Saturday, April 25, 2015
Ephesians 2
Ephesians 2 (New International Version, ©2010)
Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Footnotes:
Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
Ephesians 2
Made Alive in Christ
1 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh[a] and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
Jew and Gentile Reconciled Through Christ
11 Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)— 12 remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
14 For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.
19 Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God's people and also members of his household, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. 21 In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. 22 And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.
Footnotes:
Ephesians 2:3 In contexts like this, the Greek word for flesh (sarx) refers to the sinful state of human beings, often presented as a power in opposition to the Spirit.
Revelation 2
Revelation 2 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 2
To the Church in Ephesus
1 "To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
To the Church in Smyrna 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
To the Church in Pergamum 12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
To the Church in Thyatira 18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.' 26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery'[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Revelation 2
To the Church in Ephesus
1 "To the angel[a] of the church in Ephesus write:
These are the words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand and walks among the seven golden lampstands. 2 I know your deeds, your hard work and your perseverance. I know that you cannot tolerate wicked people, that you have tested those who claim to be apostles but are not, and have found them false. 3 You have persevered and have endured hardships for my name, and have not grown weary. 4 Yet I hold this against you: You have forsaken the love you had at first. 5 Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first. If you do not repent, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place. 6 But you have this in your favor: You hate the practices of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
To the Church in Smyrna 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write:
These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you, the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you life as your victor's crown. 11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
To the Church in Pergamum 12 "To the angel of the church in Pergamum write:
These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. 13 I know where you live—where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, not even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city—where Satan lives. 14 Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: There are some among you who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin so that they ate food sacrificed to idols and committed sexual immorality. 15 Likewise, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Repent therefore! Otherwise, I will soon come to you and will fight against them with the sword of my mouth. 17 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it.
To the Church in Thyatira 18 "To the angel of the church in Thyatira write:
These are the words of the Son of God, whose eyes are like blazing fire and whose feet are like burnished bronze. 19 I know your deeds, your love and faith, your service and perseverance, and that you are now doing more than you did at first. 20 Nevertheless, I have this against you: You tolerate that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophet. By her teaching she misleads my servants into sexual immorality and the eating of food sacrificed to idols. 21 I have given her time to repent of her immorality, but she is unwilling. 22 So I will cast her on a bed of suffering, and I will make those who commit adultery with her suffer intensely, unless they repent of her ways. 23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds. 24 Now I say to the rest of you in Thyatira, to you who do not hold to her teaching and have not learned Satan's so-called deep secrets, 'I will not impose any other burden on you, 25 except to hold on to what you have until I come.' 26 To the one who is victorious and does my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations— 27 that one 'will rule them with an iron scepter and will dash them to pieces like pottery'[b]—just as I have received authority from my Father. 28 I will also give that one the morning star. 29 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Friday, April 24, 2015
Ephesians 1
Ephesians 1 (New International Version, ©2010)
Ephesians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Ephesians 1
1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God's holy people in Ephesus,[a] the faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Praise for Spiritual Blessings in Christ
3 Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. 4 For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love 5 he[b] predestined us for adoption to sonship[c] through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace 8 that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, 9 he[d] made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, 10 to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
11 In him we were also chosen,[e] having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of his glory.
Thanksgiving and Prayer
15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God's people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[f] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
Revelation 1
Revelation 1 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 1
Prologue
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Greetings and Doxology
4 John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds,"[b] and "every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him."[c] So shall it be! Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
John's Vision of Christ
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[e] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Revelation 1
Prologue
1 The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Greetings and Doxology
4 John,
To the seven churches in the province of Asia: Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits[a] before his throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood, 6 and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.
7 "Look, he is coming with the clouds,"[b] and "every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of him."[c] So shall it be! Amen.
8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."
John's Vision of Christ
9 I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. 10 On the Lord's Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet, 11 which said: "Write on a scroll what you see and send it to the seven churches: to Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea."
12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[d] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades. 19 "Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[e] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Romans 16
Romans 16 (New International Version, ©2010)
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla[c] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [e]
25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Romans 16
Personal Greetings
1 I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon[a][b] of the church in Cenchreae. 2 I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.
3 Greet Priscilla[c] and Aquila, my co-workers in Christ Jesus. 4 They risked their lives for me. Not only I but all the churches of the Gentiles are grateful to them.
5 Greet also the church that meets at their house. Greet my dear friend Epenetus, who was the first convert to Christ in the province of Asia.
