Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts, & Romans

by Frederick Hoehn, copyright 2011, all rights reserved.

___Matthew chapter 1

1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham.

2 Abraham fathered Isaac, and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered Judah and his brothers,

3 And Judah fathered Pharez and Zarah from Tamar, and Pharez fathered Hezron, and Hezron fathered Ram,

4 And Ram fathered Amminadab, and Amminadab fathered Nahshon, and Nahshon fathered Salmon,

5 And Salmon fathered Boaz from Rahab, and Boaz fathered Obed from Ruth, and Obed fathered Jesse,

6 And Jesse fathered David the king, and David the king fathered Solomon from her that had been the wife of Uriah,

7 And Solomon fathered Rehoboam, and Rehoboam fathered Abijam, and Abijam fathered Asa,

8 And Asa fathered Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat fathered Jehoram, and Jehoram fathered Ahaziah,

9 And Ahaziah fathered Joash, and Joash fathered Amaziah, and Amaziah fathered Azariah, and Azariah fathered Jotham, and Jotham fathered Ahaz, and Ahaz fathered Hezekiah,

10 And Hezekiah fathered Manasseh, and Manasseh fathered Amon, and Amon fathered Josiah,

11 And Josiah fathered Jehoiakim, and Jehoiakim fathered Jechoniah and his brothers, about the time they were carried away to Babylon,

12 And after they were brought to Babylon, Jechoniah fathered Salathiel, and Salathiel fathered Zorobabel,

13 And Zorobabel fathered Abiud, and Abiud fathered Eliakim, and Eliakim fathered Azor,

14 And Azor fathered Sadoc, and Sadoc fathered Achim, and Achim fathered Eliud,

15 And Eliud fathered Eleazar, and Eleazar fathered Matthan, and Matthan fathered Jacob,

16 And Jacob fathered Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.

17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are about fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are about fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon to Christ are about fourteen generations.

18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was like this:  when his mother Mary was engaged to Joseph, before they came together, she became pregnant by the Holy Ghost.

19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and who didn't want to make her a public example, was thinking about putting her away privately.

20 But while he thought about these things, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, "Joseph, you son of David, don't be afraid to take to yourself Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Ghost.

21 And she shall give birth to a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins."

22 Now all this was done, so that it would be fulfilled that was spoken about the Lord by the prophet, saying,

23 "See, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel," which being interpreted is, God with us.

24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did what the angel of the Lord had told him, and took to himself his wife,

25 And didn't have sex with her until she had given birth to her firstborn son, and he called his name Jesus.

___Matthew chapter 2

1 Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,

2 And said, "Where is he that is born King of the Jews?  For we have seen his star in the east, and have come to worship him."

3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.

4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded they tell him where Christ would be born.

5 And they told him, "In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet,

6 'And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of Judah, for out of you shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.'"

7 Then Herod, when he had privately called the wise men, diligently inquired of them what time the star appeared.

8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, "Go and search diligently for the young child, and when you've found him, bring me word, so I can come and worship him also."

9 After they had heard the king, they departed, and the star that they saw in the east, went before them, until it came and stopped over where the young child was.

10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with very great joy.

11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him, and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

12 And being warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed into their own country by another route.

13 And when they had departed, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, "Get up, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word, for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him."

14 When he got up, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed for Egypt,

15 And was there until the death of Herod, so what was spoken about the Lord by the prophet would be fulfilled, "Out of Egypt I have called my son."

16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was very angry and sent out and killed all the children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts of it, from two years old and under, according to the time that he had diligently inquired of the wise men.

17 Then what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled,

18 "In Rama there was a voice heard, lamentation and crying, and great mourning, Rachel crying for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not."

19 But when Herod was dead, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt,

20 Saying, "Get up, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel, for they are dead who wanted to kill the young child."

21 And he arose, and took the young child and his mother, and came into the land of Israel.

22 But when he heard that Archelaus reigned in Judea in the office of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there, also, being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee,

23 And he came and lived in a city called Nazareth, so that it would be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, "He shall be called a Nazarene."

___Matthew chapter 3

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 And saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

3 For this is he that was spoken about by the prophet Isaiah, who said, "The voice of someone shouting in the wilderness, 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'"

4 And the same John had clothing of camel's hair, and a leather girdle around his hips, and his food was locusts and wild honey.

5 Then Jerusalem went out to him, and all Judea, and all the region around Jordan,

6 And were baptized by him in Jordan, confessing their sins.

7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said to them, "O generation of snakes, who has warned you to flee from the anger to come?

8 Produce therefore fruits corresponding to repentance,

9 And don't think to say inside yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you, that God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.

10 And now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees, therefore every tree that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down, and thrown into the fire.

11 I indeed baptize you with water for repentance, but he that comes after me is mightier than I am, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost, and with fire,

12 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and gather his wheat into the garner, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire."

13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to Jordan to John, to be baptized by him.

14 But John told him, "No, I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?"

15 And Jesus answered him, "Allow it to be so now, 'cause this is what we need to do to fulfill all righteousness."  Then he allowed it.

16 And Jesus, after being baptized, went up directly out of the water, and the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and landing on him,

17 And there was a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

___Matthew chapter 4

1 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.

2 And after he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was hungry.

3 And when the tempter came to him, he said, "If you're the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."

4 But he answered, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.'"

5 Then the devil took him up into the holy city, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple,

6 And said to him, "If you're the Son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written, 'He shall give his angels commandment concerning you, and in their hands they shall hold you up, so that you don't at any time dash your foot against a stone.'"

7 Jesus said to him, "It is written again, 'You shall not tempt the Lord your God.'"

8 Again, the devil took him up into a very high mountain, and showed him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them,

9 And said to him, "I will give you all these things, if you'll fall down and worship me."

10 Then Jesus said to him, "Get away from here, Satan, for it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve only him.'"

11 Then the devil left him, and angels came and ministered to him.

12 Now when Jesus had heard that John had been thrown into prison, he went into Galilee,

13 And leaving Nazareth, he came and lived in Capernaum, which is on the sea coast, in the borders of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 So that what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled,

15 "The land of Zebulun, and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles,

16 The people who sat in darkness saw great light, and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has sprung up."

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."

18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, throwing a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishermen of men."

20 And they immediately left their nets, and followed him.

21 And going on from there, he saw two more brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them.

22 And they immediately left the ship and their father, and followed him.

23 And Jesus went around all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease among the people.

24 And his fame went throughout all Syria, and they brought to him all sick people that were afflicted by various diseases and torments, and those who were possessed by devils, and those who were lunatics, and those who had the palsy, and he healed them.

25 And great multitudes of people followed him from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond Jordan.

___Matthew chapter 5

1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain, and when he was set, his disciples came to him,

2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,

3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

5 Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, 'cause they'll be filled.

7 Blessed are the merciful, 'cause they'll obtain mercy.

8 Blessed are the pure in heart, 'cause they'll see God.

9 Blessed are the peacemakers, 'cause they'll be called the children of God.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted for being righteous, 'cause the kingdom of heaven is theirs.

11 Blessed are you, when men revile you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

12 Rejoice, and be very glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for that's what they did to the prophets who went before you.

13 You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be salted?  It is then good for nothing, except to be thrown out, and to be walked on by men's feet.

14 You are the light of the world.  A city that is set on a hill can't be hidden.

15 Nor do men light a candle, and put it under a basket, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all that are in the house.

16 Let your light shine before men in such a way that they'll see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

17 Don't think that I've come to destroy the law, or the prophets, I haven't come to destroy, but to fulfill.

18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth go away, one period or one comma shall in no way pass from the law, until all is fulfilled.

19 Whoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever shall do and teach them shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.

20 For I say to you, unless you have more righteousness than the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

21 You have heard that it was said by those of old time, 'You shall not kill, and whoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment,'

22 But I say to you, whoever is angry with his brother without a good reason shall be in danger of the judgment, and whoever shall say to his brother, 'You vain fellow,' shall be in danger of the council, but whoever shall say, 'You fool,' shall be in danger of hell's fire.

23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you,

24 Leave your gift there before the altar and go away, first make peace with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.

25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you're in the street with him, so the adversary won't turn you over to the judge, and the judge won't turn you over to the officer, and you aren't thrown into prison.

26 Truly I say to you, you will no way come out from there, until you've paid the very last penny.

27 You've heard that it was said by those of old time, 'You shall not commit adultery,'

28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has committed adultery with her already in his heart.

29 And if your right eye offends you, pluck it out, and throw it from you, for it is profitable for you that one of your members is destroyed, and not that your whole body should be thrown into hell.

30 And if your right hand offends you, cut it off, and throw it from you, for it is profitable for you that one of your members is destroyed, and not that your whole body should be thrown into hell.

31 It has been said, 'Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her divorce papers,'

32 But I say to you, that whoever shall put away his wife, except because of fornication, causes her to commit adultery, and whoever shall marry her that's divorced commits adultery.

33 Again, you've heard that it has been said by those of old time, 'You shall not falsely promise, but shall perform to the Lord your oaths,'

34 But I say to you, don't swear at all, neither by heaven, for it is God's throne,

35 Nor by the earth, for it is his footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.

36 Nor shall you swear by your head, because you can't make one hair white or black.

37 But let your communication be, 'Yes, yes, no, no,' for whatever is more than these comes from evil.

38 You have heard that it has been said, 'An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth,'

39 But I say to you, don't resist evil, but whoever shall strike you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.

40 And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your overcoat also.

41 And whoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him two miles.

42 Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow from you don't turn away.

43 You have heard that it has been said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.'

44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you, and persecute you,

45 So that you'll be the children of your Father who is in heaven, for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?  Don't even the tax collectors do the same?

47 And if you greet your brothers only, what are you doing more than others?  Don't even the tax collectors do so?

48 Therefore be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect."

___Matthew chapter 6

1 "Be careful that you don't give charitable gifts before men to be seen by them, otherwise you have no reward from your Father who is in heaven.

2 Therefore when you give charitable gifts, don't sound a trumpet before you, like the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so they'll have honor from men.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward.

3 But when you give, don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,

4 So that your giving will be in secret, and your Father who sees in secret shall himself reward you openly.

5 And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites are, 'cause they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, so they'll be seen by men.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward.

6 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you've shut your door, pray to your Father in secret, and your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly.

7 But when you pray, don't use vain repetitions, like the heathen do, 'cause they think they'll be heard for their many words.

8 Therefore, don't be like them, 'cause your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

9 Therefore, pray like this, 'Our Father who is in heaven, let your name be honored.

10 Let your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth, like it is in heaven.

11 Give us our daily bread today.

12 And forgive our debts, like we forgive our debtors.

13 And don't lead us into temptation, but give us deliverance from evil, for yours are the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever.  Amen.'

14 For if you forgive men their wrong doing, your heavenly Father will also forgive you,

15 But if you don't forgive men their wrong doing, neither will your Father forgive your wrong doing.

16 Also, when you fast, don't have a sad face like the hypocrites, for they distort their faces, so they'll appear to men to be fasting.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward.

17 But you, when you fast, put ointment on your head and wash your face,

18 So that you don't seem to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret, and your Father, who sees in secret, shall reward your openly.

19 Don't store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal,

20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moths nor rust can corrupt, and where thieves don't break through nor steal,

21 'Cause where your treasure is, your heart will be there also.

22 The light of the body is the eye, if therefore your eye is single, your whole body shall be full of light.

23 But if your eye is evil, your whole body shall be full of darkness.  If therefore the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness!

24 No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  You can't serve God and money.

25 Therefore I say to you, take no thought about your life, what you'll eat, or what you'll drink, nor yet for your body, what you'll put on.  Isn't the life more important than food, and the body than clothes?

26 Look at birds of the air, for they don't plant, nor do they harvest, nor gather into barns, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Aren't you much better than they are?

27 Which of you by thinking can add eighteen inches to his height?

28 And why do you take thought for clothes?  Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow, they don't toil, nor do they spin,

29 And yet I say to you, that even Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.

30 So, if God clothes the grass of the field, that exists today, and is thrown into the furnace tomorrow, won't he much more clothe you, O you of little faith?

31 Therefore take no thought, saying, 'What shall we eat?  Or, what shall we drink?  Or, with what shall we be clothed?'

32 ('Cause the Gentiles seek for all those things,) for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things.

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

34 Therefore, don't take thought for tomorrow, because tomorrow shall take thought for the things of itself.  Sufficient to the day is its own evil."

___Matthew chapter 7

1 "Don't judge, so you won't be judged.

2 For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged, and with what measure you measure out, it shall be measured back to you again.

3 And why do you look at the speck that's in your brother's eye, but don't consider the plank that's in your own eye?

4 Or how will you say to your brother, 'Let me pull out the speck out of your eye,' and see, a plank is in your own eye?

5 You hypocrite, first cast out the plank out of your own eye, and then you'll see clearly to cast out the speck from your brother's eye.

6 Don't give that which is holy to the dogs, and don't throw your pearls before pigs, so they don't trample them under their feet, and turn again and tear you.

7 Ask, and it shall be given to you, seek, and you shall find.  Knock, and it shall be opened to you,

8 For everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

9 Or what man is there of you, whom if his son asks for bread, will he give him a stone?

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a snake?

11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him?

12 Therefore whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the law and the prophets.

13 Enter in at the restricted gate, 'cause wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leads to destruction, and there are many that go in there,

14 Because the gate is restricted, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.

15 Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are greedy wolves.

16 You will know them by their fruits.  Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles?

17 Even so, every good tree produces good fruit, but a corrupt tree produces evil fruit.

18 A good tree can't produce bad fruit, nor can a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

19 Every tree that doesn't produce good fruit is cut down, and thrown into the fire.

20 So, by their fruits you'll know them.

21 Not everyone that says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that does the will of my Father who is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, haven't we prophesied in your name?  And in your name have cast out devils?  And in your name done many wonderful works?'

23 And then I will tell them, I never knew you, go away from me, you sinners.

24 Therefore whoever hears these sayings of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock,

25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house, and it didn't fall, 'cause it was founded on a rock.

26 And everyone that hears these sayings of mine, and doesn't do them, is like a foolish man, who built his house on the sand,

27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house, and it fell, and it was a big disaster."

28 And when Jesus had finished these sayings, the people were amazed at his doctrine,

29 'Cause he taught them like one who had authority, and not like the scribes.

___Matthew chapter 8

1 When he had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him.

2 And, a leper came and worshipped him, and said, "Lord, if you would, you can make me clean."

3 And Jesus put out his hand, and touched him and said, "I will, be clean."  And immediately he was cleansed from leprosy.

4 And Jesus said to him, "Make sure you don't tell anyone, but go and show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

5 And when Jesus had entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to him, begging him,

6 And saying, "Lord, my servant lies at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented."

7 And Jesus said to him, "I will come and heal him."

8 The centurion answered him, "Lord, I'm not worthy for you to come under my roof, but speak the word only, and my servant will be healed.

9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to this man, 'go,' and he goes, and to another, 'come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'do this,' and he does it."

10 When Jesus heard it, he was surprised, and said to those who followed, "Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel.

11 And I say to you that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.

12 But the children of the kingdom shall be thrown out into outer darkness, there shall be crying and gnashing of teeth."

13 And Jesus said to the centurion, "Go your way, and what you've believed for shall be done to you."  And his servant was healed in the same hour.

14 And when Jesus had come into Peter's house, he saw his mother-in-law lying, and sick with a fever.

15 And he touched her hand, and the fever left her, and she got up, and ministered to them.

16 When evening had come, they brought to him many that were possessed by devils, and he cast out the spirits with his word, and healed all that were sick,

17 So that it would be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, "Himself took our infirmities, and carried our sicknesses."

18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around him, he gave commandment to depart for the other side.

19 And a certain scribe came, and said to him, "Master, I will follow you wherever you go."

20 And Jesus said to him, "The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man doesn't have a place to lay his head."

21 And another of his disciples said to him, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow me, and let the dead bury their dead."

23 And when he had entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.

24 And a great storm came up on the sea, so that the ship was covered with the waves, but he was asleep.

25 And his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, "Lord, save us, we're about to die."

26 And he said to them, "Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?"  Then he got up, and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.

27 But the men were amazed, and said, "What kind of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!"

28 And when he had come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, two possessed by devils met him, coming out of the tombs, very fierce, so that no man could pass by that way.

29 And they called out, saying, "What have we to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God?  Have you come here to torment us before the time?"

30 And there was a good way off from them a herd of many pigs feeding.

31 So the devils asked him, "If you cast us out, allow us to go into the herd of pigs."

32 And he said to them, "Go."  And when they had come out, they went into the herd of pigs, and the whole herd of pigs ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and drowned in the waters.

33 And those who kept them fled, and went into the city, and told everything, and what had happened to those possessed by devils.

34 And the whole city came out to meet Jesus, and when they saw him, they asked him to go away out of their coasts.

___Matthew chapter 9

1 And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city.

2 And they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed, and Jesus seeing their faith said to the man sick of the palsy, "Son, be of good cheer, your sins are forgiven."

3 And certain of the scribes said inside themselves, "This man blasphemes."

4 And Jesus knowing their thoughts said, "Why do you think evil in your hearts?

5 For which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and walk?'

6 But so that you'll know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins," (then he said to the man sick of the palsy,) "Get up, pick up your bed, and go to your house."

7 And he got up, and went to his house.

8 But when the multitudes saw it, they were amazed, and glorified God, who had given such power to men.

9 And as Jesus departed from there, he saw a man named Matthew, sitting and collecting taxes, and he said to him, "Follow me."  And he got up, and followed him.

10 And as Jesus sat to eat in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with him and his disciples.

11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to his disciples, "Why does your master eat with tax collectors and sinners?"

12 But when Jesus heard that, he said to them, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but those who sick.

13 But go and learn what it means, 'I want mercy, not sacrifice,' for I haven't come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

14 Then the disciples of John came to him, saying, "Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples don't fast?"

15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn, while the bridegroom is with them?  But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they'll fast.

16 No man sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment, 'cause what is put in to fill it up takes from the garment, and the tear gets worse.

17 Nor do men put new wine into old bottles, otherwise the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles are destroyed, but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved."

18 While he spoke these things to them, a certain ruler came and worshipped him, saying, "My daughter is now dead, but come and lay your hand on her, and she'll live."

19 And Jesus got up, and followed him, and so did his disciples.

20 And a woman who had been diseased for twelve years with bleeding that wouldn't stop, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment,

21 For she said inside herself, "If I can just touch his garment, I'll be well."

22 But Jesus turned around, and when he saw her, he said, "Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you well."  And the woman was made well from that hour.

23 And when Jesus came into the ruler's house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise,

24 He said to them, "Make room, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping."  And they laughed at him scornfully.

25 But when the people had been put out, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the girl got up.

26 And the news of this went around into all that land.

27 And when Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed him, calling out and saying, "You Son of David, have mercy on us."

28 And when he had come into the house, the blind men came to him, and Jesus said to them, "Do you believe that I am able to do this?"  They said to him, "Yes, Lord."

29 Then he touched their eyes, saying, "Have what you're believing for."

30 And their eyes were opened, and Jesus strictly commanded them, saying, "Make sure that no man knows it."

31 But they, when they had departed, spread around his fame in all that country.

32 As they went out, they brought to him a man who couldn't speak, possessed by a devil.

33 And when the devil had been cast out, the man spoke, and the multitudes were amazed, saying, "It was never so seen in Israel."

34 But the Pharisees said, "He casts out devils through the prince of the devils."

35 And Jesus went around all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people.

36 But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is truly plenteous, but the laborers are few,

38 Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest, that he will send out laborers into his harvest."

___Matthew chapter 10

1 And when he had called to himself his twelve disciples, he gave them authority against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all kinds of sickness and all kinds of disease.

2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these:  the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother,

3 Philip, and Bartholomew, Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector, James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus Thaddaeus,

4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

5 Jesus sent these twelve out, and commanded them, "Don't go into the way of the Gentiles, and don't enter into any city of the Samaritans,

6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And as you go, preach, and say, 'The kingdom of heaven is near.'

8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils, you have received for free, give for free.

9 Don't provide gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses,

10 Nor paper money for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor yet staves, 'cause the workman is worthy of his food.

11 And into whatever city or town you enter, ask who in it is worthy, and live there until you leave that city.

12 And when you go into a house, greet the people there.

13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come on it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you.

14 And whoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet.

15 Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment, than for that city.

16 See, I send you out like sheep surrounded by wolves, therefore be wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

17 But beware of men, 'cause they'll deliver you up to the councils, and they'll scourge you in their synagogues,

18 And you'll be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles.

19 But when they deliver you up, don't think about how or what you'll say, for it shall be given to you in that same hour what to say.

20 For it is not you that speaks, but the Spirit of your Father that speaks in you.

21 And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child, and the children shall rise up against their parents, and cause them to be put to death.

22 And you'll be hated by all men for my name's sake, but he that endures to the end shall be saved.

23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee into another, for truly I say to you, you won't have gone over the cities of Israel, until the Son of man has come.

24 The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.

25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his master, and the servant like his lord.  If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they say that about those of his household?

26 Therefore don't be afraid of them, for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed, and nothing hidden, that shall not become known.

27 What I tell you in darkness, speak in light, and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.

28 And don't fear those who kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul, but rather, fear him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

29 Aren't two sparrows sold for a farthing?  And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father.

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Therefore don't be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Whoever therefore shall confess me before men, I will also confess him before my Father who is in heaven.

33 But whoever shall deny me before men, him I will also deny before my Father who is in heaven.

34 Don't think that I've come to send peace on earth, I didn't come to send peace, but a sword.

35 For I've come to set a man contrary to his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

36 And a man's enemies shall be those of his own household.

37 He that loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and he that loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.

38 And he that doesn't take his cross, and follow after me, is not worthy of me.

39 He that finds his life shall lose it, and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it.

40 He that receives you receives me, and he that receives me receives him that sent me.

41 He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward, and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

42 And whoever shall give to drink to one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, truly I say to you, he shall in no way lose his reward."

___Matthew chapter 11

1 And when Jesus had made an end of commanding his twelve disciples, he departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities.

2 Now when John had heard in the prison the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples,

3 And said to him, "Are you he that was supposed to come, or should we be looking for someone else?"

4 Jesus answered them, "Go back and tell John the things that you hear and see,

5 The blind receive their sight, and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up, and the poor have the gospel preached to them.

6 And blessed is he, whoever is not offended by me."

7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes about John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?  A bush shaken by the wind?

8 But what did you go out to see?  A man clothed in soft clothing?  Those who wear soft clothing are in kings' houses.

9 But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet.

10 For this is he, about whom it is written, 'See, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.'

11 Truly I say to you, among those who've been born of women, no one greater than John the Baptist has arisen, but he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.

12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven endures violence, and the violent take it by force.

13 For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John.

14 And if you'll receive it, this is Elijah, who was to come.

15 He that has ears to hear, let him hear.

16 But to what shall I liken this generation?  It is like children sitting in the marketplaces, and calling to their friends,

17 'We have piped to you, and you haven't danced, we have mourned to you, and you haven't lamented.'

18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, 'He has a devil.'

19 The Son of man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'See, a glutton and a wino, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.'  But wisdom is justified by her children."

20 Then he began to find fault with the cities in which most of his mighty works were done, because they didn't repent,

21 "Woe to you, Chorazin!  Woe to you, Bethsaida!  For if the mighty works that have been done in you had been done in Tyre and Zidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes.

22 But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Zidon at the day of judgment, than for you.

23 And you, Capernaum, that is lifted up to heaven, shall be brought down to hell, for if the mighty works, that have been done in you, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day.

24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment, than for you."

25 At that time Jesus answered and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you've hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babies.

26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight.

27 All things are delivered to me by my Father, and no man knows the Son, but the Father, nor does any man know the Father, except the Son, and he to whomever the Son will reveal him.

28 Come to me, all of you that labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.

29 Take my yoke on you, and learn from me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you'll find rest for your souls.

30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

___Matthew chapter 12

1 At that time Jesus went through the corn fields on the Sabbath day, and his disciples were hungry, and began to pluck the ears of corn, and to eat.

2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to him, "See, your disciples do what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day."

3 But he said to them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him,

4 How he entered into the house of God, and ate the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, nor for those who were with him, but only for the priests?

5 Or haven't you read in the law, how that on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath day, and are blameless?

6 But I say to you that in this place is someone greater than the temple.

7 But if you had known what this means, 'I want mercy, not sacrifice,' you wouldn't have condemned the innocent.

8 For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day."

9 And when he had departed from there, he went into their synagogue,

10 And a man was there with a withered hand.  And they asked him, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath days?"  So they could accuse him.

11 And he said to them, "What man is there among you, who if he has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, won't he take hold of it, and lift it out?

12 How much then is a man better than a sheep?  So, it is lawful to do well on the Sabbath days."

13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."  And he stretched it out, and it was restored well, like the other one.

14 Then the Pharisees went out, and plotted how they could destroy him.

15 But when Jesus knew it, he went away from there, and great multitudes followed him, and he healed them all,

16 And commanded them not to make him known,

17 So what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled,

18 "Look at my servant, whom I have chosen, my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased, I will put my spirit on him, and he'll show judgment to the gentiles.

19 He won't strive, nor shout, nor shall any man hear his voice in the streets.

20 A bruised reed he won't break, and he won't quench smoking flax, until he causes justice to be victorious.

21 And in his name shall the Gentiles trust."

22 Then someone possessed by a devil was brought to him, blind, and not able to speak, and he healed him, so that the blind and speechless man spoke and saw.

23 And all the people were amazed, and said, "Isn't this the son of David?"

24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, "This fellow doesn't cast out devils, but by Beelzebub, the prince of the devils."

25 And Jesus knew their thoughts, and said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself gets destroyed, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand,

26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself, how then shall his kingdom stand?

27 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your children cast them out?  Therefore they shall be your judges.

28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.

29 Or else how can someone enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, unless he first binds the strong man?  And then he will spoil his house.

30 He that is not with me is against me, and he that doesn't gather with me scatters away.

31 So I say to you, all kinds of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven to men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Ghost shall not be forgiven to men.

32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, he'll be forgiven for it, but whoever speaks against the Holy Ghost, he won't be forgiven for it, neither in this world, nor in the next world.

33 Either make the tree good, and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt, and its fruit corrupt, 'cause the tree is known by its fruit.

34 O generation of snakes, how can you, being evil, speak good things?  For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.

35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings out good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings out evil things.

36 But I say to you, that every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account of on the day of judgment.

37 For by your words you'll be justified, and by your words you'll be condemned."

38 Then certain scribes and Pharisees answered, "Master, we want to see a sign from you."

39 But he answered them, "An evil and adulterous generation seeks for a sign, and no sign shall be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah,

40 For like Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly, so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.

41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, a greater than Jonah is here.

42 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, 'cause she came from the farthest parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, a greater than Solomon is here.

43 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none.

44 Then he says, 'I'll return into my house that I came out of,' and when he gets there, he finds it empty, swept, and garnished.

45 Then he goes, and takes with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and live there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first.  That's how it will be also, for this wicked generation."

46 While he still talked to the people, his mother and his brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with him.

47 Then someone said to him, "See, your mother and your brothers are standing outside, and want to speak with you."

48 But he answered him that told him, "Who is my mother?  And who are my brothers?"

49 And he stretched out his hand toward his disciples, and said, "Look at my mother and my brothers!

50 For whoever does the will of my Father who is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother."

___Matthew chapter 13

1 The same day, Jesus went out of the house, and sat by the sea side.

2 And great multitudes were gathered together to him, so that he went into a ship and sat, and the whole multitude stood on the shore.

3 And he spoke many things to them in parables, and said, "See, a planter went out to plant,

4 And when he planted, some seeds fell by the way side, and the birds came and devoured them up,

5 Some fell on stony places, where they didn't have much earth, and immediately they sprung up, because they had no deepness of earth,

6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked them,

8 But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold.

9 Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear."

10 And the disciples came and said to him, "Why do you speak to them in parables?"

11 He answered them, "Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it hasn't been given.

12 For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance, but whoever doesn't have, from him shall be taken away even what he has.

13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because they seeing, don't see, and hearing, they don't hear, nor do they understand.

14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that says, 'By hearing, you'll hear, and not understand, and seeing, you'll see, and won't perceive,'

15 For these people's hearts have become large, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they've closed their eyes, so that at no time will they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them.

16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see, and your ears, for they hear.

17 For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men have desired to see the things that you see, and haven't seen them, and to hear the things that you hear, and haven't heard them.

18 Therefore hear the parable of the planter.

19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and doesn't understand it, then the wicked one comes, and catches away what was planted in his heart.  This is he who received seed by the way side.

20 But he that received the seed into stony places, is he that hears the word, and with joy receives it,

21 Yet doesn't have roots in himself, but endures for a while, 'cause when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, then he becomes offended.

22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that hears the word, and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.

23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that hears the word, and understands it, who also produces fruit, and brings forth, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold."

24 He spoke another parable to them, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who planted good seed in his field,

25 But while men slept, his enemy came and planted tares among the wheat, and went his way.

26 But when the blade had sprung up, and produced fruit, then the tares appeared also.

27 So the servants of the householder came and said to him, 'Sir, didn't you plant good seed in your field?  So why do we have tares?'

28 He said to them, 'An enemy has done this.  The servants said to him, do you want us to go and gather them up?'

29 But he said, 'No, 'cause while you gather up the tares, you'll also uproot some of the wheat with the tares.

30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, gather together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.'"

31 He gave them another parable, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took, and planted in his field,

32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds, but when it has grown up, it is the greatest among herbs, and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches of it."

33 He spoke another parable to them, "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast, that a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, until all of it was leavened."

34 Jesus spoke all these things to the multitude in parables, and he didn't speak to them without a parable,

35 So that it would be fulfilled that was spoken by the prophet, "I will open my mouth in parables, I will tell things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world."

36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house, and his disciples came to him, saying, "Explain to us the parable of the tares of the field."

37 He answered them, "He that plants the good seed is the Son of man,

38 The field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the tares are the children of the wicked one,

39 The enemy that planted them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels.

40 Therefore, like the tares are gathered and burned in the fire, that's how it will be at the end of this world.

41 The Son of man shall send out his angels, and they'll gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and those who sin,

42 And shall throw them into a furnace of fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous shall shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father.  Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear.

44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which when a man has found he hides, and rejoicing about that, goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field.

45 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant man, seeking good pearls,

46 Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net, that was thrown into the sea, and gathered of every kind,

48 Which when it was full, they pulled it to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into containers, but threw the bad away.

49 It shall be like that at the end of the world, the angels shall come, and separate the wicked from among the just,

50 And shall throw them into the furnace of fire, there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth."

51 Jesus said to them, "Have you understood all of these things?"  They said to him, "Yes, Lord."

52 Then he said to them, "Therefore every scribe who has been instructed regarding the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is a householder, who brings out of his treasure things new and old."

53 And when Jesus had finished these parables, he departed from there.

54 And when he had come into his own country, he taught them in their synagogue, such that they were astonished, and said, "From where does this man get this wisdom, and these mighty works?

55 Isn't this the carpenter's son?  Isn't his mother called Mary?  And his brothers, James, and Joses, and Simon, and Judas?

56 And his sisters, aren't they all with us?  From where then does this man have all these things?"

57 And they were offended at him.  But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, except in his own country, and in his own house."

58 And he didn't do many mighty works there because of their unbelief.

___Matthew chapter 14

1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus,

2 And said to his servants, "This is John the Baptist, he has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works are done by him."

3 'Cause Herod had arrested John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife.

4 'Cause John said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have her."

5 And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

6 But when Herod's birthday was celebrated, the daughter of Herodias danced before them, and pleased Herod.

7 And so he swore that he would give her whatever she would ask for.

8 And she, being before instructed by her mother said, "Give me here John Baptist's head in a container."

9 And the king was sorry, but because of the oath and those who sat with him to eat, he commanded it to be given to her.

10 And he sent, and beheaded John in the prison.

11 And his head was brought in a container, and given to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother.

12 And his disciples came, and took up the body, and buried it, and went and told Jesus.

13 When Jesus heard about it, he departed from there by ship into a desert place apart, and when the people had heard about it, they followed him on foot out of the cities.

14 And Jesus went out, and saw a great multitude, and was moved with compassion toward them, and he healed their sick.

15 And when it was evening, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a desert place, and the time has now passed, send the multitude away, so they can go into the villages, and buy themselves food."

16 But Jesus said to them, "They don't need to go, you give them food."

17 And they said to him, "We only have five loaves here, and two fish."

18 He said, "Bring them here to me."

19 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves, and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed, and broke, and gave the loaves to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

20 And they all ate, and were filled, and they took up of the pieces that remained twelve baskets full.

21 And those who had eaten were about five thousand men, beside women and children.

22 And immediately Jesus told his disciples to get into a ship, and to go before him to the other side, while he sent the multitudes away.

23 And when he had sent the multitudes away, he went up into a mountain apart to pray, and when the evening had come, he was there alone.

24 But the ship was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by waves, 'cause the wind was contrary.

25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea.

26 And when the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were troubled, and said, "It is a spirit," and they shouted out for fear.

27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, "Be of good cheer, it is I, don't be afraid."

28 And Peter answered him, "Lord, if it's you, tell me to come to you on the water."

29 And he said, "Come."  And when Peter had come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus.

30 But when he saw the very strong wind he was afraid, and beginning to sink, he shouted, "Lord, save me."

31 And immediately Jesus stretched out his hand, and caught him, and said to him, "O you of little faith, why did you doubt?"

32 And when they had come into the ship, the wind stopped.

33 Then those who were in the ship came and worshipped him, saying, "Truly, you are the Son of God."

34 And when they had gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret.

35 And when the men of that place knew about him, they sent out into all that country around there, and brought to him all that were diseased,

36 And asked him to just let them touch the hem of his garment, and as many as touched were made perfectly well.

___Matthew chapter 15

1 Then scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Jesus, saying,

2 "Why do your disciples go against the tradition of the elders?  They don't wash their hands when they eat bread."

3 But he answered them, "Why do you also go against the commandment of God by your tradition?

4 For God commanded, 'Honor your father and mother, and, he that curses father or mother, let him die the death.'

5 But you say, 'Whoever shall say to his father or his mother, whatever I might have given to you I've given to God,

6 And doesn't honor his father or his mother, he shall be free.'  Thus, you've made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.

7 You hypocrites, Isaiah prophesied well about you, saying,

8 'These people come near to me with their mouth, and honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

9 But they worship me in vain, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.'"

10 And he called the multitude, and said to them, "Listen, and understand,

11 Not that which goes into the mouth defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, that defiles a man."

12 Then his disciples came, and said to him, "Do you know that the Pharisees were offended, when they heard this saying?"

13 But he answered, "Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted, shall be uprooted.

14 Let them alone, they are blind leaders of the blind.  And if the blind lead the blind, both shall fall into the ditch."

15 Then Peter said to him, "Explain this parable to us."

16 And Jesus said, "Are you also still without understanding?

17 Don't you yet understand, that whatever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly, and goes out into the toilet?

18 But the things that proceed out of the mouth come out from the heart, and they defile the man.

19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies,

20 These are the things that defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands doesn't defile a man."

21 Then Jesus went from there, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Zidon.

22 And a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and called to him, "Have mercy on me, O Lord, you Son of David, my daughter is grievously tormented by a devil."

23 But he didn't answer her a word.  And his disciples came and asked him to send her away, 'cause she calls to us.

24 But he answered, "I am not sent except to the lost sheep of the house of Israel."

25 Then she came and worshipped him, saying, "Lord, help me."

26 But he answered, "It's not right to take the children's bread, and to throw it to dogs."

27 And she said, "Truth Lord, yet the dogs eat from the crumbs that fall from their masters' table."

28 Then Jesus answered her, "O woman, great is your faith, have what you want."  And her daughter was made well from that very hour.

29 And Jesus departed from there, and came near the sea of Galilee, and went up into a mountain, and sat down there.

30 And great multitudes came to him, having with them those who were lame, blind, unable to speak, maimed, and many others, and dropped them down at Jesus' feet, and he healed them,

31 So that the multitude was amazed, when they saw the dumb speak, the maimed well, the lame walk, and the blind see, and they glorified the God of Israel.

32 Then Jesus called his disciples to him, and said, "I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat, and I don't want to send them away fasting, or they might faint on the way."

33 And his disciples said to him, from where would we have enough bread in the wilderness, that would fill so great a multitude?"

34 And Jesus said to them, "How many loaves do you have?"  And they said, "Seven, and a few little fish."

35 And he commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground.

36 And he took the seven loaves and the fish, and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to his disciples, and the disciples to the multitude.

37 And they all ate and were filled, and they took up of the broken food that was left, seven baskets full.

38 And those who ate were four thousand men, beside women and children.

39 And he sent away the multitude, and boarded a ship, and came into the coasts of Magdala.

___Matthew chapter 16

1 The Pharisees and Sadducees also came, and tempting, wanted him to show them a sign from heaven.

2 He answered them, "When it is evening, you say, 'It will be fair weather, 'cause the sky is red.'

3 And in the morning, 'It will be foul weather today, 'cause the sky is red and lowering.'  Oh you hypocrites, you can discern the face of the sky, but you can't discern the signs of the times?

4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks a sign, and no sign will be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah."  And he left them, and departed.

5 And when his disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread.

6 Then Jesus said to them, "Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees."

7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, "It is because we have brought no bread."

8 Which when Jesus perceived, he said to them, "Oh you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves, because you've brought no bread?

9 Don't you yet understand, or remember the five loaves of the five thousand, and how many baskets you took up?

10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand, and how many baskets you took up?

11 How is it that you don't understand that I wasn't talking about bread, that you should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?"

12 Then they understood that he wasn't telling them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.

13 When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that I the Son of man am?"

14 And they said, "Some say you're John the Baptist, some, Elijah, and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets."

15 He said to them, "But whom do you say that I am?"

16 And Simon Peter answered, "You're the Christ, the Son of the living God."

17 And Jesus answered him, "Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, 'cause flesh and blood haven't revealed it to you, but my Father who is in heaven.

18 And I say also to you, that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.

19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."

20 Then he instructed his disciples not to tell anyone that he was Jesus, the Christ.

21 From then on Jesus began to show to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day.

22 Then Peter took him, and began to rebuke him, saying, "Be it far from you, Lord, this shall not be for you."

23 But he turned, and said to Peter, "Get behind me, Satan, you are an offense to me, 'cause you don't prefer the things that are of God, but those that are of men."

24 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

25 For whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it.

26 For how does a man profit, if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul?  Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

27 For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he shall reward every man according to his works.

28 Truly I say to you, there are some standing here, who'll not taste of death, until they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom."

___Matthew chapter 17

1 And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up into a high mountain apart,

2 And his appearance was changed before them, and his face shined like the sun, and his clothing was white like the light.

3 And Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with him.

4 Then Peter responded, and said to Jesus, "Lord, it's good for us to be here, if you're willing, let's make three tents here, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

5 While he yet spoke, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and there was a voice out of the cloud that said, "This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased, listen to him."

6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their face, and were very afraid.

7 And Jesus came and touched them, and said, "Get up, and don't be afraid."

8 And when they looked up, they saw no man except Jesus.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus told them to tell the vision to no man, until the Son of man had risen again from the dead.

10 And his disciples asked him, "Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

11 And Jesus answered them, "Elijah truly does come first, and restores all things.

12 But I say to you that Elijah has already come, and they didn't know him, but have done to him whatever they wanted.  Likewise also shall the Son of man suffer from them."

13 Then the disciples understood that he spoke to them about John the Baptist.

14 And when they had come to the multitude, a certain man came to him, kneeling down to him, and saying,

15 "Lord, have mercy on my son, 'cause he is a lunatic, and quite vexed, 'cause he often falls into the fire, and often into the water.

16 And I brought him to your disciples, and they couldn't cure him."

17 Then Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you?  How long shall I endure you?  Bring him to me."

18 And Jesus rebuked the devil, and he went out of him, and the child was cured from that very hour.

19 Then the disciples came to Jesus privately, and said, "Why couldn't we cast him out?"

20 And Jesus said to them, "Because of your unbelief, for truly I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you'll say to this mountain, 'Move from here to that other place,' and it shall go there, and nothing shall be impossible to you.

21 But this kind doesn't go out except by prayer and fasting."

22 And while they stayed in Galilee, Jesus said to them, "The Son of man shall be betrayed into the hands of men,

23 And they'll kill him, and the third day he'll be raised again."  And they were very sorry.

24 And when they'd come to Capernaum, the tax collectors came to Peter, and said, "Doesn't your master pay taxes?"

25 He said, "Yes."  And when he had come into the house, Jesus stopped him, saying, "What do you think, Simon?  From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or taxes?  From their own children, or from strangers?"

26 Peter said to him, "From strangers."  Jesus said to him, "Then the children are free.

27 But still, so we won't offend them, go to the sea, and cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up, and when you've opened its mouth, you'll find a piece of money.  Take that, and give to them for me and you."

___Matthew chapter 18

1 At the same time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

2 And Jesus called a little child to him, and set him among them,

3 And said, "Truly I say to you, unless you're converted, and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

4 Whoever therefore shall humble himself like this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

5 And whoever shall receive one such little child in my name receives me.

6 But whoever shall offend one of these little ones who believe in me, it would have been better for him that a millstone had been hung around his neck, and that he had been drowned in the depth of the sea.

7 Woe to the world because of offences!  'Cause it must happen that offences come, but woe to that man by whom the offence comes!

8 So if your hand or your foot offends you, cut them off, and throw them from you, it is better for you to enter into life missing a body part, rather than having two hands or two feet to be thrown into everlasting fire.

9 And if your eye offends you, pluck it out, and throw it from you, it is better for you to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be thrown into hell's fire.

10 Be careful that you don't offend one of these little ones, for I say to you, that in heaven, their angels always see the face of my Father who is in heaven.

11 For the Son of man has come to save those who were lost.

12 What do you think?  If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, doesn't he leave the ninety nine, and go into the mountains, and seek the one that went astray?

13 And if he finds it, truly I say to you, he rejoices more about that sheep, than about the ninety nine that didn't go astray.

14 Even so, it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven, for one of these little ones to be destroyed.

15 Also if your brother wrongs you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone, if he agrees, you've gained your brother.

16 But if he doesn't agree, then take with you one or two more, so that in the mouth of two or three witnesses, every word will be established.

17 And if he won't hear them, tell it to the church, but if he won't hear the church, let him be to you like a heathen man and a tax collector.

18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.

19 Again I say to you that if two of you shall agree on earth concerning anything that they shall ask, it shall be done for them by my Father who is in heaven.

20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, I am there among them."

21 Then Peter came to him, and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him?  Until seven times?"

22 Jesus said to him, "I don't say to you, until seven times, but until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, someone was brought to him, who owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But since he had nothing to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, 'Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all that I owe.'

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and set him free, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellow servants, who owed him a hundred pence, and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe.'

29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and begged him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.'

30 And he wouldn't, but went and threw him into prison, until he paid the debt.

31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told their lord all that had happened.

32 Then his lord, after he had called him, said to him, 'O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt, because you desired me to.

33 Shouldn't you also have had compassion on your fellow servant, like I had pity on you?'

34 And his lord was angry, and delivered him to the tormentors, until he paid all that was due.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also to you, if you don't from your hearts forgive everyone his brother their trespasses."

___Matthew chapter 19

1 And when Jesus had finished these sayings, he departed from Galilee, and went into the coasts of Judea beyond Jordan,

2 And great multitudes followed him, and he healed them there.

3 The Pharisees also came to him, tempting him, and saying to him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife for every reason?"

4 And he answered them, "Haven't you read, that he who made them at the beginning made them male and female,

5 And said, 'For this reason shall a man leave father and mother, and shall stick with his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh?'

6 So, they are no longer two, but one flesh.  What therefore God has joined together, let man not separate."

7 They said to him, "Why then did Moses command to give divorce papers, and to put her away?"

8 He said to them, "Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts allowed you to put away your wives, but from the beginning it was not so.

9 And I say to you, whoever shall put away his wife, except if there was fornication, and marries someone else commits adultery, and whoever marries her that was put away commits adultery."

10 His disciples said to him, "If the case of the man is so with his wife, it is not good to marry."

11 But he said to them, "Not everyone can receive this saying, except those to whom it has been given.

12 For there are some eunuchs, who were born that way from their mother's womb, and there are some eunuchs, who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who've made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven's sake.  He that is able to receive it, let him receive it."

13 Then little children were brought to him, so that he would put his hands on them and pray, and his disciples rebuked them.

14 But Jesus said, "Allow little children to come to me, and don't forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

15 And he laid his hands on them, and departed from there.

16 And someone came and said to him, "Good Master, what good thing shall I do, so that I can have eternal life?"

17 And he said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good except one, that is, God, but if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments."

18 He said to him, "Which?"  Jesus said, "You shall not commit murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not tell lies,

19 Honor your father and your mother, and you shall love your neighbor like yourself."

20 The young man said to him, "I have kept all these things from my youth up, what do I yet lack?"

21 Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you have, and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven, and come and follow me."

22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.

23 Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Truly I say to you, that a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.

24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

25 When his disciples heard it, they were quite amazed, saying, "Who then can be saved?"

26 But Jesus looked at them, and said to them, "With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

27 Then Peter answered him, "See, we've forsaken all, and followed you, what shall we have therefore?"

28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, That you who have followed me, in the new creation when the Son of man shall sit on the throne of his glory, you shall also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 And everyone that has forsaken houses, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.

30 But many that are first shall be last, and the last shall be first."

___Matthew chapter 20

1 "For the kingdom of heaven is like a man that is a house holder, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard.

2 And when he had agreed with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.

3 And he went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace,

4 And said to them, you go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.  And they went their way.

5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour, and did likewise.

6 And about the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle, and said to them, why do you stand here all the day idle?

7 They said to him, because no man has hired us.  He said to them, you go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right, you'll receive.

8 So when evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, call the laborers, and give them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.

9 And when those who were hired about the eleventh hour came, they each received a penny.

10 But when the first came, they supposed that they would have received more, and they likewise received every man a penny.

11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the house holder,

12 Saying, 'These last have worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have endured the burden and heat of the day.'

13 But he answered one of them, and said, 'Friend, I've done you no wrong, didn't you agree with me for a penny?

14 Take what is yours, and be on your way, I will give to this last the same as to you.

15 Isn't it legal for me to do what I choose with my own money?  Is your eye evil, because I am good?'

16 So the last shall be first, and the first last, for many are called, but few chosen."

17 And Jesus going up to Jerusalem took the twelve disciples apart on the way, and said to them,

18 "See, we're going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes, and they'll sentence him to death,

19 And shall deliver him to the Gentiles to mock, and to scourge, and to crucify him, and the third day he'll rise back up."

20 Then the mother of Zebedee's children came to him with her sons, worshipping him, and desiring a certain thing from him.

