Acts

Acts Chapter 1

The first account I wrote, O Theophilus, was about everything Jesus began to do and teach—right up until the day He was taken up into heaven. Before that, through the Holy Spirit, He gave His chosen apostles instructions.

After His suffering, He showed them that He was alive with many convincing proofs. Over a period of forty days He appeared to them, speaking about the kingdom of God.

While they were gathered together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the promise of the Father. “This,” He said, “is what you heard from Me. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

So when they were together, they asked Him, “Lord, is this the time You will restore the kingdom to Israel?”

He told them, “It isn’t for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the very ends of the earth.”

After He said this, as they were watching, He was taken up, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

They kept staring into the sky as He went, when suddenly two men in white clothing stood beside them. They said, “Men of Galilee, why are you standing here looking up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you into heaven, will return in the same way you saw Him go.”

Then they returned to Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives, which is only about a Sabbath day’s walk away.

When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James, Andrew, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew, Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James. They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women, Mary the mother of Jesus, and His brothers.

During those days, Peter stood up among the believers (about a hundred and twenty were gathered) and said,

“Brothers and sisters, the Scripture had to be fulfilled—the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through David about Judas, who guided those who arrested Jesus. He was counted as one of us and shared in this ministry.

“With the payment he received for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open, and all his intestines spilled out. Everyone in Jerusalem heard about it, so they called that field in their own language ‘Akeldama,’ which means ‘Field of Blood.’

“For it is written in the book of Psalms:
‘May his dwelling place be deserted; let no one live in it,’
and,
‘May another take his position of leadership.’

“Therefore, one of the men who was with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us—from John’s baptism until the day He was taken up—must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed,

“Lord, You know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two You have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.”

They cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias. So he was added to the eleven apostles.

Acts Chapter 2

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place with one heart and mind.

Suddenly, a sound like a powerful rushing wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then they saw what looked like tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each one of them. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other languages, just as the Spirit enabled them.

Now in Jerusalem there were devout Jews from every nation under heaven. When they heard the sound, a crowd gathered and was bewildered, because each one heard them speaking in his own native language.

Amazed, they asked, “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our own native tongue—Parthians, Medes, Elamites; those from Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus, and Asia; Phrygia, Pamphylia, Egypt, and the regions of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome—both Jews and converts to Judaism; Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own languages!”

Everyone was amazed and confused. They asked one another, “What does this mean?” But some mocked and said, “They’re drunk on new wine.”

Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice, and addressed the crowd:

“Men of Judea, and all you who live in Jerusalem, listen carefully. Let me explain what’s happening. These men aren’t drunk, as you suppose—it’s only the third hour of the day (about nine in the morning).

No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:
‘In the last days, says God, I will pour out My Spirit on all people.
Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams.
Even on My servants, both men and women, I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy.
I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below: blood, fire, and billows of smoke.
The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the great and glorious day of the Lord comes.
And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’

Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you through miracles, wonders, and signs, which God did among you through Him—as you yourselves know. This man was handed over to you by the plan and foreknowledge of God. And you, with the help of wicked men, put Him to death by nailing Him to the cross.

But God raised Him from the dead, freeing Him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep hold of Him.

David spoke about Him, saying:
‘I saw the Lord always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.
Therefore, my heart is glad, my tongue rejoices, and my body will rest in hope,
Because You will not abandon my soul to the grave, nor will You let Your Holy One see decay.
You have made known to me the paths of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence.’

Brothers and sisters, I can tell you plainly: the patriarch David died, was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. But he was a prophet, and he knew God had promised him with an oath that one of his descendants would sit on his throne. Seeing this ahead of time, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that He was not abandoned to the grave, and His body did not see decay.

God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of it. Exalted to the right hand of God, He has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

For David did not ascend into heaven, and yet he said:
‘The LORD said to my Lord: Sit at My right hand
until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.’

Therefore, let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?”

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

With many other words he warned them and urged them: “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.”

Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and signs were performed by the apostles.

All the believers were together and shared everything they had. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.

Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.

And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Acts Chapter 3

Peter and John were going up to the temple at the time of prayer, about three in the afternoon.

A man who had been lame from birth was being carried there. Every day they laid him at the temple gate called Beautiful to beg from those going into the temple courts.

When he saw Peter and John about to enter, he asked them for money. Peter looked straight at him, as did John. “Look at us,” Peter said.

The man fixed his attention on them, expecting to receive something. But Peter said, “I don’t have silver or gold, but what I do have I give you: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, get up and walk.”

Taking him by the right hand, Peter helped him up, and immediately the man’s feet and ankles became strong. He jumped to his feet and began to walk. Then he went with them into the temple courts, walking and jumping and praising God.

All the people saw him walking and praising God, and they recognized him as the same man who used to sit begging at the Beautiful Gate. They were filled with wonder and astonishment at what had happened to him.

While the man who was healed clung to Peter and John, all the people came running to them in the colonnade called Solomon’s, utterly amazed.

When Peter saw this, he addressed the crowd:

“Men of Israel, why are you surprised at this? Why do you stare at us as if by our own power or godliness we made this man walk?

The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of our fathers—has glorified His Servant Jesus. You handed Him over and rejected Him in the presence of Pilate, even though Pilate had decided to release Him.

You rejected the Holy and Righteous One and asked for a murderer to be granted to you. You killed the Author of life, but God raised Him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.

