third hour sent down your most Holy Spirit upon the Apostles…”) b

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that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh. Your sons and your daughters will prophesy. Your young men will see visions. Your old men will dream dreams. 18 Yes, and on my servants and on my handmaidens in those days, I will pour out my Spirit, and they will prophesy! 19 I will show wonders in the sky above, and signs on the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and billows of smoke. 20 The sun will be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes. 21 And it will be that whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.a 22Men

of Israel, listen to these words! Jesus of Nazareth was a man attested to you by God by deeds of power and wonders as well as signs which God accomplished through him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know. 23He was handed over by the predetermined counsel and foreknowledge of God, taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed. 24God raised him up, having released him from the pains of death, because it was impossible that he should be held by it. 25For David says concerning him: ‘I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, so that I should not be moved. 26 Therefore, my heart was glad and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover, my flesh also will dwell in hope; 27 because you will not abandon my soul to hades, neither will you allow your holy one to see decay. 28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.’b 29Brethren,

I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us even to this day. 30But he was a prophet and knew that God had sworn with an oath to him that from the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, God would raise up the Christc to sit on his throne. 31Foreseeing this, David spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, [declaring] that his sould would not be left in hades and that his flesh would not see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus [back to life], and we are a

Joel 2:28-32 Psalm 16:8-11 / 16 LXX c Or “Messiah” (verses 30-36 in particular and throughout the New Testament). Note that CT omits “according to the flesh, God would raise up the Christ” which may be an expansion derived from 2 Samuel 7:12-13 and Romans 1:3-4. d CT reads “he” instead of “his soul” based on good manuscript support (P74, ‫א‬, A, B, C, D*). b

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all witnesses of this fact. 33Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, Jesusa has poured out what you now see and hear. 34For David did not ascend into the heavens, but as he himself declared: ‘The Lord said to my Lord: Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.’b

36Therefore,

let all the house of Israel know with assurance that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.”

37Now,

when the peoplec heard this, they were cut to the heart and asked Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brethren, what shall we do?” 38Peter

said to them, “Repent, and be baptized, every one of you, in the Name of Jesus Christ, for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all who are far away, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself.” 40With many other words, he was bearing witness and urging them, saying, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” 41Then, those who gladly received his word were baptized, and about three thousand souls were added on that day.

Life in common 42They

devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to the prayers.d 43Feare came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were accomplished through the apostles. 44All who believed were together and had all things in common. 45They sold their possessions and goods, and shared them with all, according to everyone’s need. 46Day by day, they continued [to meet] with one accord in the temple, and broke bread at home, partaking of their food with gladness and simplicity of heart. 47They praised God and were held in esteem by all the people. Every day, the Lord added to the Church those who were being saved.

Greek “he” Psalm 110:1 / 109 LXX c Greek “they” d The Greek expression is probably a reference to a set pattern of liturgical prayers. e Or “awe” b

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3 The healing of a beggar at the temple gate Peter and John would go up into the temple at the hour of prayer, the ninth hour.a 2A certain man who was lame from his mother’s womb was being carried. Every day, he was laid at the gate of the temple (the one which is called ‘Beautiful’) to ask almsb from those entering the temple. 3Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked to receive alms. 4Then Peter, along with John, fixed his gaze on him and said, “Look at us!” 5The manc gave them attention, expecting to receive something from them. 6But Peter said, “I have neither silver nor gold, but what I do have, I give to you. In the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk!” 7Peter took the man by the right hand and raised him up. At once, his feet and ankles received strength. 8Leaping up, the man stood up and began to walk! He entered with them into the temple, walking, leaping, and praising God! 9When all the people saw him walking and praising God, 10they recognized that it was the man who used to sit at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, begging for alms; and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11As the lame man who had been healed held on to Peter and John, all the people were greatly astonished and ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s [Porch]. Peter’s speech 12When

Peter saw this, he answered to the people, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this man? Why do you gaze at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? 13The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servantd Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had determined to release him. 14But you denied the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you. 15Then you killed the Authore of life, whom God raised from the dead. To this we are witnesses. 16By faith in his Name, this man whom you see and know was made strong.f Yes, the faith which comes through Jesus has given him this perfect soundness as you all can see.

3:00 pm Greek evlehmosu,nhn (gift of mercy offered to those in need) c Greek “he” d Or in context “child” (Greek paido,j) e Greek avrchgo.n (sometimes translated “Prince of life”) f A complex construction which could also be rendered “it is the Name of Jesus which, through faith in him” b

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17Now,

brethren, I know that you did this in ignorance, as did your leaders. this is how God fulfilled what he had announced by the mouth of all his prophets, [namely] that Christ should suffer.

18Yet,

19Repent

therefore, and turn back [to God], so that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 20and that he may send Christ Jesus who was in advanced ordained for you. 21He must remained in heaven until the times of restoration of all things, which God announced long ago by the mouth of his holy prophets. 22Indeed, Moses indeed said to the fathers, ‘The Lord God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brethren. You shall listen to him in all that he tells you. 23And it shall be that every soul that will not listen to that prophet will be utterly cut off from among the people.’a 24In fact, all the prophets that have spoken, from Samuel to those who followed after [him], have also announced these days. 25You are the children of the prophets, and [children] of the covenant which God made with our fathers when he said to Abraham, ‘In your seed will all the families of the earth be blessed.’b 26God, having raised up [to life] his servant Jesus, sent him to you first, in order to bless you as everyone of you turns away from his wicked ways.”

4 Peter and John arrested As they were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came to them. 2They were upset because the apostlesc were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3They arrested them and put them in custody until the next day, since it was now the evening. 4But many of those who heard the word believed, and their number came to be about five thousand. 5In

the morning, their leaders, presbyters and scribes were gathered together in Jerusalem. 6Annas (the high priest) was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and others that were relatives of the high priest. 7After placing the apostlesd in the middle of their assembly,e they inquired, “By what power, or in what Name, have you done this?” 8Then

Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, addressed them: “Rulers of the people and presbyters of Israel; 9if we are examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man and by what means this man has been

Deuteronomy 18:15,18-19 Genesis 22:18; 26:4 c Greek “they” d Greek “them” e Greek “them” b

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healed, 10let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that is it in the Name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth (whom you crucified and whom God raised from the dead) that this man stands here before you whole. 11Jesusa is ‘the stone which was regarded as worthless by you, the builders, which has become the head of the corner.’b 12There is salvation in no one else, and there is no other Name under heaven that is given among mortalsc by which we should be saved!” 13Now,

seeing the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognizedd that these two mene had been with Jesus. 14Seeing the man who had been healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15But after instructing them to step out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16saying, “What shall we do to these men? Indeed, a remarkable miracle has been accomplished through them, as can plainly be seen by all who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17Nevertheless, to prevent this from spreading any further among the people, let us threaten them so that from now on, they will no longer speak to anyone in this Name.” 18They called the apostles and ordered them not to speak at all or to teach in the Name of Jesus. 19But

Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, judge for yourselves! 20But we cannot help telling the things which we saw and heard!” 21When

they had further threatened the apostles, they let them go. They found no way to punish them on account of the people, because everyone glorified God for what had been done. 22(Moreover, the man on whom this miracle of healing had been performed was more than forty years old). The prayer of the apostles

23After

being released, the apostles came to their own [company] and reported everything that the chief priests and the presbyters had said to them. 24When they heard it, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord and said, “O Lord, you are God who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all that is in them; 25who by the mouth of your servant,f David,g said,

Greek “he” Psalm 118:22 / 117 LXX c Greek avnqrw,poij (in the sense of “men, mankind, human race”) d Or “realized” e Greek “they” f Greek paido,j g CT reads “by the Holy Spirit, [through] [the] mouth of David” b

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‘Why do the nations rage, and the peoples plot a vain thing? 26 The kings of the earth take a stand, and the rulers take council together, against the Lord, and against his Christ.’ ab 27For

truly, in this city, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against your holy child,c Jesus, whom you anointed. 28They did whatever your hand and counsel had foreordained to happen. 29And now, Lord, consider their threats and grant your servantsd to speak your word with complete boldness. 30Stretch out your hand to heal, and may signs and wonders may be accomplished through the Name of your holy childe Jesus.” 31When

they had prayed, the place where they were gathered was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and proclaimed the word of God with boldness. Sharing in the community

32The

multitude of those who believed were of one heart and [one] soul. Not one of them claimed that anything he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33With great power, the apostles gave their witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all.f 34No one among them lacked anything because those who owned lands or houses sold them. They brought the proceeds of what was sold 35and laid it at the feet of the apostles. Then, distribution was made to each, according to everyone’s need. 36Joses, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which means ‘Son of Encouragement’) was a Levite, a man of Cyprus by race. 37He sold a field that he owned and brought the money, laying it at the apostles’ feet.

5 The death of Ananias and Sapphira Now, a certain man named Ananias, along with his wife Sapphira, [also] sold a possession. 2He kept back part of the price (of which his wife was also aware) and brought the rest, laying it at the apostles’ feet. 3But Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has filled your heart so as to lie to the a

Christ (Greek) and Messiah (Hebrew) both mean Anointed One. Psalm 2:1-2 c Greek pai/da, also meaning “servant / boy” d Greek toi/j dou,loij e Greek pai/da, also meaning “servant / boy” f This last clause may also be translated “and they were all accorded great respect,” which is less likely. b

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Holy Spirit, and to keep back part of the price of the land? 4As long as you kept it, was it not still your own? And after it was sold, was it not [still] in your power? How is it that you have conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God!” 5Upon

hearing these words, Ananias fell to the ground and died. Great fear came on all who heard these things. 6The young men got up, wrapped him up, and carried him out to be buried. 7About three hours later, his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in. 8Peter asked her, “Tell me, was this the price you sold the land for?” She answered, “Yes, for that price.” 9Then

Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to put the Spirit of the Lord to the test? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out!”

10At

once, she fell down at Peter’s feet and died. The young men came in and found her dead; they carried her out and buried her next to her husband. 11Great fear came on the wholea Church and on all who heard these things. Apostolic signs and wonders 12Even

more, many signs and wonders were accomplished among the people by the hands of the apostles, and they were all [gathered] with one accord in Solomon’s porch. 13No one else dared to join them, even though they were honoredb by the people. 14More believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women. 15People even carried out the sick into the streets, placing them on cots and mattresses, so that as Peter came by, at the least his shadow might fall on some of them. 16Crowds also formed from the cities around Jerusalem; they brought sick people, as well as those tormented by unclean spirits, and all were healed. The apostles arrested - Before the Sanhedrin 17However,

the high priest took action, along with all his associates (which is the sect of the Sadducees). Filled with jealousy, 18they had the apostles arrested and placed in the public jail. 19But an angel of the Lord opened the prison doors by night and brought them out, saying, 20“Go, stand in the temple, and speak to the people the whole message about this life.” 21When

the apostlesc heard this, they went to the temple at about daybreak, and they began to teach. Meanwhile, the high priest arrived, together which his associates, and called the Sanhedrin together, along with the

Greek o[lhn th.n evkklhsi,an (holon) related to the word ‘catholic’ (kat-holon)– see Appendix B. Or “held in high esteem” c Greek “they” b

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council of the children of Israel. He then sent [word] to the prison to have the apostles brought in. 22But the officers who came did not find them in the prison. They came back and reported, 23“We found the prison shut and locked, and the guards standing before the doors, but when we opened them, we found no one inside!” 24Now,

when the high priest, the captain of the temple, and the chief priests heard these words, they were very perplexed about them, wondering what would come of this. 25One [officer] came forward and told them, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are [now] in the temple, standing and teaching the people.” 26Then, the captain went with the officers and brought them without using force because they were afraid that the people might stone them. 27Having brought the apostles, they made them appear before the Sanhedrin. The high priest questioned them, 28saying, “Did we not strictly order you not to teach in this Name? Behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and intend to bring this man’s blood upon us!” 29But

Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men! 30The God of our fathersa raised up Jesus, whom you killed by hanging him on a tree.b 31God has exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior in order to give repentance to Israel and remission of sins. 32We are hisc witnesses to these things, and so is the Holy Spirit that God has given to those who obey him.” 33Hearing

this, they were enraged and determined to kill them. 34But someone stood up in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law who was honored by all the people. He instructed that the apostles be put out for a while. 35He said to them, “Men of Israel, consider carefully what you intend to do to these men. 36Some time ago, Theudas arose, claiming to be someone. A number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves to him. He was [eventually] killed, all those who obeyed him were scattered, and it all came to nothing. 37After this man, Judas of Galilee arose during the days of the census, and he led some people to follow him. He also perished, and all those who obeyed him were scattered abroad. 38Now I tell you: stay away from these men and leave them alone. If this plan or work is of human origin, it will be overthrown. 39But if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow it, and you would find yourselves fighting against God!”

Or “ancestors” Greek xu,lou which can also mean “wood / stake / stocks / cross” – a reference to Deuteronomy 21:23 LXX also cited in Galatians 3:13 c CT lacks “his” b

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agreed with him. Summoning the apostles, they had them flogged and ordered them not to speak in the Name of Jesus; then, they released them. 41The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer dishonor for the sake of hisa Name.

42Every

day, in the temple and at home, they never stopped teaching and preaching that Jesus is the Christ.

6 The apostles appoint seven assistants – About Stephen (Stephanos) Now, in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenistsb against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service [of food distribution]. 2The Twelve summoned the multitude of the disciples and said, “It is not appropriate for us to abandon the word of God in order to serve tables. 3Therefore, select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint them over this necessary task 4and devote ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5These

words pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolaus, a proselyte of Antioch. 6They presented these men to the apostles who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7Thus, the word of God spread and the number of disciples greatly multiplied in Jerusalem, and a large number of {Levitical} priests became obedient to the faith. 8Full

of faith and power, Stephen performed great wonders and signs among the people. 9But some of those who belonged to the synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), along with Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and men from Cilicia and Asia reacted. They began debating with Stephen, 10but they were not able to withstand the wisdom and spirit by which he spoke. 11Then, they secretly convinced [some] men to say, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and God!” 12Having stirred up the people, the presbyters and the scribes came against Stephenc and arrested him. They brought Stephen before the Sanhedrin 13and produced false witnesses who said, “This man is always uttering blasphemies against this holy place and [against] the law. 14We have even heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs

Or “the Name” The Hellenists were Jewish converts to the Church who used Greek language and culture. They were either proselytes (Greeks who had converted to Judaism, then Christianity) or of Hebrew descent. c Greek “him” b

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which Moses delivered to us!” 15All the members of the council gazed at Stephena and saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

7 Stephen’s discourse The high priest asked, “Are these things so?” 2Stephen

answered, “Brothersb and fathers, hear me! The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was [still] in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. 3And God said to him, ‘Leave your land and your relatives, and come into a land which I will show you.’c 4This is how Abraham came out of the land of the Chaldaeans and lived in Haran. From there, when his father was dead, God moved him into this land, where you are now living. 5He gave Abraham no inheritance in this land, no, not so much as to set his foot on it. But God had promised that he and his descendantsd would possess this land, even when Abraham was still without child. 6God spoke in this way: that Abraham’s descendants would live as aliens in a foreign land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. 7‘I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,’ said God, ‘and after that [time], they will they come out and offer divine servicee to me in this place.’f 8God also gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. Then Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob became the father of the Twelve patriarchs. 9Filled

with jealousy against Joseph, the patriarchs sold him into Egypt, but God was with him. 10He delivered Josephg from all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh appointed him governor over Egypt and his entire house. 11Now, a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, along with great suffering, and our fathersh could not find any food. 12But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers on a first visit. 13On their second visit, Joseph was revealed to his brothers and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. 14Joseph sent [a message] and called his father Jacob as well as all his relatives (seventy-five souls). 15So Jacob went down into

Greek “him” Or “brethren” c Genesis 12:1 d Literally “seed” e Greek latreu,sousi,n f Genesis 15:13-14 g Greek “him” h Or “ancestors” b

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Egypt where he died, along with our fathers. 16Later, they were brought back to Shechem and laid in the tomb that Abraham had purchased for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem. 17As

the time of the promise which God had sworn to Abraham came close, the people were growing and multiplying in Egypt. 18Then, a different king, one who did not know Joseph, came to power there. 19This king took advantage of our race and mistreated our fathers, forcing them to abandon their babies, so that they would not stay alive. 20At that time, Moses was born, and he was pleasing to God. For three months, he was nourished in his father’s house; 21and when he was thrown out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and raised him as her own son. 22Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and he was powerful in his words and actions. 23But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel. 24Seeing one of them treated unjustly, he defended and avenged a man who was oppressed, striking the Egyptian. 25He supposed that his brethren would understand that God, by his hand, was giving them deliverance;a but they did not understand. 26The

following day, Moses presented himself to them as they are quarreling and urged them to be at peace again, saying: ‘Men, you are brothers! Why do you wrong each other?’ 27But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses away, saying: ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28Do you want to kill me, as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?’b 29When he heard this, Moses fled and became a stranger in the land of Midian, where he became the father of two sons. 30When

forty years were fulfilled, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31When Moses saw it, he wonderedc at the sight. As he came close to see, a voice of the Lord came to him, [saying], 32‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’d Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33The Lord said to him, ‘Take your sandals off of your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. 34I have indeed seen the affliction of my people in Egypt and heard their groaning. I have come down to deliver them. Now come, I will send you into Egypt.’e 35This

Moses, whom they had rejected by saying: ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—God sent as both a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36Having worked wonders and

The Greek word swthri,an also means “salvation” Exodus 2:14 c Or “was amazed” d Exodus 3:6 e Exodus 3:5,7-8,10 b

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signs in Egypt, this man led them out in the Red Sea and in the wilderness for forty years. 37It is that [same] Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord our God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers; you shall listen to him.a’b 38It is this Moses who was in the assemblyc in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers, receiving living oracles to give to us. 39But our fathers would not be obedient to him; they rejected him and in their hearts, turned back to Egypt. 40They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods that will go before us! As for this Moses who led us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’d 41They made a calf in those days and brought a sacrifice to the idol, rejoicing in the works of their hands. 42But God turned [away] and gave them up to offer divine service to the host of heaven,e as it is written in the book of the prophets: ‘Did you offer me slain animals and sacrifices [during the] forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 You took up the tabernacle of Moloch, the star of your god Rephan, the figures to which you expressed adoration. f [Therefore] I will carry you awayg beyond Babylon.’ 44Our

fathers had the tabernacle of the testimony in the wilderness which the one who had spoken to Moses had commanded him to build according to the pattern that he had seen. 45It was handed down to our fathers, and in turn, they brought it with Joshua when they entered into the possession of the nations which God drove out before the face of our fathers. This tabernacle was there to the days of David, 46who found favor in the sight of God, and who prayed to find a habitation for the God of Jacob. 47Yet, it was Solomon who built him a house. 48However, the Most High does not dwell in places made with hands, as the prophet says: ‘Heaven is my throne, and the earth is a footstool for my feet. What kind of house will you build for me?’ says the Lord; ‘or what is the place of my rest? 50 Did not my hand make all these things?’h 49

CT and MT omit “You shall listen to him” Deuteronomy 18:15 c Or “Church / congregation” d Exodus 32:1 e This idiom could also be translated “armies of the sky,” “angelic beings,” or “heavenly bodies.” f proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) g Amos 5:25-27 LXX h Isaias (Isaiah) 66:1-2 b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 51You

stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resista the Holy Spirit! As your fathers did, you do likewise. 52Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? They [even] killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One, of whom you have now become betrayers and murderers. 53You received the law as it was ordained by angels, and did not keep it!” Stephen’s martyrdom – His vision 54Now,

when they heard these things, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. 56He exclaimed, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!” 57At

this, they shouted with a loud voice, blocking their ears, and rushed at him with one accord. 58So they threw him out of the city and stoned him. The witnesses placed their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. 59As they were stoning Stephen, he called in prayer, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”b 60Kneeling down, he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” Having said this, he fell asleep.

8 Persecution against the Church Now, Saul was in full agreement with Stephen’sc death. At that time, a great persecution arose against the Church which was in Jerusalem. The disciplesd were all scattered abroad throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except for the apostles. 2Devout men buried Stephen and greatly lamented over him. 3In the meantime, Saul was ravaging the Church, entering into every house and dragging both men and women off to prison. Philip in Samaria – Simon the sorcerer 4As

a result, those who had been scattered abroad began to travel around, preaching the word. 5Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed Christ to them. 6When the people heard and saw the signs which Philip was accomplishing, they agreed to listen to what he was preaching. 7(Indeed, unclean spirits were expelled from many of those who had them, and they came out shouting with a loud voice. Many who had been paralyzed and lame were healed, 8and there was great joy in that city). a

Or “resist / fight against” This may be the first recorded instance of a prayer addressed directly to Jesus Christ as the Risen Lord. c Greek “his” d Greek “they” b

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9But

there was a certain man, Simon by name, who used to practice sorcery in the city. He amazed the people of Samaria, claiming to be a great one, 10and all listened to him, from the least to the greatest. They said, “This man is the power of God, of the great kind!” 11People listened to him because for a long time, he had amazed them with his sorceries. 12But when they believed Philip [who was] preaching the Good News concerning the Kingdom of God and the Name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself also believed and after his baptism, he followed Philip closely. Seeing that signs and great miracles were taking place, he was amazed. 14Now,

when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15When they arrived, they prayed for the people,a so that they might receive [the]b Holy Spirit 16because the Holy Spiritc had not yet come upon any of them. (They had only been baptized in the Name of Christ Jesus). 17Then, Peter and Johnd laid their hands on them, and they received [the] Holy Spirit. 18Now, when Simon saw that the e Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19saying, “Give me also this power, so that whoever I lay my hands on may receive [the]f Holy Spirit!” 20But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this {ministry} because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness of yours and ask God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23Indeed, I see that you are in the poison of bitterness and in the bondage of wickedness!” 24Simon

answered, “Pray for me to the Lord, that none of the things which you have spoken [may] happen to me.”

25After

Peter and John had borne witness and spoken the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and {on their way} preached the Good News in many villages of the Samaritans.

Greek “them” The Greek actually uses the indefinite, which means that the most literal translation would be “receive a h/Holy s/Spirit” c Greek “he” or “it” d Greek “they” e CT omits “Holy” f The Greek actually uses the indefinite, which means that the most literal and accurate translation would be “receive a h/Holy s/Spirit” b

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Philip and the Ethiopian 26Then,

an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south, to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza. This is a desert.”

27So

Philip arose and went; and behold, there was a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He was in charge of all her treasure and had come to Jerusalem to express adoration.a 28He was returning and sitting in his chariot, reading the prophet Isaias (Isaiah).

29The

Spirit said to Philip, “Go near, and join yourself to this chariot.”

30Philip

ran to the eunuch and heard him reading Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet. He asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?”

31The

man replied, “How can I, unless someone explains it to me?” He then begged Philip to come up and sit with him. 32Now, the passage of the Scripture which he was reading was this: He was led as a sheep to the slaughter. As a lamb before his shearer is silent, so he does not open his mouth. In his humiliation, his judgment was taken away. Who will declare His generation? For his life is taken from the earth.b 34The

eunuch asked Philip, “Who is the prophet talking about? About himself, or about someone else?” 35Then

Philip opened his mouth, and beginning from this Scripture, he proclaimed {the Good News about} Jesus to this man. 36As they went on the way, they arrived to [a place with] some water, and the eunuch said, “Behold, here is water! What is keeping me from being baptized?” 37Philip

said, ‘If you believe with all your heart, you may.’ The man answered, ‘I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God!’c 38He commanded the chariot to stand still, and both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him.

39When

they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord snatched Philip away. The eunuch did not see him any more and went on his way rejoicing. 40But Philip was found at Azotus. Passing through [that area], he preached the Good News to all the cities, until he reached Caesarea.

proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b Isaias (Isaiah) 53:7,8 LXX, read at the Prokomede (preparation of the gifts before Liturgy). c CT and MT omit this verse which is found in PT and TR.

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9 Road to Damascus: Saul’s conversion and baptism But Saul, still breathing threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest. 2He asked him for letters to the synagogues of Damascus, [giving permission] that if he found anyone who belonged to ‘the Way,’ whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3As Saul was on his journey and approaching Damascus, a light from heavena suddenly shone around him. 4He fell on the earth and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5He

asked, “Who are you, Lord?”

The Lord answered, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.b 6Now arise, go into the city, and [there] you will be told what you must do.” 7The

men who were travelling with Saulc stood speechless, hearing the sound, but seeing no one. 8Saul got up from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he could not see anyone. His fellow-travelers led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9Saul was without sight for three days, and he neither ate nor drank.

10Now,

a certain disciple named Ananias lived in Damascus. In a vision, the Lord said to him, “Ananias!” Ananias answered, “Behold, it is me, Lord!”

11The

Lord said to him, “Arise, and go to the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judahd for someone named Saul, a man of Tarsus. For behold, he is praying, 12and in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and laying his hands on him, so that he might receive his sight.” 13But

Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard about this man from many, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. 14Here, he has authority from the chief priests to bind all those who call upon your Name!”

15But

the Lord said to him, “Be on your way, for he is my chosen vessel to bear my Name before nations and kings, and to the children of Israel. 16For I will show him how much he must suffer for my Name’s sake.”

Or “from the sky” TR adds “It is hard for you to kick against the goads” and inserts at the beginning of verse 6: “So he [Saul] trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do you want me to do? Then the Lord said to him” c Greek “him” d Or “Judas” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 17Ananias

departed and entered into the house. Laying his hands on Saul, he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me, so that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit!” 18At once, something like scales fell from Saul’sa eyes, and he received his sight. He arose and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he was strengthened. After staying for several days with the disciples who were at Damascus, immediately went in the synagogues to proclaim that Christ is the Son of God. 21All who heard him were amazed, and asked, “Is this not the man who did such damage in Jerusalem to those who called on this Name? And had he not come here intending to bring them bound before the chief priests?”

20Saul

22But

Saul grew even more in strength and confounded the Jews who lived at Damascus by proving that [Jesus]b is the Christ. Saul escapes Damascus - In Jerusalem

23After

some time, the Jews conspired to kill Saul,c 24but their plot became known to him. Day and night, they watched the gates in order to be able to kill Saul,d 25but his disciples took him by night, and let him down through the wall, lowering him in a basket. 26When Saul arrived in Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he {truly} was a disciple. 27Nevertheless, Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. Saul told them how he had seen the Lord on the way, that the Lord had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had boldly preached in the Name of Jesus. 28So Saule stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus.f 29He talked and debated with the Hellenists,g but they tried to kill him. 30When the brethren became aware of this, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him off to Tarsus.

Greek “his” Greek “this” c Greek “him” d Greek “him” e Greek “he” f CT omits “Jesus” g See note for 6:1 b

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Peace – Peter’s miracles: Aeneas and Tabitha/Dorcas 31And

so, the Churchesa throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and were edified. Walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they continued to grow.

32Now,

as Peter was traveling through all those regions, he also came down to [visit] the saints who lived in Lydda. 33There, he found a certain man named Aeneas, who was paralyzed and who had been bedridden for eight years. 34Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you! Get up and make your bed!” And immediately, he arose. 35All who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord. 36Now,

there lived in Joppa a certain disciple named Tabitha, (which, when translated means Gazelle).b This woman was full of good works and acts of mercy. 37But it happened that at this time, she became ill and died. She was washed and placed in an upper room. 38As Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, imploring him, ‘Do not to delay in coming to help us!” 39So Peter arose and went with them. When he arrived, the disciples led him into the upper room. All the widows stood by him weeping, showing [to Peter] the coats and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40But having put everyone out [of the room], Peter knelt down and began to pray. Turning towards the body, he said, “Tabitha, get up!” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41Then Peter gave her his hand and raised her up. Calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. 43After this, Peterc stayed in Joppa for a while, lodging with Simon, a tanner.

10 Cornelius receives a vision Now, there was a certain man in Caesarea whose named was Cornelius. He was a centurion of what was called the Italian Regiment, 2a devout man who feared God with his entire household. He gave generous alms to the people and always prayed to God. 3At about the ninth hour of the day,d he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him, and saying to him, “Cornelius!” a

Other ancient manuscripts read “Church” (singular), which has some ecclesiological importance. The reading offered in the main text (TR, MT, PT) is the most consistent with Orthodox ecclesiology and with the second part of the verse. See Appendix B. b “Dorcas” is Greek for “Gazelle” c Greek “he” d 3:00 pm

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 4Gazing

at the angel and being quite alarmed, Cornelius said, “What is it,

Lord?” The angel replied, “Your prayers and alms have ascended as a memorial before God. 5Now, send men to Joppa, and get Simon who is called Peter. 6He is staying with a certain Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside.”a 7When

the angel who had spoken to him had departed, Cornelius called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. 8Having explained everything to them, he sent them to Joppa.

Peter receives a vision, travels to Caesarea 9Now,

on the next day, as they were on their way and approached the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about noon. 10He became hungry and desired to eat, but while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11He saw heavenb opened and something like a great sheet let down on the earth by four corners and descending to him. 12In it were all kinds of four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, reptiles, and birds of the sky. 13Then a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter, kill and eat!” 14But

Peter said, “Not so, Lord! I have never eaten anything that is profane or unclean!”

15Again,

a second time, the voice spoke to him, “What God has cleansed, you must not call unclean.” 16This happened three times, and immediately the vesselc was taken up into heaven. 17As Peter was very perplexed regarding the meaning of the vision, behold, the men who had been sent by Cornelius found where Simon’s house was and stood at the gate. 18They called and asked whether Simon, who was called Peter, was lodging there. 19While Peter was pondering the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, threed men are looking for you. 20Arise and go downstairs! Accompany them without hesitation, for I have sent them.” 21Peter

went down to [meet] the men and said, “Behold, I am the one you are looking for! Why have you come?”

22They

replied, “Cornelius, a centurion, a righteous man and one who fears God, someone well spoken of by all the nation of the Jews, was directed by a holy angel to invite you to his house and to listen to what you say.” 23Then Peter invited them in and gave them lodging. On the next day, Peter arose and went out with them, and some of the brethren from Joppa

TR adds “This one will tell you what it is necessary for you to do.” Or “the sky” c Or “container / object” d MT omits “three” b

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accompanied him. 24The following day, they entered into Caesarea. Cornelius was waiting for them, having called together his relatives and close friends. 25When Peter entered, Cornelius met him, fell down at his feet, and expressed adoration toa him. 26But Peter raised him up, saying, “Stand up! I am also a man!” 27As he talked with Cornelius, he went in and found many people assembled. 28Peter said to them, “You yourselves know that it is unlawful for a Jew to associate with or visit someone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call anyone profane or unclean. 29Therefore, I have come without complaint when I was sent for. And so, I ask, why did you send for me?” 30Cornelius

replied, “Four days ago, I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour,b I was praying in my house. And behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing, 31and he said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer is heard, and your alms are remembered in the sight of God. 32Therefore, send [messengers] to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is staying in the house of Simon a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he will speak to you.’ 33And so, I sent for you at once, and it was good of you to come! Now, we are all here present in the sight of God to hear everything that God has commanded you.” Peter’s speech – Cornelius and his household are baptized 34Peter

opened his mouth and said, “Truly, I perceive that God does not show favoritism;c 35but in every nation, whoever fears himd and works righteousness is acceptable to him. 36God sent his word to the children of Israel, and the Good News of peace was preached by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all. 37You know what happened since the Good News was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after baptism was preached by John. 38You know how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with [the]e Holy Spirit and with power, how Jesusf went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. 39We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They put him to death, hanging him on a tree, 40but God raised him up the third day and allowed him to be seen. 41Yet, he was not manifest to all the people but [only] to witnesses who were chosen beforehand by God, that is to us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one a

proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b 3:00 pm c Or “discrimination / partiality,” “God is not a respecter of persons” d Or perhaps “who is awed by him” e The Greek actually uses the indefinite f Greek “he”

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who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. 43It is to him that all the prophets bear witness: that through his Name, everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.” 44While

Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45The believers who had come with Peter and who were of the circumcision were amazed because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46Indeed, they heard them speaking in other languagesa and magnifying God. At this, Peter said, 47“Can anyone refuse the water to these people, seeing that they have received the Holy Spirit as well as we had, and say that they should not be baptized?” 48He then ordered that they be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. After this, they asked him to stay for a few days.

