Friday, June 5, 2015
Chronological New Testament Study Day 22
Matthew 18 MSG
1 At about the same time, the disciples came to
Jesus asking, "Who gets the highest rank in God's kingdom?"
2 For an answer Jesus called over a child, whom
he stood in the middle of the room,
3 and said, "I'm telling you, once and for
all, that unless you return to square one and start over like children, you're
not even going to get a look at the kingdom, let alone get in.
4 Whoever becomes simple and elemental again,
like this child, will rank high in God's kingdom.
5 What's more, when you receive the childlike on
my account, it's the same as receiving me.
6 "But if you give them a hard time,
bullying or taking advantage of their simple trust, you'll soon wish you
hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in the middle of the lake with a millstone
around your neck.
7 Doom to the world for giving these
God-believing children a hard time! Hard times are inevitable, but you don't
have to make it worse - and it's doomsday to you if you do.
8 "If your hand or your foot gets in the
way of God, chop it off and throw it away. You're better off maimed or lame and
alive than the proud owners of two hands and two feet, godless in a furnace of
eternal fire.
9 And if your eye distracts you from God, pull
it out and throw it away. You're better off one-eyed and alive than exercising
your twenty-twenty vision from inside the fire of hell.
10 "Watch that you don't treat a single one
of these childlike believers arrogantly. You realize, don't you, that their
personal angels are constantly in touch with my Father in heaven?
12 "Look at it this way. If someone has a
hundred sheep and one of them wanders off, doesn't he leave the ninety-nine and
go after the one?
13 And if he finds it, doesn't he make far more
over it than over the ninety-nine who stay put?
14 Your Father in heaven feels the same way. He
doesn't want to lose even one of these simple believers.
15 "If a fellow believer hurts you, go and
tell him - work it out between the two of you. If he listens, you've made a
friend.
16 If he won't listen, take one or two others
along so that the presence of witnesses will keep things honest, and try again.
17 If he still won't listen, tell the church. If
he won't listen to the church, you'll have to start over from scratch, confront
him with the need for repentance, and offer again God's forgiving love.
18 "Take this most seriously: A yes on
earth is yes in heaven; a no on earth is no in heaven. What you say to one
another is eternal. I mean this.
19 When two of you get together on anything at
all on earth and make a prayer of it, my Father in heaven goes into action.
20 And when two or three of you are together
because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there."
21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask,
"Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me?
Seven?"
22 Jesus replied, "Seven! Hardly. Try
seventy times seven.
23 "The kingdom of God is like a king who
decided to square accounts with his servants.
24 As he got under way, one servant was brought
before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars.
25 He couldn't pay up, so the king ordered the
man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave
market.
26 "The poor wretch threw himself at the
king's feet and begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.'
27 Touched by his plea, the king let him off,
erasing the debt.
28 "The servant was no sooner out of the
room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He
seized him by the throat and demanded, 'Pay up. Now!'
29 "The poor wretch threw himself down and
begged, 'Give me a chance and I'll pay it all back.'
30 But he wouldn't do it. He had him arrested
and put in jail until the debt was paid.
31 When the other servants saw this going on,
they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
32 "The king summoned the man and said,
'You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy.
33 Shouldn't you be compelled to be merciful to
your fellow servant who asked for mercy?'
34 The king was furious and put the screws to
the man until he paid back his entire debt.
35 And that's exactly what my Father in heaven
is going to do to each one of you who doesn't forgive unconditionally anyone
who asks for mercy."
Acts 11
Acts 11 (New International Version)
Acts 11
Peter Explains His Actions
1 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
8 "I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11 "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'
15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with[a] water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"
18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life."
The Church in Antioch
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Acts 11
Peter Explains His Actions
1 The apostles and the believers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles also had received the word of God. 2 So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him 3 and said, "You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them."
4 Starting from the beginning, Peter told them the whole story: 5 "I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision. I saw something like a large sheet being let down from heaven by its four corners, and it came down to where I was. 6 I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles and birds. 7 Then I heard a voice telling me, 'Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.'
8 "I replied, 'Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.'
9 "The voice spoke from heaven a second time, 'Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.' 10 This happened three times, and then it was all pulled up to heaven again.
11 "Right then three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying. 12 The Spirit told me to have no hesitation about going with them. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man's house. 13 He told us how he had seen an angel appear in his house and say, 'Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. 14 He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.'