By faith in the name of Jesus, this man whom you see and know was made strong. It is Jesus’ name—and the faith that comes through Him—that has given this man complete healing in your presence.

“And now, brothers and sisters, I know you acted in ignorance, as did your leaders. But this is how God fulfilled what He foretold through all the prophets—that the Christ would suffer.

So repent and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped out, and times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that He may send the Messiah appointed for you—even Jesus—who must remain in heaven until the time comes for God to restore all things, as He promised long ago through His holy prophets.

For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything He tells you. Anyone who does not listen to that Prophet will be cut off from the people.’

Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days. You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers when He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all the families of the earth will be blessed.’

When God raised up His Servant, He sent Him to you first to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways.”

Acts Chapter 4

As Peter and John were speaking to the people, the priests, the captain of the temple guard, and the Sadducees came up to them, upset because they were teaching the people and proclaiming that Jesus had risen from the dead.

They arrested them and held them in custody until the next day since it was already evening. But many who heard their message believed, and the number of believers grew to about five thousand men.

The next day the rulers, elders, and teachers of the law gathered in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other members of the high priest’s family. They had Peter and John brought before them and asked,

“By what power or in whose name have you done this?”

Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said,

“Rulers and elders of Israel, if we are being examined today for an act of kindness shown to a crippled man, and how he was healed, then let it be known to all of you and to the entire nation of Israel: it is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth—whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead—that this man stands before you healed.

Jesus is ‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to humanity by which we must be saved.”

When the council saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized they were ordinary men with no formal training, they were astonished and recognized that these men had been with Jesus. And since the man who had been healed was standing there with them, the council could say nothing against it.

So they ordered them out of the room and conferred together.

“What should we do with these men?” they asked. “It’s clear to everyone in Jerusalem that a remarkable miracle has happened through them, and we cannot deny it. But to stop this from spreading any further, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name again.”

They called them back in and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John replied,

“Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s eyes to obey you rather than Him. As for us, we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

After further threats, they let them go, finding no way to punish them because all the people were praising God for what had happened. The man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

After their release, Peter and John returned to the other believers and reported what the chief priests and elders had said. When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer:

“Lord, You are the Creator of heaven, earth, the sea, and everything in them. You spoke through Your servant David, saying:
‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?
The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers band together
against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’

Indeed, Herod, Pontius Pilate, the Gentiles, and the people of Israel conspired against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. But they did only what Your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.

Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable Your servants to speak Your word with great boldness. Stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.”

After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly spoke the word of God.

All the believers were united in heart and mind. No one claimed that their possessions were their own, but they shared everything they had. With great power, the apostles continued to testify about the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s grace was powerfully at work among them all.

There were no needy persons among them, because those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone in need.

Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means “Son of Encouragement”), sold a field he owned and brought the money to the apostles.

Acts Chapter 5

A man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, sold a piece of property. But with her full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself and brought only a portion, laying it at the apostles’ feet.

Peter said,

“Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the money from the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? How could you do such a thing in your heart? You have not lied to men, but to God.”

When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. Great fear seized all who heard what had happened. Some young men came forward, wrapped up his body, carried him out, and buried him.

About three hours later, his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. Peter asked her,

“Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that’s the price.”

Peter said to her,

“How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen—the feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. The young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. Great fear seized the whole church and everyone who heard about these events.

The apostles performed many signs and wonders among the people. All the believers met together in Solomon’s Colonnade. No one else dared join them, even though the people held them in high regard. Yet more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number.

Crowds brought the sick into the streets, laying them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by. Crowds also gathered from towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by impure spirits, and all of them were healed.

Then the high priest and his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail.

But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail, brought them out, and said,

“Go, stand in the temple courts and tell the people all about this new life.”

At daybreak they entered the temple courts as they had been told and began to teach the people.

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full council of the elders of Israel—and sent for the apostles to be brought from the jail. But when the officers arrived at the jail, they didn’t find them there. So they went back and reported,

“We found the jail securely locked, with guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside.”

When the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests heard this, they were puzzled, wondering what this might lead to. Then someone came and said,

“Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts, teaching the people.”

At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles, but without violence, for they feared the people might stone them. They brought the apostles in and made them appear before the council, and the high priest questioned them:

“We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name. Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us guilty of this man’s blood.”

Peter and the other apostles replied,

“We must obey God rather than men. The God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead—the very one you killed by hanging Him on a tree. God exalted Him to His right hand as Prince and Savior, that He might give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.”

When they heard this, they were enraged and wanted to put them to death. But a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a respected teacher of the law who was honored by all the people, stood up in the council and ordered that the apostles be put outside for a little while.

Then he addressed them:

“Men of Israel, think carefully about what you are planning to do to these men. Some time ago Theudas appeared, claiming to be somebody, and about four hundred men rallied to him. He was killed, and all his followers were scattered, and it all came to nothing.

After him, Judas the Galilean appeared in the days of the census and led a band of people in revolt. He too was killed, and all his followers were scattered.

Therefore, in the present case I advise you: leave these men alone! Let them go! For if their purpose or activity is of human origin, it will fail. But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them; you might even find yourselves fighting against God.”

His speech persuaded them. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go.

The apostles left the council rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the name of Jesus. Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts Chapter 6

In those days, as the number of disciples kept increasing, a complaint arose from the Greek-speaking believers against the Hebrew-speaking believers, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said,

“It isn’t right for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint them to take care of this responsibility, and we will devote ourselves to prayer and the ministry of the word.”