11 Peter returns to Jerusalem – He explains his actions in Caesarea Now, the apostles and the brethren who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2When Peter returned to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision criticized him, 3saying, “You went into the house of uncircumcised people and ate with them!” 4But

Peter began to speak and explained things to them in order: 5“I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision: a certain container like a great sheet was let down from heaven by four corners, descending and coming down as far as me. 6When I had looked intently at it and examined [it], I saw the four-footed animals of the earth, wild animals, creeping things, and birds of the sky. 7I also heard a voice saying to me, ‘Rise, Peter, kill and eat!’ 8But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing profane or unclean has ever entered into my mouth!’ 9But a voice out of heaven answered me the second time, ‘What God has cleansed, do not call unclean!’ 10This was done three times, and everything was drawn back into heaven. 11At that very moment, three men stood before the house where I was staying, having been sent to me from Caesarea. 12The Spirit told me to go with them, without discriminating. These six brothersb also accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. 13He told us how he had seen the angel standing in his house, and saying to him, ‘Send [messengers] to Joppa, and get Simon, who is called Peter. 14He will speak to you the words by which you will be saved, you and your entire household.’ 15As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell upon them, even as on us at the beginning. 16I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said,

a b

Or “tongues” Or “brethren”

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‘John indeed baptized in water, but you will be baptized in the Holy Spirit.’ 17And so, if God gave them the same gift that he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to oppose God?” 18When

they heard these things, they held their peace and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles the repentance [which produces] life!” In Antioch – Agabus announces a famine

19Now,

those who had been scattered abroad by the oppression that arose in connection with Stephen had traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, and they were only proclaiming the word to Jews. 20But some of them, men of Cyprus and Cyrene, spoke to the Greeks and preached the Lord Jesus when they arrived in Antioch. 21The hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22News of these things came to the ears of the Church which was in Jerusalem. So, they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. 23When he arrived and saw the grace of God, he rejoiced. He encouraged them all to remain close to the Lord with a resolute heart. 24Indeed, Barnabas was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and many people were added to the Lord. 25Then

Barnabas went out to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year, they assembled with the Church and taught many people. The disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27Now,

in these days, prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. of them, named Agabus, stood up and predicted through the Spirit that a great famine would take place all over the world; and it happened in the days of Claudius.a 29According to their ability, each one of the disciples determined to send relief to the brethren who lived in Judea. 30This is indeed what they did, sending their gift to the presbyters through the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

28One

12 Herod’s persecution – James is martyred About that time, King Herod took actions to oppress some of the [members of the] Church. 2He had James, the brother of John, killed with the sword. 3When Herodb saw that it pleased the Jews, he went on to arrest Peter as well. (This was during the days of unleavened bread). 4After arresting Peter, he put him in prison and delivered him to four squads of

a b

Tiberius Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus or Claudius I (10 BC–54 AD). Compare Revelation 6:6 Greek “he”

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

four soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him out to the people after the Passover. 5And so, Peter was kept in the prison, but constant prayer was made by the Church to God for him. 6The same night, when Herod was about to bring him out, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, while guards in front of the door were keeping watch over the prison. 7Suddenly,

an angel of the Lord stood by him, and a light shone in the cell. Stricking Peter on the side, he woke Peter up, saying, “Stand up quickly!”, and Peter’s chains fell off from his hands. 8The angel said to him, “Get dressed and put on your sandals!” and Petera did so. Then the angel said, “Put on your cloak and follow me!” 9Peter went out and followed the angel, but he did not realize that what was being done by the angel was real,b thinking that he was seeing a vision. 10When they were past the first and second guard, they arrived at the iron gate which leads into the city, and it opened to them by itself. Having gone through, they went down one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11When

Peter came to himself, he exclaimed, “Now I truly know that the Lord has sent out his angel and delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all that the Jewish people were expecting.” 12After pondering on this, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other namec was Mark, where many were gathered together and praying. 13When Peter knocked at the outer gate, a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer. 14When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she did not open the door! Instead, she ran in and announced that Peter was standing in front of the gate. 15But

they said to her, “You are crazy!” When she insisted that it was so, they said, “It is his angel!” 16Meanwhile Peter continued knocking. When they opened [the door], they saw him and were amazed. 17But he motioned them with his hand to be silent and told them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. He said, “Tell these things to James,d and to the brethren.” Then he departed, and went to another place. 18As

soon as it was day, there was no small commotion among the soldiers over what had become of Peter. 19When Herod had Peter looked for and could not find him, he interrogated the guards and ordered that they should be put to death. Meanwhile, Peter went down from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

Greek “he” Greek avlhqe,j c See verse 24 and note d This is the first reference to “James” as leader of the Church in Jerusalem. The identity of this “James” with James of Alphaeus and the title of “brother of the Lord” are discussed in Appendix E. b

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Herod’s death 20At

that time, Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. With one accord, they came to him, and, having befriended Blastus (the king’s personal aide), they asked for peace because their country depended on the king’s country for food. 21On an appointed day, Herod dressed himself in royal clothing, sat on the throne, and gave a speech to them. 22The people shouted, “The voice of a god,a not of a man!” 23Immediately, an angel of the Lord struck him, because he did not give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms and died. Barnabas and Saul – First travels 24Meanwhile,

the word of God grew and multiplied. 25After completing their service, Barnabas and Saul returned fromb Jerusalem, and they also took with them John whose other namec was Mark.

13 Now, in the Church that was at Antioch, there were some prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen the foster brother of Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2As they were liturgizingd to the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” 3Then,

after fasting and praying, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saule and sent them on their way. 4Being sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and from there sailed to Cyprus. 5When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues, with John as their attendant. 6After going through the island to Paphos, they met a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew, whose name was Bar Jesus. 7He was with the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. Being an intelligent man, the proconsul called Barnabas and Saul in order to hear the word of God. 8However, Elymas the sorcerer (this is his name when translated) opposed them, seeking to turn the proconsul away from the faith. 9But filled with the Holy Spirit, Saul (who is also called Paul), fixed his eyes on Elymasf 10and said, “You are full of all [kinds of] deceit and cunning, you son of the devil and enemy of all righteousness! Will you not stop perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is against you! You will be blind, unable to see the sun for a season!” a

Greek Qeou/ fwnh. TR agrees with PT. CT and MT have “from” c Or “surname / nickname / usual name” d Greek leitourgou,ntwn e Greek “them” f Greek “him” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

At once, mist and darkness fell upon Elymasa, and he began to grope around seeking someone to lead him by the hand. 12When the proconsul saw what had taken place, he believed and was amazed by the teaching of the Lord. 13Now,

Paul and his company set sail from Paphos to Perga in Pamphylia where John left them to return to Jerusalem. 14Continuing from Perga, they came to Antioch of Pisidia. There, they went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day and sat down [to listen]. 15After the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent them a message, “Brethren, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, speak!” Paul speaks in a synagogue

16So

Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and said, “Men of Israel and you [Gentiles] who fear God, listen! 17The God of this people Israel chose our fathers and made the people prosper when they lived as aliens in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm, he led them out of it. 18For a period of about forty years, he put up with them in the wilderness. 19After destroying seven nations in the land of Canaan, Godb gave them their land as an inheritance, and this took about four hundred fifty years. 20After this, he gave them judges until Samuel the prophet. 21Then they asked for a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin [who ruled] for forty years. 22After removing him, Godc raised up David to be their king, even bearing witness to him, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my heart, who will do all my will.’ 23From this man’s seed, God has brought salvationd to Israel, according to his promise. 24This was before the coming of Jesus,e when John first preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25As John was completing his work, he said, ‘Who do you suppose that I am? I am not he! But behold, one comes after me whose sandalsf I am unworthy to untie.’ 26Brethren, children of the line of Abraham, and those among you [Gentiles] who fear God, this messageg of salvation has been sent to you! 27Indeed, those who live in Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize him or the voices of the prophets which are read every Sabbath. Still, by condemning him, they fulfilled the prophets! 28Although they could find no cause for his execution, they asked Pilate to have Jesush killed. 29After fulfilling all the a

Greek “him” Greek “he” c Greek “he” d TR and CT read “a Savior, Jesus” instead of “salvation.” MT agrees with PT. e Greek “his coming” f Greek “the sandal of {his} feet” g Or “word” h Greek “him” b

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things that were written about him, they took him down from the tree, and laid him in a tomb. 30But God raised him from the dead, 31and he was seen for many days by those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are his witnesses to the people. 32And now, we bring you the Good News that the promise made to the fathers has come about: 33God has fulfilled it for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is also written in the second psalm: ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your father.’a 34That

God raised him up from the dead to never again return to corruption, he has declared in these words: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’b 35Therefore, he also says in another psalm, ‘You will not allow your holy one to see decay.’c 36Then, after having in his own generation served God’s purpose, David fell asleep. He was laid with his fathers and saw decay. 37But he whom God raised up did not see decay! 38Therefore, may you know, brethren, that through this man the remission of sins is proclaimed to you! 39By him, everyone who believes is justifiedd from all things, things from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40Beware therefore, for fear that what is spoken in the prophets may come on you: ‘Behold, you scoffers, be amazed, and perish! For in your days, I [shall] accomplish a work, which you will not believe, even if one would proclaim it to you.’e 42And

so, as Paul and Barnabasf were leaving the synagogue of the Jews, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath.g 43Now, when the congregation was dismissed, many Jews and devout proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas who spoke to them and encouraged them to persevere in the grace of God. 44The next Sabbath, almost the entire city was gathered to hear the word of God! 45But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with jealousy and contradicted what Paul said with insults.h

Psalm 2:7 Isaias (Isaiah) 55:3 c Psalm 16:10 / 15 LXX d Greek dikaiou/tai e Habakkuk 1:5 f Greek “they” g Text is uncertain – another possible reading is “As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath” (RSV). h Or “and blasphemed” b

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Turning to the Gentiles 46Then

Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly, saying, “It was necessary that God’s word should be spoken to you first. But since you are rejecting it and consider yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles! 47For this is what the Lord has commanded us, saying: ‘I have set you as a light for the Gentiles, So that you should bring salvation to the uttermost parts of the earth.’a

48When

the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of God, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed. 49Thus, the Lord’s word was spread throughout the entire region. 50But the Jews stirred up the devout and prominent women as well as the leading men of the city. They instigated a persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their borders. 51So the apostlesb shook off the dust of their feet against these people and went to Iconium. 52And the disciples were filled with joy with the Holy Spirit.

14 In Iconium and Lystra In Iconium, both Paul and Barnabas entered into the synagogue of the Jews. They spoke in such a way that a great multitude of both Jews and Greeks believed. 2But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up and poisoned the souls of the Gentiles against the brethren. 3Therefore, Paul and Barnabas stayed there for a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord. Moreover, the Lord bore witness to the wordc of his grace,d granting that signs and wonders be done by their hands. 4However, the city was divided. Some sided with the Jews, and some with the apostles. 5Then, a group of Gentiles and Jews, along with their leaders, plotted to attack and stone them. 6But Paul and Barnabas became aware of it and fled to the cities of Lycaonia, Lystra, Derbe, and to the surrounding region. 7There, they continued to preach the Good News. 8At

Lystra, there was a certain man sitting without strength in his feet. He was a cripple from his mother’s womb and he had never walked. 9He was listening to Paul speak when Paul fixed his eyes on him. Seeing that the man had faith to be healed, 10Paul said with a loud voice, “Stand up on your feet!” And the man jumped up and began to walk. 11When the people saw

Isaias (Isaiah) 49:6 Greek “they” c Or “message / proclamation” d Greek ca,ritoj (“underserved or gratuitous kindness or mercy) b

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what Paul had done, they lifted up their voice, shouting in the language of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12They called Barnabas “Jupiter” and Paul “Mercury,” because he was the chief speaker. 13The priest of Jupiter, whose temple was in front of their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and they wanted to offer a sacrifice along with the crowd. 14But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed into the crowd, crying out, 15“Friends, why are you doing these things? We are men just like you, bringing you the Good News so that you should turn away from these vain things toward the living God who made the heaven,a the earth and the sea, and all that is in them. 16In past generations, he allowed all the nations to walk in their own ways. 17However, he did not leave himself without witness: he did good and gave you rains from the sky as well as fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18Even

by saying these things, they could hardly prevent the multitudes from offering a sacrifice to them. 19Then, some Jews from Antioch and Iconium arrived and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking that he was dead. 20But as the disciples stood around him, he got up and returned into the city. On the next day, he and Barnabas left for Derbe. Return to Antioch 21After

preaching the Good News to that city and having made many disciples, they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch. 22They strengthened the souls of the disciples and exhorted them to continue in the faith, [saying] that “we must go through many afflictions to enter the Kingdom of God.” 23After appointing presbyters for them in every Church, with prayer and fasting, Paul and Barnabas committed them to the Lord in whom they placed their trust. 24They

passed through Pisidia and arrived in Pamphylia. 25After preaching the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. 26From there, they sailed to Antioch from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work which they had now fulfilled. 27When they arrived, they gathered the Church and reported all that God had accomplished with them, and that he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. 28They stayed there with the disciples for some time.

Or “sky”

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

15 The council in Jerusalem Then, certain men came down from Judea {to Antioch} and taught the brothers,a “Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved!” 2As a result, Paul and Barnabas had no small dispute and controversy with them. Therefore, the brethren appointed Paul, Barnabas and some of their own to go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and presbyters regarding this question. 3Having been sent on their way by the Church,b they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, relating the conversion of the Gentiles and causing great joy to all the brethren. 4When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were received by the Church, the apostles and the presbyters, and they reported all that God had accomplished with them. 5However,

some believers from the sect of the Pharisees arose and said, “It is necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses!”

6The

apostles and the presbyters gathered together to discuss this matter. there had been much discussion, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brethren, you know that some time ago, God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the nations should hear the word of the Good News and believe. 8God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as he had done to us. 9He made no distinction between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10And now, why do you put God to the test by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples, one which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? 11But we believe that we are saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus,c just as they are.” 7When

12At

this, the whole multitude kept silence. They listened to Barnabas and Paul report what signs and wonders God had accomplished among the nations through them. 13When they had finished, James said, “Brethren, listen to me! 14Simeon has reported how God first showed concern towards the Gentiles in order to take from them a people for his Name. 15This agrees with the words of the prophets. As it is written: ‘After these things I will return. I will again build the tabernacle of David, which has fallen. I will again build its ruins. I will set it up, So that the rest of the people may seek after the Lord; a

Or “brethren,” but in this context addressed to men only The Church of Antioch c TR adds “Christ” b

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All the Gentiles who are called by my Name, Says the Lord, who does all these things.a All his works are known to God from eternity.’ 19Therefore,

I judgeb that we should not trouble those who turn to God from among the Gentiles. 20Instead, we should write to them to abstain from the pollution of idols, from sexual immorality, from what is strangled, and from blood. 21For from generations of old, Moses has had in every city those who preach him, being read every Sabbath in the synagogues.” The letter from Jerusalem – Envoys are sent to Antioch 22Then

it seemed good to the apostles and the presbyters, along with the whole Church, to choose some of their own men and to send them to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas: Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, [who were] leading men among the brethren. 23Through their hands,c they wrote:

“The apostles, the presbyters, and the brethren; to the brethren who are of the Gentiles in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: greetings! 24We have heard that some who went out from us have troubled you with words and unsettled your souls by saying: ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law,’ although they had no such commission from us. 25Having assembled with one accord, it has seemed good to us to select men and to send them to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26men who have risked their lives for the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27Therefore, we have sent Judas and Silas, who will also tell you the same things by word of mouth. 28It has seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to impose no greater burden on you than what is necessary: 29that you abstain from things sacrificed to idols,d from blood,e from the meat of strangled animals and from sexual immorality. If you abstain from these things, it will be well with you. Farewell!” 30Accordingly,

the men were sent off and arrived in Antioch where they gathered the community and delivered the letter. 31The people read it and rejoiced over the encouragement. 32Judas and Silas (who were also prophets) encouraged the brethren with many words and strengthened them. 33After spending some time there, they were sent back with greetings from the brethren to the apostles. 34(But it seemed good to Silas

Amos 9:11-12 evgw. kri,nw can have a strong sense (“I decree”) or a mild one (“I think / I consider”) c It is unclear whether the delivery or redaction of the letter was done through the hands of the envoys. d Compare Revelation 2:20 e Compare Genesis 9:4 – this prohibition is maintained in the Orthodox Church (Apostolic Canons, canon 63; Council in Trullo, canon 67) b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

to remain there). 35Paul and Barnabas stayed in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord with many others. Parting of ways between Paul and Barnabas 36After

some time, Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us revisit our brethren in every city where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing!” 37Barnabas planned to take John (who was called Mark) along with them. 38However, Paul did not think that it was a good idea to take with them someone who had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. 39Then, the disagreement became so intense that they separated from each other. Barnabas took Mark with him and sailed away to Cyprus. 40But Paul chose Silas and having been entrusted by the brethren to the grace of God, they departed. 41Paul went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the Churches.

16 About Timothy Paul then came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple named Timothy lived there. He was the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. 2This disciple was well spoken of by the brethren who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3Paul wanted to have Timothy along on the journey, so he had him circumcised because of the Jews who were in those parts, since all knew that his father was a Greek. 4As they went on their way through the cities, they delivered to the brethrena the decisions which had been ordained by the apostles and presbyters who were at Jerusalem, so that they might obey. 5As a result, the Churches were strengthened in the faith and increased in number every day. Paul’s vision – To Macedonia 6After

going through the region of Phrygia and Galatia, they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia. 7When they arrived to the border of Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia but the Spirit did not allow them. 8So they passed by Mysia and came down to Troas. 9During the night, a vision appeared to Paul: a man of Macedonia was standing, begging him, and saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us!” 10After Paul had seen the vision, we immediately tried to cross over to Macedonia, concluding that the Lord had called us to preach the Good News to them.

Greek “them”

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To Greece 11Having

set sail from Troas, we made a straight course to Samothrace, and the following day to Neapolis. 12From there, we sailed to Philippi which is a city of Macedonia, the foremost of the district and a Roman colony. We stayed for some time in this city. 13On

the Sabbath day, we went outside the city by a riverside where we expected that there would be a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women who had gathered there. 14A certain woman heard us: one named Lydia, a seller of purple [cloth], from the city of Thyatira. She feareda God and the Lord opened her heart to listen to what Paul was saying. 15When she and her household were baptized, she begged us, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay!” And so, she persuaded us. An exorcism – Paul and Silas arrested 16As

we were going to prayer, it happened that we encountered a certain girl who had a spirit of divination and who produced much profit to her masters by fortune telling. 17As she followed Paul and us, she cried out, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who proclaim to us a way of salvation!” 18And she did this for many days. But Paul, becoming greatly annoyed, turned back and said to the spirit, “In the Name of Jesus Christ, I order you to come out of her!” And the spirit came out that very moment. 19When her masters saw that the hope of their gain was gone, they seized Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. 20Having brought them to the magistrates, they said, “These Jewish men are causing unrest in our city! 21They teach customs which it is not lawful for us Romans to accept or observe!” 22When

the crowd also rose up against them, the magistrates had them stripped and flogged. 23After giving them a severe flogging, the magistrates had them thrown into prison, ordering the jailer to keep them securely. 24Having received such a command, he threw them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks. 25But

when it was about midnight, Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. 26Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, so violent that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once, all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were loosened. 27The jailer, awaken from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, began to draw his sword and he was about to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had escaped. 28But Paul cried with a loud voice, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here!” a

Greek sebome,nh

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 29Having

asked for lights, the jailer rushed in and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. 30He brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31They

answered, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved, you and your household!” 32Then they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all those who were in his household. 33Late

as it was, the jailer washed their wounds and was immediately baptized, he and his entire household. 34He took them into his house and set food before them. He was filled with joy for believing in God, along with his entire household.

35But

when day came, the magistrates sent the sergeants with the order, “Let those men go.”

36The

jailer reported these words to Paul, saying, “The magistrates have sent word to let you go! Now you may come out and go in peace.”

37But

Paul said to the sergeants,a “They have beaten us in public, without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and you have thrown us into prison! And now they want to release us in secret? No indeed! Let them come themselves and bring us out!” 38The

sergeants reported these words to the magistrates, and hearing that Paul and Silasb were Romans, they became afraid. 39Therefore, they came and pleaded with them. When they had escorted them out, the officials asked them to leave the city. 40So, they left the prison and went to Lydia’s house where they met the brethren and encouraged them. Then, they departed.

17 Paul in Thessalonica After passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, Paul and Silas arrived in Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue. 2As was his custom, Paul gave them his attention and for three Sabbath days, he reasoned with them from the Scriptures. 3He explained and showed that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, saying, “This Jesus whom I proclaim to you is the Christ.” 4Some

of the Jewsc were convinced and joined Paul and Silas, together with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and not a few of the leading women.

Greek “them” Greek “they” c Greek “them” b

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5But

the unconvinceda Jews took along some wicked men from the marketplace, gathered a crowd and set the city in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people. 6But not finding them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city officials, shouting, “These people who have turned the world upside down have also come here, 7and Jason has received them! All of them act in opposition to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus!” 8The multitude and the city officials were troubled when they heard these things. 9After receiving a bond from Jason and the others, they let them go. In Beroea – Praise of the Beroeans 10At

once, the brethren sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

11Now,

the Beroeansb were more open-mindedc than the people of Thessalonica: they received the word with great eagerness of mind and examined the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were true. 12As a result, many of them believed, as well as some Greek women of high standing, and a fair number of Greek men. 13But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God at Beroea, they came there to stir up the crowds. 14Then, the brethren immediately led Paul away to the coast,d while Silas and Timothy remained there. 15But those who escorted Paul took him as far as Athens, and they left instructions for Silas and Timothy that they should join Paul very quickly. Then, they departed. In Athens – Paul’s speech at the Areopagus 16Now,

as Paul was in Athens waiting for them, his spirit was greatly distressed to see that the city was full of idols. 17And so, he began to debate in the synagogue with the Jews and the [Gentile] God-fearers, and every day in the marketplace with the people that he met. 18Some of the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers also had discussions with him. Some said, “What is this babbler trying to say?” Others suggested, “He seems to be advocating foreign deities,” because he was preaching Jesus and [Anastasin] ‘the resurrection’.e

TR reads “the unconvinced Jews, becoming envious, took along” instead of “the unconvinced Jews took along.” CT omits “unconvinced” but includes “becoming envious.” MT and PT have “unconvinced” but not “becoming envious” b Greek “these” c Or “noble,” “noble-minded” d Greek “to go as far as to the sea” e The Greek word for resurrection (avna,stasin) may be misunderstood as a proper feminine noun

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 19So

they took him [by the arm] and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new teaching that you proclaim is all about? 20You certainly bring some strange things to our ears! Therefore we want to know what all this is about.” 21Now, all the Athenians and the strangers living there spent their time doing nothing else, but either to tell or to hear some new thing.

22So

Paul stood in the middle of the Areopagus, and said, “Athenians! I perceive that you are very religiousa in all things. 23In fact, as I passed along and observed your sacred monuments, I also found an altar with this inscription: ‘To an unknown God.’ What therefore you revereb in ignorance, this is what I announce to you! 24The God who made the world and all things in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in sanctuaries made with hands! 25Neither is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all life, breath, and everything else. 26From one, he has made every nation to dwell on the entire surface of the earth (having determined the times and boundaries of their habitation). 27God did this so that people should seek the Lordc and perhaps reach out for him and find him, although he is not far from each one of us. 28‘For in him we live, and move, and have our being!’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also his offspring.’d 29Since we are God’s offspring, we should not think that the divinitye is like gold, silver, or stone, engraved by human art and imagination. 30In the past, God overlooked such ignorance, but now, he commands that all people everywhere should repent, 31because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising him from the dead.” 32Now,

when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked; but others said, “We want to hear you again on this matter.”

33Paul

then left their company. 34Still, a few people joined with him and believed. Among them was Dionysius the Areopagite, a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

Or “fearful of the gods.” The word may have a negative meaning (“superstitious” as in KJV) but it is very unlikely in context. b Greek euvsebei/te (conveys the idea of fulfilling religious duties or rites) c Other manuscripts read “seek God” d The Greek ge,noj also means “family / nation / people” e Greek qei/on

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18 Paul in Corinth After this, Paul left Athens and went to Corinth. 2There, he met a certain Jew named Aquila, a man of Pontus by race. He and his wife Priscilla had recently arrived from Italy because Claudius had ordered all the Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to see them, 3and since he practiced the same trade (they were tent makers), he lived and worked with them. 4Every Sabbath, he reasoned in the synagogue and persuaded both Jews and Greeks. 5When Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul was dedicated to preaching, bearing witness to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. 6Then, when the Jews opposed Paul and blasphemed, he shook out his clothing and told them, “Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on, I will go to the Gentiles!” 7He

departed and went into the house of a man named Titus Justus, a [Gentile] devoted to God, whose house was next door to the synagogue. 8Now, Crispus, the ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with his entire household; and many Corinthians, when they heard, believed and were baptized. 9One night, the Lord said to Paul by a vision, “Do not be afraid! Speak out and do not be silent. 10I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, for I have many people in this city.” Paul accused 11Paul

lived there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among the people of Corinth.a 12However, when Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews rose up with one accord against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13saying, “This man convinces people to express adoration tob God in opposition to the law.”

14But

when Paul was about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, “If you Jews were complaining about a matter of wrongdoing or about a wicked crime, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you. 15However, if these are questions about words and names and your own law, deal with it yourselves, for I do not want to be a judge of these matters.” 16And he had them removed from the court. 17Then,

they turned on Sosthenes, the ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the tribunal, but Gallio did not care about any of these things.

a b

Greek “them” Here, “worship” is used to translate se,besqai, not proskuneo

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

Return to Antioch 18After

this, Paul stayed some time longer. He then took his leave of the brethren and set sail from Corinth to Syria, together with Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchreae, he shaved his head on account of a vow which he had made. 19Arriving in Ephesus, he left Priscilla and Aquila there, but he himself entered into the synagogue and debated with the Jews. 20When they asked him to stay with them a longer time, he declined. 21However, taking his leave of them, he said, “I must by all means keep this coming feast in Jerusalem, but I will come back to you if God wills.” He then set sail from Ephesus. 22After

landing at Caesarea, he went to greet the Church, and then traveled down to Antioch. 23Having spent some time there, he departed and went through the region of Galatia, and Phrygia, in order, strengthening all the disciples. Apollos 24Now,

a certain Jew named Apollos who was an Alexandrian by race and an eloquent man arrived in Ephesus, and he was powerful with the Scriptures. 25He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and being ferventa in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he had only experienced the baptism of John. 26Apollos began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. 27When

Apollos had determined to cross over into Achaia, the brethren encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to receive him. When he arrived there, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28for he powerfully refuted the Jews, publicly showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was the Christ.

19 Paul in Ephesus – Baptism and the Holy Spirit - Miracles It happened that, while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul had passed through the upper country and arrived in Ephesus. There, he found some disciples 2and asked them, “Did you receive [the]b Holy Spirit when you believed?” They replied, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit!” 3Paul

a b

asked, “Then, into what were you baptized?”

Or “zealous” The Greek actually uses the indefinite, which means that the most literal and accurate translation would be “receive a h/Holy s/Spirit”

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They answered, “Into John’s baptism.” 4Paul

said, “John indeed baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in the one who would come after him, that is, in Jesus.”

5After

hearing this, they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Jesus. Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in other tonguesa and prophesied. 7They were about twelve men in all. 8Then Paul visited the synagogue and spoke boldly for a period of three months, debating and presenting arguments concerning the Kingdom of God.

6When

9But

when some became hardened and disobedient, they began to speak evil of the Way in public. Then Paul departed from them and took the disciples apart; giving daily lectures in the schoolb of Tyrannus. 10This continued for two years, so that all those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11God

worked remarkable miracles by the hands of Paul, 12so [much] that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and the evil spirits were expelled. Jewish exorcists

13Now,

some of the itinerant Jews who were exorcists took it on themselves to invoke the Name of the Lord Jesus over those who had the evil spirits. They said, “We adjure you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14There were seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, who did this.

15However,

the evil spirit answered, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?” 16The man in whom the evil spirit was leaped on them and overpowered them. He gave them such a beating that they escaped from that house naked and wounded. 17This became known to all who lived at Ephesus, both Jews and Greeks. Fear fell upon them all, and the Name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18Many also of those who had believed came forward to confess and reveal their [evil] deeds. 19Many of those who practiced magical arts brought their books and burned them in the sight of all. Their price was counted and found to be fifty thousand pieces of silver.c 20In this way, the word of the Lord was growing and becoming powerful.

Or “languages” Or “academy” c The 50,000 pieces of silver here probably referred to 50,000 drachmas. If so, the value of the burned books was equivalent to about 160 man-years of wages for agricultural laborers b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

Paul’s intentions – The silversmiths in Ephesus 21Now,

after these things had ended and after passing through Macedonia and Achaia, Paul firmly decided to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After going there, I must also see Rome!”

22Having

sent into Macedonia two of his attendants, Timothy and Erastus, Paul stayed in Asia for a while longer. 23About that time, there arose a serious disturbance concerning the Way. 24A certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines of Artemis, brought much business to the craftsmen. 25He held a meeting with craftsmen of the same occupation and said, “Men, you know that we obtain our wealth through this business. 26As you can see and hear, not in Ephesus alone, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has convinced and turned away many people, saying that our godsa are no gods and that they are made with [human] hands. 27Not only is there danger that our trade will lose its credit, but also that the temple of the great goddess Artemis whom all Asia and the world revereb will be considered as nothing, and that her majesty will be destroyed!” 28When

they heard this, the craftsmenc were filled with anger and shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” 29The whole city was filled with confusion. The people rushed with one accord into the theater and arrested Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel. 30But when Paul desired to enter in to [speak to] the people, the disciples did not allow him. 31Some of the officials of the provinced who were his friends sent word to him and begged him not to venture into the theater. 32Some people shouted one thing, and some another as the assembly was in turmoil. Most of them did not [even] know why they had come together. 33The Jews pushed Alexander and he was brought out of the multitude. He motioned his hand in order to present a defense to the people, 34but when they realized that he was a Jew, they all with one voice shouted, “Great is Artemis of the Ephesians!” And they did this for about two hours. 35When

the town clerk had quieted the multitude, he said, “Men of Ephesus, who is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is temple keeper of the great goddess Artemis and of the image which fell down from Zeus? 36Since these things cannot be denied, you should be quiet and do nothing rash. 37For you have brought these men here, who are neither temple-robbers nor blasphemers of your goddess. 38If therefore Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a case against anyone,

Greek “they” Here, “reveres” is used to translate se,besqai, not proskuneo c Greek “they” d Or “Asiarchs” b

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the courts are open, and there are proconsuls. Let them press charges against one another. 39But if you seek anything about other matters, it will be settled in the lawful assembly. 40For indeed, we are in danger of being accused concerning today’s riot since there was no reason [for it]. Concerning it, we would not be able to give an account of this commotion.” 41After speaking these words, he dismissed the assembly.