21 And he said to her, "What do you want?"  She said to him, "Grant that these two sons of mine will sit, one on your right hand, and the other on the left, in your kingdom."

22 But Jesus answered, "You don't know what you're asking.  Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?"  They said to him, "We are able."

23 And he said to them, "You shall indeed drink of my cup, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, but to sit at my right hand, and at my left, is not mine to give, but it shall be given to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father."

24 And when the ten heard it, they were angry with the two brothers.

25 But Jesus called them to himself, and said, "You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise authority over them, and those who are great exercise authority on them.

26 But it shall not be so among you, but whoever will be great among you, let him be your minister.

27 And whoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant,

28 Just like the Son of man didn't come to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed him.

30 And two blind men sitting by the way side, when they heard that Jesus passed by, called out saying, "Have mercy on us, Oh Lord, you Son of David."

31 And the multitude rebuked them, because they should be quiet, but they shouted the more, "Have mercy on us, Oh Lord, you Son of David."

32 And Jesus stood still, and called them, and said, "What do you want me to do for you?"

33 They said to him, "Lord, for our eyes to be opened."

34 So Jesus had compassion on them, and touched their eyes, and immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed him.

___Matthew chapter 21

1 And when they came near Jerusalem, and had come to Bethphage, to the mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples,

2 Saying to them, "Go into the village opposite you, and immediately you'll find an ass tied, and a colt with her, untie them, and bring them to me.

3 And if any man says anything to you, say the Lord needs them, and immediately he will send them."

4 All this was done, so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, who said,

5 "Tell the daughter of Zion, see, your King comes to you meek, and sitting on an ass, and a colt the foal of an ass."

6 And the disciples went, and did what Jesus commanded them,

7 And brought the ass, and the colt, and put their clothes on them, and they placed him as the rider.

8 And a very great multitude spread their garments on the path, others cut down branches from the trees, and strawed them in the way.

9 And the multitudes that went before, and that followed called out, saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord, Hosanna in the highest."

10 And when he had come to Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, "Who is this?"

11 And the multitude said, "This is Jesus the prophet of Nazareth of Galilee."

12 And Jesus went into the temple of God, and threw out all of those who sold and bought in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold doves,

13 And said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called the house of prayer,' but you've made it a den of thieves."

14 And the blind and the lame came to him in the temple, and he healed them.

15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that he did, and the children calling out in the temple, and saying, "Hosanna to the Son of David," they were very displeased,

16 And said to him, "Do you hear what these are saying?"  And Jesus said to them, "Yes, have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babies and sucklings you've perfected praise?'"

17 And he left them, and went out of the city into Bethany, and he lodged there.

18 Now in the morning as he returned into the city, he was hungry.

19 And when he saw a fig tree on the way, he came to it, and found nothing on it except leaves, and said to it, "Let no fruit grow on you from now on, forever."  And soon the fig tree withered away.

20 And when the disciples saw it, they were amazed and said, Look how soon the fig tree has withered away!

21 Jesus answered them, "Truly I say to you, If you have faith, and don't doubt, you'll not only do this that has been done to the fig tree, but also if you'll say to this mountain, 'Be removed, and be thrown into the sea,' it shall be done.

22 And all things, whatever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you'll receive."

23 And when he had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to him as he was teaching, and said, "By what authority do you do these things?  And who gave you this authority?"

24 And Jesus answered them, "I will also ask you one thing, which if you tell me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things."

25 "The baptism of John, where was it from?  From heaven, or of men?"  And they reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he'll say to us, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

26 But if we say, 'from men,' we fear the people, for all count John as a prophet."

27 And they answered Jesus, "We can't tell."  And he said to them, "Nor do I tell you by what authority I do these things.

28 But what do you think?  A certain man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, 'Son, go work today in my vineyard.'

29 He answered, 'I won't,' but afterward he changed his mind, and went.

30 And he came to the second, and said likewise.  And he answered, 'I go, sir,' and didn't go.

31 Which of the two did the will of his father?"  They said to him, "The first."  Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you.

32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you didn't believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him, and you, when you had seen it, didn't repent afterward, so that you would believe him.

33 Hear another parable, there was a certain house holder, who planted a vineyard, and put a hedge around it, and dug a winepress in it, and built a tower, and rented it to vineyard keepers, and went into a far country.

34 And when the time of fruit came near, he sent his servants to the vineyard keepers, to collect fruit from them.

35 And the vineyard keepers took his servants and beat one, and killed another, and stoned another.

36 Again, he sent other servants more than the first, and they did to them likewise.

37 But last of all he sent them his son, saying, 'They'll respect my son.'

38 But when the vineyard keepers saw the son, they said among themselves, 'This is the heir.  Come, let's kill him, and let's take his inheritance.'

39 And they caught him, and threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.

40 Therefore, when the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those vineyard keepers?"

41 They said to him, "He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will rent his vineyard to other vineyard keepers, who'll pay him the fruits in their seasons."

42 Jesus said to them, "Didn't you ever read in the scriptures, 'The stone that the builders rejected, has become the cornerstone, this is the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'

43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation producing the fruits of it.

44 And whoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken, but on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

45 And when the chief priests and Pharisees had heard his parables, they perceived that he spoke about them.

46 But when they wanted to lay hands on him, they feared the multitude, because they took him to be a prophet.

___Matthew chapter 22

1 And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables, and said,

2 "The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king, who made a wedding for his son,

3 And sent out his servants to call those who'd been invited to the wedding, and they wouldn't come.

4 Again, he sent out other servants, saying, tell those who've been invited, see, I've prepared my dinner, my oxen and my fatlings have been killed, and all things are ready, come to the wedding.

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise,

6 And the rest of them took his servants, and mistreated them, and killed them.

7 But when the king heard about it, he was angry, and he sent out his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then he said to his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited weren't worthy.

9 Go therefore into the highways, and as many as you find, invite to the wedding.'

10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together as many as they found, both bad and good, and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who wasn't wearing a wedding garment,

12 And he said to him, 'Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?'  And he couldn't answer.

13 Then the king said to the servants, 'Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and throw him into outer darkness.'  There shall be crying and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen."

15 Then the Pharisees went and plotted how they could entangle him in his talk.

16 And they sent out to him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, "Master, we know that you are true, and teach the way of God in truth, nor do you care for any man, for you don't regard the person of men.

17 Tell us therefore, what do you think?  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness, and said, "Why do you tempt me, you hypocrites?

19 Show me the tax money."  And they brought him a penny.

20 And he said to them, "Whose is this image and superscription?"

21 They said to him, "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."

22 When they had heard these words, they were amazed, and left him, and went away.

23 The same day the Sadducees came to him, who say there is no resurrection, and asked him,

24 "Master, Moses said if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife, and raise up children for his brother.

25 Now there were seven brothers with us, and the first, when he had married a wife died, and having no children, left his wife to his brother.

26 Likewise the second also, and the third, until the seventh.

27 And last of all the woman died also.

28 Therefore in the resurrection, whose wife shall she be of the seven?  For they all had her."

29 Jesus answered them, "You err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels of God in heaven.

31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, haven't you 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?'  God is not the God of the dead, but of the living."

33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.

34 But when the Pharisees had heard that he'd put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.

35 Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,

36 "Master, which is the great commandment in the law?"

37 Jesus said to him, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.

38 This is the first and great commandment.

39 And the second is like it, you shall love your neighbor like yourself.

40 On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets."

41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them,

42 "What do you think about Christ?  Whose son is he?"  They said to him, "The Son of David."

43 He said to them, "How then does David in spirit call him Lord, saying,

44 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool?'

45 If David then calls him Lord, how is he his son?"

46 And no man was able to answer him a word, nor dared any man from that day on ask him anymore questions.

___Matthew chapter 23

1 Then Jesus spoke to the multitude, and to his disciples,

2 Saying, "The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' office,

3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do it, but don't do like they do, for they say, but don't do.

4 For they tie heavy burdens and grievous to be carried, and lay them on men's shoulders, but they themselves won't move them with one of their fingers.

5 But they do all their works to be seen by men, they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,

6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the main seats in the synagogues,

7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called by men, 'Rabbi, Rabbi.'

8 But don't you be called Rabbi, 'cause you have one Master, Christ, and all of you are brothers.

9 And don't call any man your father on earth, for someone is your Father who is in heaven.

10 And don't be called masters, for someone is your Master, who is Christ.

11 But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

12 And whoever shall exalt himself shall be brought low, and he that shall humble himself shall be lifted up.

13 But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men, for you don't go in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in.

14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  'Cause you devour widows' houses, and for a pretense make long prayer, therefore you'll receive the greater damnation.

15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  'Cause you travel over sea and land to make one convert, and after he's converted, you make him twice as much the child of hell as yourselves.

16 Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, 'Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!'

17 You fools and blind, for which is greater, the gold, or the temple that makes the gold holy?

18 And, 'Whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing, but whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.'

19 You fools and blind, for which is greater, the gift, or the altar that makes the gift holy?

20 Whoever therefore swears by the altar, swears by it, and by all things that are on it.

21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears by it, and by him that lives in it.

22 And he that swears by heaven, swears by the throne of God, and by him that sits on it.

23 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  'Cause you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy, and faith.  You ought to have done these, and not to leave the other undone.

24 You blind guides, who choke on a flea, and swallow a camel.

25 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  'Cause you clean the outside of the cup and platter, but inside they are full of extortion and excess.

26 You blind Pharisee, clean first that which is inside the cup and platter, so that the outside of them will be clean also.

27 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  'Cause you are like whitened tombs, that indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but are inside full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.

28 Even so, you also appear righteous to men outwardly, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and sin.

29 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  Because you build the tombs of the prophets, and garnish the tombs of the righteous,

30 And say, 'If we had been living in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.'

31 So you are witnesses against yourselves, that you are the children of those who killed the prophets.

32 Fill up then the measure of your fathers.

33 You serpents, you generation of snakes, how can you escape the damnation of hell?

34 So see, I send you prophets, and wise men, and scribes, and some of them you'll kill and crucify, and some of them you'll scourge in your synagogues, and persecute them from city to city,

35 So that on you will come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the temple and the altar.

36 Truly I say to you, all these things shall come on this generation.

37 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, like a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you weren't willing!

38 See, your house is left to you desolate.

39 For I say to you, you won't see me from now on until you say, blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord."

___Matthew chapter 24

1 And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple, and his disciples came to him to show him the buildings of the temple.

2 And Jesus said to them, "Don't you see all these things?  Truly I say to you, there won't be left here one stone on another, that won't be thrown down."

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when shall these things be?  And what shall be the sign of your coming, and of the end of the world?"

4 And Jesus answered them, "Make sure that no man deceives you.

5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ, and shall deceive many.

6 And you'll hear of wars and rumors of wars.  Make sure you're not troubled, for all these things must happen, but the end is not yet.

7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in various places.

8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.

9 Then they'll deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you, and you'll be hated by all nations for my name's sake.

10 And then many shall be offended, and shall betray each other, and shall hate each other.

11 And many false prophets shall arise, and deceive many.

12 And because sin shall be abundant, the love of many shall grow cold.

13 But he that endures to the end, shall be saved.

14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come.

15 Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken about by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoever reads, let him understand,)

16 Then let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains,

17 Let him that is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house,

18 Nor let him that is in the field return back to take his clothes.

19 And woe to those who are with child, and to those who are nursing babies in those days!

20 But pray that your flight will not be in the winter, nor on the Sabbath day,

21 For then there shall be great tribulation, such as hasn't been since the beginning of the world until that time, no, nor ever shall be.

22 And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved, but for the elect's sake those days shall be shortened.

23 Then if any man says to you, see, here is Christ, or there, don't believe it.

24 For false Christs shall arise, and false prophets, and shall show great signs and wonders, so that, if it were possible, they'll deceive the very elect.

25 See, I have told you beforehand.

26 So if they say to you, 'See, he is in the desert,' don't go out, 'see, he is in the secret rooms,' don't believe it.

27 For like the lightning comes out of the east, and shines all the way to the west, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

28 For wherever the carcass is, that's where the eagles will be gathered together.

29 Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken.

30 And then the sign of the Son of man shall appear in heaven, and then all of the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.

31 And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.

32 Now learn a parable from the fig tree, when its branch is yet tender, and puts out leaves, you know that summer is near.

33 So likewise you, when you see all these things, know that it's near, even at the doors.

34 Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass, until all these things have been fulfilled.

35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

36 But regarding that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.

37 But as the days of Noah were, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,

39 And didn't know until the flood came, and took them all away, so also shall the coming of the Son of man be.

40 Then two shall be in the field.  One shall be taken, and the other left.

41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill.  One shall be taken, and the other left.

42 Be ready therefore, 'cause you don't know at what hour your Lord comes.

43 But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known at what time the thief would come, he would have stayed awake, and would not have allowed his house to be broken up.

44 Therefore, you be ready also, for in such an hour as you think not, the Son of man will come.

45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?

46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find doing so.

47 Truly I say to you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods.

48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming,'

49 And begins to strike his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken,

50 The lord of that servant shall come on a day when he's not looking for him, and at an hour that he's not aware of,

51 And shall cut him in pieces, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites.  There shall be crying and gnashing of teeth."

___Matthew chapter 25

1 "The kingdom of heaven is like ten virgins, who took their lamps, and went out to meet the bridegroom.

2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.

3 Those who were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them,

4 But the wise took oil in their containers with their lamps.

5 While the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept.

6 And at midnight there was a shout made, 'See, the bridegroom's coming, go out to meet him.'

7 Then all those virgins got up, and trimmed their lamps.

8 And the foolish said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil, 'cause our lamps have gone out.'

9 But the wise answered, 'Not so, or there may not be enough for us and you, but go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.'

10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding, and the door was shut.

11 The other virgins also came afterward, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us.'

12 But he answered, 'Truly I say to you, I don't know you.'

13 Be ready therefore, 'cause you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of man will come.

14 For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered to them his goods.

15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each man according to his particular abilities, and immediately took his journey.

16 Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with them, and gained another five talents.

17 And likewise he that had received two, he also gained another two.

18 But he that had received one went and dug in the earth, and hid his lord's money.

19 After a long time the lord of those servants came, and reckoned with them.

20 And so he that had received five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents, see, I have gained beside them five talents more.'

21 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, you've been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of your lord.'

22 He also that had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents, see, I have gained two other talents beside them.'

23 His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things, enter into the joy of your lord.'

24 Then he that had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew that you are a hard man, reaping where you haven't planted, and gathering where you haven't strawed,

25 And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the earth, see, there you have what is yours.'

26 His lord answered him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I didn't plant, and gather where I haven't strawed.

27 You should therefore have put my money with the exchangers, and then when I returned, I would have received what was mine plus interest.

28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.

29 For to everyone that has, shall be given, and he shall have abundance, but from him that doesn't have shall be taken away even what he has.

30 And throw the unprofitable servant into outer darkness, there shall be crying and gnashing of teeth.'

31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he shall sit on the throne of his glory,

32 And before him shall be gathered all nations, and he shall separate them from each other, like a shepherd separates his sheep from the goats.

33 And he shall set the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left.

34 Then the King shall say to those at his right hand, 'Come, you blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,

35 For I was hungry, and you gave me food.  I was thirsty, and you gave me drink,  I was a stranger, and you took me in,

36 Naked, and you clothed me, I was sick, and you visited me, I was in prison, and you came to me.'

37 Then the righteous shall answer him, 'Lord, when did we see we you hungry, and feed you?  Or thirsty, and gave you drink?

38 When did we see you a stranger, and took you in?  Or naked, and clothed you?

39 Or when did we see you sick, or in prison, and came to you?'

40 And the King shall answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, since you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.'

41 Then he shall say also to those on the left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels,

42 For I was hungry, and you gave me no food.  I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink,

43 I was a stranger, and you didn't take me in, naked, and you didn't clothe me, sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

44 Then they shall also answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn't minister to you?'

45 Then he shall answer them, 'Truly I say to you, since you didn't do it to one of the least of these, you didn't do it to me.'

46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous to life eternal."

___Matthew chapter 26

1 And when Jesus had finished all these sayings, he said to his disciples,

2 "You know that the Feast of the Passover comes in two days, and the Son of man will be betrayed to be crucified."

3 Then the chief priests assembled together, and the scribes, and the elders of the people, to the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas,

4 And consulted how they could arrest Jesus on some technicality, and kill him.

5 But they said, "Not on the feast day, or there might be a riot among the people."

6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany, in the house of Simon the leper,

7 A woman came to him having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on his head, as he sat to eat.

8 But when his disciples saw it, they had indignation and said, "For what purpose is this waste?

9 'Cause this ointment could have been sold for much, and given to the poor."

10 When Jesus understood it, he said to them, "Why do you trouble the woman?  She has done a good work on me.

11 For you have the poor with you always, but me you don't have always.

12 For in that she has poured this ointment on my body, she did it for my burial.

13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, what this woman has done shall also be told for a memorial of her."

14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests,

15 And said to them, "What will you give me, and I will deliver him to you?"  And they agreed with him for thirty pieces of silver.

16 And from that time he looked for opportunity to betray him.

17 Now the first day of the feast of unleavened bread, the disciples came to Jesus, saying to him, "Where do you want us to prepare for you to eat the Passover?"

18 And he said, "Go into the city to such a man, and say to him, 'The Master says, my time is at hand, I will keep the Passover at your house with my disciples.'"

19 And the disciples did what Jesus had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

20 Now when the evening had come, he sat down with the twelve.

21 And as they ate, he said, "Truly I say to you, that one of you shall betray me."

22 And they were very sorrowful, and all of them began to say to him, "Lord, is it I?"

23 And he answered, "He that dips his hand with me in the dish, shall betray me.

24 The Son of man goes as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man gets betrayed!  It would have been good for that man if he had not been born."

25 Then Judas, who betrayed him, answered, "Master, is it I?"  He said to him, "You are right."

26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat.  This is my body."

27 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "All of you drink it,

28 For this is my blood of the new testament, which is spilled for many for the remission of sins.

29 But I tell you, I will not drink, from now on, of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father's kingdom."

30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.

31 Then Jesus said to them, "All of you shall be offended because of me this night, 'cause it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered.'

32 But after I've risen again, I will go before you into Galilee."

33 Peter answered him, "Though all men shall be offended because of you, yet I will never be offended."

34 Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, this night, before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."

35 Peter said to him, "Even if I die with you, I won't deny you."  Likewise also said all the disciples.

36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to the disciples, "Sit here, while I go and pray over there."

37 And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy.

38 Then he said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful, even to death, wait here, and stay awake with me."

39 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if possible, let this cup pass from me, however not as I will, but as you will."

40 And he came to the disciples, and found them asleep, and said to Peter, "What, couldn't you stay awake with me one hour?

41 Stay awake and pray, so that you don't enter into temptation, the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."

42 He went away again the second time and prayed, saying, "O my Father, if this cup can't pass away from me unless I drink it, your will be done."

43 And he came and found them asleep again, 'cause their eyes were heavy.

44 And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

45 Then he came to his disciples and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest, see, the hour is at hand, and the Son of man has been betrayed into the hands of sinners.

46 Get up, let's be going, see, he is at hand that betrays me."

47 And while he yet spoke, Judas, one of the twelve came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, that's the one, hold him tightly."

49 And immediately he came to Jesus, and said, "Hail, master," and kissed him.

50 And Jesus said to him, "Friend, why have you come?"  Then they came, and laid hands on Jesus, and took him.

51 And one of those who were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and cut off his ear.

52 Then Jesus said to him, "Put up your sword into its place, for all of those who take the sword shall die by the sword.

53 Do you think that I can't now pray to my Father, and he shall soon give me more than twelve legions of angels?

54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled that it must be like this?"

55 In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes, "Have you come out like against a thief with swords and clubs to take me?  I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and you didn't arrest me.

56 But all this was done so that the scriptures of the prophets would be fulfilled."  Then all the disciples left him, and fled.

57 And those who had taken hold on Jesus led him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled.

58 But Peter followed him at a distance to the high priest's palace, and went in, and sat with the servants to see the end.

59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council, looked for false witnesses against Jesus, to put him to death,

60 But found none, yes, though many false witnesses came, yet they found none.  At last, two false witnesses came,

61 And said, "This fellow said, I am able to destroy the temple of God, and to build it in three days."

62 And the high priest got up, and said to him, "Do you answer nothing?  What is it that these witness against you?"

63 But Jesus said nothing.  And the high priest said to him, "I adjure you by the living God, to tell us whether you are the Christ, the Son of God."

64 Jesus said to him, "You are right, anyway, I say to you, hereafter you'll see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, "He has spoken blasphemy.  Why would we need any more witnesses?  See, now you've heard his blasphemy.

66 What do you think?"  They answered, "He deserves to die."

67 Then they spat in his face, and buffeted him, and others struck him with the palms of their hands,

68 Saying, "Prophesy to us, you Christ, which one of us struck you?"

69 Now Peter sat outside in the palace, and a young woman came to him, saying, "You were also with Jesus of Galilee."

70 But he denied before them all, saying, "I don't know what you're talking about."

71 And when he had gone out into the porch, another young woman saw him, and said to those who were there, "This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth."

72 And again he denied with an oath, "I don't know the man."

73 And after a while those who stood by came to him and said to Peter, "Surely you're also one of them, 'cause the way you talk betrays you."

74 Then he began to curse and to swear, saying, "I don't know the man."  And immediately the rooster crowed.

75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, who said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."  And he went out, and cried bitterly.

___Matthew chapter 27

1 When the morning had come, all the chief priests and elders of the people consulted together against Jesus to put him to death.

2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and brought him to Pontius Pilate, the governor.

3 Then Judas, who had betrayed him, when he saw that he had been condemned, regretted what he'd done, and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders,

4 Saying, "I have sinned by betraying innocent blood."  And they said, "What is that to us?  You take care of that."

5 And he threw down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hung himself.

6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces, and said, "It's not lawful to put them into the treasury, because it's the price of blood."

7 And they took advice, and bought with them the potter's field, to bury strangers in.

8 So that field was called, "The Field of Blood," until this day.

9 And that fulfilled what had been spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, "And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of him that was valued, whom those of the children of Israel did value,

10 And gave them for the potter's field, as the Lord appointed me."

11 And Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"  And Jesus said to him, "You're right."

12 And when he was accused by the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing.

13 Then Pilate said to him, "Don't you hear how many things they testify against you?"

14 And he answered not a word, so that the governor was very much amazed.

15 Now at that feast the governor usually released to the people a prisoner of their choice.

16 And at that time they had a notable prisoner called Barabbas.

17 Therefore when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, "Whom do you want me to release to you?  Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?"

18 'Cause he knew that for envy they had delivered him.

19 When he sat down on the judgment seat, his wife sent a message to him, "Have nothing to do with that honest man, 'cause I've suffered many things today in a dream because of him."

20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude to ask for Barabbas, and destroy Jesus.

21 The governor answered them, "Which of the two do you want me to release to you?"  They said, "Barabbas."

22 Pilate said, "What shall I do then with Jesus who is called Christ?"  They all said to him, "Let him be crucified."

23 And the governor said, "Why, what wrong has he done?"  But they shouted the more, "Let him be crucified."

24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but that rather a riot was starting, he took water, and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, "I am innocent of the blood of this honest person, you take care of it."

25 Then all the people answered, "His blood be on us, and on our children."

26 Then he released Barabbas to them, and when he had scourged Jesus, he gave the order for him to be crucified.

27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall, and gathered the whole band of soldiers.

28 And they stripped him, and put a red robe on him.

29 And when they had woven a crown of thorns, they put it on his head, and a pole in his right hand, and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

30 And they spat on him, and took the pole, and struck him on the head.

31 And after they had mocked him, they took the robe off of him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him away to crucify him.

32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon.  They made him carry the cross.

33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha, that is to say, "a place of a skull,"

34 They gave him vinegar to drink mixed with gall, and when he had tasted it, he wouldn't drink.

35 And they crucified him, and divided his garments, drawing straws, so that what was spoken by the prophet would be fulfilled, "They divided my garments among them, and for my vesture they drew straws."

36 And sitting down they watched him there,

37 And set up over his head his accusation written, "This Is Jesus, The King of the Jews."

38 Then there were two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

39 And those who passed by made fun of him, shaking their heads,

40 And saying, "You who destroys the temple, and builds it in three days, save yourself.  If you're the Son of God, come down from the cross."

41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders said,

42 "He saved others, he can't save himself.  If he's the King of Israel, let him come down now from the cross, and we will believe him.

43 He trusted in God.  Let him deliver him now, if he will have him, 'cause he said, I am the Son of God."

44 The thieves also, who were crucified with him, threw the same in his teeth.

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour.

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus shouted with a loud voice, saying, "Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?"  That is to say, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"

47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that said, "This man is calling for Elijah."

48 And immediately one of them ran, and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a pole, and offered it to him to drink.

49 The rest said, "Let it alone, let's see whether Elijah will come to save him."

50 Jesus, when he had shouted again with a loud voice, yielded up the spirit.

51 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom, and there was an earthquake, and the rocks split,

52 And the graves were opened, and many bodies of the saints who slept got up,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.

54 Now when the centurion and those who were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and the things that happened, they were very afraid, saying, "Truly this was the Son of God."

55 And many women were there watching from a distance, who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to him,

56 Among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedee's children.

57 When the evening had come, a rich man of Arimathaea came, named Joseph, who was also was Jesus' disciple,

58 He went to Pilate, and begged for the body of Jesus.  Then Pilate commanded the body to be given to him.

59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth,

60 And laid it in his own new tomb that he had carved out in the rock, and he rolled a huge stone to the door of the tomb, and went away.

61 And there was Mary Magdalene, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the tomb.

62 Now the next day that followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate,

63 Saying, "Sir, we remember that that deceiver said, while he was still alive, 'After three days I will rise again.'

64 Command therefore that the tomb be secured until the third day, or his disciples might come at night, and steal him away, and say to the people, 'He has risen from the dead,' so the last error shall be worse than the first."

65 Pilate said to them, "You have a watch, go your way, make it as sure as you can."

66 So they went, and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone, and setting a watch.

___Matthew chapter 28

1 In the end of the Sabbath day, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came, and the other Mary to see the tomb.

2 And there was a great earthquake, for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it.

3 His facial appearance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow,

4 And for fear of him the keepers shook, and became like dead men.

5 And the angel said to the women, "Don't be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified.

6 He's not here, for he has risen like he said.  Come, see the place where the Lord was laying.

7 And go quickly, and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and see, he goes before you into Galilee, you'll see him there, see, I've told you."

8 And they departed quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, and ran to bring his disciples word.

9 And as they went to tell his disciples, Jesus met them, saying, "All hail."  And they came and held him by the feet, and worshipped him.

10 Then Jesus said to them, "Don't be afraid.  Go tell my brothers to go into Galilee, and they'll see me there."

11 Now when they were going, some of the watch came into the city, and told the chief priests all the things that had happened.

12 And when they were assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a lot of money to the soldiers,

13 Saying, "Say that his disciples came at night, and stole him away while we slept.

14 And if this comes to the governor's ears, we will persuade him, and secure you."

15 So they took the money, and did like they were taught.  And this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day.

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him, but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, "All power has been given to me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost,

20 Teaching them to observe all things that I've commanded you, and see, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.  Amen."

___Mark chapter 1

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

2 As it is written in the prophets, "See, I send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way before you.

3 The voice of someone crying in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight."

4 John baptized in the wilderness, and preached the baptism of repentance for the getting rid of sins.

5 And all the land of Judea went out to him, and those of Jerusalem, and were all baptized by him in the river of Jordan, confessing their sins.

6 And John was clothed with camel's hair, and with a girdle of leather around his middle, and he ate locusts and wild honey,

7 And preached, saying, "Someone mightier than I is coming after me, whose shoelace I'm not worthy to stoop down and untie.

8 I indeed have baptized you with water, but he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost."

9 And in those days, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan River.

10 And immediately, coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending on him,

11 And a voice came from heaven, saying, "You are my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."

12 And immediately the Spirit pushed him into the wilderness.

13 And he was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild animals, and the angels ministered to him.

14 Now after John had been put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,

15 And saying, "The time has been fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand.  Repent, and believe the gospel."

16 Now as he walked by the sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew his brother throwing a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

17 And Jesus said to them, "Follow me, and I will teach you to fish for men."

18 And immediately they left their nets, and followed him.

19 And when he had gone a little further there, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who were also in the ship mending their nets.

20 And immediately he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired hands, and followed him.

21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day he entered into the synagogue, and taught.

22 And they were astonished at his doctrine, 'cause he taught them like someone with authority, and not like the scribes.

23 And there was a man with an unclean spirit in their synagogue, and he shouted,

24 "Let us alone.  What have we to do with you, Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are, the Holy One of God."

25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Don't speak, and come out of him."

26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him, and shouted with a loud voice, he came out of him.

27 And they were all amazed, so much that they questioned among themselves, "What thing is this?  What new doctrine is this?  For with authority he commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey him."

28 And immediately his fame spread around throughout all the region around Galilee.

29 And immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John.

30 But Simon's wife's mother was lying sick with a fever, and so they told him about her.

31 And he came and took her by the hand, and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her, and she waited on them.

32 And in the evening, they brought to him all that were diseased, and those who were possessed by devils.

33 And all the people of the city were gathered together at the door.

34 And he healed many that were sick of various diseases, and cast out many devils, and didn't allow the devils to speak, because they knew him.

35 And in the morning, rising up a long time before daybreak, he went out, and departed into a solitary place, and prayed there.

36 And Simon and those who were with him followed him.

37 And when they had found him, they said to him, "All men are looking for you."

38 And he said to them, "Let's go into the next towns, so I can preach there also, 'cause that's why I came out."

39 And he preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee, and cast out devils.

40 And a leper came to him, begging him, and kneeling down to him, and saying to him, "If you will, you can make me clean."

41 And Jesus, moved by compassion, put out his hand, and touched him, and said to him, "I will, be clean."

42 And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was healed.

43 And he strictly commanded him, and immediately sent him away,

44 Saying to him, "Make sure that you say nothing to anyone, but be on your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing the things that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

45 But he went out, and began to tell everyone, and to blaze around the matter, so much that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was outside in desert places, and they came to him from every quarter.

___Mark chapter 2

1 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days, and people heard that he was in the house.

2 And immediately many were gathered together, so much that there was no room to receive them, no, not even around the door, and he preached the word to them.

3 And they came to him bringing someone sick of the palsy, who was carried by four people.

4 And when they could not come near him because of the many people, they uncovered the roof where he was, and after they had broken it up, they let down the bed on which the man sick of the palsy was lying.

5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man with palsy, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

6 But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts,

7 "Why does this man thus speak blasphemies?  Who can forgive sins except God?"

8 And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they reasoned like that inside themselves, he said to them, "Why do you reason these things in your hearts?

9 Which is easier, to say to the sick of the palsy, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, and take up your bed, and walk?'

10 But so that you will know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins, (he said to the man sick of palsy,)

11 I say to you, get up, and pick up your bed, and go to your house."

12 And immediately he got up, picked up the bed, and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw it like this.”

13 And he went out again by the sea side, and all the multitude resorted to him, and he taught them.

14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting and collecting taxes, and said to him, "Follow me."  And he got up and followed him.

15 And as Jesus sat to eat in his house, many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and his disciples, for there were many, and they followed him.

16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with tax collectors and sinners, they said to his disciples, "Why does he eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

17 When Jesus heard it, he said to them, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but those who are sick.  I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees used to fast, and they came and said to him, "Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but your disciples don't fast?"

19 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests fast, while the bridegroom is with them?  While they have the bridegroom with them, they can't fast.

20 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they'll fast in those days.

21 No man also sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment, otherwise the new piece that filled it up takes away from the old, and the tear gets worse.

22 And no man puts new wine into old wineskins, otherwise the new wine bursts the wineskins, and the wine is spilled, and the wineskins are ruined, but new wine must be put into new wineskins."

23 And when he went through the corn fields on the Sabbath day, and his disciples began, as they went, to pluck the ears of corn.

24 And the Pharisees said to him, "See, why are they doing on the Sabbath day what is not lawful?"

25 And he said to them, "Haven't you ever read what David did, when he had need, and was hungry, he, and those who were with him?

26 How he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest, and ate the showbread, which it's not lawful to eat except for the priests, and gave also to those who were with him?"

27 And he said to them, "The Sabbath day was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath day,

28 Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath day."

___Mark chapter 3

1 And he entered again into the synagogue, and there was a man there who had a withered hand.

2 And they watched him, whether he would heal him on the Sabbath day, so that they could accuse him.

3 And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Step forward."

4 And he said to them, "Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath days, or to do evil?  To save life, or to kill?"  But they said nothing.

5 And when he had looked around at them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."  And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored normal like the other one.

6 And the Pharisees went out, and immediately consulted with the Herodians against him, how they could destroy him.

7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea, and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judea,

8 And from Jerusalem, and from Idumaea, and from beyond Jordan, and those around Tyre and Zidon, a great multitude, when they had heard what great things he did, came to him.

9 And he spoke to his disciples that a small ship should wait on him because of the multitude, so that they wouldn't mob him.

10 For he had healed many, so that they pressed on him to touch him, as many as had diseases.

11 And unclean spirits, when they saw him, fell down before him, and called out, saying, "You are the Son of God."

12 And he strictly charged them to not make him known.

13 And he went up into a mountain, and called to him the ones he chose, and they came to him.

14 And he ordained twelve, to be with him, and so he could send them out to preach,

15 And to have power to heal sicknesses, and to cast out devils.

16 And Simon he surnamed Peter,

17 And James the son of Zebedee, and John the brother of James, and he surnamed them Boanerges, which is, the sons of thunder,

18 And Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite,

19 And Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him, and they went into a house.

20 And the multitude came together again, so that they couldn't even eat bread.

21 And when his friends heard of it, they went out to lay hold on him, for they said, "He is beside himself."

22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, "He has Beelzebub, and by the prince of the devils he casts out devils."

23 And he called them to him, and said to them in parables, "How can Satan cast out Satan?

24 And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom can't stand.

25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house can't stand.

26 And if Satan rises up against himself, and is divided, he can't stand, but has an end.

27 No man can enter into a strong man's house, and spoil his goods, unless he first ties up the strong man, and then he will spoil his house.

28 Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven to the sons of men, and blasphemies with which they blaspheme,

29 But he that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost won't be forgiven, but is in danger of eternal damnation,"

30 Because they said, "He has an unclean spirit."

31 Then his brothers and his mother came, and standing outside, sent to him, calling him.

32 And the multitude sat around him, and they said to him, "See, your mother and your brothers outside are looking for you."

33 And he answered them, "Who is my mother, or my brothers?"

34 And he looked around at those sitting around him, and said, "Look at my mother and my brothers!

35 For whoever shall do the will of God is my brother, and my sister, and mother."

___Mark chapter 4

1 And he began again to teach by the sea side, and a great multitude gathered to him, so that he entered into a ship, and sat on the sea, and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land.

2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said to them in his doctrine,

3 "Listen, a planter went out to plant.

4 And as he planted, some fell by the way side, and the birds of the air came and devoured it.

5 And some fell on stony ground, where it didn't have much earth, and immediately it sprang up, because it was in shallow earth.

6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched, and because it had no root, it withered away.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit.

8 And other fell on good ground, and yielded fruit that sprang up and increased, and produced, some thirtyfold, and some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold.

9 And he said to them, he that has ears to hear, let him hear."

10 And when he was alone, those who were around him with the twelve asked him about the parable.

11 And he said to them, "To you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all these things are done in parables,

12 So that seeing they will see, but not perceive, and hearing they will hear, and not understand, so they won't be converted, and have their sins forgiven."

13 And he said to them, "Don't you know this parable?  And how then will you know all parables?

14 The planter plants the word.

15 And these are the ones by the way side, where the word is planted, but when they have heard, Satan comes immediately, and takes away the word that was planted in their hearts.

16 And these are the ones also who are planted on stony ground, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness,

17 But have no root in themselves, and so endure briefly.  Afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word's sake, immediately they are offended.

18 And these are the ones that are planted among thorns, such as hear the word,

19 And the cares of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, and the lusts of other things entering in, choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

20 And these are the ones who are planted on good ground, such as hear the word, and receive it, and bring forth fruit, some thirtyfold, some sixtyfold, and some a hundredfold."

21 And he said to them, "Is a candle brought to be put under a basket, or under a bed, and not to be set on a candlestick?

22 For nothing is hidden, that won't be revealed, nor was anything kept secret, but that it will come out.

23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear."

24 And he said to them, "Be careful what you hear, with what measure you measure out, it shall be measured back to you, and to you that hear more shall be given.

25 For he that has, to him it shall be given, and he that doesn't have, from him shall be taken even what he has."

26 And he said, "So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should throw seed into the ground,

27 And sleep, and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up, he doesn't know how.

28 For the earth produces fruit by itself, first the blade, then the ear, after that the full corn in the ear.

29 But when the fruit has been produced, immediately he uses the cutting tool, because the harvest has come."

30 And he said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God?  Or with what comparison shall we compare it?

31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it has been planted in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are in the earth,

32 But when it has been planted, it grows up, and becomes greater than all plants, and shoots out large branches, so that the fowls of the air can lodge under the shadow of it."

33 And with many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it.

34 But without a parable he didn't speak to them, and when they were alone, he explained all things to his disciples.

35 And the same day, when evening had come, he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side."

36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took him even as he was in the ship.  And there were also with him other little ships.

37 And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.

38 And he was in the rear of the ship, asleep on a pillow, and they awoke him, and said to him, "Master, don't you care that we're going to die?"

39 And he got up, and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, "Peace, be still."  And the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

40 And he said to them, "Why are you so afraid?  How is it that you have no faith?"

41 And they were quite afraid, and said to each other, "What kind of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?"

___Mark chapter 5

1 And they went over to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes.

2 And when he had come out of the ship, immediately a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs and met him,

3 Who lived among the tombs.  And no man could tie him, no, not with chains,

4 Because he had often been bound with fetters and chains, and he had pulled the chains and fetters in pieces, nor could any man tame him.

5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains, and in the tombs, crying, and cutting himself with stones.

6 But when he saw Jesus far off, he ran and worshipped him,

7 And shouted with a loud voice, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of the most high God?  I ask you in the name of God not to torment me."

8 For he said to him, "Come out of the man, you unclean spirit."

9 And he asked him, "What is your name?"  And he answered, "My name is Legion, for we are many."

10 And he begged him much not to send them away out of the country.

11 Now a large herd of pigs was feeding there near the mountains.

12 And all the devils asked him, "Send us to enter into the pigs."

13 And immediately Jesus gave them permission.  And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the pigs, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (there were about two thousand,) and were drowned in the sea.

14 And those who fed the pigs fled, and told it in the city, and in the country.  And they went out to see what had happened.

15 And they came to Jesus, and saw him that had been possessed by the devil, and had had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid.

16 And those who saw it told them what happened to the man that had been possessed by the devil, and also about the pigs.

17 And they began to ask him to depart out of their coasts.

18 And when he had come into the ship, he that had been possessed by the devil asked him if he could be with him.

19 But Jesus wouldn't allow it, but said to him, "Go home to your friends, and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and has had compassion on you."

20 And he departed, and began to proclaim in Decapolis how great things Jesus had done for him, and all men were amazed.

21 And when Jesus had passed over again by ship to the other side, many people gathered to him, and he was near the sea.

22 And Jairus, one of the rulers of the synagogue came, and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,

23 And begged him greatly, "My little daughter lies at the point of death, please, come and lay your hands on her so that she'll be healed, and she'll live."

24 And Jesus went with him, and many people followed him, and crowded around him.

25 And a certain woman, who had been bleeding for twelve years,

26 And had endured many things from many doctors, and had spent all that she had, and didn't get any better, but rather grew worse,

27 When she had heard about Jesus, came in the crowd behind, and touched his garment.

28 For she said, "If I can just touch his clothes, I'll be healed."

29 And immediately she stopped bleeding, and she felt in her body that she was healed from that disease.

30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in himself that power had gone out of him, turned around in the crowd, and said, "Who touched my clothes?"

31 And his disciples said to him, "You see the multitude crowding you, and you say, 'Who touched me?'"

32 And he looked around to see the woman that had touched him.

33 But the woman fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before him, and told him the whole truth.

34 And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well, go in peace, and be well from your disease."

35 While he yet spoke, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead, why trouble the Master any further?"

36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that had been spoken, he said to the ruler of the synagogue, "Don't be afraid, only believe."

37 And he allowed no man to follow him, except Peter, and James, and John the brother of James.

38 And he came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue, and saw the commotion, and those who cried and wailed a lot.

39 And when he had come in, he said to them, "Why do you make this fuss, and cry?  The girl isn't dead, but sleeping."

40 And they laughed at him scornfully.  But when he had put them all out, he took the father and the mother of the girl, and those who were with him, and entered in where the girl was lying.

41 And he took the girl by the hand, and said to her, "Talitha cumi," which is, when interpreted, "Girl, I say to you, get up."

42 And immediately the girl got up, and walked, for she was twelve years old.  And they were astonished with a great astonishment.

43 And he strictly ordered them that no man should know it, and commanded to give her some food.

___Mark chapter 6

1 And he went out from there, and came into his own country, and his disciples followed him.

2 And when the Sabbath day had come, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many hearing him were astonished, saying, "From where does this man get these things?  And what wisdom is this that has been given him, that such mighty works are done by his hands?

3 Isn't this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon?  And aren't his sisters here with us?  And they were offended at him."

4 But Jesus said to them, "A prophet is not without honor, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house."

5 And he could do no mighty work there, except that he laid his hands on a few sick folk, and healed them.

6 And he was amazed at their unbelief.  And he went around the villages, teaching.

7 And he called to himself the twelve, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them authority over unclean spirits,

8 And commanded them to take nothing for their journey except only a staff, no paper money, no bread, no money in their wallet,

9 But have sandals on their feet, and not put on two coats.

10 And he said to them, "In whatever place you enter into a house, stay at the same house until you depart from that place."

11 And whoever won't receive you, nor hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them.  Truly I say to you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah in the Day of Judgment than for that city."

12 And they went out, and preached that men should repent.

13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.

14 And King Herod heard about him, (for his name was spread around,) and he said that John the Baptist had risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works are being done by him.

15 Others said that it's Elijah.  And others said that it's a prophet, or like one of the prophets.

16 But when Herod heard about him, he said, "It's John, whom I beheaded, he has risen from the dead."

17 For Herod himself had sent out and taken hold on John, and bound him in prison for Herodias' sake, his brother Philip's wife, for he had married her.

18 For John had said to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

19 Therefore Herodias had a quarrel against him, and would have killed him, but she couldn't,

20 For Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a just man and holy, and observed him, and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly.

21 And when a convenient day had come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper for his lords, high captains, and main men of Galilee,

22 And when the daughter of the same Herodias came in, and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, "Ask me for whatever you want, and I will give it to you."

23 And he promised her, "Whatever you ask me for, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom."

24 And she went out, and said to her mother, "What shall I ask?"  And she said, "The head of John the Baptist."

25 And she came in immediately with haste to the king and said, "I want you to give me soon in a container, the head of John the Baptist."

26 And the king was very sorry, yet for his oath's sake, and for their sakes who sat with him, he would not reject her.

27 And immediately the king sent an executioner, and commanded his head to be brought, and he went and beheaded him in the prison,

28 And brought his head in a container, and gave it to the girl, and the girl gave it to her mother.

29 And when his disciples heard about it, they came and took up his corpse, and laid it in a tomb.

30 And the apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus, and told him everything they had done and taught.

31 And he said to them, "Come apart into a desert place, and rest a while," for there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat.

32 And they departed into a desert place by ship privately.

33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew him, and ran on foot there out of all cities, and outwent them, and came together to him.

34 And Jesus, when he came out, saw many people, and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd, and he began to teach them many things.

35 And when the day was far spent, his disciples came to him and said, "This is a desert place, and now it's getting late,

36 Send them away, so they can go into the country around here, and into the villages, and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat."

37 He answered them, "You give them food."  And they said to him, "Shall we go and buy two hundred penny's worth of bread, and give it to them?"

38 He said to them, "How many loaves do you have?  Go and see."  And when they knew, they said, "Five, and two fish."

39 And he commanded them to make all sit down by groups on the green grass.

40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds, and by fifties.

41 And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and broke the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them, and the two fish he divided among them all.

42 And they all ate, and were full.

43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the pieces, and of the fish.

44 And those who ate of the loaves were about five thousand men.

45 And immediately he sent his disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before to Bethsaida, while he sent the people away.

46 And when he had sent them away, he went into a mountain to pray.

47 And when evening had come, the ship was in the middle of the sea, and he alone on the land.

48 And he saw them working hard at rowing, for the wind was contrary to them, and about the fourth watch of the night he came to them, walking on the sea, and would have passed by them.

49 But when they saw him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a spirit, and shouted out,

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled.  And immediately he talked with them, and said to them, "Be of good cheer, it is I, don't be afraid."

51 And he went up to them into the ship, and the wind stopped, and they were extremely amazed in themselves, and wondered.

52 For they didn't consider the miracle of the loaves, for their heart was hardened.

53 And when they had passed over, they came into the land of Gennesaret, and came near the shore.

54 And when they had come out of the ship, immediately they knew him,

55 And ran through that whole region around there, and began to carry around in beds those who were sick, where they heard he was.

56 And wherever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and asked him if they could touch even the border of his garment, and as many as touched him were healed.

___Mark chapter 7

1 Then the Pharisees came together to him, and some of the scribes, who came from Jerusalem.

2 And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashed, hands, they found fault.

3 For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, don't eat unless they wash their hands often, holding the tradition of the elders.

4 And when they come from the market, unless they wash, they don't eat.  And many other things there are that they have received to keep, like the washing of cups, and pots, brass pots, and of tables.

5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, "Why don't your disciples walk according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashed hands?"

6 He answered them, "Well has Isaiah prophesied about you hypocrites, as it is written, 'These people honor me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.

7 But in vain they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.'

8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, like the washing of pots and cups, and you do many other such similar things."

9 And he said to them, "Full well you reject the commandment of God, so you can keep your own tradition.

10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and mother, and whoever curses father or mother, let him die the death,'

11 But you say, 'If a man says to his father or mother, It is Corban,' that is to say, 'What I would have given to you I’ve given to God,' he shall be free.

12 And you allow him to do nothing more for his father or his mother,

13 Making the word of God of no effect through your tradition that you've delivered, and you do many other things like that."

14 And when he had called all the people to him, he said to them, "Listen to me every one of you, and understand,

15 There is nothing from outside a man, that entering into him can defile him, but the things that come out of him are what defiles the man.

16 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear."