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas, a convert from Antioch.

They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a large group of priests became obedient to the faith.

Now Stephen, full of God’s grace and power, performed great wonders and signs among the people. But opposition arose from members of the Synagogue of the Freedmen (as it was called), Jews from Cyrene and Alexandria, as well as from Cilicia and Asia, who began to argue with Stephen. But they could not stand up against the wisdom the Spirit gave him as he spoke.

So they secretly persuaded some men to say,

“We have heard Stephen speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.”

They stirred up the people, the elders, and the teachers of the law. They seized Stephen and brought him before the council. They produced false witnesses, who testified,

“This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law. For we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth will destroy this place and change the customs Moses handed down to us.”

Everyone in the council looked intently at Stephen, and they saw that his face was like the face of an angel.

Acts Chapter 7

The high priest asked, “Are these things true?”

Stephen replied:

“Brothers and fathers, listen to me. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham while he was still in Mesopotamia, before he lived in Haran. God said to him, ‘Leave your country and your people, and go to the land I will show you.’

So Abraham left the land of the Chaldeans and settled in Haran. After his father died, God moved him to this land where you now live. God gave him no inheritance here—not even enough ground to put his foot on. But He promised to give it to him and his descendants after him, even though at that time Abraham had no child.

God told him that his descendants would live as strangers in a foreign country, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated for four hundred years. ‘But I will punish the nation they serve as slaves,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come out and worship Me in this place.’

Then God gave Abraham the covenant of circumcision. Abraham became the father of Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day. Isaac became the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of the twelve patriarchs.

The patriarchs, filled with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him, rescuing him from all his troubles and giving him wisdom and favor before Pharaoh, king of Egypt. Pharaoh made him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our ancestors could not find food. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our forefathers on their first visit. On their second visit, Joseph revealed himself to his brothers, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph’s family. Joseph then sent for his father Jacob and his whole family—seventy-five people in all.

So Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our ancestors died. Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor for a sum of money.

As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, the people in Egypt increased greatly in number. Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, came to power in Egypt. He dealt treacherously with our people, oppressed our ancestors, and forced them to abandon their newborn babies so they would die.

At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. For three months he was cared for in his father’s house. When he was placed outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and raised him as her own son. Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.

When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he defended him and killed the Egyptian. Moses thought his people would realize that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.

The next day he came upon two Israelites fighting. He tried to reconcile them, saying, ‘Men, you are brothers; why are you hurting each other?’ But the man who was mistreating his neighbor pushed Moses aside and said, ‘Who made you ruler and judge over us? Do you want to kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’

When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he lived as a foreigner and had two sons.

After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to him in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. When Moses saw this, he was amazed. As he went to get a closer look, he heard the Lord’s voice: ‘I am the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled and did not dare to look.

Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. I have seen the oppression of My people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.’

This same Moses, whom they rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’—God sent as their ruler and deliverer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. He led them out of Egypt, performing wonders and signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea, and in the wilderness for forty years.

This is the Moses who told the Israelites, ‘God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers.’

He was in the assembly in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our ancestors, and he received living words to pass on to us. But our ancestors refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt.

They told Aaron, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who led us out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’ So they made an idol in the form of a calf. They brought sacrifices to it and reveled in what their own hands had made.

But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon, and stars. As it is written in the prophets:
‘Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings
forty years in the wilderness, people of Israel?
You have lifted up the shrine of Molek
and the star of your god Rephan,
the idols you made to worship.
Therefore I will send you into exile beyond Babylon.’

Our ancestors had the tabernacle of the covenant law with them in the wilderness. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. After receiving the tabernacle, our ancestors brought it with Joshua when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, who enjoyed God’s favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him.

However, the Most High does not live in houses made by human hands. As the prophet says:
‘Heaven is My throne,
and the earth is My footstool.
What kind of house will you build for Me? says the Lord.
Or where will My resting place be?
Has not My hand made all these things?’

“You stiff-necked people! With uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit—just as your ancestors did. Which of the prophets did your ancestors not persecute? They even killed those who foretold the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered Him—you who received the law given through angels but have not obeyed it.”

When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.

“Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”

At this they covered their ears, yelled at the top of their voices, and rushed at him together. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul.

While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep.

Acts Chapter 8

Saul agreed with the killing of Stephen. On that very day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him.

But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed Christ there. The crowds listened intently to what he said, because they heard and saw the miracles he performed. With loud cries, evil spirits came out of many who were possessed. Many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. So there was great joy in that city.

Now there was a man named Simon who had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and said,

“This man is rightly called the Great Power of God.”

They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.

Simon himself believed and was baptized. He followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John laid their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money and said,

“Give me this ability too so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit.”

But Peter answered,

“May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps He will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin.”

Then Simon answered,

“Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me.”

After Peter and John had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip,

“Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.”

So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the prophet Isaiah.

The Spirit told Philip, “Go to that chariot and stay near it.” Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip asked,

“Do you understand what you are reading?”

“How can I,” he said, “unless someone explains it to me?” So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

The passage of Scripture the eunuch was reading was this:
“He was led like a sheep to the slaughter,
and as a lamb before its shearer is silent,
so he did not open his mouth.
In his humiliation he was deprived of justice.
Who can speak of his descendants?
For his life was taken from the earth.”