20 In Greece – Troas –Eutychus falls from a window When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. He then took leave of them and left for Macedonia. 2As he traveled through those parts, he encouraged the disciples with many words and arrived into Greece. 3After Paul had spent three months there, the Jews began to plot against him as he was about to set sail for Syria. He then determined to return through Macedonia. 4The following disciples accompanied him as far as Asia: Sopater of Beroea; Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; Gaius of Derbe; Timothy; Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5Then men went on ahead and waited for us at Troas. 6But we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread and five days later, we met them at Troas where we stayed for seven days. 7On

the first day of the week, when the disciples were gathered together to break bread,a Paul talked with them. Since he intended to depart on the next day, he continued his speech until midnight. 8(There were many lights in the upper room where we had assembled). 9A certain young man named Eutychus was sitting in the window, becoming drowsy. As Paul spoke still longer, the young man was overcome by sleep and fell down from the third floor. He was taken up dead. 10But Paul went down, fell down on him and took him in his arms, saying, “Do not be distressed! His soulb is [still] in him!” 11Paul

went back upstairs, broke bread, ate, and talked with them a long while, even until daybreak. Then, he departed. 12The people brought the boyc [home] alive, greatly comforted. To Miletus – Paul’s address to the presbyters

13As

for us who had gone ahead to the ship, we set sail for Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there. This is what Paul had arranged since he intended to go there by land. 14When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and headed to Mitylene. 15The next day, we sailed from there and a

Greek kla,sai a;rton Or “life” c Or “youth / young man” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

arrived opposite Chios. The following day, we touched at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium, and the day after we arrived in Miletus. 16Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus in order not to spend time in Asia because he was in a hurry: if possible he wanted to be in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost. 17From

Miletus, Paul sent a message to Ephesus and called to himself the presbyters of the Church. 18When they arrived, he told them, “You yourselves know, from the first day that I set foot in Asia, how I was with you all the time. 19I served the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews. 20I did not hesitate to proclaim to you anything that was profitable, teaching you publicly and from house to house. 21To both Jews and Greek, I bore witness to repentance before God and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.a 22Now, behold, I go to Jerusalem bound by the Spirit. I do not know what will happen to me there, 23except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions await me. 24Yet, I do not focus on these things and I do not hold my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy and [fulfill] the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to fully bear witness to the Good News of the grace of God. 25Now,

behold, I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the Kingdom will ever see my face again. 26And so, I testify to you today that I am clean from the blood of all men, 27for I did not hesitate to proclaim to you the whole counselb of God. 28Therefore, keep watch over yourselves and over the flock among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers! Be shepherds of the Church of God which he has purchased with the blood of his own [Son].c 29For I know that after my departure, vicious wolves will enter in among you and they will not spare the flock. 30From among your own group, men will arise who will speak perverse things in order to draw away the disciples after them. 31Therefore, keep watch! Remember that for a period of three years, I did not cease night and day to warn everyone with tears. 32Now, brethren, I entrust you to God, and to the word of his grace which is able to build up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing. 34You yourselves know that these, [my] hands, served my needs and those who were with me. 35In all things, I have given you an example, that by this kind of hard work you should support the weak and

CT omits “Christ” Or “plan / intention / purpose” c Or “with his own blood” b

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remember the words of the Lord Jesus, as he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive!’”a 36After

saying these things, Paul knelt down and prayed with them all. were all in tears, embracing Paul and kissing him. 38Most of all, they were sorrowful because of what he had said, that they would never see his face again. Then, they accompanied him to the ship.

37They

21 In Tyre, Ptolemais and Caesarea After departing from them, we set sail and made a straight course to Cos. The next day, [we sailed] to Rhodes and from there to Patara. 2Having found a ship crossing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and continued our journey. 3When we arrived in sight of Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, sailed to Syria and landed at Tyre where the ship was to unload her cargo. 4Since we found some disciples there, we stayed for seven days. Through the Spirit, these disciples told Paul that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5When our time there was completed, we departed and went on our journey. All the disciples, with wives and children, escorted us on our way until we were out of the city. Kneeling down on the beach, we prayed. 6After saying goodbye to each other, we boarded the ship and they returned home. 7We

continued the voyage from Tyre and arrived in Ptolemais. There, we greeted the brethren and spent the day with them. 8The following day, we, Paul’s companions, left and arrived in Caesarea.

We went to the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9Now, this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10As we stayed there for a few days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11Coming to us and taking Paul’s belt, he bound his own feet and hands, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit: ‘Likewise, in Jerusalem, the Jews will bind the man who owns this belt and they will deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12When

we heard these things, both we and the disciples who lived there begged Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. 13Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? Indeed, I am ready, not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the Name of the Lord Jesus.” 14Since

he would not be persuaded, we became silent, except to say, “The Lord’s will be done!”

An ‘agrapha’ not found in the Gospels but preserved by oral tradition, also translated “there is more happiness in giving than in receiving”

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

Paul visits James in Jerusalem 15After

these days, we took up our baggage and went up to Jerusalem. of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us, bringing an early disciple [named] Mnason of Cyprus, with whom we would be staying.

16Some

17When

we arrived in Jerusalem, the brethren received us gladly. 18The next day, Paul went with us to visit James, and all the presbytersa were present. 19After greeting them, Paul reported in detail what God had accomplished among the Gentiles through his ministry. 20When they heard it, they glorified God. They told him, “You see, brother, that there are many thousands among the Jews who have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. 21They have been informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to abandon Moses and that you tell them not to circumcise their children or to preserve the customs. 22What then? The Church must certainly meet since they will hear that you have arrived. 23Therefore, do what we tell you. We have four men who have taken a vow. 24Take them, join in their purification rites, and pay for their expenses, so that they may shave their heads. Then all will know that there is no truth in these reports about you, but that you yourself also live in observance of the law. 25But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written our decision that they should observe no such thing,b except that they should keep themselves from food offered to idols, from blood, from strangled things, and from sexual immorality.” 26So

Paul took the men, and the next day, he purified himself and went with them into the temple, declaring the fulfillment of the days of purification, until the offering was offered for every one of them. 27When the seven days were almost completed, Jews from Asia saw Paul in the temple. They stirred up the entire crowd and laid hands on him, 28shouting, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the {chosen} people, the law, and this place. Moreover, he also brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place!” 29[They said this] because they had seen Trophimus, the Ephesian, with Paul in the city, and they supposed that Paul had brought him into the temple. Paul is arrested 30The

entire city was in turmoil and the people came running. They seized Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and at once the doors were shut. 31As they were trying to kill him, news came up to the commanding officerc of the [Roman] troops that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32Immediately, he took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to the crowd. When they a

See Appendix A CT omits “that they should observe no such thing, except” c Technically, a tribune b

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saw the chief captain and the soldiers, the Jewsa stopped beating Paul. 33Then, the commanding officer came near and arrested him. He gave orders that Paul should be bound with two chains, and inquired who he was and what he had done. 34From the crowd, some shouted one thing and some another. Since the commander could not find out the truth because of the noise, he commanded that Paul be taken into the barracks. 35When

Paul reached the steps, he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the crowd. 36The whole mob followed them and shouted, “Away with him!” 37As Paul was about to be brought into the barracks, he asked the commanding officer, “May I speak to you?” The man said, “Do you know Greek? 38Then, are you not the Egyptian who recently stirred people up to rebellion and led the four thousand Assassins into the wilderness?” 39So

Paul replied, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city.b I beg you, allow me to speak to the people.”

40Having

received permission from the commander, Paul stood on the steps and motioned with his hand to the people. When there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrewc language, saying:

22 Paul’s defense “Brothers and fathers, listen to the defense which I now make to you.” 2When

the people heard that he was addressing them in the Hebrew language, they were even more quiet.

Paul continued, 3“I am indeed a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel. I was instructed according to the strict tradition of the law of our fathers, being zealous for God, even as you all are this day. 4I persecuted this Way to death, binding and delivering into prisons both men and women, as 5the high priest and the entire council of the presbyters can testify. I even received letters for their brethren in Damascus and traveled there to bring these people in chains to Jerusalem to be punished. 6It happened that, suddenly, as I was on my journey and approaching Damascus, at about noon, a great light shone from the skyd around me. 7I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul,

Greek “they” A roundabout reference to Rome, seemingly lost on the commander (see 22:27) c Or possibly Aramaic d Or “heaven” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

why are you persecuting me?’ 8I answered, ‘Who are you, Lord?’ He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you persecute.’ 9Indeed,

those who were with me saw the light and were afraid, but they did not understand the voice of him who spoke to me. 10I asked, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ The Lord said to me, ‘Arise, and go into Damascus. There, you will be told what you should do.’ 11Since I could not see because of the glory of that light, I was led by the hand of those who were with me and arrived in Damascus. 12Someone named Ananias, a devout man according to the law, well-spoken of by all the Jews, and who lived in Damascus, came to me. 13Standing by me, he said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight!’ At that very moment, I was able to see him! 14He said, ‘The God of our fathers has appointed you to know his will, and to see the Righteous One, and to hear a voice from his mouth. 15For you will be a witness for him to all people, testifying to what you have seen and heard. 16Now why do you wait? Arise, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the Name of the Lord.’ 17It

happened that, when I had returned to Jerusalem, and while I was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance. 18I saw the Lorda saying to me, ‘Hurry and get out of Jerusalem quickly, because they will not receiveb testimony concerning me from you.’ 19I said, ‘Lord, they themselves know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in you. 20When the blood of your martyrc Stephen was shed, I too was standing by, consenting to his death and guarding the coats of those who killed him.’ 21Then

he said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you out far from here to the Gentiles.’”

22They

listened to him until he said that; then they lifted up their voice, and shouted, “Rid the earth of this fellow, for he is not fit to live!” Paul is arrested – His Roman citizenship 23As

they were shouting and and throwing off their cloaks and dust into the air, 24the commanding officer ordered that Paul be brought into the barracks. He [then] gave instruction that Paul should be interrogated under scourging, so that he might find out for what crime the people shouted against him in such a way. 25When they had tied him up with straps, Paul asked the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to flog a man who is a Roman [citizen] and uncondemned?”

Greek “him” Or “accept” c Or “witness” b

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26When

the centurion heard this, he went to the commanding officer and told him, “Do you realize what you are about to do? This man is a Roman [citizen]!”

27Then

the commanding officer came and asked Paul, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” Paul replied, “Yes!”

28The

commanding officer answered, “I bought my citizenship for a great

price!” “But I was born a Roman,” Paul replied. 29Immediately

those who were about to interrogate him left him, and even the commanding officer was afraid when he realized that he had bound Paul, a Roman [citizen], in chains. 30But on the next day, desiring to know the truth about why Paula was accused by the Jews, the officerb freed him from the bonds and commanded the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to come together. He then brought Paul down and set him before them.

23 Paul before the Sanhedrin Looking straight at the Sanhedrin, Paul said, “Brothers, I have lived before God in all good conscience until this day.” 2Then Ananias, the high priest, ordered those who stood by him to strike Paul on the mouth. 3At

this, Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! Do you sit to judge me according to the law, and [yet] command me to be struck contrary to the law?”

4Those

who stood by said, “Do you insult God’s high priest?”

5Paul

said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of a ruler of your people.’”c 6But when Paul realized that some were Sadducees and the others Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, a son of Pharisees! And I am being judged concerning the hope and resurrection of the dead!”

7When

he said this, an argument arose between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. 8(For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, angel, or spirit; but the Pharisees believe in all of these things). 9A great uproar began, and some of the teachers of the law who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up. They strongly a

Greek “he” Greek “he” c Exodus 22:28 b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

argued, “We find no evil in this man! But if a spirit or angela has spoken to him, let us not fight against God!” 10The

dispute became so fierce that the commanding officer feared that they would tear Paul to pieces. He then ordered the soldiers to go down and remove Paul from the assembly by force, and to bring him into the barracks.

11The

following night, the Lord stood by him, and said, “Rejoice, Paul! As you have borne witness to me at Jerusalem, you must also bear witness in Rome.” Conspiracy exposed – Paul is taken to Caesarea

12When

day came, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a great curse,b saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13There were more than forty people who joined this conspiracy. 14They came to the chief priests and the presbyters, and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse, to eat nothing until we have killed Paul. 15Now then, you with the Sanhedrin should petition the commanding officer to bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to judge his case more exactly. We are ready to kill him before he comes near!” 16But Paul’s nephewc heard of their ambush. He came, entered into the fortress and told Paul. 17Calling one of the centurions, Paul said, “Bring this young man to the commanding officer. He has something to tell him.” 18Accordingly,

the centurion took Paul’s nephewd and brought him to the commanding officer, saying, “Paul, the prisoner, called me and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to tell you.” 19The

commanding officer took Paul’s nephew by the hand, and going aside, asked him privately, “What is it that you have to tell me?”

20He

replied, “The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul down to the council tomorrow, as though intending to inquire somewhat more accurately concerning him. 21But to not give in to their request, for more than forty men lie in wait for Paul, and they have bound themselves under a curse neither to eat nor to drink until they have killed him. They are ready now, waiting for you to grant their request.” 22And

so, the commanding officer let the young man go with this instruction, “Tell no one that you have revealed these things to me.” 23He

CT omits “let us not fight against God” Or “oath” c Literally “sister’s son” d Greek “him” b

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called to himself two of the centurions, and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers to leave at the third hour of the nighta for Caesarea, along with seventy horsemen, and two hundred men armed with spears.” 24He asked them to provide animals in order set Paul on one, and to bring him safely to Felix the governor. 25He wrote a letter like this: 26“Claudius

Lysias to the most excellent governor Felix: Greetings!

27This

man was seized by the Jews, and was about to be killed by them, when I came with the soldiers and rescued him, having learned that he was a Roman [citizen]. 28Desiring to know why they accused him, I brought him to their council. 29I found him to be accused about questions of their law, but not to be charged with anything worthy of death or imprisonment. 30When I was told that the Jews were about to ambush this man, I immediately sent him to you. I also instructed his accusers to bring their accusations against him before you. Farewell.” 31And

so, the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32But on the next day, they left the horsemen to continue with him and returned to the barracks. 33When the horsemenb arrived in Caesarea, they delivered the letter to the governor and also presented Paul to him. 34After reading the letter, the governor asked what province Paul was from. Having learned that he was from Cilicia, he said, 35“I will hear you fully when your accusers also arrive.” He then commanded that Paul should be held in Herod’s palace.

24 Paul before Felix Five days later, the high priest, Ananias, came down with a group of presbyters and a professional speakerc named Tertullus, and they informed the governor of their charges against Paul. 2Paul was then called in and Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, “We have enjoyed much peace under you, and we see that excellent reforms are being carried out for this nation. 3Most Excellent Felix, we acknowledge this always and everywhere, with utmost gratitude. 4But, that I may not delay you, I entreat you to bear with us and hear a few words. 5As it is, we have found this man to be a plague, an instigator of insurrections among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6He even tried to profane the temple, and we arrested him, ddesiring to judge

About 9:00 pm Greek “they” c Or “orator” d CT omits the second clause of verse 6 b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

him according to our own laws. 7aHowever, the commanding officer, Lysias, arrived and with much violence took him out of our hands, 8commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining him yourself, you will be able to verify for yourself the truth of our accusations.” 9The

Jews also joined in the deposition, affirming that these things were true. 10When the governor had motioned for him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that you have been a judge of this nation for many years, I gladly make my defense. 11As you can see, it has been no more than twelve days since I went up to express adorationb at Jerusalem. 12In the temple, they did not find me disputing with anyone or stirring up a crowd, either in the synagogues, or in the city. 13Moreover, they cannot prove to you the accusations they are making against me now. 14However, I do admit this to you, that after the Way which they call a sect, so do I offer divine service to the God of our fathers. I believe all things which are according to the law and which are written in the prophets. 15I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both upright and wicked. 16And so, I strive to always have a conscience without offense toward God and men. 17A few years later, I came to bring to my people gifts for the needy, and to present offerings. 18This is how certain Jews from Asia found me in the temple, ritually purified, with no mob or turmoil. But there are some Jews from Asia 19who should have been here before you to present their accusations if they had anything against me. 20Otherwise, let these men explain what injustice they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin. 21Or perhaps it is for what I cried out while standing among them, ‘I am being judged before you today regarding the resurrection of the dead!’” 22But

Felix, being better informed concerning the Way, adjourned the case, stating, “When Lysias, the commanding officer, comes down, I will decide your case.” Paul’s years in Caesarea

23He

ordered the centurion that Paul should be kept in custody and that he should have some privileges: none of his friends should be forbidden from serving him or visiting him. 24A few days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and granted him a hearing concerning the faith in Christ Jesus. 25As Paul discoursed about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became alarmed and said, “Go your way for this time. When it is convenient for me, I will summon you [again].” 26Meanwhile, he also hoped that Paul

a b

CT omits verse 7 and the first part of verse 8 until the end of the sentence proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo)

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would offer him money for his release. For this reason too, he sent for him more often and discussed with him. 27But after two years had elapsed, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus, and desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Felix left Paul imprisoned.

25 Paul appeals to Caesar Three days after arriving in the province, Festus went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. 2Then the high priest and the leaders of the Jewish people presented to him an [accusatory] report against Paul. They begged him 3and asked for his support against Paul, asking that he would transfer the prisonera [back] to Jerusalem, plotting to kill him on the way. 4However, Festus replied that Paul would be kept in custody at Caesarea, and that he himself would leave shortly. 5He said, “Those who have authority among you should go down with me! And if the man has done anything wrong, let them accuse him.” 6Having

stayed among them more than ten days, Festus returnedb to Caesarea. The following day, he sat on the judgment seat and ordered that Paul be brought in. 7When Paul arrived, the Jews who had traveled from Jerusalem stood around him and hurled against him many grave accusations which they could not prove. 8Paul then said in his [own] defense, “I have not sinned in any way, against the law of the Jews, or against the temple, or against Caesar!” 9Then,

desiring to gain favor with the Jews, Festus asked Paul, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem in order to be judged by me there concerning these matters?”

10But

Paul replied, “I am standing before Caesar’s judgment seat, where I should be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you also know very well. 11Now, if I have done wrong and committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die! But if none of those things they accuse me of are true, then no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

12At

this, and after conferring with his advisers, Festus answered, “You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you shall go!” Paul before King Agrippa

13A

few days later, King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea and greeted Festus. 14Since Agrippa was spending some time there, Festus presented Paul’s case before the king, saying, “There is a certain man who a b

Greek “him” Or “went down”

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

was left as a prisoner by Felix. 15When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and the presbyters of the Jews presented an [accusatory] report about this man, asking me to condemn him. 16I answered them that it is not the custom of the Romans to condemn anyone to deatha before the accused has met his accusers face to face and has had opportunity to make his defense in the case against him. 17Then, since they had come together here, I did not delay. On the following day, I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought in. 18When the accusers stood up, they did not bring any of the charges I was expecting. 19Instead, they had some dispute against him dealing with their own religion, and about a certain Jesus who was dead, and who Paul affirms to be alive. 20I was puzzled as how to investigate such things and asked whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged concerning these matters. 21But Paul appealed that his case be reserved for the decision of the emperor, and so I gave orders that he be detained until I could send him to Caesar.” 22Agrippa

said to Festus, “I too would like to hear this man!”

“Tomorrow,” Festus replied, “you shall hear him.” 23On

the next day, after Agrippa and Bernice had made their entry with great pomp, they went to the place of hearing with the commanding officers and the leaders of the city. At the command of Festus, Paul was brought in. 24Festus said, “King Agrippa, and all who are here present with us, you see this man. The entire Jewish community, both in Jerusalem and here, petitioned me about him, clamoring that he should not live any longer. 25But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and as he himself had appealed to his Imperial Majesty, I decided to send him {to Rome}. 26I have nothing certain to write to my lord concerning this man! Therefore, I have brought him forth before you [all], and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after examination, I may have something to write. 27For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner without also specifying the charges against him.”

26 Agrippa said to Paul, “You may speak for yourself.” Then Paul held up his hand and made his defense. 2“I consider myself blessed, King Agrippa, that today, I am able to make my defense before you in response to all the accusations of the Jews, 3especially because you are an expert in all the customs and debates which take place among the Jews. Therefore, I beg you to hear me patiently.

Or “destruction”

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4Indeed,

all the Jews know about my way of life from my youth up, which was from the beginning among my own nation and in Jerusalem. 5Since they have known me from the beginning, they could testify that I lived as a Pharisee according to the strictest sect of our religion. 6And now, I stand here on trial because of the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers! 7This is what our twelve tribes hope to attain as they constantly offer divine servicea night and day. It is concerning this hope that I am accused by the Jews, King Agrippa! 8Why is it judged incredible that God raises the dead? 9As

for myself, I certainly thought that it was my duty to oppose the Name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10I also did this in Jerusalem: having received authority from the chief priests, I had many of the saints imprisoned, and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. 11Often I went to all the synagogues to have them punished and I tried to make them blaspheme. Filled with rage against them, I even persecuted them in foreign cities. 12Then,

as I was traveling to Damascus with the authority and commission from the chief priests, 13at noon, O king, I saw on the way a light from the sky.b It was brighter than the sun and shone around me and those who were traveling with me. 14We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice saying to me in the Hebrewc language, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads!’ 15I

asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’d

He replied, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting! 16Now arise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you as a servant and a witness both of what you have seen and of what I will reveal to you. 17I will rescue you from the [Jewish] people and from the Gentiles. I am sending you to them 18to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, and receive remission of sins as well as an inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ 19Therefore,

King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. 20I first proclaimed this to the people of Damascus, Jerusalem, and throughout all the country of Judea. Then, I also proclaimed it to the Gentiles; that they should repent, turn to God, and do works worthy of [their] repentance. 21For this reason, the Jews arrested me in the temple and tried to kill me. 22Yet, having obtained God’s help, I stand to this day and bear a

Greek latreu/on Or “heaven” c Or “Aramaic” d Or “Sir” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

witness to small and great alike. I only say what the prophets and Moses said would happen, 23how the Christ was {destined} to suffer, and how, by the resurrection of the dead, he would be first to proclaim light both to the [Jewish] people and to the Gentiles.” 24As

Paul was presenting this defense, Festus exclaimed with a loud voice, “Paul, you are crazy! Your great learning is driving you insane!”

25But

Paul replied, “I am not crazy, Most Excellent Festus, but boldly declare words of truth and good sense. 26Indeed, the king is aware of these things and I will also speak freely to him. For I am convinced that none of this is hidden from him, for this has not been done in a corner. 27King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe!” 28Agrippa

then said to Paul, “With a little persuasion, are you trying to make me a Christian?”

29Paul

answered, “I pray to God, that whether with little or with much, not only you but also all who hear me today might become as I am, except for these chains.”

30The

king rose up with the governor, along with Bernice and those who sat with them. 31After retiring, they talked together and agreed, “This man has done nothing worthy of death or imprisonment.” 32Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

27 Paul is sent to Rome – Shipwrecked in Malta When it was determined that we should sail for Italy, the authoritiesa delivered Paul and other prisoners to a centurion named Julius, of the Imperial regiment. 2We boarded a ship from Adramyttium which was about to sail to various places on the coast of Asia and put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, traveled with us. 3The next day, we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul with kindness and gave him permission to visit his friends and to be cared for. 4Putting to sea from there, we sailed under [the shelter of] Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5After sailing across the open sea off [the coasts of] Cilicia and Pamphylia, we arrived in Myra,b a city of Lycia. 6There, the centurion found a ship sailing from Alexandria to Italy, and he put us on board. 7After sailing slowly for many days, we arrived with difficulty near Cnidus. The wind did not allow us to go further [on course], and we sailed under

a b

Greek “they” This city would later become the see of St. Nicholas

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the shelter of Crete, off Salmone. 8We continued along the coast and arrived at a place called ‘Fair Havens,’ near the city of Lasea. 9A

great deal of time had been lost and the voyage was now dangerous because they were already being rationed with food.a Paul gave them this warning: 10“Sirs, I perceive that the voyage will result in injuries and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives!” 11However, the centurion gave more heed to the master and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying. 12Since the haven was not suitable to spend the winter, the majority was in favor of continuing and to do our utmost to reach Phoenix and winter there. This is a port of Crete which faces both the northeast and the southeast. 13When

the south wind began to blow softly, they thought that their goal was within reach. Having lifted the anchor, they sailed along [the coast of] Crete, close to shore. 14But before long, a violent wind called ‘the northeasternb’ rushed down from the island!c 15The ship was caught and could not face the wind. We had to yield to the wind and the ship was driven along. 16Sailing under the shelter of a small island called Clauda, we were able, with difficulty, to secure the lifeboat. 17After the crew had hoisted it up, they used it to help reinforce the ship. Fearing that they would run aground on the Syrtis sand bars, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship drift along. 18We were so battered by the storm that the next day, the men began to throw things overboard. 19On the third day, they threw out the ship’s tackle with their own hands. 20When neither sun nor stars had shone on us for many days, and with a major storm pressing on us, all hope that we would be saved was now taken away. 21As

the men had been for a long time without food, Paul stood up among them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete; then you would have avoided this injury and loss. 22Now, I encourage you to keep your courage, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. 23For last night, an angel of the God to whom I belong and to whom I offer divine serviced stood by me. 24He said: ‘Do not be afraid, Paul! You must stand before Caesar. Behold, God has granted you [the life] all those who sail with you.’ 25Therefore, sirs, be of good cheer! For I believe God, that it will be just as it has been spoken to me. 26However, we must run aground on some island.” 27On

the fourteenth night, at about midnight, as we were driven back and forth in the Adriatic Sea, the sailors surmised that they were approaching

Or “the Fast was now already passed” Or literally, “Euroclydon” c Or, “a northeaster” d Greek latreu,w b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ

some land. 28They measured the depth of water and found twenty fathoms.a A little while later, they took soundings again and found fifteen fathoms.b 29Fearing that we would run aground on rocky ground, they let down four anchors from the stern, hoping to hold steady until daylight. 30Trying to escape from the ship, sailors lowered the lifeboat into the sea, pretending that they would lay out anchors from the bow. 31Paul then said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved!” 32So the soldiers cut away the ropes of the lifeboat and let it fall off. 33As

the day was coming on, Paul begged them all to take some food, saying, “This day is the fourteenth day that you wait and continue fasting, taking nothing. 34Now, I urge you to take some food! This is for your safety, and not a hair will perish from any of your heads.” 35After saying this and having taken bread, he gave thanks to God in the presence of all. Then he broke it and began to eat. 36At this, they all cheered up and also took food. 37In all, we were two hundred seventy-six souls on the ship. 38When they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship by throwing out the wheat into the sea. 39When day came, they did not recognize the land but noticed a cove with a beach, and they decided to try to drive the ship onto it. 40Casting off the anchors, they left them in the sea, at the same time untying the rudder ropes. Hoisting up the foresail to the wind, they made for the beach. 41But coming to a place with cross-currents,c they beached the vessel. The front of the ship struck and remained immovable while the stern began to break up by the violence of the waves. 42The

soldiers’ advice was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim out and escape. 43But the centurion, desiring to save Paul, kept them from carrying out their plan. He gave orders that those who could swim should throw themselves overboard first and go to shore. 44The rest should follow, some on planks, and some on other things from the ship. And so it was that they all escaped safely to the land.

28 In Malta – Paul bitten by a snake Once safe on the shore, we learned that the island was called Malta. 2The natives showed us unusual kindness; they kindled a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3But as Paul was gathering a bundle of sticks and placing them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened itself on his hand. 4When the natives saw the creature a

20 fathoms = 120 feet = 36.6 meters 15 fathoms = 90 feet = 27.4 meters c That is, a sand bar b

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hanging from his hand, they said one to another, “There is no doubt that this man is a murderer! He has escaped from the sea but Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5However, Paul shook off the creature into the fire and remained unharmed 6Nevertheless, they expected that he would have swollen or suddenly fallen down dead. After watching for a long time and seeing nothing bad happen to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god! 7Now,

in the vicinity of that place were lands belonging to the leader of the island, [a man] named Publius who welcomed us and courteously hosted us for three days. 8It also happened that Publius’ father was bedridden, sick with fever and dysentery. Paul went to see him, prayed, and laying his hands on him, healed him. 9After this had taken place, the rest of the people who had diseases in the island also came, and they were cured. 10They honored us in many ways, and when we sailed off, put on board the things that we needed. 11Three

months later, we set sail in a ship from Alexandria which had wintered in the island, whose figurehead was “The Twin Brothers.”a 12Touching at Syracuse, we stayed there for three days. 13From there, we circled around [the coastline of Sicily] and arrived at Rhegium. The following day, a south wind sprang up and on the second day, we arrived in Puteoli. 14There, we found brethren who entreated us to stay with them for seven days. And so, we approached Rome. Arrival in Rome 15From

there, having heard of us, the brethren came to meet us as far as The Market of Appius and The Three Taverns. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16When we reached Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard,b but Paul was allowed to stay by himself with the soldier who guarded him.

17Three

days later, Paul called together those who were the leaders of the Jews. When they had assembled, he said to them, “Brothers, although I have done nothing against the people or the customs of our fathers,c I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans. 18After putting me on trial, the Romans wanted to release me because there was no grounds to put me to death. 19But when the Jews spoke against it, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything about which to accuse my nation. 20For this reason, therefore, I asked to see you and to speak with you, for it is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.” a

The Greek Dioskou,roij refers to the twin gods Castor and Pollux CT omits “the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but” c Or “ancestors / forefathers” b

ACTS OF THE APOSTLES - ΠΡΑΞΕΙΣ ΤΩΝ ΑΠΟΣΤΟΛΩΝ 21They

answered him, “We have not received letters from Judea concerning you, and no brother has come here to make a report or speak any evil of you. 22But we desire to hear from you what you think because it is known to us that everywhere, people speak against this sect.”

23After

making an appointment with Paul for a certain day, many more people visited him at his place of residence. From morning until evening, he explained and bore witness about [the things of] the Kingdom of God. He also tried to convince the Jewsa concerning Jesus, [quoting] both from the law of Moses and from the prophets. 24Some believed what was spoken, and others did not. 25Although disagreeing among themselves, they left after Paul had spoken one [last] word, “Rightly did the Holy Spirit speak to our fathers through Isaias (Isaiah) the prophet, 26saying: ‘Go to this people and say: You will keep on hearing but never understand! You will keep on seeing but never perceive! For this people’s heart has grown callous, Their ears are dull of hearing, And they have closed their eyes, For fear that should see with their eyes, hear with their ears, Understand with their heart, and would repent, And I would heal them.’b 28Therefore,

you should know that God’s salvation is sent to the nations; they will listen!” 29After

Paul said these words, the Jews departed with a great dispute among themselves.c

30So

Paul stayed two whole years in his own rented house, receiving everyone who came to visit him. 31With all boldness and without hindrance, he proclaimed the Kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ.