17 And when he had entered into the house from the people, his disciples asked him about the parable.

18 And he said to them, "Are you so much lacking understanding also?  Don't you see that whatever thing from outside enters into the man, it can't defile him,

19 Because it doesn't enter into his heart, but into the belly, and goes out into the toilet, purging all foods?"

20 And he said, "That which comes out of the man is what defiles the man.

21 For from inside, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

22 Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lust, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness,

23 All these evil things come from inside, and defile the man."

24 And from there he got up, and went into the borders of Tyre and Zidon, and entered into a house, and didn't want people to know it, but he couldn't be hidden.

25 For a certain woman, whose young daughter had an unclean spirit, heard about him, and came and fell at his feet.

26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophenician by nation, and she asked him to cast the devil out of her daughter.

27 But Jesus said to her, "Let the children be filled first, for it's not right to take the children's bread, and to throw it to the dogs."

28 And she answered him, "Yes Lord, yet the dogs under the table eat of the children's crumbs."

29 And he said to her, "For this saying go your way, the devil has gone out of your daughter."

30 And when she arrived at her house, she found the devil gone out, and her daughter lying on the bed.

31 And again, departing from the coasts of Tyre and Zidon, he came to the sea of Galilee, through the middle of the coasts of Decapolis.

32 And they brought to him a deaf person, who had an impediment in his speech, and they asked him to put his hand on him.

33 And he took him aside from the multitude, and put his fingers into his ears, and he spit, and touched his tongue,

34 And looking up to heaven, he sighed, and said to him, "Ephphatha," that is, "Be opened."

35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly.

36 And he ordered them to tell no man, but the more he ordered them, so much the more, a great deal, they told it,

37 And were astonished beyond measure, saying, "He has done all things well, he makes the deaf to hear, and the speechless to speak."

___Mark chapter 8

1 In those days the multitude being very numerous, and having nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him, and said to them,

2 "I have compassion on the multitude, because they have been with me now for three days, and have nothing to eat.

3 And if I send them away fasting to their houses, they'll faint on the way, for some of them came from far."

4 And his disciples answered him, "How can we satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?"

5 And he asked them, "How many loaves do you have?"  And they said, "Seven."

6 And he commanded the people to sit down on the ground, and he took the seven loaves, and gave thanks, and broke, and gave to his disciples to set before them, and they set them before the people.

7 And they had a few small fish, and he blessed, and commanded to set them also before them.

8 So they ate, and were filled, and they took up of the broken food that was left seven baskets.

9 And those who had eaten were about four thousand, and he sent them away.

10 And immediately he entered into a ship with his disciples, and came into the parts of Dalmanutha.

11 And the Pharisees came out, and began to question him, seeking from him a sign from heaven, tempting him.

12 And he sighed deeply in his spirit, and said, "Why does this generation seek for a sign?  Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation."

13 And he left them, and entering into the ship again departed to the other side.

14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread, nor did they have in the ship with them more than one loaf.

15 And he commanded them, "Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod."

16 And they reasoned among themselves, "It is because we have no bread."

17 And when Jesus knew it, he said to them, "Why do you reason because you have no bread?  Don't you yet perceive, nor understand?  Do you still have your heart hardened?

18 Having eyes, do you not see?  And having ears, do you not hear?  And don't you remember?

19 When I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?"  They said, "Twelve."

20 "And when the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?"  And they said, "Seven."

21 And he said to them, "How is it that you don't understand?"

22 And he came to Bethsaida, and they brought a blind man to him, and asked him to touch him.

23 And he took the blind man by the hand, and led him out of the town, and when he had spit on his eyes, and put his hands on him, he asked him if he saw anything.

24 And he looked up and said, "I see men like trees, walking."

25 After that he put his hands again on his eyes, and made him look up, and he was restored, and saw every man clearly.

26 And he sent him away to his house, saying, "Don't go into the town, nor tell it to anyone from the town."

27 And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi, and by the way he asked his disciples, "Whom do men say that I am?"

28 And they answered, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others, one of the prophets."

29 And he said to them, "But whom do you say that I am?"  And Peter answered, "You are the Christ."

30 And he commanded them to tell no man about him.

31 And he began to teach them that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders, and by the chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again.

32 And he spoke that saying openly.  And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him.

33 But when he had turned around and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, "Get behind me, Satan, for you don't savor the things that are of God, but the things that are of men."

34 And when he had called the people to him with his disciples also, he said to them, "Whoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

35 For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's shall save it.

36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?

38 Whoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

___Mark chapter 9

1 And he said to them, "Truly I say to you, that there are some of those who stand here, that won't taste of death, until they've seen the kingdom of God come with power."

2 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter, and James, and John, and led them up into a high mountain apart by themselves, and his appearance was changed before them.

3 And his clothes became shining, very white like snow, like no bleach on earth could whiten them.

4 And Elijah and Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus.

5 And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here, and let's make three tents, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

6 For he didn't know what to say, for they were very afraid.

7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him."

8 And suddenly, when they had looked around, they saw no man anymore, except Jesus and themselves.

9 And as they came down from the mountain, he commanded them to tell no man the things they had seen, until the Son of man had risen from the dead.

10 And they kept that saying with themselves, questioning with each other what the rising from the dead meant.

11 And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?"

12 And he answered, "Elijah truly does come first, and restores all things, and how it is written about the Son of man, that he must suffer many things, and be rejected.

13 But I say to you, that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wanted, as it is written about him."

14 And when he came to his disciples, he saw a great multitude around them, and the scribes questioning with them.

15 And immediately all the people, when they saw him, were greatly amazed, and running to him, greeted him.

16 And he asked the scribes, "What are you asking them about?"

17 And one of the multitude answered, "Master, I have brought to you my son, who has a spirit that prevents him from speaking,

18 And wherever he takes him, he tears him, and he foams at the mouth, and gnashes with his teeth, and pines away, and I spoke to your disciples to cast him out, and they couldn't."

19 He answered him, "O faithless generation, how long shall I be with you?  How long shall I endure you?  Bring him to me."

20 And they brought him to him, and when he saw him, immediately the spirit tore him, and he fell on the ground, and wallowed foaming.

21 And he asked his father, "How long ago did this come to him?"  And he said, "Since he was a child.

22 And it has often thrown him into the fire, and into the waters, to destroy him, but if you can do anything, have compassion on us, and help us."

23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes."

24 And immediately the father of the child shouted, and said with tears, "Lord, I believe, help my unbelief."

25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, he rebuked the foul spirit, saying to him, "You dumb and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him, and don't enter into him anymore."

26 And the spirit shouted, and tore him severely, and came out of him, and he was like someone dead, and many said, "He is dead."

27 But Jesus took him by the hand, and lifted him up, and he got up.

28 And when he had come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, "Why couldn't we cast him out?"

29 And he said to them, "This kind comes out only by prayer and fasting."

30 And they departed from there, and passed through Galilee, and he didn't want anyone to know it.

31 For he taught his disciples, and said to them, "The Son of man will be delivered into the hands of men, and they'll kill him, and after he's been killed, he'll rise the third day."

32 But they didn't understand that saying, and were afraid to ask him.

33 And he came to Capernaum, and being in the house he asked them, "What was it that you disputed among yourselves on the way?"

34 But they didn't answer, for on the way they had disputed among themselves who would be the greatest.

35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and said to them, "If any man desires to be first, he shall be last of all, and servant of all."

36 And he took a child, and set him in the middle of them, and when he had taken him in his arms, he said to them,

37 "Whoever receives one of such children in my name, receives me, and whoever receives me, doesn't receive me, but him that sent me."

38 And John answered him, "Master, we saw someone casting out devils in your name, and he didn't follow us, and we told him to stop, because he's not following us."

39 But Jesus said, "Don't tell him to stop, for there is no man who shall do a miracle in my name, that can casually speak evil about me.

40 For he that is not against us is on our side.

41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in my name, because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he won't lose his reward.

42 And whoever shall offend one of these little ones that believe in me, it's  better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck, and that he were thrown into the sea.

43 And if your hand offends you, cut it off, it's better for you to enter into life with one hand, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched,

44 Where their worms don't die, and the fire is not quenched.

45 And if your foot offends you, cut it off,  it's better for you to enter with one foot into life, than having two feet to be thrown into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched,

46 Where their worms don't die, and the fire is not quenched.

47 And if your eye offends you, pluck it out, it's better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be thrown into hell's fire,

48 Where their worms don't die, and the fire is not quenched.

49 For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.

50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will you flavor it?  Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with each other."

___Mark chapter 10

1 And he got up from there, and went into the coasts of Judea by the far side of Jordan, and the people resorted to him again, and as he usually did, he taught them again.

2 And the Pharisees came to him, and asked him, "Is it lawful for a man to put away his wife?," tempting him.

3 And he answered them, "What did Moses command you?"

4 And they said, "Moses allowed to write divorce papers, and to put her away."

5 And Jesus answered them, "For the hardness of your heart he wrote you this principle.

6 But from the beginning of the creation God made them male and female.

7 For this reason shall a man leave his father and mother, and stick with his wife,

8 And the two of them shall be one flesh, so then they are no more two, but one flesh.

9 Therefore, what God has joined together, let man not separate."

10 And in the house his disciples asked him again about the same matter.

11 And he said to them, "Whoever puts away his wife, and marries someone else, commits adultery against her.

12 And if a woman puts away her husband, and marries someone else, she commits adultery."

13 And they brought young children to him, so he would touch them, and his disciples found fault with those who brought them.

14 But when Jesus saw it, he was quite displeased, and said to them, "Allow the little children to come to me, and don't forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.

15 Truly I say to you, whoever doesn't receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he shall not enter into it."

16 And he took them up in his arms, put his hands on them, and blessed them.

17 And when he had gone out into the road, someone came running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, "Good Master, what shall I do so I can inherit eternal life?"

18 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good except one, and that's God.

19 You know the commandments, Don't commit adultery, Don't kill, Don't steal, Don't lie, Don't covet, Honor your father and mother."

20 And he answered, "Master, I've observed all these since my youth."

21 Then Jesus seeing him loved him, and said to him, "One thing you lack, go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven, and come, take up the cross, and follow me."

22 And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved, for he had great possessions.

23 And Jesus looked around, and said to his disciples, "How difficult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!"

24 And the disciples were astonished at his words.  But Jesus answered, "Children, how hard it is for those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!

25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

26 And they were extremely astonished, saying among themselves, "Who then can be saved?"

27 And Jesus looking at them said, "With men it is impossible, but not with God, for with God all things are possible."

28 Then Peter began to say to him, "See, we've left all, and have followed you."

29 And Jesus answered, "Truly I say to you, there is no man that has left house, or brothers, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's,

30 But he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brothers, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions, and in the world to come eternal life.

31 But many that are first shall be last, and the last first."

32 And they were on the way going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went before them, and they were amazed, and as they followed, they were afraid.  And he took the twelve again, and began to tell them the things that would happen to him,

33 And said, "See, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered to the chief priests, and to the scribes, and they'll condemn him to death, and shall deliver him to the Gentiles,

34 And they'll mock him, and scourge him, and shall spit on him, and shall kill him, and the third day he'll rise again."

35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to him, saying, "Master, we want you to do for us whatever we want."

36 And he said to them, "What do you want me to do for you?"

37 They said to him, "Grant that we may sit, one at your right hand, and the other at your left hand, in your glory."

38 But Jesus said to them, "You don't know what you're asking, can you drink of the cup that I drink of?  And be baptized with the baptism that I'm baptized with?"

39 And they said to him, "We can."  And Jesus said to them, "You shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of, and with the baptism that I am baptized with, you shall be baptized,

40 But to sit at my right hand and at my left hand is not mine to give, but it shall be given to those for whom it has been prepared."

41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be quite displeased with James and John.

42 But Jesus called them to him, and said to them, "You know that those who are assigned to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them.  And their great ones exercise authority on them.

43 But it won't be like that among you, but whoever wants to be great among you, shall be your minister,

44 And whoever of you wants be the chief, shall be servant of all.

45 For even the Son of man didn't come to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

46 And they came to Jericho, and as he went out of Jericho with his disciples and a great number of people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat by the highway side begging.

47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to shout, "Jesus, you Son of David, have mercy on me."

48 And many told him to be quiet, but he shouted the more a great deal, "You Son of David, have mercy on me."

49 And Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.  And they called the blind man, saying to him, "Be of good comfort, get up, he's calling you."

50 And he, throwing away his garment, got up, and came to Jesus.

51 And Jesus answered him, "What do you want me to do for you?"  The blind man said to him, "Lord, I want to receive my sight."

52 And Jesus said to him, "Go your way, your faith has made you well."  And immediately he received his sight, and followed Jesus on the way.

___Mark chapter 11

1 And when they came near Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

2 And said to them, "Go your way into the village opposite you, and as soon as you've entered into it, you'll find a colt tied, on which man has never sat, untie him, and bring him.

3 And if any man says to you, 'Why are you doing this?,' say that the Lord needs him, and immediately he will send him here."

4 And they went their way, and found the colt tied by the door outside in a place where two roads met, and they untied him.

5 And certain of those who stood there said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

6 And they told them what Jesus had commanded, and they let them go.

7 And they brought the colt to Jesus, and threw their garments on him, and he sat on him.

8 And many spread their garments in the road, and others cut down branches off the trees, and strawed them on the road.

9 And those who went before, and those who followed shouted, "Hosanna, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord.

10 Blessed be the kingdom of our father David, that comes in the name of the Lord.  Hosanna in the highest."

11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem, and into the temple, and when he had looked around at everything, and now the evening had come, he went out to Bethany with the twelve.

12 And on the next day, when they had come from Bethany, he was hungry.

13 And seeing a fig tree far off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find something on it, and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not yet the time for figs.

14 And Jesus responded and said to it, "No man eat fruit of you from now on, forever."  And his disciples heard it.

15 And they came to Jerusalem, and Jesus went into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers, and the seats of those who sold doves,

16 And would not allow any man to carry any container through the temple.

17 And he taught them, "Is it not written, my house shall be called by all nations the house of prayer?  But you have made it a den of thieves."

18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it, and tried to find a way to destroy him, for they feared him, because all the people were astonished at his doctrine.

19 And when evening had come, he went out of the city.

20 And in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots.

21 And Peter, remembering, said to him, "Master, see, the fig tree that you cursed has withered away."

22 And Jesus answered them, "Have faith in God.

23 For truly I say to you, that whoever shall say to this mountain, be removed, and be thrown into the sea, and doesn't doubt in his heart, but believes that the things that he says shall happen, he shall have whatever he says.

24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.

25 And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive your trespasses.

26 But if you don't forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses."

27 And they came again to Jerusalem, and as he was walking in the temple, the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders came to him,

28 And said to him, "By what authority do you do these things?  And who gave you this authority to do these things?"

29 And Jesus answered them, "I will also ask you one question, and answer me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things.

30 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?  Answer me."

31 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Then why didn't you believe him?'

32 But if we say, 'Of men,'" they feared the people, for all men counted John, that he was certainly a prophet.

33 And they answered Jesus, "We can't tell.  And Jesus answered them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

___Mark chapter 12

1 And he began to speak to them by parables.  "A certain man planted a vineyard, and set a hedge around it, and dug a place for the wine vat, and built a tower, and rented it to vineyard keepers, and went into a far country.

2 And at the season he sent an employee to the vineyard keepers, to collect from the husbandmen some of the fruit of the vineyard.

3 And they caught him, and beat him, and sent him away empty.

4 And again he sent them another employee, and at him they threw stones, and wounded him in the head, and sent him away shamefully handled.

5 And again he sent another, and him they killed, and many others, beating some, and killing some.

6 Therefore, having yet one son, his well beloved, he sent him also last to them, saying, 'They will respect my son.'

7 But those vineyard keepers said among themselves, this is the heir, come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.

8 And they took him, and killed him, and threw him out of the vineyard.

9 What shall therefore the lord of the vineyard do?  He will come and destroy the vineyard keepers, and will give the vineyard to others.

10 And haven't you read this scripture, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,

11 This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes?'"

12 And they wanted to arrest him, but feared the people, for they knew that he had spoken the parable against them, and they left him, and went their way.

13 And they sent him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch him in his words.

14 And when they had come, they said to him, "Master, we know that you are true, and care for no man, for you don't regard the person of men, but teach the way of God in truth.  Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?

15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?"  But he, knowing their hypocrisy, said to them, "Why do you tempt me?  Bring me a penny, so I can see it."

16 And they brought it.  And he said to them, "Whose is this image and writing?"  And they said to him, "Caesar's."

17 And Jesus said to them, "Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."  And they were amazed at him.

18 Then the Sadducees came to him, who say there is no resurrection, and they asked him,

19 "Master, Moses wrote to us, If a man's brother dies, and leaves his wife behind him, and leaves no children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up children to his brother.

20 Now there were seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and dying left no children.

21 And the second took her, and died, nor did he leave any children, and the third likewise.

22 And the seven had her, and left no children, last of all the woman died also.

23 In the resurrection therefore, when they shall rise, which of them will have her as wife?  For all seven had her as wife."

24 And Jesus answered them, "Aren't you therefore making a mistake, because you don't know the scriptures, nor the power of God?

25 For when they shall rise from the dead, they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are like the angels who are in heaven.

26 And concerning the dead, that they rise, haven't you read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spoke to him, saying, 'I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?'

27 He is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living, therefore you've made a big mistake."

28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that he had answered them well, asked him, "Which is the first commandment of all?"

29 And Jesus answered him, "The first of all the commandments is, 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God is one Lord,

30 And you 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,' this is the first commandment.

31 And the second is like it, namely this, 'You shall love your neighbor like yourself.'  There is no other commandment greater than these."

32 And the scribe said to him, "Well, Master, you've said the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but he.

33 And to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbor like himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."

34 And when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God."  And no man after that dared ask him any question.

35 And Jesus answered and said, while he taught in the temple, "How can the scribes say that Christ is the Son of David?

36 For David himself said by the Holy Ghost, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.'

37 David therefore himself calls him Lord, and how is he then his son?"  And the common people heard him gladly.

38 And he said to them in his doctrine, "Beware of the scribes, who love to go in long clothes, and love greetings in the marketplaces,

39 And the most important seats in the synagogues, and the uppermost rooms at feasts,

40 Who devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers, these shall receive greater damnation."

41 And Jesus sat opposite the treasury, and watched how the people threw money into the treasury, and many that were rich threw in much.

42 And a certain poor widow came, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.

43 And he called to him his disciples, and said to them, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has thrown in more than all of those who have thrown into the treasury,

44 For all of them threw in from their abundance, but she in her poverty has thrown in all that she had, all her living.

___Mark chapter 13

1 And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Master, look at what kind of stones and what buildings are here!"

2 And Jesus said to him, "Do you see these large buildings?  Not one stone will be left on another that won't be thrown down."

3 And as he sat on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately,

4 "Tell us, when shall these things be?  And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?"

5 And Jesus answering them began to say, "Be careful that no man deceives you,

6 For many shall come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ,' and shall deceive many.

7 And when you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars, don't be troubled, for such things must happen, but the end won't be yet.

8 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there shall be earthquakes in various places, and there shall be famines and troubles, these are the beginnings of sorrows.

9 But be careful about yourselves, for they'll deliver you up to councils, and in the synagogues you'll be beaten, and you'll be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.

10 And the gospel must first be published among all nations.

11 But when they lead you, and deliver you up, don't think about what you'll say beforehand, but whatever is given you in that hour, say that, for it is not you that speaks, but the Holy Ghost.

12 Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son, and children shall rise up against their parents, and shall cause them to be put to death.

13 And you'll hated by all men for my name's sake, but he that endures to the end, shall be saved.

14 But when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken about by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that reads understand,) then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains,

15 And let him that is on the housetop not go down into the house, nor enter into it to take anything out of his house,

16 And let him that is in the field not turn back again to get his garment.

17 But woe to those who are with child, and to those who are breast feeding babies in those days!

18 And pray that your escape is not in the winter.

19 For in those days shall be affliction, such as was not from the beginning of the creation that God created up 'til now, nor shall be.

20 And unless the Lord shortens those days, no flesh would be saved, but for the elect's sake, whom he has chosen, he has shortened the days.

21 And then if any man says to you, 'See, here is Christ,' or, 'see, he is there,' don't believe him,

22 For false Christs and false prophets shall rise, and shall show signs and wonders, to seduce if possible even the elect.

23 But be careful, see, I have foretold you everything.

24 But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light,

25 And the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in heaven shall be shaken.

26 And then they'll see the Son of man coming in the clouds with great power and glory.

27 And then he'll send his angels, and shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.

28 Now learn a parable from the fig tree, When its branch is yet tender, and puts out leaves, you know that summer is near.

29 Likewise, when you see these things happen, know that it's near, even at the door.

30 Truly I say to you, that this generation shall not pass, until all these things have happened.

31 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

32 But no man knows about that day and that hour, no, not the angels that are in heaven, nor the Son, but the Father.

33 Be careful, stay awake and pray, for you don't know when the time is.

34 For the Son of man is like a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to stay awake.

35 Stay awake therefore, for you don't know when the master of the house is coming, at evening, or at midnight, or at the rooster's crowing, or in the morning,

36 So that coming suddenly he doesn't find you sleeping.

37 And what I say to you I say to all, Stay awake."

___Mark chapter 14

1 After two days was the feast of the Passover, and of unleavened bread, and the chief priests and the scribes looked for a way to take him by craft, and put him to death.

2 But they said, "Not on the feast day, so there won't be a riot by the people."

3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as he sat to eat, a woman came having an alabaster box of ointment of spikenard, very precious, and she broke the box, and poured it on his head.

4 And there were some who disapproved, and said, "Why was this ointment wasted?

5 For it could have been sold for more than three hundred pence, and have been given to the poor."  And they murmured against her.

6 And Jesus said, "Let her alone, why do you trouble her?  She's done a good thing to me.

7 For you have the poor with you always, and whenever you want you can do them good, but me you don't have always.

8 She has done what she could, she has come beforehand to anoint my body for burying.

9 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she has done shall be spoken about for a memorial of her."

10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went to the chief priests, to help them arrest him.

11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money.  And he looked for a convenient way to betray him.

12 And the first day of unleavened bread, when they killed the Passover, his disciples said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare so you can eat the Passover?"

13 And he sent out two of his disciples, and said to them, "Go into the city, and a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water, follow him.

14 And wherever he goes in, say to the householder, 'The Master says, where is the guest room, where I'll eat the Passover with my disciples?'

15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared, there make ready for us."

16 And his disciples went out, and came into the city, and found as he had said to them, and they prepared the Passover.

17 And in the evening he went with the twelve.

18 And as they sat and ate, Jesus said, "Truly I say to you, one of you that eats with me shall betray me."

19 And they began to be sorrowful, and to say to him one by one, "Is it I?"  And another said, "Is it I?"

20 And he answered them, "It is one of the twelve, that dips with me in the dish.

21 The Son of man indeed goes, as it is written about him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of man gets betrayed!  It would have been better for that man if he had never been born."

22 And as they ate, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and broke it, and gave to them, and said, "Take, eat, this is my body."

23 And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and they all drank of it.

24 And he said to them, "This is my blood of the new testament, that is shed for many.

25 Truly I say to you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."

26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out into the Mount of Olives.

27 And Jesus said to them, "All of you shall be offended because of me tonight, for it is written, 'I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.'

28 But after I've risen, I will go before you into Galilee."

29 But Peter said to him, "Although everyone else shall be offended, I won't."

30 And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, this day, even this night, before the rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times."

31 But he spoke more strongly, "If I would die with you, I won't deny you in any way."  Likewise also said all of them.

32 And they came to a place that was named Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."

33 And he took with him Peter and James and John, and began to be very amazed, and to be very heavy,

34 And said to them, "My soul is very sorrowful like close to death, wait here, and stay awake."

35 And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if possible, the hour would go away from him.

36 And he said, "Abba, Father, all things are possible to you, take away this cup from me, nevertheless not what I want, but what you want."

37 And he came, and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, "Simon, are you sleeping?  Couldn't you stay awake for one hour?

38 Stay awake and pray, so you don't enter into temptation.  The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."

39 And again he went away, and prayed, and spoke the same words.

40 And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) and they didn't know what to answer him.

41 And he came the third time, and said to them, "Sleep on now, and take your rest, it is enough, the hour has come.  See, the Son of man has been betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Rise up, let us go, he that betrays me is here."

43 And immediately, while he yet spoke, Judas came, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

44 And he that betrayed him had given them a sign, saying, "Whomever I kiss, that's the one, take him, and lead him away securely."

45 And as soon as he had come, he went directly to him, and said, "Master, master, and kissed him."

46 And they laid their hands on him, and took him.

47 And one of those who stood by pulled out a sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear.

48 And Jesus answered them, "Have you come out, like against a thief, with swords and with clubs to take me?

49 I was with you daily in the temple teaching, and you didn't arrest me, but the scriptures must be fulfilled."

50 And they all left him, and ran away.

51 And a certain young man followed him, having a linen cloth thrown around his otherwise naked body, and the young men took hold of him,

52 And he left the linen cloth, and fled from them naked.

53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest, and with him were assembled all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes.

54 And Peter followed him at a distance, into the palace of the high priest, and he sat with the servants, and warmed himself at the fire.

55 And the chief priests and all the council looked for a witness against Jesus to put him to death, and found none.

56 For many gave false testimony against him, but their testimonies didn't agree with each other's.

57 And some arose, and gave false testimony against him, saying,

58 "We heard him say, I'll destroy this temple that is made with hands, and within three days I'll build another made without hands."

59 But still their testimonies didn't agree.

60 And the high priest stood up among them, and asked Jesus, "Don't you answer?  What is it that these witness against you?"

61 But he remained silent, and answered nothing.  Again the high priest asked him, "Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?"

62 And Jesus said, "I am, and you'll see the Son of man sitting at the right hand of power, and coming in the clouds of heaven."

63 Then the high priest tore his clothes, and said, "Why would we need any more witnesses?

64 You've heard the blasphemy, what do you think?"  And they all condemned him to be deserving to die.

65 And some began to spit on him, and to cover his face, and to buffet him, and to say to him, "Prophesy," and the servants struck him with the palms of their hands.

66 And as Peter was beneath in the palace, one of the maids of the high priest came,

67 And when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him, and said, "And you also were with Jesus of Nazareth."

68 But he denied, and said, "I don't know, nor do I understand what you're saying."  And he went out into the porch, and the rooster crowed.

69 And a maid saw him again, and began to say to those who stood by, "This is one of them."

70 And he denied it again.  And a little afterward, those who stood by said also to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and you talk like one."

71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, "I don't know this man about whom you're speaking."

72 And the second time the rooster crowed.  And Peter remembered the word that Jesus said to him, "Before the rooster crows twice, you'll deny me three times."  And when he thought about it, he cried.

___Mark chapter 15

1 And immediately in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and handcuffed Jesus, and carried him away, and turned him over to Pilate.

2 And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"  And he answered him, "You say it."

3 And the chief priests accused him of many things, but he answered nothing.

4 And Pilate asked him again, "Don't you answer?  Look at how many things they testify against you."

5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate was amazed.

6 Now at that feast he released to them one prisoner, of their choice.

7 And there was one named Barabbas, who lay tied up with those who had made rebellion with him, who had committed murder in the rebellion.

8 And the multitude shouting out, began to desire him to do like he had always done with them.

9 But Pilate answered them, "Do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?"

10 For he knew that the chief priests had arrested him for envy.

11 But the chief priests moved the people, to instead release Barabbas to them.

12 And Pilate answered them, "What do you want me to do with him whom you call the King of the Jews?"

13 And they shouted out again, "Crucify him."

14 Then Pilate said to them, "Why, what evil has he done?"  And they shouted even stronger, "Crucify him."

15 And so Pilate, wanting to satisfy the people, released Barabbas to them, and delivered Jesus, after he had scourged him, to be crucified.

16 And the soldiers led him away into the hall, called Praetorium, and they called together the whole band of soldiers.

17 And they dressed him in purple, and wove a crown of thorns, and put it on his head,

18 And began to salute him, "Hail, King of the Jews!"

19 And they struck him on the head with a pole, and spat on him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.

20 And after they'd mocked him, they took off the purple from him, and put his own clothes on him, and led him out to crucify him.

21 And they forced Simon, a Cyrenian who passed by, coming out of the country, the father of Alexander and Rufus, to carry his cross.

22 And they brought him to the place Golgotha, which is, being interpreted, the place of a skull.

23 And they gave him wine to drink mixed with myrrh, but he wouldn't drink it.

24 And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments, drawing straws for them, what every man would get.

25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.

26 And the writing of his accusation was written over him, "The King of the Jews."

27 And with him they crucified two thieves, one at his right hand, and the other at his left.

28 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "And he was counted with the criminals."

29 And those who passed by belittled him, shaking their heads, and saying, "Ah, you who destroys the temple, and builds it in three days,

30 Save yourself, and come down from the cross."

31 Likewise also the chief priests made fun of him, and said among themselves with the scribes, "He saved others, he can't save himself.

32 Let Christ the King of Israel come down now from the cross, so we can see and believe."  And those who were crucified with him said nasty things to him.

33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"  Which is by interpretation, "My God, my God, why have you gone from me?"

35 And some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, "See, he's calling Elijah."

36 And someone ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a pole, and offered him drink, saying, "Let it be, let's see whether Elijah will come to take him down."

37 And Jesus shouted with a loud voice, and yielded up the spirit.

38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom.

39 And when the centurion, who stood opposite him, saw that he shouted like that, and yielded up the spirit, he said, "Truly this man was the Son of God."

40 There were also women looking on from a distance, among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the less and of Joses, and Salome,

41 (Who also, when he was in Galilee, followed him, and ministered to him,) and many other women who came up with him to Jerusalem.

42 And now when the evening had come, because it was the preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath,

43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honorable counselor, who also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and desired the body of Jesus.

44 And Pilate was amazed if he were already dead, and calling to himself the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead.

45 And when he knew it from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph.

46 And he bought fine linen, and took him down, and wrapped him in the linen, and laid him in a tomb that had been cut out of a rock, and rolled a stone to the door of the tomb.

47 And Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of Joses saw where they laid his body.

___Mark chapter 16

1 And when the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, so they could come and apply them to his body.

2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the tomb at sunrise.

3 And they said to each other, "Who'll roll away the stone from the entrance of the tomb for us?"

4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was already rolled away, for it was very large.

5 And entering into the tomb, they saw a young man sitting at the right side, clothed in a long white garment, and they were afraid.

6 And he said to them, "Don't be afraid, you're looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified.  He has risen, he is not here, look at the place where they laid him.

7 But be on your way, tell his disciples and Peter that he's going before you into Galilee, you'll see him there, as he said to you."

8 And they went out quickly, and ran from the tomb, for they trembled and were amazed, nor did they say anything to any man, for they were afraid.

9 Now when Jesus had risen early the first day of the week, he appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom he had cast seven devils.

10 And she went and told those who had been with him, as they mourned and cried.

11 And they, when they had heard that he was alive, and had been seen by her, didn't believe it.

12 After that he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.

13 And they went and told it to the others, and they didn't believe them.

14 Afterward he appeared to the eleven as they sat to eat, and chided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they didn't believe those who had seen him after he had risen.

15 And he said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

16 He that believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he that doesn't believe shall be damned.

17 And these signs shall follow those who believe, in my name they'll cast out devils, they'll speak with new languages,

18 They shall pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly thing, it won't hurt them.  They shall lay hands on the sick, and they'll recover.

19 So then after the Lord had spoken to them, he was received up into heaven, and sat at the right hand of God.

20 And they went out, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.  Amen.

___Luke chapter 1

1 Since many have written in order a declaration of the things that are most surely believed among us,

2 Just as they delivered them to us, who from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word,

3 It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very beginning, to write to you in order, most excellent lover of God,

4 So that you would know the certainty of the things about which you've been instructed.

5 In the days of Herod the king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia, and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth.

6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord without fault.

7 And they had no child, because Elisabeth was barren, and they were both senior citizens by then.

8 And while he performed the priest's office before God in the order of his course,

9 According to the custom of the priest's office, he happened to be assigned to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord.

10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense.

11 And an angel of the Lord appeared to him standing at the right side of the altar of incense.

12 And when Zacharias saw him, he was troubled and became afraid.

13 But the angel said to him, "Don't be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elisabeth shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.

14 And you'll have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth.

15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink, and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.

16 And he shall turn many of the children of Israel toward the Lord their God.

17 And he'll go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, "How shall I know this?  For I am an old man, and my wife is an old woman."

19 And the angel answered him, "I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and am sent to speak to you, and to bring you this happy news.

20 And see, you'll be unable to speak, until the day that these things are performed, because you don't believe my words, which shall be fulfilled at the proper time."

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and were surprised that he remained in the temple for so long.

22 And when he came out, he could not speak to them, and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them, and remained speechless.

23 And as soon as the days of his ministering had ended, he went to his own house.

24 And after those days, his wife Elisabeth conceived, and hid herself five months, saying,

25 "Thus has the Lord dealt with me in the days in which he looked at me, to take away my reproach among men."

26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,

27 To a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.

28 And the angel came to her, and said, "Hail, you who are highly favored, the Lord is with you, blessed are you among women."

29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and wondered in her mind what kind of greeting that was.

30 And the angel said to her, "Don't be afraid, Mary, for you've found favor with God.

31 And see, you'll conceive in your womb, and give birth to a son, and shall call his name Jesus.

32 He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest, and the Lord God shall give him the throne of his father David.

33 And he shall rule over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will never end."

34 Then Mary said to the angel, "How will that happen, since I'm not married?"

35 And the angel answered her, "The Holy Ghost shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you, therefore also the holy thing that shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God.

36 And see, your cousin Elisabeth, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her, who had been called barren.

37 For with God nothing shall be impossible."

38 And Mary said, "I'm the handmaid of the Lord, let it be as you have said."  And the angel departed from her.

39 And Mary got up in those days, and hurried into the hill country, into a city of Judah,

40 And entered into the house of Zacharias, and greeted Elisabeth.

41 And when Elisabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby jumped in her womb, and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost,

42 And she spoke out with a loud voice and said, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.

43 And why does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?

44 For, see, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby jumped for joy in my womb.

45 And blessed is she that believed, for there shall be a performance of the things that she was told from the Lord."

46 And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord,

47 And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.

48 For he has seen the low estate of his handmaiden, for see, from now on, all generations shall call me blessed.

49 For he that is mighty has done to me great things, and holy is his name.

50 And his mercy is on those who fear him from generation to generation.

51 He has shown strength with his arm, he has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

52 He has put down the mighty from their seats, and lifted up those of low degree.

53 He has filled the hungry with good things, and he has sent the rich away empty.

54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy,

55 As he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his children forever."

56 And Mary stayed with her about three months, and returned to her own house.

57 Now Elisabeth's full time came for her to receive deliverance, and she gave birth to a son.

58 And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her.

59 And on the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child, and they called him Zacharias, like his father.

60 And his mother answered, "Not so, but he shall be called John."

61 And they said to her, "There is none of your kindred that is called by this name."

62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

63 And he asked for a writing tablet and wrote, "His name is John."  And they were all amazed.

64 And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, and praised God.

65 And fear came on all who lived around them, and all these sayings were told around throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 And all of those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child shall this be!"  And the hand of the Lord was with him.

67 And his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying,

68 "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people,

69 And has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant David,

70 As he said by the mouth of his holy prophets, who have been since the world began,

71 That we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all that hate us,

72 To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant,

73 The oath that he swore to our father Abraham,

74 That he would grant to us, that we being delivered out of the hand of our enemies, can serve him without fear,

75 In holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life.

76 And you child shall be called the prophet of the Highest, for you'll go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways,

77 To give knowledge of salvation to his people by the remission of their sins,

78 Through the tender mercy of our God, by which the day spring from on high has visited us,

79 To give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."

80 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, and was in the deserts until the day of his showing to Israel.

___Luke chapter 2

1 And in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem, (because he was of the house and lineage of David,)

5 To be taxed with Mary his wife, who was large with child.

6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished for her to receive deliverance.

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son, and wrapped him in cloth, and laid him in a feeding trough for animals, because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were shepherds in the same country, staying in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night.

9 And see, the angel of the Lord came to them, and the glory of the Lord shined around them, and they were very afraid.

10 And the angel said to them, "Don't be afraid, for see, I bring you good news of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign to you, you'll find the baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a feeding trough for animals."

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."

15 And after the angels had gone away from them to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Let's go now to Bethlehem, and see this thing that has happened, that the Lord has made known to us."

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the baby lying in a feeding trough for animals.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known all around what they'd been told about this child.

18 And all of those who heard it wondered at the things that had been told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

21 And when eight days had gone by for the circumcising of the child, his name was called Jesus, who was so named by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses had been accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord,

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord,)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the law of the Lord, "A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons."

25 And see, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Ghost was on him.

26 And it was revealed to him by the Holy Ghost, that he wouldn't see death until he had seen the Lord's Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law,

28 Then he took him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 "Lord, now you're letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word,

30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,

31 That you've prepared before the face of all people,

32 A light to illuminate the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel."

33 And Joseph and his mother were amazed at the things that were spoken by him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said to his mother Mary, "See, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against,

35 (Yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also,) so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed."

36 And there was a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.  She was very old, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity,

37 And she was a widow of about eighty four years, who didn't depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that moment gave thanks likewise to the Lord, and spoke about him to all of those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom, and the grace of God was on him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the Passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother didn't know about it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey, and they looked for him among their family and friends.

45 And when they didn't find him, they turned back again to Jerusalem, looking for him.

46 And after three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the doctors, hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed, and his mother said to him, "Son, why have you treated us this way?  See, your father and I have been looking for you with sorrow."

49 And he said to them, "How is it that you looked for me?  Didn't you know that I must be doing my Father's business?"

50 And they didn't understand what he said to them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject to them, but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

___Luke chapter 3

1 Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pontius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Ituraea and of the region of Trachonitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene,

2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zacharias in the wilderness.

3 And he came into all the country around Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins,

4 As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, "The voice of someone shouting in the wilderness, prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

5 Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth,

6 And all flesh shall see the salvation of God."

7 Then he said to the multitude that came out to be baptized by him, "O generation of snakes, who has warned you to flee from the anger to come?

8 Therefore produce fruits consistent with repentance, and don't begin to say inside yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father,' for I say to you that God is able from these stones to raise up children of Abraham.

9 And now also the axe is laid to the root of the trees, every tree therefore that doesn't produce good fruit will be cut down, and thrown into the fire."

10 And the people asked him, "What shall we do then?"

11 He answered them, "He that has two coats, let him give to him that has none, and he that has food, let him do likewise."

12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, "Master, what shall we do?"

13 And he said to them, "Collect no more than that which has been appointed."

14 And the soldiers likewise demanded of him, "And what shall we do?"  And he said to them, "Do violence to no man, nor accuse anyone falsely, and be content with your wages."

15 And as the people were in expectation, and all men pondered in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ, or not,

16 John answered them all, "I indeed baptize you with water, but someone mightier than I is coming, whose shoelaces I am not worthy to untie, he shall baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with fire,

17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will thoroughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire."

18 And in his exhortation, he preached many other things to the people.

19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reprimanded by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils that Herod had done,

20 Added yet this above all, that he put John in prison.

21 Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus also being baptized, and praying, the heaven was opened,

22 And the Holy Ghost descended in a bodily shape like a dove on him, and a voice came from heaven that said, "You are my beloved Son, in you I am well pleased."

23 And Jesus himself began to be about thirty years old, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, who was the son of Heli,

24 Who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph,

25 Who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Naum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Nagge,

26 Who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Juda,

27 Who was the son of Joanna, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zorobabel, who was the son of Salathiel, who was the son of Neri,

28 Who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmodam, who was the son of Er,

29 Who was the son of Jose, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi,

30 Who was the son of Simeon, who was the son of Juda, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonan, who was the son of Eliakim,

31 Who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menan, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David,

32 Who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshon,

33 Who was the son of Amminadab, who was the son of Ram, who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Pharez, who was the son of Judah,

34 Who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor,

35 Who was the son of Serug, who was the son of Reu, who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber, who was the son of Salah,

36 Who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech,

37 Who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Mahalaleel, who was the son of Cainan,

38 Who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God.

___Luke chapter 4

1 And Jesus being full of the Holy Ghost returned from Jordan, and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,

2 Being forty days tempted by the devil.  And in those days he ate nothing.  And when they had ended, afterward he was hungry.

3 And the devil said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command this stone to be made bread."

4 And Jesus answered him, "It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God."

5 And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, showed him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time.

6 And the devil said to him, "I will give you all this power, and the glory of them, for that has been given to me, and to whomever I choose I give it.

7 If you therefore will worship me, all shall be yours."

8 And Jesus answered him, "Get behind me, Satan, for it is written, you shall  worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve."

9 And he brought him to Jerusalem, and set him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to him, "If you're the Son of God, throw yourself down from here,

10 For it is written, 'He'll give his angels charge over you, to keep you,

11 And in their hands they'll lift you up, so you won't at any time dash your foot against a stone.'"

12 And Jesus answered him, "It is said, You shall not tempt the Lord your God."

13 And when the devil had ended all the temptation, he departed from him for a while.

14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and his fame went throughout all the region around there.

15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.

16 And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and as his custom was, he went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and stood up to read.

17 And the book of the prophet Isaiah was given to him.  And when he had opened the book, he found the place where it was written,

18 "The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor, he has sent me to heal the broken hearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set free those who are bruised,

19 To preach the acceptable year of the Lord."

20 And he closed the book, and he gave it again to the minister, and sat down.  And the eyes of all of those who were in the synagogue were fastened on him.

21 And he began to say to them, "This day is this scripture fulfilled in your ears."

22 And all were his witnesses, and wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of his mouth.  And they said, "Isn't this Joseph's son?"

23 And he said to them, "You will surely say to me this proverb, physician, heal yourself, whatever we've heard done in Capernaum, do also here in your country."

24 And he said, "Truly I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own country.

25 But I tell you truly, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land,

26 But Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Sarepta, a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.

27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed, except Naaman the Syrian."

28 And all of those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with anger,

29 And got up, and pushed him out of the city, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, so they could throw him down head first.

30 But he passing through the middle of them went his way,

31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the Sabbath days.

32 And they were astonished at his doctrine, for his word was with power.

33 And in the synagogue there was a man, who had a spirit of an unclean devil, and shouted with a loud voice,

34 Saying, "Let us alone, what have we to do with you, you Jesus of Nazareth?  Have you come to destroy us?  I know who you are, the Holy One from God."

35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, "Be silent, and come out of him."  And when the devil had thrown him among them, he came out of him, and didn't hurt him.

36 And they were all amazed, and spoke among themselves, saying, "What a word is this!  For with authority and power he commands the unclean spirits, and they come out."

37 And his fame went out into every place of the country around there.

38 And he went out of the synagogue, and entered into Simon's house.  And Simon's wife's mother had a bad fever, and they asked him to help her.

39 And he stood over her, and rebuked the fever, and it left her, and immediately she got up and waited on them.

40 Now when the sun was setting, all of those who had any sick with various diseases brought them to him, and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

41 And devils also came out of many, shouting out, "You are Christ the Son of God."  And he, rebuking them, wouldn't allow them to speak, for they knew that he was Christ.

42 And when it was day, he departed and went into a desert place, and the people looked for him, and came to him, and asked him to stay longer.

43 And he said to them, "I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, for that's why I've been sent."

44 And he preached in the synagogues of Galilee.

___Luke chapter 5

1 And as the people pressed on him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret,

2 And saw two ships standing by the lake, but the fishermen had gone out of them, and were washing their nets.

3 And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and asked him to move out a little from the land.  And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship.

4 Now when he had stopped speaking, he said to Simon, "Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draw."

5 And Simon answered him, "Master, we have worked hard all night, and have taken nothing, however at your word I will let down the net."

6 And when they had done that, they enclosed a great multitude of fish, and their net broke.

7 And they waved at their partners, who were in the other ship, so they would come and help them.  And they came and filled both ships, so that they began to sink.

8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Go away from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord."

9 For he was amazed, and all who were with him, at the draw of the fish they had taken,

10 And so were also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon.  And Jesus said to Simon, "Don't be afraid, from now on, you'll catch men."

11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they gave up everything and followed him.

12 And when he was in a certain city, there was a man full of leprosy, who seeing Jesus, fell on his face, and asked him, "Lord, if you will, you can make me clean."

13 And he put out his hand, and touched him, and said, "I will, be clean."  And immediately the leprosy went out of him.

14 And he commanded him to tell no man, but, "Go, and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing, what Moses commanded, for a testimony to them."

15 But so much the more, his fame went around, and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him from their sicknesses.

16 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.

17 And on a certain day, as he was teaching, there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem, and the power of the Lord was present to heal them.

18 And men brought in a bed a man who had palsy, and they looked for a way to bring him in, and to lay him before him.

19 And when they couldn't find a way to bring him in because of the multitude, they went up on the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the area before Jesus.

20 And when he saw their faith, he said to him, "Man, your sins are forgiven."

21 And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, "Who is this that speaks blasphemies?  Who can forgive sins, except only God?"

22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, "What do you reason in your hearts?

23 Which is easier, to say, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up and walk?'

24 But so that you'll know that the Son of man has power on earth to forgive sins," (he said to the man sick with palsy,) "I say to you, get up, and take up your bed, and go to your house."

25 And immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he was laying on, and went to his own house, glorifying God.

26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God, and were filled with fear, saying, "We have seen strange things today."

27 And after these things, he went out, and saw a tax collector, named Levi, sitting and collecting taxes, and he said to him, "Follow me."

28 And he left all, got up, and followed him.

29 And Levi made him a great feast in his own house, and there was a large group of tax collectors and of others that sat down with them.

30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against his disciples, "Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?"

31 And Jesus answered them, "Those who are well don't need a doctor, but those who are sick.

32 I didn't come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance."

33 And they said to him, "Why do the disciples of John fast often, and make prayers, and likewise the disciples of the Pharisees, but yours eat and drink?"

34 And he said to them, "Can you make the children of the bride's room fast, while the bridegroom is with them?

35 But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they'll fast in those days."

36 And he spoke also a parable to them, "No man puts a piece of a new garment on an old, otherwise the new piece causes a tear, and the piece that was taken out of the new doesn't agree with the old.

37 And no man puts new wine into old bottles, otherwise the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.

38 But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved.

39 No man also having drunk old wine immediately desires new, for he says, 'The old is better.'"

___Luke chapter 6

1 And on the second Sabbath after the first, he went through the corn fields, and his disciples plucked the ears of corn and ate, rubbing them in their hands.

2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, "Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath days?"

3 And Jesus answered them, "Haven't you read what David did, when he was hungry, and those who were with him,

4 How he went into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and gave also to those who were with him, which it's not lawful to eat except only for the priests?"