6 Greet Mary, who worked very hard for you.
7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among[d] the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.
8 Greet Ampliatus, my dear friend in the Lord.
9 Greet Urbanus, our co-worker in Christ, and my dear friend Stachys.
10 Greet Apelles, whose fidelity to Christ has stood the test. Greet those who belong to the household of Aristobulus.
11 Greet Herodion, my fellow Jew. Greet those in the household of Narcissus who are in the Lord.
12 Greet Tryphena and Tryphosa, those women who work hard in the Lord. Greet my dear friend Persis, another woman who has worked very hard in the Lord.
13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother, who has been a mother to me, too.
14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas and the other brothers and sisters with them.
15 Greet Philologus, Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas and all the Lord's people who are with them.
16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the churches of Christ send greetings.
17 I urge you, brothers and sisters, to watch out for those who cause divisions and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have learned. Keep away from them. 18 For such people are not serving our Lord Christ, but their own appetites. By smooth talk and flattery they deceive the minds of naive people. 19 Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you; but I want you to be wise about what is good, and innocent about what is evil.
20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.
21 Timothy, my co-worker, sends his greetings to you, as do Lucius, Jason and Sosipater, my fellow Jews.
22 I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.
23 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city's director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. [24] [e]
25 Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, 26 but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from[f] faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen.
Romans 15
Romans 15 (New International Version, ©2010)
Romans 15
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b] on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name."[c]
10 Again, it says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."[d]
11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him."[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope."[f]
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."[g]
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God's will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Romans 15
1 We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. 2 Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. 3 For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: "The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me."[a] 4 For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
5 May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, 6 so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. 8 For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews[b] on behalf of God's truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: "Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name."[c]
10 Again, it says, "Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people."[d]
11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles; let all the peoples extol him."[e]
12 And again, Isaiah says, "The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope."[f]
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Paul the Minister to the Gentiles
14 I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another. 15 Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me 16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles. He gave me the priestly duty of proclaiming the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
17 Therefore I glory in Christ Jesus in my service to God. 18 I will not venture to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me in leading the Gentiles to obey God by what I have said and done— 19 by the power of signs and wonders, through the power of the Spirit of God. So from Jerusalem all the way around to Illyricum, I have fully proclaimed the gospel of Christ. 20 It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known, so that I would not be building on someone else's foundation. 21 Rather, as it is written: "Those who were not told about him will see, and those who have not heard will understand."[g]
22 This is why I have often been hindered from coming to you.
Paul's Plan to Visit Rome
23 But now that there is no more place for me to work in these regions, and since I have been longing for many years to visit you, 24 I plan to do so when I go to Spain. I hope to see you while passing through and to have you assist me on my journey there, after I have enjoyed your company for a while. 25 Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem in the service of the Lord's people there. 26 For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the Lord's people in Jerusalem. 27 They were pleased to do it, and indeed they owe it to them. For if the Gentiles have shared in the Jews' spiritual blessings, they owe it to the Jews to share with them their material blessings. 28 So after I have completed this task and have made sure that they have received this contribution, I will go to Spain and visit you on the way. 29 I know that when I come to you, I will come in the full measure of the blessing of Christ.
30 I urge you, brothers and sisters, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. 31 Pray that I may be kept safe from the unbelievers in Judea and that the contribution I take to Jerusalem may be favorably received by the Lord's people there, 32 so that I may come to you with joy, by God's will, and in your company be refreshed. 33 The God of peace be with you all. Amen.
Chronological New Testament Study Day 92
Revelation 19; Revelation 20; Revelation 21; Revelation 22
1 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great
multitude in heaven shouting: "Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power
belong to our God, 2 for true and just are his judgments. He
has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants." 3 And
again they shouted: "Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and
ever." 4 The twenty-four elders and the four living
creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they
cried: "Amen, Hallelujah!" 5 Then a voice came from
the throne, saying: "Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear
him, both small and great!" 6 Then I heard what sounded
like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of
thunder, shouting: "Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let
us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has
come, and his bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen,
bright and clean, was given her to wear." 9 Then the
angel said to me, "Write: 'Blessed are those who are invited to the
wedding supper of the Lamb!' " And he added, "These are the true
words of God." 10At this I fell at his feet to worship him.