Greek “them” Isaias (Isaiah) 6:9-10 c CT omits this verse. b

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INTRODUCTION TO THE PAULINE EPISTLES AUTHORSHIP AND DATES Orthodox tradition affirms the Pauline authorship of all the letters and writings ascribed to the great missionary apostle. It also recognizes that Paul worked with an amanuensis or secretary, a fact which accounts for variations in style. Hebrews is also considered Pauline in the sense that it is directly connected with the apostle, although it is acknowledged that others (Luke, Sylvanus, Clement, Barnabas and Apollos have been suggested) were involved in the writing of this epistle which has a unique place in the Pauline corpus. Origen’s views on this matter are certainly as reliable as those of modern scholars: Everyone who is able to discern differences of style will admit that the character of the diction of the epistle entitled To the Hebrews has not the apostle’s roughness in speech, who confessed himself unpolished in speech, that is, in style, but that the epistle is better Greek in the framing of its diction. On the other hand, that the thoughts of the epistle are admirable, and not inferior to the acknowledged writings of the apostle, to this also everyone will consent as true who has given attention to reading the apostle. As for myself, if I were to state my own opinion, I should say that the thoughts are the apostle’s, but that the style and composition belonged to one who called to mind the apostle’s teachings and, as it were, made short notes of what his master said. If any Church, therefore, holds this epistle as Paul’s, let it be commended for this also. For not without reason have the men of old handed it down as Paul’s. But who wrote the epistle, in truth, [only] God knows. Yet the account which has reached us [is twofold], some saying that Clement, who was bishop of the Romans, wrote the epistle, others, that it was Luke, he who wrote the Gospel and the Acts. (Origen quoted by Eusebius – Ecclesiastical History, 6.25)

At the same time, Origen always publicly ascribed Hebrews to Saint Paul,a which is also the position and liturgical practice of Eastern Orthodoxy in this matter. The chart below presents an outline of Paul’s life with possible dates and other items added. The date and place where the Epistles were written are

De Principiis 1, 2.7.7, 3.2.4, 2.3.5, 4.1.13, 4.1.24, Against Celsus 3.52, 7.29, To Africanus 9

INTRODUCTION TO THE PAULINE EPISTLES

given here as approximations and indicated by the bold letter titles, e.g., ROMANS.

mid - late 33

Pauline Letters

Acts

Conversion near Damascus (implied in Gal 1.17c)

Damascus (9.1-22)

To Arabia (Gal 1.17b)

Return to Damascus (1.17c): 3 yrs.

late 36

Flight from Damascus (2Cor 11.3233)

Flight from Damascus (9.23-25)

To Jerusalem (Gal 1.18-20)

To Jerusalem (9.26-29)

"The regions of Syria and Cilicia" (Gal 1.21-22)

Caesarea and Tarsus (9.30)

Antioch (11.26a)

(Jerusalem [11.29-30; 12.25])

Mission I: Antioch (13.1-4) Seleucia, Salamis, Cyprus (13.4b12) mid 37

Churches evangelized before Macedonian Philippi (Php 4.15)

South Galatia (13.13-15.25)

Antioch (14.26-28)

spr 51

"Once again during 14 years I went up to Jerusalem (for "Council," Gal 2.1)

Jerusalem (15.1-2)

Antioch Incident (Gal 2.11-14)

Antioch (15.35); Mission II

Syria and Cilicia (15.41)

South Galatia (16.1-5)

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sum 51

Pauline Letters

Acts

Galatia (1Cor 16.1) evangelized for the first time (Gal 4.13)

Phrygia and North Galatia (16.6)

346

Mysia and Troas (16.7-10)

aut 51

Philippi (1Th 2.2 [=Macedonia, 2Cor 11.9])

Philippi (16.11-40)

Thessalonica (1Th 2.2; cf. 3.6; Php 4.15-16)

Amphipolis, Apollonia, Thessalonica (17.1-9) Beroea (17.10-14)

early 52

Athens (1Th 3.1; cf. 2.17-18)

Athens (17.15-34)

early 52spr 53

Corinth evangelized (cf. 1Cor 1.19; 11.7-9)

Corinth for 18 months (18.1-18a) 1 & 2 THESSALONIANS

Timothy arrives in Corinth (1Th 3.6), probably accompanied by Silvanus (1Th 1.1)

Silas and Timothy come from Macedonia (18.5) Paul leaves from Cenchreae (18.18b)

spr 53

1 CORINTHIANS Leaves Priscilla and Aquila at Ephesus (18.19-21) Apollos (in Ephesus) urged by Paul to go to Corinth (1Cor 16.12)

Apollos dispatched to Achaia by Priscilla and Aquila (18.17) Paul to Caesarea Maritima (18.22a)

Paul to Jerusalem (18.22b) In Antioch for a certain amount of time (18.22c)

aut 53 sum 56

Northern Galatia, second visit (Gal 4.13)

Mission III: North Galatia and Phrygia (18.23)

Ephesus (1Cor 16.1-8)

Ephesus for 3 yrs or 2 yrs, 3 mos (19.1-20; cf. 20.31) GALATIANS, 2 CORINTHIANS

Visit of Chloe, Stephanas, et al. to Paul in Ephesus (1Cor 1.11; 16.17), bringing letter (7.1)

INTRODUCTION TO THE PAULINE EPISTLES

Pauline Letters

Acts

Paul imprisoned (? cf. 1Cor 15.32; 2Cor 1.8) Timothy sent to Corinth (1Cor 4.17; 16.10) Paul’s 2nd "painful" visit to Corinth (2Cor 13.2); return to Ephesus Titus sent to Corinth with letter "written in tears" (2Cor 2.13) (Paul’s plans to visit Macedonia, Corinth, and Jerusalem/Judea, 1Cor 16.3-8; cf. 2Cor 1.15-16)

(Paul’s plans to visit Macedonia, Achaia, Jerusalem, Rome, 19.21)

Ministry in Troas (2Cor 2.12) To Macedonia (2Cor 2.13; 7.5; 9.2b-4); arrival of Titus (2Cor 7.6)

Macedonia (20.1b)

Titus sent on ahead to Corinth (2Cor 7.16-17), with part of 2Cor Illyricum (Rom 15.19)? late 56 early 57

Achaia (Rom 15.26; 16.1); Paul’s third visit to Corinth (2Cor 13.1)

3 mos. in Greece (Achaia) (20.2-3) ROMANS Paul starts to return to Syria (20.3), but goes via Macedonia and Philippi (20.3b-6a)

Passover 57

Troas (20.6b)

Miletus (20.15c-38)

Tyre, Ptolemais, Caesarea (21.7-14) Pentecost 57

(Plans to visit Jerusalem, Rome, Spain [Rom 15.22-27])

Jerusalem (21.15-23.30)

sum 57 sum 59

Caesarea (23.31-26.32)

sum 59 early 60

Journey to Rome (27.1-28.14)

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Acts

spr 60 spr 62

Rome (28.15-31) EPHESIANS, PHILIPPIANS, COLOSSIANS, PHILEMON

spr 62

Release from Roman imprisonment (28.30)

spr 62?

Possible trip to Spain (Rom 15.24, 28)

sum 62?

Crete (Tit 1.5)

late 62?

Ephesus (2Tim 4.9-19)

early 63?

Miletus (2Tim 4.20)

Troas (2Tim 4.13)

wint 63?

Greece; winter in Nicopolis (Tit 3.12; 1Tim 1.3)

1 TIMOTHY, TITUS

Corinth (2Tim 4.20)

sum 64?

Rome (2Tim 1.17)

late 64?

(Death in Rome [2Tim 4.6-8])

2 TIMOTHY

In particular, the dates and order of travel after Paul’s release from Rome in spring 62 are conjectures based on a few hints left to us in the Pastoral Epistles, and a mention of an intended trip to Spain in Romans. Paul was apparently released under favorable circumstances in 62. Had his imprisonment then ended in martyrdom, it would surely have been depicted in Acts, as was Stephen’s martyrdom (Acts 6:1-8:1). The date for Paul’s death given here, late 64-66, presents this event as part of Nero’s persecution of Christians following the great fire of Rome which began in June 64. The apostle was apparently remembered, arrested, brought to Rome, tried, and executed. Paul’s expectation of his coming martyrdom is stirringly preserved in 2 Timothy 4:6-8. With the above chronological framework in place, it is also possible to present tentative dates for the foundations of various Churches, for the conversions of persons to whom Paul wrote, as well as the dates at which the various letters were written.

INTRODUCTION TO THE PAULINE EPISTLES

Church/Person

Date of founding/ conversion

Date of Letter(s)

Place Letter Written From

Timothy

mid 37

1: autumn 56; or 62-64 2: 64

1: Corinth; or Macedonia 2: Rome

Rome

before 49

late 56

Corinth

Titus

before 51

62-64

Greece

Galatia

summer 51

Ephesus

Philippi

autumn 51

60-62

Rome

Thessalonica

late 51

early 52 (both)

1: Corinth 2: Corinth

Corinth

early 52

1: spring 53 2: 56

1: Ephesus 2: Ephesus

Ephesus

autumn 53

60-62

Rome

Colossae

autumn 53summer 56

60-62

Rome

Philemon

autumn 53summer 56

60-62

Rome

THEME(S) As he addresses a large number of practical issues and theological themes, Saint Paul remains remarkably consistent. The following topics are especially prominent:

The mystery of faith and new life “in [Jesus] Christ” (Romans 9, Ephesians)

The mystery of unbelief and sin (Romans 1, 9, 11)

Salvation through faith in contrast with the works of the Law (Romans 3-4; Galatians)

Eschatological and personal hope (1 Corinthians, Thessalonians)

The Church as Body of Christ and “pillar and foundation of truth” (Ephesians, Pastoral Epistles)

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Hebrews explores three majors themes:

Christ, “better” mediator of a better new covenant

Christ the Great High Priest; a better, perfect and unique sacrifice

Endurance in faith and the danger of fallings away from salvation

TRANSLATION NOTE FOR ROMANS In this complex theological masterpiece, St. Paul often used the Greek word ga.r to indicate a certain logical continuity. This word is typically rendered by ‘for’ in traditional translations, but such a consistent approach quickly becomes awkward and burdensome. For this reason, the EOB uses a variety of English equivalent for ga.r, such as ‘indeed,’ ‘as it is,’ ‘certainly,’ ‘for,’ etc.

TO THE ROMANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ

ROMANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ) 1 Greetings Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, set apart for the Good News of God, 2which he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. 3[This is the Good News] concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4who was declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord. 5Through him, we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience of faith among all the nations, for his Name’s sake. 6Among them, you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7To

all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8First,

I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, that your faith is proclaimed throughout the whole world. 9For God, to whom I offer divine servicea in my spirit in the Good News of his Son, is my witness; how unceasingly I always make mention of you in my prayers. 10I request, if by any means now at last I may be blessed by the will of God to come to you. 11For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift with the purpose that you may be established;b 12that is, that I with you may be encouraged in you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine. The wrath of God – Idolatry and immorality 13Now,

I do not desire to have you unaware, brethren, that I have often planned to come to you, but so far, I have been hindered. [My goal] is that I might have some fruit among you also, even as I have among the rest of the Gentiles. 14I am debtor both to Greeks and to foreigners, both to the wise and to the foolish. 15This is why there is so much eagerness on my part to preach the Good News to you also who are in Rome.

a b

Greek latreu,w Or “made more solid”

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16Indeed,

I am not ashamed of the Good News of Christ!a It is the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek. 17For in the Gospelb God’s righteousness is revealed from faith to faith. As it is written, “But the righteous shall live by faith.”c 18However, the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and unrighteousness of those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19because what is known of God is revealed in them, for God revealed it to them. 20For since the creation of the world, his invisible things are clearly seen. They are perceived through created things, even his everlasting power and divinity. This is so that they may be without excuse, 21because knowing God, they did not glorify him as God or give [him] thanks. Instead, they became vain in their reasoning, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22Thinking

themselves to be wise, they became fools! 23They exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, of birds, of four-footed animals, and creeping things.d 24Therefore, God also gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, so that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves. 25Having exchanged the truth of God for a lie, they exaltede and offered divine servicef to the creature rather than the Creator who is blessed forever. Amen. 26For

this reason, God gave them up to vile passions: their women changed the natural function into what is against nature 27and the men did likewise. They abandoned the natural function of the woman and burned in their lust toward one another, men doing what is inappropriate with men, and receiving in themselves the due penalty of their error. 28Even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a worthlessg mind, to do those things which are not fitting. 29They have become filled with all [kinds of] unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, and malice. They are also full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and evil habits. [They are] secret slanderers, 30backbiters, hateful of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, unforgiving, and unmerciful. 32Knowing the ordinance of God, (that those who practice such things are worthy of death), they not only do these [very] things but also approve of those who practice them. a

CT omits “of Christ” Greek “it,” or “Good News” c Habakkuk 2:4 d The 1560 Geneva Bible and the 1611 Authorized Version associate Wisdom 12:24 with Romans 1:23 in a marginal reference (compare Romans 1:20-32 with Wisdom 13-15). e Here, “to exalt” or “to worship” is used to translate se,besqai, not prokuneo f Greek evla,treusan g Or “reprobate (KJV) / debased (NRS) / depraved (NIV) / undiscerning (NAB)” b

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2 The judgment of God Therefore, you are without excuse, if you are judging! For in passing judgment on another, you condemn yourself, because you pass judgment and yet practice the same things. 2We know that the judgment of God is according to truth and against those who practice such things. 3Do you think that you will escape the judgment of God if you judge those who practice such things and yet act the same? 4Or do you despise the riches of God’sa goodness, tolerance, and patience, not knowing that his goodness leads you to repentance? 5But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart, you are storing up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God. 6He “will pay back to everyone according to their works;”b 7[which is] eternal life to those who by perseverance in good works seek glory, honor, and incorruptibility. 8However, to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth but unrighteousness, there will be retribution and intense wrath, 9oppression and anguish. Trouble and distress will come to everyone who does evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 10On

the other hand, glory, honor, and peace [are] for everyone who does good; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek, 11because there is no partialityc with God. 12Hence, all those who have sinned apart from the law will also perish without the law, [and] as many as have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. 13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be declared righteous.d 14(Indeed, when Gentiles who do not have the law do by nature the things of the law, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law, 15by showing that the practical expressione of the law is written in their hearts. Their conscience bears witness, and their thoughts alternately accuse or defendf them). 16This is for the day when, according to my [proclamation of the] gospel,g God, through Jesus Christ, will judge the secret thoughts of all. 17Indeed,

you [who] bear the name of Jew, you rely on the law and glory in God. 18You know his will, and approve the things that are excellent, being instructed out of the law. 19You are confident that you yourself are a guide

Greek “his” Psalms 62:12 / 61 LXX; Proverbs 24:12 c Or “prejudice / unfair judgment” d Or “justified” e Or “work, requirement, effect” (Greek to. e;rgon tou/ no,mou grapto.n evn tai/j kardi,aij auvtw/n) f Greek avpologoume,nwn from which the English “apologize” is derived g Or “Good News” b

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of the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, 20a corrector of the foolish and a teacher of infants, having in the law the form of knowledge and of the truth. 21You therefore who teach another, [why] do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one should not steal, [why] do you steal? 22You who say that a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you rob temples? 23You who glory in the law by your disobedience of the law, [why] do you dishonor God? 24For “the Name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you,”a just as it is written. About circumcision 25Indeed,

circumcision gains something if you are a doer of the law, but if you are a transgressor of the law, your circumcision has become uncircumcision. 26And so, if an uncircumcised man keeps the ordinances of the law, will not his uncircumcision be accounted as circumcision? 27Will not the uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who with the letter and circumcision are a transgressor of the law? 28For one is not a Jew by being so outwardly, neither is that circumcision [true circumcision] which is outward in the flesh. 29Instead, someone is a Jew by being one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit and not in the letter. Truly, their praise is not from human beings but from God.

3 Objections and answers – The domination of sin And so, what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? 2Much in every way! First of all, the Jewsb were entrusted with the oracles of God! 3But what if some were without faith? Will their lack of faith nullify the faithfulness of God? 4May it never be! Yes, let God be found true, but every man a liar. As it is written, That you might be justified in your words,c and might prevail when you come into judgment.d 5But

if our unrighteousness commends the righteousness of God, what will we say? Is God unrighteous if he inflicts wrath?e (I speak as people do!) 6May it never be! For then, how will God judge the world? 7For if through my lie the truth of God overflowed to his [own] glory, why am I still a

Isaias (Isaiah) 52:5 (NT agrees with LXX against MT); Ezekiel 36:22 Greek “they” c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Psalms 51:4 / 50 LXX e Or “punishment / retribution / anger” b

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judged as a sinner? 8Why not (as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say), “Let us do evil, so that good may come?” Those who say so are justly condemned. 9What then? Are we better than they? No, by no means! For we previously warned both Jews and Greeks that they are all under sin. 10As it is written, There is no one righteous; no, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned aside. They have together become worthless.a There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one.b Their throat is an open grave,c With their tongues they have used deceit.d The poison of vipers is under their lips;e Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.f Their feet are swift to shed blood. Destruction and misery are in their ways. The way of peace, they have not known.g There is no fear of God before their eyes.h The righteousness of God – Faith and the works of the Law 19Now,

we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be closed, and so that the whole world may be brought under the judgment of God. 20The reason is that by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight because the exact knowledgei of sin comes through the law. 21But now, a righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the law; and the law and the prophets bear witness to it. 22It is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. 23There is no distinction because all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 24All are being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25God purposedj him to be an atoning sacrificek through the shedding of his blood a

NT agrees with LXX against MT Psalms 14:1-3 (agrees with LXX against MT); 53:1-3; Ecclesiastes 7:20 c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Psalms 5:9 e Psalms 140:3 / 139 LXX. NT agrees with LXX against MT f Psalms 10:7 / 9 LXX. NT agrees with LXX against MT g Isaias (Isaiah) 59:7-8 h Psalms 36:1 / 35 LXX i Or “recognition / awareness” j Or “set him forth / presented” k Or “a propitiation” b

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and to be receiveda through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness by passing over prior sins, according to God’s patience. 26This was also to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time, so that Godb might himself be just and the justifier of whoever has faith in Jesus. 27Where

then is the boasting? It is excluded! By what kind of law? [The law] of works? No, but by a law of faith! 28Therefore, we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles as well? Indeed, [he is the God] of the Gentiles too, 30since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by means of faith, and the uncircumcised through faith. 31Do we then nullify the law through faith? May it never be! In fact, we upholdc the law.

4 About Abraham What then will we say that Abraham (our forefather according to the flesh) gained? 2Certainly, if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, although not before God. 3For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accountedd to him as righteousness.”e 4Now, to the one who works, the reward is not considered as a gracef but as something owed. 5But to one who does not work but believes in the one who justifies the ungodly, it is faith that is accounted for righteousness. 6Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God attributesg righteousness apart from works: 7 8

Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.h

9Is

this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised {only}, or on the uncircumcised as well? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham as righteousness. 10How then was faith taken into account? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised! 11He received the sign of circumcision, (a seal of the a

Or “accepted” Greek “he” c Or “support / place on its true footing (NJB)” d Or “reckoned / credited” e Genesis 15:6 f That is something underserved (The Greek word ca,rin (grace) means “underserved kindness, or favor”) g Or “reckons / credits / counts” h Psalms 32:1-2 / 31 LXX b

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righteousness of the faith which he had while he was still uncircumcised), so that he might be the father of all those who believe, even if they are uncircumcised, so that righteousness might also be accounted to them. 12He is the father of circumcision not only to those who are of the circumcision but [also to those] who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had before he was circumcised. 13Indeed, the promise to Abraham and to his seeda that he should be heir of the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14However, if those who are of the law are heirs, then faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect. 15As it is, the law brings about wrath; but where there is no law there is no transgression either. 16This is why the promise is to faith, so that it comes as a free gift and it is secure for all the descendants, not only for those who rely on the law but also for all those others who rely on the faith of Abraham, the father of us all. 17As it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.”b This is in the presencec of the one whom Abraham believed: even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence what does not yet exist. 18Hoping against hope, Abrahamd believed that he would become “the father of many nations,” according to what had been spoken, “And so will your seed be.”e 19He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body which was already worn out, (he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20Yet, looking to the promise of God, he did not waver through unbelief but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God. 21Abraham was fully convincedf that what God had promised, he was also able to accomplish. 22Therefore, it also was “creditedg to him for righteousness.”h 23Now, it was not written that “it was accounted to him” for his sake alone. 24It was [written] also for our sake; [and] faithi will be credited to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered up for our sins, and was raised for our justification.

Or “posterity, descendance” Genesis 17:5 c Or “He is our father in the sight of God (NAB)” d Greek “he” e Genesis 15:5 f Or “assured” g Or “reckoned” h Genesis 15:6 i Greek “it” b

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5 Reconciled with God through Christ Being therefore justified by faith, we havea peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2through whom we also have our access by faith into this grace in which we stand. And we rejoice in hope of the glory of God! 3Not only this, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces perseverance; 4and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5Hope does not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6For while we were still weak, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. 7Indeed, one will hardly die for someone righteous, but perhaps for a righteous person someone would even dare to die. 8But God entrustsb his own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9Even

more so then, since we are now justified by his blood, shall we be saved from wrath through him! 10For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, how much more shall we be saved by his life! 11And

not only this, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation. Sin and death – God’s gift through Christ

12Therefore,

as sin entered into the world through one man, and death through sin; and so death passed to everyone, becausec {of which} all sinned. 13Until the law {was revealed}, sin was in the world; but sin is not taken into accountd when there is no law. 14Nevertheless, death reigned from Adam until Moses, even over those whose sins were not like Adam’s disobedience (and Adam is a type of him who was to come). 15However, the free gift is not like the sin. For if by the sin of the one the many died, much more did the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one man Jesus Christ abound to the many! 16The gift is not comparable to what happened through [the] one who sinned: certainly, the judgment came by one [man] to [result in] condemnation, but the free gift came [as the outcome] of many trespasses to [bring about] justification. 17For if by the sin of the one, death reigned through that one; so much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one, Jesus Christ. 18And so, as through one sin all men were condemned; likewise through one act of righteousness all men were a

Other manuscripts read “let us have peace” Or “commends” c Greek evfV wd Greek ouvk evllogei/tai, (“credited, imputed, reckoned”) b

TO THE ROMANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ

justified to life. 19Indeed, just as through the one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, likewise, through the obedience of the one, many will be made righteous. 20Moreover, the law came in so that sin might be multiplied; but where sin did multiply, grace multiplied even more! 21This way, just as sin ruled in death, grace was to rule through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

6 United to Christ – Baptism – Dead to sin What then shall we say? Shall we continue in sin, so that grace may abound? 2May it never be! We who died to sin, how could we live in it any longer? 3Or do you not know that all {of us} we who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? 4And so, we were buried with him through baptism to death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead bya the glory of the Father, [likewise] we might also walk in newness of life. 5Truly, if we have become united with him in the likeness of his death, we will also be [united with him] by a resurrection like his. 6It means that we recognizeb this, that our old humanity was crucified with him, so that the body of sin might be done away with, and so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin. 7Whoever has died has been freedc from sin! 8But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him; 9knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over him! 10For the death that he died, he died to sin one time; but the life that he lives, he lives to God. 11Thus, consider yourselves to be dead as regards sin, but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12And

so, do not let sin rule in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13Also, do not present your members to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God, as alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God. 14Sin will not have dominion over you because you are not under law but under grace! 15What then? Shall we sin, because we are not under law, but under grace? May it never be so! 16Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey; whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness? 17But thanks be to God, that, although you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed. 18Having been released from sin, you became slaves of righteousness.

Or “through” Or “know / acknowledge / perceive” c Or “set free / acquitted” b

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19I

speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. Indeed, as you used to offer your members as servantsa of impurity and everincreasing wickedness, now offer your members as servants of righteousness for sanctification. 20For when you were servants of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. 21What fruit did you obtain at that time by those things which now shame you? The end result of those things is death! 22But now, being made free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit of sanctification, and the result of eternal life. 23The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

7 Released from the Law – Its role Do you not know, brethren (for I speak to men who know the law), that the law has dominion over a person for as long as that person lives? 2Hence, the woman who has a husband is bound by law to the husband while he lives, but if the husband dies, she is released from the law concerning the husband. 3Therefore, if she is joined to another man while her husband lives, she would be called an adulteress. But if the husband dies, she is free from the law and she is no adulteress even though she is now joined to another man. 4Therefore, my brethren, you also were made dead to the law through the body of Christ in order to be joined to another, to him who was raised from the dead, so that we might bring forth fruit to God. 5While we were in the flesh, the sinful passions which were through the law worked in our members to produce fruit unto death. 6But now, we have been released from the {obligations of the} law, having died to what was binding us, so that we serve in ‘newness of the spirit,’ and not in ‘oldness of the letter.’ 7What

shall we say then? Is the law sin? May it never be! However, I would not have recognizedb sin, except through the law. Indeed, I would not have known coveting, unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.”c 8But sin, finding an opportunity in the commandment, produced in me all kinds of coveting! For apart from the law, sin is dead. 9I was alive apart from the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. 10The commandment which was [meant] for life, I found to be for death, 11because sin, finding an opportunity through the commandment deceivedd me, and through it, killed me. 12Therefore, the law indeed is holy, and the commandment is [also] holy, and righteous, and good. a

Or “slaves” Or “known, understood” c Exodus 20:17; Deuteronomy 5:21 d Compare Genesis 3:13 LXX b

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Inner struggle 13Does

that mean that something good ({the law})a resulted in death to me? May it never be! However, in order to be identified as sin, sin caused my death through that good thing. Hence, it is by means of the commandment that sin could become sinful beyond what anyone can bear.b 14For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. 15Indeed, I do not know what I am doing! I do not practice what I desire to do; but what I hate, this is what I do! 16But if I do what I do not desire, I agree that the law is good. 17And so, I am no longer the one doing this [evil], but [it is] the sin which dwells in me! 18Thus, I know that in me, (that is, in my flesh,) nothing good dwells, because although [the power of] will is present within me, I do not find it doing what is good. 19In fact, the good which I desire, I do not do; but the evil which I do not desire, this is what I do! 20But if I do what I do not desire, I am no longer the one doing it, but [it is] the sin which dwells in me. 21So I find it to be a law that when I want to do what is good, it is evil that is present. 22For I delight in God’s law in my inmost self, 23but I see a different law [working] in my members, and it is at war against the law of my mind! It brings me into captivity under the law of sin which is in my members. 24What a wretched I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! And so, with the mind I serve God’s law, but with the flesh, [I serve] the law of sin.

8 Free from the law of sin and of death Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.c 2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and of death. 3What the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God has accomplished by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin. Thus he condemned sin in the flesh; 4so that the ordinance of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.d 5For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit [set their minds] on the things of the Spirit. 6The mind of the flesh is death, but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace. 7This is because the mind of the flesh is hostile towards God; certainly, it is not subject to God’s law, a

Or “commandment” Or “endure” c Or “spirit” – Capitalization is difficult to ascertain in this section. CT omits “who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit” d Or “spirit” – also in 4-9 (see note above) b

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and indeed it cannot be. 8Those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9However, you are not in the flesh but in the spirit, since the Spirit of God dwells in you. But {surely}a anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. 10If Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the spirit is alive because of righteousness. 11But if the Spirit of him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised up Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you. 12And so, brethren, we are not in debt to the flesh that we should live after the flesh. 13For if you live after the flesh, you must die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, then you will live! 14As many as are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. 15You did not receive the spirit of bondage to [live in] fear again. Instead, you received the Spirit of adoption through which we cry, “Abba!b Father!” Adopted as children of God: hope of glory 16The

Spirit himselfc testifies with our spirit that we are children of God; if [we are] children, then [we are] heirs; heirs of God, and jointheirs with Christ; if indeed we suffer with him, so that we may also be glorified with him. 18For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which will be revealed toward us. 19As it is, the creation waits with eager expectation for the revelationd of God’s children. 20Indeed, creation was subjected to futility,e not of its own will, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21that creation will also be delivered from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 22We know that the totality of creation groans and labors in pain until now. 23Moreover, so do we who have the first fruits of the Spirit! We groan within ourselves, awaiting the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24We were saved in hope, but hope that is seen is not hope! Indeed, who hopes for what can be seen? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26Also, the Spirit helps our weaknesses, because we do not know how to pray as we should. But the Spirit himself makes intercession for usf with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27He who searches the hearts knows the way of thinkingg of the 17and

A possible meaning of ei Abba is an Aramaic word for father or daddy, often used affectionately and respectfully in prayer to our Father in heaven. c The Greek is neuter (“itself”) as also in KJV and NAB since pneuma is neuter, but the context authorizes the use of “himself” since the personal attributes of the Spirit are emphasized in this passage. d Greek avpoka,luyin e Or “vanity / worthlessness / frustration” – the idea is that of a purpose that is both worthless and impossible to reach. f CT omits “for us” g Sometimes translated “mind,” but the Greek is fro,nhma b

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Spirit, because the prayers that the Spirit makes for the saints are always in accordance with God. God’s purpose: foreknowledge, predestination, justification, salvation, glorification 28We

know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. 29Whoever God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that his Sona might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30Whoever God predestined, he also called. Those whom he called, he also justified. Those whom he justified, he also glorified. 31What

then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also give us all things with him freely? 33Who could bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies! 34Who is the one who condemns? It is Christ, (who died, yes and rather, who was raised from the dead and who is at the right hand of God,) who also makes intercession for us. No separation from the love of God in Christ 35Who

shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36Even as it is written: For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.b

37No,

in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38Indeed, I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

9 Paul’s sorrow for Israel’s unbelief – God’s sovereign mercy I tell the truth in Christ. I am not lying and my conscience bears witness with me in the Holy Spirit 2that I have great sorrow and unceasing pain in my heart. 3In fact, I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for the sake of my brethren, my relatives according to the flesh, 4who are Israelites. Theirs is the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the

a b

Greek “he” Psalms 44:22 / 43 LXX

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law, the offering of divine service,a and the promises. 5From them are the fathers and Christ according to the flesh who is over all: God blessed forever.b Amen. 6But

it is not as though the word of God has come to nothing. In fact, those of ‘Israel’ are not all Israel,c 7and just because they are Abraham’s seed, not all are children. But, “In Isaac will your seed be called.”d 8That is, it is not the children of the flesh who are children of God, but the children of the promise are considered as descendants. 9For this is a word of promise, “At the appointed time I will come, and Sarah will have a son.”e 10Not only so, but Rebecca also conceived by our father Isaac. 11Even before her twinsf had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might stand, not of works, but of him who calls),g 12it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”h 13Even as it is written, “Jacob I loved, but Esau I hated.”i 14What

then shall we say? That there is injustice with God? May it never Godj said to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, be! and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.”k 16And so, it is not about someone willing or running, but it depends on God who has mercy. 17Thus, the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “For this very purpose, I caused you to be raised up, so that I might show in you my power, and that my Name might be proclaimed in all the earth.”l 18And so, Godm has mercy on whom he desires,n and he hardens whom he desires. 19You will then ask me, “Why does Godo still find fault? Who can resist his will?” 15For

20But

who indeed are you, a human being, to argue with God?p Will the thing formed ask the one who formed it, “Why did you make me like this?”a

Greek latrei,a Or “…flesh: God who is over all be blessed forever.” This doxology seems to apply to Christ (here called God), as is indicated by a similar structure in Romans 1:25 and 2 Corinthians 11:31. c Compare Revelation 2:9 d Genesis 21:12 e Genesis 18:10,14 f Greek “they” g CT puts the phrase “not of works, but of him who calls” at the beginning of verse 12 instead of the end of verse 11. h Genesis 25:23 i Malachi 1:2-3 j Greek “he” k Exodus 33:19 l Exodus 9:16. NT agrees with LXX against MT m Greek “he” n Or “wills” o Greek “he” p Compare Job 38:1-40:1 (MT) b

TO THE ROMANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ 21Does

not the potterb have a right over the clay, to make from the same lump one part a vessel for honor, and another for dishonor?c 22What if God, willing to show his wrath and also to make his power known, endured with much patience vessels of wrath fittedd for destruction; 23and that he might make known the riches of his glory on vessels of mercy, which he prepared beforehand for glory? 24That is us, whom he also called, not from the Jews only, but also from the Gentiles? 25As he says also in Hosea: I will call them ‘my people,’ which were not my people;e and her ‘beloved,’ who was not beloved.f It will be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not my people,’ There they will be called ‘children of the living God.’g 27Isaias

(Isaiah) cries concerning Israel:

If the number of the children of Israel are as the sand of the sea, It is the remnant who will be saved;h For he will finish the worki and cut it short in righteousness, Because the Lord will make a short work upon the earth.j 29As

Isaias (Isaiah) has said before: If the Lord of Hostsk had not left us a seed, We would have become like Sodom,l And would have been made like Gomorrah.m