15 "As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them as he had come on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered what the Lord had said: 'John baptized with[a] water, but you will be baptized with[b] the Holy Spirit.' 17 So if God gave them the same gift he gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think that I could stand in God's way?"
18 When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying, "So then, even to Gentiles God has granted repentance that leads to life."
The Church in Antioch
19 Now those who had been scattered by the persecution that broke out when Stephen was killed traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, spreading the word only among Jews. 20 Some of them, however, men from Cyprus and Cyrene, went to Antioch and began to speak to Greeks also, telling them the good news about the Lord Jesus. 21 The Lord's hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord.
22 News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch. 23 When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. 24 He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.
25 Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, 26 and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. So for a whole year Barnabas and Saul met with the church and taught great numbers of people. The disciples were called Christians first at Antioch.
27 During this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) 29 The disciples, as each one was able, decided to provide help for the brothers and sisters living in Judea. 30 This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.
Revelation 19
Revelation 19 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 19
Threefold Hallelujah Over Babylon's Fall
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 great and small!"
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." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus."
The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast
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 wages 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 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter."[a] 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 the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small."
19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Revelation 19
Threefold Hallelujah Over Babylon's Fall
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 great and small!"
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." (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God's holy people.)
9 Then the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!" And he added, "These are the true words of God."
10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, "Don't do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus."
The Heavenly Warrior Defeats the Beast
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 wages 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 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron scepter."[a] 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 the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small."
19 Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. 20 But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. 21 The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Thursday, June 4, 2015
Revelation 18
Revelation 18 (New International Version, ©2010)
Revelation 18
Lament Over Fallen Babylon
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!'[a] She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
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."
Warning to Escape Babylon's Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"'Come out of her, my people,'[b] 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. Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts, 'I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[c] 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.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon's Fall
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 to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon!
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 anymore— 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 human beings sold as slaves.
14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' 15 The 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 to you, 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 to you, 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, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you."
The Finality of Babylon's Doom
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, pipers and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again.
No worker 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 important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth."
Revelation 18
Lament Over Fallen Babylon
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!'[a] She has become a dwelling for demons
and a haunt for every impure spirit, a haunt for every unclean bird, a haunt for every unclean and detestable animal.
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."
Warning to Escape Babylon's Judgment
4 Then I heard another voice from heaven say:
"'Come out of her, my people,'[b] 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. Pour her a double portion from her own cup.
7 Give her as much torment and grief as the glory and luxury she gave herself.
In her heart she boasts, 'I sit enthroned as queen.
I am not a widow;[c] 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.
Threefold Woe Over Babylon's Fall
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 to you, great city, you mighty city of Babylon!
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 anymore— 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 human beings sold as slaves.
14 "They will say, 'The fruit you longed for is gone from you. All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered.' 15 The 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 to you, 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 to you, 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, you heavens! Rejoice, you people of God! Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her with the judgment she imposed on you."
The Finality of Babylon's Doom
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, pipers and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again.
No worker 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 important people. By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
24 In her was found the blood of prophets and of God's holy people, of all who have been slaughtered on the earth."
Chronological New Testament Study Day 21
Matthew 17; Mark 9; Luke 9:28-62
1 Six days
later, three of them saw that glory. Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James
and John, and led them up a high mountain. 2 His appearance changed
from the inside out, right before their eyes. Sunlight poured from his face.
His clothes were filled with light. 3 Then they realized that Moses
and Elijah were also there in deep conversation with him. 4 Peter
broke in, "Master, this is a great moment! What would you think if I built
three memorials here on the mountain - one for you, one for Moses, one for
Elijah?" 5 While he was going on like this, babbling, a
light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and sounding from deep in the cloud a
voice: "This is my Son, marked by my love, focus of my delight. Listen to
him." 6 When the disciples heard it, they fell flat on their
faces, scared to death. 7 But Jesus came over and touched them.