But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with
your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the
testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." 11 I saw
heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is
called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. 12 His
eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name
written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is
dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The
armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine
linen, white and clean. 15 Out of his mouth comes a sharp
sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an
iron scepter." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God
Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name
written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an
angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in
midair, "Come, gather together for the great supper of God, 18 so
that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and mighty men, of horses and
their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, small and
great." 19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the
earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the
horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with
him the false prophet who had performed the miraculous signs on his behalf.
With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast
and worshiped his image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake
of burning sulfur. 21 The rest of them were killed with the
sword that came out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds
gorged themselves on their flesh.
1 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the
key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. 2 He
seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound
him for a thousand years. 3 He threw him into the Abyss, and
locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore
until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a
short time. 4 I saw thrones on which were seated those who had
been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been
beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God.
They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on
their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a
thousand years. 5(The rest of the dead did not come to life until
the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed
and holy are those who have part in the first resurrection. The second death
has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will
reign with him for a thousand years. 7 When the thousand years
are over, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go
out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth--Gog and Magog--to
gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. 9 They
marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God's
people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. 10 And
the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where
the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and
night for ever and ever. 11 Then I saw a great white throne
and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there
was no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small,
standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened,
which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done
as recorded in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead that
were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each
person was judged according to what he had done. 14 Then death
and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second
death. 15 If anyone's name was not found written in the book
of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first
heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I
saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God,
prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And
I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is
with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself
will be with them and be their God. 4 He will wipe every tear
from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for
the old order of things has passed away." 5 He who was
seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he
said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true." 6 He
said to me: "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and
the End. To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring
of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes will inherit all
this, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But the
cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those
who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars--their place will be in
the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death." 9 One
of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came
and said to me, "Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the
Lamb." 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a
mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down
out of heaven from God. 11 It shone with the glory of God, and
its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as
crystal. 12 It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and
with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the
twelve tribes of Israel.13 There were three gates on the east,
three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.14 The
wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the
twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 The angel who talked with me
had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. 16 The
city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city
with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high
as it is long. 17 He measured its wall and it was 144 cubits
thick, by man's measurement, which the angel was using. 18 The
wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. 19 The
foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone.
The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the
fourth emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian,
the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth
chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. 21 The
twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great
street of the city was of pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 I
did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb
are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon
to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. 24 The
nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their
splendor into it. 25 On no day will its gates ever be shut,
for there will be no night there. 26 The glory and honor of
the nations will be brought into it. 27Nothing impure will ever
enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only
those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life,
as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb 2 down
the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the
tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month.
And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. 3 No
longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in
the city, and his servants will serve him. 4 They will see his
face, and his name will be on their foreheads. 5 There will be
no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun,
for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever. 6 The
angel said to me, "These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God
of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things
that must soon take place." 7 "Behold, I am coming
soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy in this book." 8 I,
John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen
them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them
to me. 9 But he said to me, "Do not do it! I am a fellow
servant with you and with your brothers the prophets and of all who keep the
words of this book. Worship God!" 10Then he told me, "Do
not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11Let
him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be
vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy
continue to be holy." 12 "Behold, I am coming soon!
My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has
done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,
the Beginning and the End. 14 "Blessed are those who wash
their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go
through the gates into the city.15 Outside are the dogs, those who
practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and
everyone who loves and practices falsehood. 16 "I, Jesus,
have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root
and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star." 17 The
Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say,
"Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him
take the free gift of the water of life. 18 I warn everyone
who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to
them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. 19 And
if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from
him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in
this book. 20 He who testifies to these things says,
"Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. 21The
grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's people. Amen.
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
Romans 14
Romans 14 (New International Version, ©2010)
Romans 14
The Weak and the Strong
1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"[b]
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Romans 14
The Weak and the Strong
1 Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. 2 One person's faith allows them to eat anything, but another, whose faith is weak, eats only vegetables. 3 The one who eats everything must not treat with contempt the one who does not, and the one who does not eat everything must not judge the one who does, for God has accepted them. 4 Who are you to judge someone else's servant? To their own master, servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them stand.
5 One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind. 6 Whoever regards one day as special does so to the Lord. Whoever eats meat does so to the Lord, for they give thanks to God; and whoever abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God. 7 For none of us lives for ourselves alone, and none of us dies for ourselves alone. 8 If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. 9 For this very reason, Christ died and returned to life so that he might be the Lord of both the dead and the living.