The righteousness which is of faith 30What

then shall we say? That the Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, [still] attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith; 31but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not in fact arrive at the law of righteousness. 32Why? Because they did not seek it

Isaias (Isaiah) 29:16; 45:9; Jeremiah 18:6-11 Compare also with 2 Timothy 2:20-21 c Compare Wisdom 15:7 d Or “prepared / fully complete / supplied” e NT agrees with LXX against MT f Hosea 2:23 g Hosea 1:10 h NT agrees with LXX against MT i CT omits the end of this verse j Isaias (Isaiah) 10:22-23 k Greek Sabaoth (for Hebrew: Tze’va’ot) l NT agrees with LXX against MT m Isaias (Isaiah) 1:9 b

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by faith, but by the works of the law! They stumbled over the stumbling stone, 33even as it is written: Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and a rock of offense;a And no one who believes in him will be disappointed.b

10 About Israel – On salvation Brethren, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God are for Israel, that they may be saved. 2Certainly, I testify about them that they have a zeal for God, but not according to accurate knowledge.c 3Being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God. 4For Christ is the fulfillmentd of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5Moses writes about the righteousness of the law, “The one who does them will live by them.”e 6But the righteousness which is of faith speaks this way, “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend into heaven?’f (that is, to bring Christ down); 7or, ‘Who will descend into the abyss?’g (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead.)” 8But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth, and in your heart;”h that is, the word of faith, which we preach. 9If you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. 10With the heart, one believes, resulting in righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made, resulting in salvation. 11As the Scripture says, “Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed.”ij 12Indeed,

there is no distinction between Jew and Greek because the same Lord is Lord of all, and he is generousk to all who call on him. 13For, “Whoever will call on the Name of the Lord will be saved.”l 14But how will they call on him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in him whom they have not heard? How will they hear without a preacher? 15And how will they preach unless they are sent? As it is written: a

NT agrees with MT against LXX Or “put to shame.” Isaias (Isaiah) 8:14; 28:16. NT agrees with LXX against MT c Greek evpi,gnwsin\ d Or “completion, end” e Leviticus 18:5 f Deuteronomy 30:12 g Deuteronomy 30:13 h Deuteronomy 30:14 i Or “put to shame” j Isaias (Isaiah) 28:16. NT agrees with LXX against MT k Or “bountiful” l Joel 2:32 b

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How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the Good News of peace,a Who bring glad tidings of good things!b 16Still,

they did not all listen to the Good News. As Isaias (Isaiah) says, “Lord, who has believed our report?”c 17And so, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18But I say, did they not hear? Yes, most certainly: Their sound went out into all the earth,d Their words to the ends of the world.e

19But

I ask, did not Israel know? First, Moses says:

I will provoke you to jealousy with what is no nation, With a nation void of understanding I will make you angry.f 20Isaias

(Isaiah) is very bold and says:

I was found by those who did not seek me.g I was revealed to those who did not ask for me.h 21Yet,

regarding Israel, he says:

All day long I stretched out my hands to a disobedient and opposing people.i

11 Israel – A remnant – The olive tree I ask then, did God reject his people? May it never be! In fact, I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2God did not reject his people, which he foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says about Elias (Elijah), how he complainedj to God against Israel: 3“Lord, they have killed your prophets, they have broken down your altars! I am left alone, and they seek my life.”k 4But how does God answer him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”l 5Likewise, at this present time, there is also a remnant a

CT omits “of those who preach the Good News of peace” Isaias (Isaiah) 52:7 c Isaias (Isaiah) 53:1 d NT agrees with LXX against MT e Psalms 19:4 / 18 LXX f Deuteronomy 32:31 g NT agrees with LXX against MT h Isaias (Isaiah) 65:1 i Isaias (Isaiah) 65:2. NT agrees with LXX against MT j Or “pleads” (the Greek is present tense) k 1 Kings 19:10,14 l 1 Kings 19:18 b

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according to the election of grace. 6And if [it is] by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace.a But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. 7What

then? Israel did not obtain what it what seeking, but the elect obtained it; and the rest were hardened. 8This is according to what is written: God gave them a spirit of deep sleep, Eyes not to see, and ears not to hear, Even to this very day.”b 9As

David says: Let their table become a snarec and a trap; a stumbling block; Let it be their recompense! Let their eyes be darkened so that they may not see, And keep their backs forever bent.d

11I

ask then, did they stumble in order to fall? May it never be! However, by their fall, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy. 12Now, if their fall is the treasure of the world, and their loss [has become] the riches of the Gentiles; how much greater riches will their fullness bring! 13For I speak to you who are Gentiles: since I am an apostle to Gentiles, I glorify my ministry. 14May I somehow provoke to jealousy those who are my flesh so that I may save some of them. 15For if their rejection means the reconciling of the world, what would their acceptance be, if not life from the dead? 16If the first fruit is holy, so is the whole batch. If the root is holy, so are the branches. 17But if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive, were grafted in among them. Having {individually} become partaker with them of the root and of the richness of the olive tree; 18do not boast over the branches! But [even] if you boast, it is not you who support the root, but the root supports you. 19You will then say, “Branches were broken off, so that I might be grafted in!” 20True; by their unbelief they were broken off, and you stand [in] by your faith. Do not be full of pride, but fear! 21Certainly, if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you! 22You see, then, both the goodness and the severity of God. Toward those who fell, severity [was shown]; but towards you, goodness, [that is], if you continue in his goodness. Otherwise you also will be cut off. 23As for them, if they do not continue in their unbelief, they will be grafted in {again}, because God is able to graft them in again. 24If you were cut out of what is by nature a wild a

CT omits “then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace” Deuteronomy 29:4; Isaias (Isaiah) 29:10 c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Psalms 69:22,23 / 68 LXX b

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olive tree and were grafted against nature into a good olive tree, how much more will the natural branches be grafted into their own olive tree! Israel’s hardening - The gifts and the calling of God 25Indeed,

I do not want you to be ignorant of this mystery, brethren, so that you may not claim to be wiser than you are: a partial hardening has happened to Israel, until the fullnessa of the Gentiles should come in. 26And thus all Israel will be saved.b Even as it is written: There will come out of Zion the Deliverer, and he will turn away ungodliness from Jacob.c This is my covenant to them, When I will take away their sins.d 28Concerning

the Good News, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the sake of the forefathers. 29Indeed, without regrete are the gifts and the calling of God! 30In the past, you were disobedient to God, but now, you have obtained mercy by their disobedience. 31Likewise, they also have now been disobedient, so that by the mercy shown to you they may also obtain mercy. 32Inded, God has bound all human beings to disobedience, so that he might have mercy on all. 33Oh

the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments, and how unfathomable are his ways! For who has known the mind of the Lord?f Or who has been his counselor?g Or who has first given to the Lord so as to be paid back?h 34

36Indeed,

from him, and through him, and to him, are all things. To him be the glory unto the ages! Amen.

Or “full number” This verse has been interpreted in various ways. Some see in this statement the promise that Israel (according to the flesh) will repent and be saved; others interpret this verse as meaning that with the entry of ‘the full number of the Gentiles,’ the fullness of Israel (according to faith) will be reached and “thus, all Israel will be saved.” c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Isaias (Isaiah) 59:20-21; 27:9 (NT agrees with LXX against MT); Jeremiah 31:33-34 e Often translated “the gifts and the call of God are irrevocable” – Compare Genesis 6:6; 1 Chronicles 21:15 f NT agrees with LXX against MT g Isaias (Isaiah) 40:13 h Job 41:11. NT agrees with MT against LXX b

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12 Holy worship – One Body, many parts Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your rational offering of divine service.a 2Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. 3By the grace that was given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of yourself more highly than you should! Instead, think [of yourselves] reasonably, as God has apportioned to everyone a measure of faith. 4For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members do not have the same function, 5likewise we, who are many, are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. 6We have different gifts according to the grace given to us: if it is prophecy, let us prophesy according to the measure of our faith. 7If it is service, let us dedicate ourselves to service! He who teaches should do his teaching; 8or he who exhorts his exhorting. As for the one who gives, let the giving be done with generosity. He who rules should rule with diligence and the one who shows mercy should do so with joy. Christian living 9Let

your love be without hypocrisy. Reject with horror what is evil. Cling to what is good. 10In love for the brethren, be tenderly affectionate with one another; place the honor of others above your own. 11Do not fall back in zeal; be fervent in the spirit,b serving the Lord. 12Rejoice in hope, endure in troubles, persevere in prayer; 13contribute to the needs of the saints; look for opportunities to be hospitable. 14Bless those who persecute you; bless, and do not curse! 15Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep! 16Be of the same mind one toward another. Do not set your mind on exalted things, but associate with the humble. Do not think that you are wiser than you really are. 17Repay no one evil for evil. Show respect for what is honorable in the sight of all. 18If it is possible, as much as is in your power, be at peace with all people. 19Do not seek revenge, beloved, but let God’s wrath follow its course. As it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.”c 20Therefore: If your enemy is hungry, feed him.d If he is thirsty, give him a drink;

Greek logikh.n latrei,an Or “Spirit” c Deuteronomy 32:35 d NT agrees with LXX against MT b

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In doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head.a 21Do

not be overcome by evil; instead, overcome evil with good.

13 About higher authorities Let every human being be in subjection to the higher authorities because there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. 2Therefore, whoever opposes the authority opposes the ordinance of God and rebelsb will receive judgment upon themselves. 3Certainly, rulers are not a terror to the good deed, but to the evil [deed]! Do you desire to have no fear of the authority? Then do what is good, and you will have praise [from the authority], 4because it is for you a ministerc of God for good. But if you do what is evil, then be afraid, because it does not bear the sword in vain; it is a servant of God, an avenger of wrath to anyone who does evil. 5Therefore, you need to be in subjection, not only because of the wrath, but also for the sake of conscience. 6For this reason, you also pay taxes, because the authorities are ministers of God’s service,d always taking care of this purpose. 7And so, give to everyone as you owe: taxes to whom taxes are due; revenues to whom revenues are due; respect to whom respect is due; honor to whom honor is due! Love, the fulfillment of the law - The day is near 8Do

not owe anything to anyone, except to love one another; for whoever loves the othere has fulfilled the law.

9Indeed,

these commandments (“You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,”fg and whatever other commandments there are,) are all summed up in this very saying, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”h 10Love does not harm a neighbor. Love therefore is the fulfillment of the law. 11Do

this, being aware of the time: it is already time for you to awaken from sleep, for salvation is now nearer to us than when we first believed! 12The night is far gone, and the day is near. Let us therefore throw off the works a

Proverbs 25:21-22 Or “those who resist” c Or “servant” d Greek leitourgoi. ga.r qeou/ eivsin eivj e Greek avgapw/n to.n e[teron f TR adds “You shall not give false testimony,” g Exodus 20:13-15,17; Deuteronomy 5:17-19,21 h Leviticus 19:18 b

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of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13Let us walk decently, as in the day; not in parties and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and lustful acts, and not in strife or jealousy. 14Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ and do not think how to satisfy the flesh and its lusts.

14 Mutual respect Accept the one who is weak in faith, but not to enter into arguments over disputable matters. 2One has faith to eat all things while the weak eats only vegetables. 3The one who eats [everything] should not look down on the one who does not eat. The one who does not eat should not judge the one who eats because God has accepted him. 4Who are you who judge someone else’s servant? He stands or falls to his own master! Yes, that one will be made [able] to stand, because God has the power to make someone stand. 5One

person considers that a [particular] day is more important [than the others]. Another thinks that every day is alike. Let each in his own mind be fully convinced.a 6The one who observes the day should observe it ‘to the Lord;’b and the one who does not observe it should do so ‘to the Lord.’ The one who eats should eat ‘to the Lord’ because he gives thanks to God! Likewise, the one who does not eat should do so ‘to the Lord’ because he [also] gives thanks to God! 7Indeed, we do not live selfishly and we do not die for ourselves. 8In fact, if we live, we live ‘to the Lord;’ or if we die, we die ‘to the Lord.’ Therefore, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9It is for this purpose that Christ died, rose, and lived again, so that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. 10But

[as for] you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11As it is written: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow to me;c Every tongue will confess to God.’d

12And

so, each of us will give a personal account to God. 13Therefore, let us not judge one another any more. Instead, resolve that no one should put a stumbling block in his brother’s way, or an occasion for falling.

14In

the Lord Jesus, I know and I am convinced that nothing is unclean of itself. But to the one who considers anything to be unclean, to such a one it is unclean! 15Yet, if because of food your brother is grieved, you no longer a

Or “assured” Greek tw/| kuri,w| c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Isaias (Isaiah) 45:23 b

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walk in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16Thus, do not let what is good to you become a cause of evil things being said,a 17because the Kingdom of God is not [about] eating and drinking, but [it is about] righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18Certainly, whoever serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by all. 19And so, let us pursue things which cause peace, and things by which we may edify one another. 20Do not overthrow God’s work for the sake of food! All things indeed are clean; however it is evil for someone to create a stumbling block by eating. 21It is good to not eat meat, drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother stumbles, is offended, or is made weak. 22Do

you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Blessed is the one who does not judge himself in what he approves. 23But the one who doubts is condemned if by eating, it is not of faith. Whatever is not of faith is sin. 24Now

to him who is able to establish you according to my Good News and the preaching of Jesus Christ according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret through long ages 25but is now revealed, and who by the Scriptures of the prophets (according to the commandment of the eternal God,) is made known for obedience of faith to all the nations; 26to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be glory forever! Amen.b

15 Endurance and encouragement Now, we who are strong should bear the weaknesses of the weak, and not {just} please ourselves. 2Let each one of us please our neighbor for what is good, to be edifying to him. 3Even Christ did not please himself. But, as it is written, “The insults of those who insulted you fell on me.”c 4For whatever things were written before were written for our instruction, so that through patience and through the Scriptures’ encouragementd we might have hope. 5Now, may the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to be together of the same mind according to Christ Jesus, 6so that with one accord, you may with one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7Therefore,

accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you,e to the glory of God. 8Now, I say that Christ was made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, so that he might confirm the promises

Or “blaspheme / slander” TR places verses 24-26 after Romans 16:24 as verses 25-27. c Psalms 69:9 / 68 LXX d Or “comfort” (compare also 1 Maccabees 12:9) e TR reads “us” instead of “you” b

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given to the fathers, 9and so that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: Therefore, I will give you praise among the Gentiles, And sing to your Name.a 10Again

he says:

Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.b 11Again:

Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles! Let all the peoples praise him.c 12Again,

Isaias (Isaiah) says:

There will be the root of Jesse, He who arises to rule over the Gentiles; In him the Gentiles will hope.d 13Now,

may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope and in the power of the Holy Spirit. Paul’s ministry and plans

14I

myself am also convinced about you, my brethren, that you are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to instruct others. 15But I write all the more boldly to you, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God, 16that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. I should serve as a priest the Good News of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.e 17I have my boasting in Christ Jesus in things pertaining to God 18because I will not dare to speak of anything except of what Christ has worked through me. This is for the obedience of the Gentiles, by word and deed, 19in the power of signs and wonders, in the power of God’s Spirit. And so, from Jerusalem, and as far as Illyricum, I have fully preached the Good News of Christ. 20Yes, I have made it my goal to preach the Good News where Christ was not already called upon, in order not to build on someone else’s foundation. 21But, as it is written: Those to whom no tidings of him came will see.f Those who have not heard will understand.a a

2 Samuel 22:50; Psalms 18:49 / 17 LXX Deuteronomy 32:43 c Psalms 117:1 / 116 LXX d Isaias (Isaiah) 11:10. NT agrees with LXX against MT e Compare epiclesis: “for the precious gifts now offered and sanctified” f NT agrees with LXX against MT b

TO THE ROMANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΡΩΜΑΙΟΥΣ 22For

this reason, I was hindered many times from coming to you. 23But now, since I no longer have any place in these regions and since I had for many years a longing to come to you, 24I [write that I] will come to you whenever I travel to Spain, in order to be helped on my way there by you, and first of all to enjoy your company for a while. 25But now, I want you to know that I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26It has been the good pleasure of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are at Jerusalem. 27Yes, it has been their good pleasure, as they are in debt to them. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them to be of service in material things. 28After I accomplish this and deliver this harvest to them, I will go to Spain by your way. 29I know that, when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of the Good News of Christ. 30Now

I beg you, brethren, by our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31so that I may be delivered from those who are disobedient in Judea and so that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints. 32[Pray also] that I may come to you in joy by the will of God, and together with you, find rest. 33May the God of peace be with you all! Amen.

16 Greetings I commend to you Phoebe, our sister, who is a servantb of the Church that is at Cenchreae, 2so that you receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints. Also, may you assist her in whatever matter she may need from you since she has been a benefactor to many, including myself. 3Greet

Prisca and Aquila, my fellow-workers in Christ Jesus, 4who risked their own lives for my sake. I am grateful to them, and with me all the Churches of the Gentiles. 5Greet the Church that is in their house and Epaenetus, my beloved, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ. 6Greet Mary, who labored much for us. 7Greet Andronicus and Junia, my relatives and fellow-prisoners who are outstandingc among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8Greet Amplias, my beloved in the Lord. 9Greet Urbanus, our fellow-worker in Christ, and Stachys, my beloved. 10Greet Apelles, the approved in Christ. Greet those who are of the household of Aristobulus. 11Greet Herodion, my relative. Greet those of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who work hard in the Lord. Greet Persis, the beloved, who has labored much in a

Isaias (Isaiah) 52:15 Or possibly “deacon / deaconess” c Or “prominent” b

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the Lord. 13Greet Rufus, the chosen in the Lord, and his mother, a mother to me as well. 14Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brethren who are with them. 15Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16Greet one another with a holy kiss. The Churches of Christ greet you. 17Now

I beg you, brethren, watch out for those who are causing divisions and occasions of stumbling, contrary to the doctrine which you learned. Stay away from them! 18Such people do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly. By their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.

19Indeed,

your obedience has become known to all and I rejoice over you. I desire to have you wise in what is good, but innocent in what is evil,a 20and the God of peace will quickly crush Satan under your feet. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you! 21Timothy,

my fellow-worker, greets you, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my relatives. 22I, Tertius,b who write the letter, greet you in the Lord. 23Gaius, my host and host of the whole Church,c greets you. Erastus, the treasurer of the city, greets you, as does Quartus, the brother. 24The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.25d

Compare Matthew 10:16 Tertius is here named as secretary or amanuensis of this Pauline epistle. c See Acts 15:22 and note d TR places Romans 14:24-26 at the end of Romans instead of at the end of chapter 14, and numbers these verses 16:25-27. CT omits verse 24 b

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1 CORINTHIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Α) 1 Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and our brother Sosthenes, 2to the Church of God which is at Corinth. [You are] those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all those who call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ in every place, both theirs and ours: 3Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4I

always give thanks to my God concerning you for the grace of God which was given to you in Christ Jesus; 5that in everything you have been enriched in him, in all [manner of] speech and knowledge; 6even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you. 7And so, you lack no gift as you wait for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ; 8who will also confirm you until the end, blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9God is faithful, through whom you were called into the fellowshipa of his Son Jesus Christ, our Lord. Divisions in the Church 10Now

I beg you, brethren, through the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you. Instead, may you be perfected together in the same mind and opinion.b 11As it is, those who are from Chloe’s household have informed me concerning you my brethren, that there are quarrels among you. 12Now I mean this: that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” “I follow Apollos,” “I follow Kephas,” or, “I follow Christ.” 13Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14I thank God that I baptized none of you, except Crispus and Gaius, 15so that no one should say that I baptized you into my own name. 16(I also baptized the household of Stephanas; besides them, I do not know whether I baptized any other.) The cross of Christ – No boasting 17Indeed,

Christ did not send me to baptize but to preach the Good News not in wisdom of words, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void.

a b

Greek koinwni,an (communion, partnership, a close mutual relationship) Or “judgment / decision”

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18For

the word of the cross is foolishness to those who are dying, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. 19As it is written: I will destroy the wisdom of the wise,a I will bring the discernment of the discerning to nothing.b

20Where

is the wise? Where is the expert of the law? Where is the debater of this world? Has not God ridiculed the wisdom of this world? 21Since in God’s wisdom, the world through its ‘wisdom’ did not know God, it was God’s good pleasure (through the foolishness of this proclamation) to save those who believe. 22Jews ask for signs and Greeks seek after wisdom, 23but we preach Christ crucified; a stumbling block to Jews, and foolishness to Greeks. 24However, to those who are called, (both Jews and Greeks), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God, 25because God’s ‘foolishness’ is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 26Consider your calling, brethren, that not many [among you] were wise according to the flesh, not many powerful, and not [many] of noble birth. 27Nevertheless, God chose the foolish things of the world to put to shame those who are ‘wise.’ [Yes], God chose the weak things of the world in order to put to shame the things that are strong. 28God also chose the lowly things of the world, the things that are despised and even the things that are ‘nothing,’ so that he might bring to nothing the things that are {thought to be important}; 29so that no flesh should boast before God. 30But by God’s doing, you are in Christ Jesus, who was made to us wisdom from God, as well as righteousness, sanctification, and redemption; 31so that as it is written, “Whoever boasts should boast in the Lord.”c

2 God’s Wisdom - The Spirit of God When I came to you, brethren, I did not come with excellence of speech or wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. 2Indeed, I resolved not to know anything among you, except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 3I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling.d 4My speech and my preaching were not in persuasive words of humane wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5so that your faith would not stand by human wisdom but in the power of God. 6However, we [do] speak wisdom among those who are full grown; yet it is a wisdom ‘not of

NT agrees with LXX against MT Isaias (Isaiah) 29:14 c Jeremiah 9:24 d Or “anguish” e CT omits “human” b

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this world,’ nor of the rulersa of this world, who are coming to nothing. 7Instead, we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the wisdom that was hidden, which God had foreordained before the ages for our glory, 8[a wisdom] which none of the rulers of this world recognized. For if they had recognizedb this wisdom,c they would not have crucified the Lord of glory!d 9But as it is written: Things which an eye did not see, and an ear did not hear, Which did not enter into the heart of man, These God has prepared for those who love him.e 10Yet, God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit,f because the Spirit searches all things, yes, [even] the deep things of God. 11For what human being knows what is truly human except the human spirit that is within? Likewise, no one truly comprehends the things of God except the Spirit of God. 12However, we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, so that we might know the things that were freely given to us by God. 13These are the things we proclaim, not in words which human wisdom teaches, but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with [other] spiritual things. 14Now, the naturalg person does not receive the things of God’s Spirit because for they are foolishness to him, and such a person cannot knowh these things because they are spiritually discerned. 15On the other hand, the spiritual person discerns all things and is not subject to mere human opinions.i 16“Truly, who has known the mind of the Lordj to [be in position to] instruct him?”k But we have the mind of Christ!

3 God’s co-workers – Spiritual living Brethren, I could not speak to you as to spiritual persons, but as to carnal ones - infants in Christ. 2I fed you with milk, not with meat, because you were not yet ready. Indeed, you are not even ready now 3because you are still carnal. As long as there is jealousy, strife, and factions among you, are a

Or “manuscripts” Or “known” c Greek “it” d See Psalms 24:7-8 / 23 LXX e Isaias (Isaiah) 64:4. Compare also with Sirach 1:10 f Or perhaps “spirit” g Or “unspiritual” h Or “recognize / perceive” i Or “judgments” j NT agrees with LXX against MT k Isaias (Isaiah) 40:13 b

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you not carnal, walking according to human ways? 4When one says, “I follow Paul,” and another, “I follow Apollos,” are you not carnal? 5Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, if not servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him? 6I planted, Apollos watered, but [it is] God [who] made it grow! 7And so, neither the one planting nor the one watering is anything: only God makes it grow. 8Now the one planting and the one watering are the same, but each will receive a personal reward according to his own labor. 9Indeed, we are God’s coworkers! You are God’s field,a God’s building. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder, I laid a foundation, and another builds on it. But let everyone be careful how he builds on it! 11As it is, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that has [already] been laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12But as one builds on that foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or stubble; 13each person’s work will be revealed. Certainly, the Day will make it manifest, because it is revealed in fire; and the fire will test everyone’s work.b 14If what someone has built on the foundation remains, then a reward shall be received. 15[On the other hand], if someone’s work is burned, it will be lost, but that person shall be saved, as through fire. 16Do

you not know that your bodies are a sanctuary of God, and that God’s Spirit lives in you? 17If anyone destroys God’s sanctuary, God will destroy him because God’s sanctuary is holy, and this is what you are! 18Let no one deceive himself: if anyone thinks that he is wise among you in this world, let him become a fool, so that he may become wise. 19Indeed, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God! As it is written, “He has taken the wise in their craftiness.”c 20And also, “The Lord knows the reasoning of the wise, that it is worthless.”d 21Therefore, let no one boast in human beings! All things are yours, 22whether Paul, or Apollos, or Kephas,e or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come. All belong to you, 23and you belong to Christ, and Christ belongs to God.f

4 Stewards of God’s mysteries – Paul’s example And so, let everyone think of us as Christ’s servants and stewardsg of God’s mysteries. 2Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful! a

Or “farming” Compare Malachi 3:2 c Job 5:13. NT agrees with MT against LXX d Psalms 94:11 / 93 LXX e Peter f Or “Christ is God’s” g Or “guardians, keepers” b

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as far as I am concerned, it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or according to human judgment. Yes, I do not [even] judge my own self 4because I knowa nothing against myself. Yet, I am not justified by this, but the one who judges me is the Lord. 5Therefore, judge nothing before the time, [that is] until the Lord comes. He will bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the motives of every heart. Then, each person will receive due praise from God.

6Brethren,

I have figuratively applied these things to myself and Apollos for your benefit, so that in us you might learn the meaning of ‘not beyond the things which are written,’ so that none of you will be puffed up against another. 7Indeed, who makes you different?b And what do you have that you have not received? But if you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8[But] you are already filled! You have already become rich and you have come to rule apart from us! Yes, and I wish that you would really be rulers, so that we also might reign with you. 9I think that God has displayed us, the apostles, last of all, like men sentenced to death, because we are made a spectacle to the world, both to angels and people. 10We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You have honor, but we have dishonor. 11Even to this present hour, we hunger and thirst, we are naked, beaten and [we] wander from place to place! 12We work hard, with our own hands. When people curse us, we bless [in return]. When we are persecuted, we endure. 13When we are defamed, we try to conciliate. We are made as the filth of the world, as the dirt wiped off by all, even until now. 14I do not write these things to shame you, but to admonish you as my beloved children. 15For although you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet [you do] not [have] many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the Good News. 16I beg you therefore, be imitators of me. 17For this reason, I have sent Timothy to you, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every Church. 18Now, some of you, thinking that I am not coming to you, have become arrogant. 19Still, I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills! Then I will find out not so much what these arrogant people say, but what power they have. 20Truly, the Kingdom of God is not in speech, but in power.c 21What do you desire? Shall I come to you with a rod, or in love and with a spirit of gentleness?

Or “I am aware of” Or “superior” c Greek duna,mei b

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5 A case of sexual immorality It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and a kind as does not even occur among the Gentiles, [namely] that someone has his father’s wife! 2And you are arrogant! Should you not rather have mourned, so that whoever has done this would have been removed from among you? 3For I most certainly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged the mana who has done this thing! 4In the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, and with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5you are to hand over such a person to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that the spirit may be deliveredb in the day of the Lord Jesus. 6Your

self-satisfaction is not healthy.c Do you not know that a little yeast leavens the whole lump? 7Purge out the old yeast, so that you may be a new lump, even as you are unleavened. And certainly, Christ, [who is] our Passover, has been sacrificed in our place. 8Therefore, let us keep the feast, not with old yeast, neither with the yeast of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9I

wrote to you in my letter to have no fellowship with those who are immoral; 10yet I did not mean with the immoral people of this world, or with those who are greedy, dishonest, or idolaters; or else you would have to leave the world! 11But as it is, I wrote to you not to associate with anyone who is called a brotherd who is a sexual sinner, or greedy, or an idolater, or a slanderer, or a drunkard, or someone dishonest. [In fact], do not even eat with such a person! 12Indeed, what do I have to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are within? 13But those who are outside, God judges. “Put away the wicked man from among yourselves!”e

6 Lawsuits among Christians Now, how can any of you dare go to court before the unrighteous (and not before the saints) when there is a matter against a neighbor? 2Do you not know that the saints will judge the world?f And if the world is [to be] a

Greek “him” Or “saved / rescued” c Or “good” d Or “a brother or sister” e Deuteronomy 17:7. NT agrees with LXX against MT (See also 19:19; 21:21; 22:21; 24:7) f Compare Wisdom 3:8 b

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judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more, then, things that pertain to this life? 4And

now, if you need to judge things pertaining to this life, why do you place yourselves under judges who are irrelevant in the Church? 5I say this to move you to shame. Is there not even one wise man among you who would be able to decide between his brothers?a 6Yet, [I hear of] lawsuits among the brethren, and that in front of unbelievers! 7This is already a fault in you, that you have lawsuits one with another. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be defrauded? 8No, but you yourselves do wrong and defraud, and [you do] that against your brethren! Immorality 9Or

do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral,b nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor sodomites, 10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor swindlers, will inherit the Kingdom of God. 11Some

of you used to be like that, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus, and in the Spirit of our God.c 12[You say:] “All things are lawful for me, but not all things are beneficial.” “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be brought under the power of anything. 13“Food is for the stomach, and the stomach is for food,” but God will bring to nothing both of these. However, the body is not for sexual immorality, it is for the Lord; and the Lord is [made] for the body. 14Now, God raised up the Lord, and he will also raise us up by his power. 15Do you not know that your bodies are members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them members of a prostitute? May it never be! 16Or do you not know that whoever is joined to a prostitute is one body? For God says, “The two will become one flesh.”d 17But whoever who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 18Flee sexual immorality! “Every sin that a person can do is outside the body,” but whoever commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. 19Or do you not know that your body is a sanctuary of the Holy Spirit which dwells in you, and which you have from God? You are not your own! 20You were bought with a price! Therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which belong to God.e a

Or “brethren” The Greek word includes all forms for sexual immorality, including all sexual relations outside of marriage. c Compare with the Orthodox rite of Baptism and Chrismation. d Genesis 2:24 e CT omits “and in your spirit, which belong to God” b

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7 About marriage and marital relations Now, concerning the matters you wrote to me about: ‘it is good for a man not to touch a woman.’ 2However, to avoid sexual immorality, let each man have his own wife, and let each woman have her own husband. 3Let the husband render to his wife the affection due to her, and likewise the wife to her husband. 4The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise, the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does! 5Do not deprive each other {of marital relations} unless it is by consent and for a season, so that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. Then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control. 6Nevertheless,

I say this by way of concession, not as a command. 7Indeed, I wish that everyone would be like me. However, each person has his own gift from God, one of this kind, and another of that kind. 8Still, I say this to those who are unmarried and to widowsa as well: it is good for them if they remain as I am. 9But if they do not have self-control, let them marry. Indeed, it is better to marry than to burn. 10But to those who are married, I command (not I, but the Lord) that the wife should not leave her husband 11(but if she leaves, let her remain unmarried, or else be reconciled to her husband), and that the husband should not leave his wife. 12As

for other cases, I (not the Lord) say this: if any brother has an unbelieving wife, and if she is content to live with him, he should not leave her. 13[Likewise,] the woman who has an unbelieving husband who is content to live with her should not leave her husband. 14This is because the unbelieving husband is sanctified in his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in her husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but in fact, they are holy. 15Yet, if the unbeliever decides to leave, let there be separation. The brother or sister is not under constraintb in such cases, but God has called us in peace. 16Truly, how do you know, wife, if you will save your husband? Or how do you know, husband, if you will save your wife? Each person’s state of life 17However

that may be, let each of you lead the life to which God called you as the Lord has assigned. This is what I command in all the Churches.