"Don't be afraid." 8 When they opened their eyes and looked
around all they saw was Jesus, only Jesus. 9 Coming down the
mountain, Jesus swore them to secrecy. "Don't breathe a word of what
you've seen. After the Son of Man is raised from the dead, you are free to
talk."10 The disciples, meanwhile, were asking questions. "Why
do the religion scholars say that Elijah has to come first?" 11 Jesus
answered, "Elijah does come and get everything ready. 12 I'm
telling you, Elijah has already come but they didn't know him when they saw
him. They treated him like dirt, the same way they are about to treat the Son
of Man." 13 That's when the disciples realized that all along he
had been talking about John the Baptizer. 14 At the bottom of the
mountain, they were met by a crowd of waiting people. As they approached, a man
came out of the crowd and fell to his knees begging, 15 "Master,
have mercy on my son. He goes out of his mind and suffers terribly, falling
into seizures. Frequently he is pitched into the fire, other times into the
river. 16 I brought him to your disciples, but they could do nothing
for him." 17 Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of
God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things?
How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy
here." 18 He ordered the afflicting demon out - and it was out,
gone. From that moment on the boy was well. 19 When the disciples had
Jesus off to themselves, they asked, "Why couldn't we throw it
out?" 20 "Because you're not yet taking God
seriously," said Jesus. "The simple truth is that if you had a mere
kernel of faith, a poppy seed, say, you would tell this mountain, 'Move!' and
it would move. There is nothing you wouldn't be able to
tackle." 22 As they were regrouping in Galilee, Jesus told them,
"The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to
do with God. 23 They will murder him - and three days later he will
be raised alive." The disciples felt terrible. 24 When they
arrived at Capernaum, the tax men came to Peter and asked, "Does your
teacher pay taxes?" 25 Peter said, "Of course." But as
soon as they were in the house, Jesus confronted him. "Simon, what do you
think? When a king levies taxes, who pays - his children or his
subjects?" 26 He answered, “His subjects.” Jesus said, “Then the
children get off free, right? 27But so we don't upset them needlessly, go
down to the lake, cast a hook, and pull in the first fish that bites. Open its
mouth and you'll find a coin. Take it and give it to the tax men. It will be
enough for both of us."
1 Then he drove
it home by saying, "This isn't pie in the sky by and by. Some of you who
are standing here are going to see it happen, see the kingdom of God arrive in
full force." In a Light-Radiant Cloud 2Six days later, three of them
did see it. Jesus took Peter, James, and John and led them up a high mountain.
His appearance changed from the inside out, right before their
eyes. 3 His clothes shimmered, glistening white, whiter than any
bleach could make them. 4 Elijah, along with Moses, came into view,
in deep conversation with Jesus. 5 Peter interrupted, "Rabbi,
this is a great moment! Let's build three memorials - one for you, one for
Moses, one for Elijah." 6 He blurted this out without thinking,
stunned as they all were by what they were seeing. 7 Just then a
light-radiant cloud enveloped them, and from deep in the cloud, a voice:
"This is my Son, marked by my love. Listen to him." 8 The
next minute the disciples were looking around, rubbing their eyes, seeing
nothing but Jesus, only Jesus. 9 Coming down the mountain, Jesus
swore them to secrecy. "Don't tell a soul what you saw. After the Son of
Man rises from the dead, you're free to talk." 10 They puzzled
over that, wondering what on earth "rising from the dead"
meant. 11 Meanwhile they were asking, "Why do the religion
scholars say that Elijah has to come first?" 12 Jesus replied,
"Elijah does come first and get everything ready for the coming of the Son
of Man. They treated this Elijah like dirt, much like they will treat the Son
of Man, who will, according to Scripture, suffer terribly and be kicked around
contemptibly." 13 14 When they came back down the mountain
to the other disciples, they saw a huge crowd around them, and the religion
scholars cross-examining them. 15 As soon as the people in the crowd
saw Jesus, admiring excitement stirred them. They ran and greeted
him. 16 He asked, "What's going on? What's all the
commotion?" 17 A man out of the crowd answered, "Teacher, I
brought my mute son, made speechless by a demon, to you. 18 Whenever
it seizes him, it throws him to the ground. He foams at the mouth, grinds his
teeth, and goes stiff as a board. I told your disciples, hoping they could
deliver him, but they couldn't." 19 Jesus said, "What a
generation! No sense of God! How many times do I have to go over these things?