5 And he said to them, "The Son of man is Lord also of the Sabbath."

6 And on another Sabbath, he entered into the synagogue and taught, and there was a man whose right hand was withered.

7 And the scribes and Pharisees watched him, whether he would heal on the Sabbath day, so they could find an accusation against him.

8 But he knew their thoughts, and said to the man who had the withered hand, "Get up, and stand up in the middle."  And he got up and stood.

9 Then Jesus said to them, "I will ask you one thing, is it lawful on the Sabbath days to do good, or to do evil?  To save life, or to destroy it?"

10 And looking around on them all, he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand."  And he did so, and his hand was restored well, like the other one.

11 And they were filled with insanity, and consulted with each other what they could do to Jesus.

12 And in those days, he went out into a mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God.

13 And when it was day, he called to him his disciples, and from them he chose twelve, whom he also named apostles,

14 Simon, (whom he also named Peter,) and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew,

15 Matthew and Thomas, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called Zelotes,

16 And Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also was the traitor.

17 And he came down with them, and stood in the plain, and the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coast of Tyre and Zidon, who came to hear him, and to be healed from their diseases,

18 And those who were vexed with unclean spirits, and they were healed.

19 And the whole multitude tried to touch him, for power went out of him, and healed them all.

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, "Blessed are you that are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 Blessed are you that hunger now, for you'll be filled.  Blessed are you that cry now, for you shall laugh.

22 Blessed are you, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and throw out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake.

23 Rejoice in that day, and jump for joy, for see, your reward is great in heaven, for their fathers did like that to the prophets.

24 But woe to you that are rich!  For you've received your consolation.

25 Woe to you that are full!  For you'll be hungry.  Woe to you that laugh now!  For you'll mourn and cry.

26 Woe to you, when all men speak well about you!  'Cause that's what their fathers did to the false prophets.

27 But I say to you that hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.

29 And to him that slaps you on one cheek offer also the other cheek, and him that takes away your overcoat don't forbid to take your coat also.

30 Give to every man that asks from you, and of him that takes away your goods don't ask for them back.

31 And as you want men to do to you, do also to them likewise.

32 For if you love those who love you, what thanks do you have?  For sinners also love those that love them.

33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks do you have?  For sinners also do the same.

34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks do you have?  For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again.

35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again, and your reward shall be great, and you'll be the children of the Highest, for he is kind to the unthankful and to the evil.

36 Therefore be merciful, like your Father also is merciful.

37 Don't judge, and you won't be judged, don't condemn, and you won't be condemned, forgive, and you'll be forgiven.

38 Give, and it shall be given to you, good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.  For with the same measuring tool that you measure out with, it shall be measured back to you.

39 And he spoke a parable to them, can the blind lead the blind?  Won't they both fall into the ditch?

40 The disciple is not above his master, but everyone that is perfect shall be like his master.

41 And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but don't notice the plank that is in your own eye?

42 Or how can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me remove the speck that is in your eye,' when you yourself don't see the plank that is in your own eye?  You hypocrite, first remove the plank out of your own eye, and then you'll see clearly to remove the speck that's in your brother's eye.

43 For a good tree doesn't produce corrupt fruit, nor does a corrupt tree produce good fruit.

44 For every tree is known by its own fruit.  For from thorns men don't gather figs, nor from a bramble bush do they gather grapes.

45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart produces that which is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart produces that which is evil, for from the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

46 And why do you call me, Lord, Lord, and don't do the things that I say?

47 Whoever comes to me, and hears my sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like,

48 He is like a man who built a house, and dug deep, and laid the foundation on a rock, and when the flood came, the stream beat forcefully on that house, and couldn't shake it, for it had a rock for its foundation.

49 But he that hears, and doesn't do my sayings, is like a man that built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat forcefully, and immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great."

___Luke chapter 7

1 Now when he had ended all his sayings in the audience of the people, he entered into Capernaum.

2 And a certain centurion's servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die.

3 And when he heard about Jesus, he sent to him the elders of the Jews, asking him to please come and heal his servant.

4 And when they came to Jesus, they besought him immediately, saying that he was worthy for whom he should do this,

5 "For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue."

6 Then Jesus went with them.  And when he was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to him, saying to him, "Lord, don't trouble yourself, for I am not worthy for you to enter under my roof,

7 So I also didn't think myself worthy to come to you, but say in a word, and my servant shall be healed.

8 For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me, and I say to one, 'Go,' and he goes, and to another, 'Come,' and he comes, and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

9 When Jesus heard these things, he was surprised at him, and turned around, and said to the people that followed him, "I say to you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel."

10 And those who were sent, returning to the house, found the servant well that had been sick.

11 And the next day, he went into a city called Nain, and many of his disciples went with him, and many people.

12 Now when he came near the gate of the city, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow, and many people of the city were with her.

13 And when the Lord saw her, he took pity on her, and said to her, "Don't cry."

14 And he came and touched the bier, and those who carried him stood still.  And he said, "Young man, I say to you, get up."

15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to talk.  And he gave him to his mother.

16 And fear came on all, and they glorified God, saying, "A great prophet has risen up among us," and, "God has visited his people."

17 And this rumor of him went throughout all Judea, and throughout all the region around there.

18 And the disciples of John showed him all these things.

19 And John calling to himself two of his disciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, "Are you he that was supposed to come?  Or should we look for someone else?"

20 When the men had come to him, they said, "John the Baptist has sent us to you, saying, Are you he that was supposed to come?  Or should we look for someone else?"

21 And in that same hour he cured many from their sicknesses and diseases, and from evil spirits, and to many that were blind he gave sight.

22 Then Jesus answered them, "Go back and tell John the things that you've seen and heard, how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached.

23 And blessed is he, whoever shall not be offended in me."

24 And when the messengers of John had departed, he began to speak to the people concerning John, "What did you go out into the wilderness to see?  Some bamboo shaken by the wind?

25 But what did you go out to see?  A man clothed in soft clothing?  See, those who are gorgeously appareled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.

26 But what did you go out to see?  A prophet?  Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet.

27 This is he, about whom it is written, 'See, I send my messenger before your face, who'll prepare your way before you.'

28 For I say to you, among those that have been born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist, but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he."

29 And all the people that heard him, and the tax collectors justified God, being baptized with the baptism of John.

30 But the Pharisees and lawyers rejected the advice of God against themselves, not being baptized by him.

31 And the Lord said, "To what then shall I liken the men of this generation?  And to what are they like?

32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace, and calling to each other, and saying, 'We have piped to you, and you haven't danced, we have mourned to you, and you haven't cried.'

33 For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, 'He has a devil.'

34 The Son of man has come eating and drinking, and you say, "See, a glutton, and a wino, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!

35 But wisdom is justified by all her children."

36 And one of the Pharisees desired him to eat with him.  And he went into the Pharisee's house, and sat down to eat.

37 And see, a woman in the city who was a sinner, when she knew that Jesus sat to eat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

38 And stood at his feet behind him crying, and began to wash his feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed them with the ointment.

39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw it, he said inside himself, "This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what kind of woman this is that touches him, for she is a sinner."

40 And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you."  And he said, "Master, go ahead."

41 "There was a certain creditor who had two debtors, the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty.

42 And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both.  Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most?"

43 Simon answered and said, "I suppose he to whom he forgave most."  And he said to him, "You've rightly judged."

44 And he turned to the woman, and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman?  I entered into your house, you didn't give me any water for my feet, but she has washed my feet with tears, and wiped them with the hairs of her head.

45 You gave me no kiss, but this woman since the time I came in hasn't stopped kissing my feet.

46 You didn't anoint my head with oil, but this woman has anointed my feet with ointment.

47 So I say to you, her sins, which are many, have been forgiven, for she loved much, but to whom little has been forgiven, the same loves little."

48 And he said to her, "Your sins are forgiven."

49 And those who sat to eat with him began to say inside themselves, "Who is this that forgives sins also?"

50 And he said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you, go in peace."

___Luke chapter 8

1 Afterward, he went through every city and village, preaching and showing the good news of the kingdom of God, and the twelve were with him,

2 And a certain woman, who had been healed from evil spirits and infirmities, Mary called Magdalene, out of whom had gone seven devils,

3 And Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod's steward, and Susanna, and many others, who gave to him out of their possessions.

4 And when many people had gathered together, and had come to him out of every city, he spoke by a parable,

5 "A planter went out to plant his seed, and as he planted, some fell by the way side, and it was walked on, and the birds of the air ate it.

6 And some fell on a rock, and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture.

7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

8 And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and produced fruit a hundredfold."  And when he had said these things, he shouted, "He that has ears to hear, let him hear."

9 And his disciples asked him, "What is this parable?"

10 And he said, "To you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God, but to others in parables, so that seeing, they won't see, and hearing, they won't understand.

11 Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God.

12 Those by the way side are those who hear, then comes the devil, and takes away the word out of their hearts, so they won't believe and be saved.

13 Those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, and these have no root, who for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

14 And that which fell among thorns are those who, when they've heard, go on, and are choked by cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

15 But that on the good ground are those who, in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and produce fruit with patience.

16 No man, when he has lit a candle, covers it with a container, or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a candlestick, so those who enter in can see the light.

17 For nothing is secret, that won't be made clear, nor anything hidden, that won't be known and come out.

18 Be careful therefore how you hear, for whoever has, to him shall be given, and whoever doesn't have, from him shall be taken even what he seems to have."

19 Then his mother and his brothers came to him, and couldn't get close to him because of the crowd.

20 And some people told him, "Your mother and your brothers stand outside, desiring to see you."

21 And he answered them, "My mother and my brothers are these who hear the word of God, and do it."

22 Now on a certain day, he went into a ship with his disciples, and he said to them, "Let's go over to the other side of the lake."  And they launched out.

23 But as they sailed, he fell asleep, and a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in danger.

24 And they came to him, and awoke him, saying, "Master, master, we're going to die."  Then he got up, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they stopped, and there was a calm.

25 And he said to them, "Where is your faith?"  And being afraid, they wondered, saying to each other, "What kind of man is this!  For he commands even the winds and water, and they obey him."

26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is opposite Galilee.

27 And when he went out to land, a certain man met him out of the city who had devils for a long time, and didn't wear any clothes, nor live in any house, but in the tombs.

28 When he saw Jesus, he shouted, and fell down before him, and with a loud voice said, "What do I have to do with you, Jesus, you Son of God most high?  I beg you, don't torment me."

29 (For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man.  For often it had caught him, and he was kept bound with chains and in fetters, and he broke the bands, and was driven by the devil into the wilderness.)

30 And Jesus asked him, "What is your name?"  And he said, "Legion," because many devils had entered into him.

31 And they asked him to not command them to go out into the deep.

32 And there was a herd of many pigs there, feeding on the mountain, and they asked him to let them enter into them.  And he gave them permission to do so.

33 Then the devils went out of the man, and entered into the pigs, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake, and were drowned.

34 When those who fed them saw what had happened, they ran off, and went and told it in the city and in the country.

35 Then they went out to see what had happened, and came to Jesus, and found the man out of whom the devils had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed, and in his right mind, and they were afraid.

36 Those also who saw it, told them how the man that had been possessed by the devils was healed.

37 Then the whole multitude of the country of the Gadarenes around there asked him to go away from them, for they were taken by great fear, and he went up into the ship, and returned back again.

38 Now the man out of whom the devils had departed asked him if he could be with him, but Jesus sent him away, saying,

39 "Return to your own house, and show how God has done great things to you."  And he went his way, and proclaimed throughout the whole city how Jesus had done great things to him.

40 And when Jesus had returned, the people gladly received him, for they were all waiting for him.

41 And a man named Jairus came, and he was a ruler of the synagogue, and he fell down at Jesus' feet, and asked him to come into his house,

42 For he had only one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying.  But as he went the people crowded him.

43 And a woman who had been bleeding for twelve years, who had spent all her living on doctors, and couldn't be cured by any of them,

44 Came behind him, and touched the border of his garment, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

45 And Jesus said, "Who touched me?"  When all denied, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitude crowd you and press you, and do you say, 'Who touched me?'"

46 And Jesus said, "Someone has touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out of me."

47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him, she declared to him before all the people why she had touched him, and how she was healed immediately.

48 And he said to her, "Daughter, be of good comfort, your faith has made you well, go in peace."

49 While he yet spoke, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue's house, saying to him, "Your daughter is dead, don't trouble the Master."

50 But when Jesus heard it, he answered him, "Don't be afraid, only believe, and she shall be made well."

51 And when he came into the house, he allowed no man to go in, except Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the girl.

52 And all wept, and bewailed her, but he said, "Don't cry, she's not dead, but sleeping."

53 And they laughed at him scornfully, knowing that she was dead.

54 And he put them all out, and took her by the hand, and called, "Girl, get up."

55 And her spirit came again, and she got up immediately, and he commanded to give her some food.

56 And her parents were amazed, but he commanded them not to tell any man what had happened.

___Luke chapter 9

1 Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases.

2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

3 And he said to them, "Take nothing for your journey, don't take a walking stick, nor paper money, nor bread, nor coins, and don't have two coats each.

4 And whatever house you enter into, stay there until you leave that city.

5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them."

6 And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing everywhere.

7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by him, and he was perplexed, because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead,

8 And by some, that Elijah had appeared, and by others, that one of the old prophets had risen again.

9 And Herod said, "I've beheaded John, but who is this, about whom I hear such things?"  And he desired to see him.

10 And the apostles, when they'd returned, told him all that they had done.  And he took them, and went aside privately into a desert place belonging to the city called Bethsaida.

11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him, and he received them, and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.

12 And when the day began to wear away, then the twelve came and said to him, "Send the multitude away, so they can go into the towns and country around here, and lodge, and get food, for we are here in a desert place."

13 But he said to them, "You give them food."  And they said, "We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people."

14 For there were about five thousand men.  And he said to his disciples, "Make them sit down in groups of fifty."

15 And they did so, and made them all sit down.

16 Then he took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, he blessed them, and broke, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude.

17 And they ate, and were all filled, and they took up twelve baskets of remaining pieces.

18 And as he was alone praying, his disciples were with him, and he asked them, "Whom do the people say I am?"

19 They answered, "John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again."

20 He said to them, "But whom do you say that I am?"  Peter answered, "The Christ of God."

21 And he strictly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing,

22 Saying, "The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day."

23 And he said to them all, "If any man wants to come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

24 For whoever wants to save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for my sake, shall save it.

25 For what advantage does a man have, if he gains the whole world, and loses himself, or is thrown away?

26 For whoever shall be ashamed of me and of my words, of him shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels.

27 But I tell you truly, there are some standing here that shall not taste of death until they see the kingdom of God."

28 And about eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray.

29 And as he prayed, the shape of his face was changed, and his clothing was white and shining.

30 And see, two men talked with him, who were Moses and Elijah,

31 Who appeared in glory, and spoke about his dying that he would accomplish at Jerusalem.

32 But Peter and those who were with him were deep in sleep, and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him.

33 And as they departed from him, Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is good for us to be here, and let us make three tents, one for you, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah," not knowing what he said.

34 While he thus spoke, a cloud came, and overshadowed them, and they were afraid as they entered into the cloud.

35 And a voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my beloved Son, listen to him."

36 And after the voice, Jesus was seen alone.  And they kept it close, and told no man in those days any of the things that they had seen.

37 And on the next day, when they had come down from the hill, many people met him.

38 And a man of the company called out, "Master, please, look at my son, for he is my only child.

39 And see, a spirit takes him, and he suddenly shouts out, and it tears him so that he foams again, and bruising him hardly departs from him.

40 And I asked your disciples to cast him out, and they couldn't."

41 And Jesus answered, "O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you, and endure you?  Bring your son here."

42 And as he was yet coming, the devil threw him down, and tore him.  And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and gave him back to his father.

43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.  But while they wondered everyone at all the things that Jesus did, he said to his disciples,

44 "Let these sayings sink down in your ears, for the Son of man shall be given into the hands of men."

45 But they didn't understand this saying, and it was hidden from them, so that they didn't perceive it, and they were afraid to ask him about that saying.

46 Then a reasoning arose among them which of them would be greatest.

47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child, and set him by him,

48 And said to them, "Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him that sent me, for he that is least among you all, the same shall be great."

49 And John answered, "Master, we saw someone casting out devils in your name, and we told him to stop, because he doesn't follow with us."

50 And Jesus said to him, "Don't stop him, for he that is not against us is for us."

51 And when the time had come for him to be received up, he steadily set his face to go to Jerusalem,

52 And sent messengers before his face, and they went, and entered into a village of the Samaritans, to make ready for him.

53 And they did not receive him, because his face was as though he would go to Jerusalem.

54 And when his disciples James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do you want us to command fire to come down from heaven, and consume them, like Elijah did?"

55 But he turned, and rebuked them, and said, "You don't know what kind of spirit you are of.

56 For the Son of man hasn't come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."  And they went to another village.

57 And as they went, on the way, a certain man said to him, "Lord, I will follow you wherever you go."

58 And Jesus said to him, "Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of man doesn't have a place to lay his head."

59 And he said to another, "Follow me."  But he said, "Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father."

60 Jesus said to him, "Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God."

61 And another also said, "Lord, I will follow you, but let me go say goodbye first to those at home at my house."

62 And Jesus said to him, "No man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God."

___Luke chapter 10

1 After these things, the Lord chose seventy others also, and sent them two by two before his face into every city and place, where he himself would go.

2 Therefore he said to them, "The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few, pray therefore to the Lord of the harvest, that he would send out laborers into his harvest.

3 Go your ways, see, I send you out like lambs among wolves.

4 Carry neither purse, nor paper money, nor shoes, and greet no man on the way.

5 And into whatever house you enter, first say, 'Peace be to this house.'

6 And if the son of peace is there, your peace shall rest on it, if not, it shall return to you.

7 And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the laborer is worthy of his hire.  Don't go from house to house.

8 And into whatever city you enter, and they receive you, eat the things that are set before you,

9 And heal the sick that are there, and say to them, 'The kingdom of God has come near you.'

10 But into whatever city you enter, and they don't receive you, go your ways out into the streets of it and say,

11 'Even the very dust of your city, that sticks to us, we wipe off against you, anyway be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near you.'

12 But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city.

13 Woe to you, Chorazin!  Woe to you, Bethsaida!  For if the mighty works had been done in Tyre and Zidon that have been done in you, they would have repented a long time ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes.

14 But it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Zidon at the judgment, than for you.

15 And you, Capernaum, that is lifted up to heaven, shall be thrown down to hell.

16 He that hears you hears me, and he that despises you despises me, and he that despises me despises him that sent me."

17 And the seventy returned again with joy, saying, "Lord, even the devils are subject to us through your name."

18 And he said to them, "I saw Satan like lightning fall from heaven.

19 See, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall in any way hurt you.

20 However, don't rejoice that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven."

21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit, and said, "I thank you, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you've hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and have revealed them to babies, even so, Father, for so it seemed good in your sight.

22 All things have been delivered to me by my Father, and no man knows who the Son is, but the Father, and who the Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal him."

23 And he turned to his disciples, and said privately, "Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you see,

24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see the things that you see, and haven't seen them, and to hear the things that you hear, and haven't heard them."

25 And a certain lawyer stood up and tempted him, saying, "Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

26 He said to him, "What is written in the law?  What do you read?"

27 And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbor like yourself."

28 And he said to him, "You've answered right, do that and you'll live."

29 But he, wanting to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30 And Jesus answered, "A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothes, and wounded him, and went away, leaving him half dead.

31 And by chance a certain priest came down that way, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.

32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked at him, and passed by on the other side.

33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was, and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,

34 And went to him, and bandaged his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and set him on his own animal, and brought him to a hotel, and took care of him.

35 And on the next day when he left, he took out two pence, and gave them to the hotel keeper, and said to him, 'Take care of him, and whatever you spend more, when I come back, I'll repay you.'

36 Now which of these three, do you think, was neighbor to him that fell among the thieves?"

37 And he said, "He that showed mercy on him."  Then Jesus said to him, "Go, and do likewise."

38 Now as they went, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.

40 But Martha was burdened with much serving, and came to him, and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister has left me to serve alone?  Tell her therefore to help me."

41 And Jesus answered her, "Martha, Martha, you are careful and troubled about many things,

42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, that won't be taken away from her."

___Luke chapter 11

1 And as he was praying in a certain place, when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, like John also taught his disciples."

2 And he said to them, "When you pray, say, 'Our Father who is in heaven, honored be your name.  Your kingdom come.  Your will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.

3 Give us day by day our daily bread.

4 And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone that is indebted to us.  And don't lead us into temptation, but give us deliverance from evil.'"

5 And he said to them, "Which of you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight, and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves,

6 For a friend of mine in his journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him?'

7 And he from inside shall answer and say, 'Don't trouble me, the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed, I can't get up and give to you.'

8 I say to you, though he will not get up and give him because he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he'll rise and give him as many as he needs."

9 And I say to you, "Ask, and it shall be given to you, seek, and you'll find, knock, and it shall be opened to you.

10 For everyone that asks receives, and he that seeks finds, and to him that knocks it shall be opened.

11 If a son asks bread from any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone?  Or if he asks for a fish, will he instead of a fish give him a snake?

12 Or if he shall ask for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion?

13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"

14 And he was casting out a devil, and it was the kind that prevents the host from talking.  And when the devil had gone out, the mute person spoke, and the people wondered.

15 But some of them said, "He casts out devils through Beelzebub the head of the devils."

16 And others, tempting him, sought from him a sign from heaven.

17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said to them, "Every kingdom divided against itself will be brought to desolation, and a house divided against itself falls.

18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand?  Because you say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.

19 And if I by Beelzebub cast out devils, by whom do your sons cast them out?  Therefore they'll be your judges.

20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God has come to you.

21 When an armed strong man keeps his palace, his goods are in peace,

22 But when a stronger than he shall come to him and overcome him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils.

23 He that is not with me is against me, and he that doesn't gather with me scatters.

24 When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finding none, he says, 'I will return to my house that I came out of.'

25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and garnished.

26 Then he goes, and takes to himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in, and live there, and the last condition of that man is worse than the first."

27 And as he spoke these things, a certain woman of the crowd lifted up her voice, and said to him, "Blessed is the womb that gave you birth, and the breasts that you've sucked."

28 But he said, "Yes rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God, and keep it."

29 And when the people were gathered thickly together, he began to say, "This is an evil generation, they look for a sign, and no sign shall be given to it, except for the sign of Jonah the prophet.

30 For like Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so shall the Son of man also be a sign to this generation.

31 The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation, and condemn them, for she came from the farthest parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon, and see, a greater than Solomon is here.

32 The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and see, a greater than Jonah is here.

33 No man, when he has lighted a candle, puts it in a secret place, nor under a basket, but on a candlestick, so those who come in will see the light.

34 The light of the body is the eye, therefore when your eye is single, your whole body also is full of light, but when your eye is evil, your body also is full of darkness.

35 Therefore, be careful that the light that is in you isn't darkness.

36 If your whole body therefore is full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, like when the bright shining of a candle gives you light."

37 And as he spoke, a certain Pharisee asked him to eat with him, and he went in, and sat down to eat.

38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he was surprised that he had not first washed before dinner.

39 And the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees make clean the outside of the cup and the plate, but your inward part is full of ravening and wickedness.

40 You fools, didn't he that made that which is outside make that which is inside also?

41 But rather give alms of such things as you have, and see, all things are clean to you.

42 But woe to you, Pharisees!  For you tithe mint and rue and all kinds of herbs, and pass over judgment and the love of God.  These ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone.

43 Woe to you, Pharisees!  For you love the uppermost seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets.

44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you're like graves that are hidden, and the men that walk over them are not aware of them.

45 Then one of the lawyers answered, and said to him, "Master, when you talk like that, you reproach us also."

46 And he said, "Woe to you also, you lawyers!  For you load men with burdens grievous to be carried, and you yourselves won't touch he burdens with one of your fingers.

47 Woe to you!  For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.

48 Truly you testify that you allow the deeds of your fathers, for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs.

49 Therefore also said the wisdom of God, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall kill and persecute,'

50 So that the blood of all the prophets, that was spilled from the foundation of the world, will be required of this generation,

51 From the blood of Abel to the blood of Zacharias, who perished between the altar and the temple, truly I say to you, it shall be required of this generation.

52 Woe to you, lawyers!  For you've taken away the key of knowledge, you didn't enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered."

53 And as he said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge him forcefully, and to provoke him to speak about many things,

54 Laying wait for him, and seeking to catch something out of his mouth, so they could accuse him.

___Luke chapter 12

1 In the meantime, when an uncountable multitude of people was gathered together, so much that they stepped on each other, he began to say to his disciples first of all, "Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

2 For there is nothing covered that won't be revealed, nor hidden that won't be known.

3 Therefore whatever you've spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light, and what you've spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed on the house tops.

4 And I say to you my friends, don't be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.

5 But I will warn you whom to fear, fear him, who after he has killed has the power to throw into hell, yes I say to you, fear him.

6 Aren't five sparrows sold for two farthings?  And not one of them is forgotten by God.

7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.  Therefore, don't be afraid, you are of more value than many sparrows.

8 Also I say to you, whoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God,

9 But he that denies me before men shall be denied before the angels of God.

10 And whoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him, but to him that blasphemes against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

11 And when they bring you to the synagogues, and to magistrates, and powers, don't think about how or what you'll answer, or what you'll say,

12 For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour what to say."

13 And one of the company said to him, "Master, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me."

14 And he said to him, "Man, who made me a judge or a divider over you?"

15 And he said to them, "Be careful, beware of covetousness, for a man's life doesn't consist in the abundance of the things that he possesses."

16 And he spoke a parable to them, saying, "The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully,

17 And he thought within himself, 'What shall I do, because I don't have enough space to put my produce?'

18 And he said, 'Here's what I'll do, I'll pull down my barns, and build larger, and I'll put all my fruits and my goods there.

19 And I will say to my soul, soul, you have a lot of goods laid up for many years, take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.'

20 But God said to him, 'You fool, tonight your soul shall be required from you, then whose shall those things be that you've provided?'

21 So is he that lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God."

22 And he said to his disciples, "Therefore I say to you, don't worry about your life, what you'll eat, nor for the body, what to wear.

23 The life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing.

24 Consider the ravens, for they neither plant nor reap, which neither have storehouse nor barn, and God feeds them, how much more are you better than the birds?

25 And which of you can, by thinking, add to his height eighteen inches?

26 So if you're not able to do the thing that's least, why think about the rest?

27 Consider the lilies how they grow, they don't work, they don't spin, and yet I say to you, that Solomon in all his glory was not clothed like one of these.

28 So then if God dresses up the grass that way, which is today in the field, and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith?

29 And don't seek what you'll eat, or what you'll drink, and don't be of doubtful mind.

30 'Cause the nations of the world seek for all these things, and your Father knows that you need these things.

31 But rather, seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you.

32 Don't be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

33 Sell what you have, and give to the poor, provide for yourselves bags that don't grow old, a treasure in the heavens that doesn't fail, where no thief approaches, nor moth corrupts.

34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

35 Have your pants on, and your lights on,

36 And you yourselves like men that wait for their lord, when he will return from the wedding, so that when he comes and knocks, they'll open to him immediately.

37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he comes shall find awake, truly I say to you, that he'll dress himself, and make them sit down to eat, and will come and serve them.

38 And if he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch, and finds them so, blessed are those servants.

39 And know this, that if the householder had known what hour the thief would come, he would have stayed awake, and not have let his house be broken into.

40 Therefore, you be ready also, for the Son of man comes at an hour when you think not."

41 Then Peter said to him, "Lord, do you speak this parable to us, or to all?"

42 And the Lord said, "Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time?

43 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he comes shall find so doing.

44 Of a truth I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.

45 But if that servant says in his heart, 'My lord delays his coming,' and shall begin to beat the menservants and young women, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken,

46 The lord of that servant will come on a day when he doesn't look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in pieces, and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers.

47 And that servant, who knew his lord's will, and didn't prepare himself, nor did according to his will, shall be beaten with many strokes of the whip.

48 But he that didn't know, and committed things worthy of strokes, shall be beaten with few strokes of the whip.  For to whomever much has been given, from him shall much be required, and to whom men have committed much, from him they will ask the more.

49 I've come to send fire on the earth, and what do I need, if the fire's already started?

50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how much I'm restricted until it has been accomplished!

51 Do you suppose that I've come to give peace on earth?  I tell you, no, but rather division,

52 For from now on there'll be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.

53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father, the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother, the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law."

54 And he said also to the people, "When you see a cloud rise out of the west, immediately you say, 'A shower is coming,' and that's right.

55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, 'There will be heat,' and it happens.

56 You hypocrites, you can figure out the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it that you don't figure out this time?

57 Yes, and why even of yourselves don't you judge what is right?

58 When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, while you're in the street, give diligence so that you'll obtain deliverance out of his hand, so he doesn't turn you over to the judge, and the judge turns you over to the officer, and the officer throws you into prison.

59 I tell you, you won't get out of there, until you've paid the very last penny."

___Luke chapter 13

1 There were present at that season some that told him about the Galileans, whose blood Pilate had mixed with their sacrifices.

2 And Jesus answered them, "Do you suppose that those Galileans were sinners more than all the Galileans, because such things happened to them?

3 I tell you no, but unless you repent, you'll all likewise be destroyed.

4 Or those eighteen, on whom the tower in Siloam fell, and killed them, do you think that they were sinners more than all men that lived in Jerusalem?

5 I tell you no, but unless you repent, you'll all likewise be destroyed."

6 He spoke also this parable: "A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and looked for fruit on it, and found none.

7 Then he said to the worker in his vineyard, 'See, these three years I've come looking for fruit on this fig tree, and found none, cut it down, why should it be a burden to the ground?'

8 And he answered him, 'lord, let it alone this year also, until I dig around it, and fertilize it,

9 And if it bears fruit, well, and if not, then after that we'll cut it down.'"

10 And he was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath.

11 And there was a woman who had a spirit of sickness eighteen years, and was bowed together, and could in no way lift up herself.

12 And when Jesus saw her, he called her to him, and said to her, "Woman, you're loosed from your sickness."

13 And he laid his hands on her, and immediately she was made straight, and glorified God.

14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation, because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day, and said to the people, "There are six days in which men ought to work, in them therefore come and be healed, and not on the Sabbath day."

15 The Lord then answered him, "You hypocrite, doesn't each one of you on the Sabbath loose his ox or his ass from the stall, and lead him away to watering?

16 And shouldn't this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has kept bound for these eighteen years, be loosed from this bond on the Sabbath day?"

17 And when he had said these things, all his adversaries were ashamed, and all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by him.

18 Then he said, "To what is the kingdom of God like?  And to what shall I liken it?

19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, that a man took, and threw into his garden, and it grew, and became a large tree, and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it."

20 And again he said, "To what shall I liken the kingdom of God?

21 It is like yeast, that a woman took and hid in three measures of meal, until all of it was leavened."

22 And he went through the cities and villages, teaching, and journeying toward Jerusalem.

23 Then someone said to him, "Lord, are there few that get saved?"  And he said to them,

24 "Try hard to enter in at the restricted gate, 'cause many, I say to you, will seek to enter in, and won't be able.

25 When once the master of the house has risen up, and has locked the door, and you begin to stand outside, and to knock at the door, saying, 'Lord, Lord, open to us,' and he shall answer you, 'I don't know where you're from.'

26 Then you'll begin to say, 'We've eaten and drunk in your presence, and you've taught in our streets.'

27 But he'll say, 'I tell you, I don't know where you're from, go away from me, all you doers of sin.'

28 There shall be crying and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves pushed out.

29 And they'll come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.

30 And there are last that shall be first, and there are first that shall be last."

31 The same day certain of the Pharisees came and said to him, "Get out, and go from here, for Herod will kill you."

32 And he said to them, "Go and tell that fox, 'See, I cast out devils, and I do cures today and tomorrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.'

33 However, I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following, for it can't be that a prophet dies outside of Jerusalem.

34 O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to you, how often would I have gathered your children together, like a hen gathers her brood under her wings, and you weren't willing!

35 See, your house is left to you desolate, and truly I say to you, you won't see me until the time comes when you say, Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord."

___Luke chapter 14

1 And as he went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, they watched him.

2 And there was a certain man before him who had the dropsy.

3 And Jesus answered the lawyers and Pharisees, "Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?"

4 And they kept quiet.  And he took him and healed him, and let him go,

5 And answered them, "Which of you shall have an ass or an ox that's fallen into a pit, and will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?"

6 And they couldn't answer him back about these things.

7 And he put out a parable to those who had been invited, when he saw how they chose out the best rooms, saying to them,

8 "When you are invited by any man to a wedding, don't sit down in the highest room, 'cause a more honorable man than you might have been invited by him,

9 And he that invited you and him come and say to you, 'give this man the room,' and you begin with shame to take the lowest room.

10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest room, so that when he that invited you comes, he will say to you, 'Friend, go up higher,' then you'll have admiration in the presence of those who sit to eat with you.

11 For whoever lifts himself up shall be brought low, and he that humbles himself shall be lifted up."

12 Then he said also to him that invited him, "When you make a dinner or a supper, don't invite your friends, nor your brothers, nor your kinsmen, nor your rich neighbors, or they'll also invite you back, and you'll be repaid.

13 But when you make a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind,

14 And you'll be blessed, for they can't repay you, for you'll be repaid at the rising of the just from the dead."

15 And when one of those who sat to eat with him heard these things, he said to him, "Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God."

16 Then he said to him, "A certain man made a great supper, and invited many,

17 And sent his servant at supper time to say to those who'd been invited, 'Come, for everything's now ready.'

18 And they all began to make excuses.  The first said to him, 'I have bought a piece of ground, and I must go and see it, please have me excused.'

19 And another said, 'I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to test them, please have me excused.'

20 And another said, 'I have married a wife, and that's why I can't come.'

21 So that servant came, and showed his lord these things.  Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, 'Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the maimed, and those who walk with difficulty, and the blind.'

22 And the servant said, 'Lord, it is done as you've commanded, and yet there is room.'

23 And the lord said to the servant, 'Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, so my house will be filled.

24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste of my supper.'"

25 And great multitudes went with him, and he turned, and said to them,

26 "If any man comes to me, and doesn't hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he can't be my disciple.

27 And whoever doesn't carry his cross, and come after me, can't be my disciple.

28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, doesn't sit down first, and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it?

29 Otherwise, perhaps after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that see it begin to make fun of him,

30 Saying, 'This man began to build, and was not able to finish.'

31 Or what king, going to make war against another king, doesn't sit down first, and consult whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him that comes against him with twenty thousand?

32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sends an ambassador, and desires conditions of peace.

33 So likewise, whoever he is of you that doesn't forsake all that he has, he can't be my disciple.

34 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its flavor, with what will it be seasoned?

35 It is neither fit for the land, nor yet for the manure pile, but men throw it out.  He that has ears to hear, let him hear."

___Luke chapter 15

1 Then all the tax collectors and sinners came near to hear him.

2 And the Pharisees and scribes grumbled, "This man receives sinners, and eats with them."

3 And he spoke this parable to them:

4 "What man of you, who has a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, doesn't leave the ninety nine in the wilderness, and go after the lost one, until he finds it?

5 And when he's found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.

6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.'

7 I say to you, that likewise, there'll be joy in heaven over one sinner that repents, more than over ninety nine righteous people, who don't need repentance.

8 Or what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, doesn't light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently until she finds it?

9 And when she's found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, and says, 'Rejoice with me, for I've found the piece that I had lost.'

10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

11 And he said, "A certain man had two sons,

12 And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the portion of goods that will be mine.'  And he divided to them his living.

13 And not many days later the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and wasted his substance with riotous living there.

14 And when he had spent all, a mighty famine arose in that land, and he began to lack what he needed.

15 And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

16 And he would preferably have filled his belly with the husks that the pigs ate, and no man gave to him.

17 And when he came to himself, he said, 'How many hired servants of my father's have bread enough and to spare, and I'm dying of hunger!

18 I'll get up and go to my father, and will say to him, father, I have sinned against heaven, and before you,

19 And am no more worthy to be called your son, make me like one of your hired servants.'

20 And he got up, and went to his father.  But when he was yet a long way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.

21 And the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in your sight, and am no more worthy to be called your son.'

22 But the father said to his servants, 'Bring out the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet,

23 And bring here the fatted calf, and kill it, and let us eat, and be merry,

24 For this son of mine was dead, and is alive again, he was lost, and is found.'  And they began to be merry.

25 Now his elder son was in the field, and as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

26 And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant.

27 And he said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.'

28 And he was angry, and wouldn't go in, so his father came out, and reasoned with him.

29 And he answered his father, 'See, these many years I've served you.  I never disobeyed your orders, and yet you never gave me a young goat so I could party with my friends,

30 But as soon as this son of yours has come, who has consumed your living with prostitutes, you've killed for him the fatted calf.'

31 And he said to him, 'Son, you're always with me, and all that I have is yours.

32 It was right that we should make merry, and be glad, for this brother of yours was dead, but is alive again, and was lost, and is found.'"

___Luke chapter 16

1 And he said also to his disciples, "There was a certain rich man, who had an employee who had been accused to him that he had wasted his goods.

2 And he called him, and said to him, 'How is it that I hear this about you?  Give an account of your stewardship, for you'll no longer be steward.'

3 Then the steward said inside himself, 'What shall I do?, for my lord is taking away from me the stewardship, I can't dig, to beg I am ashamed.

4 Here's what I'll do, so that when I've been put out of the stewardship, they'll receive me into their houses.'

5 So he called every one of his lord's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my lord?'

6 And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.'  And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.'

7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?'  And he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.'  And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

8 And the lord complimented the sloppy steward, because he had done wisely, for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.

9 And I say to you, make for yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness, so that when you fail, they'll receive you into everlasting houses.

10 He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much, and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much.

11 If therefore you haven't been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who'll commit to your trust the true riches?

12 And if you haven't been faithful in what is another man's, who'll give you that which is your own?

13 No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other, or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.  You can't serve God and money."

14 And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things, and they made fun of him.

15 And he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts, for that which is highly esteemed among men is hated in the sight of God.

16 The law and the prophets were until John.  Since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presses into it.

17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to go away, than for one period or comma of the law to fail.

18 Whoever puts away his wife and marries someone else, commits adultery, and whoever marries her that has been put away from her husband commits adultery.

19 There was a certain rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen, and feasted every day.

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who laid at his gate, full of sores,

21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table, also the dogs came and licked his sores.

22 And the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom, the rich man also died, and was buried.

23 And in hell he lifted up his eyes, being tormented, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

24 And he shouted, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, so he can dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in these flames.'

25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime, you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things, but now he is comforted, and you're tormented.

26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a large gulf fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you can't, nor can they pass to us that want to come from there.'

27 Then he said, 'Please, therefore, father, send him to my father's house,

28 For I have five brothers, so that he'll testify to them, so they won't also come into this place of torment.'

29 Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them.'

30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham.  But if someone went back to them from the dead, they'll repent.'

31 And he said to him, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded, even if someone rose from the dead.'"

___Luke chapter 17

1 Then he said to the disciples, "It is impossible that offences won't come, but woe to him through whom they come!

2 It would have been better for him that a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were thrown into the sea, than that he should offend one of these little ones.

3 Be careful about yourselves, if your brother wrongs you, rebuke him, and if he's sorry, forgive him.

4 And if he wrongs you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day turns again to you, and says, 'I'm sorry,' you shall forgive him."

5 And the apostles said to the Lord, 'Increase our faith.'

6 And the Lord said, "If you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this sycamore tree, 'Be plucked up roots and all, and be planted in the sea,' and it will obey you.

7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say to him by and by, when he has come from the field, 'Go and sit down to eat?'

8 And won't rather say to him, 'Make ready so I can eat, and gird yourself, and serve me, until I've eaten and drunk, and afterward you'll eat and drink?'

9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that had been commanded him?  Certainly not.

10 So likewise you, when you've done all the things that you've been commanded, say, 'We are not exceptional achievers, we've done what was our duty to do.'"

11 And as he went to Jerusalem, he passed through the middle of Samaria and Galilee.

12 And as he entered into a certain village, ten men that were lepers met him, who stood far off.

13 And they lifted up their voices, and said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us."

14 And when he saw them, he said to them, "Go show yourselves to the priests."  And as they went, they were healed.

15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God,

16 And fell down on his face at his feet, giving him thanks, and he was a Samaritan.

17 And Jesus answered, "Weren't there ten who got healed?  But where are the other nine?

18 There are not found who returned to give glory to God, except this stranger."

19 And he said to him, "Get up, go your way, your faith has made you well."

20 And when the Pharisees demanded to know when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, "The kingdom of God doesn't come with observation,

21 Nor shall they say, 'See here!'  Or, 'see there!'  For, the kingdom of God is inside you."

22 And he said to the disciples, "The days will come, when you'll desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you won't see it.

23 And they'll say to you, 'See here,' or, 'see there,' don't go after them, nor follow them.

24 For like the lightning, that shines out of the one part under heaven, shines to the other part under heaven, so shall also the Son of man be in his day.

25 But first he must suffer many things, and be rejected by this generation.

26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.

27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all.

28 Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot, they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built,

29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.

30 That's how it shall be on the day when the Son of man is revealed.

31 In that day, he that's on the housetop, and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away, and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back.

32 Remember Lot's wife.

33 Whoever shall try to save his life shall lose it, and whoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

34 I tell you, in that night there'll be two men in one bed, the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.

35 Two women shall be grinding together, the one shall be taken, and the other left.

36 Two men shall be in the field, the one shall be taken, and the other left."

37 And they answered him, "Where, Lord?"  And he said to them, "Wherever the body is, that's where the eagles will be gathered together."

___Luke chapter 18

1 And he spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray, and not to faint,

2 Saying, "There was a judge in a city, who didn't fear God, nor regarded man.

3 And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, 'Avenge me of my adversary.'

4 And he wouldn't for a while, but afterward he said inside himself, 'Though I don't fear God, nor regard man,

5 Yet because this widow troubles me, I will avenge her, so that by her continual coming, she doesn't tire me.'"

6 And the Lord said, "Listen to what the dishonest judge says.

7 And won't God avenge his own elect, who cry day and night to him, though he bears long with them?

8 I tell you that he will avenge them speedily.  However, when the Son of man comes, will he find faith on the earth?"

9 And he spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others,

10 "Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee, and the other a tax collector.

11 The Pharisee stood and prayed like this with himself, 'God, I thank you that I'm not like other men are, extortionists, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector.

12 I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I have.'

13 And the tax collector, standing far off, wouldn't lift up as much as his eyes to heaven, but struck his chest, saying, 'God be merciful to me a sinner.'

14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone that lifts himself up shall be brought low, and he that humbles himself shall be lifted up."

15 And they also brought to him infants, so he would touch them, but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them.

16 But Jesus called them to him, and said, "Allow little children to come to me, and don't forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God.

17 Truly I say to you, whoever won't receive the kingdom of God like a little child shall in no case enter into it."

18 And a certain ruler asked him, "Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?"

19 And Jesus said to him, "Why do you call me good?  No one is good except one, that is God.

20 You know the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and your mother."

21 And he said, "I have kept all these since my youth."

22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said to him, "You still lack one thing, sell all that you have, and give to the poor, and you'll have treasure in heaven, and come, follow me."

23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich.

24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, "How hardly shall those who have riches enter into the kingdom of God!

25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God."

26 And those who heard it said, "Who then can be saved?"

27 And he said, "The things that are impossible with men are possible with God."

28 Then Peter said, "See, we've left all and followed you."

29 And he said to them, "Truly I say to you, there is no man that has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,

30 Who won't receive many times as much in this present time, and in the world to come everlasting life."

31 Then he took to himself the twelve, and said to them, "See, we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that have been written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished.

32 For he shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and mistreated and spat on,

33 And they shall whip him, and put him to death, and the third day he shall rise again."

34 And they understood none of these things, and this saying was hidden from them, nor did they know the things that were spoken.

35 And as he came near Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging,

36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant.

37 And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by.

38 And he shouted, "Jesus, you Son of David, have mercy on me."

39 And those who went before rebuked him, so he would be quiet, but he shouted so much the more, "You Son of David, have mercy on me."

40 And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought to him, and when he had come near, he asked him,

41 "What do you want me to do to you?"  And he said, "Lord, I want to receive my sight."

42 And Jesus said to him, "Receive your sight, your faith has saved you."

43 And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God, and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God.

___Luke chapter 19

1 And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho.

2 And there was a man named Zacchaeus, who was the top tax collector, and he was rich.

3 And he tried to see Jesus who he was, but couldn't because of the crowd, 'cause he was a short man.

4 And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see him, for he was to pass that way.

5 And when Jesus came to the place, he looked up, and saw him, and said to him, "Zacchaeus, hurry up and come down, for today I must stay at your house."

6 And he hurried, and came down, and received him joyfully.

7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying that he was going to be guest with a man that is a sinner.

8 And Zacchaeus stood, and said to the Lord, "See Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor, and if I've taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore to him four times as much."

9 And Jesus said to him, "This day has salvation come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham.

10 For the Son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost."

11 And as they heard these things, he added and spoke a parable, because he was near Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God would immediately appear.

12 He said therefore, "A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return.

13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered to them ten pounds, and said to them, 'Occupy until I return.'

14 But his citizens hated him, and sent a message after him, saying, 'We won't have this man to rule over us.'

15 And when he had returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded those servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, so he would know how much every man had gained by trading.

16 Then the first came and said, 'Lord, your pound has gained ten pounds.'

17 And he said to him, 'Well, you good servant, because you have been faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'

18 And the second came, saying, 'Lord, your pound has gained five pounds.'

19 And he said likewise to him, 'You are also over five cities.'

20 And another came, saying, 'Lord, see, here is your pound, which I have kept laid up in a napkin,

21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man, you take up what you didn't lay down, and reap what you didn't plant.'

22 And he said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I'll judge you, you wicked servant.  You knew that I was an austere man, taking up what I didn't lay down, and reaping what I didn't plant,

23 Why then didn't you put my money in the bank, so that at my return I could have required my own plus interest?

24 And he said to those who stood by, take from him the pound, and give it to him that has ten pounds.'

25 (And they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten pounds.')

26 For I say to you, that to everyone who has shall be given, and from him that doesn't have, even what he has shall be taken away from him.

27 But those enemies of mine, who didn't want me to rule over them, bring here, and kill them before me."

28 And when he had said that, he went before, ascending up to Jerusalem.

29 And when he had come near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the Mount of Olives, he sent two of his disciples,

30 And said, "Go into the village opposite you, in which at your entering you'll find a colt tied, on which man has never sat, untie him, and bring him here.

31 And if any man asks you, 'Why do you untie him?'  You say, 'Because the Lord needs him.'"

32 And those who'd been sent went their way, and found like he had said to them.

33 And as they were loosing the colt, the owners said to them, "Why are you untying the colt?"

34 And they said, "The Lord has need of him."

35 And they brought him to Jesus, and they threw their garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on him.

36 And as he went, they spread their clothes in the way.

37 And when he had come near, even now 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 mighty works that they had seen,

38 Saying, "Blessed be the King that comes in the name of the Lord, peace in heaven, and glory in the highest."

39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said to him, "Master, rebuke your disciples."