18Was

anyone called when he was circumcised? Let him not become uncircumcised! Was anyone called when he was not circumcised? Let him not be circumcised! 19Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is

a b

Or “widowers” Or “bondage,” “is not bound”

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nothing: what matters is the observance of the God’s commandments. 20Let everyone stay in that calling in which he was called. 21Were you called when you were a slave? Do not let that bother you, but if you get an opportunity to become free, use it. 22Anyone who was called in the Lord while being a slave is a free human being who belongs to the Lord. Conversely, whoever was called while free is a slave of Christ. 23You were bought with a price! Do not become slaves of [other] human beings. 24Brethren, let everyone, in whatever condition he was called, stay in that condition with God. Advice to virgins and widows 25Now,

concerning virgins, I have no commandment from the Lord, but I give my opiniona as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord so as to be trustworthy. 26I think that it is good, (in view of the present distress,) for a man to remain as he is. 27Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be freed. Are you free from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28But if you do marry, you have not sinned. If a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Yet, those [who marry] will have tribulations in the flesh, and I want to spare you. 29Yet, I say this, brethren: the time is short, and from now on, both those who have wives may be as though they had none; 30and those who weep, as though they did not weep; and those who rejoice, as though they did not rejoice; and those who buy, as though they did not possess; 31and those who use the world, as not using it to the fullest.b The reason is that the outward form of this world is fading away. 32However, I desire that you should be free from [such] cares. He who is unmarried is concerned for the things of the Lord, how he may please the Lord. 33But he who is married is concerned about the things of the world, how he may please his wife. 34There is also a difference between a wife and a virgin: the virgin cares about the things of the Lord, so that she may be holy both in body and spirit. But a married woman cares about the things of the world, how she may please her husband. 35I say this for your own benefit; not that I may ensnare you, but [aiming] for what is appropriate, so that you may serve the Lord without distraction. 36Nevertheless, if any man thinks that he is behaving inappropriately toward his virgin,c if she has past the flower of her age, and if it is required, let him do what he wills:d he does not sin, let them marry. 37As for the one who stands steadfast in his heart, (having no necessity, but having control over his own heart to keep his virginity): he does well.

Or “judgment” NJB translates as “those who are involved with the world as though they were people not engrossed in it” c This seems to be a reference to a Christian man who was betrothed to a virgin with the intention to remain in an unconsummated relationship, perhaps in imitation of St. Joseph and the Theotokos. d Or “desires” b

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38And

so, he who marries his [betrothed] virgin does well, and he who does not does better.

39A

wife is bound by law for as long as her husband lives; but if the husband is dead, she is free to be married to whoever she desires, [but] only in the Lord. 40In my judgment, she is happier if she stays as she is, and I think that I too have the Spirit of God.

8 Concerning things sacrificed to idols Now, concerning things sacrificed to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge makes arrogant, but love builds up. 2But anyone who thinks that he knows anything does not yet know as he should know. 3On the other hand, if anyone loves God, such a person is known by him. 4Therefore, concerning the eating of things sacrificed to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that there is only one God. 5Indeed, although there are [many] things called “gods,” in the heavens or on earth; and there are many [so-called] “gods” and many “lords.” 6Yet, to us, there is one God the Father, from whom are all things; and we [are] for him; and one Lord Jesus Christ through whom are all things, and we live through him. 7However, such knowledge is not found in everyone. There are some who eat things sacrificed to an idol with awareness of the idol, and their conscience (being weak) is defiled. 8But food will not commend us to God. If we do not eat, we are not worse; and if we do eat, we are not better! 9However, be careful that your freedom may never become a stumbling block to the weak. 10For if someone sees you who have knowledge sitting in an idol’s temple, will not this person’s conscience, if weak, be emboldened to eat things sacrificed to idols? 11And thus, through your knowledge, the weak one perishes, even the brethren for whose sake Christ died. 12And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ! 13Therefore, if food causes my brethren to stumble, I will never ever eat meat, so that I may not cause my brethren to stumble.

9 Paul’s apostleship – His rights Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have i not seen Jesus Christ, our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2If to others, I am not an apostle, yet at least for you I am one! You are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3My defense to those who question me is this: 4Have we no right to

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eat and to drink? 5Do we not have the right to take along a sister – a wifea even as the rest of the apostles, and the brothersb of the Lord, and Kephas? 6Or is it only Barnabas and I who are obliged to work? 7What soldier ever serves at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock and does not drink from the flock’s milk? 8Do I speak these things according to human ways? Does not the law say the same thing as well? 9For it is written in the law of Moses, “You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.”c Is it for the oxen that God shows cares, 10or does he say these things for our benefit? Yes, it was written for us, because whoever plows and whoever threshes should do so with the hope to have their share {of a harvest}. 11If we sowed to you spiritual things, is it [such] a great thing if we reap your material things? 12If

others partake of this right over you, should we not even more? Nevertheless, we did not use this right, but we bear all things, so that we may cause no hindrance to the Good News of Christ. 13Do you not know that the ministers in the temple get their food from the temple, and that those who serve at the altar have their share from the altar? 14Even so, the Lord ordained that those who proclaim the Good News should live from the Good News. 15However, I have used none of these things, and I do not write these things so that it may be done so in my case. As it is, I would rather die than to see anyone make my boasting void! 16Indeed, if I preach the Good News, I have nothing to boast about! This necessity is placed on me: woe unto me, if I do not preach the Good News! 17For if I do this of my own will, I have a reward, but if it is not of my own will, then I have a stewardship entrusted to me. 18What then is my reward? That, when I preach the Gospel,d I may present the Good News of Christ for free, in order not to abuse my authority in the Good News. All things to all people 19For

although I was free from all, I brought myself in obedience to all, so that I might gain even more. 20To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win over the Jews. To those who are under the law, [I became] as under the law, so that I might gain those who are under the law. 21To those who are without law, [I became] as one without law (not being without law toward God, but under law toward Christ), so that I might win those who are without law. 22To the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all people, so that I may by all means save some. 23Now, I do this for the sake of the Good News, so that I may be a joint partaker of it. 24Do you not know that those who run in a race run a

Greek avdelfh.n gunai/ka See Appendix E c Deuteronomy 25:4 d Or “Good News” b

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with everyone else, but that only one receives the prize? Run like that, in order to win! 25Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. Now, they do it in order to receive a corruptible crown, but we [seek] an incorruptible crown. 26This is how I run, not without a goal. This is how I fight, not beating the air! 27Instead, I chastise my body and bring it into submission, in fear that after having preached to others, I myself should be disqualified.

10 Warnings from the Old Testament Now, I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under the cloud: all passed through the sea; 2and they were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea. 3They all ate the same spiritual food 4and drank the same spiritual drink. They drank from a spiritual rock that followed them, and that rock was Christ. 5However, God was not well pleased with most of them because they were struck down in the wilderness. 6Now these things were written as examples for us, so that we may not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 7Do not become idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.”a 8Let us not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did, and in one day twenty-three thousand fell! 9Let us not put the Lord to the test, as some of them did, and they perished by the poisonous snakes. 10Let us not grumble either, as some of them did, and they were killed by the destroying angel. 11Now, all these things happened to them as an example and they were written for our instruction, since the ends of the agesb have come on us. 12Therefore, let the one who thinks that he is standing be careful not to fall. 13No

temptation has come to you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful: he will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able to resist, but with the temptation he will also create a way to escape, so that you may be able to endure it. The cup and bread – Against idolatry

14Therefore,

my beloved, flee from idolatry. 15I speak [to you] as to people that have common sense. Judge what I say: 16The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not a sharingc in the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is not it a sharingd in the body of Christ? 17Because there is one loaf of bread, we, who are many, are one body because we all partake of the one a

Exodus 32:6 Greek te,lh tw/n aivw,nwn c Or “communion, participation” d Or “communion, participation” b

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loaf of bread. 18Consider Israel according to the flesh: is it not true that those who eat the sacrifices participate in the altar? 19What am I saying then: that something sacrificed to idols is meaningful,a or that an idol is anything? 20[No], but I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21You cannot drink from the cup of the Lord and also from the cup of demons. You cannot partake of the table of the Lord and of the table of demons as well. 22Or do we [want to] provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than he? 23“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are profitable. “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things build up. 24We should not seek our own good, but our neighbor’s good.

Issues of conscience 25You

may eat whatever is sold at the market,b asking no question for the sake of conscience, 26for “the earth is the Lord’s, and its fullness.”c 27If you are invited for a meal by an unbeliever (and if you are inclined to accept), eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience.d 28But if anyone says to you, “This was offered to idols,” do not eat it for the sake of the one who told you, and for the sake of conscience,e for “the earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness.” 29I say conscience, not your own, but the other’s conscience. But why is my freedom judged by someone else’s conscience? 30If I partake with gratefulness, why am I denounced for what I give thanks for? 31And so, whether you eat, or drink, or whatever [else] you do, do it all to the glory of God. 32Give no occasions for stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the Church of God; 33even as I also [attempt to] please everyone in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, so that they may be saved.

11 Be my imitators, even as I imitate Christ. Headship – Discipline in the assembly 2Now

I praise you, brethren, that you remember me in all things, and hold firm to the traditions as I delivered them to you. 3But I desire you to know that the head of every man is Christ, the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. 4Every man praying or prophesying with his a

Literally “is anything” Technically “meat market” c Psalms 24:1 / 23 LXX d Or “awareness” e CT omits the end of this verse b

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head covered dishonors his head. 5But every woman praying or prophesying with her head unveiled dishonors her head, and it is as if she were shaved. 6Indeed, if a woman does not wear a head covering,a she should be shaved; and if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, then let her be covered. 7Certainly, a man should not have his head covered, because he is the image and glory of God, but woman is the glory of man. 8Man is not from woman, but woman from man; 9for man was not created for the woman, but woman for the man. 10For this cause, a woman should have [a sign of] authorityb on her head, because of the angels. 11Nevertheless,

in the Lord, a woman is not independent from the man or a man independent from the woman. 12For as woman came from man, so a man also comes [to life] through a woman; but all things are from God. 13Judge for yourselves: is it appropriate that a woman pray to God unveiled? 14Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a dishonor to him, 15but if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, because her hair is given to her as a covering. 16But if anyone wishes to dispute these things, we have no other custom, and neither do God’s Churches. 17Yet,

in giving you this instruction, I do not praise you, as you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18First of all, when you come together as Church, I hear that divisions take place among you, and I partly believe it. 19Indeed, there must also be factionsc among you, so that those who are approved may be revealed among you. 20As it is, when you gather together, it is not the Lord’s supper that you eat, 21because each one takes his own supper first!d One is hungry, and another is drunk! 22Do you not have houses where you can eat and drink? Or do you despise God’s Church and put to shame those who have nothing? What shall I tell you? Shall I praise you? In this, I do not praise you. Tradition of the Lord’s Supper – Unworthy communion 23For

I received from the Lord what also I delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night in which he was betrayed, took bread. 24When he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, “Take, eat.e This is my body, which is brokenf for you. Do this in memory of me.” 25Likewise, he also took the cup, after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink, in memory of me.” 26For as often as you eat this bread

Or “is not covered” Greek evxousi,an c Greek ai`re,seij from which we have the English word ‘heresy’ although the primary equivalent would be ‘schism,’ both concepts being closely related. d Or perhaps “without waiting for everyone” e CT omits “Take, eat” f CT omits “which is broken” b

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and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes. 27Therefore, whoever eats this bread or drinks the Lord’s cup in a manner unworthy of the Lord will be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28But let everyone do a self-examination, and then eat the bread and drink from the cup. 29For whoever eats and drinks unworthilya eats and drinks judgment to himself, if such a one does not discern the body of the Lord.b 30For this reason, many among you are weak and sick, and many have fallen asleep. 31If we discerned ourselves, we would not be judged, 32but when we are judged, we are chastised by the Lord, so that we may not be condemned with the world. 33Therefore, my brethren, when you come together for the Meal, wait for one another. 34But anyone who is hungry should eat at home, in fear that your coming together might be for judgment. Other matters, I will set in order when I come.

12 The works of the Spirit Now concerning spiritual [gifts],c brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant. 2You know that when you were Gentiles, you were enticed and led away to those mute idols. 3Therefore, I want you to understand that no one speaking by God’s Spirit can says, “Jesus is accursed.” No one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. 4Now, there are various kinds of gifts, but it is the same Spirit. 5There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord. 6There are various kinds of works, but it is the same God who works all things in all. 7But to each one, the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the benefit of all. 8To one, the word of wisdom is given through the Spirit, and to another the word of knowledge, [both] according to the same Spirit. 9To another faith [is given] by the same Spirit and to yet another gifts of healings, [both] by the same Spirit. 10To another it is given to work miracles and to another prophecy. Another receives the discerning of spirits, another different kinds of tongues and another [yet] the interpretation of tongues. 11However, it is the one and same Spirit who works all of these, distributing to each one individually as he intends. One and many 12Just

as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body (though many,) form one body; so also is Christ. 13For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, both Jews and Greeks, slaves or free; and we were all given the one Spirit to drink. 14For the body is not one member, but many. 15If the foot would say, “Because I am not the hand, a

CT omits “unworthily” CT omits “of the Lord” c Greek tw/n pneumatikw/n (or “spiritual things”) b

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I am not part of the body,” it would still be part of the body. 16If the ear would say, “Because I am not the eye, I am not part of the body,” it would still be part of the body. 17If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? Or if the whole body were hearing, where would the smelling be? 18But now, God has set the members of the body, each one of them, just as he desired. 19If they were all one member, where would the body be? 20But now, they are many members, but [still] one body. 21The eye cannot tell the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22In fact, the members of the body which seem to be weaker are indispensable! 23The members of the body which we think less honorable, we clothe with greater honor while our less respectable members are treated with greater respect, 24although our more presentable parts have no such need. But God put the body together, giving more abundant honor to the inferior part, 25so that there should be no division in the body. Instead, the members should have the same care for one another. 26When one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, and when one member is glorified, all the members rejoice with it. 27Now

you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28God has appointed some in the Church as follows: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then wonderworkers, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help others, those with gifts of administration,a and those with different kinds of tongues. 29However, are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all miracle workers? 30Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with various languages? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the best gifts. Moreover, I [will] show you a most excellent way.

13 The way of love If I speak with the tongues of men and angels, but do not have love, I have become a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 2If I have the gift of prophecy and know all mysteries and have all knowledge; and if I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but if I do not have love; I am nothing. 3If I give out all my goods to feed the poor, and give my body to be burnedb but do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4Love

is patient and is kind; love does not envy. Love does not brag, it is not proud, 5it does not behave inappropriately, it is not self-oriented.c [Love] does not take offence and does not keep track of evil, 6it does not

Or “governance” Or “hand over my body / give my body to hardship” – note that CT reads “that I may boast” which has strong support. c Or “does not seek its own [way]” (Greek ouv zhtei/ ta. e`auth/j) b

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rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth. 7[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8Love never fails. But as for prophecies, they will come to an end; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away. 9For we know [only] in part, and we prophesy [only] in part; 10but when what is complete comes, then what is incomplete will be done away with. 11When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I felt as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become fullgrown, I have put away childish things. 12For now, we see in a mirror, dimly,a but then we shall see face to face. Now, I know [only] in part, but then, I will know fully, even as I have been fully known. 13But now, faith, hope, and love remain: these three, and the greatest of these is love.

14 About tongues and prophecy: personal and communal edification Pursue love, and eagerly desire spiritual gifts,b especially so that you may prophesy. 2For whoever speaks in another tongue does not speak to human beings but to God; and no one understands, but such a one speaks mysteries in [the] spirit.c 3Whoever prophesies speaks to others for their edification, exhortation, and consolation. 4Whoever speaks in another tongue edifies himself [only], but the one who prophesies edifies the Church. 5Indeed,d I desire to have all of you speak in other tongues, and even more that you would prophesy. For the one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless the one who speaks in tongues also interprets, so that the Church may be edified. 6But

now, brethren, if I come to you speaking in tongues, what profit is there for you unless I speak either by way of revelation, knowledge, prophesying, or teaching? 7Consider things without life but giving a voice, such as a pipe or a harp: if they did not give a distinction in the sounds, how would anyone know what is being played? 8For if the trumpet gave an uncertaine sound, who would prepare for war? 9It is the same with you: if you do not utter words easy to understand, how will people understand what is spoken? For you would be speaking into the air! 10As it is, there are many kinds of sounds in the world, and none of them is without meaning. 11But if I do not know the meaning of the sound, I would be as a foreigner to the one speaking [in tongues] and vice-versa. 12And so with you, since a

Or “darkly, imprecisely” See 12:1 c Or “Spirit” d Or “for / truly” e Or “muted” b

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you are eager for spiritual gifts, try to excel in what edifies the Church. 13Therefore, the one who speaks in another tongue should pray that he may [also] interpret, 14because if I pray in another tongue, my spirit prays, but my minda does not bear fruit. 15What

then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the mind. I will sing withb the spirit, and with the mind also. 16Otherwise if you bless with the spirit, how will the one who is untrained say the “Amen” at your giving of thanks, not knowing what are you saying? 17You give thanks well, no doubt about it, but the other person is not built up. 18I give thanks to my God: I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19However, in the Church, I would rather speak five words with my mind than ten thousand words in another tongue, in order to instruct others. The purpose of these gifts 20Brethren,

do not be children in thoughts, yet be infants when it comes to evil. Be mature in your thoughts. 21It is written in the law: By men of strange tongues and by the lips of strangers, I will speak to this people. Yet, not even thus will they hear me, says the Lord.c

22Therefore,

other tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe, but to unbelievers. Prophesying is [also] a sign, not to the unbelieving, but to those who believe. 23If therefore the whole Church is assembled and all speak in tongues, and someone untaught or unbelieving comes in, will this person not say that you are crazy? 24But if all prophesy, and someone unbelieving or untaught comes in, that person is reproved by all, and is judged by all. 25And thus, the secrets of this person’s heart shall be revealedd in order to fall down on his face and expressed adoration toe God, declaring that God is among you indeed. Instructions for good order 26What

is it then, brethren? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, a teaching, a revelation, a [saying in] tongue, or an interpretation. Let all these things be done to build each other up. 27If someone speaks in another tongue, let it be two or at the most three of them, one at a time; and then someone should interpret. 28But if there is no interpreter, the one who speaks in tongues should remain silent in the Church; and let him a

Or “understanding” (The Greek word is nous/noi) throughout this chapter In these verse (15-19), “with” could also be translated as “by” or “in” c Isaias (Isaiah) 28:11-12 d Hebrews 4:12 e proskuneo can also be translated “worship (in the broad sense),” “venerate,” “fall down in reverence,” “do obeisance” (see NT introduction regarding proskuneo) b

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speak to himself and to God. 29Let the prophets speak, two or three of them, and then let the others ponder on what was said. 30But if a revelation is made to another sitting by, the first speaker should then keep silent. 31Certainly, all of you can prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and be exhorted. 32The prophetic spirit is to be under the prophets’ control, 33for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. As is done in all the Churches of the saints, 34women should remain silent in the Churches, for it has not been permitted for them to speak as they are to be under authority, as the law also says. 35If they desire to learn about something, let them ask their own husbands at home, for it is not fitting that a woman should speak in the Church. 36Do

you think that it was from you that the word of God went out? Or did it come to you alone? 37If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or someone spiritual, let him recognize the things which I write to you: these are the commandment of the Lord. 38But the ignorant is truly ignorant! 39Therefore, brethren, have an intense desire to prophesy and do not forbid speaking in tongues, 40but let all things be done decently and in order.

15 The Good News and the Resurrection Now I declare to you, brethren, the Good News which I preached to you, which also you accepted,a in which you also stand. 2And you are saved by it, that is if you hold firmly to the word which I preached to you. Otherwise, you believed in vain. 3For I delivered to you, first of all, what I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, 5and that he appeared to Kephas,b then to the Twelve. 6After that, he appeared to over five hundred brethren at once, most of whom remain [alive] until now, but some have also fallen asleep. 7Then he appeared to James,c then to all the apostles, 8and last of all, as to the child born at the wrong time, he appeared to me also. 9Indeed, I am the least of the apostles, unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the Church of God. 10But by the grace of God, I am what I am. His grace which was bestowed on me was not in vain, but I worked more than all of them - yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me. 11It does not matter whether is it I or they: this is what we preach, and so you believed.

Or “received” Peter c Most probably “James the Just,” the bishop of Jerusalem who was also called “the Lord’s brother” (see Appendix E). It is unclear whether this James was an unbeliever or a disciple / apostle at that time (see John 7:1-3). b

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12Now,

if Christ is preached and we preach that he has been raised from the dead, how is it that some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ has not been raised! 14If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain, and your faith is also in vain. 15Yes, we are found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified concerning God that he raised up Christ (but if God did not raise him up, then the dead are not raised). 16Truly, if the dead are not raised, then Christ has not been raised! 17If Christ has not been raised, your faith is vain, and you are still in your sins. 18Moreover, those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19If it is only in this life that we have hoped in Christ, we are the most pathetic of all human beings! 20But

in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead! He did become the first fruits of those who are asleep. 21For since death came through [one] man, the resurrection of the dead also came through [one] man. 22As in Adam all die, in Christ all will be made alive. 23But each in the proper order: Christ (the first fruits), then those who are Christ’s, at his coming. 24When the end comes, he will deliver the Kingdom to the God and Father, that is when he will have abolished all rule and all authority and power. 25For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. 26The last enemy that will be abolished is death. 27For, “He put all things in subjection under his feet.”a But when he says, “All things are put in subjection,” it is obvious that this does not include the one who subjected all things to him. 28When all things have been subjected to him, then the Son will also subject himself to the one who subjected all things to him, so that God may be all in all. 29Otherwise,

what is the point of being baptized to be as dead? If the dead are not raised at all, why are peopleb baptized to be on their side?c 30Why do we also stand in danger at every hour? 31I affirm, by the boasting in you which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, that I die daily. 32If I fought with animals at Ephesus for human purposes, what gain is there for me? If the dead are not raised, then “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.”d 33Do not be deceived! “Evil companionships corrupt good morals.” 34Wake up to righteousness and do not sin, for some have no knowledge of God. I say this to your shame.

Psalms 8:6 Greek “they” c May also be translated, as is common: “Otherwise, what are people up to who have themselves baptized on behalf of the dead? If the dead are not raised at all, what is the point of being baptized on their behalf?” (NJB). The Greek is u`pe.r tw/n nekrw/n where u`pe.r means “on behalf of / for the sake of / concerning / to be on the side of / to be in favor of” d Isaias (Isaiah) 22:13 b

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How are the dead raised? 35But

someone will say, “How are the dead raised?” and, “With what kind of body do they return?” 36You foolish one, even what you sow is not made alive unless it dies first.a 37What you sow, you do not sow [in] the shapeb that will be, but a bare grain, maybe of wheat, or of some other kind. 38But God gives it a body even as it pleased him, and to each seed a body of its own. 39Not all flesh is alike: there is human nature, animal flesh and also the nature of fish and birds. 40There are also heavenlyc bodies, and earthlyd bodies; but the glory of the heavenly differs from that of the earthly. 41There is the glory of the sun, another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory. 42This is comparable to the resurrection of the dead: something is sown in corruption but raised in incorruption. 43It is sown in dishonor; it is then raised in glory. It is sown in weakness then raised in power. 44It is sown as a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body just as there is a spiritual body. 45And

so, it is written, “The first man, Adam, became a living soul.”e The last Adam became a life-giving spirit. 46However, what is spiritual is not first, but what is natural, then comes what is spiritual. 47The first man is from the earth, made of dust. The second man is the Lord from heaven. 48As is the one made of dust, such are those who are also made of dust; and as is the heavenly, such are they also that are heavenly.f 49As we have borne the image of those made of dust, we will also bear the image of the heavenly [man]. 50Now, I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God; neither does corruption inherit incorruption. 51Behold,

I tell you a mystery. We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, 52in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. The trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we will be changed. 53For what is corruptible must put on incorruption, and what is mortal must put on immortality. 54But when the corruptible will have put on incorruption and the mortal immortality, then what is written will come true, “Death is swallowed up in victory.”g 55

Death, where is your sting?h

John 12:24 Greek sw/ma – (“body / substance / reality”) c Or “celestial” d Or “terrestrial” e Genesis 2:7 f Can be paraphrased as “The earthly man is the pattern for earthly people, the heavenly man for heavenly ones (NJB)” g Isaias (Isaiah) 25:8 h NT agrees with LXX against MT b

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Hades, where is your victory?a 56The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! 58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always active in the Lord’s work, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

16 About the collection and Paul’s plans Now, concerning the collection for the saints, do as I instructed the Churches of Galatia. 2On the first day of the week, each one of you should put aside and reserve according to God’s blessing, so that no collections be made when I come. 3When I arrive, I will send whoever you approve with letters to carry your gracious gift to Jerusalem. 4If it is appropriate for me to go also, they will accompany me. 5But I will come to you when I have passed through Macedonia, since I have to go through Macedonia. 6I may also stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my journey. 7Truly, I do not wish to see you only in passing, but I hope to stay with you for a while, if the Lord permits. 8But I will stay at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9because a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10Now, if Timothy comes, make sure that he has nothing to fear from you, for he does the work of the Lord as I do. 11Therefore, let no one despise him, but set him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brothers. 12Now

concerning Apollos, the brother: I strongly urged him to come to you with the brothers;b but it was not his desire to come now. He will come when he has an opportunity. Encouragements 13Watch!

Stand firm in the faith! Be courageous! Be strong! you do be done in love.

15Now

14Let

all that

I beg you, brethren (you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to serve the saints), 16that you also be in service to people like this to everyone who helps in the work and labors. 17I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus; for what was lacking on your part, they supplied. 18They refreshed my spirit and yours; show therefore your appreciation to such people.

a b

Hosea 13:14. CT reverses “sting” and “victory” Or “brethren” (In context, this appears to be a group of men)

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Churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, together with the Church that is in their house. 20All the brethren greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss!

21This

greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22If anyone does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed.a Maranatha!b 23May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24My love is with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.

a b

Greek anathema Aramaic meaning “Come Lord!”

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2 CORINTHIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΡΙΝΘΙΟΥΣ Β) 1 Afflictions and blessings Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the Church of God which is at Corinth, with all the saints who are throughout Achaia: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! 3Blessed

be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and {a} God of all consolation; 4who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5For as the sufferings of Christ overflow to us, even so our consolation also overflows through Christ. 6But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your consolation which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer. 7Our hope for you is unshaken, knowing that, since you have a share in the sufferings, you also have a share in the consolation. 8For we do not desire to have you uninformed, brethren, concerning our affliction which happened to us in Asia: we were extremely oppressed, beyond our power, so much that we even despaired of life. 9Yes, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we should not trust in ourselves but [only] in God who raises the dead. 10He who delivered us from such a great death and continued to deliver; we hope that he will also deliver us. 11You also help by your supplication on our behalf; so that thanksgiving will be offered for the gift bestowed on us by means of many. Paul’s relationship with the Corinthians 12Our

boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience. We act in the world in holiness and sincerity of God (not in carnal wisdom but in the grace of God), and we do so more abundantly toward you. 13We only write what you can read and acknowledge: I hope that you will accept [those things] to the end; 14as you also received us in part. I also hope that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus. 15In this confidence, I was determined to come first to you, so that you might have a double blessing. 16I would then pass into Macedonia, and then again from Macedonia back to you to be sent on by you on my journey to Judea. 17After making this plan, did I waver in my resolve? Or do I plan things in

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human way? For with me, “Yes” should be “yes” and “No,” no. 18But as God is faithful, our word to you was not “Yes and no.a” 19Certainly, the Son of God, Jesus Christ, (who was preached among you by us, by me, Silvanus, and Timothy), was not “Yes and no,” but in him is “Yes.” 20However many the promises of God are, in him is the “Yes.” And so, through him is the “Amen,” to the glory of God, through us. 21Now,

the one who establishes us with you in Christ and who has anointed us is God. 22He has also sealed us and given us the pledge of the Spirit in our hearts. 23I call God as a witness to my soul that I did not come to Corinth to spare you. 24It is not that we have lordship over your faith: we are fellow-workers with you for your joy, as you stand firm in faith.

2 About the first letter and its effect But I resolved this for myself: that I would not return to you in sorrow. 2If I cause you distress, who will bring me joy except for you, the very ones whom I grieve? 3Indeed, I wrote as I did, so that when I came, I would not have sorrow from the ones who should be me joy; but I trust in you all, that my joy would also be shared by all. 4It was out of much affliction and anguish of heart that I wrote to you with many tears, not to cause you distress but to let you know what overflowing love I have for you. 5Still, if anyone has caused sorrow, he has caused sorrow not to only me but also, to an extent, to all of you.b 6For this person, the punishment imposed by the many [of you] should be enough. 7In fact, you should rather forgive and comfort this person,c for fear that he might be overwhelmed with excessive sorrow. 8Therefore, I beg you to confirm your love toward him. 9I had also written with this purpose: that I might know by a test whether you are obedient in all things. 10Now, I also forgive whoever you forgive! Indeed, if I have forgiven anything, I have forgiven for your sake in the persond of Christ, 11so that Satan may not gain any ground over us; and we are not ignorant of his schemes. Paul’s ministry 12Now,

when I came to Troas for the Good News of Christ as a door was opened to me in the Lord, 13I had no relief for my spirit, because I did not find Titus, my brother. After taking my leave of them [in Troas], I headed into Macedonia. 14Thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in a

Matthew 5:37; James 5:12 See 1 Corinthians 5:1 c Or “him / this brother” d Often translated “in the presence of Christ.” The Greek is evn prosw,pw| Cristou/ b

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Christ, and who reveals through us the sweet fragrance of his knowledge in every place. 15Indeed, we are a sweet fragrance of Christ to God, both in those who are being saved and in those who are perishing.a 16To the latter, we are a stench from death to death, but to the first [we are] a sweet fragrance from life to life. Who is equal to such a task? 17We are not as many who ‘peddle the word of God,’ but we speak in Christ with sincerity, as from God and in the sight of God.

3 The ministry of the Spirit Are we again trying to obtain your approval? Or do we need (as some do) letters of recommendation to you or from you? 2You are our letter, written in our hearts, knownb and read by all! 3It is being revealed that you are a letter of Christ, served by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, and not in tablets of stone but in tablets that are hearts of flesh. 4We have such confidence through Christ toward God; 5not that we are competent on our own to claim anything for ourselves; but our competence is from God 6who has made us competent as servants of a new covenant; not of the letter, but of the Spirit. Indeed, the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life! 7However, if the ministry of death, written in stones, came with glory, so much that the children of Israel could not gaze at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face (and this glory was passing away): 8will not the ministry of the Spirit be with much more glory? 9For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, the ministry of righteousness exceeds all the more in glory! 10It is certain that what used to be glorious has not been made glorious in such a manner, that is by such an overwhelming glory. 11For if what passes away was glorious, how much more glorious is that which remains! 12Since we have such a hope, we use great boldness of speech, 13not as Moses, who put a veil on his face so that the children of Israel would not see the end of what was passing away. 14In this case, their minds were hardened, because to this very day, at the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains since only in Christ does it pass away. 15Even to this day, when Moses is read, a veil lies on their heart. 16But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17Now, the Lord is the Spiritc and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 18With unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, we are all being

Or “being destroyed / being lost / passing away” Or “recognized” c These verses are the biblical basis for the clause found in the Creed of Constantinople (381): “the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the Giver of Life…” b

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transformeda into the same image, from glory to glory,b and this is from the Lord, the Spirit.