How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring the boy
here." 20 They brought him. When the demon saw Jesus, it threw
the boy into a seizure, causing him to writhe on the ground and foam at the
mouth. 21 He asked the boy's father, "How long has this been
going on?" 22 Many times it pitches him into fire or the river
to do away with him. If you can do anything, do it. Have a heart and help
us!" 23 Jesus said, "If? There are no 'ifs' among
believers. Anything can happen." 24 No sooner were the words out
of his mouth than the father cried, "Then I believe. Help me with my
doubts!" 25 Seeing that the crowd was forming fast, Jesus gave
the vile spirit its marching orders: "Dumb and deaf spirit, I command you
- Out of him, and stay out!" 26Screaming, and with much thrashing
about, it left. The boy was pale as a corpse, so people started saying,
"He's dead." 27 But Jesus, taking his hand, raised him. The
boy stood up. 28 After arriving back home, his disciples cornered
Jesus and asked, "Why couldn't we throw the demon
out?" 29 He answered, "There is no way to get rid of this
kind of demon except by prayer." 30 Leaving there, they went
through Galilee. He didn't want anyone to know their
whereabouts, 31 for he wanted to teach his disciples. He told them,
"The Son of Man is about to be betrayed to some people who want nothing to
do with God. They will murder him. Three days after his murder, he will rise,
alive." 32 They didn't know what he was talking about, but were
afraid to ask him about it. 33 They came to Capernaum. When he was
safe at home, he asked them, "What were you discussing on the
road?" 34 The silence was deafening - they had been arguing with
one another over who among them was greatest. 35 He sat down and
summoned the Twelve. "So you want first place? Then take the last place.
Be the servant of all." 36 He put a child in the middle of the
room. Then, cradling the little one in his arms, he said, 37"Whoever
embraces one of these children as I do embraces me, and far more than me - God
who sent me." 38 John spoke up, "Teacher, we saw a man
using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't in our
group." 39 Jesus wasn't pleased. "Don't stop him. No one
can use my name to do something good and powerful, and in the next breath cut
me down. 40 If he's not an enemy, he's an ally. 41 Why,
anyone by just giving you a cup of water in my name is on our side. Count on it
that God will notice. 42 "On the other hand, if you give one of
these simple, childlike believers a hard time, bullying or taking advantage of
their simple trust, you'll soon wish you hadn't. You'd be better off dropped in
the middle of the lake with a millstone around your neck. 43 "If
your hand or your foot gets in God's way, chop it off and throw it away. You're
better off maimed or lame and alive than the proud owner of two hands and two
feet, godless in a furnace of eternal fire. 44 45 47 And if
your eye distracts you from God, pull it out and throw it away. 48 You're
better off one-eyed and alive than exercising your twenty-twenty vision from
inside the fire of hell. 49 "Everyone's going through a refining
fire sooner or later, 50 but you'll be well-preserved, protected from
the eternal flames. Be preservatives yourselves. Preserve the peace."
28 About eight
days after saying this, he climbed the mountain to pray, taking Peter, John,
and James along. 29 While he was in prayer, the appearance of his
face changed and his clothes became blinding white. 30 At once two
men were there talking with him. They turned out to be Moses and Elijah
- 31and what a glorious appearance they made! They talked over his exodus,
the one Jesus was about to complete in Jerusalem. 32 Meanwhile, Peter
and those with him were slumped over in sleep. When they came to, rubbing their
eyes, they saw Jesus in his glory and the two men standing with
him. 33When Moses and Elijah had left, Peter said to Jesus, "Master,
this is a great moment! Let's build three memorials: one for you, one for
Moses, and one for Elijah." He blurted this out without thinking. 34While
he was babbling on like this, a light-radiant cloud enveloped them. As they
found themselves buried in the cloud, they became deeply aware of
God. 35 Then there was a voice out of the cloud: "This is my
Son, the Chosen! Listen to him." 36 When the sound of the voice
died away, they saw Jesus there alone. They were speechless. And they continued
speechless, said not one thing to anyone during those days of what they had
seen. 37 When they came down off the mountain the next day, a big
crowd was there to meet them. 38 A man called from out of the crowd,
"Please, please, Teacher, take a look at my son. He's my only
child. 39 Often a spirit seizes him. Suddenly he's screaming, thrown
into convulsions, his mouth foaming. And then it beats him black and blue
before it leaves. 40 I asked your disciples to deliver him but they
couldn't." 41 Jesus said, "What a generation! No sense of
God! No focus to your lives! How many times do I have to go over these things?