The eunuch asked Philip,

“Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about—himself or someone else?”

Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

As they traveled along the road, they came to some water, and the eunuch said,

“Look, here is water. What can stop me from being baptized?”

Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.”

The eunuch answered, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”

He gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water, and Philip baptized him. When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing.

Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.

Acts Chapter 9

Saul was still breathing out threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found anyone belonging to “the Way,” whether men or women, he might arrest them and bring them to Jerusalem.

As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him,

“Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?”

“Who are You, Lord?” Saul asked.

“I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” He replied. “It is hard for you to resist Me.”

Trembling and astonished, Saul said,

“Lord, what do You want me to do?”

The Lord said,

“Get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”

The men traveling with Saul stood speechless; they heard the sound but saw no one. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes, he could see nothing. They led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind and did not eat or drink anything.

In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision,

“Ananias!”

“Yes, Lord,” he answered.

The Lord told him,

“Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight.”

“Lord,” Ananias answered, “I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on Your name.”

But the Lord said to Ananias,

“Go! This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before Gentiles and kings and the people of Israel. I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.”

So Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said,

“Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here, has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul’s eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, and after taking some food, he regained his strength. Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus.

Right away he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. All who heard him were astonished and asked,

“Isn’t this the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn’t he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?”

But Saul grew more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.

After some time, the Jews conspired to kill him, but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they watched the city gates in order to kill him. But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

When Saul came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he was really a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus.

So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee, and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, and it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

As Peter traveled about the country, he went to visit the saints in Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been paralyzed and bedridden for eight years.

“Aeneas,” Peter said to him, “Jesus Christ heals you. Get up and roll up your mat.”

Immediately Aeneas got up. All those who lived in Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (which is translated Dorcas). She was always doing good and helping the poor. In those days she became sick and died, and they washed her body and placed it in an upstairs room.

Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples heard that Peter was there and sent two men to him, urging him,

“Please come at once!”

Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

Peter sent them all out of the room. Then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said,

“Tabitha, get up.”

She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called the believers and the widows and presented her to them alive.

This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord. Peter stayed in Joppa for some time with a tanner named Simon.

Acts Chapter 10

In Caesarea there was a man named Cornelius, a centurion in the Italian Regiment. He was a devout man who feared God, along with his whole household. He gave generously to those in need and prayed to God regularly.

One afternoon about three o’clock, he clearly saw a vision of an angel of God who came to him and said,

“Cornelius.”

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 before God. Now send men to Joppa to bring back Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea. He will tell you what you must do.”

When the angel had spoken, Cornelius called two of his servants and a devout soldier from among his attendants. After explaining everything, he sent them to Joppa.

The next day, as they were on their journey and nearing the city, Peter went up on the roof about noon to pray. He became hungry and wanted something to eat, and while the meal was being prepared, he fell into a trance.

He saw heaven opened and something like a large sheet being let down by its four corners to the earth. It contained all kinds of four-footed animals, reptiles, and birds. Then a voice told him,

“Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.”

“Surely not, Lord,” Peter replied. “I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.”

The voice spoke to him a second time,

“Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”

This happened three times, and immediately the sheet was taken back to heaven.

While Peter was wondering about the meaning of the vision, the men sent by Cornelius found where Simon’s house was and stopped at the gate. They called out, asking if Simon, who was known as Peter, was staying there.

While Peter was still thinking about the vision, the Spirit said to him,

“Three men are looking for you. So get up and go downstairs. Do not hesitate to go with them, for I have sent them.”

Peter went down and said to the men,

“I’m the one you’re looking for. Why have you come?”

They replied,

“We have come from Cornelius the centurion. He is a righteous and God-fearing man, 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.”

Then Peter invited the men into the house as his guests. The next day Peter started out with them, and some of the believers from Joppa went along.

The following day they arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends. As Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him and fell at his feet in reverence.

But Peter lifted him up.

“Stand up,” he said, “I am only a man myself.”

While talking with him, Peter went inside and found a large gathering of people. 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. So when I was sent for, I came without objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

Cornelius answered,

“Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me and said, ‘Cornelius, God has heard your prayer and remembered your gifts to the poor. 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.’

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.”

Then Peter began to speak:

“I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism, but accepts from every nation the one who fears Him and does what is right.

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. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism John preached—how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how He went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with Him.

We are witnesses of everything He did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed Him by hanging Him on a tree, but God raised Him from the dead on the third day and caused Him to be seen. 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.

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. All the prophets testify about Him that everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins through His name.”

While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.

Then Peter said,

“Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.”

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.

Acts Chapter 11

The apostles and brothers throughout Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. So when Peter went up to Jerusalem, the circumcised believers criticized him, saying,

“You went into the house of uncircumcised men and ate with them.”

Peter began and explained everything to them in order:

“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. I looked into it and saw four-footed animals of the earth, wild beasts, reptiles, and birds of the air.

Then I heard a voice telling me, ‘Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.’

I replied, ‘Surely not, Lord! Nothing impure or unclean has ever entered my mouth.’

The voice from heaven spoke a second time, ‘Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.’

This happened three times, and then everything was pulled back up into heaven.

At that very moment, three men who had been sent to me from Caesarea arrived at the house where I was staying. The Spirit told me to go with them without hesitation. These six brothers also went with me, and we entered the man’s house.