4 A difficult ministry Therefore, seeing that we have this ministry, even as we have obtained mercy, we do not waver. 2We have renounced the hidden things of shame: we no longer walk in clever lies and we do not handle the word of God deceitfully. Instead, by the manifestation of the truth, we seek the approval of everyone who has a conscience in the sight of God. 3Even if our Good News is veiled, it is veiled in those who perish, 4as the god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, so that the light of the Good News of the glory of Christ who is the image of God should not dawn on them. 5For we do not preach [about] ourselves, but [about] Christ Jesus as Lord, and [we present] ourselves as your servants for the sake of Jesus, 6seeing that it is God who said, “Light will shine out of darkness,”c and he has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the faced of Jesus Christ. 7However,

we have this treasure in vessels of clay, so that the amazing power may be from God and not from ourselves. 8We are pressed on every side, yet [we are] not crushed! We are perplexed, but not to [the point of] despair. 9We are persecuted yet not forsaken; struck down, yet not destroyed; 10and we always carry in our bodies the death of the Lorde Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. 11Indeed, we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be revealed in our mortal flesh. 12And so, death is at work in us, but life in you. 13Still, we have the same spirit of faith, according to what is written, “I believed, and therefore I spoke.”f We believe, and therefore we also speak; 14knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus, and bring us with you into his presence. 15All these things are for your benefit, so that as grace is extended to many, this may also cause thanksgiving to be multiplied to the glory of God. 16Therefore, we do not lose heart, but even if outwardly we are decaying, yet our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17Indeed, the result is that our light affliction (which is temporary) is producing for us an ever-increasing standing in a

Or literally “transfigured” (Greek metamorfou,meqa) That is ‘from glory to greater glory’ c Compare Genesis 1:3 d Greek prosw,pw| e Some manuscripts omit “Lord” (CT) f Psalms 116:10 / 115 LXX. NT agrees with LXX against MT b

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eternal glory! 18This is because we do not look at visible things but at invisible things, and the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

5 After death We know that if our earthly tenta is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2It is certain that we groan in this [tent], longing to be clothed with our heavenly dwelling; 3so that being clothed we will not be found naked. 4We who are in this tent are truly groaning as we are burdened;b but it is not that we desire to be unclothed; rather, we desire to be clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life.c 5Now, the one who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also gave us the pledged of the Spirit. 6Therefore,

we are always confident and know that while we are at homee in the body, we are absent from the Lord; 7for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8I dare say that we are courageous and that we would rather be absent from the body and at home with the Lord. 9And so, we make this our aim: that whether at home or absent, we would be well-pleasing to him. 10For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive according to what was done in the body; good or evil. A new creation - The ministry of reconciliation 11But

since we know the fear of the Lord, let us try to persuade others. What we are is revealed to God, and I hope that we are also revealed to your consciences.f 12Certainly, we are not trying to obtain your approval once again, but we say this to give you an occasion to be proud of us, so that you may have something to answer to those who boast in appearances - not in the heart [of things]. 13If we are unreasonable, it is for God, and if we are reasonable, it is for you. 14Indeed, the love of Christ overwhelms us, because we consider this: that one died for all, therefore all have died. 15He died for all, so that those who live should no longer live to themselves but to him who died and rose again for them. 16Therefore, we do not think of anyone according to the fleshg any more. Even though we used to think of Christ according to the flesh, we no longer think of him this way. a

Compare 2 Peter 1:13 Compare verses 1 and 4 with Wisdom 9:15. See also Isaias (Isaiah) 38:12. c Compare 1 Corinthians 15:53-54 d Or “deposit / earnest / guarantee / downpayment” e Or “present” f Or “awareness / consciousness” g This expression can also be translated “from a human point of view (RSV)” b

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anyone who is in Christ is a new creation! The old things have passed away. Behold, all things have become new!a 18But all things are of God, who reconciled us to himself through Jesus Christ and who gave to us the ministry of reconciliation. 19What I mean is that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not imputingb sins, but having entrusted us with the word of reconciliation. 20Therefore, we are ambassadors of Christ: it is as if God was making [his] supplication through us: we beg you, on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God! 21God made him who knew no sin to become sinc for our sake; so that in him, we might become the righteousness of God.

6 Tribulations in the ministry Since we are God’sd fellow-workers, we also entreat you not to receive his grace in vain, 2for he says, At a favorablee time I listened to you;f In a day of salvation I helped you.g Behold, now is the acceptable time! Behold, now is the day of salvation! 3We give no occasion for stumbling in anything, so that our ministry may not be blamed. 4Instead, we seek to be approved as servants of God in everything, in great endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, 5in beatings, in imprisonments, in riots, in labors, in vigils,h in fastings; 6in purity, in knowledge, in patience, in kindness, in a holy spirit,i in sincere love, 7in the word of truth, and in the power of God. There is also the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8glory and dishonor, evil report and good report; being thought to be deceivers, and yet true; 9unknown, and yet well-known; dying, and behold, we live; punished, and yet not killed; 10sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; thought to have nothing even though we possess all things!

Compare Revelation 21:1,5 Compare Romans 4:7-8 (Greek logizo,menoj – conveying the idea of “take into account / consider / evaluate / count”) c Compare Isaias (Isaiah) 53:6 d Greek “his” e Or “acceptable” f NT agrees with LXX against MT g Isaias (Isaiah) 49:8 h Or “night-watches” i Sometimes translated “in the Holy Spirit” b

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11We

have spoken freely to you, O Corinthians, and our heart is open wide. are not withholding our affection from you, but you are withholding yours from us! 13In return, I speak to you as to my children: be open [to what we have to say]. 12We

A holy people 14Do

not be mismatched with unbelievers: what association is there between righteousness and wickedness? Or what fellowship is there between light and darkness? 15What agreement does Christ have with Belial?a What sharing is there between a believer and an unbeliever? 16What agreement can there be between God’s sanctuary and idols? For you are a sanctuary of the living God. Even as God said, “I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they will be my people.”b 17Therefore: ‘Come out from among them and be separate,’ says the Lord. ‘Touch no unclean thing. I will receive you.c I will be a Father to you. You will be to me sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”d

7 Since we have these promises, beloved, let us purify ourselves from all defilement of flesh and spirit, so that we may bring [our] holiness to completion in the fear of God. 2Open your hearts to us! We wronged no one, we corrupted no one, and we took advantage of no one. 3I say this not to condemn you, for as I have said before, you are in our hearts to die together and to live together. 4[But] great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf! I am filled with consolation, I overflow with joy in all our afflictions. Paul’s joy concerning the Corinthians 5Indeed,

even after arriving in Macedonia, our flesh had no relief; we were afflicted on every side. There was struggle on the outside and fear inside. 6Nevertheless, he who comforts the lowly, God, comforted us with the arrival of Titus; 7and not just by his arrival but also by the encouragement

Or “Beliar” – the worthless one Leviticus 26:12; Jeremiah 32:38; Ezekiel 37:27; Revelation 2:3 c Isaias (Isaiah) 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34,41 d 2 Samuel 7:14; 7:8 b

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he had received from you. He told us of your longing, your mourning, and your zeal for me; and I rejoiced even more. 8Although

I [know that I] made you feel bad with my [first] letter, I do not regret it (though I did regret it for a while). I can see that my letter made you sorry, a least for a while. 9But now, I rejoice, not that you experienced distress, but that you were made sorry to repentance. Indeed, you experienced godly distress and thus you did not experience a loss because of us. 10Indeed, godly sorrow works repentance that leads to salvation, it does not bring regret. On the other hand, the sorrow of the world is deadly. 11Consider what happened in this case: you experienced distress in a godly way and what serious reaction it worked in you! Yes, what apology, anger, fear, longing, zeal, and vengeance [resulted]! In everything you have shown yourselves blameless in this matter. 12And so, although I wrote to you, it was neither for the sake of the offender nor for the one offended, but so that your devotion to us might be revealed in the sight of God. 13Therefore, we have been comforted. In our comfort, we rejoiced all the more on account of Titus’s joy, because you had refreshed his spirit. 14I had boasted to him about you, and I was not disappointed! And just as we spoke all things to you in truth, likewise boasting to Titus [about you] was found to be the truth. 15His deep affection for you is even stronger as he remembers your obedience, how with fear and trembling you received him. 16I rejoice that concerning you, I can be confident in everything.

8 About giving Moreover, brethren, we want you to know about the grace that God has given in the Churches of Macedonia: 2in spite of extreme tribulations, the abundance of their joy (and their deep poverty) has resulted in generous giving. 3I can testify that within their means and even beyond, they gave freely, 4begging us to receive the grace to have such a participation in the ministrya to the saints. 5We had not hoped for so much, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us, by the will of God. 6As a result, we urged Titus to bring this same grace to completion in you. 7Yes, as you overflow in everything: faith, speech, knowledge, devotion, and [also] in your love for us,b try to overflow even in this grace {of generous giving}. 8I am not saying this as an order, but as testing your love by mentioning the devotion of others. 9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: even though he was rich, yet he became poor for your sake, so that by his a b

Or “service” CT reads “our love for you”

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poverty you might become rich. 10I give my opinion in this matter: it would be the right thing to do for you, since a year ago you were the first to do something (and this was also your will), 11to complete what you were doing. Just as there was the readiness to be willing, may there [also] be completion {of this project} according to your means. 12If you are ready, the gift is acceptable according to what one has - not according to what one does not have. 13The goal is not that others may have it easy and that you would be in distress; 14this is about a balancing out.a In this present time, let your abundance make up for what others lack, so that their abundance also may become a supply for what you lack; and may there be equality. 15As it is written, “The one who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”b About Titus 16But

thanks be to God who puts into Titus’ heart the same devotion for you. 17He has accepted our exhortation, but since he was very eager, he [actually] went out to you of his own accord. 18We have sent along with him the brotherc whose praise in the Good News is known in all the Churches. 19In fact, he was also appointed by the Churches to accompany us in this grace, which we administer to the glory of the Lord himself, and to show our zeal. 20There is one thing that we want to avoid: that anyone should blame us about this general gift which we administer. 21We endeavor to act honorably, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. 22We have sent with them our brother who has proven his eagerness in many ways, but now he is even more eager because of his great confidence in you. 23Regarding Titus: he is my partner and fellowworker for your sake. As for our brothers, they are the apostles of the Churches, the glory of Christ. 24Therefore, demonstrate your love to them before the Churches; show that we were right to boast about you to them.

9 The ministry to the saints It is not needed that I should write to you about the ministry to the saints. 2Indeed, I know that you are ready and I boast about you to the Macedonians, that you in Achaia have been ready since last year. Your zeal has encouraged very many of them! 3But I have sent the brothers, so that our boasting about you may not be in vain in this respect: as I have said, be prepared. 4Otherwise, if anyone from Macedonia comes with us and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this a

Or “equality / equalization / fair share” Exodus 16:8 c An unnamed Christian b

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confident boasting [about you]. 5Therefore, I thought it necessary to ask the brothers to reach you first in order to arrange ahead of time the generous gift which you promised before. Thus, may the gift be ready as a matter of generosity, not greediness. 6Remember this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. Whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7Let everyone give according to what he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver.a 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that by having what is needed in everything, you may overflow in every good work. 9As it is written: He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.b 10Now,

may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food also supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 11Thus, may you be enriched in everything, so that you may be generous in all things, and through us, this brings thanksgiving to God. 12This ministry of giving which you perform does not only make up for what the saints are lacking; it also overflows into thanksgiving to God. 13Seeing that you prove yourselves by this service, the saintsc glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and also for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all. 14As for them, with supplication on your behalf, they are devoted to you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

10 Paul defends his person and ministry I, Paul, entreat you by the humility and gentleness of Christ, as one who is humble among you in your presence but bold in my absence. 2Yes, I beg that I should not have to be bold when I am actually with you by daring to oppose those who think we are acting according to human standards. 3Even though we walk in the flesh, we do not wage war according to the flesh. 4The weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to overthrow strongholds, 5to cast down fantasies and every lofty thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and to bring every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. 6Once you have given your complete obedience, we are prepared to chastise any disobedience. 7Do

Compare Proverbs 22:8a LXX; Wisdom of Sirach 35:8-9 Psalms 112:9 / 111 LXX c Greek “they” b

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you look at things only as they appear in your presence? If anyone trusts that he belongs to Christ, let such a person reconsider this, that, we belong to Christ as much as he does! 8Even though I should boast some more about our authority, (which the Lord gave for building you up, and not for casting you down), would that not be a shame? 9May I not appear to desire to terrify you by my letters! 10Some people say, “His letters are profound and strong, but his physical presence is weak and his speech is worthless.” 11Let such people consider this: that what we are in word by letters (when we are absent), we are exactly the same in actions when we are present. 12We are not venturing to rank or compare ourselves with those who commend themselves. But as they measure themselves by their own standards and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding. 13However, we will not boast beyond proper limits, only within the boundaries which God has appointed to us, which reach even to you. 14In fact, we do not stretch ourselves too much, as though we did not reach to you. For we even reached as far as to you with the Good News of Christ, 15not boasting beyond proper limits in the work of others, but having hope that as your faith grows, our [missionary] field among you will be greatly enlarged. 16This way, we will be able to preach the Good News even to those areas that are beyond you, in order not to boast in what others have already accomplished. 17But “whoever boasts, let him boast in the Lord!”a 18Truly, it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but it is the Lord who gives [him] approval.

11 False apostles I wish that you would be patient with me in a little foolishness, and indeed, you are! 2Certainly, I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy: I betrothed you to one husband, so that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ. 3But I am afraid that somehow, just as the serpent deceived Eve in his shrewd deceit, your minds might likewise be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4Somehow, if someone comes along preaching another Jesus, (not the one we preached), or if you receive a different spirit, (not the one you [first] received), or a different Good News, (which is not the one you accepted), you put up with it well enough. 5However, I do not consider myself inferior to the superlative apostles:b 6although I am unskilled in speech, I am not unskilled in knowledge. No, in every way, what we are has been revealed to you in all [these] things. 7Or did I commit a sin in humbling myself so that you might be exalted, because I preached God’s Good News to you free of charge? 8I ‘robbed’ other a b

Jeremiah 9:24 Or “chiefest apostles, super-apostles, most eminent apostles” (Greek u`perli,an avposto,lwn)

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Churches, taking wages from them, so that I might serve you! 9When I was present with you and found myself in need, I was not a burden on anyone because when the brothersa came from Macedonia, they provided according to my need. In everything, I have refrained from being a burden to you, and I will continue to do so. 10As

the truth of Christ is in me, no one will stop me from this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11Why do I say this? Because I do not love you? God knows that I do! 12But what I do, I will keep doing, in order that those who wish to boast as we do may have no such occasion. 13As it is, such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, trying to pass themselves off as Christ’s apostles. 14And this is no wonder: even Satan presents himself as an angel of light. 15It is no great thing, then, if his servants also disguise themselves as servants of righteousness, and their end will be according to their works. Paul’s ‘boasting’ 16I

say it again: may you not think that I am fool! But if you do, receive me still as foolish, so that I also may boast a little. 17What I [now] speak, I do not speak according to the Lord, but in foolishness, in this confidence of boasting. 18And since I see that many boast as humans do,b I will also boast. 19Yes, since you are wise, you bear with the foolish gladly! 20In fact, you put up with someone who brings you into slavery, devours you, takes you captive, exalts himself, or strikes you on the face. 21I say this to our shame: we were too weak for that! However, if anyone is bold (I speak in foolishness), I am bold as well. 22Are they Hebrews? So am I! Are they Israelites? So am I! Are they Abraham’s seed? So am I! 23Are they Christ’s servants? I am even more so (I speak as a fool)! I was in more labors, more in prisons, beaten countless times, often close to death. 24Five times, I was beaten with stripes (forty times minus one) from the Jews. 25Three times, I was beaten with rods. Once, I received a stoning. Three times, I suffered shipwreck and was for a night and a day in the open sea. 26I have been in travels often, in danger from rivers, robbers, from my countrymen, from the Gentiles; in danger in the city, in the wilderness, at sea, among false brothers; 27in toil and hardship, in vigils often, in hunger and thirst, often fasting, and in cold and nakedness. 28Besides

those things which are external, there is something that presses on me daily: anxietyc for all the Churches. 29If anyone is weak, do I not feel weak too? If anyone stumbles, do I not burn with indignation? 30But if I must boast, I will boast about those things that have to do my weakness. 31The God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, he who is blessed unto the a

Or “brethren” Literally “after the flesh, based on fleshly things” c Or “care” b

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ages, knows that I do not lie. 32In Damascus, the governor of King Aretas guarded the city in order to arrest me. 33But I was let down in a basket along the wall through a window, and this is how I escaped from his hands.

12 Visions and revelations - A thorn in the flesh Without a doubt, it is not profitable for me to boast, but I will now discuss visions and revelations from the Lord. 2I know a mana in Christ, who fourteen years ago, was caught up into the third heaven (whether [it was] in the body, I do not know, or whether out of the body, I do not know; God knows). 3[Yes], I know such a man (whether in the body, or outside of the body, I do not know; God knows), 4how he was caught up into Paradise, and heard ineffable words, which it is not lawful for anyone to utter. 5On behalf of such a person, I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except in my weaknesses. 6If my intention is to boast, I will not be foolish: I will speak the truth. But now, I shall stop, so that no one may think more of me than what is seen in me or heard from me. 7Because of the tremendous greatness of these revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan that torments me, so that I would not be too exalted. Yes, I should not be too exalted! 8Concerning this thing, I begged the Lord three times that it might depart from me, 9but he replied to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” And so, it is with joy that I would rather [find] gloryb in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10Therefore,

I take pleasure in weaknesses, in injuries, necessities, persecutions, distresses, {all this} for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong! 11I have acted foolishly in this boasting, but you compelled me! I should have been commended by you, because even though I am nothing, I am not in anything inferior to the very best apostles. 12Truly, the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs, wonders and mighty deeds. 13Were you in any way made inferior to the rest of the Churches, except that I was not a [financial] burden to you? Forgive me this wrong! Concerns for the Corinthians 14Here

I am, ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you. I do not seek your possessions, I seek you! Is it not the parents who should be saving for their children, not the children for their parents? 15I will most gladly spend [for you] and be spent for your souls. If I overflow

a b

Generally understood as a reference to Paul himself Or “boast”

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with love for you, am I loved less? 16Be that as it may, I did not place a burden on you: {and some might say that} being crafty, I caught you with deception! 17Or did I take advantage of you by means of those I sent you? 18I gave instructions to Titus and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take any advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? 19Again, do you think that we are making an apology to you? In the sight of God, we speak in Christ. All things, beloved, are to build you up. 20Still, I am afraid that somehow, when I arrive, I might find you as I would wish, and that I might be found by you not as you would wish. I am afraid that somehow, there would be strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, factions, slander, whisperings, proud thoughts, riots, etc. 21[Yes, I am afraid] that when I arrive, my God may again humiliate me before you, and I would mourn for those who have sinned before and not repented of the impurity, sexual immorality and lustfulness which they have committed.

13 This is the third time I am coming to you! “At the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.”a 2As I have said before and now repeat, as I did during my second visit; now that I am absent, I write to those who have sinned and to all the rest: if I come again, I will not spare; 3seeing that you seek a proof that Christ speaks in me. He is not weak toward you, but powerful in you. 4He was crucified in weakness, but he lives through the power of God. We too are weak in him, but we will live with him through the power of God {which is also} for you. 5Test yourselves and see whether you are in the faith, yes, test your own selves. Do you not know that Jesus Christ is in you? – unless, indeed, if you are disqualified. 6But I hope that you will realize that we are not disqualified. 7I

pray to God that you do not commit anything evil, not that we may appear approved, but that you may do what is honorable, (even if we appear to be disapproved). 8Indeed, we can do nothing against the truth, only for the truth, 9and we rejoice when we are weak and you are strong! We also pray for this; that you would become perfect.b 10And so, I write these things while absent, so that I may not have to deal [with you] harshly when I arrive, according to the authority which the Lord gave me for building up, not for tearing down.

a b

Deuteronomy 19:15 Or “complete”

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Encouragement 11Finally,

brethren, rejoice! Be perfected, be comforted, be of the same mind, live in peace, and the God of love and peace will be with you. 12Greet one another with a holy kiss! 13All the saints greet you. 14May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. Amen.

TO THE GALATIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ

GALATIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ) 1 Paul, an apostle (sent neither by human commission nor from human authorities, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead), 2and all the brethren who are with me, to the Churches of Galatia: 3Grace to you and peace from God the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4who gave himself for our sins, so that he might rescue us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father - 5to whom be the glory unto ages of ages! Amen. A different “Good News” 6I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you in the grace of Christ in order to embrace a different “Good News” - 7and there is no other “Good News!” Yet, there are some who disturb you and want to pervert the Good News of Christ. 8Now, even if ourselves or an angel from heaven should preach to you any “Good News” that is not what we preached to you, let such a one be accursed!a 9We have said it before and now I say it again: if anyone preaches to you any other “Good News” than what you received, let such a one be accursed! 10I am now seeking to please God or people? I am striving to please human beings? But if I was still trying to please men, then I would not be a servant of Christ!

Paul’s account 11As

regards the Good News which I preached, I proclaimed this to you, brethren, that it is not of human origin. 12I did not receive it from man and I was not taught [this Good News] by man, but it came to me through a revelation of Jesus Christ. 13You have heard about how I used to live in Judaism, how I persecuted the Church of God beyond measure, and how I ravaged it. 14I advanced in the Jewish religion beyond many of my own age among my countrymen, as I was more extremely zealous for the traditions of my forefathers. 15But when it was the good pleasure of God, (who had set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me through his grace, 16to reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles), I did not immediately confer with flesh and blood: 17I did not go up to Jerusalem to visit those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia.

Greek anathema

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Later on, I returned to Damascus. 18Then, after three years, I did go up to Jerusalem to visit Peter and I stayed with him for fifteen days. 19However, I did not see any of the other apostles,a except James, ‘the Lord’s brother.’b 20Now, regarding the things which I write to you, you can see that I am not lying before God. 21After that, I visited the districts of Syria and Cilicia. 22My face was still unknown to the Churches of Judea which were in Christ; 23they only heard, “The one who once persecuted us is now preaching the faith that he once tried to destroy!” 24And they glorified God in me.

2 Fourteen years later, I went up again to Jerusalem with Barnabas and Titus accompanied me. 2I went up by revelation and I presented to themc the Good News which I preach among the Gentiles. I did so in private in front of those who were recognized leaders, for fear that I might be running (or had been running) in vain. 3But even though Titus (who was with me) was a Greek, he was not compelled to be circumcised. 4This occurred because false brethren were secretly brought in, and they sneaked in to spy on the freedom which we have in Christ Jesus, so that they might bring us into slavery. 5But in this regard, we gave them no room, not even for an hour, so that the truth of the Good News might continue with you. 6As far as the recognized leaders are concerned (what they wered {before} makes no difference to me; God does not discriminate), I can say that those who were respected added nothing to me. 7Instead, when they saw that I had been entrusted with the Good News for the uncircumcised, just as Peter [had been entrusted] with the Good News for those who are circumcised 8(since he who appointed Peter to the apostleship of the circumcision also appointed me to the Gentiles); 9and when they perceived the grace that was given to me, James, Kephase and John who were considered as pillars gave to Barnabas and myself the right hand of fellowship, [showing] that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to those who are circumcised. 10They only asked us to remember the poorf - which is the very thing that I was eager to do.

It is unclear if ‘apostles’ is a reference to the Twelve, or to the Seventy, or to an even wider group. Here, James is included among the apostles and may be either James of Alphaeus (of the Twelve) or James of Jerusalem (if they are to be distinguished according to Orthodox tradition). b See Appendix E c That is Peter, James of Jerusalem (whose identity is discussed in Appendix E) and John; it could also be more general reference to those in Jerusalem. d Or perhaps “whether they actually were important or not” e Peter f Probably a reference to the Christians of Jerusalem and Judea

TO THE GALATIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ

Paul confronts Kephas (Peter) in Antioch 11However,

when Kephas came to Antioch, I resisted him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12Before some people came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he drew back and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision! 13Moreover, the rest of the Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, and even Barnabas was carried away with their hypocrisy! 14When I saw that their behavior was not consistent with the truth of the gospel,a I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live as the Gentiles do, and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do? Faith and the works of the law 15As

for us, being Jews by nature and not Gentile sinners, 16yet knowing that no one is justified by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, we believed in Christ Jesus, so that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by the works of the law, because no one will be justified by the works of the law. 17But if, even though we desired to be justified in Christ, we were found to be sinners, does that mean that Christ is a servant of sin? Certainly not! 18Indeed, if I build up again those things which I [once] destroyed, I show that I am breaking the law. 19For I, through the law, died to the law, so that I might live to God. 20I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. I now live this life in the flesh, but I live [it] by faith in the Son of God who loved me and who gave himself up for me. 21I do not nullify the grace of God! For if righteousness is through the law, then Christ died for nothing!”

3 Senseless Galatians! Christ was openly presented to you as crucified - who then bewitched you not to obey the truth?b 2I just want to hear this from you: did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law or by believing what you heard? 3Are you that senseless that having begun in the Spirit, you now end in the flesh? 4Did you suffer so many things in vain, if it is indeed in vain? 5Hec who provides you with the Spirit and works miracles among you, does he do it by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? 6Even as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness,” 7know,d therefore, that those who are of faith are likewise Abraham’s children. 8As foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, the Scripture announced the future Good News to Abraham by saying, “In you a

Or “Good News” CT omits “not to obey the truth” c That is, God d Or “recognize / acknowledge” b

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all the nations will be blessed.”a 9And so, those of faith are blessed with the faithful Abraham. 10But those who depend on the works of the law are under a curse, for it is written: Cursed is everyone who does not persevere in all the things that are written in the book of the law, to do them.b 11Now,

it is obvious that no one is justified by the law before God, because “The righteous will live by faith.”c 12The law is not of faith, but, “The one who does these things will live by them.”d The law and the promise 13Christ

redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for our sake. For it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree,”e 14so that Abraham’s blessing might also come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, and that we might {all} receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15Brethren, even speaking of a human example; when a person’s will has been confirmed, it cannot be cancelled or altered (even though it is only a human contract). 16Now, the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. [Notice that] he does not say, “to seeds,” as if there were many, but as of one, “to your seed,”f which is Christ. 17What I am saying is this: the law, which came four hundred thirty years after the covenant previously confirmed by God in Christ, does not cancel it to make the promise of no effect. 18If the inheritance comes from the law, it is no longer from the promise; but in fact, God granted it to Abraham by way of a promise. 19What

then is the law about? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed to whom the promise had been made should come, and it was established through the angels, by the hand of a mediator. 20Now, there is no mediator when there is only one party, and God is one. 21Therefore, is the law against God’s [own] promises? Certainly not! If a law had been given which could make alive, then certainly, righteousness would have been from the law. 22But in fact, the Scriptures declared all things to be captive under sin, so that the promise might be given to those who believe, that is by faith in Jesus Christ. 23Nevertheless, before faith came, we were kept in custody under the law, locked up to wait for the faith which would later on be revealed. 24Hence, the law was our tutor which was to bring us a

Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18 Deuteronomy 27:26. NT agrees with LXX against MT c Habakkuk 2:4 d Leviticus 18:5 e Deuteronomy 21:23. NT agrees with LXX against MT f Genesis 12:7; 13:15; 24:7. NT agrees with LXX (12:7) against MT b

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to Christ, so that we might be justified by faith. 25But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor, 26and you are all God’s children, through faith in Christ Jesus! 27For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed and heirs according to the promise.

4 Free children Here is my point: as long as the heir is a child, he is no different than a slave, although being the owner of everything. 2The heir is under tutors and trustees until the day appointed by the father. 3Likewise, when we too were children, we were held in bondage under the elemental principles of the world. 4But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born to a woman, born under the law, 5so that he might redeem those who were under the law and so that we might receive adoption as children. 6And because you are children, God has sent forth the Spirita of his Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba,b Father!” 7Now, you are no longer slaves, but children; and if [you are] children, then [you are] heirs of God through Christ. Return to slavery 8In

the past, as you did not know God, you were in bondage to those who by naturec are not gods. 9But now that you have come to know God, or rather come to be known by God, why do you return to the weak and miserable primordial forcesd whose slaves you want to be all over again? 10You observe days, months, seasons, and years... 11I am afraid concerning you, that I may have wasted my labor for you. 12I beg you, brethren, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You have never treated me wrongly, 13but you know that it was an illness that first gave me an opportunity to preach the Good News to you. 14Even though my condition was a trial for you, you did not despise nor reject me; instead, you received me as an angele of God, even as Christ Jesus! 15What

has happened to the blessing you enjoyed? Indeed, I bear witness to you that, if possible, you would have plucked out your eyes and given

Or “spirit” Abba is a Greek spelling for the Aramaic word for “Father,” “Papa” or “Daddy” used in a familiar, respectful, and loving way. c Greek fu,sei d Or “elemental principles” e Or “messenger” b

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them to me! 16And now, have I become your enemy by telling you the truth? 17Those people pursue you, but not for good. No, they desire to cut you off from us, so that you might eagerly seek after them. 18But it is always good to be zealous in a good cause, not only when I am present with you! 19My

little children, I am again in labor over you, until Christ is formed in you! 20I wish that I could be with you in person now, to change my tone, because I am confused about you. 21Tell me, since you desire to be under the law, {why} do you not listen to the law? Two mountains

22For

it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the servant, and one by the free woman.a 23However, the son by the servant was born according to the flesh, but the son by the free woman was born through a promise. 24These things contain an allegoryb which represents two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children to slavery, and that is Hagar. 25This Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and it corresponds to the Jerusalem that exists now, in slavery with her children. 26But the Jerusalem that is above is free, and the mother of us all. 27As it is written: Rejoice, you barren [woman] who bears no child;c Break forth and shout, you that do not travail. For the desolate has many more children than she who has a husband.d 28Brethren,

we are, just as Isaac, children of promise, 29and it is now as it was then: the one who was born according to the flesh persecuted the one who was born according to the Spirit.e So it is even now! 30However, what does the Scripture say? Throw out the servant-girl and her son, because the son of the servant will not inherit with the son of the free woman.f 31And

so, brethren, we are not children of a servant, but children of the free woman!

Ismael by Hagar and Isaac by Sarah Or indeed what we would call a typology c NT agrees with LXX against MT d Isaias (Isaiah) 54:1 e Or “spirit” f Genesis 21:10 b

TO THE GALATIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ

5 Freedom in Christ or yoke of slavery Therefore, stand firm in the freedom by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of slavery! 2Behold, I, Paul, tell you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no profit to you! 3Yes, once again, I testify to everyone who receives circumcision that he is [now] under duty to accomplish the entire law! 4You who desire to be justified by the law are no longer under Christ: you have fallen away from grace. 5As for us, through the Spirit, we wait by faith for the hope of righteousness, 6since in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value,a only faith working through love. 7You were running so well! Who came to block your way so that you would not obey the truth? 8This persuasion is not from him who calls you! 9[Remember], a little yeast leavens the whole batch of dough! 10I have confidence toward you in the Lord that you will take no other view; but whoever troubles you will bear his [own] judgment, whoever that [person] may be. 11But

brother, if I still preach circumcision, why am I still being persecuted? If it were so, the stumbling block of the cross would have been removed. 12Indeed, I wish that those who disturb you would then emasculate themselves! 13As for you, brethren, you were called to freedom! Only, do not use your freedom to satisfy the flesh, but through love, become each others’ servants 14because the whole law is fulfilled in one message,b which is this one, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”c 15But if you bite and devour each other, be careful that you do not end up in mutual destruction. 16I say this: walk by the Spirit,d and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17What the {fallen} flesh desires is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh! Yes, these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you desire. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. The works of the flesh 19Now,

the works of the flesh are obvious. They are: adultery, sexual immorality, impurity, lust, 20idolatry, the practice of magic, hatred, strife, selfish ambitions, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, 21envyings, murders, excess drinking, orgies, and similar things. About these, I warn you, as I have done in the past: those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

Or “means anything” Or “word” (Greek e`ni. lo,gw) c Leviticus 19:18 d Or “spirit” in verses 16-26 b

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The fruit of the Spirit – Life in the Church 22On

the other hand, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith,a 23gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law! 24Those who belong to Christ have crucified the flesh with its passions and lusts. 25If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit! 26Let us not become arrogant, challenging and envying one another.