How much longer do I have to put up with this? Bring your son
here." 42 While he was coming, the demon slammed him to the
ground and threw him into convulsions. Jesus stepped in, ordered the vile
spirit gone, healed the boy, and handed him back to his
father. 43 They all shook their heads in wonder, astonished at God's
greatness, God's majestic greatness. 44 "Treasure and ponder
each of these next words: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into human
hands." 45 They didn't get what he was saying. It was like he
was speaking a foreign language and they couldn't make heads or tails of it.
But they were embarrassed to ask him what he meant. 46 They started
arguing over which of them would be most famous. 47 When Jesus
realized how much this mattered to them, he brought a child to his
side. 48"Whoever accepts this child as if the child were me, accepts
me," he said. "And whoever accepts me, accepts the One who sent me.
You become great by accepting, not asserting. Your spirit, not your size, makes
the difference." 49 John spoke up, "Master, we saw a man
using your name to expel demons and we stopped him because he wasn't of our
group." 50 Jesus said, "Don't stop him. If he's not an
enemy, he's an ally." 51 When it came close to the time for his
Ascension, he gathered up his courage and steeled himself for the journey to
Jerusalem. 52 He sent messengers on ahead. They came to a Samaritan
village to make arrangements for his hospitality. 53 But when the
Samaritans learned that his destination was Jerusalem, they refused
hospitality. 54 When the disciples James and John learned of it, they
said, "Master, do you want us to call a bolt of lightning down out of the
sky and incinerate them?" 55 Jesus turned on them: "Of
course not!" 56 And they traveled on to another village. 57 On
the road someone asked if he could go along. "I'll go with you,
wherever," he said. 58Jesus was curt: "Are you ready to rough
it? We're not staying in the best inns, you know." 59 Jesus said
to another, "Follow me." He said, "Certainly, but first excuse
me for a couple of days, please. I have to make arrangements for my father's
funeral." 60 Jesus refused. "First things first. Your
business is life, not death. And life is urgent: Announce God's
kingdom!" 61 Then another said, "I'm ready to follow you,
Master, but first excuse me while I get things straightened out at
home." 62 Jesus said, "No procrastination. No backward
looks. You can't put God's kingdom off till tomorrow. Seize the day."
Acts 10
Acts 10 New International Version (NIV)
Cornelius Calls for Peter
10 At Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in what was known as the Italian Regiment. 2 He and all his family were devout and God-fearing; he gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.3 One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!”
4 Cornelius stared at him in fear. “What is it, Lord?” he asked.
The angel answered, “Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God. 5 Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. 6 He is staying with Simon the tanner,whose house is by the sea.”
7 When the angel who spoke to him had gone, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier who was one of his attendants. 8 He told them everything that had happened and sent them to Joppa.
Peter’s Vision
9 About noon the following day as they were on their journey and approaching the city, Peter went up on the roofto pray. 10 He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance. 11 He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down to earth by its four corners. 12 It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, as well as reptiles and birds. 13 Then a voice told him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”
14 “Surely not, Lord!” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”
15 The voice spoke to him a second time, “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”
16 This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.
17 While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found out where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. 18 They called out, asking if Simon who was known as Peter was staying there.
19 While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Simon, three[a] men are looking for you.20 So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”
21 Peter went down and said to the men, “I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”
22 The men replied, “We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, who is respected by all the Jewish people. A holy angel told him to ask you to come to his house so that he could hear what you have to say.” 23 Then Peter invited the men into the house to be his guests.
Peter at Cornelius’s House
The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along. 24 The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence. 26 But Peter made him get up. “Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”
27 While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 28 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. 29 So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”
30 Cornelius answered: “Three days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 32 Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He is a guest in the home of Simon the tanner, who lives by the sea.’ 33 So I sent for you immediately, and it was good of you to come. Now we are all here in the presence of God to listen to everything the Lord has commanded you to tell us.”
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healingall who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Footnotes:
- Acts 10:19 One early manuscript two; other manuscripts do not have the number.
- Acts 10:46 Or other languages
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Chronological New Testament Study Day 20
Matthew 16:1-28; Mark 8:1-38; Luke
9:18-27 (New International Version)
1 The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and
tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven. 2 He
replied, "When evening comes, you say, 'It will be fair weather, for
the sky is red,'3 and in the morning, 'Today it will be stormy, for
the sky is red and overcast.' You know how to interpret the appearance of the
sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. 4 A
wicked and adulterous generation looks for a miraculous sign, but none will be
given it except the sign of Jonah."Jesus then left them and went away.