10 You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister[a]? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. 11 It is written: "'As surely as I live,' says the Lord,
'every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.'"[b]
12 So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.
13 Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. 14 I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. 15 If your brother or sister is distressed because of what you eat, you are no longer acting in love. Do not by your eating destroy someone for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
19 Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. All food is clean, but it is wrong for a person to eat anything that causes someone else to stumble. 21 It is better not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything else that will cause your brother or sister to fall.
22 So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. 23 But whoever has doubts is condemned if they eat, because their eating is not from faith; and everything that does not come from faith is sin.
Chronological New Testament Study Day 91
Revelation 12; Revelation 13; Revelation 14; Revelation 15; Revelation
16; Revelation 17; Revelation 18
1 A great and wondrous sign appeared in heaven: a woman
clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars
on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she
was about to give birth. 3 Then another sign appeared in
heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns
on his heads. 4 His tail swept a third of the stars out of the
sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was
about to give birth, so that he might devour her child the moment it was born. 5 She
gave birth to a son, a male child, who will rule all the nations with an iron
scepter. And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The
woman fled into the desert to a place prepared for her by God, where she might
be taken care of for 1,260 days. 7 And there was war in
heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and
his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and
they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled
down--that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole
world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him. 10 Then
I heard a loud voice in heaven say: "Now have come the salvation and the
power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. For the
accuser of our brothers, who accuses them before our God day and night, has
been hurled down. 11 They overcame him by the blood of the
Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much
as to shrink from death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens and
you who dwell in them! But woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has
gone down to you! He is filled with fury, because he knows that his time is
short." 13 When the dragon saw that he had been hurled to
the earth, he pursued the woman who had given birth to the male child. 14The
woman was given the two wings of a great eagle, so that she might fly to the
place prepared for her in the desert, where she would be taken care of for a
time, times and half a time, out of the serpent's reach. 15 Then
from his mouth the serpent spewed water like a river, to overtake the woman and
sweep her away with the torrent. 16 But the earth helped the
woman by opening its mouth and swallowing the river that the dragon had spewed
out of his mouth. 17 Then the dragon was enraged at the woman
and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who obey
God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
1 And the dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a
beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns
on his horns, and on each head a blasphemous name. 2 The beast
I saw resembled a leopard, but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like
that of a lion. The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great
authority. 3 One of the heads of the beast seemed to have had
a fatal wound, but the fatal wound had been healed. The whole world was
astonished and followed the beast. 4 Men worshiped the dragon
because he had given authority to the beast, and they also worshiped the beast
and asked, "Who is like the beast? Who can make war against him?" 5 The
beast was given a mouth to utter proud words and blasphemies and to exercise his
authority for forty-two months. 6 He opened his mouth to
blaspheme God, and to slander his name and his dwelling place and those who
live in heaven. 7 He was given power to make war against the
saints and to conquer them. And he was given authority over every tribe,
people, language and nation.8 All inhabitants of the earth will
worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life
belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. 9 He
who has an ear, let him hear. 10 If anyone is to go into
captivity, into captivity he will go. If anyone is to be killed with the sword,
with the sword he will be killed. This calls for patient endurance and
faithfulness on the part of the saints. 11 Then I saw another
beast, coming out of the earth. He had two horns like a lamb, but he spoke like
a dragon. 12 He exercised all the authority of the first beast
on his behalf, and made the earth and its inhabitants worship the first beast,
whose fatal wound had been healed. 13 And he performed great
and miraculous signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in
full view of men. 14 Because of the signs he was given power
to do on behalf of the first beast, he deceived the inhabitants of the earth.
He ordered them to set up an image in honor of the beast who was wounded by the
sword and yet lived. 15 He was given power to give breath to
the image of the first beast, so that it could speak and cause all who refused
to worship the image to be killed. 16 He also forced everyone,
small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on his right
hand or on his forehead, 17 so that no one could buy or sell
unless he had the mark, which is the name of the beast or the number of his
name. 18 This calls for wisdom. If anyone has insight, let him
calculate the number of the beast, for it is man's number. His number is 666.
1 Then I looked, and there before me was the Lamb, standing
on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name
written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a sound from heaven
like the roar of rushing waters and like a loud peal of thunder. The sound I
heard was like that of harpists playing their harps. 3 And
they sang a new song before the throne and before the four living creatures and
the elders. No one could learn the song except the 144,000 who had been
redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who did not defile
themselves with women, for they kept themselves pure. They follow the Lamb
wherever he goes. They were purchased from among men and offered as firstfruits
to God and the Lamb. 5 No lie was found in their mouths; they
are blameless. 6 Then I saw another angel flying in midair,
and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth--to
every nation, tribe, language and people. 7 He said in a loud
voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has
come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of
water." 8 A second angel followed and said, "Fallen!