He told us how he had seen an angel standing in his house and saying, ‘Send to Joppa for Simon who is called Peter. He will bring you a message through which you and all your household will be saved.’

As I began to speak, the Holy Spirit came on them just as He had come on us at the beginning. Then I remembered what the Lord had said: ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’

So if God gave them the same gift He gave us who believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to think I could oppose God?”

When they heard this, they had no further objections and praised God, saying,

“So then, God has granted even the Gentiles repentance that leads to life.”

Meanwhile, those who had been scattered by the persecution in connection with Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, telling the message only to Jews. 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.

The Lord’s hand was with them, and a great number of people believed and turned to the Lord. News of this reached the church in Jerusalem, and they sent Barnabas to Antioch.

When he arrived and saw the grace of God at work, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts. He was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith, and a great number of people were brought to the Lord.

Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. 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.

During this time, some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. 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.)

The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea. This they did, sending their gift to the elders by Barnabas and Saul.

Acts Chapter 12

About that time King Herod laid violent hands on some who belonged to the church. He killed James, the brother of John, with the sword.

When he saw that this pleased the Jews, he proceeded to arrest Peter also. This happened during the Feast of Unleavened Bread. After arresting him, he put him in prison, handing him over to be guarded by four squads of soldiers. Herod intended to bring him out for public trial after the Passover.

So Peter was kept in prison, but the church was earnestly praying to God for him.

The night before Herod was to bring him to trial, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and guards stood watch at the entrance. Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him up.

“Quick, get up!” he said, and the chains fell off Peter’s wrists.

Then the angel said to him, “Put on your clothes and sandals.”

Peter did so.

“Wrap your cloak around you and follow me,” the angel told him.

Peter followed him out of the prison, but he had no idea that what the angel was doing was really happening; he thought he was seeing a vision. They passed the first and second guards and came to the iron gate leading to the city. It opened for them by itself, and they went through it. When they had walked the length of one street, suddenly the angel left him.

Then Peter came to himself and said,

“Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were expecting.”

When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary, the mother of John Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door.

When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed,

“Peter is at the door!”

“You’re out of your mind,” they told her. But she kept insisting it was true. They said,

“It must be his angel.”

But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison.

“Tell James and the other brothers about this,” he said, and then he left for another place.

In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed. Then he went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there.

Herod was angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. They joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted official of the king, they asked for peace, because their country depended on the king’s territory for food.

On the appointed day, Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to them. They shouted,

“This is the voice of a god, not of a man.”

Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. But the word of God continued to spread and flourish.

When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission in Jerusalem, they returned, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Acts Chapter 13

In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said,

“Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.”

So after they had fasted, prayed, and laid their hands on them, they sent them off.

Sent out by the Holy Spirit, they went down to Seleucia and sailed from there to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. John was with them as their helper.

They traveled through the whole island until they came to Paphos. There they met a Jewish sorcerer and false prophet named Bar-Jesus, who was an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, an intelligent man. The proconsul summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God.

But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked straight at him and said,

“You are full of deceit and trickery, you child of the devil, you enemy of everything that is right! Will you never stop perverting the straight ways of the Lord? Now the hand of the Lord is against you. You are going to be blind, and for a time you will not be able to see the sun.”

Immediately mist and darkness came over him, and he groped about, seeking someone to lead him by the hand. When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, amazed at the teaching about the Lord.

From Paphos, Paul and his companions sailed to Perga in Pamphylia, where John left them to return to Jerusalem. From Perga they went on to Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath they entered the synagogue and sat down.

After the reading from the Law and the Prophets, the synagogue rulers sent word to them, saying,

“Brothers, if you have a word of encouragement for the people, please speak.”

Paul stood up, motioned with his hand, and said:

“Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen to me. The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors and made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power He led them out of that country.

For about forty years He endured their conduct in the wilderness. He overthrew seven nations in Canaan, giving their land to His people as their inheritance. All this took about 450 years.

After this, God gave them judges until the time of Samuel the prophet. Then the people asked for a king, and He gave them Saul son of Kish, from the tribe of Benjamin, who ruled forty years. After removing him, He made David their king. God testified concerning him:
‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after My own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised. Before the coming of Jesus, John preached a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. As John was completing his work, he said:
‘Who do you think I am? I am not the one you are looking for. But there is One coming after me whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’

Brothers, children of Abraham, and you Gentiles who fear God, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.

The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath. Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have Him executed. When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb. But God raised Him from the dead, and for many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.

We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm:
‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’

God raised Him from the dead so that He would never be subject to decay. As God has said, ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ So it is also stated elsewhere:
‘You will not let Your Holy One see decay.’

For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. But the One whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.

Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through Him everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by the law of Moses.

Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you:
‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish,
for I am going to do something in your days
that you would never believe,
even if someone told you.’”

As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath. When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying and heaped abuse on him.

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly:

“We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us:
‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles,
that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.

But the Jews incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and expelled them from their region. So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium. And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit.

Acts Chapter 14

At Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke so powerfully that a great number of Jews and Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

So Paul and Barnabas spent a long time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who confirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders. The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.

When both Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, plotted to mistreat and stone them, they learned of it and fled to the cities of Lystra and Derbe in Lycaonia and to the surrounding countryside, where they continued to preach the gospel.

In Lystra there sat a man who was lame. He had been crippled from birth and had never walked. He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed, and called out,

“Stand up on your feet!”