5 When they went across the lake, the disciples
forgot to take bread. 6 "Be careful," Jesus
said to them. "Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees
and Sadducees." 7 They discussed this among themselves
and said, "It is because we didn't bring any bread." 8 Aware
of their discussion, Jesus asked, "You of little faith, why are you
talking among yourselves about having no bread? 9 Do you still
not understand? Don't you remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and
how many basketfuls you gathered? 10 Or the seven loaves for
the four thousand, and how many basketfuls you gathered? 11 How
is it you don't understand that I was not talking to you about bread? But be on
your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees." 12 Then
they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in
bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.
13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea
Philippi, he asked his disciples, "Who do people say the Son of Man
is?" 14 They replied, "Some say John the Baptist;
others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the
prophets." 15 "But what about you?" he
asked. "Who do you say I am?" 16Simon Peter
answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God." 17 Jesus
replied, "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not
revealed to you by man, but by my Father in heaven.18 And I tell
you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates
of Hades will not overcome it. 19 I will give you the keys of
the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and
whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven." 20 Then
he warned his disciples not to tell anyone that he was the Christ.
21 From that time on Jesus began to explain to
his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands
of the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be
killed and on the third day be raised to life. 22 Peter took
him aside and began to rebuke him. "Never, Lord!" he said. "This
shall never happen to you!" 23 Jesus turned and said to
Peter, "Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do
not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men." 24 Then
Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must
deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me
will find it. 26 What good will it be for a man if he gains
the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for
his soul? 27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his
Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according
to what he has done. 28 I tell you the truth, some who are
standing here will not taste death before they see the Son of Man coming in his
kingdom."
1 During those days another large crowd
gathered. Since they had nothing to eat, Jesus called his disciples to him and
said, 2 "I have compassion for these people; they have
already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 If
I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them
have come a long distance." 4 His disciples answered,
"But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed
them?" 5 "How many loaves do you have?"Jesus
asked. "Seven," they replied. 6 He told the crowd to
sit down on the ground. When he had taken the seven loaves and given thanks, he
broke them and gave them to his disciples to set before the people, and they
did so. 7 They had a few small fish as well; he gave thanks
for them also and told the disciples to distribute them. 8 The
people ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven
basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 9 About four
thousand men were present. And having sent them away, 10 he
got into the boat with his disciples and went to the region of
Dalmanutha. 11 The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus.
To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. 12 He
sighed deeply and said, "Why does this generation ask for a
miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, no sign will be given to it." 13 Then
he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side.
14 The disciples had forgotten to bring bread,
except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. 15"Be
careful," Jesus warned them. "Watch out for the yeast of
the Pharisees and that of Herod." 16They discussed this with
one another and said, "It is because we have no bread." 17 Aware
of their discussion, Jesus asked them: "Why are you talking about
having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts
hardened? 18 Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but
fail to hear? And don't you remember? 19 When I broke the five
loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick
up?" "Twelve," they replied. 20 "And
when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of
pieces did you pick up?" They answered, "Seven." 21He
said to them, "Do you still not understand?"
22 They came to Bethsaida, and some people
brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him.23 He took the
blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When he had spit on the
man's eyes and put his hands on him, Jesus asked, "Do you see
anything?" 24 He looked up and said, "I see people;
they look like trees walking around." 25 Once more Jesus
put his hands on the man's eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was
restored, and he saw everything clearly. 26 Jesus sent him
home, saying, "Don't go into the village. "
27 Jesus and his disciples went on to the
villages around Caesarea Philippi. On the way he asked them, "Who do
people say I am?" 28 They replied, "Some say John
the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, one of the
prophets." 29 "But what about you?" he
asked. "Who do you say I am?"Peter answered, "You are the
Christ. " 30 Jesus warned them not to tell anyone about
him.
31 He then began to teach them that the Son of
Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and
teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise
again. 32 He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him
aside and began to rebuke him. 33 But when Jesus turned and
looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me,
Satan!" he said."You do not have in mind the things of God, but
the things of men." 34 Then he called the crowd to him
along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he
must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For
whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me
and for the gospel will save it. 36 What good is it for a man
to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul? 37 Or what can
a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 If anyone is ashamed
of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man
will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."
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