40 And he answered them, "I tell you that if these would be quiet, the stones would immediately cry out."

41 And when he had come near, he saw the city, and wept over it,

42 Saying, "If you had known, even you, at least in this your day, the things that belong to your peace!  But now they are hidden from your eyes.

43 For the days shall come on you, that your enemies shall dig a trench around you, and surround you, and keep you in on every side,

44 And shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you, and they won't leave in you one stone on another, because you didn't know the time of your visitation."

45 And he went into the temple, and began to throw out those who sold there, and those who bought,

46 Saying to them, "It is written, 'My house is the house of prayer,' but you have made it a den of thieves."

47 And he taught daily in the temple.  But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people tried to destroy him,

48 And couldn't find anything to do, for all the people listened closely to him.

___Luke chapter 20

1 And on one of those days, as he taught the people in the temple, and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes came to him with the elders,

2 And spoke to him, saying, "Tell us by what authority you do these things?  Or who is he that gave you this authority?"

3 And he answered them, "I will also ask you one thing, and answer me,

4 The baptism of John, was it from heaven, or of men?"

5 And they reasoned with themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why then didn't you believe him?'

6 But if we say, 'Of men,' all the people will stone us, for they're persuaded that John was a prophet."

7 And they answered, that they couldn't tell where it was from.

8 And Jesus said to them, "Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things."

9 Then he began to speak to the people this parable, "A certain man planted a vineyard, and rented it to vineyard keepers, and went into a far country for a long time.

10 And at the season he sent a servant to the vineyard keepers, so they would pay him of the fruit of the vineyard, but the vineyard keepers beat him, and sent him away empty.

11 And again he sent another servant, and they beat him also, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty.

12 And again he sent a third, and they wounded him also, and threw him out.

13 Then the lord of the vineyard said, 'What shall I do?  I'll send my beloved son, perhaps they'll respect him when they see him."

14 But when the vineyard keepers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, 'This is the heir, come, let's kill him, so the inheritance will be ours.'

15 So they threw him out of the vineyard, and killed him.  Therefore what shall the lord of the vineyard do to them?

16 He shall come and destroy those vineyard keepers, and shall give the vineyard to others."  And when they heard it, they said, God forbid.

17 And he looked at them and said, "What is this then that is written, 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone'?

18 Whoever shall fall on that stone shall be broken, but on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder."

19 And the same hour, the chief priests and the scribes tried to arrest him, and they feared the people, for they understood that he had spoken this parable against them.

20 And they watched him, and sent out spies, who would pretend to be righteous men, so they could take hold of his words, so they could deliver him to the power and authority of the governor.

21 And they asked him, "Master, we know that you say and teach rightly, nor do you accept the person of any, but teach the way of God truly,

22 Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?"

23 But he perceived their craftiness, and said to them, "Why do you tempt me?

24 Show me a penny.  Whose image and writing does it have?"  They answered, "Caesar's."

25 And he said to them, "Give therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's."

26 And they couldn't take hold of his words before the people, and they were amazed at his answer, and kept quiet.

27 Then certain of the Sadducees came to him, who deny that there is any rising from the dead, and they asked him,

28 "Master, Moses wrote to us, 'If any man's brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother should take his wife, and raise up seed to his brother.'

29 There were therefore seven brothers, and the first took a wife, and died without children.

30 And the second took her as wife, and he died childless.

31 And the third took her, and similarly the seven also, and they left no children, and died.

32 Last of all the woman died also.

33 Therefore in the resurrection whose wife of them is she?  For seven had her as wife."

34 And Jesus answering said to them, "The children of this world marry, and are given in marriage,

35 But those who'll be counted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry, nor are given in marriage,

36 Nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels, and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection.

37 Now that the dead are raised, even Moses showed at the bush, when he called the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

38 For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him."

39 Then certain of the scribes answered, "Master, you've well said."

40 And after that they didn't dare ask him any question at all.

41 And he said to them, "How can they say that Christ is David's son?

42 And David himself said in the book of Psalms, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand,

43 Until I make your enemies your footstool.'

44 David therefore calls him Lord, how is he then his son?"

45 Then in the audience of all the people he said to his disciples,

46 "Beware of the scribes, who desire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the highest seats in the synagogues, and the main rooms at feasts,

47 Who devour widows' houses, and for a show make long prayers, they'll receive greater damnation."

___Luke chapter 21

1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men throwing their gifts into the treasury.

2 And he saw also a certain poor widow throwing two mites in there.

3 And he said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has thrown in more than all of them,

4 For all these have of their abundance thrown into the offerings of God, but she in her poverty has thrown in all the living that she had."

5 And as some spoke about the temple, how it was adorned with good stones and gifts, he said,

6 "As for these things that you see, the days will come in which there shall not be left one stone on another, that won't be thrown down."

7 And they asked him, saying, "Master, but when shall these things be?  And what sign will there be when these things shall happen?"

8 And he said, "Be careful that you're not deceived, for many shall come in my name, saying, 'I am Christ, and the time draws near,' therefore don't follow them.

9 But when you hear of wars and commotions, don't be terrified, for these things must first happen, but the end is not yet."

10 Then he said to them, "Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom,

11 And there shall be great earthquakes in various places, and famines, and pestilences, and fearful sights and there shall be great signs from heaven.

12 But before all these, they'll lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.

13 And it will be a testimony for you.

14 Settle it therefore in your hearts not to think ahead of time what you'll answer,

15 For I'll give you a mouth and wisdom, that all your adversaries won't be able to contradict nor resist.

16 And you'll be betrayed both by parents, and brothers, and kinsfolk, and friends, and some of you they'll cause to be put to death.

17 And you'll be hated by all men for my name's sake.

18 But not a hair of your head will be destroyed.

19 In your patience possess your souls.

20 And when you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, then know that the desolation of it is near.

21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are inside it go out, and let those who are in the countries not enter into it.

22 For these are the days of vengeance, so that all things that are written will be fulfilled.

23 But woe to those who are with child and to those who breast feed in those days!  For there shall be great distress in the land, and anger at these people.

24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations, and Jerusalem shall be walked on by the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles are fulfilled.

25 And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars, and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring,

26 Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking at the things that are coming on the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken.

27 And then they'll see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

28 And when these things begin to happen, then look up, and lift up your heads, for your redemption draws near."

29 And he spoke to them a parable, "See the fig tree, and all the trees.

30 When they now shoot out branches, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now near.

31 So likewise you, when you see these things happen, know that the kingdom of God is near.

32 Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass away, until all has been fulfilled.

33 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.

34 And watch yourselves, so that your hearts won't become overloaded by excessive indulgence, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day takes you by surprise.

35 For like a trap it shall come on all of those who live on the face of the whole earth.

36 Stay awake therefore, and pray always, so that you'll be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall happen, and to stand before the Son of man."

37 And in the day time he was teaching in the temple, and at night he went out, and stayed in the mount that is called the mount of Olives.

38 And all the people came early in the morning to him in the temple, to hear him.

___Luke chapter 22

1 Now the feast of unleavened bread came near, which is called the Passover.

2 And the chief priests and scribes tried to find a way to kill him, for they feared the people.

3 Then Satan entered into Judas Iscariot, being one of the twelve.

4 And he went, and consulted with the chief priests and captains, how he could betray him to them.

5 And they were glad, and promised to give him money.

6 And he promised, and looked for opportunity to betray him to them in the absence of the multitude.

7 Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the Passover must be killed.

8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare us the Passover, so we can eat."

9 And they said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"

10 And he said to them, "See, when you've entered into the city, a man will meet you carrying a pitcher of water, follow him into the house that he goes into.

11 And say to the householder, 'The Master says to you, where is the guest room, where I'll eat the Passover with my disciples?'

12 And he shall show you a large upper room furnished, there make ready."

13 And they went, and found like he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.

14 And when the hour had come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.

15 And he said to them, "With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

16 For I say to you, I will not eat of it anymore, until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God."

17 And he took the cup and gave thanks, and said, "Take this, and divide it among yourselves,

18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God has come."

19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body that is given for you, do this in remembrance of me."

20 Likewise also the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new testament in my blood, that will be shed for you.

21 But see, the hand of him that betrays me is with me on the table.

22 And truly the Son of man goes, as it was determined, but woe to that man by whom he is betrayed!"

23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it would be that would do this thing.

24 And there was also a strife among them, which of them would be counted the greatest.

25 And he said to them, "The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exercise authority on them are called benefactors.

26 But it won't be like that with you, but he that is greatest among you, let him be like the younger, and he that is chief, like he that serves.

27 For which is greater, he that sits to eat, or he that serves?  Isn't he that sits to eat?  But I am among you as he that serves.

28 You are those who've continued with me in my temptations.

29 And I appoint to you a kingdom, like my Father has appointed to me,

30 So that you'll eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel."

31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon, see, Satan has desired to have you, so he can sift you like wheat,

32 But I have prayed for you, so that your faith doesn't fail, and when you've been converted, strengthen your brothers."

33 And he said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you, both into prison, and to death."

34 And he said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster won't crow this day, before you'll three times deny that you know me."

35 And he said to them, "When I sent you without purse, and paper money, and shoes, did you lack anything?"  And they said, "Nothing."

36 Then he said to them, "But now, he that has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his paper money, and he that doesn't have a sword, let him sell his garment and buy one.

37 For I say to you, that this that is written must yet be accomplished in me, 'And he was reckoned among the criminals,' for the things concerning me have an end."

38 And they said, "Lord, see, here are two swords."  And he said to them, "It is enough."

39 And he came out, and went, as he usually did, to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples also followed him.

40 And when he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray so that you don't enter into temptation."

41 And he was removed from them about a stone's throw, and kneeled down, and prayed,

42 Saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me, however, not my will but yours be done."

43 And an angel appeared to him from heaven, strengthening him.

44 And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was as it were large drops of blood falling down to the ground.

45 And when he got up from prayer, and had come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow,

46 And said to them, "Why do you sleep?  Get up and pray, so you won't enter into temptation."

47 And while he yet spoke, see, a lot of people, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and came near Jesus to kiss him.

48 But Jesus said to him, "Judas, are you betraying the Son of man with a kiss?"

49 When those who were around him saw what was going to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"

50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.

51 And Jesus answered, "That's far enough."  And he touched his ear, and healed him.

52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests and captains of the temple, and the elders who had come to him, "Have you come out like against a thief, with swords and clubs?

53 When I was daily with you in the temple, you didn't stretch out hands against me, but this is your hour, and the power of darkness."

54 Then they took him, and led him, and brought him into the high priest's house.  And Peter followed far off.

55 And when they had kindled a fire in the middle of the hall, and had sat down together, Peter sat down among them.

56 But a certain maid saw him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked at him and said, "This man was also with him."

57 And he denied him, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."

58 And after a little while another saw him and said, "You are also of them."  And Peter said, "Man, I am not."

59 And about the space of one hour afterward someone else confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this fellow also was with him, for he is a Galilean."

60 And Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you're talking about."  And immediately, while he yet spoke, the rooster crowed.

61 And the Lord turned, and looked at Peter.  And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, "Before the rooster crows, you'll deny me three times."

62 And Peter went out, and cried bitterly.

63 And the men that held Jesus made fun of him, and struck him.

64 And when they had blindfolded him, they struck him on the face, and asked him, "Prophesy, who is it that struck you?"

65 And they blasphemously spoke against him many other things.

66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came together, and led him into their council, saying,

67 "Are you the Christ?  Tell us."  And he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,

68 And also if I ask you, you won't answer me, nor let me go.

69 After this the Son of man shall sit at the right hand of the power of God."

70 Then they all said, "Then are you the Son of God?"  And he said to them, "You say that I am."

71 And they said, "Why do we need any further witnesses?  For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth."

___Luke chapter 23

1 And the whole multitude of them got up, and led him to Pilate.

2 And they began to accuse him, "We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to pay taxes to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King."

3 And Pilate asked him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"  And he answered him, "You say it."

4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and to the people, "I find no fault in this man."

5 And they were the more fierce, saying, "He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place."

6 When Pilate heard about Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilean.

7 And as soon as he knew that he belonged to Herod's jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself was also at Jerusalem at that time.

8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was very glad, for he had desired to see him for a long time, because he had heard many things about him, and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him.

9 Then he questioned him in many words, but he answered him nothing.

10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and strongly accused him.

11 And Herod with his men of war treated him as though he were dirt, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him back to Pilate.

12 And the same day Pilate and Herod became friends together, for before there was friction between them.

13 And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people,

14 Said to them, "You've brought this man to me, as someone who perverts the people, and see, having examined him before you, I have found no fault in this man concerning the things about which you accuse him,

15 No, nor yet Herod, for I sent you to him, and see, nothing worthy of death is done by him.

16 I will therefore whip him, and release him."

17 (For of necessity he must release someone to them at the feast.)

18 And they cried out all at once, "Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas,"

19 (Who for a certain rebellion made in the city, and for murder, was thrown into prison.)

20 Pilate therefore, willing to release Jesus, spoke again to them.

21 But they shouted, "Crucify him, crucify him."

22 And he said to them the third time, "Why, what evil has he done?  I have found no cause of death in him, I will therefore whip him, and let him go."

23 And instantly they demanded with loud voices that he be crucified.  And the voices of them and of the chief priests prevailed.

24 And Pilate gave sentence that it would be as they required.

25 And he released to them him that for rebellion and murder had been thrown into prison, whom they had desired, but he delivered Jesus to their will.

26 And as they led him away, they grabbed Simon, a Cyrenian, coming out of the country, and they laid the cross on him, so he would carry it after Jesus.

27 And a large crowd of people followed him, and of women, who also bewailed and lamented him.

28 But Jesus turning to them said, "Daughters of Jerusalem, don't cry for me, but cry for yourselves, and for your children.

29 For see, the days are coming, in which they'll say, 'Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck.'

30 Then they'll begin to say to the mountains, 'Fall on us,' and to the hills, 'Cover us.'

31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?"

32 And there were also two others, criminals, led with him to be put to death.

33 And when they had come to the place that is called Calvary, they crucified him there, and the criminals, one on the right hand, and the other on the left.

34 Then Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing."  And they divided his clothes, and drew straws.

35 And the people stood watching.  And the rulers with them also derided him, saying, "He saved others, let him save himself, if he is Christ, the chosen of God."

36 And the soldiers also mocked him, coming to him, and offering him vinegar,

37 And saying, "If you're the king of the Jews, save yourself."

38 And a sign also was written above him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew, "This is the King of the Jews."

39 And one of the criminals who were crucified railed at him, saying, "If you are Christ, save yourself and us."

40 But the other answering rebuked him, saying, "Don't you fear God, seeing that you are in the same condemnation?

41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds, but this man has done nothing wrong."

42 And he said to Jesus, "Lord, remember me when you come into your kingdom."

43 And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, today you'll be with me in heaven."

44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.

45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the middle.

46 And when Jesus had shouted with a loud voice, he said, "Father, into your hands I commit my spirit," and having said that, he yielded up the spirit.

47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, "Certainly this was a righteous man."

48 And all the people that came together to that sight, seeing the things that were done, struck their chests, and returned.

49 And everyone who knew him, and the women that followed him from Galilee, stood far off, watching these things.

50 And see, there was a man named Joseph, a counselor, and he was a good man, and fair,

51 (He had not agreed with the advice and deed of them,) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews, who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.

52 This man went to Pilate, and begged for the body of Jesus.

53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a tomb that had been cut out of stone, in which no one had ever before been placed.

54 And that day was the preparation, and the Sabbath was approaching.

55 And the women also, who came with him from Galilee, followed after, and saw the tomb, and how his body had been laid.

56 And they returned, and prepared spices and ointments, and rested the Sabbath day according to the commandment.

___Luke chapter 24

1 Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came to the tomb, bringing the spices they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb.

3 And they entered in, and didn't find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And as they were much frustrated about it, see, two men stood by them in shining garments,

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to them, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but has risen.  Remember how he spoke to you when he was still in Galilee,

7 Saying, 'The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.'"

8 And they remembered his words,

9 And returned from the tomb, and told all these things to the eleven, and to all the rest.

10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, who told these things to the apostles.

11 And their words seemed to them like fairy tales, and they didn't believe them.

12 Then Peter got up, and ran to the tomb, and stooping down, he saw the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at what had happened.

13 And see, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, that was about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem.

14 And they talked together about all these things that had happened.

15 And while they communed together and reasoned, Jesus himself came near, and went with them.

16 But their eyes were hindered such that they didn't recognize him.

17 And he said to them, "What kind of communications are these that you have with each other, as you walk, and are sad?"

18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered him, "Are you only a stranger in Jerusalem, and haven't known the things that have happened there in these days?"

19 And he said to them, "What things?"  And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people,

20 And how the chief priests and our rulers delivered him to be condemned to death, and have crucified him.

21 But we trusted that it had been he that would have redeemed Israel, and beside all this, today is the third day since these things have happened.

22 Yes, and certain women also of our group made us astonished, who were at the tomb early,

23 And when they didn't find his body, they came, saying that they had also seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive.

24 And some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it like the women had said, but they didn't see him."

25 Then he said to them, "O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken,

26 Shouldn't Christ have suffered these things, and entered into his glory?"

27 And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he explained to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

28 And they came near the village where they were going, and he made as though he would have gone further.

29 But they detained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent."  And he went in to wait with them.

30 And as he sat to eat with them, he took bread, and blessed it, and broke, and gave to them.

31 And their eyes were opened, and they knew him, and he disappeared out of their sight.

32 And they said to each other, "Didn't our heart burn within us, while he talked with us on the way, and while he opened to us the scriptures?"

33 And they rose up the same hour, and returned to Jerusalem, and found the eleven gathered together, and those who were with them,

34 Saying, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon."

35 And they told what things were done on the way, and how he was known by them in breaking of bread.

36 And as they thus spoke, Jesus himself stood in the middle of them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

37 But they were terrified and afraid, and supposed that they had seen a spirit.

38 And he said to them, "Why are you troubled?  And why do thoughts arise in your hearts?

39 Look at my hands and my feet, that it is I myself, handle me, and see, for a spirit doesn't have flesh and bones, like you see me have."

40 And when he had thus spoken, he showed them his hands and his feet.

41 And while they didn't yet believe for joy, and wondered, he said to them, "Do you have any food here?"

42 And they gave him a piece of a broiled fish, and of a honeycomb.

43 And he took it, and ate before them.

44 And he said to them, "These are the words that I spoke to you, while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled that were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, about me."

45 Then he opened their understanding, so that they would understand the scriptures,

46 And said to them, "Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day,

47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.

48 And you are witnesses of these things.

49 And see, I send the promise of my Father on you, but wait in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high."

50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.

51 And while he blessed them, he was separated from them, and carried up into heaven.

52 And they worshipped him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy,

53 And were continually in the temple, praising and blessing God.  Amen.

___John chapter 1

1 The Word was there in the beginning, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

2 The same was in the beginning with God.

3 All things were made by him, and nothing that was made was made without him.

4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men.

5 And the light shined in darkness, and the darkness didn't understand it.

6 A man was sent from God whose name was John.

7 He came for a witness, to testify about the Light, so all men through him would believe.

8 He was not that Light, but was sent to testify about that Light.

9 That was the true Light, that illuminates every man that comes into the world.

10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world didn't know him.

11 He came to his own, and his own didn't receive him.

12 But to as many as did receive him, he gave power to become the sons of God, to those who believe on his name,

13 Who were born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and lived among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as of God's only child,) full of grace and truth.

15 John testified about him, and shouted, "This is the one about whom I spoke, He that comes after me is preferred before me, for he was before me."

16 And of his fullness, all of us have received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18 No man has seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has declared him.

19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, "Who are you?"

20 And he confessed, and didn't deny, but confessed, "I am not the Christ."

21 And they asked him, "What then?  Are you Elijah?"  And he said, "I am not."  "Are you that prophet?"  And he answered, "No."

22 Then they said to him, "Who are you?  So we can give an answer to those who sent us.  What do you say about yourself?"

23 He said, "I am the voice of someone shouting in the wilderness, 'Make the way of the Lord straight,' like the prophet Isaiah said."

24 And those who were sent were from the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, "Why do you baptize then, if you aren't the Christ, nor Elijah, nor that prophet?"

26 John answered them, "I baptize with water, but someone stands among you whom you don't know.

27 He's the one, who coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoelaces I am not worthy to untie."

28 These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him, and said, "See, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.

30 This is he about whom I said, after me comes a man who is preferred before me, for he was before me.

31 And I didn't know him, but that he would be presented to Israel, that's why I've come baptizing with water."

32 And John testified, "I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it stayed on him.

33 And I didn't know him, but he that sent me to baptize with water said to me, 'On whom you see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he that baptizes with the Holy Ghost.'

34 And I saw, and testified that this is the Son of God."

35 Again the next day John stood, and two of his disciples,

36 And looking at Jesus as he walked, he said, "See, the Lamb of God!"

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and said to them, "What are you looking for?"  They said to him, "Rabbi," (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) "Where do you live?"

39 He said to them, "Come and see."  They came and saw where he lived, and stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two that heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first found his own brother, Simon, and told him, "We have found the Messiah, which when interpreted is, the Christ."

42 And he brought him to Jesus.  And when Jesus saw him, he said, "You are Simon the son of Jona, you'll be called Cephas," which is by interpretation, a stone.

43 The day following, Jesus went into Galilee, and found Philip, and said to him, "Follow me."

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him about whom Moses in the law, and the prophets wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."

46 And Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?"  Philip said to him, "Come and see."

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "See, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceitfulness!"

48 Nathanael said to him, "Where do you know me from?"  Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you."

49 Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God, you are the King of Israel."

50 Jesus answered him, "Do you believe because I said to you, I saw you under the fig tree?  You'll see greater things than these."

51 And he said to him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, After this you'll see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending from and descending on the Son of man."

___John chapter 2

1 And the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there.

2 And Jesus and his disciples were invited to the wedding.

3 And when they ran out of wine, Jesus' mother said to him, "They have no wine."

4 Jesus said to her, "Woman, what do I have to do with you?  My hour has not yet come."

5 His mother said to the servants, "Whatever he says to you, do it."

6 And six water pots of stone were set there, the way the Jews purify water, containing two or three firkins each.

7 Jesus said to them, "Fill the water pots with water."  And they filled them up to the brim.

8 And he said to them, "Draw out now, and carry it to the governor of the feast."  And they carried it.

9 When the ruler of the feast had tasted the water that was changed to wine, and didn't know where it came from, (but the servants who drew the water knew,) the governor of the feast called the bridegroom,

10 And said to him, "Every man at the beginning sets out good wine, and when men have well drunk, then that which is worse, but you've kept the good wine until now."

11 Jesus did this beginning of miracles in Cana of Galilee, and demonstrated his glory, and his disciples believed on him.

12 After this he went down to Capernaum, he, and his mother, and his brothers, and his disciples, and they stayed there not many days.

13 And the Jews' Passover was approaching, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem,

14 And found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting.

15 And when he had made a scourge from small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen, and poured out the changers' money, and overturned the tables,

16 And said to those who sold doves, "Take these things from here, don't make my Father's house a house of merchandise."

17 And his disciples remembered that it was written, "The zeal of your house has eaten me up."

18 Then the Jews said to him, "What sign do you show us, since you're doing these things?"

19 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up."

20 Then the Jews said, "It took forty six years to build this temple, and will you raise it up in three days?"

21 But he was talking about the temple of his body.

22 So, when he had risen from the dead, his disciples remembered that he had said this to them, and they believed the scripture, and the word that Jesus had said.

23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, on the feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw the miracles that he did.

24 But Jesus did not commit himself to them, because he knew all men,

25 And didn't need any man to testify, for he knew what was in man.

___John chapter 3

1 There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews.

2 He came to Jesus at night, and said to him, "Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who came from God, for no man can do these miracles that you do, unless God is with him."

3 Jesus answered him, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born again, he can't see the kingdom of God."

4 Nicodemus said to him, "How can a man be born when he is old?  Can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?"

5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he can't enter into the kingdom of God.

6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 Don't be surprised that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'

8 The wind blows where it wants, and you hear the sound of it, but can't tell where it comes from, nor where it's going.  So is everyone that is born of the Spirit."

9 Nicodemus answered him, "How can these things be?"

10 Jesus answered him, "Are you a master of Israel, and don't know these things?

11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak that we know, and testify that we have seen, and you don't accept our testimony.

12 If I have told you earthly things, and you don't believe, how will you believe, if I tell you about heavenly things?

13 And no man has ascended up to heaven, but he that came down from heaven, who is the Son of man who is in heaven.

14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of man must be lifted up,

15 So that whoever believes in him won't be destroyed, but have eternal life.

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, so that whoever believes in him won't be destroyed, but have everlasting life.

17 For God didn't send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but so the world through him would be saved.

18 He that believes on him is not condemned, but he that doesn't believe is already condemned, because he hasn't believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.

19 And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.

20 For everyone that does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, so that his wrongdoing won't be found out.

21 But he that does truth comes to the light, so that his deeds will be shown to be done in God."

22 After these things Jesus and his disciples went into the land of Judea, and there he stayed with them, and baptized.

23 And John also was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was a lot of water there, and they came, and were baptized.

24 For John had not yet been put in prison.

25 Then a question arose between some of John's disciples and the Jews about purifying.

26 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, he that was with you on the other side of Jordan, about whom you testified, see, he's baptizing, and all men come to him."

27 John answered, "A man can receive nothing, unless it is given to him from heaven.

28 You yourselves know that I said, 'I am not the Christ, but that I have been sent before him.'

29 He that has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice, therefore this, my joy, is fulfilled.

30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

31 He that comes from above is above all, he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth, he that comes from heaven is above all.

32 And what he has seen and heard, he testifies about, and no man receives his testimony.

33 He that has received his testimony believes that God is righteous.

34 For he whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit to him without limit.

35 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into his hand.

36 He that believes on the Son has everlasting life, and he that doesn't believe the Son shall not see life, but the anger of God remains on him."

___John chapter 4

1 Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John,

2 (Though Jesus himself didn't baptize, but his disciples did,)

3 He left Judea, and went again into Galilee.

4 And he had to go through Samaria.

5 Then he came to a city of Samaria that is called Sychar, near the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph.

6 Now Jacob's well was there.  Jesus therefore, being tired from his journey, sat on the well, and it was about the sixth hour.

7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water.  Jesus said to her, "Give me a drink."

8 (For his disciples had gone away to the city to buy food.)

9 Then the woman of Samaria said to him, "How is it that you, being a Jew, ask drink from me, who am a woman of Samaria?, for the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans."

10 Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that says to you, 'Give me a drink,' you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water."

11 The woman said to him, "Sir, you have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep, from where then do you have that living water?

12 Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank of it himself, and his children, and his cattle?"

13 Jesus answered her, "Whoever drinks of this water will get thirsty again,

14 But whoever drinks of the water that I give him shall never get thirsty, but the water that I give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."

15 The woman said to him, "Sir, give me this water, so I don't get thirsty, nor come here to draw."

16 Jesus said to her, "Go, call your husband, and come here."

17 The woman answered, "I have no husband."  Jesus said to her, "You have well said, I have no husband,

18 For you've had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband, in that you spoke truly."

19 The woman said to him, "Sir, I can see that you're a prophet.

20 Our fathers worshipped in this mountain, and you say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship."

21 Jesus said to her, "Woman, believe me, the hour is coming, when you'll neither in this mountain, nor at Jerusalem worship the Father.

22 You don't know what you worship, we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews.

23 But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth, for the Father seeks such to worship him.

24 God is a Spirit, and those who worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

25 The woman said to him, "I know the Messiah is coming, who is called Christ, when he comes, he will tell us all things."

26 Jesus said to her, "I that speak to you am he."

27 And then his disciples came, and were surprised that he talked with the woman, yet no man said, "What are you looking for?", or "Why are you talking with her?"

28 Then the woman left her water pot, and went into the city, and said to the men,

29 "Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did, isn't this the Christ?"

30 Then they went out of the city, and came to him.

31 In the mean time his disciples asked him, "Please eat, Master."

32 But he said to them, "I have food to eat that you don't know about."

33 Therefore the disciples said to each other, "Has anyone brought him anything to eat?"

34 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work.

35 Don't you say, there are yet four months, and then comes the harvest?  See, I say to you, lift up your eyes, and look at the fields, for they are white already for harvesting.

36 And he that reaps receives wages and gathers fruit yielding eternal life, so that both he that plants and he that reaps will rejoice together.

37 And this is how that saying is true, 'One plants, and another harvests.'

38 I sent you to harvest what you didn't work for, other men labored, and you have entered into their labors."

39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, who testified, "He told me everything I ever did."

40 So when the Samaritans had come to him, they asked him to remain with them, and he stayed there two days.

41 And many more believed because of his own word,

42 And said to the woman, "Now we believe, not because of your words, for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world."

43 Now after two days he departed from there, and went into Galilee.

44 For Jesus himself testified, that a prophet has no honor in his own country.

45 Then when he had come into Galilee, the Galileans received him, having seen all the things that he did at Jerusalem at the feast, for they also went to the feast.

46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where he'd turned the water to wine.  And there was a certain nobleman, whose son was sick at Capernaum.

47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to him, and asked him to come down, and heal his son, for he was at the point of death.

48 Then Jesus said to him, "Unless you see signs and wonders, you won't believe."

49 The nobleman said to him, "Sir, come down before my child dies."

50 Jesus said to him, "Go your way, your son will live."  And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him, and he started home.

51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him, and told him, "Your son will live."

52 Then he asked them what hour he began to get better.  And they said to him, "Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him."

53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, "Your son lives," and he himself believed and his whole family.

54 This is the second miracle that Jesus did, after he had come out of Judea into Galilee.

___John chapter 5

1 After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem.

2 Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, that is called in the Hebrew language Bethesda, having five porches.

3 In these lay a great multitude of sick people, of blind, those who walked with difficulty, and withered, waiting for the moving of the water.

4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water.  Then whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water, was healed of whatever disease he had.

5 And a certain man was there, who had had an infirmity for thirty eight years.

6 When Jesus saw him lie, and knew that he had now been a long time in that condition, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?"

7 The invalid man answered him, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool, but while I am coming, someone else steps down before me."

8 Jesus said to him, "Get up, pick up your bed, and walk."

9 And immediately the man was healed, and picked up his bed, and walked, and that day was the Sabbath day.

10 The Jews therefore said to him that had been healed, "It is the Sabbath day, it is not lawful for you to carry your bed."

11 He answered them, "He that made me well said to me, 'Pick up your bed, and walk.'"

12 Then they asked him, "Which man is that who told you to pick up your bed, and walk?"

13 And he that had been healed didn't know who it was, for Jesus had gone away, a multitude being in that place.

14 Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you've been healed, don't sin anymore, or something worse could happen to you."

15 The man departed, and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

16 And so the Jews persecuted Jesus, and looked for a way to kill him, because he had done these things on the Sabbath day.

17 But Jesus answered them, "My Father works up 'til now, and so do I."

18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the Sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Then Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of himself, but what he sees the Father do, for whatever things he does, these also the Son does likewise.

20 For the Father loves the Son, and shows him all things that he does, and he will show him greater works than these, so that you'll be amazed.

21 For as the Father raises up the dead, and makes them live, even so the Son makes alive whomever he wants to.

22 For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son,

23 So that all men would honor the Son, just like they honor the Father.  He that doesn't honor the Son, doesn't honor the Father who sent him.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, he that hears my word, and believes on him that sent me, has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation, but has passed from death to life.

25 Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear shall live.

26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has given to the Son to have life in himself,

27 And has given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

28 Don't be surprised at this, for the hour is coming, in which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,

29 And shall come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of damnation.

30 I can of my own self do nothing, as I hear, I judge, and my judgment is fair, because I don't seek my own will, but the will of the Father who sent me.

31 If I testify of myself, my witness is not true.

32 There is another that testifies about me, and I know that the testimony that he testifies about me is true.

33 You sent to John, and he testified to the truth.

34 But I don't receive testimony from man, but these things I say, so that you'll be saved.

35 He was a burning and a shining light, and you were willing for a while to rejoice in his light.

36 But I have a more important witness than from John, for the works that the Father has given me to finish, those works that I do, testify about me that the Father has sent me.

37 And the Father himself, who sent me, has testified about me.  You have neither heard his voice at any time, nor seen his shape.

38 And you don't have his word living in you, for whom he has sent, you don't believe.

39 Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life, and they testify about me.

40 And you will not come to me so you can have life.

41 I don't receive honor from men.

42 But I know you, that you don't have the love of God in you.

43 I have come in my Father's name, and you don't receive me.  If another comes in his own name, you'll receive him.

44 How can you believe, who receive honor from each other, and don't seek the honor that comes from God only?

45 Don't think that I will accuse you to the Father, there is one that accuses you, and that's Moses in whom you trust.

46 For had you believed Moses, you would have believed me, for he wrote about me.

47 But if you don't believe his writings, how shall you believe my words?"

___John chapter 6

1 After these things Jesus went across the sea of Galilee, which is the sea of Tiberias.

2 And a great multitude followed him, because they saw his miracles that he did on those who were diseased.

3 And Jesus went up into a mountain, and he sat there with his disciples.

4 And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was approaching.

5 Then when Jesus lifted up his eyes, and saw a large multitude that had come to him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread, so that these can eat?"

6 And this he said to test him, for he himself knew what he would do.

7 Philip answered him, "Two hundred penny's worth of bread is not enough for them, so that every one of them can take a little."

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, said to him,

9 There is a boy here, "Who has five barley loaves, and two small fish, but what are they among so many?"

10 And Jesus said, "Make the men sit down."  Now there was a lot of grass in the place.  So the men sat down, in number about five thousand.

11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down, and likewise of the fish as much as they wanted.

12 When they were filled, he said to his disciples, "Gather up the pieces that are left, so that nothing is lost."

13 Therefore they gathered them together, and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves, that were left over after the people had eaten.

14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, "This is certainly that prophet that's supposed to come into the world."

15 When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain by himself.

16 And when evening had come, his disciples went down to the sea,

17 And entered into a ship, and went across the sea toward Capernaum.  And it was now dark, and Jesus hadn't come to them.

18 And the sea was stirred up by a great wind that blew.

19 So when they had rowed about twenty five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea, and coming near the ship, and they were afraid.

20 But he said to them, "It is I, don't be afraid."

21 Then they willingly received him into the ship, and immediately the ship was at the land where they had been heading.

22 The day following, when the people who stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one into which his disciples had entered, and that Jesus didn't go with his disciples into the boat, but that his disciples had gone away alone,

23 (But other boats came from Tiberias near the place where they ate bread, after the Lord had given thanks,)

24 When the people therefore saw that Jesus wasn't there, nor his disciples, they also took shipping, and came to Capernaum, seeking for Jesus.

25 And when they had found him on the other side of the sea, they said to him, "Rabbi, when did you come here?"

26 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, you don't seek me because you saw the miracles, but because you ate of the loaves, and were filled.

27 Don't work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give you, for God the Father has sealed him."

28 Then they said to him, "What shall we do, so we can do the works of God?"

29 Jesus answered them, "This is the work of God, that you believe on him whom he has sent."

30 They said therefore to him, "What sign do you show then, so that we can see, and believe you?  What do you do?

31 Our fathers ate manna in the desert, as it is written, 'He gave them bread from heaven to eat.'"

32 Then Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, Moses didn't give you that bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.

33 For the bread of God is he that came down from heaven, and gives life to the world.

34 Then they said to him, "Lord, always, increasingly give us this bread."

35 And Jesus said to them, "I am the bread of life.  He that comes to me shall never hunger, and he that believes on me shall never thirst.

36 But I said to you, that you also have seen me, and don't believe.

37 Everyone that the Father gives me shall come to me, and him that comes to me I will in no way throw out.

38 For I came down from heaven, not to do my own will, but the will of him that sent me.

39 And this is the Father's will who sent me, that of all that he has given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that everyone who sees the Son, and believes on him, will have everlasting life, and I will raise him up at the last day."

41 Then the Jews murmured at him, because he said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven."

42 And they said, "Isn't this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know?  How is it then that he says, I came down from heaven?"

43 Jesus therefore answered them, "Don't murmur among yourselves.

44 No man can come to me, unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day.

45 It is written in the prophets, 'And they shall all be taught by God.'  Every man therefore that has heard, and has learned from the Father, comes to me.

46 Not that any man has seen the Father, except he that is from God, he has seen the Father.

47 Truly, truly, I say to you, he that believes on me has everlasting life.

48 I am that bread of life.

49 Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness, and are dead.

50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that a man can eat of it, and not die.

51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven, if any man eats of this bread, he'll live forever, and the bread that I will give is my flesh, that I will give for the life of the world."

52 The Jews therefore argued among themselves, saying, "How can this man give us his flesh to eat?"

53 Then Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you.

54 Whoever eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.

55 For my flesh is food indeed, and my blood is drink indeed.

56 He that eats my flesh, and drinks my blood, lives in me, and I in him.

57 As the living Father has sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that eats me shall live by me.

58 This is that bread that came down from heaven, not like your fathers ate manna, and are dead.  He that eats of this bread shall live forever.

59 He said these things in the synagogue, as he taught in Capernaum.

60 Many of his disciples therefore, when they'd heard this, said, "This is a difficult saying, who can understand it?"

61 When Jesus knew in himself that his disciples murmured at it, he said to them, "Does this offend you?

62 What if you see the Son of man ascend up where he was before?

63 It is the spirit that makes alive, the flesh doesn't profit, the words that I speak to you, they are spirit, and they are life.

64 But there are some of you that don't believe."  For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that didn't believe, and who would betray him.

65 And he said, "That's why I said to you that no man can come to me, unless it's given to him by my Father."

66 From that time many of his disciples went back, and didn't walk with him anymore.

67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Will you also go away?"

68 Then Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom shall we go?  You have the words of eternal life.

69 And we believe and are sure that you are the Christ, the Son of the living God."

70 Jesus answered them, "Haven't I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?"

71 He was talking about Judas Iscariot the son of Simon, for he it was that would betray him, being one of the twelve.

___John chapter 7

1 After these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for he wouldn't walk in Jewry, because the Jews were trying to kill him.

2 Now the Jews' feast of tabernacles was near.

3 His brothers therefore said to him, "Depart from here, and go into Judea, so that your disciples also can see the works that you do.

4 For there is no man that does anything in secret, and he himself wants to be known openly.  If you do these things, show yourself to the world."

5 For his brothers didn't believe in him, either.

6 Then Jesus said to them, "My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready.

7 The world can't hate you, but me it hates, because I testify about it, that it's doings are evil.

8 You go up to this feast, I won't go up yet to this feast, for my time has not yet fully come."

9 When he had said these words to them, he remained in Galilee.

10 But when his brothers had gone up, then he also went up to the feast, not openly, but secretly.

11 Then the Jews looked for him at the feast, and said, "Where is he?"

12 And there was a lot of murmuring among the people concerning him, for some said, "He is a good man."  Others said, "No, he deceives the people."

13 But no man spoke openly about him for fear of the Jews.

14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple, and taught.

15 And the Jews were surprised and said, "How does this man know letters, since he has no education?"

16 Jesus answered them, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me.

17 If any man will do his will, he shall know about the doctrine, whether it is from God, or whether I'm speaking on my own.

18 He that speaks on his own seeks his own glory, but he that seeks the glory of him that sent him is true, and no unrighteousness is in him.

19 Didn't Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law?  Why are you trying to kill me?"

20 The people answered, "You have a demon, who's trying to kill you?"

21 Jesus answered them, I "have done one work, and you're all surprised.

22 Therefore, Moses gave you circumcision, (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers,) and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath day.

23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath day, so that the law of Moses won't be broken, are you angry at me, because I have made a man completely well on the Sabbath day?

24 Don't judge according to appearances, but judge righteous judgment."

25 Then some of those of Jerusalem said, "Isn't this he, whom they're trying to kill?

26 But, see, he speaks boldly, and they say nothing to him.  Do the rulers know indeed that this is the actual Christ?

27 But we know where this man is from, but when Christ comes, no one knows where he's from."

28 Then Jesus said loudly in the temple as he taught, saying, "You know me, and you also know where I'm from, and I haven't come on my own, but he that sent me is true, whom you don't know.

29 But I know him, for I am from him, and he has sent me."

30 Then they looked for a way to arrest him, but no man laid hands on him, because his hour had not yet come.

31 And many of the people believed on him, and said, "When Christ comes, will he do more miracles than these that this man has done?"

32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things about him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to arrest him.

33 Then Jesus said to them, "I am with you yet a little while, and then I go to him that sent me.

34 You'll look for me, and won't find me, and where I am you can't come.

35 Then the Jews said among themselves, "Where will he go so that we won't find him?  Will he go to the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles?

36 What kind of saying is this, 'You'll look for me, and won't find me, and where I am you can't come?'"

37 In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and shouted, "If any man's thirsty, let him come to me, and drink.

38 He that believes on me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water."

39 (But he spoke this about the Spirit that those who believe on him would receive, for the Holy Ghost was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.)

40 Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, "Truly this is the Prophet."

41 Others said, "This is the Christ."  But some said, "Shall Christ come out of Galilee?

42 Don't the scriptures say that Christ comes from the descendants of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?"

43 So there was a division among the people because of him.

44 And some of them would have arrested him, but no man laid hands on him.

45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, "Why haven't you brought him?"

46 The officers answered, "No man ever talked like this man."

47 Then the Pharisees answered, "Are you also deceived?

48 Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him?

49 But these people who don't know the law are cursed."

50 Nicodemus said to them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,)

51 "Does our law judge any man, before it hears him, and knows what he's doing?"

52 They answered him, "Are you also from Galilee?  Search, and look, for no prophet arises out of Galilee."

53 And every man went to his own house.

___John chapter 8

1 Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.

2 And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came to him, and he sat down, and taught them.

3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought to him a woman arrested for adultery, and when they had set her among them,

4 They said to him, "Master, this woman was arrested in adultery, in the very act.

5 Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned, but what do you say?"

6 They said this, tempting him, so that they could have something to accuse him with.  But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he didn't hear them.

7 So when they continued asking him, he stood up, and said to them, "He that is without sin among you, let him throw the first stone at her."

8 And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.

9 And those who heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the oldest, until the last, and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing there.

10 When Jesus had stood up, and saw no one but the woman, he said to her, "Woman, where are your accusers?  Doesn't anyone condemn you?"

11 She said, "No man, Lord."  And Jesus said to her, "Nor do I condemn you, go, and sin no more."

12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, "I am the light of the world, he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life."

13 The Pharisees therefore said to him, "You testify about yourself, your record is not true."

14 Jesus answered them, "Though I testify about myself, yet my record is true, for I know where I came from, and where I'm going, but you can't tell where I came from, nor where I'm going.

15 You judge after the flesh, I judge no one.

16 And yet if I judge, my judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me.

17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true.

18 I am one that testifies about myself, and the Father that sent me testifies about me."

19 Then they said to him, "Where is your Father?"  Jesus answered, "You don't know me or my Father, if you had known me, you would have known my Father also."

20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury, as he taught in the temple, and no man laid hands on him, for his hour had not yet come.

21 Then Jesus said also to them, "I go my way, and you'll look for me, and shall die in your sins, where I go, you can't come."

22 Then the Jews said, "Will he kill himself?"  Because he said, "Where I go, you can't come."

23 And he said to them, "You are from beneath, I am from above, you are of this world, I am not of this world.

24 I said therefore to you, that you'll die in your sins, for if you don't believe that I am he, you'll die in your sins."

25 Then they said to him, "Who are you?"  And Jesus said, "I'm the same one I've been telling you about from the beginning.

26 I have many things to say and to judge of you, but he that sent me is true, and I speak to the world the things that I've heard from him."

27 They didn't understand that he spoke to them about the Father.

28 Then Jesus said to them, "When you've lifted up the Son of man, then you'll know that I am he, and that I do nothing on my own, but as my Father has taught me, I speak these things.

29 And he that sent me is with me, the Father hasn't left me alone, for I always do the things that please him."

30 As he spoke these words, many believed on him.

31 Then Jesus said to the Jews who believed on him, "If you continue in my word, then you are my disciples indeed,

32 And you'll know the truth, and the truth shall make you free."

33 They answered him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and were never in bondage to any man, what do you mean, 'You'll be made free?'"

34 Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is the servant of sin.

35 And the servant doesn't live in the house forever, but the Son lives forever.

36 If the Son therefore shall make you free, you'll be free indeed.

37 I know that you are Abraham's descendants, but you're trying to kill me, because my word has no place in you.

38 I speak that which I have seen with my Father, and you do that which you have seen with your father."

39 They answered him, "Abraham is our father."  Jesus said to them, "If you were Abraham's children, you would do the works of Abraham.

40 But now you're trying to kill me, a man that has told you the truth, which I have heard from God.  Abraham didn't do that.

41 You do the deeds of your father."  Then they said to him, "We're not born from fornication, we have one Father, God."

42 Jesus said to them, "If God were your Father, you would love me, for I proceeded out and came from God, nor did I come on my own, but he sent me.

43 Why don't you understand my speech?  Because you can't hear my word.

44 You are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you'll do.  He was a murderer from the beginning, and didn't remain in the truth, because there is no truth in him.  When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar, and the father of it.

45 And because I tell you the truth, you don't believe me.

46 Which of you can show me to be a sinner?  And if I say the truth, why don't you believe me?

47 He that is of God hears God's words, you therefore don't hear, because you are not of God."

48 Then the Jews answered him, "Don't we say well that you are a Samaritan, and have a demon?"

49 Jesus answered, "I don't have a demon, but I honor my Father, and you dishonor me.

50 And I don't seek my own glory, there is one that seeks and judges.

51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if a man keeps my sayings, he'll never see death."

52 Then the Jews said to him, "Now we know that you have a demon.  Abraham is dead, and the prophets, and you say, 'If a man keeps my sayings, he'll never taste of death.'

53 Are you greater than our father Abraham, who is dead?  And the prophets are dead.  Whom are you trying to make of yourself?"

54 Jesus answered, "If I honor myself, my honor is nothing, it is my Father that honors me, about whom you say, that he is your God,

55 Yet you haven't known him, but I know him, and if I were to say I don't know him, I would be a liar like you.  But I know him, and keep his sayings.

56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day, and he saw it, and was glad."

57 Then the Jews said to him, "You're not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?"

58 Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I am."

59 Then they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the middle of them, and so passed by.

___John chapter 9

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man who had been blind from birth.

2 And his disciples asked him, "Master, who sinned, this man, or his parents, so that he was born blind?"

3 Jesus answered, "Neither this man, nor his parents, but so that the works of God would be revealed through him.

4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day, the night comes, when no man can work.

5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world."