At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language,

“The gods have come down to us in human form!”

They called Barnabas “Zeus,” and Paul “Hermes,” because he was the chief speaker. The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.

But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting:

“Friends, why are you doing this? We are only human, like you. We are bringing you good news, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heavens and the earth and the sea and everything in them.

In the past, He let all nations go their own way. Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.”

Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.

“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord in whom they had put their trust.

After going through Pisidia, they came into Pamphylia, and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia. From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.

Acts Chapter 15

Some men came down from Judea and began teaching the believers:

“Unless you are circumcised according to the custom of Moses, you cannot be saved.”

This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp disagreement with them, so it was decided that Paul, Barnabas, and some others should go up to Jerusalem to consult the apostles and elders about this question. The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they reported the conversion of the Gentiles, which brought great joy to all the believers.

When they arrived in Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church, the apostles, and the elders, and they reported everything God had done through them. But some believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said,

“The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses.”

The apostles and elders met to consider this question. After much discussion, Peter stood up and said,

“Brothers, you know that some time ago God chose me to preach the gospel to the Gentiles so they might believe. God, who knows the heart, showed that He accepted them by giving them the Holy Spirit, just as He did to us. He made no distinction between us and them, for He purified their hearts by faith.

Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of the disciples a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors were able to bear? No, we believe it is through the grace of the Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.”

The whole assembly became silent as they listened to Barnabas and Paul telling about the signs and wonders God had done among the Gentiles through them. When they finished, James spoke up:

“Brothers, listen to me. Simon has described how God first showed His concern by taking from the Gentiles a people for His name. The words of the prophets agree with this, as it is written:
‘After this I will return
and rebuild David’s fallen tent.
Its ruins I will rebuild,
and I will restore it,
that the rest of mankind may seek the Lord,
even all the Gentiles who bear My name,
says the Lord, who does these things’—
things known from long ago.

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Instead we should write to them, telling them to abstain from food polluted by idols, from sexual immorality, from the meat of strangled animals, and from blood. For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues every Sabbath.”

Then the apostles and elders, with the whole church, decided to choose some of their own men and send them with Paul and Barnabas to Antioch. They chose Judas (called Barsabbas) and Silas, two leaders among the believers.

With them they sent the following letter:

“The apostles and elders, your brothers,
To the Gentile believers in Antioch, Syria, and Cilicia: Greetings.

We have heard that some went out from us without our authorization and disturbed you, troubling your minds by what they said. So we all agreed to choose some men and send them to you with our dear friends Barnabas and Paul—men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore we are sending Judas and Silas to confirm by word of mouth what we are writing.

It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond the following requirements: You are to abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality. You will do well to avoid these things.

Farewell.”

So the men were sent off and went down to Antioch, where they gathered the church together and delivered the letter. The people read it and were glad for its encouraging message.

Judas and Silas, who themselves were prophets, said much to encourage and strengthen the believers. After spending some time there, they were sent off with the blessing of peace back to those who had sent them. But Silas decided to remain in Antioch.

Paul and Barnabas also remained in Antioch, where they and many others taught and preached the word of the Lord.

Some time later Paul said to Barnabas,

“Let’s go back and visit the believers in every town where we preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.”

Barnabas wanted to take John Mark with them, but Paul did not think it wise to take him, because he had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in the work. They had such a sharp disagreement that they parted company. Barnabas took Mark and sailed for Cyprus, but Paul chose Silas and left, commended by the believers to the grace of the Lord.

He went through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches.

Acts Chapter 16

Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy. His mother was a Jewish believer, but his father was Greek. The believers at Lystra and Iconium spoke well of Timothy. Paul wanted to take him along, so he circumcised him because of the Jews in that area, since they all knew his father was a Greek.

As they traveled from town to town, they delivered the decisions reached by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem, instructing the believers to obey them. So the churches were strengthened in the faith and grew daily in number.

Paul and his companions traveled through Phrygia and Galatia, having been kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching in Asia. When they reached Mysia, they tried to enter Bithynia, but the Spirit of Jesus would not allow them. So they passed by Mysia and went down to Troas.

During the night Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him,

“Come over to Macedonia and help us.”

After Paul had seen the vision, we immediately prepared to leave for Macedonia, convinced that God had called us to preach the gospel to them.

From Troas we sailed straight to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. From there we traveled to Philippi, a Roman colony and leading city of Macedonia, where we stayed several days.

On the Sabbath we went outside the city gate to the river, where we expected to find a place of prayer. We sat down and spoke to the women gathered there. One of them was Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. She and her household were baptized, and she invited us to her home.

“If you consider me a believer in the Lord,” she said, “come and stay at my house.”

And she persuaded us.

Once, as we were going to the place of prayer, we were met by a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination. She earned a lot of money for her owners by fortune-telling. She followed Paul and us, shouting,

“These men are servants of the Most High God, proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”

She kept this up for many days. Finally, Paul became so troubled that he turned and said to the spirit,

“In the name of Jesus Christ I command you to come out of her!”

At that moment the spirit left her.

When her owners realized their hope of making money was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the marketplace to face the authorities. They brought them before the magistrates and said,

“These men are Jews and are throwing our city into chaos by teaching customs unlawful for us Romans to accept or practice.”