Fallen is Babylon the Great, which made all the nations drink the maddening
wine of her adulteries." 9 A third angel followed them
and said in a loud voice: "If anyone worships the beast and his image and
receives his mark on the forehead or on the hand, 10 he, too,
will drink of the wine of God's fury, which has been poured full strength into
the cup of his wrath. He will be tormented with burning sulfur in the presence
of the holy angels and of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their
torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who
worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his
name." 12 This calls for patient endurance on the part of
the saints who obey God's commandments and remain faithful to Jesus. 13 Then
I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write: Blessed are the dead who die in
the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will
rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." 14 I
looked, and there before me was a white cloud, and seated on the cloud was one
"like a son of man" with a crown of gold on his head and a sharp
sickle in his hand. 15 Then another angel came out of the
temple and called in a loud voice to him who was sitting on the cloud,
"Take your sickle and reap, because the time to reap has come, for the
harvest of the earth is ripe." 16So he who was seated on the
cloud swung his sickle over the earth, and the earth was harvested. 17Another
angel came out of the temple in heaven, and he too had a sharp sickle. 18 Still
another angel, who had charge of the fire, came from the altar and called in a
loud voice to him who had the sharp sickle, "Take your sharp sickle and
gather the clusters of grapes from the earth's vine, because its grapes are
ripe." 19 The angel swung his sickle on the earth,
gathered its grapes and threw them into the great winepress of God's wrath. 20 They
were trampled in the winepress outside the city, and blood flowed out of the
press, rising as high as the horses' bridles for a distance of 1,600 stadia.
1 I saw in heaven another great and marvelous sign: seven
angels with the seven last plagues--last, because with them God's wrath is
completed. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mixed
with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the
beast and his image and over the number of his name. They held harps given them
by God 3 and sang the song of Moses the servant of God and the
song of the Lamb: "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways, King of the ages. 4 Who will not
fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy. All
nations will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been
revealed." 5 After this I looked and in heaven the
temple, that is, the tabernacle of the Testimony, was opened. 6 Out
of the temple came the seven angels with the seven plagues. They were dressed
in clean, shining linen and wore golden sashes around their chests. 7 Then
one of the four living creatures gave to the seven angels seven golden bowls
filled with the wrath of God, who lives for ever and ever. 8 And
the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from his power, and
no one could enter the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were
completed.
1 Then I heard a loud voice from the temple saying to the
seven angels, "Go, pour out the seven bowls of God's wrath on the
earth." 2 The first angel went and poured out his bowl on
the land, and ugly and painful sores broke out on the people who had the mark
of the beast and worshiped his image. 3 The second angel
poured out his bowl on the sea, and it turned into blood like that of a dead
man, and every living thing in the sea died. 4 The third angel
poured out his bowl on the rivers and springs of water, and they became blood. 5 Then
I heard the angel in charge of the waters say: "You are just in these
judgments, you who are and who were, the Holy One, because you have so judged; 6 for
they have shed the blood of your saints and prophets, and you have given them
blood to drink as they deserve."7 And I heard the altar
respond: "Yes, Lord God Almighty, true and just are your judgments." 8 The
fourth angel poured out his bowl on the sun, and the sun was given power to
scorch people with fire. 9They were seared by the intense heat and
they cursed the name of God, who had control over these plagues, but they
refused to repent and glorify him. 10 The fifth angel poured
out his bowl on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was plunged into
darkness. Men gnawed their tongues in agony11 and cursed the God of
heaven because of their pains and their sores, but they refused to repent of
what they had done. 12 The sixth angel poured out his bowl on
the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for
the kings from the East. 13 Then I saw three evil spirits that
looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth
of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 They
are spirits of demons performing miraculous signs, and they go out to the kings
of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God
Almighty.15 "Behold, I come like a thief ! Blessed is he who
stays awake and keeps his clothes with him, so that he may not go naked and be
shamefully exposed." 16 Then they gathered the kings
together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon. 17 The
seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and out of the temple came a
loud voice from the throne, saying, "It is done!" 18 Then
there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, peals of thunder and a severe
earthquake. No earthquake like it has ever occurred since man has been on
earth, so tremendous was the quake. 19 The great city split
into three parts, and the cities of the nations collapsed. God remembered
Babylon the Great and gave her the cup filled with the wine of the fury of his
wrath. 20 Every island fled away and the mountains could not
be found. 21 From the sky huge hailstones of about a hundred
pounds each fell upon men. And they cursed God on account of the plague of
hail, because the plague was so terrible.