6 When he had said that, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the saliva, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,

7 And said to him, "Go, wash in the pool of Siloam," (which is by interpretation, "sent.")  He went his way therefore, and washed, and returned with good eyesight.

8 The neighbors therefore, and those who had seen before that he was blind, said, "Isn't this he that sat and begged?"

9 Some said, "This is he."  Others said, "He is like him," but he said, "I am he."

10 Therefore they said to him, "How were your eyes opened?"

11 He answered, "A man called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes,and said to me, 'Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash,' and I went and washed, and I received sight."

12 Then they said to him, "Where is he?"  He said, "I don't know."

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that had been blind.

14 And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.

15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight.  He said, "He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see."

16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not of God, because he doesn't keep the Sabbath day."  Others said, "How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles?"  And there was a division among them.

17 They said again to the blind man, "What do you say about him, that he has opened your eyes?"  He said, "He is a prophet."

18 But the Jews did not believe that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called for the parents of him that had received his sight.

19 And they asked them, "Is this your son, who you say was born blind?  How then does he now see?"

20 His parents answered them, "We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind,

21 But by what means he now sees, we don't know, or who has opened his eyes, we don't know, he is of age, ask him, he'll speak for himself."

22 His parents spoke these words, because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man confessed that he was Christ, he would be put out of the synagogue.

23 That's why his parents said, "He is of age, ask him."

24 Then again they called the man that had been blind, and said to him, "Give God the praise, we know that this man is a sinner."

25 He answered, "Whether he's a sinner or not, I don't know.  One thing I know, that although I was blind, now I see."

26 Then they said to him again, "What did he do to you?  How did he open your eyes?"

27 He answered them, "I've told you already, and you didn't hear.  Why do you want to hear it again?  Do you also want to be his disciples?"

28 Then they made fun of him, and said, "You are his disciple, but we are Moses' disciples.

29 We know that God spoke to Moses, as for this fellow, we don't know where he's from."

30 The man answered them, "Why in this is a marvelous thing, that you don't know where he's from, and yet he has opened my eyes.

31 Now we know that God doesn't listen to sinners, but if any man is a worshiper of God, and does his will, he hears him.

32 Since the world began it wasn't heard that any man opened the eyes of someone born blind.

33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing."

34 They answered him, "You were completely born in sins, and do you teach us?"  And they threw him out.

35 Jesus heard that they had thrown him out, and when he had found him, he said to him, "Do you believe on the Son of God?"

36 He answered, "Who is he, Lord, so I can believe on him?"

37 And Jesus said to him, "You have seen him, and it is he that talks with you."

38 And he said, "Lord, I believe."  And he worshiped him.

39 And Jesus said, "For judgment I have come into this world, so that those who don't see can see, and so that those who see will be made blind."

40 And some of the Pharisees who were with him heard these words, and said to him, "Are we blind also?"

41 Jesus said to them, "If you were blind, you would have no sin, but now you say, 'We see,' therefore your sin remains."

___John chapter 10

1 "Truly, truly, I say to you, he that doesn't enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, is a thief and a robber.

2 But he that enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep.

3 To him the door keeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name, and leads them out.

4 And when he sends out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice.

5 And they won't follow a stranger, but will flee from him, for they don't know the voice of strangers."

6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they didn't understand the things that he spoke to them.

7 Then Jesus said to them again, "Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep.

8 All that ever came prior to my coming are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear them.

9 I am the door, by me if anyone enters in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.

10 The thief comes only to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, I have come so they can have life, and so they can have it more abundantly.

11 I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.

12 But he that is a hired hand, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep, and runs off, and the wolf catches them, and scatters the sheep.

13 The hired hand runs off, because he is a hired hand, and doesn't care about the sheep.

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known by them.

15 As the Father knows me, also, I know the Father, and I lay down my life for the sheep.

16 And other sheep I have, that are not of this fold, them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice, and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

17 Therefore my Father loves me, because I lay down my life, so that I can take it again.

18 No man takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own.  I have the ability to lay it down, and I have the ability to take it again.  I have received this commandment from my Father."

19 There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings.

20 And many of them said, "He has a demon and is crazy, why do you listen to him?"

21 Others said, "These are not the words of him that has a demon.  Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?"

22 And it was at Jerusalem and the feast of the dedication, and it was winter.

23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch.

24 Then the Jews came around him, and said to him, "How long will you make us doubt?  If you are the Christ, tell us plainly."

25 Jesus answered them, "I told you, and you didn't believe, the works that I do in my Father's name testify about me.

26 But you don't believe because you are not of my sheep, like I said to you.

27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,

28 And I give them eternal life, and they'll never be destroyed, nor will anyone pluck them out of my hand.

29 My Father, who gave them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand.

30 I and my Father are one."

31 Then the Jews picked up stones again to throw at him.

32 Jesus answered them, "Many good works have I shown you from my Father, for which of those works do you stone me?"

33 The Jews answered him, "We don't stone you for a good work, but for blasphemy, and because you, being a man, make yourself God."

34 Jesus answered them, "Is it not written in your law, 'I said, You are gods?'

35 If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came, and the scripture can't be broken,

36 Do you say about him whom the Father has made holy, and sent into the world, 'You blaspheme,' because I said, I am the Son of God?

37 If I don't do the works of my Father, don't believe me.

38 But if I do, though you don't believe me, believe the works, so that you'll know and believe that the Father is in me, and I in him."

39 Therefore they tried again to find a way to arrest him, but he escaped out of their hand,

40 And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized, and he lived there.

41 And many resorted to him, and said, "John did no miracle, but all things that John spoke about this man were true."

42 And many believed on him there.

___John chapter 11

1 Now a certain man was sick named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha.

2 (It was the Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)

3 Therefore his sisters sent to him saying, "Lord, see, he whom you love is sick."

4 When Jesus heard that, he said, "This sickness is not fatal, but for the glory of God, so that the Son of God will be glorified by it."

5 Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus.

6 When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he remained two days still in the same place where he was.

7 Then after that he said to his disciples, "Let's go into Judea again."

8 His disciples said to him, "Master, the Jews recently tried to stone you, and are you going there again?"

9 Jesus answered, "Aren't there twelve hours in the day?  If any man walks in the day, he doesn't stumble, because he sees the light of this world.

10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles, because there is no light in him."

11 He said these things, and after that he said to them, "Our friend Lazarus sleeps.  But I go, so I can awake him out of sleep."

12 Then his disciples said, "Lord, if he sleeps, he's doing well."

13 But Jesus meant he was dead.  But they thought that he'd spoken about taking of rest in sleep.

14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, "Lazarus is dead.

15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you'll believe, anyway, let's go to him."

16 Then Thomas who is called Didymus said, to his fellow disciples, "Let us also go, so we can die with him."

17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had been laying in the grave four days already.

18 Now Bethany was near Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs away,

19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother.

20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him.  But Mary remained in the house.

21 Then Martha said to Jesus, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died.

22 But I know that even now, whatever you ask God for, God will do for you."

23 Jesus said to her, "Your brother shall rise again."

24 Martha said to him, "I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day."

25 Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection, and the life.  He that believes in me, though he were dead, yet he will live,

26 And whoever lives and believes in me shall never die.  Do you believe this?"

27 She said to him, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Christ, the Son of God, that was supposed to come into the world."

28 And when she had said that, she went her way, and called Mary her sister secretly saying, "The Master has come, and asks for you."

29 As soon as she heard that, she got up quickly, and went to him.

30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in the place where Martha met him.

31 The Jews then, who were with her in the house and comforted her, when they saw that Mary rose up hastily and went out, followed her saying, "She's going to the grave to cry there."

32 Then when Mary had come where Jesus was, and saw him, she fell down at his feet, saying to him, "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died."

33 When Jesus therefore saw her crying, and the Jews also crying who came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled,

34 And said, "Where have you laid him?"  They said to him, "Lord, come and see."

35 Jesus wept.

36 Then the Jews said, "See how he loved him!"

37 And some of them said, "Couldn't this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man would not have died?"

38 Jesus therefore again groaning in himself went to the grave.  It was a cave, and a stone lay on it.

39 Jesus said, "Take away the stone."  Martha, the sister of him that was dead, said to him, "Lord, by this time he stinks, for he has been dead four days."

40 Jesus said to her, "Didn't I say to you that if you would believe, you would see the glory of God?"

41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead had been laid.  And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, "Father, I thank you that you have heard me.

42 And I knew that you hear me always, but because of the people that stand by I said it, so that they will believe that you have sent me."

43 And when he thus had spoken, he shouted with a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out."

44 And he that had been dead came out, bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was wrapped with a napkin.  Jesus said to them, "Loose him, and let him go."

45 Then many of the Jews who came to Mary, and had seen the things that Jesus did, believed on him.

46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees, and told them the things Jesus had done.

47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council, and said, "What are we going to do?  For this man is doing many miracles.

48 If we let him alone, all men will believe on him, and the Romans will come and take away our place and our nation."

49 And one of them named Caiaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, "You know nothing at all,

50 Nor consider that it is best for us that one man should die for the people, so that the whole nation is not destroyed."

51 And he didn't speak this on his own, but being high priest that year, he prophesied that Jesus would die for that nation,

52 And not for that nation only, but that also he would gather together the children of God that were scattered abroad.

53 Then from that day onward they plotted together to put him to death.

54 Jesus therefore didn't walk any more openly among the Jews, but went from there to a country near the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and continued there with his disciples.

55 And the Jews' Passover had nearly arrived, and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover, to purify themselves.

56 Then they looked for Jesus, and spoke among themselves, as they stood in the temple, "What do you think, that he will not come to the feast?"

57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment that if any man knew where he was, he must tell them, so they could arrest him.

___John chapter 12

1 Then six days before the Passover, Jesus went to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom he raised from the dead.

2 They made him a supper there.  And Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.

3 Then Mary took a pound of ointment of spikenard, very costly, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped his feet with her hair, and the house was filled with the odor of the ointment.

4 Then Judas Iscariot, one of his disciples, Simon's son, who would betray him, said,

5 "Why wasn't this ointment sold for three hundred pence, and given to the poor?"

6 This he said, not because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and carried what was put in it.

7 Then Jesus said, "Let her alone, she has kept this for the day of my burying.

8 For you always have the poor with you, but you don't always have me."

9 Many of the Jews therefore knew that he was there, and they came not for Jesus' sake only, but so they could see Lazarus also, whom he had raised from the dead.

10 But the chief priests consulted about also putting Lazarus to death,

11 Since because of him many of the Jews went away, and believed on Jesus.

12 On the next day, many people that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem,

13 Took branches of palm trees, and went out to meet him, and shouted, "Hosanna, Blessed is the King of Israel that comes in the name of the Lord."

14 And Jesus, when he had found a young ass, sat on it, as it is written,

15 "Fear not, daughter of Zion.  See, your King comes, sitting on an ass's colt."

16 His disciples didn't 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.

17 The people therefore that were with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, became witnesses.

18 For this reason the people also met him, because they heard that he had done this miracle.

19 The Pharisees therefore said among themselves, "See how you don't prevail at all?  See, the world follows him."

20 And there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast.

21 So they went to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked, "Sir, we want to see Jesus."

22 Philip went and told Andrew, and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus.

23 And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of man to be glorified.

24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone.  But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit.

25 He that loves his life shall lose it.  And he that hates his life in this world shall keep it and have life eternal.

26 If any man serves me, let him follow me.  And where I am, my servant will be there also.  If any man serves me, my Father will honor him.

27 Now my soul is troubled, and what shall I say?  'Father, save me from this hour?,' but for this reason I came to this hour.

28 Father, glorify your name."  Then a voice came from heaven, saying, "I have glorified it, and will glorify it again."

29 The people therefore that stood by and heard it said that it thundered.  Others said, "An angel spoke to him."

30 Jesus answered, "This voice didn't come because of me, but for your sakes.

31 Now is the judgment of this world, now shall the prince of this world be thrown out.

32 And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to me."

33 This he said, signifying what death he would die.

34 The people answered him, "We have heard out of the law that Christ lives forever, so how can you say, 'The Son of man must be lifted up?'  Who is this Son of man?"

35 Then Jesus said to them, "For yet a little while, the light is with you.  Walk while you have the light, so that darkness doesn't come on you, for he that walks in darkness doesn't know where he's going.

36 While you have light, believe in the light, so that you'll be the children of light."  Jesus spoke these things, and departed, and hid himself from them.

37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they didn't believe on him,

38 So that the saying of Isaiah the prophet would be fulfilled, that he spoke, "Lord, who has believed our report?  And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?"

39 Therefore they couldn't believe, because Isaiah said again,

40 "He has blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart, so they wouldn't see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I would heal them."

41 Isaiah said these things, when he saw his glory, and spoke about him.

42 However, among the top rulers also many believed on him, but because of the Pharisees they didn't confess him, so they wouldn't be put out of the synagogue,

43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God.

44 Jesus shouted and said, "He that believes on me, believes not on me, but on him that sent me.

45 And he that sees me sees him that sent me.

46 I have come a light into the world, so that whoever believes on me won't remain in darkness.

47 And if any man hears my words, and doesn't believe, I don't judge him, for I didn't come to judge the world, but to save the world.

48 He that rejects me, and doesn't receive my words, has one that judges him, the word that I have spoken shall judge him at the last day.

49 For I haven't spoken of myself, but the Father who sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak.

50 And I know that his commandment is life everlasting.  Whatever I speak therefore, just as the Father said to me, so I speak."

___John chapter 13

1 Now before the feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come that he was to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own that were in the world, he loved them until the end.

2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon's son, to betray him,

3 Jesus knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God, and went to God,

4 He got up from supper, and laid aside his garments, and took a towel, and wrapped it around himself.

5 After that he poured water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel.

6 Then he came to Simon Peter, and Peter said to him, "Lord, are you going to wash my feet?"

7 Jesus answered him, "What I do you don't know now, but you'll know later."

8 Peter said to him, "You'll never wash my feet."  Jesus answered him, "If I don't wash them, you have no part with me."

9 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head."

10 Jesus said to him, "He that is washed only needs his feet washed, but is every bit clean, and you are clean, but not all."

11 For he knew who would betray him.  That's why he said, "You're not all clean."

12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and sat down again, he said to them, "Do you know what I have done to you?

13 You call me Master and Lord, and you're right, because I am.

14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash each other's feet.

15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you.

16 Truly, truly, I say to you, the servant is not greater than his lord, nor is he that is sent greater than the one who sent him.

17 If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.

18 I'm not talking about you all.  I know whom I have chosen, but so that the scripture will be fulfilled, 'He that eats bread with me has lifted up his heel against me.'

19 Now I tell you before it happens, so that, when it has happened, you'll believe that I am he.

20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he that receives whomever I send receives me.  And he that receives me receives him that sent me."

21 When Jesus had said that, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, "Truly, truly, I say to you, one of you will betray me."

22 Then the disciples looked at each other, wondering whom he meant.

23 Now one of his disciples was leaning on Jesus' chest, whom Jesus loved.

24 Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it was about whom he spoke.

25 He then lying on Jesus' chest said to him, "Lord, who is it?"

26 Jesus answered, "It is he to whom I'll give a sop, after I've have dipped it."  And after he dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

27 And after the sop, Satan entered into him.  Then Jesus said to him, "What you do, do quickly."

28 Now no man at the table knew why he said that to him.

29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the money bag, that Jesus had said to him, "Buy the things that we need for the feast," or, that he should give something to the poor.

30 He then, having received the sop immediately went out, and it was night.

31 Therefore, when he had gone out, Jesus said, "Now the Son of man is glorified, and God is glorified in him.

32 If God is glorified in him, God shall also glorify him in himself, and shall immediately glorify him.

33 Little children, I am with you yet a little while.  You'll seek me, and as I said to the Jews, where I go, you can't come, so I say now to you.

34 A new commandment I give you, that you love each other like I've loved you, that you also love each other.

35 By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for each other."

36 Simon Peter said to him, "Lord, where are you going?"  Jesus answered him, "Where I'm going, you can't follow me now, but you'll follow me afterward."

37 Peter said to him, "Lord, why can't I follow you now?  I will lay down my life for your sake."

38 Jesus answered him, "Will you lay down your life for my sake?  Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster won't crow, until you've denied me three times."

___John chapter 14

1 "Don't let your heart be troubled, you believe in God, believe also in me.

2 In my Father's house are many mansions, if it were not so, I would have told you.  I go to prepare a place for you.

3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you to myself, so that where I am, you'll be there also.

4 And where I'm going you know, and the way you know."

5 Thomas said to him, "Lord, we don't know where you're going, and how can we know the way?"

6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life, no man comes to the Father, except by me.

7 If you had known me, you would have known my Father also, and from now on you know him, and have seen him."

8 Philip said to him, "Lord, show us the Father, and it will be sufficient for us."

9 Jesus said to him, "Have I been such a long time with you, and yet have you not known me, Philip?  He that has seen me has seen the Father, and how then can you say, 'Show us the Father?'

10 Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and the Father in me?  The words that I speak to you I don't speak on my own, but the Father that lives in me.  He does the works.

11 Believe me that I am in the Father, and the Father in me, or else believe me for the very works' sake.

12 Truly, truly, I say to you, he that believes on me, the works that I do, he shall do also.  And greater works than these shall he do, because I go to my Father.

13 And whatever you ask in my name, that's what I'll do, so that the Father will be glorified in the Son.

14 If you ask anything in my name, I'll do it.

15 If you love me, keep my commandments.

16 And I will pray to the Father, and he'll give you another Comforter, so that he will live with you forever,

17 Who is the Spirit of truth, whom the world can't receive, because it doesn't see him, nor know him.  But you know him, for he lives with you, and shall be in you.

18 I will not leave you comfortless.  I will come to you.

19 Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more.  But you see me.  Because I live, you'll live also.

20 At that day you'll know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you.

21 He that has my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me.  And he that loves me shall be loved by my Father, and I will love him, and will reveal myself to him."

22 Judas said to him, not Iscariot, "Lord, how is it that you'll reveal yourself to us, and not to the world?"

23 Jesus answered him, "If a man loves me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and live with him.

24 He that doesn't love me doesn't keep my sayings.  And the word that you hear is not mine, but the Father's who sent me.

25 I've spoken these things to you while yet present with you.

26 But the Comforter, who is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he'll teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatever I have said to you.

27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you.  Not like the world gives, do I give to you.  Don't let your heart be troubled, and don't let it be afraid.

28 You've heard how I said to you, I go away, and come again to you.  If you loved me, you would rejoice, because I said, I go to the Father, for my Father is greater than I am.

29 And now I have told you before it happens, so that, when it has happened, you will believe.

30 From now on I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world comes, and has nothing in me.

31 But so that the world will know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave me commandment, so I do.  Get up, let's go from here."

___John chapter 15

1 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vineyard keeper.

2 Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit he takes away.  And every branch that bears fruit, he purges it, so it will produce more fruit.

3 Now you are clean through the word that I've spoken to you.

4 Remain in me, and I in you.  As the branch can't bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, no more can you, unless you remain in me.

5 I am the vine, you are the branches.  He that remains in me, and I in him, the same produces a lot of fruit, for without me you can do nothing.

6 If a man doesn't remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and is withered, and men gather them, and throw them into the fire, and they are burned.

7 If you remain in me, and my words remain in you, you'll ask whatever you want, and it shall be done to you.

8 In this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit.  So shall you be my disciples.

9 As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you, continue in my love.

10 If you keep my commandments, you'll remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments, and remain in his love.

11 These things I have spoken to you, so that my joy will remain in you, and so your joy will be full.

12 This is my commandment, that you love each other, like I have loved you.

13 No man has greater love than this, that a man lays down his life for his friends.

14 You are my friends, if you do whatever I command you.

15 From now on I don't call you servants, for the servant doesn't know what his lord is doing, but I have called you friends, for all things that I've heard from my Father I've made known to you.

16 You haven't chosen me, but I've chosen you, and ordained you, so that you'll go and produce fruit, and so your fruit will remain, so that whatever you ask from the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

17 These things I command you, that you love each other.

18 If the world hates you, you know that it hated me before it hated you.

19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own.  But because you're not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.

20 Remember the word that I said to you, the servant is not greater than his lord.  If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you.  If they've kept my sayings, they will keep yours also.

21 But they will do all these things to you for my name's sake, because they don't know him that sent me.

22 If I hadn't come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin, but now they have no covering for their sin.

23 He that hates me hates my Father also.

24 If I hadn't done among them the works that no other man did, they would not have had sin.  But now they've seen and hated both me and my Father.

25 But this happens so that the word is fulfilled that is written in their law, 'They hated me without a reason.'

26 But when the Comforter has come, whom I will send to you from the Father, who is the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he'll testify about me.

27 And you'll also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning."

___John chapter 16

1 "I have spoken these things to you so that you won't be offended.

2 They'll put you out of the synagogues.  Yes, the time will come, that whoever kills you will think that he's doing God a service.

3 And these things they'll do to you, because they haven't known the Father, nor me.

4 But I've told you these things so that when the time comes, you'll remember that I told you about them.  And I didn't say these things to you at the beginning, because I was with you.

5 But now I go my way to him that sent me.  And none of you asks me, 'Where are you going?'

6 But because I have said these things to you, sorrow has filled your hearts.

7 Even so, I tell you the truth, It's best for you that I go away, for if I don't go away, the Comforter won't come to you.  But if I depart, I'll send him to you.

8 And when he has come, he'll reveal the sin of the world, and will show righteousness, and will show justice.

9 Of sin, because they don't believe on me.

10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and you don't see me anymore.

11 Of justice, because the prince of this world is judged.

12 I still have many things to say to you, but you can't cope with them now.

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, has come, he will guide you into all truth, for he shall not speak of himself, but whatever he shall hear, he will speak.  And he'll show you things to come.

14 He'll glorify me, for he'll receive of mine, and shall show it to you.

15 All things that the Father has are mine.  That's why I said, he'll take of mine, and shall show it to you.

16 A little while, and you won't see me.  And again, a little while, and you'll see me, because I go to the Father."

17 Then some of his disciples said among themselves, "What is this that he says to us, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again, a little while, and you'll see me,' and, 'because I go to the Father?'"

18 They said therefore, "What is this that he says, 'A little while?'  We can't tell what he's saying."

19 Now Jesus knew that they wanted to ask him, and said to them, "Do you inquire among yourselves about the saying, 'A little while, and you won't see me, and again a little while, and you'll see me?'

20 Truly, truly, I say to you that you'll cry and lament, but the world will rejoice.  And you'll be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.

21 A woman, when she is in travail has sorrow, because her hour has come, but as soon as she gets deliverance from the baby, she no longer remembers the pain, for the joy that a man has been born into the world.

22 And you now therefore have sorrow.  But I'll see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and no one will take your joy away from you.

23 And in that day you'll ask me nothing.  Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name, he'll give it to you.

24 Until now you've asked nothing in my name, ask, and you'll receive, so that your joy will be full.

25 I have spoken these things to you in proverbs.  But the time will come, when I'll no longer speak to you in proverbs, but I'll show you plainly from the Father.

26 At that day you'll ask in my name.  And I don't say to you, that I will pray to the Father for you.

27 For the Father himself loves you, because you've loved me, and have believed that I came out from God.

28 I came from the Father, and have come into the world.  Again, I leave the world, and go to the Father."

29 His disciples said to him, "See, now you're speaking plainly, and not speaking a proverb.

30 Now we're sure that you know all things, and don't need for any man to ask you.  By this we believe that you came from God."

31 Jesus answered them, "Do you now believe?

32 See, the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you'll be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone.  And yet I'm not alone, because the Father is with me.

33 I have spoken these things to you so that in me you'll have peace.  In the world you'll have tribulation.  But be of good cheer, I've overcome the world."

___John chapter 17

1 Jesus spoke these words, and looked up toward heaven, and said, "Father, the hour has come.  Glorify your Son, so that your Son will also glorify you.

2 As you've given him power over all flesh, so that he'd give eternal life to as many as you have given him.

3 And this is life eternal, that they'll know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you've sent.

4 I have glorified you on the earth.  I've finished the work that you gave me to do.

5 And now, O Father, glorify me with your own self, with the glory that I had with you before the world was.

6 I have revealed your name to the men that you gave me out of the world.  They were yours, and you gave them to me.  And they have kept your word.

7 Now they have known that all things that you've given me are from you.

8 For I've given them the words that you gave me.  And they've received them, and have known surely that I came out from you, and they've believed that you sent me.

9 I pray for them.  I don't pray for the world, but for those that you've given me, for they are yours.

10 And all of mine are yours, and yours are mine.  And I'm glorified in them.

11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to you.  Holy Father, keep through your own name those whom you've given me, so that they'll be one, as we are.

12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in your name.  Those that you gave me I've kept, and none of them is lost, except for the son of hell, so that the scripture would be fulfilled.

13 And now come I to you.  And these things I speak in the world, so that they'll have my joy fulfilled in themselves.

14 I've given them your word.  And the world has hated them, because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

15 I don't pray that you'll take them out of the world, but that you'll keep them from the evil.

16 They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.

17 Make them holy through your truth.  Your word is truth.

18 As you have sent me into the world, so I've also sent them into the world.

19 And for their sakes I purify myself, so that they also will be made holy through the truth.

20 Nor do I pray for these only, but for those also who will believe on me through their word,

21 So that they'll all be one, like you, Father, are in me, and I in you, so that they'll also be one in us, so that the world will believe that you have sent me.

22 And the glory that you gave I've given them, so that they'll be one, just as we are one,

23 I in them, and you in me, so that they'll be made perfect in one, and so the world will know that you've sent me, and have loved them, like you've loved me.

24 Father, I also want those that you've given me to be with me where I am, so that they'll see my glory that you've given me, for you loved me before the foundation of the world.

25 O righteous Father, the world hasn't known you.  But I've known you, and these have known that you have sent me.

26 And I have declared to them your name, and will declare it, so that the love with which you've loved me will be in them, and I in them."

___John chapter 18

1 When Jesus had spoken these words, he went out with his disciples over the brook Cedron, where there was a garden, into which he entered, and his disciples.

2 And Judas also, who betrayed him, knew the place, for Jesus often went there with his disciples.

3 Judas then, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns and torches and weapons.

4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would happen to him, went out and said to them, "Who are you looking for?"

5 They answered him, "Jesus of Nazareth."  Jesus said to them, "I am he."  And Judas also, who betrayed him, stood with them.

6 As soon then as he had told them, "I am he," they went backward, and fell to the ground.

7 Then he asked them again, "Who are you looking for?"  And they said, "Jesus of Nazareth."

8 Jesus answered, "I've told you that I am he.  If therefore you seek me, let these go their way,"

9 So that the saying would be fulfilled that he said, "Of those that you gave me, I've lost none."

10 Then Simon Peter having a sword pulled it out, and struck the high priest's servant, and cut off his right ear.  The servant's name was Malchus.

11 Then Jesus said to Peter, "Put away your sword into the sheath.  The cup that my Father has given me, shall I not drink it?"

12 Then the band and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus, and tied him,

13 And led him away to Annas first, for he was father-in-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year.

14 Now Caiaphas was the one who gave advice to the Jews that it was best for one man to die for the people.

15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple.  That disciple was known to the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.

16 But Peter stood outside at the door.  Then that other disciple went out, who was known to the high priest, and spoke to the woman that kept the door, and brought in Peter.

17 Then the young woman that kept the door said to Peter, "Aren't you also one of this man's disciples?"  He said, "I'm not."

18 And the servants and officers stood there, who had made a fire of coals, for it was cold.  And they warmed themselves.  And Peter stood with them, and warmed himself.

19 Then the high priest asked Jesus about his disciples, and about his teachings.

20 Jesus answered him, "I spoke openly to the world.  I always taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, where the Jews always go.  And I've said nothing in secret.

21 Why do you ask me?  Ask those who heard me what I've said to them.  See, they know what I said."

22 And when he had said this, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand and said, "Is that how you answer the high priest?"

23 Jesus answered him, "If I have spoken evil, testify about the evil, but if well, why do you strike me?"

24 Now Annas had sent him bound to Caiaphas the high priest.

25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself.  They said therefore to him, "Aren't you also one of his disciples?"  He denied it, saying, "I'm not."

26 One of the servants of the high priest, being a kinsman of the man whose ear Peter had cut off said, "Didn't I see you in the garden with him?"

27 Peter then denied again, and immediately the rooster crowed.

28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the hall of judgment.  And it was early.  And they themselves didn't go into the judgment hall, so they wouldn't be defiled, but so they could eat the Passover.

29 Then Pilate went out to them and said, "What accusation do you bring against this man?"

30 They answered him, "If he weren't a criminal, we wouldn't have brought him to you."

31 Then Pilate said to them, "You take him and judge him according to your law."  The Jews therefore said to him, "It is not lawful for us to execute anyone,"

32 So that the saying of Jesus would be fulfilled, that he spoke, signifying what death he would die.

33 Then Pilate went into the judgment hall again and called Jesus, and said to him, "Are you the King of the Jews?"

34 Jesus answered him, "Do you say this thing on your own, or did others say this to you about me?"

35 Pilate answered, "Am I a Jew?  Your own nation and the chief priests have brought you to me.  What have you done?"

36 Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world.  If my kingdom were of this world, then my servants would fight, so that I wouldn't be given to the Jews.  But now is my kingdom not from here."

37 Pilate therefore said to him, "Are you a king then?"  Jesus answered, "You say that I am a king.  That's why I was born, and I came into the world for this reason, so that I would testify to the truth.  Everyone that is of the truth hears my voice."

38 Pilate said to him, "What is truth?"  And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, "I find no fault at all in him.

39 But you have a custom, that I should set someone free for you at the Passover.  So do you want me to set free the King of the Jews for you?"

40 Then they all shouted again, "Not this man, but Barabbas."  Now Barabbas was a robber.

___John chapter 19

1 Then Pilate therefore took Jesus, and whipped him.

2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put a purple robe on him,

3 And said, "Hail, King of the Jews!"  And they struck him with their hands.

4 Pilate therefore went out again, and said to them, "See, I bring him out to you, so you'll know that I find no fault in him."

5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe.  And Pilate said to them, "Look at the man!"

6 When the chief priests therefore and officers saw him, they shouted, "Crucify him, crucify him."  Pilate said to them, "You take him, and crucify him, for I find no fault in him."

7 The Jews answered him, "We have a law, and by our law he ought to die, because he made himself the Son of God."

8 When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he was more afraid,

9 And went again into the judgment hall, and said to Jesus, "Where are you from?"  But Jesus gave him no answer.

10 Then Pilate said to him, "You won't answer me?  Don't you know that I have the authority to crucify you, and have authority to set you free?"

11 Jesus answered, "You could have no authority at all over me, unless it had been given to you from above, therefore he that brought me to you has the greater sin."

12 And from then on Pilate looked for a way to release him, but the Jews shouted, "If you let this man go, you're not Caesar's friend.  Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar."

13 When Pilate therefore heard that, he brought Jesus out, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

14 And it was the preparation of the Passover, and about the sixth hour, and he said to the Jews, "Look at your King!"

15 But they shouted, "Away with him, away with him, crucify him."  Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?"  The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar."

16 Then he gave him therefore to them to be crucified.  And they took Jesus, and led him away.

17 And he, carrying his cross went out into a place called the place of a skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha,

18 Where they crucified him, and two others with him, one on each side, and Jesus in the middle.

19 And Pilate wrote a sign, and put it on the cross.  And the sign said, "Jesus of Nazareth, The King of the Jews."

20 Then many of the Jews read this sign, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city.  And it was written in Hebrew, and Greek, and Latin.

21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but that he said, 'I am King of the Jews.'"

22 Pilate answered, "What I have written I have written."

23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and divided them into four parts, to each soldier a part.  And also his coat.  Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout.

24 They said therefore among themselves, "Let's not tear it, but draw straws for it, to see who gets it," so that the scripture would be fulfilled, that says, "They divided my clothing among them, and for my vesture they drew straws."  These things therefore the soldiers did.

25 Now Jesus' mother stood by his cross, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.

26 When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he said to his mother, "Woman, look at your son!"

27 Then he said to the disciple, "Look at your mother!"  And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home.

28 After this, Jesus knowing that all things had now been accomplished, so that the scripture would be fulfilled, said, "I'm thirsty."

29 Now a container full of vinegar was sitting there.  And they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it on hyssop, and put it to his mouth.

30 When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, "It is finished," and he bowed his head, and yielded up the spirit.

31 The Jews therefore, because it was the preparation, so the bodies wouldn't remain on the cross on the Sabbath day, (for that Sabbath day was a high day,) asked Pilate for their legs to be broken, and that they would be taken away.

32 Then the soldiers came, and broke the legs of the first, and of the other who were crucified with him.

33 But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was already dead, they didn't break his legs.

34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and immediately blood and water came out.

35 And he that saw it testified, and his testimony is true.  And he knows that he's telling the truth, so that you'll believe.

36 For these things were done, so that the scripture would be fulfilled, "No bone of him shall be broken."

37 And again, another scripture says, "They shall look at him whom they pierced."

38 And after this, Joseph of Arimathaea, a disciple of Jesus, but secretly for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate for permission to take away the body of Jesus.  And Pilate gave him permission.  He came therefore, and took the body of Jesus.

39 And Nicodemus also came, who at the first came to Jesus at night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about a hundred pounds in weight.

40 Then they took the body of Jesus, and wound it in linen cloth with the spices, the way the Jews bury people.

41 Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been buried.

42 Therefore they laid Jesus there because of the Jews' preparation day, for the tomb was nearby.

___John chapter 20

1 The first day of the week, Mary Magdalene came early, while it was still dark, to the tomb, and saw the stone taken away from the tomb.

2 Then she ran, and came to Simon Peter, and to the other disciple whom Jesus loved, and said to them, "They've taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we don't know where they've laid him."

3 Peter therefore went out, and that other disciple, and came to the tomb.

4 So they both ran together.  And the other disciple outran Peter, and arrived first at the tomb.

5 And stooping down, and looking in, he saw the linen clothes lying.  But he didn't go in.

6 Then Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the tomb, and saw the linen clothes lie,

7 And the napkin, that had been around his head, not lying with the linen clothes, but wrapped together in a place by itself.

8 Then that other disciple also went in, who came first to the tomb, and he saw, and believed.

9 For they didn't yet know the scripture that he must rise again from the dead.

10 Then the disciples went away again to their own home.

11 But Mary stood outside at the tomb crying.  And as she cried, she stooped down, and looked into the tomb,

12 And saw two angels in white sitting, the one at the head, and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain.

13 And they said to her, "Woman, why are you crying?"  She said to them, "Because they've taken away my Lord, and I don't know where they've laid him."

14 And when she had said that, she turned around, and saw Jesus standing, and didn't know it was Jesus.

15 Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you crying?  Who are you looking for?"  She, supposing him to be the gardener, said to him, "Sir, if you've carried him from here, tell me where you've laid him, and I will take him away."

16 Jesus said to her, "Mary."  She turned around, and said to him, "Rabboni," which is to say, "Master."

17 Jesus said to her, "Don't touch me, 'cause I haven't yet ascended to my Father, but go to my brothers, and say to them, I ascend to my Father, and your Father, and to my God, and your God."

18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that he had said these things to her.

19 Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood among them, and said to them, "Peace be to you."

20 And when he had said that, he showed them his hands and his side.  Then the disciples were glad, when they saw the Lord.

21 Then Jesus said to them again, "Peace be to you, as my Father has sent me, so I send you."

22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Ghost.

23 Whoever's sins you cancel, they are cancelled for them, and whoever's sins you retain, they are retained."

24 But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.

25 The other disciples therefore said to him, "We've seen the Lord."  But he said to them, "Unless I see the print of the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe."

26 And after eight days his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas with them.  Then Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood among them, and said, "Peace be to you."

27 Then he said to Thomas, "Reach your finger here, and see my hands, and reach your hand here, and put it into my side, and don't be faithless, but believing."

28 And Thomas answered him, "My Lord and my God."

29 Jesus said to him, "Thomas, because you have seen me, you've believed, blessed are those who haven't seen, and yet have believed."

30 And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, that are not written in this book,

31 But these are written, so that you'll believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and so that believing, you'll have life through his name.

___John chapter 21

1 After these things Jesus showed himself again to the disciples at the sea of Tiberias, and here's how he showed himself.

2 Together were gathered Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two other of his disciples.

3 Simon Peter said to them, "I'm going fishing."  They said to him, "We'll go, too."  They went out, and entered into a ship immediately.  And that night they caught nothing.

4 But when the morning had come, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples didn't know that it was Jesus.

5 Then Jesus said to them, "Children, do you have any fish?"  They answered him, "No."

6 And he said to them, "Throw the net on the right side of the ship, and you'll find."  They threw therefore, and now they were not able to pull it for the multitude of fish.

7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, "It's the Lord."  Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his fisherman's coat, (for he was naked,) and jumped into the sea.

8 And the other disciples came in a little ship, (for they weren't far from land, but about a hundred yards,) dragging the net with fish.

9 As soon then as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread.

10 Jesus said to them, "Bring some of the fish that you've now caught."

11 Simon Peter went up, and pulled the net to land full of large fish, one hundred fifty three fish, and though there were so many, yet the net was not broken.

12 Jesus said to them, "Come and eat."  And none of the disciples dared to ask him, "Who are you?," knowing that it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus came, and took bread, and gave it to them, and also fish.

14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed himself to his disciples, after he had risen from the dead.

15 So when they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, "Simon, son of Jona, do you love me more than you love these?"  He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you."  He said to him, "Feed my lambs."

16 He said to him again the second time, "Simon, son of Jona, do you love me?"  He said to him, "Yes, Lord, you know I love you."  He said to him, "Feed my sheep."

17 He said to him the third time, "Simon, son of Jona, do you love me?"  Peter was grieved because he said to him the third time, "Do you love me?"  And he said to him, "Lord, you know everything, you know I love you."  Jesus said to him, "Feed my sheep.

18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you dressed yourself, and walked where you wanted to, but when you're old, you'll reach out your hands, and someone else will dress you, and carry you where you don't want to go."

19 This he spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God.  And when he had said this, he said to him, "Follow me."

20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on his chest at supper, and said, "Lord, who is it that will betray you?"

21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, "Lord, and what shall this man do?"

22 Jesus said to him, "If I want him to wait until I come, what is that to you?  Follow me."

23 Then this saying went around among the brothers, that that disciple wouldn't die, yet Jesus didn't say to him, "He won't die," but, "If I want him to wait until I come, what is that to you?"

24 This is the disciple who's testifying about these things, and wrote these things, and we know that his testimony is true.

25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were all to be written, I suppose even the world itself couldn't contain the books that would be written.  Amen.

___Acts chapter 1

1 I have written the previous book, O lover of God, about all that Jesus began to do and teach,

2 Until the day in which he was taken up, after he, through the Holy Ghost, had given commandments to the apostles whom he had chosen,

3 To whom also he showed himself alive after his ordeal by many reliable proofs, being seen by them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.

4 And being assembled together with them, commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, "Which," he said, "you have heard from me.

5 For John truly baptized with water, but you'll be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days from now."

6 When they therefore had come together, they asked him, "Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?"

7 He said to them, "It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, that the Father has put in his own power.

8 But you'll receive power, after the Holy Ghost has come on you, and you'll be witnesses to me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and to the farthest parts of the earth."

9 And when he had spoken these things, while they watched, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight.

10 And while they looked steadily toward heaven as he went up, see, two men stood by them in white clothes,

11 Who also said, "You men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven?  This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, shall come back the same way as you have seen him go into heaven."

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount Olivet, which is from Jerusalem a Sabbath day's journey.

13 And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James stayed.

14 These all continued in agreement in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

15 And in those days Peter stood up among the disciples, and said, (the number of names together was about one hundred twenty,)

16 "Men and brothers, this scripture must necessarily have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was guide to those who arrested Jesus.

17 For he was one of us, and had obtained part of this ministry.

18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of sin, and falling down, he burst in pieces in the middle, and all his bowels gushed out.

19 And it was known to all those living in Jerusalem, so that the field is called in their proper tongue, 'Aceldama,' that is to say, 'The field of blood.'

20 For it is written in the book of Psalms, 'Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell in it, and let someone else take his office.'

21 So of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us,

22 Beginning from the baptism of John, until the day that he was taken up from us, someone must be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection."

23 And they selected two candidates, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.

24 And they prayed, and said, "You Lord, who knows the hearts of all men, show which of these two you've chosen,

25 So he can take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas fell by sinning, so that he would go to his own place."

26 And they drew straws and got Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

___Acts chapter 2

1 And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all in agreement in one place.

2 And suddenly, a sound came from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting.

3 And they saw split tongues like fire, and it rested on each of them.

4 And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other languages, as the Spirit gave them the words to speak.

5 And Jews were living at Jerusalem, devout men, out of every nation under heaven.

6 Now when this news had spread around, the multitude came together and were amazed, because every man heard them speak in his own language.

7 And they were all amazed and surprised, saying to each other, "See, aren't all of these who speak Galileans?

8 And how is it that we hear every man in our own language in which we were born?

9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and those living in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia,

10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Jews and converts,

11 Cretes and Arabians, we hear them speak in our languages the wonderful works of God."

12 And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying to each other, "What does this mean?"

13 Others mocking said, "These men are full of new wine."

14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice, and said to them, "You men of Judea, and all of you that live at Jerusalem, know this, and listen to my words,

15 For these people aren't drunk, like you think, since it's only the third hour of the day.

16 But this is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel,

17 'And it shall be in the last days, says God, I will pour out of my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams,

18 And on my servants and on my handmaidens I will pour out in those days of my Spirit, and they shall prophesy,

19 And I will show wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath, blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke,

20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord comes,

21 And it shall be, that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.'

22 You men of Israel, hear these words, Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God among you, by miracles and wonders and signs, that God did by him among you, as you yourselves also know,

23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and beforehand knowledge of God, you've taken, and by wicked hands have crucified and killed,

24 Whom God has raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that he should be held captive by it.

25 For David speaks concerning him, 'I could always picture the Lord before my face, for he is at my right hand, so that I would not be moved,

26 Therefore my heart rejoiced, and my tongue was glad, also my flesh shall rest in hope,

27 Because you won't leave my soul in hell, nor will you allow your Holy One to see corruption.

28 You've made known to me the ways of life, you'll make me full of joy with your face.'

29 Men and brothers, let me freely speak to you about the patriarch David, that he is dead and buried, and his tomb is still with us today.

30 Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up Christ to sit on his throne,

31 He, seeing this beforehand, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, nor did his flesh see corruption.

32 God has raised up this Jesus, about whom all of us are witnesses.

33 Therefore being honored at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he has given this that you now see and hear.

34 For David has not ascended into the heavens, but he said himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, sit at my right hand,

35 Until I make your enemies your footstool.'

36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know for certain, that God has made that same Jesus, whom you've crucified, the Lord and Christ."

37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, "Men and brothers, what shall we do?"

38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you'll receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is to you, and to your children, and to all that are far off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call."

40 And he testified and exhorted with many other words, and said, "Save yourselves from this wicked generation."

41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day there were added to them about three thousand souls.

42 And they continued steadily in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

43 And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.

44 And all that believed were together, and had all things in common,

45 And sold their possessions and goods, and divided them to all men, as every man had need.

46 And they, continuing daily in agreement in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart,

47 Praising God, and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were going to be saved.

___Acts chapter 3

1 Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, which was the ninth hour.

2 And a certain man who couldn't walk since birth was carried, whom they laid every day at the gate of the temple that is called Beautiful, to beg for money from those who entered into the temple,

3 Who, seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, asked for money.

4 And Peter, fastening his eyes on him with John said, "Look at us."

5 And he paid attention to them, expecting to receive something from them.

6 Then Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have, I give you, in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

7 And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength.

8 And he leaping up stood, and walked, and entered with them into the temple, walking, and leaping, and praising God.

9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God,

10 And they knew that it was he that sat begging at the Beautiful gate of the temple, and they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

11 And as the lame man who'd been healed held Peter and John, all the people ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon's, greatly wondering.

12 And when Peter saw it, he said to the people, "You men of Israel, why are you surprised at this?  Or why do you look so earnestly at us, as though by our own power or holiness we had given this man the ability to walk?

13 The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his Son Jesus, whom you arrested, and denied him in the presence of Pilate, when he wanted to set him free.

14 But you denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted to you,

15 And killed the Prince of Life, whom God has raised from the dead, about which we are witnesses.

16 And his name through faith in his name has made this man strong, whom you see and know, yes, the faith that is by him has given him this perfect health in the presence of you all.

17 And now, brothers, I know that you did it through ignorance, as did also your rulers.

18 But those things, that God had shown before by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ would suffer, he has so fulfilled.

19 Repent therefore, and be converted, so that your sins will be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord,

20 And he shall send Jesus Christ, who was previously preached to you,

21 Whom the heaven must hold until the times of restoring of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets since the world began.

22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, 'A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up to you of your brothers, like me, him shall you hear in all things whatever he shall say to you.'

23 And it shall be, that every soul, that won't listen to that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

24 Yes, and all the prophets starting with Samuel, and those that follow later, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

25 You are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant that God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, And in your descendants shall all the people of the earth be blessed.

26 To you first, God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his sins."

___Acts chapter 4

1 And as they spoke to the people, the priests, and the captain of the temple, and the Sadducees, came to them,

2 Being grieved that they taught the people, and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead.

3 And they arrested them, and put them in jail until the next day, for it was already evening.

4 But many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of men was about five thousand.

5 And on the next day, their rulers, and elders, and scribes,

6 And Annas, the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and all the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.

7 And when they had brought them in, they asked, "By what power, or by what name, have you done this?"

8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them, "You rulers of the people, and elders of Israel,

9 If we are questioned today about the good deed done to the man who couldn't walk, by what means he's been made well,

10 I tell you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him does this man stand here before you well.

11 This is the stone that was rejected by you builders, that has become the cornerstone.

12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men, by which we must be saved."

13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated and ignorant men, they were surprised, and they took note of them, that they had been with Jesus.

14 And seeing the man standing with them who had been healed, they could say nothing against it.

15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves,

16 Saying, "What shall we do to these men?  The fact that a notable miracle has been done by them is clear to all those who live in Jerusalem, and we can't deny it.

17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us strictly threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.

18 And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus.

19 But Peter and John answered them, "Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you can judge.

20 For we can only speak the things that we have seen and heard."

21 So when they had further threatened them, they let them go, finding no way to punish them, because of the people, for all men glorified God for what had been done.

22 For the man was more than forty years old, on whom this miracle of healing was shown.

23 And being let go, they went to their own people, and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them.

24 And when they heard that, they all lifted up their voices to God, and said, "Lord, you are God, who has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that is in them,

25 Who by the mouth of your servant David have said, 'Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?

26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord, and against his Christ.'