The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered them stripped and beaten. After being severely flogged, they were thrown into prison, and the jailer was commanded to guard them carefully. He put them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison shook. All the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose.

The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword to kill himself, thinking the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted,

“Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!”

The jailer called for lights, rushed in, and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He brought them out and asked,

“Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

They replied,

“Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

They spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all the others in his house. At that hour of the night the jailer washed their wounds; then immediately he and his family were baptized. He brought them into his house, set a meal before them, and was filled with joy because he and his whole household had believed in God.

When daylight came, the magistrates sent their officers with the order:

“Release those men.”

The jailer told Paul,

“The magistrates have ordered that you and Silas be released. Now you can leave. Go in peace.”

But Paul said,

“They beat us publicly without a trial, even though we are Roman citizens, and threw us into prison. And now they want to send us away quietly? No! Let them come themselves and escort us out.”

The officers reported this to the magistrates, and when they heard that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens, they were alarmed. They came to appease them and escorted them out of prison, requesting that they leave the city.

After Paul and Silas came out of prison, they went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the believers and encouraged them. Then they left.

Acts Chapter 17

Paul and Silas traveled through Amphipolis and Apollonia and came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and for three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. He declared,

“This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ.”

Some of the Jews were persuaded, along with a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women, who joined Paul and Silas.

But the Jews who refused to believe were jealous. They gathered some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and started a riot in the city. They attacked Jason’s house, looking for Paul and Silas to bring them out to the crowd.

When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some other believers before the city officials, shouting,

“These men who have turned the world upside down have come here too, and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, claiming there is another king—Jesus.”

This caused great agitation among the people and the officials. They made Jason and the others post bond before releasing them.

The believers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue. The Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message eagerly and examined the Scriptures daily to see if what Paul said was true. As a result, many of them believed, including a number of prominent Greek women and many men.

But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was preaching the word of God at Berea, they came there too, stirring up the crowds. The believers then sent Paul to the coast, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

While Paul was waiting for them in Athens, his spirit was deeply troubled when he saw that the city was full of idols. He reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Greeks, and also in the marketplace day by day with whoever happened to be there.

Some Epicurean and Stoic philosophers debated with him. Some said,

“What is this babbler trying to say?”

Others remarked,

“He seems to be advocating foreign gods.”

They said this because Paul was preaching about Jesus and the resurrection.

They took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying,

“May we know what this new teaching is that you are presenting? You are bringing strange ideas to our ears, and we want to know what they mean.”

(All the Athenians and foreigners there spent their time doing nothing but talking and listening to new ideas.)

Paul stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said,

“Men of Athens, I see that in every way you are very religious. As I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. What you worship as unknown, I now proclaim to you.

The God who made the world and everything in it is Lord of heaven and earth. He does not live in temples built by hands. He is not served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else.

From one man he made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth. He determined their appointed times in history and the exact places where they should live. God did this so they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any of us.

For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’

Therefore, since we are God’s offspring, we should not think of the divine nature as something like gold or silver or stone—an image crafted by human art and imagination.

In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”

When they heard about the resurrection of the dead, some mocked, but others said,

“We want to hear you again on this matter.”

At that, Paul left the meeting. But some of the people became followers of Paul and believed. Among them was Dionysius, a member of the Areopagus, also a woman named Damaris, and several others.

Acts Chapter 18

After leaving Athens, Paul went to Corinth. There he met a Jew named Aquila, a native of Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife Priscilla, because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave Rome. Paul went to stay with them, and since they shared the same trade of tentmaking, he worked alongside them.

Every Sabbath he reasoned in the synagogue, trying to persuade both Jews and Greeks. When Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah. But when they opposed him and spoke against him, Paul shook out his clothes in protest and said,

“Your blood be on your own heads! I am innocent of it. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.”

He left the synagogue and went next door to the house of a man named Justus, a worshiper of God. Crispus, the synagogue ruler, believed in the Lord, along with his entire household. Many of the Corinthians who heard Paul also believed and were baptized.

One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision:

“Do not be afraid; keep on speaking, do not be silent. For I am with you, and no one will harm you, because I have many people in this city.”

So Paul stayed in Corinth for a year and a half, teaching the word of God.

When Gallio became the proconsul of Achaia, the Jews united in attacking Paul and brought him before the tribunal. They accused him, saying,

“This man is persuading people to worship God in ways that are against the law.”

Just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio said to them,

“If this were about a crime or serious wrongdoing, I would listen. But since it is simply about words, names, and your own law, see to it yourselves. I will not judge such matters.”

And he drove them away from the court. Then the crowd turned on Sosthenes, the synagogue ruler, and beat him in front of the tribunal. But Gallio showed no concern for any of it.

Paul remained in Corinth for some time, then left the believers and sailed for Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. At Cenchrea he had his head shaved because of a vow he had taken.

They arrived at Ephesus, where Paul left Priscilla and Aquila, but he himself went into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. When they asked him to stay longer, he declined. He said goodbye and added,

“I will come back if God wills.”

Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church, and then went down to Antioch.

After spending some time there, Paul set out again and traveled through the regions of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Meanwhile, a Jew named Apollos, an eloquent speaker from Alexandria who was well-versed in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and with great enthusiasm he spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John.

He began speaking boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained the way of God more fully.

When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the believers encouraged him and wrote letters to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who by grace had believed. He vigorously refuted the Jews in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus is the Christ.