1 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls came and
said to me, "Come, I will show you the punishment of the great prostitute,
who sits on many waters. 2 With her the kings of the earth
committed adultery and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the
wine of her adulteries."3 Then the angel carried me away in
the Spirit into a desert. There I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that
was covered with blasphemous names and had seven heads and ten horns. 4 The
woman was dressed in purple and scarlet, and was glittering with gold, precious
stones and pearls. She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable
things and the filth of her adulteries. 5 This title was
written on her forehead: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES
AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. 6 I saw that the woman
was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony
to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. 7 Then the
angel said to me: "Why are you astonished? I will explain to you the
mystery of the woman and of the beast she rides, which has the seven heads and
ten horns. 8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not,
and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of
the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the
creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he
once was, now is not, and yet will come. 9 "This calls
for a mind with wisdom. The seven heads are seven hills on which the woman
sits. 10 They are also seven kings. Five have fallen, one is,
the other has not yet come; but when he does come, he must remain for a little
while. 11 The beast who once was, and now is not, is an eighth
king. He belongs to the seven and is going to his destruction. 12 "The
ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who
for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. 13 They
have one purpose and will give their power and authority to the beast. 14 They
will make war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will overcome them because he is
Lord of lords and King of kings--and with him will be his called, chosen and
faithful followers." 15 Then the angel said to me,
"The waters you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes,
nations and languages. 16 The beast and the ten horns you saw
will hate the prostitute. They will bring her to ruin and leave her naked; they
will eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put
it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose by agreeing to give the beast
their power to rule, until God's words are fulfilled. 18 The
woman you saw is the great city that rules over the kings of the earth."
1 After this I saw another angel coming down from heaven. He
had great authority, and the earth was illuminated by his splendor. 2 With
a mighty voice he shouted: "Fallen! Fallen is Babylon the Great! She has
become a home for demons and a haunt for every evil spirit, a haunt for every
unclean and detestable bird. 3 For all the nations have drunk
the maddening wine of her adulteries. The kings of the earth committed adultery
with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive
luxuries." 4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"Come out of her, my people, so that you will not share in her sins, so
that you will not receive any of her plagues; 5 for her sins
are piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes. 6 Give
back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix
her a double portion from her own cup. 7 Give her as much
torture and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself. In her heart she
boasts, 'I sit as queen; I am not a widow, and I will never mourn.' 8 Therefore
in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. She will
be consumed by fire, for mighty is the Lord God who judges her. 9 "When
the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury
see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. 10 Terrified
at her torment, they will stand far off and cry: " 'Woe! Woe, O great
city, O Babylon, city of power! In one hour your doom has come!' 11 "The
merchants of the earth will weep and mourn over her because no one buys their
cargoes any more-- 12 cargoes of gold, silver, precious stones
and pearls; fine linen, purple, silk and scarlet cloth; every sort of citron
wood, and articles of every kind made of ivory, costly wood, bronze, iron and marble; 13 cargoes
of cinnamon and spice, of incense, myrrh and frankincense, of wine and olive
oil, of fine flour and wheat; cattle and sheep; horses and carriages; and
bodies and souls of men. 14 "They will say, 'The fruit
you longed for is gone from you. All your riches and splendor have vanished,
never to be recovered.' 15The merchants who sold these things and
gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They
will weep and mourn 16 and cry out: " 'Woe! Woe, O great
city, dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet, and glittering with gold,
precious stones and pearls! 17 In one hour such great wealth
has been brought to ruin!' "Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship,
the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. 18 When
they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, 'Was there ever a city
like this great city?' 19 They will throw dust on their heads,
and with weeping and mourning cry out: " 'Woe! Woe, O great city, where
all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! In one hour she
has been brought to ruin! 20 Rejoice over her, O heaven!
Rejoice, saints and apostles and prophets! God has judged her for the way she
treated you.' " 21 Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder
the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said: "With
such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found
again. 22 The music of harpists and musicians, flute players
and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No workman of any trade will
ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you
again. 23 The light of a lamp will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. Your
merchants were the world's great men. By your magic spell all the nations were
led astray. 24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of
the saints, and of all who have been killed on the earth."
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