27 For truly against your holy child Jesus, whom you have anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,

28 To do whatever your hand and your judgment previously determined to be done.

29 And now, Lord, look at their threatenings, and grant to your servants, that with all boldness they'll speak your word,

30 By stretching out your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders will be done by the name of your holy child Jesus."

31 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together, and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spoke the word of God with boldness.

32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul, nor did any of them say that anything he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common.

33 And the apostles witnessed with great power about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was on them all.

34 Nor were there any among them that lacked, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold,

35 And laid them down at the apostles' feet, and distribution was made to every man according to his needs.

36 And Joses, who by the apostles was surnamed Barnabas, (which is, being interpreted, "The son of consolation,") a Levite, and of the country of Cyprus,

37 Having land, sold it, and brought the money, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

___Acts chapter 5

1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession,

2 And kept back part of the money, his wife also knowing about it, and brought a certain part, and laid it at the apostles' feet.

3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep back part of the price of the land?

4 While it remained, wasn't it your own?  And after it was sold, wasn't it under your control?  Why have you conceived this thing in your heart?  You haven't lied to men, but to God."

5 And Ananias hearing these words fell down, and gave up the spirit, and great fear came on all of those who heard these things.

6 And the young men got up, wound him up, and carried him out, and buried him.

7 And it was about three hours later when his wife, not knowing what had happened, came in.

8 And Peter said to her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?"  And she said, "Yes, for so much."

9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?  See, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and shall carry you out."

10 Then she fell down immediately at his feet, and yielded up the spirit, and the young men came in, and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

11 And great fear came on all the church, and on as many as heard these things.

12 And by the hands of the apostles many signs and wonders were done among the people, (and they were all in agreement in Solomon's porch.

13 And of the rest, no man dared join himself to them, but the people magnified them.

14 And more believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women.)

15 So that they brought out the sick into the streets, and laid them on beds and couches, so that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them.

16 A multitude also came out of the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people, and those who were troubled by evil spirits, and they were all healed.

17 Then the high priest rose up, and all of those who were with him, (which is the sect of the Sadducees,) and were filled with indignation,

18 And arrested the apostles, and put them in the common prison.

19 But the angel of the Lord at night opened the prison doors, and brought them out, and said,

20 "Go, stand and speak in the temple to the people all the words of this life."

21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning, and taught.  But the high priest came, and those who were with him, and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought.

22 But when the officers came, and didn't find them in the prison, they returned and said,

23 "Truly, we found the prison shut with all security, and the keepers standing outside in front of the doors, but when we had opened, we found no one inside."

24 Now when the high priest and the top officer of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they worried who would hear about it.

25 Then someone came and told them, "The men you put in prison are standing in the temple, and teaching the people."

26 Then the captain went with the officers, and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, so they wouldn't be stoned.

27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council, and the high priest asked them,

28 "Didn't we strictly command you not to teach in this name?  And see, you've filled Jerusalem with your teachings, and intend to make us guilty of this man's blood."

29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, "We ought to obey God rather than men.

30 The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom you killed and hung on a tree.

31 God has exalted him with his right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins.

32 And we are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God has given to those who obey him."

33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and looked for ways to kill them.

34 Then a Pharisee named Gamaliel stood up in the council, a doctor of the law, with a good reputation among all the people, and commanded to move the apostles farther away,

35 And said to them, "You men of Israel, be careful what you intend to do concerning these men.

36 For before these days, Theudas rose up, boasting himself to be someone, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves, who was killed, and all who obeyed him were scattered, and brought to nothing.

37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the taxing, and attracted away many people after him.  He also died, and all who obeyed him, were dispersed.

38 And now I say to you, back off from these men, and let them alone, for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will come to nothing,

39 But if it is from God, you can't overthrow it, or you might find you're fighting against God."

40 And to him they agreed, and when they had called the apostles, and beaten them, they commanded them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go.

41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

42 And daily in the temple, and in every house, they didn't stop teaching and preaching Jesus Christ."

___Acts chapter 6

1 And in those days, when the number of the disciples had multiplied, a murmuring of the Greeks arose against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.

2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them, and said, "It is not reasonable that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.

3 So brothers, choose from among yourselves seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we can appoint over this business.

4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word."

5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch,

6 Whom they set before the apostles, and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

7 And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly, and a great many of the priests were obedient to the faith.

8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people.

9 Then certain of the synagogue that is called the synagogue of the Libertines arose, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of those of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen.

10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke.

11 Then they found false witnesses, who said, "We've heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against God."

12 And they stirred up the people, and the elders, and the scribes, and came to him, and arrested him, and brought him to the council,

13 And set up false witnesses, who said, "This man won't stop speaking blasphemous words against this holy place, and the law,

14 For we've heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place, and change the customs that Moses gave us."

15 And all that sat in the council, looking steadily at him, saw his face as though it was the face of an angel.

___Acts chapter 7

1 Then the high priest said, "Are these things so?"

2 And he said, "Men, brothers, and fathers, listen, the God of glory appeared to our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Charran,

3 And said to him, 'Get out of your country, and from your family, and come into the land that I will show you.'

4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans, and lived in Charran, and from there, when his father was dead, he moved him into this land in which you're now living.

5 And he gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on, yet he promised that he would give it to him for a possession, and to his descendants after him, when as yet he had no child.

6 And God spoke this way, that his descendants would temporarily live in a strange land, and that they would bring them into bondage, and treat them evil four hundred years.

7 'And the nation to whom they'll be in bondage I will judge,' said God, 'and after that they'll come out, and serve me in this place.'

8 And he gave him the covenant of circumcision, and so Abraham fathered Isaac, and circumcised him the eighth day, and Isaac fathered Jacob, and Jacob fathered the twelve patriarchs.

9 And the patriarchs, because of envy, sold Joseph into Egypt, but God was with him,

10 And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

11 Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no food.

12 But when Jacob heard that there was corn in Egypt, he sent out our fathers first.

13 And at the second time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph's family was made known to Pharaoh.

14 Then Joseph sent, and called his father Jacob to him, and all his family, seventy five souls.

15 So Jacob went down into Egypt and died, he, and our fathers,

16 And were carried over into Sychem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Emmor the father of Sychem.

17 But when the time of the promise came near, that God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt,

18 Until another king arose, who didn't know Joseph.

19 He dealt treacherously with our people, and did evil to our fathers, so that they threw out their babies to kill them.

20 In which time Moses was born, and was a good looking baby, and nourished up in his father's house three months,

21 And when he was thrown out, Pharaoh's daughter took him up, and nourished him for her own son.

22 And Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and in deeds.

23 And when he was fully forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him that was oppressed, and struck the Egyptian,

25 For he supposed his brothers would have understood how that God by his hand would give them deliverance, but they didn't understand.

26 And the next day he showed himself to them as they argued, and would have made peace between them, saying, 'Sirs, you are brothers, why do you do wrong to each other?'

27 But he that did his neighbor wrong pushed him away, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?

28 Will you kill me, like you did the Egyptian yesterday?'

29 Then Moses ran off after hearing that, and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he fathered two sons.

30 And after forty years, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush.

31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight, and as he went near to see it, the voice of the Lord came to him,

32 Saying, 'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.'  Then Moses trembled, and didn't dare look.

33 Then the Lord said to him, 'Put off your shoes from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.

34 I have seen, I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning, and have come down to give them deliverance.  And now come, I will send you into Egypt.'

35 This Moses whom they refused, saying, 'Who made you a ruler and a judge?'  God sent to be a ruler and a deliverance giver by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush.

36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, and in the Red sea, and in the wilderness forty years.

37 This is that Moses, who said to the children of Israel, 'The Lord your God shall raise up to you a prophet like me from your brothers.  You shall listen to him.'

38 This is he that was in the church in the wilderness with the angel that spoke to him in mount Sinai, and with our fathers, who received the lively oracles to give to us,

39 To whom our fathers would not obey, but pushed him from them, and in their hearts turned back again to Egypt,

40 Saying to Aaron, 'Make us gods to go before us, for as for this Moses, who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we don't know what has become of him.'

41 And they made a calf in those days, and offered sacrifice to the idol, and rejoiced in the works of their own hands.

42 Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the prophets, 'O house of Israel, have you offered to me dead animals and sacrifices for forty years in the wilderness?

43 Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, figures that you made to worship, and I will carry you away beyond Babylon.'

44 Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as he had appointed, speaking to Moses, that he should make it according to the pattern that he had seen.

45 Which also our fathers that came afterward brought in with Jesus into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, until the days of David,

46 Who found favor before God, and desired to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob.

47 But Solomon built him a house.

48 But the most High doesn't live in temples made by hands, like the prophet says,

49 'Heaven is my throne, and earth is my footstool, what house will you build me?'  Says the Lord, 'or what is the place of my rest?

50 Hasn't my hand made all these things?'

51 You stiff necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, you always resist the Holy Ghost.  As your fathers did, so do you.

52 Which of the prophets have your fathers not persecuted?  And they have killed those who showed before of the coming of the Just One, of whom you've now been the betrayers and murderers,

53 Who have received the law by the disposition of angels, and haven't kept it."

54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth.

55 But he, being full of the Holy Ghost, looked up steadily into heaven, and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

56 And said, "I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing at the right hand of God."

57 Then they shouted with a loud voice, and plugged their ears, and all ran at him,

58 And threw him out of the city, and stoned him, and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.

59 And they stoned Stephen, calling on God, and saying, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit."

60 And he kneeled down, and shouted with a loud voice, "Lord, don't hold this sin against them."  And when he had said this, he died.

___Acts chapter 8

1 And Saul agreed with his being stoned to death.  And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was at Jerusalem, and they were all scattered around throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.

2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial, and made great lamentation over him.

3 As for Saul, he fought against the church, entering into every house, and arresting men and women sent them to prison.

4 Therefore those who were scattered around went everywhere preaching the word.

5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ to them.

6 And the people all paid attention to the things that Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles that he did.

7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, came out of many that had been possessed by them, and many that had the palsy, and that were lame, were healed.

8 And there was great joy in that city.

9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who previously in the same city used sorcery, and bewitched the people of Samaria, presenting himself as some great person,

10 To whom they all paid attention, from the least to the greatest, saying, "This man is the great power of God."

11 And to him they had regard, because for a long time he had bewitched them with sorceries.

12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

13 Then Simon himself also believed, and when he'd been baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered, seeing the miracles and signs that were done.

14 Now when the apostles who were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,

15 Who, when they had come down, prayed for them, so they would receive the Holy Ghost,

16 (For as yet he had fallen on none of them, only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.)

17 Then they laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.

18 And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money,

19 Saying, "Give me also this power, so that on whomever I lay hands, he will receive the Holy Ghost."

20 But Peter said to him, "Let you and your money be destroyed, because you've thought that the gift of God can be purchased for money.

21 You have no part nor rights in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God.

22 Repent therefore of your wickedness, and pray to God, if perhaps the thought of your heart can be forgiven.

23 For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness, and in the bond of sin."

24 Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things that you've spoken comes on me."

25 And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans.

26 And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip saying, "Get up, and go toward the south to the way that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desert."

27 And he got up and went, and see, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem to worship,

28 Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Isaiah the prophet.

29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, "Go near, and get aboard this chariot."

30 And Philip ran to him, and heard him read the prophet Isaiah and said, "Do you understand what you're reading?"

31 And he said, "How can I, unless some man helps me?"  And he desired Philip to come up and sit with him.

32 The place of the scripture that he read was this, "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so he didn't open his mouth,

33 In his humiliation, he was robbed of justice, and who shall declare his genealogy?  For his life is taken from the earth."

34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, "Please tell me, who is the prophet talking about here?  About himself, or about some other man?"

35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached to him Jesus.

36 And as they went on their way, they came to a certain body of water, and the eunuch said, "See, here is water, what would keep me from being baptized?"

37 And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you can."  And he answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."

38 And he commanded the chariot to stop, and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him.

39 And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, so that the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing.

40 But Philip was found at Azotus, and passing through, he preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea.

___Acts chapter 9

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest,

2 And desired from him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, so that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he could bring them to Jerusalem in handcuffs.

3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shined around him,

4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5 And he said, "Who are you, Lord?"  And the Lord said, "I am Jesus whom you're persecuting, it is hard for you to kick against the sharp points."

6 And he, trembling and astonished said, "Lord, what do you want me to do?"  And the Lord said to him, "Get up and go into the city, and you'll be told what you must do."

7 And the men who traveled with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man.

8 And Saul got up from the ground, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no one, but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus.

9 And he was without sight for three days, and didn't eat or drink.

10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias, and the Lord said to him in a vision, "Ananias."  And he said, "See, I am here, Lord."

11 And the Lord said to him, "Get up, and go into the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for someone called Saul of Tarsus, for see, he's praying,

12 And has seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, so that he'll receive his sight."

13 Then Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem,

14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to arrest all that call on your name."

15 But the Lord said to him, "Be on your way, for he is a chosen vessel to me, to carry my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel,

16 For I will show him how he must suffer great things for my name's sake."

17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, "Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, that appeared to you on the way as you came, has sent me, so that you'll receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost."

18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received sight immediately, and got up, and was baptized.

19 And when he'd eaten, he was strengthened.  Then Saul was certain days with the disciples who were at Damascus.

20 And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God.

21 But all that heard him were amazed and said, "Isn't this he that destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and came here for that purpose, so he could bring them in handcuffs to the chief priests?"

22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and put to confusion the Jews who lived at Damascus, proving that this is the actual Christ.

23 And after many days had gone by, the Jews plotted to kill him,

24 But their laying in wait was known by Saul.  And they watched the gates day and night to kill him.

25 Then the disciples took him at night, and let him down by the wall in a basket.

26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, and didn't believe that he was a disciple.

27 But Barnabas took him, and brought him to the apostles, and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that he had spoken to him, and how he had preached boldly at Damascus in the name of Jesus.

28 And he was with them coming in and going out at Jerusalem.

29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus, and disputed against the Greeks, but they tried to kill him.

30 Which, when the brothers knew, they brought him down to Caesarea, and sent him to Tarsus.

31 Then the churches had rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied.

32 And as Peter passed throughout all quarters, he came down also to the saints who lived at Lydda.

33 And he found a certain man named Aeneas there, who had been confined to his bed for eight years, and was sick of the palsy.

34 And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ makes you well, get up, and make your bed."  And he got up immediately.

35 And all that lived at Lydda and Saron saw him, and turned to the Lord.

36 Now at Joppa, there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, who by interpretation is called Dorcas, this woman was full of good works and giving of money that she did.

37 And in those days she was sick and died, whom when they had washed, they laid her body in an upper room.

38 And because Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent to him two men, desiring him to not delay to come to them.

39 Then Peter got up and went with them.  When he had come, they brought him into the upper room, and all the widows stood by him crying, and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas made, while she was with them.

40 But Peter put them all out, and kneeled down, and prayed, and turning to the body said, "Tabitha, get up."  And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up.

41 And he gave her his hand, and lifted her up, and when he had called the saints and widows, presented her alive.

42 And it was known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

43 And he stayed in Joppa many days with Simon, a tanner.

___Acts chapter 10

1 There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the military unit called the "Italian band,"

2 A devout man, and one who feared God with all his house, who gave a lot of money to the people, and prayed to God always.

3 He saw in a vision, apparently about the ninth hour of the day, an angel of God coming in to him, and saying to him, "Cornelius."

4 And when he looked at him, he was afraid and said, "What is it, Lord?"  And he said to him, "Your prayers and your giving have come up for a memorial before God.

5 And now, send men to Joppa, and ask for Simon Peter.

6 He's staying with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the sea side, he'll tell you what you should do."

7 And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius had departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of those who waited on him continually,

8 And when he had told all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa.

9 On the next day, as they went on their journey, and came near the city, Peter went up on the housetop to pray at about the sixth hour.

10 And he became very hungry, and wanted to eat, but while they made ready, he fell into a trance,

11 And saw heaven opened, and a certain container coming down to him, like a large sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth,

12 In which were all kinds of four footed animals of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and birds of the air.

13 And a voice came to him, "Get up, Peter, kill and eat."

14 But Peter said, "Not so, Lord, for I've never eaten anything that is common or unclean."

15 And the voice spoke to him again the second time, "What God has cleansed, don't you call common."

16 This was done three times, and the container was pulled back into heaven.

17 Now while Peter wondered in himself what this vision that he had seen meant, the men who had been sent from Cornelius had made inquiry for Simon's house, and stood at the gate,

18 And called, and asked whether Simon Peter was living there.

19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, "See, three men are looking for you.

20 So get up, go down, and go with them, without worrying, for I have sent them."

21 Then Peter went down to the men who'd been sent to him from Cornelius and said, "See, I'm the one you're looking for, why have you come?"

22 And they said, "Cornelius the centurion, an honest man, and one that fears God, and of good report among all the nation of the Jews, was warned by God, by a holy angel, to send for you to come to his house, and to listen to your words."

23 Then he called them in, and lodged them.  And on the next day Peter went away with them, and certain brothers from Joppa accompanied him.

24 And the next day afterward, they entered into Caesarea.  And Cornelius waited for them, and had called together his family and close friends.

25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him, and fell down at his feet, and worshipped him.

26 But Peter lifted him up, saying, "Stand up, I myself also am a man."

27 And as he talked with him, he went in, and found many that had gathered together.

28 And he said to them, "You know that it is an unlawful thing for a man that is a Jew to keep company, or come to someone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean.

29 Therefore I came to you without objecting, as soon as I was sent for.  I ask therefore why have you sent for me?"

30 And Cornelius said, "Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and see, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

31 And said, 'Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your giving has been remembered in the sight of God.

32 Send therefore to Joppa, and ask Simon Peter to come here.  He's living at the house of Simon, a tanner, by the sea side, who when he comes, shall speak to you.'

33 Immediately therefore I sent to you, and you've done well to come.  Now therefore we're all present here before God, to hear all things that are commanded to you by God."

34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said, "Truly, I perceive that God is no respecter of persons,

35 But in every nation he that fears Him, and does righteousness, is accepted by Him.

36 The word that God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ, (he is Lord of all.)

37 That word, I say, you know, that was published throughout all Judea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism that John preached,

38 How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power, who went around doing good, and healing all that were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

39 And we are witnesses of all things that he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem, whom they killed and hung on a tree,

40 God raised him up the third day, and showed him openly,

41 Not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead.

42 And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he that was ordained by God to be the Judge of the alive and of the dead.

43 All the prophets testify about him, that through his name whoever believes in him shall receive forgiveness of sins."

44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all of those who heard the word.

45 And all the Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed, because the gift of the Holy Ghost was also poured out on the Gentiles.

46 For they heard them speak with unknown tongues, and magnify God.  Then Peter responded,

47 "Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Ghost as well as we have?"

48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord.  Then they asked him to stay a certain number of days.

___Acts chapter 11

1 And the apostles and brothers that were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God.

2 And when Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him,

3 Saying, "You went in to uncircumcised men, and ate with them."

4 But Peter told the story from the beginning, and explained it in order to them, saying,

5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain container descend, like a large sheet, let down from heaven by four corners, and it came to me,

6 On which when I had looked, I considered, and saw four footed animals of the earth, and wild animals, and creeping things, and birds of the air.

7 And I heard a voice saying to me, 'Get up, Peter, kill and eat.'

8 But I said, 'Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has at any time entered into my mouth.'

9 But the voice answered me again from heaven, 'What God has cleansed, don't you call common.'

10 And this was done three times, and all were pulled up again into heaven.

11 And, immediately there were three men who had already come to the house where I was, sent from Caesarea to me.

12 And the Spirit told me to go with them without worrying.  Also these six brothers accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house,

13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, that stood and said to him, 'Send men to Joppa, and call for Simon Peter,

14 Who will tell you words, by which you and all your family will be saved.'

15 And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, like on us at the beginning.

16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how he said, 'John indeed baptized with water, but you'll be baptized with the Holy Ghost.'

17 So then, since God gave them the same gift as he did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I, that I could oppose God?"

18 When they heard these things, they didn't argue, and glorified God, saying, "Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance for salvation."

19 Now those who were scattered around because of the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to no one except the Jews.

20 And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene who, when they had come to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus.

21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord.

22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church that was in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas, so that he would go as far as Antioch.

23 Who when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, so that with purpose of heart they would stick with the Lord.

24 For he was a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and many people were added to the Lord.

25 Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus, to look for Saul,

26 And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch.  And for a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught many people.  And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.

27 And in those days prophets went from Jerusalem to Antioch.

28 And one of them named Agabus stood up, and signified by the Spirit that there would be great drought throughout all the world, which happened in the days of Claudius Caesar.

29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers who lived in Judea,

30 Which they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.

___Acts chapter 12

1 Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hands to persecute certain of the church.

2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword.

3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to arrest Peter also.  (It was during the days of unleavened bread.)

4 And after he'd arrested him, he put him in prison, and delivered him to four bands of soldiers to keep him, intending after Easter to bring him out to the people.

5 Peter therefore was kept in prison, but prayer was made without stopping by the church to God for him.

6 And when Herod would have brought him out, the same night Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and the keepers before the door kept the prison.

7 And see, the angel of the Lord came to him, and a light shined in the prison, and he struck Peter on the side, and raised him up, saying, "Get up quickly."  And his chains fell off of his hands.

8 And the angel said to him, "Get dressed, and tie on your sandals."  And he did.  And he said to him, "Throw your garment around yourself, and follow me."

9 And he went out, and followed him, and didn't know that what was done by the angel was real, but thought he saw a vision.

10 When they were past the first and the second ward, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, that opened to them by itself, and they went out, and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him.

11 And when Peter had come to himself he said, "Now I know certainly, that the Lord has sent his angel, and has given me deliverance out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the Jews."

12 And when he had considered the thing, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John Mark, where many were gathered together praying.

13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the gate, a young woman named Rhoda came to listen.

14 And when she knew Peter's voice, she didn't open the gate for gladness, but ran in, and told how Peter stood at the gate.

15 And they said to her, "You're crazy."  But she insisted that it was so.  Then they said, "It is his angel."

16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened the door and saw him, they were amazed.

17 But he, beckoning to them with the hand to be quiet, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison.  And he said, "Go show these things to James, and to the brothers."  And he departed, and went into another place.

18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers what had become of Peter.

19 And when Herod had looked for him, and didn't find him, he questioned the keepers, and commanded that they be executed.  And he went down from Judea to Caesarea, and lived there.

20 And Herod was highly displeased with those of Tyre and Zidon, but they came united, and having made Blastus the king's butler their friend, desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king's country.

21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal clothes, sat on his throne and made an oration to them.

22 And the people gave a shout, saying, "It is the voice of a god, and not of a man."

23 And immediately the angel of the Lord struck him, because he didn't give God the glory, and he was eaten by worms, and gave up the spirit.

24 But the word of God grew and multiplied.

25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem, when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John Mark.

___Acts chapter 13

1 Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers, like Barnabas, and Simeon that was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen, who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul.

2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, "Separate for me Barnabas and Saul, for the work to which I have called them."

3 And when they had fasted and prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them away.

4 So they, being sent out by the Holy Ghost, departed to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus.

5 And when they were at Salamis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they had also John as one of their ministers.

6 And when they had gone through the island to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Barjesus,

7 Who was with the deputy of the country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul, and desired to hear the word of God.

8 But Elymas, the sorcerer ('cause that's his name when interpreted), resisted them, trying to turn the deputy away from the faith.

9 Then Saul, (who also is called Paul,) filled with the Holy Ghost, set his eyes on him,

10 And said, "O full of all subtlety and all mischief, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not stop trying to pervert the right ways of the Lord?

11 And now, see, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you'll be blind, not seeing the sun for a season."  And immediately a mist and a darkness fell on him, and he went around looking for someone to lead him by the hand.

12 Then the deputy, when he saw what had been done, believed, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord.

13 Now when Paul and his group departed from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia, and John departing from them returned to Jerusalem.

14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia, and went into the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and sat down.

15 And after the reading of the law and the prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, "You men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, go ahead."

16 Then Paul stood up, and beckoning with his hand said, "Men of Israel, and you who fear God, listen.

17 The God of our people Israel, chose our fathers, and exalted the people when they lived as strangers in the land of Egypt, and with a high arm he brought them out of it.

18 And for about forty years he endured their ways in the wilderness.

19 And when he had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, he divided their land to them by drawing straws.

20 And after that, he gave them judges for about four hundred fifty years, until Samuel the prophet.

21 And afterward they wanted a king, and God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years.

22 And when he had removed him, he raised up David to be their king, to whom also he gave testimony, and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after my own heart, who will fulfill all my will.'

23 Of this man's descendants, God according to his promise, has raised for Israel a Savior, Jesus,

24 When John had first preached before his coming, the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, 'Who do you think I am?  I am not he.  But see, someone is coming after me, whose shoelaces I am not worthy to untie.'

26 Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, to you is the word of this salvation sent.

27 For those who live at Jerusalem, and their rulers, because they didn't know him, nor yet the voices of the prophets that are read every Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning him.

28 And though they found no reason to execute him, yet they desired Pilate to kill him.

29 And when they had fulfilled all that was written about him, they took him down from the cross, and laid him in a tomb.

30 But God raised him from the dead,

31 And he was seen many days by those who came up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are his witnesses to the people.

32 And we declare to you happy news, that the promise that was made to the fathers,

33 God has fulfilled the same to us their children, in that he has raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second psalm, 'You are my Son, this day I've begotten you.'

34 And concerning that he raised him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, he said like this, 'I will give you the sure mercies of David.'

35 So he says also in another psalm, 'You won't allow your Holy One to see corruption.'

36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, died, and was laid with his fathers, and saw corruption,

37 But he whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

38 I'm telling you therefore, men and brothers, that the forgiveness of sins through this man, is preached to you.

39 And by him all that believe are justified from all things, from which you couldn't be justified by the law of Moses.

40 Beware therefore, so what was spoken about in the prophets doesn't happen to you,

41 'Look, you despisers, and wonder, and be destroyed, for I work a work in your days, a work that you'll no way believe, though a man explains it to you.'"

42 And when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles asked that these words would be preached to them the next Sabbath.

43 Now when the congregation had split up, many of the Jews and religious converts followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

44 And the next Sabbath day almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God.

45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy, and spoke against the things that were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming.

46 Then Paul and Barnabas became bold and said, "It was necessary that the word of God should first have been spoken to you, but since you put it from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, see, we turn to the Gentiles.

47 For that's what the Lord commanded us, saying, 'I have set you to be a light of the Gentiles, so that you would be for salvation to the ends of the earth.'"

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.

49 And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

50 But the Jews stirred up the devout and honorable women, and the important men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them out of their coasts.

51 But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came to Iconium.

52 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Ghost.

___Acts chapter 14

1 And in Iconium, both of them went together into the synagogue of the Jews, and spoke such that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed.

2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles, and gave them a bad opinion of the brothers.

3 Therefore, they remained a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

4 But the multitude of the city was divided, and part held with the Jews, and part with the apostles.

5 And when there was an assault made both by the Gentiles, and also by the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat them, and to stone them,

6 They were aware of it, and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the region that's around there,

7 And they preached the gospel there.

8 And a certain man sat at Lystra, whose feet didn't work right, being a cripple from his mother's womb, who had never walked,

9 He heard Paul speak, who steadily looking at him, and perceiving that he had faith to be healed,

10 Said with a loud voice, "Stand up on your feet."  And he jumped and walked.

11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, "The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men."

12 And they called Barnabas, Jupiter, and Paul, Mercury, because he was the main speaker.

13 Then the priest of Jupiter, who was before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates, and would have done sacrifice with the people.

14 Which, when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about, they tore their clothes, and ran in among the people, shouting,

15 "Sirs, why are you doing this?  We also are men of similar emotions to you, and preach that you should turn away from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them,

16 Who in the past allowed all nations to walk in their own ways.

17 But he didn't leave himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."

18 And with these sayings they barely restrained the people from doing sacrifice to them.

19 And certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, who persuaded the people, and having stoned Paul, brought him out of the city, supposing he was dead.

20 But, as the disciples stood around him, he rose up, and came into the city, and the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe.

21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch,

22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

23 And when they had ordained elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they committed them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia.

25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia,

26 And sailed from there to Antioch, from where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work that they fulfilled.

27 And when they had arrived, and had gathered the church together, they recited all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles.

28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

___Acts chapter 15

1 And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brothers, and said, "Unless you are circumcised according to the law of Moses, you can't be saved."

2 Therefore, when Paul and Barnabas had no small dissension and disputation with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of them, would go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question.

3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phenice and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to all the brothers.

4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church, and by the apostles and elders, and they told all things that God had done with them.

5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who were believers rose up, saying that it was necessary to circumcise them, and to command them to keep the law of Moses.

6 And the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter.

7 And when there had been much arguing, Peter got up and said to them, "Men and brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

8 And God, who knows the hearts, was a witness for them, giving them the Holy Ghost, just like he did to us,

9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

10 Now therefore, why would you tempt God, by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples, that neither our fathers nor we were able to bear?

11 But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved, just like them."

12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, telling what miracles and wonders God had done among the Gentiles by them.

13 And after they finished, James answered, "Men and brothers, listen to me.

14 Simon has declared how God at first visited the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name.

15 And to this agree the words of the prophets, as it is written,

16 'After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, that has fallen down, and I will build again the ruins of it, and I will set it up,

17 So that the remaining men will seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, on whom my name is called, says the Lord, who does all these things.'

18 Known to God are all his works from the beginning of the world.

19 So my judgment is, that we not trouble those who from among the Gentiles have turned to God,

20 But that we write to them to abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood.

21 For since old times, Moses has those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day."

22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, and the whole church, to send chosen men of their own group to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely, Judas Barsabas, and Silas, important men among the brothers,

23 And they wrote letters by them like this, "The apostles and elders and brothers send greetings to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia,

24 Because we've heard that some who went out from us have inconvenienced you with words, troubling your souls, saying, 'You must be circumcised, and keep the law,' to whom we gave no such commandment,

25 It seemed good to us, being assembled and united, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul,

26 Men that have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

27 Therefore we've sent Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth.

28 For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things:

29 That you abstain from foods offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled things, and from fornication, which, if you keep yourselves from them, you'll do well.  Farewell."

30 So when they'd been dismissed, they came to Antioch, and when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter,

31 Which when they'd read, they rejoiced for the consolation.

32 And Judas and Silas, being prophets also themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words, and confirmed them.

33 And after they had stayed there a while, they were sent out in peace from the brothers to the apostles.

34 However, it pleased Silas to remain there longer.

35 Paul also and Barnabas continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.

36 And some days afterward Paul said to Barnabas, "Let's go again and visit our brothers in every city where we've preached the word of the Lord, and see how they're doing."

37 And Barnabas determined to take with them John Mark.

38 But Paul thought it wasn't good to take him with them, who departed from them from Pamphylia, and didn't go with them to the work.

39 And the disagreement was so sharp between them that they split from each other, and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed to Cyprus,

40 And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being committed by the brothers to the grace of God.

41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches.

___Acts chapter 16

1 Then he came to Derbe and Lystra, and a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jewess and a believer, but his father was a Greek,

2 Who had a good reputation among the brothers that were at Lystra and Iconium.

3 Paul wanted him to go ministering with him, and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those quarters, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.

4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered them the decrees to keep that were ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem.

5 And so the churches were established in the faith, and increased in number daily.

6 Now when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden by the Holy Ghost to preach the word in Asia,

7 After they'd come to Mysia, they planned to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit wouldn't allow it.

8 And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas.

9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night, a man of Macedonia stood and asked him, "Come over into Macedonia and help us."

10 And after he had seen the vision, immediately we planned to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them.

11 Therefore departing from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothracia, and the next day to Neapolis,

12 And from there to Philippi, which is the main city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony, and we stayed in that city for a while.

13 And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a river side, where prayer was usually made, and we sat down, and spoke to the women who went there.

14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira who worshipped God, heard us, whose heart the Lord opened, so that she paid attention to the things that were spoken by Paul.

15 And after she and her household were baptized, she asked us, "If you've judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house, and stay there."  And she persuaded us.

16 And as we went to prayer, a certain young woman possessed by a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much profit by fortune telling.

17 She followed Paul and us, and shouted, "These men are the servants of the most high God, who show us the way of salvation."

18 And she did that many days.  But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, "I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her."  And he came out the same hour.

19 And when her masters saw that the hope of using her to make money was gone, they laid hands on Paul and Silas, and brought them into the marketplace to the rulers,

20 And brought them to the officials and said, "These men, being Jews, trouble our city very much,

21 And teach customs, that are not lawful for us to receive nor to observe, being Romans."

22 And the multitude rose up together against them, and the officials tore off their clothes, and commanded to beat them.

23 And when they had thoroughly whipped them, they threw them into prison, commanding the jailer to keep them safely,

24 Who, having received that responsibility, put them into the inner prison, and made their feet secure in the stocks.

25 And at midnight, Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them.

26 And suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken, and immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone's bands were undone.

27 And the keeper of the prison, waking out of his sleep, and seeing the prison doors open, he pulled out his sword, and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled.

28 But Paul shouted with a loud voice, "Don't harm yourself, for we're all here."

29 Then he called for a light, and jumped in, and came trembling, and fell down before Paul and Silas,

30 And brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"

31 And they said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you'll be saved, and your family."

32 And they spoke to him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.

33 And he took them the same hour of the night, and washed their wounds, and was baptized, he and all his, immediately.

34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them, and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house.

35 And when it was day, the officials sent the sergeants, saying, "Let those men go."

36 And the keeper of the prison told this statement to Paul, "The officials have sent to let you go, now therefore depart, and go in peace."

37 But Paul said to them, "They have beaten us openly, without a trial, being Romans, and have thrown us into prison, and now do they put us out secretly?  No truly, but let them come themselves and fetch us out."

38 And the sergeants told these words to the officials, and they were afraid, when they heard that they were Romans.

39 And they came and asked them please, and brought them out, and wanted them to depart out of the city.

40 And they went out of the prison, and entered into the house of Lydia, and when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them and departed.

___Acts chapter 17

1 Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.

2 And Paul, as he usually did, went in to them, and three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

3 Opening and declaring that Christ had to have suffered, and risen again from the dead, and that "this Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ."

4 And some of them believed, and fellowshipped with Paul and Silas, and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the main women not a few.

5 But the Jews who didn't believe, being envious, found certain lewd and crude men, and gathered a crowd, and put the city into an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and tried to bring them out to the people.

6 And when they didn't find them, they brought Jason and certain brothers to the rulers of the city, shouting, "These that have turned the world upside down have come here also,

7 Whom Jason has received, and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."

8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city, when they heard these things.

9 And when they had taken bond money from Jason and from the others, they let them go.

10 And the brothers immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night to Berea, who arriving there, went into the synagogue of the Jews.

11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

12 Therefore many of them believed, also of honorable women who were Greeks, and of men, not a few.

13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica knew that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also, and stirred up the people.

14 And then immediately the brothers sent away Paul to go toward the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.

15 And those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens, and sending a commandment to Silas and Timothy to quickly come to him, they departed.

16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city completely given to idolatry.

17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout people, and in the market daily with those who met with him.

18 Then certain philosophers of the Epicureans, and of the Stoics, encountered him.  And some said, "What will this babbler say?"  Others said, "He seems to be a preacher of strange gods," because he preached to them Jesus, and the resurrection.

19 And they took him, and brought him to Areopagus, saying, "May we know what this new doctrine is that you talk about?

20 For you bring strange things to our ears.  We want to know therefore what these things mean."

21 (For all the Athenians and strangers who were there spent their time in nothing else, but either to tell, or to hear some new thing.)

22 Then Paul stood in the middle of Mars' hill, and said, "You men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious.

23 For as I passed by, and saw your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, 'To The Unknown God.'  Whom therefore you ignorantly worship, I'll tell you about him.

24 God, that made the world and all things in it, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, doesn't live in temples made by hands,

25 Nor is he ministered to by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he gives to all life, and breath, and all things,

26 And has made from one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the times appointed beforehand, and the bounds of their habitation,

27 So that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they would feel after him, and find him, though he's not far from any of us,

28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being, as certain also of your own poets have said, 'For we are also his offspring.'

29 Since we then are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like gold, or silver, or stone, engraved by art and man's device.

30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,

31 Because he has appointed a day, in which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained, about whom he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead."

32 And when they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some made fun of it, and others said, "We will hear you again about this matter."

33 So Paul departed from among them.

34 But certain men stuck with him and believed, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them.

___Acts chapter 18

1 After these things Paul departed from Athens, and went to Corinth,

2 And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, recently arrived from Italy, with his wife Priscilla, (because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome,) and went to them.

3 And because he was of the same craft, he stayed with them, and worked, for their occupation was tent making.

4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks.

5 And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus is Christ.

6 And when they opposed themselves and blasphemed, he shook his clothes, and said to them, "Your blood is on your own heads, I am clean, from now on I will go to the Gentiles."

7 And he departed from there, and entered into a certain man's house named Justus, one that worshipped God, whose house was right up against the synagogue.

8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed on the Lord with all his house, and many of the Corinthians after hearing, believed and were baptized.

9 Then the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, "Don't be afraid, but speak, and don't be quiet,

10 For I am with you, and no man will set on you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city."

11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.

12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews united in a plot against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat,

13 And said, "This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law."

14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the Jews, "If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, it would be reasonable for me to bear with you,

15 But if it's a question of words and names, and of your law, you take care of it, for I will be no judge of such matters."

16 And his soldiers forced them to go from the judgment seat.

17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the main ruler of the synagogue, and beat him in front of the judgment seat.  And Gallio cared about none of those things.

18 And after this, Paul stayed there yet a good while, and then departed from the brothers, and sailed from there into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila, having shaved his head in Cenchrea, for he had a vow.

19 And he came to Ephesus, and left them there, but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews.

20 When they desired him to stay a longer time with them, he wouldn't,

21 But said "goodbye," and that "I must by all means keep this feast that's coming in Jerusalem, but I'll return again to you, God willing."  And he sailed from Ephesus.

22 And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch.

23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples.

24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, a good speaker, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus.

25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John.

26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue, whom, when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him, and explained to him the way of God more perfectly.

27 And when he was inclined to pass into Achaia, the brothers wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him, who when he had come, helped them much who had believed through grace,

28 For he mightily convinced the Jews, and in public, showing by the scriptures that Jesus is Christ.

___Acts chapter 19

1 And while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts, came to Ephesus.  And finding certain disciples,

2 He said to them, "Have you received the Holy Ghost since you believed?"  And they said, "We haven't heard whether there is a Holy Ghost."

3 And he said, "What kind of baptism did you have?"  And they said, "John's baptism."

4 Then Paul said, "John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they need to believe on him that would come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus."

5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spoke with tongues, and prophesied.

7 And there were about twelve of those men.

8 And he went into the synagogue, and spoke boldly for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.

9 But when various of them were hardened, and didn't believe, but spoke evil about that way before the multitude, he departed from them, and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of Tyrannus.

10 And this continued for two years, so that all of those who lived in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks.

11 And God did special miracles by the hands of Paul,

12 So that from his body were brought to the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

13 Then certain of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, decided to call over those who had evil spirits the name of the Lord Jesus, saying, "We command you by Jesus whom Paul preaches."

14 And there were seven sons of Sceva, a Jew, and chief of the priests, who did that.

15 And the evil spirit answered and said, "Jesus I know, and Paul I know, but who are you?"

16 And the man that had the evil spirit jumped on them, and overcame them, and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.

17 And this was known to all the Jews and Greeks who were also living at Ephesus, and fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified.

18 And many that believed came, and confessed, and showed their deeds.

19 Many of those also who used occult arts brought their books together, and burned them before all men, and they counted the price of them, and found it fifty thousand pieces of silver.

20 So the word of God grew mightily and prevailed.

21 After these things had ended, Paul purposed in the spirit, after he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, "After I have been there, I must also see Rome."

22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus.  But he himself stayed in Asia for a while.

23 At the same time there arose no small stir about that way.

24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith, who made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen,

25 Whom he called together with the workmen of similar occupations, and said, "Sirs, you know that by this craft we have our wealth.

26 Also you see and hear, that not only at Ephesus, but almost throughout all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that any gods made by hands are not really gods,

27 So that not only is this our craft in danger to be destroyed, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be despised, and her magnificence will be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worships."

28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of anger, and shouted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

29 And the whole city was filled with confusion, and having laid hands on Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's travel companions, they all rushed together into the theater.

30 And when Paul would have entered into the people, the disciples wouldn't allow it.

31 And certain of the important men of Asia who were his friends, sent to him, desiring that he would not risk going into the theater.

32 Some therefore shouted one thing, and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them didn't know why they were gathered together.

33 And they pulled Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward.  And Alexander beckoned with the hand, and would have made his defense to the people.

34 But when they knew that he was a Jew, all with one voice for about two hours shouted, "Great is Diana of the Ephesians."

35 And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, "You men of Ephesus, what man is there who doesn't know that the people of the city of Ephesus are worshippers of the great goddess Diana, and of the image that fell down from Jupiter?

36 Seeing then that these things can't be spoken against, you ought to be quiet, and to do nothing rashly.

37 For you have brought these men here, who are neither robbers of churches, nor blasphemers of your goddess.

38 So if Demetrius, and the craftsmen that are with him, have a matter against any man, the law is open, and there are deputies.  Let them plead their cases.

39 But if you inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly.

40 For we are in danger to be called in question for this day's uproar, since there's no reason we can give to explain this occurrence."

41 And after saying that, he dismissed the assembly.

___Acts chapter 20

1 And after the uproar had stopped, Paul called to himself the disciples, and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia.

2 And when he had gone over those parts, and had given them much exhortation, he went into Greece,

3 And stayed there three months.  And when the Jews laid in ambush for him, as he was about to sail to Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia.

4 And Sopater of Berea accompanied him into Asia, and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and of Asia, Tychicus and Trophimus.

5 These going before, waited for us at Troas.

6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of unleavened bread, and came to Troas in five days, where we stayed seven days.

7 And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to them, ready to depart on the next day, and continued his preaching 'til midnight.

8 And there were many lights in the upper room where they were gathered together.

9 And a certain young man named Eutychus sat in a window, having fallen into a deep sleep.  And as Paul was preaching for a long time, he sunk down with sleep, and fell down from the third loft, and seemed to be dead.

10 And Paul went down, and fell on him, and embracing him said, "Don't be troubled, for his life is in him."

11 When he had therefore come up again, and had broken bread, and eaten, and talked a long while, even until daybreak, then he departed.

12 And they brought the young man alive, and were more than a little comforted.

13 And we went before to the ship, and sailed to Assos, intending to take Paul aboard there, 'cause that's what he wanted, intending to go on foot.

14 And when he met us at Assos, we took him aboard, and came to Mitylene.

15 And we sailed from there, and came the next day opposite Chios, and the next day we arrived at Samos, and waited at Trogyllium, and the next day we came to Miletus.

16 For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia, for he hurried if possible, to be at Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost.

17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus, and called the elders of the church.

18 And when they had come to him he said, "You know, from the first day I came into Asia, my lifestyle with you consistently,

19 Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears and temptations, that happened to me by the lying in ambush by the Jews,

20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you, but have shown you, and have taught you in public, and from house to house,

21 Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

22 And now see, I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there,

23 Except that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions are on me.

24 But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I'll finish my course with joy, and the ministry, that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.

25 And now, see, I know that you all, among whom I've gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.

26 So I testify to you today, that I am clean from the blood of all men.

27 For I haven't failed to declare to you all of the counsel of God.

28 Watch yourselves therefore, and take care of the flock, over which the Holy Ghost has made you overseers, to feed the church of God that he has purchased with his own blood.

29 For I know this, that after my departing grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves men shall arise, speaking perverse things, to pull away disciples after them.

31 So stay awake, and remember that for three years I never stopped warning everyone night and day, with tears.

32 And now brothers, I commit you to God, and to the word of his grace, who is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all of those who are made holy.

33 I have desired no man's silver, or gold, or clothes.

34 Yes, you yourselves know, that these hands have ministered to my necessities, and to those who were with me.

35 I have shown you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'"

36 And when he had said that, he kneeled down and prayed with them all.

37 And they all cried a lot, and hugged Paul's neck, and kissed him,

38 Sorrowing most of all for the words that he spoke, that they would see his face no more.  And they went with him to the ship.

___Acts chapter 21

1 And after we had gone from them and had launched, we came with a straight course to Coos, and the day following to Rhodes, and from there to Patara.

2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phenicia, we went aboard, and sailed away.

3 Now when we had seen Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre, for the ship was to unload its cargo there.

4 And finding disciples, we waited there seven days, who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.

5 And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way, and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, until we were out of the city, and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

6 And when we had said goodbye, we boarded the ship, and they went home.

7 And when we had finished our trip from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais, and greeted the brothers, and stayed with them one day.

8 And the next day we that were of Paul's group departed, and came to Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him.

9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied.

10 And as we waited there many days, a certain prophet came down from Judea, named Agabus.

11 And when he had come to us, he took Paul's girdle, and tied his own hands and feet, and said, "Thus says the Holy Ghost, 'So shall the Jews at Jerusalem handcuff the man that owns this girdle, and shall give him into the custody of the Gentiles.'"

12 And when we heard these things, both we, and those of that place, asked him not to go up to Jerusalem.

13 Then Paul answered, "What do you mean, to cry and to break my heart?  For I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

14 And when he would not be persuaded, we stopped and said, "The will of the Lord be done."

15 And after those days we took our baggage, and went up to Jerusalem.

16 Some of the disciples of Caesarea also went with us, and brought with them Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple with whom we would lodge.

17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly.

18 And the following day, Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present.

19 And when he had greeted them, he told the details of what God had done among the Gentiles by his ministry.

20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord, and said to

him, "You see brother, how many thousands of Jews there are that believe, and they are all zealous regarding the law.

21 And they are informed about you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles not to follow Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children, nor to walk after the customs.

22 What is it therefore?  The multitude will certainly come together, for they'll hear that you've come here.

23 Therefore do this that we say to you.  We have four men who have a vow on them.

24 Go and purify yourself with them, and be at charges with them, so they can shave their heads.  And all will know that the things about which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly, and keep the law.

25 Concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, except that they keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from strangled, and from fornication."

26 Then Paul went with the men, and the next day purifying himself with them, entered into the temple, to show the accomplishment of the days of purification, until an offering would be offered for each of them.

27 And when the seven days were nearly finished, the Jews who were of Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people, and laid hands on him,

28 Shouting, "Men of Israel, help, this is the man that teaches all men everywhere against the people, and the law, and this place.  And also brought Greeks into the temple, and has polluted this holy place."

29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, with him in the city, whom they supposed Paul had brought into the temple.)

30 And the whole city got very worked up, and the people ran together, and they took Paul, and pulled him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut.

31 And as they tried to kill him, news came to the commander of the soldiers, that all Jerusalem was rioting.

32 Who immediately took soldiers and centurions, and ran down to them, and when they saw the commander and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

33 Then the chief captain came near, and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded who he was and what he had done.