6 Brethren, even if someone is caught in some fault, you who are spiritual must restore such a person in a spirit of gentleness. But watch out for yourself in order not to be tempted. 2Bear each others’ burdens, and thus fulfill the law of Christ. 3If anyone thinks that he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4But let everyone test his own work: then one can take pride in himself, not by comparison with someone else. 5Yes, each one will bear his own burden, 6but everyone who is being taught in the word should share all good things with the oneb who teaches. 7Do

not be deceived: God cannot be mocked; whatever someone sows is what he will reap. 8Whoever sows to the field of self-indulgence will reap corruption from the flesh. But the one who sows to the Spirit will reap eternal life from the Spirit. 9Let us not grow tired of doing what is good, for we will reap in due season, if we do not give up. 10And so, as we have the opportunity, let us do what is good toward all, especially to those who belong to the household of the faith. 11See

with what large letters I write to you with my own hand! 12It is those who desire to make a good showing in the flesh who are trying to compel you to be circumcised; and it only so that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13Even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised so that they may boastc in your flesh. 14As for me, I shall find gloryd in nothing, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world. 15In Christ Jesus, circumcision and uncircumcision mean nothing; only a new creation {is significant}. 16To those who live by this rule, may there be peace and mercy upon them, and on the Israel of God. 17From now on, let no one cause me any trouble, for I bear the marks of the Lorde Jesus branded on my body. a

Or “faithfulness” Or “him” c Or “find glory” d Or “boast” e Other ancient manuscripts lack “the Lord” b

TO THE GALATIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΓΑΛΑΤΑΣ 18May

Amen.

the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.

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EPHESIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus, faithful in Christ Jesus: 2Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! God’s purpose 3Blessed

be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ. 4He chose us in him before the foundation of the world, so that we would be holy and without blemish before him in love. 5He also foreordained us for adoption {as his children} through Jesus Christ according to his purpose and will. 6This is to the praise of the glory of his grace, by which he freely bestowed favor on us in the Beloved. 7In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our sins, according to the riches of his grace 8which he showered upon us in all wisdom and insight.a 9He has revealed to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he had determined beforehand in Christ. 10This came into effect when the times had been fulfilled, to bring together all things under Christ, the things in the heavens and the things on the earth; yes, in him! 11In him, an inheritance was assigned to us, foreordained according to the purpose of him who works all things after the counsel of his will. 12And the end result is that we, who had hoped in Christ, should be to the praise of his glory. 13You also, when you heard the word of the truth which is the Good News of your salvation, and having believed in it, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise. 14He is a pledge of our inheritance, until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of his glory! 15For

this same reason, I too, having heard of the faith in the Lord Jesus which is among you and the love which you have toward all the saints, 16do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers. 17[I pray] that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation to bring you to full knowledge of him. 18Having the eyes of your heartb enlightened, may you experience the hope of his calling and know the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the a b

Or “prudence” TR reads “understanding” or “mind”

TO THE EPHESIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ

saints. 19May you also experiencea the exceeding greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to his power and might 20which he accomplished in Christ, when he raised him from the dead and made him to sit at his right hand in the heavenly places. 21Yes, Christ now sits above all rule, authority, power, dominion, and every name that can be named, not only in this age, but also in the age to come. 22God put all things in subjection under his feet and granted him to be head over all things for the sake of the Church, 23which is his body, the fullness of himb who fills all in all.

2 The gift of God You were dead in transgressions and sins, 2and this was your lifestyle according to the agec of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience. 3We used to live among them and we used to live in self-indulgence, doing the desires of the {fallen} flesh and mind, and we were by nature children of wrath, just as the others. 4But God who is rich in mercy, on account of his great love by which he loved us, 5even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ. By grace you have been saved! 6Godd raised us up with him, and granted us to sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7so that in the ages to come, he might show the overflowing treasure of his grace in kindness toward us, in Christ Jesus. 8Yes, by grace you have been saved through faith, not by yourselves. It is the gift of God, 9not of works, so that no one would boast. 10For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared in advance for us to walk in them. Reconciled with God – Members of God’s household 11Therefore,

remember that you, the Gentiles in the flesh who are called “uncircumcision” by what is called “circumcision” (in the flesh, made by hands); 12remember, I say, that you used to be separated from Christ. You were alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of the promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13But now, in Christ Jesus, you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. 14He is our peace, he who made both [groups to be] one and tore down the wall of separation.e 15He abolished in his flesh a

Or “know, recognize” Probably referring to God the Father; compare 1 Corinthians 15:28-29 c Or “ways, course, mode of existence” (Greek kata. to.n aivw/na tou/ ko,smou) d Greek “he” e Compare John 10:16 b

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the enmity which is the law of commandments with its decrees, so that he might create in himself one new humanity instead of two, making peace. 16He reconciled both [groups] to God in one body, through the cross, by which he destroyed that enmity. 17He came and preached peace to you who were far off and also to those who were near. 18Through him, we both have access to the Father in one Spirit. 19And so, you are no longer strangers and foreigners! Instead, you are fellow-citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, 20being built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets. Christ Jesus himself is the chief cornerstone; 21in whom the whole building, fitted together, grows into a holy sanctuary in the Lord. 22In Christ, you too are built up into a dwelling-place of God in [the] Spirit.a

3 Paul’s commission and prayer For this reason, I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles! 2Surely, you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God which was given me toward you; 3how by revelation, the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in a few words. 4When you read them, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ, 5which in other generations was not made known to anyone as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit. 6I mean that the Gentiles are [now] fellow-heirs and fellow-members of the body, yes, fellow-partakers of God’s promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News. 7Of

this Good News, I was made a servant, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given me according to the working of his power. 8This grace was given to me, the very least of all saints, so that I might preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable treasures of Christ 9and make everyone see the dispensationb of the mystery which had been hidden in God for so long, in him who created all things .c 10This happened so that now, through the Church, the manifoldd wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places, 11according to the eternal purpose which Gode had in Christ Jesus our Lord. 12In him, we have boldness and confident access through our faith in him. 13Therefore, I ask that you may not lose heartf because of my troubles for you, as they are your glory! a

Or “in spirit” (i.e. ‘in the spiritual realm’) TR reads “fellowship” instead of “administration” or “dispensation.” c CT omits “through Jesus Christ” d Or “many-sided” e Greek “God” f Or “be discouraged” b

TO THE EPHESIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ 14And

so, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, 16asking that according to the riches of his glory, he would grant you to be inwardly strengthened with power through his Spirit. 17I also pray that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, so that you may be rooted and grounded in love. 18May you [thus] be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth 19of Christ’s love which is beyond knowledge; and that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. 20Now, to him who is able to accomplish much more than all we can ask or think according to the power that works in us, 21to him be the glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus to all generations, now and forerever and unto ages of ages. Amen.

4 Unity and oneness This is why, I, being the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to walk worthily of the calling with which you were called. 2[Walk] with complete lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love; 3being eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4There is one body and one Spirit, even as you also were called to one hope when you were called; 5one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in us all. 7But grace has been granted to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 8Therefore, Goda says, “When he ascended on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts to men.”b 9Now, what does “he ascended” mean, if not that he first descended into the lower parts of the earth? 10He who descended is the [same] one who also ascended far above all the heavens, so that he might fill all things. 11He

gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, some shepherdsc and teachers, 12for the perfecting of the saints, for a work of ministry, to build up the body of Christ. 13This is until we all attain to the unity of the faith and to the knowledge of the Son of God, to maturity, having reached the very fullness of Christ. 14The goal is that we may no longer be children, tossed back and forth and carried about by every wind of doctrine through human trickery, according to clever deceits and mistaken schemes. 15Instead, speaking the truth in love, may we grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. 16From him, the whole body, being fitted and knit together, as every joint supplies and according to the participation of each part, grows and builds itself in love.

Greek “he” Psalms 68:18 / 67 LXX c Or “pastors” b

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A new way of life 17Therefore,

I say and testify in the Lord that you [should] no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles also walk, in the futility of their mind. 18They are darkened in their understanding, cut off from God’s life because of their ignorance and because of the hardening of their hearts. 19Having become hardened, such people gave themselves up to lust and they pursue what is impure with greed. 20But you did not learn Christ that way, 21except if you failed to hear him and to be taught in him, since truth is in Jesus. 22You were [supposed] to put away the old self which belongs to your former way of life, since it becomes ever more corrupt after the lusts of deceit. 23Moreover, you are to be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24and to put on the new self who in the likeness of God has been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. 25Therefore,

putting away what is false, speak the truth toa each other, for we are members of one another. 26“Be angry, and do not sin.”b Do not let the sun go down on your anger 27and do not leave any room for the devil. 28Those who used to steal should steal no more, but rather work hard, even with their own hands to do what is good, so that they may have something to give to those who have need. 29Do not allow any decadentc speech to come out from your mouth, only what is good to build up as is needed, in a way that gives grace to those who hear. 30Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by which you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, shouting and slander be put away from you, along with evil thoughts. 32Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other just as God also forgave you in Christ.

5 Be imitators of God, as beloved children. 2Walk in love, even as Christ also loved you and gave himself up for us as an offering and a sacrifice to God, a sweet-smelling fragrance. 3But sexual immorality and all forms of impurity and greed should not even be mentioned among you, as is fitting for saints. 4The same is true regarding filthy and foolish conversations as well as jokes which are not appropriate; instead, give thanks! 5Know

this for sure: no one who is sexually immoral, involved in impurity, greedy, or an idolater has any inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and God.

Or “among” Psalms 4:4 c Or “corrupt” b

TO THE EPHESIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ 6Let

no one deceive you with empty words; because of these things, the wrath of God is coming on the children of disobedience. 7Therefore, do not share in their lot. 8Indeed, you used to be in darkness, but now, you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, 9for the fruit of the Spirit is in all [manner of] goodness, righteousness and truth. 10Discern what is wellpleasing to the Lord! 11Have no fellowship with the vaina works of darkness, but rather, expose them for what they are. 12It is a shame even to speak about the things which these people do in secret! 13But all things are revealed when they are exposed to the light. 14Therefore, it is said: Awake, you sleeper, arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.b 15Therefore,

watch carefully how you live, not as unwise, but as wise [people], 16making good use of time, because the days are evil. 17Do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18Do not get drunk with wine – this is reckless living – but be filled with the Spirit. 19Speak to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs! Sing and chant to the Lord in your heart; 20always giving thanks for everything in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ, even to God the Father. 21[Finally], be in mutual subjection in the fear of God.c Wives, Husbands, Christ and the Church 22Wives,

be subject to your own husbands as [you are] to the Lord. 23For the husband is the head of the wife, as Christ is the head of the Church, being himself the savior of the body. 24As the Church is subject to Christ, wives should likewise be subject to their own husbands in everything. 25Husbands,

love your wives, just as Christ loved the Church and gave himself up for her 26in order to sanctify her, having purified her by the washing of water with the word, 27so that he might present the Church to himself in glory, without any spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but holy and flawless. 28In the same way, a husband should love his wife as his [own] body. He who loves his own wife loves himself! 29No man ever hates his own body but feeds it and cares for it, as the Lord also does for the Church. 30Yes, we are members of his body, his very flesh and bones!d This is why a man will leave his father and mother and will be joined to his wife; and the two will become one flesh.e 31

Or “unfruitful, empty” Perhaps a quote from an ancient liturgical hymn c Other ancient manuscripts have “in the fear of Christ” d CT omits “his very flesh and bones” e Genesis 2:24 b

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32This

is a great mystery: I speak concerning Christ and the Church. 33Now concerning you: each one of you must also love his own wife even as his own self; and the wife must respect her husband.

6 Children and parents Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with a promise: 3 “that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.”a 2

4Fathers,

do not drive your children to anger, but nurture them in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Servants and masters

5Servants,b

be obedient to those who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, with deep loyalty,c as to Christ. 6Do not serve only when eyes are on you in order to please human masters, but as servants of Christ. Accomplish God’s will from the heart; 7serve with a good attitude, as if you were serving the Lord and not men. 8Know that for whatever good we do, we shall receive the same in return from the Lord, no matter if we are slave or free. 9You masters, do likewise to them: do not resort to threats but recognized that you both have the same Master in heaven, and there is no discrimination with him.

The armor of God 10Finally,

be strong in the Lord, with the strength of his power. 11Put on the complete armor of God, so that you may be able to resist the devil’s tactics. 12For our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against the principalities, powers, against the world-rulerse of this darkness and against the evil spiritual forces of the supernatural realms.f 13Therefore, put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to resist when the evil day comes. Having accomplished all things, may you stand your ground! 14Yes, stand [firm], having the belt of truth around your waist, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, 15having fitted shoes on your feet so as a

Deuteronomy 5:16 Or “slaves” c Or “in singleness of your heart” d Or “know” e Greek kosmokra,toraj f Greek evpourani,oij b

TO THE EPHESIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΕΦΕΣΙΟΥΣ

to be ready in the Good News of peace. 16Above all, take up the shield of faith which will enable you to quench all the fiery darts of the evil one. 17Take also the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is what God has said.a Unceasing prayer 18Pray

at all times in [the] spiritb with intercessions and requests; never get tired of this and persevere in your requests for all the saints. 19Pray also for me, so that I may be given an opportunity to proclaim with boldness the mystery of the Good News. 20For this cause, I am an ambassador in chains; so pray that I may proclaim it boldly, as I should. 21I

also want you to know my affairs, how I am doing. Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will tell you everything. 22I have sent him to you for this very purpose, to let you know about our condition and to comfort your hearts. 23Peace

be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24May grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ, even with unfadingc love. Amen.

Greek r`h/ma, which means spoken word Or “Spirit” c Or “incorruptible” b

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PHILIPPIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΗΣΙΟΥΣ) 1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons: 2Grace to you and peace, from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3I give thanks to my God whenever I remember you, 4and I always pray with joy when I intercede on your behalf 5because of your partnershipa in the furtherance of the Good News, even from the very first day until now. 6I am confident of this very thing: that God who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7It is right for me to think this way about you, because I have you in my heart and because you are all partakers with me of grace, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the Good News. 8For God is my witness: I long for all of you in the tender mercies of Christ Jesus! 9I

pray [especially] for this, that your love may overflow even more, with an increase of knowledge and all discernment. 10This way, you will be able to discern what things are excellent, so that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, 11filled with the fruits of righteousness which are through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God! The progress of the Good News 12Now,

I want to you to know, brethren, that what happened to me has turned out to be for the progress of the Good News! 13It became clear to the whole palaceb guard and to others that my chains are in Christ, 14and most of the brethren in the Lord, being confident through my bonds, are even bolder to speak the word of God without fear. 15Yes, some actually preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, and some also out of good will. 16The first group preaches Christ without sincerity and from selfish ambition, thinking that they are adding affliction to my imprisonment; 17but the second group does so out of love, knowing that I have been appointed to defend the Good News.

a b

The word translated “partnership” (koinonia) also means “fellowship” and “sharing.” Or “praetorian”

TO THE PHILIPPIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΗΣΙΟΥΣ 18Either

way, it does not matter. I only care that whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed! I rejoice in this, yes, and will continue to rejoice. 19For I know that this will turn out to my salvation, through your supplication and the support of Christ’s Spirit. 20It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be put to shame in any way, but that as I speak with all boldness, Christ will be exalted now as always in my body, whether by my life or by my death. 21For to me, living is Christ and dying is gain. 22But if I remain alive in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work. Yet, I do not know what I will choose! 23I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to be releaseda and be with Christ, which is far better. 24At the same time, to remain in the flesh is a more urgent need for your sake. 25Having this confidence, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in faith, 26so that your rejoicing may overflow in Christ Jesus when I am with you again. 27[In

the meantime], let your way of life be worthy of the Good News of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I may hear this about your condition: that you stand firm in one spirit, striving with one soul for the faith of the Good News. 28Do not be terrified by your opponents. This will be for them evidence of destruction, but to you, of salvation from God. 29For the sake of Christ, you have been granted the privilege not only to believe in him but also to suffer on his behalf, 30and so you are engaged in the same battle which you saw me fight and that you hear that I am [still] fighting.b

2 A call to humility Therefore, if there is any exhortation in Christ, any consolation of love, any communion of the Spirit, any tender mercies and compassion, 2make my joy full, by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord and of one mind. 3Do nothing through rivalry or conceit, but in humility, consider others better than yourselves. 4Do not just look after you own selfish interests but each one of you should consider the interests of others. 5Let

the following be in your mind, which was also in [the mind of] Christ Jesus. 6He who existed in the formc of God did not consider equality with God as something to be taken by force.d 7Instead, he emptiede himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. 8And being a

[From the body] Or “struggling” c Greek morfh/ d Greek a`rpagmo.n (or also “grasped, something to be conquered, snatched, carried off, or seized”) e Greek evke,nwsen (related to the word kenosis) b

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found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to [the point of] death, even death on the cross! 9Therefore, God highly exalted him, and gave him the Name which is above every name; 10so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth; 11and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Call to obedience 12And

so, my beloved, even as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, 13for it is Goda who works in you, both to will and to work, according to his good purpose. 14Do all things without murmurings and disputes 15in order to become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation among whom you are seen as lights in the world. 16Uphold the wordb of life, so that I may have a reason to gloryc in the day of Christ: that I did not run or labor in vain. 17Yes, even if I am poured out [as an offeringd] on the sacrifice and liturgye of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all. 18In the same way, rejoice, rejoice with me! Paul and Timothy – About Epaphroditus 19I

hope in the Lord Jesus [that I will be able] to send you Timothy soon, so that I too may be encouraged when I learn how you are doing. 20For I have no one else with the same soul,f who will truly care about you, 21unlike others who seek their own, not the things of Jesus Christ. 22But you know how he has proved himself; as a child serves a father, he has served with me to spread the Good News. 23Therefore, I hope to send him at once, as soon as I see how things are going with me [here]. 24As it is, I trust in the Lord that I too will be able to come shortly. 25Still, I deemed it necessary to send you Epaphroditus who is my brother, fellow-worker, fellow-soldier, and your apostle and the servant of my need. 26He was longing for you all and was very troubled, because you had heard that he was sick. 27Indeed, he was sick, almost to the point of death! But God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but also on me, so that I may not have sorrow upon sorrow. 28And so, I have sent him all the more eagerly, so that you may rejoice when you see him again, and that I may be less sorrowful. 29Receive him in the Lord with all joy, and hold such a person in honor, 30because on a

Literally “{a} God” (indefinite in Greek, in the sense that is it a divine being or energy that is at work. The focus is not so much on the person (God) but on the nature or energy at work). b Or “message” c Or “boast” d Or “libation” (a liquid offering) e Or “service / ministry” (Greek leitourgi,a|) f Greek ivso,yucon

TO THE PHILIPPIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΗΣΙΟΥΣ

account of the work of Christ, he came near to death, risking his life to provide what was lacking in your ministry to me.

3 Warning against evil-workers – Paul’s background Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord! To me, writing the same things to you is not tiresome - it is safe! 2Beware of the dogs, beware of evilworkers, beware of the false circumcision! 3We are ‘circumcised’ if we offer divine servicea to God in the Spirit, [if we] rejoice in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh, 4although I myself could have confidence even in the flesh! If anyone thinks that he has {a reason to have} confidence in the flesh, I could even more: 5circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews. As regards the law, I was a Pharisee; 6as far as zeal is concerned, I was persecuting the Church, and as for the righteousness which is based on the law, [I was] found blameless. All things considered as a loss - Reaching forward 7However,

these things which I thought were gain to me, I have counted as loss for Christ! 8Yes, without a doubt, I consider all things as loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus, my Lord, for whom I suffered the loss of all things. I consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own (from the law), but through faith in Christ (the righteousness which is from God by faith). 10Yes, may I know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the communion of his sufferings, becoming conformed to his death, 11if by any means I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12I am not saying that I have already obtained these things or that I am already made perfect; but I press on to take holdb of [the prize] for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. 13Brethren,

I do not regard myself as having obtained these things just yet, but I do this: forgetting the things which are now behind and reaching forward to the things which are before [me], 14I press on toward the goal, and the prize is the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us who are mature, therefore, think this way, and if you think differently in some way, God will also reveal that to you. 16Nevertheless, to the extent that we have already reached some point, clet us walk by the same rule and let us be of the same mind.

Greek latreu,ontej Or “catch / choose” (in both instances in this verse) c CT omits the rest of this verse b

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17Brethren,

be united in imitating me, and keep your eyes fixed on those who live this way, even as you have us as an example. 18But there are many who live as enemies of the cross of Christ, as I remind you often, as I do [even] now with tears. 19Their end is destruction, their god is the belly, and their glory is in their shame as they think about earthly things. 20As for us, our citizenship is in heaven, from which we are expecting a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. 21He will change the body of our humiliation to be conformed to the body of his glory, according to the energya by which he is able to subject all things to himself.b

4 Instructions - The peace of God Therefore, my beloved brethren whom I miss so much, my joy and my crown, stand firm in the Lord! 2I exhort Evodia and Syntyche to think the same way in the Lord. 3Yes, I beg you also, Syzygus,c help these women, for they labored with me in the Good News and also with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life. 4Rejoice in the Lord always! Again I will say, rejoice! 5Let your kindness be known to all. The Lord is at hand! 6Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. 8Finally,

brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are commendable, if there is any virtue or any praise, think about these things. 9What you learned, received, heard, and saw in me: practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Paul’s needs and thankfulness

10But

now, I rejoice in the Lord greatly, that your considerationd for me has blossomed again! (I know that you were thinking about me but lacked the opportunity). 11I do not want to speak about what I lack, because I have learned to be satisfied with whatever state I am in! 12I know how to be humbled, and I also know also how to overflow. In everything and in all things I have learned the secret of being both filled and hungry, to be in abundance and to be in need. 13I can do all these things through Christ who strengthens me. 14However, it was a good thing that you shared in my affliction. 15As you Philippians know well, in the beginning of the Good a

Greek evne,rgeian Compare Matthew 28:19-20 c Either a personal name or an expression meaning “true yoke-fellow” d Or “concern / care” b

TO THE PHILIPPIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΦΙΛΙΠΠΗΣΙΟΥΣ

News when I departed from Macedonia, no Church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving – only you did! 16For even [when I was] in Thessalonica you supplied for my needs. 17It is not that I seek the gift, what I value is the interest that is accumulating in your account! 18I actually have all things and I overflow since I received from Epaphroditus what came from you, a sweet-smelling fragrance, an acceptable and well-pleasing sacrifice to God! 19My God will supply all of your needs according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus. 20To our God and Father be the glory unto ages of ages! Amen. 21Greet

every saint in Christ Jesus! The brethren who are with me greet you. 22All the saints greet you, especially those who are of Caesar’s household. 23The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with you all! Amen.

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COLOSSIANS (ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΛOΣΣΑΕΙΣ) 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2to the saints and faithful brethren in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.a Thanksgiving and prayer 3We

give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and we always pray for you. 4We have heard about your faith in Christ Jesus and about the love which you have for all the saints, 5because of the hope which is prepared for you in heaven. Of this hope you have heard before in the wordb of the truth of the Good News 6which has come to you; even as it is [spreading] in the whole world. It has been bearing fruit and growing [everywhere], as it has done in you too since the day you heard and experienced the grace of God in truth. 7This is what you also learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf. 8He has informed us of your love in [the] Spirit.c 9For this reason, since the day we heard this, we do not cease praying and making requests for you, so that you may be filled with the knowledge of God’sd will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. 10We also pray that you may walk worthily of the Lord, to please him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God. 11May you be strengthened with all power, according to the might of his glory, [to be prepared] for all [kinds of] endurance and perseverance with joy! 12May you give thanks to the Father, who has granted use to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of his love. 14In him, we have our redemption,f the forgiveness of our sins.

CT omits “and the Lord Jesus Christ” Or “message” c Or “spirit” d Greek “his” e CT reads “you” f TR adds “through his blood” b

TO THE COLOSSIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΛOΣΣΑΕΙΣ

About Christ – The mystery: Christ in you 15He

is the imagea of the invisible God, the firstbornb of all creation. 16For in him, all things were created, in the heavens and on earth, things visible and invisible, thrones, dominions, principalities and powers; all things have been created through him, and for him. 17He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.c 18He is the head of the body, the Church; [he is] the first cause,d the firstborn from the dead, so that in all [things] he might have the first place.e 19For in him all the fullness was pleased to dwell, 20and through him to reconcile all things to himself, both earthly and heavenly, having made peace through the blood of his cross. 21In

the past, you were alienated and hostile in mind in your evil actions. now, he has reconciled [you] in the body of his flesh through death, in order to present you holy, without blemish and blameless before him. 23This is [for you] if you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, not moved away from the hope of the Good News which you heard. I, Paul, became a servant of this Good News that is being proclaimed throughout all creation under heaven. 22But

24Now,

I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh, I complete what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ for the sake of his body which is the Church. 25I have become her servant, according to God’s commission which was I received for you, in order to fulfill the word of God. 26This is the mystery which was hidden for ages and generations. But now, it has been revealed to his saints. 27To them, God was pleased to reveal the glorious generosityf of this mystery among the Gentiles. This mystery is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28This is what we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone in all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ Jesus. 29This is what I also work for, struggling with his energyg which is powerfully at work in me.

2 Spiritual struggles – Against false teachers I want you to know how greatly I struggle for you, for those at Laodicea, and even for all those who do not know me in person. 2Yes, I struggle so that their hearts may be comforted and for them to be united in love, a

Greek “icon” (eivkw.n tou/ qeou/) Greek prwto,tokoj c The Greek (sune,sthken) can also mean “have their proper place / are formed / consist” d Greek avrch, (also means “origin / beginning / ruler / principle”) e Or “preeminence” f Or “wealth of glory” g Greek evne,rgeian (“supernatural working”) b

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obtaining the treasure that is in the full assurance of understanding, so that they may know the mystery of God the Father and of Christ.a 3In him are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge! 4Now, I say these things so that no one may delude you with convincing words. 5Although I am physically absent, I am spiritually present with you, rejoicing and seeing your order, as well as the solidityb of your faith in Christ. 6As you received Christ Jesus as the Lord, walk also in him, 7rooted and built up in him, established in the faith just as you were taught, overflowing from faith into thanksgiving. Buried with him, raised with him 8Be

careful not to let anyone rob you through philosophy and vain deceit, according to human tradition and the basic things of the world, and not after Christ. 9For in him all the fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10and in him who is the head of all principality and power, you are made full. 11In him, you were also circumcised with a circumcision not made with hands, by casting off the sinful nature in the circumcision of Christ. 12You have been buried with him through baptism in which you were also raised with him through faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead. 13You were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, but he made you alive with him by forgiving us all our trespasses and by 14wiping out the handwritingc of ordinances which was against us. He removed it out of the way, nailing it to the cross, 15having exposed the principalities and powers, making a public display of them, and triumphing over them. Useless or dangerous teachings 16Therefore,

let no one judge you in matters of eating, drinking, or regarding a feast day, a new moon {observance} or a Sabbath day. 17These are a shadow of the things to come, but the bodyd belongs to Christ. 18Let no one rob you of your prize by false humility and a religion of angels, dwelling on things which such a one has note seen, vainly puffed up by a carnal mind. 19Such a person is not holding firmly to the head, from whom the whole body, being supported and knit together through the joints and ligaments, grows with the growth given by God. 20But if you died with Christ as regards these basicf principles of the world, why do you subject yourselves to [these] commandments, as though you were still living in the world? 21“Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!” 22These things are a

CT reads “of God which is Christ” instead of “of God the Father and of Christ” Or “steadfastness / stability” c Greek ceiro,grafon d Greek a[ evstin skia. tw/n mello,ntwn( to. de. sw/ma tou/ Cristou/ - NRS reads “the substance belongs to Christ;” NJB reads “the reality is the body of Christ” e CT reads “has seen” (omits “not”) f Or “elemental, primordial” b

TO THE COLOSSIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΛOΣΣΑΕΙΣ

all destined to perish with use! These are merely human commands and teachings! 23Indeed, these things have an appearance of wisdom in selfimposed religion, humility, severe treatment of the body; but they have no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

3 Raised with Christ - Death to what is earthly - The new self If you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God! 2Set your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth. 3For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4When Christ who is our life is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory. 5Therefore, put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, depraved passions, lust and greed (which is idolatry). 6Because of these things, the wrath of God is coming on the children of disobedience. 7You also used to live in those things when you lived among these people; 8but now, put them all away: anger, rage, evil, slander, and shameful language. 9Do not lie to one another. You have put off the old self with his doings 10and you have put on the new self who is being renewed in knowledge according to the imagea of his Creator. 11Here, there cannot be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free; but Christ is all, and in all! 12As

God’s elect,b holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance. 13Bear with one another, and forgive each other! If anyone has a complaint against anyone else, forgive, even as Christ forgave you. 14Above

all, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection. 15Let the peace of God (to which also you were called in one body) rule in your hearts, and be thankful! 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly. In all wisdom, teach and admonish each other with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.

17Whatever

you do, in word or in deed, do it all in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. Christian family – Servants and Masters

18Wives,

be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19Husbands,

a b

love your wives, and do not be bitter against them.

Greek “icon” Or “chosen ones”

THE EASTERN / GREEK ORTHODOX BIBLE (EOB) – NEW TESTAMENT 20Children,

442

obey your parents in all things, for this is pleasing to the Lord.

21Fathers,

do not exasperate your children, so that they will not be discouraged.

22Servants,a

obey in all things to those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking (to please human beings), but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23Whatever you do, work with your heart, as for the Lord, and not for men. 24Know that you will receive the reward of your inheritance from the Lord, for you serve the Lord Christ. 25But whoever does wrong will receive in return according to the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.

4 Masters, give to your servants what is fair and right, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Persevere in prayer 2Persevere

in prayer, even in vigils of thanksgiving. 3Pray for us as well, so that God may open to us a door for the word,b [an opportunity] to speak the mystery of Christ for which I am in chains. 4Pray also that I may reveal it as clearly as I should. 5Live wisely before those who are ‘outside,’ and make the most of your time. 6Let your speech always be pleasant, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to properly answer those who have questions. Paul’s fellow-workers 7All

my affairs will be made known to you by Tychicus, the beloved brother, a faithful servant and fellow-slave in the Lord. 8I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstancesc and comfort your hearts, 9together with Onesimus, the faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will tell you everything that is happening here. 10Aristarchus, my fellow-prisoner, greets you, and Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (concerning whom you received instructions, “if he comes to you, receive him”), 11and also Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow-workers for the Kingdom of God who are of the circumcision, and they have been my consolation. 12Epaphras

(who is one of you), a servant of Christ, salutes you. He is always wrestling for you in his prayers, so that you may stand perfect and fulfill in all things the will of God. 13I can testify about him: that he has

Or “slaves” Or “message” c CT reads “you may know our circumstances” b

TO THE COLOSSIANS - ΠΡΟΣ ΚΟΛOΣΣΑΕΙΣ

devotion to you, and also to those in Laodicea and Hierapolis. 14Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea; and also Nymphas, along with the Church which meets in her house. 16When this letter has been read among you, please have it also read in the Church of the Laodiceans; and also read the letter from Laodicea. 17Tell Archippus this, “Be mindful of the ministry which you have received in the Lord, and fulfill it.” 18Here

is my greeting: Paul, with my own hand! Remember my chains... Grace be with

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