34 And some shouted one thing, some another, among the multitude, and when he couldn't know the certainty because of the rioting, he commanded him to be carried into the castle.

35 And when he came on the stairs, so it was that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the people.

36 For the multitude of the people followed, shouting, "Away with him."

37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said to the chief captain, "May I speak to you?"  Who said, "Can you speak Greek?

38 Aren't you that Egyptian, who previously started a riot, and led out into the wilderness four thousand men that were murderers?"

39 But Paul said, "I am a Jew of Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no unimportant city, and I ask you please, allow me to speak to the people."

40 And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs, and beckoned with the hand to the people.  And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew language, saying,

___Acts chapter 22

1 "Men, brothers, and fathers, hear my defense that I make now to you."

2 (And when they heard that he spoke to them in Hebrew, they were quieter, and he said,)

3 "I am truly a man who is a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect ways of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God, as you all are this day.

4 And I persecuted this way, putting to death, and binding, and delivering into prisons both men and women.

5 As also the high priest can testify, and all the estate of the elders, from whom also I received letters to the brothers, and went to Damascus, to bring those who were bound there to Jerusalem to be punished.

6 And as I made my journey, and had come near Damascus about noon, suddenly a great light from heaven shined around me.

7 And I fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to me, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?'

8 And I answered, 'Who are you, Lord?'  And he said to me, 'I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you're persecuting.'

9 And those who were with me indeed saw the light, and were afraid, but they didn't hear the voice of him that spoke to me.

10 And I said, 'What shall I do, Lord?'  And the Lord said to me, 'Get up, and go into Damascus, and there you'll be told about all things that are appointed for you to do.'

11 And when I couldn't see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand by those who were with me, I came into Damascus.

12 And Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation with all the Jews who lived there,

13 Came to me, and stood, and said to me, 'Brother Saul, receive your sight.'  And the same hour I looked up at him.

14 And he said, 'The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know his will, and see that Just One, and should hear the voice of his mouth.

15 For you shall be his witness to all men about what you've seen and heard.

16 And now why do you wait?  Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.'

17 And when I had come again to Jerusalem, while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance,

18 And saw him saying to me, 'Hurry up, and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they won't receive your testimony concerning me.'

19 And I said, 'Lord, they know that I imprisoned and beat in every synagogue those who believed on you,

20 And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by, and agreeing with his execution, and kept the coats of those who killed him.'

21 And he said to me, 'Depart, for I'll send you far from here to the Gentiles.'"

22 And they listened to him until he said that, and then lifted up their voices, and said, "Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it's not right that he should live."

23 And as they shouted, and threw off their clothes, and threw dust into the air,

24 The chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle, and ordered that he be examined by whipping, so that he would know why they shouted that way against him.

25 And as they tied him with leather straps, Paul said to the centurion that stood by, "Is it lawful for you to whip a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?"

26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, "Be careful what you do, 'cause this man's a Roman."

27 Then the chief captain came and said to him, "Tell me, are you a Roman?"  He said, "Yes."

28 And the chief captain answered, "With a lot of money I obtained this freedom."  And Paul said, "But I was born free."

29 Then immediately those who would have whipped him went away, and the chief captain also was afraid, after he learned that he was a Roman, and because he had bound him.

30 On the next day, because he wanted to know for sure why he'd been accused by the Jews, he untied him, and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down, and set him before them."

___Acts chapter 23

1 And Paul, earnestly looking at the council said, "Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth.

3 Then Paul said to him, "God will strike you, you whitened wall, for do you sit to judge me according to the law, and command me to be struck contrary to the law?"

4 And those who stood by said, "Do you revile God's high priest?"

5 Then Paul said, "I didn't know, brothers, that he was the high priest, for it is written, 'You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.'"

6 But when Paul perceived that one part was Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he shouted in the council, "Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee.  Of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am being questioned."

7 And when he had said that, an argument arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided,

8 For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angel, nor spirit, but the Pharisees confess that there are.

9 And a big argument arose, and the scribes that were of the Pharisees' part got up, and argued, "We find no evil in this man, but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."

10 And when a great controversy arose, the chief captain, afraid that Paul might have been pulled in pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down, and take him by force from among them, and to bring him into the castle.

11 And the night following, the Lord stood by him and said, "Be of good cheer, Paul, for as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify at Rome."

12 And when it was day, certain of the Jews banded together, and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul.

13 And more than forty of them had made this conspiracy.

14 And they came to the chief priests and elders, and said, "We have bound ourselves under a great curse, that we will eat nothing until we have killed Paul.

15 Now you therefore, with the council, ask the chief captain to bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you would inquire something more perfectly about him, and we, before he ever comes near, are ready to kill him."

16 And when Paul's sister's son heard about their lying in ambush, he went and entered into the castle, and told Paul.

17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, "Bring this young man to the chief captain, for he has a certain thing to tell him."

18 So he took him, and brought him to the chief captain and said, "Paul the prisoner called me to him, and asked me to bring this young man to you, who has something to tell you."

19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand, and went with him aside privately, and asked him, "What is it that you have to tell me?"

20 And he said, "The Jews have agreed to desire you to bring Paul down tomorrow into the council, as though they would inquire something about him more perfectly.

21 But don't yield to them, for there are more than forty men of them lying in ambush for him, who have bound themselves with an oath, that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him, and now they're ready, looking for a promise from you."

22 So the chief captain then let the young man go, and ordered him, "Make sure you don't tell anyone that you've shown me these things."

23 And he called two centurions to himself, saying, "Prepare two hundred soldiers to go to Caesarea, and seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen, at the third hour of the night,

24 And provide them animals to set Paul on, and bring him safe to Felix the governor."

25 And he wrote a letter like this:

26 "Claudius Lysias sends greetings to the most excellent governor Felix.

27 This man was taken by the Jews, and would have been killed by them.  Then I came with an army, and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman.

28 And when I would have known the reason that they accused him, I brought him out into their council,

29 Whom I perceived to be accused of questions regarding their law, but to be accused of nothing worthy of death or of prison.

30 And when I was told how the Jews laid in ambush for the man, I sent immediately to you, and gave commandment to his accusers also to say before you what they had against him.  Farewell."

31 Then the soldiers, like they'd been commanded, took Paul, and brought him by night to Antipatris.

32 On the next day they left the horsemen to go with him, and returned to the castle,

33 Who, when they came to Caesarea, and delivered the letter to the governor, presented Paul also before him.

34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked of what province he was.  And when he understood that he was of Cilicia,

35 "I will hear you," he said, "when your accusers have also come."  And he commanded him to be kept in Herod's judgment hall.

___Acts chapter 24

1 And after five days, Ananias the high priest descended with the elders, and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor against Paul.

2 And when he was called, Tertullus began to accuse him, saying, "Seeing that by you we enjoy great quietness, and that you've done very worthy deeds to this nation,

3 We accept it always, and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness.

4 Anyway, so I won't be further tedious to you, I ask that you would hear us, in your clemency, a few words.

5 For we have found this man a pestilent fellow, and a mover of rebellion among all the Jews throughout the world, and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes,

6 Who has also profaned the temple, whom we took, and would have judged according to our law.

7 But the chief captain Lysias came on us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,

8 Commanding his accusers to come to you, by questioning whom you'll find out all the things about which we accuse him."

9 And the Jews also agreed, saying that these things were so.

10 Then Paul, after the governor had beckoned to him to speak, answered, "Since I know that you've been for many years a judge to this nation, I answer for myself more cheerfully,

11 Because you'll understand, that there are only twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship.

12 And they neither found me in the temple disputing with any man, nor raising up the people, neither in the synagogues, nor in the city,

13 Nor can they prove the things about which they now accuse me.

14 But this I confess to you, that after the way that they call false religion, that's how I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the law and in the prophets,

15 And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.

16 And in this I exercise myself, to always have a conscience without offence toward God, nor toward men.

17 Now after many years I came to bring offerings to my nation.

18 When certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude, nor with rioting.

19 Who ought to have been here before you and object, if they had anything against me.

20 Or else let these same people here say, if they have found any evil doing in me, while I stood before the council,

21 Unless it is for this one voice, that I shouted standing among them, 'Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am questioned by you this day.'"

22 And when Felix heard these things, having more perfect knowledge of that way, he deferred them, and said, "When Lysias the chief captain comes down, I will know the maximum about your business."

23 And he commanded a centurion to keep Paul, and to let him have liberty, and that he should forbid none of his acquaintance to minister or come to him.

24 And after certain days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was a Jewess, he sent for Paul, and heard him concerning the faith in Christ.

25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, "Go your way for this time.  When I have a convenient time, I'll call for you."

26 He hoped also that money would have been given to him by Paul, so that he would set him free, so he sent for him more often, and talked with him.

27 But after two years Porcius Festus replaced Felix as governor, and Felix, willing to show the Jews a pleasure, left Paul bound.

___Acts chapter 25

1 Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem.

2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him against Paul, and asked him,

3 And desired favor against him, that he would send orders to bring him to Jerusalem, laying in ambush on the way to kill him.

4 But Festus answered, that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself would depart soon to go there.

5 "Let them therefore," said he, "who among you are able, go down with me and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him."

6 And when he had stayed among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea, and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.

7 And when he had come, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood around, and made many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they couldn't prove.

8 While he answered for himself, "Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended anything at all."

9 But Festus, willing to do the Jews a pleasure, answered Paul, "Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and be judged before me there about these things?"

10 Then Paul said, "I stand at Caesar's judgment seat, where I ought to be judged.  I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you very well know.

11 For if I am an offender, or have committed anything worthy of death, I don't refuse to die, but if there are none of these things about which they accuse me, no man may deliver me to them.  I appeal to Caesar."

12 Then Festus, when he had conferred with the council, answered, "Have you appealed to Caesar?  To Caesar you'll go."

13 And after certain days king Agrippa and Bernice came to Caesarea to greet Festus.

14 And after they had been there many days, Festus told Paul's cause to the king, saying, "There is a certain man left in bonds by Felix,

15 About whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him.

16 To whom I answered, 'It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die, before the accused has the accusers face to face, and has the right to answer for himself concerning the crime he's accused of.'

17 Therefore, when they had come here, without any delay, on the next day, I sat on the judgment seat, and commanded the man to be brought out.

18 Against whom when the accusers stood up, they brought no accusation of such things as I supposed,

19 But had certain questions against him of their own superstition, and of someone named Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul said is alive.

20 And because I'm not sure about this kind of question, I asked him whether he would go to Jerusalem, and be judged there regarding these matters.

21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I could send him to Caesar."

22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "I'd like to hear the man myself."  "Tomorrow," he said, "you'll hear him."

23 And on the next day, when Agrippa had come, and Bernice, with great fanfare, and had entered into the place of hearing, with the chief captains, and top men of the city, at Festus' commandment Paul was brought out.

24 And Festus said, "King Agrippa, and all men present here with us, you see this man, about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem, and also here, shouting that he ought not to live any longer.

25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death, and that he himself has appealed to Augustus, I have determined to send him.

26 About whom I have no certain thing to write to my lord.  So I have brought him before you, and especially before you, O king Agrippa, so that after questioning, I'll have something to write.

27 For it seems to me unreasonable to send a prisoner, and not with him to show the crimes laid against him."

___Acts chapter 26

1 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You may speak for yourself."  Then Paul stretched out his hand, and answered for himself,

2 "I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I'll answer for myself today before you concerning all the things about which I'm accused by the Jews,

3 Especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions which are among the Jews, so I ask you to hear me patiently.

4 My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among my own nation at Jerusalem, all the Jews know,

5 Who knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the strictest sect of our religion, I lived a Pharisee.

6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise God made to our fathers,

7 To which promise our twelve tribes, constantly serving God day and night, hope to come.  For which hope's sake, king Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews.

8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God would raise the dead?

9 I truly thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.

10 Which things I also did in Jerusalem, and I sent many of the saints to prison, having received authority from the chief priests.  And when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them.

11 And I punished them often in every synagogue, and forced them to blaspheme, and being quite insane against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

12 And so, as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests,

13 At mid-day, O king, I saw on the way, a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who traveled with me.

14 And when we'd all fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me, and saying in the Hebrew language, 'Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?  It is hard for you to kick against the sharp points.'

15 And I said, 'Who are you, Lord?'  And he said, 'I am Jesus whom you're persecuting.

16 But get up and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you've seen, and of the things in which I will appear to you,

17 Giving you deliverance from the people, and from the Gentiles, to whom I now send you,

18 To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they'll receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith that is in me.'

19 And so, O king Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision,

20 But showed first to those of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works consistent with repentance.

21 For these reasons the Jews caught me in the temple, and tried to kill me.

22 Having therefore obtained help from God, I continue until this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those which the prophets and Moses said would come,

23 That Christ would suffer, and that he would be the first that would rise from the dead, and would show light to the people, and to the Gentiles."

24 And as he thus spoke for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, "Paul, you're beside yourself, much learning has made you insane."

25 But he said, "I'm not insane, most noble Festus, but I speak the words of truth and soberness.

26 For the king knows about these things, before whom I also speak freely, for I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner.

27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets?  I know you believe."

28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, "You almost persuade me to be a Christian."

29 And Paul said, "I wish to God, that not only you, but also all that hear me today, were not only almost, but completely like I am, except for these shackles."

30 And when he had said that, the king got up, and the governor, and Bernice, and those who sat with them,

31 And when they had gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, "This man has done nothing worthy of death or of bonds."

32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, "This man could have been set free, if he had not appealed to Caesar."

___Acts chapter 27

1 And when it was determined that we would sail to Italy, Paul and certain other prisoners, were turned over to Julius, a centurion of Augustus' band.

2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, intending to sail by the coasts of Asia, this Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, being with us.

3 And the next day we stopped at Zidon.  And Julius treated Paul courteously, and gave him freedom to go to his friends to refresh himself.

4 And when we had launched from there, we sailed under Cyprus, because the winds were contrary.

5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia.

6 And the centurion found there a ship of Alexandria sailing to Italy, and he put us in it.

7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and barely had come opposite Cnidus, the wind not allowing us, we sailed under Crete, opposite Salmone.

8 And hardly passing it, came to a place that is called, "The Fair Havens," near the city of Lasea.

9 Now when much time had been spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was now already past, Paul advised them,

10 "Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with hurt and much damage, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives."

11 However the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship, more than the things that were spoken by Paul.

12 And because the haven was not good to winter in, the majority advised to depart from there also, if possibly they could get to Phenice, and spend the winter there, which is a haven of Crete, and lies toward the southwest and northwest.

13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, departing from there, they sailed close by Crete.

14 But not long afterward, a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon, arose against it.

15 And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive.

16 And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat,

17 Which when they had taken up, they used helps underneath the ship.  And fearing they might fall into the quicksands, took down the sails, and so were driven.

18 And we, being very much tossed by a rough sea, the next day they lightened the ship.

19 And the third day we threw out with our own hands the tackling of the ship.

20 And when neither sun nor stars were visible in many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we would be saved was then taken away.

21 But after long silence Paul stood up among them, and said, "Sirs, you should have listened to me, and not have departed from Crete, and to have had this harm and loss.

22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there'll be no loss of any man's life among you, but of the ship.

23 For the angel of God, whose I am, and whom I serve, stood by me this night,

24 And said, 'Don't be afraid, Paul, you must be brought before Caesar, and see, God has given you all of those who sail with you.'

25 And so, sirs, be of good cheer, for I believe God, that it shall be just like I was told.

26 But we'll be thrown onto a certain island."

27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in Adria, about midnight the shipmen figured that they'd come near to some country,

28 And took a depth reading, and found it twenty fathoms, and when they had gone a little further, they sounded again, and found it fifteen fathoms.

29 Then fearing that we might fall on rocks, they dropped four anchors out of the rear of the ship, and wished for sunrise.

30 And as the sailors were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under cover as though they would have thrown anchors out of the front of the ship,

31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, "Unless these remain in the ship, you can't be saved."

32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let it fall off.

33 And while the day was coming on, Paul asked them all to eat, saying, "Today is the fourteenth day that you've waited and continued fasting, having taken nothing.

34 And so I ask you to take some food, for this is for your health, for not a hair shall fall from the head of any of you."

35 And when he had said that, he took bread, and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and when he had broken it, he began to eat.

36 Then they were all of good cheer, and they also ate.

37 And we were a total of two hundred seventy six souls in the ship.

38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship, and threw out the wheat into the sea.

39 And when it was day, they didn't know the land, but they discovered a certain creek with a shore, into which they were thinking, if possible, to thrust in the ship.

40 And when they had brought up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, and loosed the rudder bands, and hoisted the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore.

41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground, and the front stuck tightly and remained unmovable, but the rear of the ship was broken by the violence of the waves.

42 And the soldiers' advice was to kill the prisoners, so that none of them would swim away and escape.

43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose, and commanded that those who could swim should jump first into the sea, and get to land,

44 And the rest, some on boards, and some on broken pieces of the ship.  And so it was that they all escaped safe to land.

___Acts chapter 28

1 And when they had escaped, then they knew that the island was called Melita.

2 And the barbarous people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire, and received all of us because of the present rain, and because of the cold.

3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid them on the fire, a snake came out of the heat and fastened on his hand.

4 And when the barbarians saw the venomous beast hang on his hand, they said among themselves, "No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet justice doesn't allow him to live."

5 And he shook off the beast into the fire, and felt no harm.

6 But they watched when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly, but after they had watched a long time, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

7 In the same quarters were possessions of the main man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us, and courteously lodged us three days.

8 And the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux, to whom Paul entered in and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

9 So when this was done, others also, who had diseases on the island, came, and were healed,

10 Who also honored us with many honors, and when we departed, they supplied us with the things we needed.

11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria, that had wintered in the island, whose sign was Castor and Pollux.

12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed there three days.

13 And from there we circled around, and came to Rhegium, and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli,

14 Where we found brothers, and were desired to stay with them seven days, and so we went toward Rome.

15 And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came to meet us as far as Appii Forum, and The Three Taverns, whom when Paul saw, he thanked God, and took courage.

16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard, but Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier that kept him.

17 And after three days Paul called the chief of the Jews together, and when they had come together, he said to them, "Men and brothers, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans.

18 Who, when they had questioned me, would have let me go, because there was no reason to execute me.

19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I felt I should appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of.

20 For this reason therefore I've called for you, to see you, and to speak with you, because for the hope of Israel I'm bound with this chain."

21 And they said to him, "We neither received letters out of Judea concerning you, nor did any of the brothers that came show or say anything bad about you.

22 But we desire to hear from you what you think, for concerning this sect, we know that everywhere it is spoken against."

23 And when they had appointed him a day, many came to him into his lodging, to whom he explained and testified about the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning until evening.

24 And some believed the things that were spoken, and some didn't believe.

25 And when they didn't agree among themselves, they departed, after Paul had spoken one word, "Well did the Holy Ghost speak by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers,

26 Saying, 'Go to this people, and say, hearing you'll hear, and not understand, and seeing you'll see, and not perceive,

27 For the heart of this people has grown large, and their ears are dull of hearing, and they've closed their eyes, so they won't see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and be converted, and have me heal them.'

28 Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it."

29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.

30 And Paul lived two whole years in his own rented house, and received all that came in to him,

31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching the things that concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.

___Romans chapter 1

1 Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God,

2 (That he had promised before by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3 Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was made of the descendants of David according to the flesh,

4 And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the rising from the dead,

5 By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name,

6 Among whom you are also the called by Jesus Christ,

7 To all that are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints, grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world.

9 For God is my witness, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of his Son, that without stopping, I make mention of you always in my prayers,

10 Making request, if somehow now, after a long time, I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you.

11 For I long to see you, so that I can give you some spiritual gift, so that you'll be established,

12 That is, that I'll be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me.

13 Now I would not have you ignorant, brothers, that I often intended to come to you, (but was hindered until now,) so that I would have some fruit among you also, just as among other Gentiles.

14 I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians, both to the wise, and to the unwise.

15 So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile.

17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."

18 For the anger of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness,

19 Because that which can be known about God is made clear in them, for God has shown it to them.

20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse,

21 Because, when they knew God, they didn't glorify him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,

23 And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man, and to birds, and four footed animals, and creeping things.

24 So God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves,

25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever.  Amen.

26 For this reason God gave them up to filthy affections, for even their women changed the natural use into that which is against nature,

27 And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward each other, men with men doing that which is wrong, and receiving in themselves the repayment for their error that was appropriate.

28 And since they didn't want to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a rejected mind, to do the things that are not convenient,

29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness, full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity, whisperers,

30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

31 Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, disagreeable, unmerciful,

32 Who knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in those who do them.

___Romans chapter 2

1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are that judges, for when you judge someone else, you condemn yourself, for you who judges, do the same things.

2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against those who commit such things.

3 And do you think this, O man, that judges those who do such things, and who does the same, that you'll escape the judgment of God?

4 Or do you despise the riches of his goodness and patience and long suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?

5 But after your hardness and unrepenting heart store up for yourself anger for the day of anger and revelation of the righteous judgment of God,

6 Who'll repay every man according to his deeds,

7 To those who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life,

8 But to those who are rebellious, and don't obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and anger,

9 Tribulation and pain, on every soul of man that does evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile.

10 But glory, honor, and peace, to every man that does well, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile,

11 For there is no favoritism with God.

12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also be destroyed without law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law,

13 (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.

14 For when the Gentiles, who don't have the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves,

15 Who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also testifying, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or else excusing each other,)

16 In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

17 See, you are called a Jew, and rest in the law, and make your boast of God,

18 And know his will, and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law,

19 And are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light of those who are in darkness,

20 An instructor of the foolish, a teacher of babies, who has the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law.

21 You therefore who teaches someone else, don't you teach yourself?  You that preaches a man shouldn't steal, do you steal?

22 You that says a man shouldn't commit adultery, do you commit adultery?  You that hates idols, do you commit idolatry?

23 You that makes your boast of the law, through breaking the law, do you dishonor God?

24 For the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you, as it is written.

25 For circumcision truly profits, if you keep the law, but if you're a breaker of the law, your circumcision is turned into uncircumcision.

26 Therefore if the uncircumcision keeps the righteousness of the law, won't his uncircumcision be counted as circumcision?

27 And won't uncircumcision which is natural, if it fulfills the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision breaks the law?

28 For he is not a Jew that is one outwardly, nor is that circumcision that is outward in the flesh,

29 But he is a Jew, that is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God.

___Romans chapter 3

1 What advantage then does the Jew have?  Or what profit is there of circumcision?

2 Much every way, mainly, because to them were committed the oracles of God.

3 For what if some did not believe?  Shall their unbelief make the faith of God useless?

4 God forbid, yes, let God be true, but every man a liar, as it is written, "So that you'll be justified in your sayings, and will overcome when you are judged."

5 But if our unrighteousness recommends the righteousness of God, what shall we say?  Is God unrighteous who takes vengeance?  (I speak as a man.)

6 God forbid, for then how could God judge the world?

7 For if the truth of God is more abundant through my lie for his glory, why then am I also judged as a sinner?

8 And not rather, (as we are slanderously reported about, and as some affirm that we say,)  "Let us do evil, so good will come?"  Whose damnation is just.

9 What then?  Are we better than they are?  No, in no way, for we have before proven both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin,

10 As it is written, "There is none righteous, no, not one.

11 There is no one that understands, there is no one that seeks for God.

12 They've all gone out of the way, they have together become unprofitable, there's none that does good, no, not one.

13 Their throat is an open tomb.  With their tongues they've used deceit.  The poison of snakes is under their lips,

14 Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.

15 Their feet are swift to shed blood.

16 Destruction and misery are in their ways,

17 And the way of peace they haven't known.

18 There's no fear of God before their eyes."

19 Now we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so every mouth will be stopped, and all the world will become guilty before God.

20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh shall be justified in his sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is made clear, being witnessed by the law and the prophets,

22 Even the righteousness of God that is by faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all of those who believe, for there is no difference,

23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God,

24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redeeming that is in Christ Jesus,

25 Whom God has made to be a ransom through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins in the past, through the patience of God,

26 To declare, I say, at this time, his righteousness, so he would be just, and the justifier of those who believe in Jesus.

27 Where is boasting then?  It is excluded.  By what law?  Of works?  No, but by the law of faith.

28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

29 Is he the God of the Jews only?  Is he not also of the Gentiles?  Yes, of the Gentiles also,

30 Seeing it is one God, who'll justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

31 Do we then cancel the law through faith?  God forbid, yes, we establish the law.

___Romans chapter 4

1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father according to the flesh has found?

2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he has something to glory about, but not before God.

3 For what does the scripture say?  "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness."

4 Now to him that works, the reward is not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5 But to him that doesn't work, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6 Just as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God assigns righteousness without works,

7 Saying, "Blessed are those whose sins are forgiven and covered.

8 Blessed is the man for whom the Lord will not count sin."

9 So does this blessedness come on the circumcision only, or on the uncircumcision also?  For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

10 How was it then reckoned?  When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision?  Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had while still uncircumcised, so that he'd be the father of all those who believe, though they're not circumcised, so that they would be counted as righteous also,

12 And the father of circumcision to those who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, that he had while still uncircumcised.

13 For the promise that he'd be the heir of the world was not to Abraham, or to his descendants through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of no effect,

15 'Cause the law brings anger, for where no law is, there is no violating of the law.

16 Therefore it is of faith, so that it would be by grace, so that the promise would be sure to all the descendants, not to those only who are of the law, but to those also who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,

17 (As it is written, "I've made you a father of many nations,") before him whom he believed, who is God, who makes the dead alive, and calls the things that are not as though they were.

18 Who against hope believed in hope, so that he would become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."

19 And not being weak in faith, he didn't consider his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, nor yet the deadness of Sara's womb.

20 He didn't stagger at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

22 And therefore it was counted as righteousness for him.

23 Now it was not written for his sake only, that it was counted that way for him,

24 But for us also, to whom it shall be counted, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead,

25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

___Romans chapter 5

1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,

2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also, knowing that tribulation brings patience,

4 And patience, experience, and experience, hope,

5 And hope doesn't make ashamed, because the love of God has been shined into our hearts by the Holy Ghost who has been given to us.

6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

7 For scarcely for a righteous man would someone die, yet possibly for a good man some might even dare to die.

8 But God commends his love toward us in that, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from God's anger through him.

10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

11 And not only so, but we also joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement.

12 So, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin, and so death came on all men, since all have sinned,

13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not charged against someone when there is no law.

14 But death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned like Adam's sin, who is the likeness of him that was going to come.

15 But not like the offence, so also is the free gift.  For if through the offence of one, many are dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, has become abundant to many.

16 And not as it was by one that sinned, so is the gift, for the judgment was by one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offences to justification.

17 For if by one man's offence, death ruled by one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness shall reign in life by one, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore as by the offence of one, judgment came on all men to condemnation, so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came on all men to justification of life.

19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one, many shall be made righteous.

20 Also the law entered, so that the offence would become abundant.  But where sin was abundant, grace was much more abundant,

21 So that as sin has reigned resulting in death, so grace would reign through righteousness, resulting in  eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

___Romans chapter 6

1 What shall we say then?  Shall we continue in sin, so that grace will be abundant?

2 God forbid.  How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer in it?

3 Don't you know, that as many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?

4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death, so that like Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection,

6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, so that the body of sin would be destroyed, so that from now on we wouldn't serve sin.

7 For he that is dead has been set free from sin.

8 Now if we are dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him,

9 Knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, won't die anymore.  Death has no more authority over him.

10 For in that he died, he died to sin once, but in that he lives, he lives to God.

11 Likewise, consider yourselves also to be dead indeed to sin, but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.

12 Therefore, don't let sin rule in your mortal body.  Don't obey its lusts.

13 And don't yield your members as instruments of unrighteousness to sin, but yield yourselves to God, like those who are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness to God.

14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you're not under the law, but under grace.

15 What then, shall we sin, 'cause we're not under the law, but under grace?  God forbid.

16 Don't you know, that to whom you yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants you are to whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of obedience to righteousness?

17 But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin, but you've obeyed from the heart the form of doctrine that was delivered to you.

18 Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness.

19 I speak after the manner of men because of the weakness of your flesh, for as you've yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to sin resulting in sin, even so now yield your members as servants to righteousness resulting in holiness.

20 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness.

21 What fruit did you have then in the things that you are now ashamed of?  For the end of those things is death.

22 But now being made free from sin, and having become servants to God, you have your fruit to holiness, with the end of everlasting life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

___Romans chapter 7

1 Don't you know, brothers, (for I speak to those who know the law,) that the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives?

2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives, but if the husband is dead, she is loosed by the law from her husband.

3 So then if, while her husband is living, she gets married to another man, she shall be called an adulteress, but if her husband is dead, she is free from that law, so that she's not an adulteress, though she's married to another man.

4 So, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law by the body of Christ, so that you'd be married to someone else:  to him who has been raised from the dead, so that we would produce fruit for God.

5 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, that were by the law, operated in our members to produce fruit that results in death.

6 But now we are delivered from the law, so that being dead in what had been holding us, we would serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter.

7 What shall we say then?  Is the law sin?  God forbid.  No, I would not have known sin, except by the law, for I would not have known lust, unless the law had said, "You shall not covet."

8 But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, caused in me all kinds of wrong desires.  For without the law sin was dead.

9 For I was alive without the law once, but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.

10 And the commandment, that was ordained to life, I found to be to death.

11 For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it killed me.

12 So the law is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good.

13 So then, was that which is good made death to me?  God forbid.  But sin, so that it would appear to be sin, working death in me by that which is good, so that sin by the commandment would become very sinful.

14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin.

15 For what I do, I don't want to do, for what I want to do, I don't do, but what I hate, is what I do.

16 If then I do what I don't want to do, I consent to the law that it is good.

17 Now then, it is no more I who does it, but sin that lives in me.

18 For I know that no good thing lives in me (that is, in my flesh), for I want to do what's right, but I don't find how to perform what is good.

19 For the good that I want to do, I don't do, but the evil that I don't want to do, I do.

20 Now if I do what I don't want to do, it is no more I who does it, but sin that lives in me.

21 I find then a law, that, when I want to do good, evil is present with me.

22 For my inward man delights in the law of God,

23 But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that's in my members.

24 O wretched man that I am!  Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?

25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.  So then with the mind, I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh, the law of sin.

___Romans chapter 8

1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who don't walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.

3 For what the law couldn't do, because it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh,

4 So that the righteousness of the law would be fulfilled in us, who don't walk after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

5 For those who are after the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

7 Because the carnal mind is an enemy of God, for it's not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be.

8 So then those who in the flesh can't please God.

9 But you are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you.  Now if any man doesn't have the Spirit of Christ, he is not one of his.

10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

11 But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead lives in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also make your mortal bodies alive by his Spirit that lives in you.

12 Therefore brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

13 For if you live after the flesh, you'll die, but if through the Spirit you kill the deeds of the body, you'll live.

14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

15 For you haven't received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you've received the Spirit of adoption, by which we cry, "Abba, Father."

16 The Spirit itself testifies with our spirit, that we are the children of God,

17 And if children, then heirs, heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ, if we suffer with him, we'll also be glorified together.

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time aren't worthy to be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us.

19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the revealing of the sons of God.

20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected us in hope,

21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation groans and travails in pain together until now.

23 And not only they, but ourselves also, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, that is, the redemption of our body.

24 For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope, for what a man sees, why does he yet hope for?

25 But if we hope for what we don't see, then we wait for it with patience.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our weaknesses, for we don't know what we should pray for as we ought to, but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings that can't be uttered in articulate speech.

27 And he that searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because he makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.

28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he foreknew, he also predestinated to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers.

30 Also, whom he predestinated, those he also called, and whom he called, those he also justified, and whom he justified, those he also glorified.

31 What then shall we say to these things?  If God is for us, who can be against us?

32 He that didn't spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?

33 Who shall accuse God's elect of anything?  It is God that justifies.

34 Who is he that condemns?  It is Christ that died, yes rather, that has risen again, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.

35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?  Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

36 As it is written, "For your sake we are killed all day long, we are viewed as sheep for butchering."

37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

38 For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor princedoms, nor powers, nor things present, nor things in the future,

39 Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

___Romans chapter 9

1 I say the truth in Christ, I'm not lying, my conscience also testifying about me in the

Holy Ghost,

2 That I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart.

3 For I could wish that I were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my kinsmen according to the flesh,

4 Who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises,

5 Whose are the fathers, and of whom as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, blessed by God forever.  Amen.

6 Not as though the word of God has been unproductive.  For they are not all Israel, who are of Israel,

7 Nor, because they are the descendants of Abraham, are they all children, but, "In Isaac shall your seed be called."

8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted as the descendants.

9 For this is the word of promise, "At this time I will come, and Sarah shall have a son."

10 And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one, by our father Isaac,

11 (For the children being not yet born, nor having done any good or evil, so that the purpose of God according to election would stand, not of works, but of him that does the calling,)

12 It was said to her, "The elder shall serve the younger."

13 As it is written, "Jacob I've loved, but Esau I've hated."

14 What shall we say then?  Is there unrighteousness with God?  God forbid.

15 For he says to Moses, "I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion."

16 So then it is not of him that wills, nor of him that runs, but of God that shows mercy.

17 For the scripture says to Pharaoh, "For this same purpose I've raised you up, so I could show my power in you, and so that my name would be declared throughout all the earth."

18 Therefore he has mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardens.

19 You will then say to me, "Why does he yet find fault?  For who has resisted his will?"

20 No but, O man, who are you that replies against God?  Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, "Why have you made me this way?"

21 Doesn't the potter have power over the clay, from the same lump to make one pot to honor, and another to dishonor?

22 What if God, willing to show his anger, and to make his power known, endured with much patience the pots of anger meant for destruction,

23 And that he would make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had before prepared to glory,

24 Even us, whom he has called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

25 As he says also in Hosea, "I will call them my people who were not my people, and her beloved that was not beloved.

26 And it shall be, that in the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people,' they shall there be called the children of the living God."

27 Isaiah also shouts concerning Israel, "Though the number of the children of Israel is as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved,

28 For he will finish the work, and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work on the earth."

29 And as Isaiah said before, "Unless the Lord of Sabbath had left us a seed, we would have been like Sodom, and have been made like Gomorrah."

30 What shall we say then?  That the Gentiles, who didn't follow after righteousness, have attained righteousness, the righteousness which is of faith.

31 But Israel, that followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness.

32 Why?  Because they didn't seek it by faith, but by the works of the law.  For they stumbled at that stumbling stone,

33 As it is written, "See, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offence, and whoever believes on him won't be ashamed."

___Romans chapter 10

1 Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is for them to be saved.

2 For I testify about them that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.

3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going around trying to establish their own righteousness, haven't submitted themselves to the righteousness of God.

4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone that believes.

5 For Moses describes the righteousness that's of the law, that the man that does those things shall live by them.

6 But the righteousness that is of faith talks like this, "Don't say in your heart, 'Who shall ascend into heaven?'  (that is, to bring Christ down from above,)

7 Or, 'Who shall descend into the deep?'  (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.)"

8 But what does it say?  "The word is near you, even in your mouth, and in your heart, that is, the word of faith, that we preach,

9 That if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised him from the dead, you're saved.

10 For with the heart man believes for righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made for salvation."

11 For the scripture says, "Whoever believes on him shall not be ashamed."

12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Gentile, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on him.

13 For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.

14 How then shall they call on him in whom they haven't believed?  And how shall they believe in him about whom they haven't heard?  And how shall they hear without a preacher?

15 And how shall they preach, unless they're sent?  As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad news of good things!"

16 But they haven't all obeyed the gospel.  For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?"

17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

18 But I say, haven't they heard?  Yes truly, their sound went into all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.

19 But I say, didn't Israel know?  First Moses says, "I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are no people, and by a foolish nation I will anger you."

20 But Isaiah is very bold and says, "I was found by those who didn't seek me.  I was revealed to those who didn't ask about me."

21 But to Israel he says, "All day long I have stretched out my hands to a disobedient and contradicting people."

___Romans chapter 11

1 I say then, has God thrown away his people?  God forbid.  For I also am an Israelite, of the descendants of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God has not thrown away his people that he foreknew.  Don't you know what the scripture says about Elijah, how he prays to God against Israel, saying,

3 "Lord, they've killed your prophets, and torn down your altars, and I'm left alone, and they're trying to kill me."

4 But what does God answer him?  "I've reserved to myself seven thousand men who haven't bowed the knee to the image of Baal."

5 Even so then, at this present time also, there is a remnant according to the election of grace.

6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it is of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work.

7 What then?  Israel hasn't obtained what he's looking for, but the elect have obtained it, and the rest were blinded,

8 (As it is written, "God has given them the spirit of sleep, eyes that won't see, and ears that won't hear,)" until this day.

9 And David says, "Let their table be made a snare, and a trap, and a stumbling block, and a repayment to them.

10 Let their eyes be darkened so they won't see, and bow down their backs always."

11 I say then, have they stumbled so that they'd fall?  God forbid, but rather through their fall, salvation has come to the Gentiles, to provoke them to jealousy.

12 Now if the fall of them is the riches of the world, and their being made smaller is the riches of the Gentiles, how much more their fullness?

13 For I speak to you Gentiles, since I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office,

14 If by any means I can provoke those who are my flesh to be like me, and might save some of them.

15 For if the throwing away of them is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be, but life from the dead?

16 For if the first fruit is holy, the lump is also holy, and if the root is holy, so are the branches.

17 And if some of the branches are broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them, and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree,

18 Don't boast against the branches.  But if you boast, you don't bear the root, but the root bears you.

19 You will say then, "The branches were broken off, so that I would be grafted in."

20 Well, because of unbelief they were broken off, and you stand by faith.  Don't be high minded, but fear,

21 For if God didn't spare the natural branches, be careful so that he doesn't break you off.

22 Obsrve therefore the goodness and severity of God, on those who fell, severity, but toward you goodness, if you continue in his goodness, otherwise you also shall be cut off.

23 And they also, if they don't remain in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again.

24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted contrary to nature into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree?

25 For I don't want you, brothers, to be ignorant of this mystery, so you're not wise in your own conceit, that partial blindness has happened to Israel, until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in.

26 And so, all Israel shall be saved, as it is written, "The Deliverer shall come out of Zion, and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob,

27 For this is my covenant with them, when I shall take away their sins."

28 Concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers' sakes.

29 For God doesn't change his mind about his gifts and callings.

30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief,

31 Even so these have also now not believed, so that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy.

32 For God has concluded them all in unbelief, so that he could have mercy on all.

33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God!  How unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!

34 For who has known the mind of the Lord?  Or who has been his counselor?

35 Or who has first given to Him, and it shall be repaid back to him?

36 For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things, to whom be glory forever.  Amen.

___Romans chapter 12

1 Therefore, I ask you please, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.

2 And don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you'll prove what is the good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every man the measure of faith.

4 For as we have many members in one body, and all members don't have the same office,

5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and everyone members of each other.

6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that has been given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith,

7 Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering, or he that teaches, on teaching,

8 Or he that exhorts, on exhortation, he that gives, let him do it with simplicity, he that rules, with diligence, he that shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be unpretended.  Hate that which is evil.  Stick to that which is good.

10 Have kind affection toward each other with brotherly love, in honor preferring each other,

11 Not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord,

12 Rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing instant in prayer,

13 Distributing to the needs of saints, given to hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you, bless, and don't curse.

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and cry with those who cry.

16 Be of the same mind toward each other.  Don't mind high things, but spend some time with common people.  Don't be wise in your own conceit.

17 Don't repay evil for evil to anyone.  Provide things honest in the sight of all men.

18 If possible, as much as lies in you, live peaceably with all men.

19 Dearly beloved, don't avenge yourselves, but rather give place to anger, for it is written, "Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord."

20 Therefore if your enemy is hungry, feed him, if he's thirsty, give him drink, for in so doing you'll heap coals of fire on his head.

21 Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

___Romans chapter 13

1 Let every soul be subject to the higher powers.  For there is no power but of God, the powers that exist are ordained by God.

2 Whoever therefore resists the power, resists the ordinances of God, and those who resist shall receive damnation for themselves.

3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil.  Do you want to be free from fearing the government?  Do that which is good, and you'll have praise from them,

4 For he is the minister of God to you for good.  But if you do evil, be afraid, for he doesn't carry the sword for nothing, for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute anger on those who do evil.

5 So you must be subject, not only for anger, but also for conscience sake.

6 So, for this reason pay taxes also, for they are God's ministers, always at work on this very thing.

7 Therefore give to everyone what is due, taxes to whom taxes are due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.

8 Don't owe anyone anything except to love each other, for he that loves someone else has fulfilled the law.

9 For this, "You shall not commit adultery, You shall not kill, You shall not steal, You shall not tell lies, You shall not covet," and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly included in this saying, specifically, "You shall love you neighbor like yourself."

10 Love does no harm to its neighbor, therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.

11 And that, knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep, for now our salvation is nearer than when we became believers.

12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand, let us therefore throw off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.

13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in sex sins and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and don't make provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts.

___Romans chapter 14

1 Receive him that is weak in the faith, but not for doubtful arguments.

2 For one person believes he can eat all things, another, who is weak, eats vegetables.

3 Let him that eats, not despise him that doesn't eat, and let him who doesn't eat, not judge him that eats, for God has received him.

4 Who are you that judges another man's servant?  To his own master he stands or falls.  Yes, he shall be held upright, for God is able to make him stand.

5 One man esteems one day above another, another esteems every day alike.  Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.

6 He that regards the day, regards it to the Lord, and he that doesn't regard the day, to the Lord he doesn't regard it.  He that eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks, and he that doesn't eat, to the Lord he doesn't eat, and gives God thanks.

7 For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself.

8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord, and whether we die, we die to the Lord, whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord's.

9 For this purpose Christ died, and rose, and revived, so that he would be Lord both of the dead and living.

10 But why do you judge your brother?  Or why do you speak ill of your brother?  For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11 For it is written, "As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God."

12 So then everyone of us shall give account of himself to God.

13 Therefore, let us not judge each other anymore, but judge this rather, that no man puts a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

14 I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself, but to him that thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean.

15 But if your brother is grieved with your food, you're not walking in love.  Don't destroy him with your food, for whom Christ died.

16 So, don't let your good be spoken evil about,

17 For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

18 For he that in these things serves Christ is acceptable to God, and approved by men.

19 Let us therefore pursue the things that make for peace, and things with which we edify each other.

20 Don't destroy the work of God for food.  All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for that man who eats with offence.

21 It is good to neither eat flesh, nor drink wine, nor anything by which your brother stumbles, or is offended, or is made weak.

22 Do you have faith?  Have it to yourself before God.  Happy is he that doesn't condemn himself in the thing that he allows.

23 And he that doubts is damned if he eats, because he doesn't eat in faith, for whatever is not of faith is sin.

___Romans chapter 15

1 We then that are strong ought to carry the weaknesses of those who are weak, and not to please ourselves.

2 Let each one of us please his neighbor for his good for building up.

3 For even Christ didn't please himself, but, as it is written, "The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me."

4 For whatever things were written before, were written for our learning, so that through patience and comfort of the scriptures we would have hope.

5 Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward each other according to Christ Jesus,

6 So that with one mind and one mouth you'll glorify God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

7 So, receive each other, like Christ also received us to the glory of God.

8 Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers,

9 And so that the Gentiles would glorify God for his mercy, as it is written, "For this reason I will confess to you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name."

10 And again he says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."

11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and applaud him, all you people."

12 And again, Isaiah says, "There shall be a descendant of Jesse, and he that shall rise to rule over the Gentiles, the Gentiles will trust in him."

13 Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you'll have abundance of hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

14 And I myself also am persuaded about you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to correct each other.

15 However brothers, I have written the more boldly to you in a way, as reminding you, because of the grace that is given to me by God,

16 So that I would be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, so that the offering up of the Gentiles would be acceptable, being made holy by the Holy Ghost.

17 Therefore, I have something about which I can glory through Jesus Christ in the things that pertain to God.

18 For I will not dare to speak of any of the things that Christ has not done by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed,

19 Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God, so that from Jerusalem, and around to Illyricum, I have fully preached the gospel of Christ.

20 Yes, I have strived to preach the gospel, where Christ wasn't named, so that I wouldn't build on another man's foundation,

21 But as it is written, "To whom he was not spoken about, they shall see, and those who haven't heard shall understand."

22 For which reason also I've been hindered a lot from coming to you.

23 But now, having no more place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you,

24 Whenever I take my journey into Spain, I will come to you, for I trust to see you in my journey, and to be brought on my way there by you, if first I'm somewhat filled by your company.

25 But now I go to Jerusalem to minister to the saints.

26 For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are at Jerusalem.

27 It has pleased them truly, and their debtors they are.  For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in natural things.

28 Therefore when I have performed this, and have sealed to them this fruit, I will come by you into Spain.

29 And I am sure that when I come to you, I'll come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ.

30 Now I ask you please, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me,

31 So that I'll have deliverance from those who don't believe in Judea, and so my service that I have for Jerusalem will be accepted by the saints,

32 So that I'll come to you with joy by the will of God, and will be refreshed with you.

33 Now the God of peace be with you all.  Amen.

___Romans chapter 16

1 I recommend to you Phebe our sister, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchrea,

2 So, receive her in the Lord, as saints should do, and assist her in whatever business she needs from you, for she has strengthened many, including me.

3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila my helpers in Christ Jesus,

4 Who have laid down their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles.

5 Also greet the church that is in their house.  Greet my beloved Epaenetus, who is the first fruits of Achaia to Christ.

6 Greet Mary, who did a lot of work for us.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my kinsmen, and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who were also in Christ before me.

8 Greet Amplias my beloved in the Lord.

9 Greet Urbane, our helper in Christ, and Stachys my beloved.

10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ.  Greet those who are of Aristobulus' household.

11 Greet Herodion, my kinsman.  Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord.

12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord.  Greet the beloved Persis, who labored a lot in the Lord.

13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine.

14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermas, Patrobas, Hermes, and the brothers who are with them.

15 Greet Philologus, and Julia, Nereus, and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them.

16 Greet each other with a holy kiss.  The churches of Christ greet you.

17 Now I ask you please, brothers, identify those who cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine that you've learned, and avoid them.

18 For those who are such don't serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own bellies, and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple.

19 For your obedience has come before all men.  I am glad therefore on your behalf, but I want you to be wise about that which is good, and simple concerning evil.

20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly.  The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.  Amen.

21 Timothy my fellow worker, and Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen, greet you.

22 I Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord.

23 Gaius, my host, and of the whole church, greets you.  Erastus, an officer of the city greets you, and Quartus, a brother.

24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.  Amen.

25 Now to him that is of power to establish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began,

26 But now is revealed, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith,

27 To God only wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever.  Amen.