Acts Chapter 19

While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them,

“Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?”

They answered,

“We haven’t even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

Paul asked,

“Then what baptism did you receive?”

They replied,

“John’s baptism.”

Paul explained,

“John’s baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the people to believe in the one coming after him—that is, in Christ Jesus.”

When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Paul laid his hands on them, and the Holy Spirit came upon them. They spoke in tongues and prophesied. There were about twelve men in all.

Paul went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But some grew stubborn, rejecting the message and publicly speaking against the Way. So Paul left them, taking the disciples with him. He began daily discussions in the lecture hall of Tyrannus. This continued for two years, so that everyone living in the province of Asia—both Jews and Greeks—heard the word of the Lord.

God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. Even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched him were taken to the sick, and their illnesses were cured and evil spirits left them.

Some Jewish exorcists tried to use the name of the Lord Jesus over those with evil spirits, saying,

“I command you by the Jesus whom Paul preaches.”

Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. But one evil spirit answered them,

“Jesus I know, and Paul I recognize—but who are you?”

The man with the evil spirit then jumped on them, overpowered them, and beat them so severely that they fled the house naked and wounded.

This became known to all the Jews and Greeks in Ephesus, and fear fell on everyone. The name of the Lord Jesus was held in high honor. Many of those who believed came and openly confessed their deeds. A number of people who practiced sorcery brought their scrolls together and burned them publicly. The value of the books was calculated to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. In this way the word of God grew in power and spread widely.

After these events, Paul resolved in the Spirit to go through Macedonia and Achaia and then on to Jerusalem. He said,

“After I have been there, I must also visit Rome.”

He sent Timothy and Erastus ahead to Macedonia, but he stayed in Asia a while longer.

About that time, a major disturbance broke out concerning the Way. A silversmith named Demetrius, who made silver shrines of the goddess Diana, provided considerable business for the craftsmen. He gathered them and said,

“Men, you know we prosper from this trade. But you can see and hear that this Paul has persuaded and turned away large numbers of people, not only here in Ephesus but almost all of Asia, saying that gods made by human hands are no gods at all.

There is danger not only that our trade will lose its good name, but also that the temple of the great goddess Diana will be discredited, and that she whom all Asia and the world worship will be robbed of her majesty.”

When they heard this, they were enraged and shouted,

“Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

Soon the whole city was in an uproar. The people seized Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia, and rushed as one into the theater. Paul wanted to go in and address the crowd, but the disciples would not let him. Even some of the officials of Asia, who were his friends, sent him messages urging him not to venture into the theater.

The assembly was in confusion. Some were shouting one thing, some another. Most of the people didn’t even know why they were there. The Jews pushed Alexander forward, and he motioned for silence, intending to make a defense. But when the crowd realized he was a Jew, they shouted in unison for about two hours:

“Great is Diana of the Ephesians!”

Finally, the city clerk quieted the crowd and said,

“People of Ephesus, who doesn’t know that the city of Ephesus is the guardian of the temple of the great Diana and of the image that fell from heaven? Since these facts are undeniable, you should stay calm and do nothing rash.

You have brought these men here, though they have neither robbed temples nor blasphemed our goddess. If Demetrius and his fellow craftsmen have a case against anyone, the courts are open and there are proconsuls. They can press charges. If there are other complaints, they must be settled in a legal assembly. As it is, we are in danger of being charged with rioting because of what happened today, since there is no reason we can give to justify this commotion.”

After saying this, he dismissed the assembly.

Acts Chapter 20

After the uproar had ended, Paul gathered the disciples, encouraged them, and said farewell before setting out for Macedonia. He traveled through those regions, giving many words of encouragement, and eventually came to Greece, where he stayed for three months. Just as he was about to sail for Syria, the Jews plotted against him, so he decided to return through Macedonia.

He was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, Aristarchus and Secundus from Thessalonica, Gaius of Derbe, Timothy, and two men from Asia—Tychicus and Trophimus. These men went ahead and waited for us at Troas. After the Feast of Unleavened Bread, we sailed from Philippi and joined them five days later at Troas, where we stayed seven days.

On the first day of the week, we gathered to break bread. Paul spoke to the believers, planning to leave the next day, and he kept preaching until midnight. There were many lamps in the upstairs room where we were meeting. A young man named Eutychus, sitting in a window, fell into a deep sleep as Paul went on speaking. Overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. Paul went down, threw himself on him, and embraced him.

“Don’t be alarmed,” he said, “he’s alive!”

Then Paul went back upstairs, broke bread, and ate. He continued talking with them until daylight, and then left. The people took the young man home alive and were greatly comforted.

We went on ahead to the ship and sailed for Assos, where we were to take Paul aboard. He had made this arrangement because he wanted to travel there on foot. When he met us at Assos, we took him aboard and went on to Mitylene. From there we sailed the next day opposite Chios, then to Samos, stopping at Trogyllium, and the following day we arrived at Miletus. Paul had decided to sail past Ephesus to avoid spending time in Asia, since he was hurrying to be in Jerusalem, if possible, by Pentecost.

From Miletus he sent to Ephesus for the elders of the church. When they arrived, he said to them:

“You know how I lived the whole time I was with you, from the first day I came into Asia. I served the Lord with humility, with tears, and with trials that came through the plots of the Jews. I didn’t hold back from preaching anything that would be helpful, but taught you publicly and from house to house. I declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and put their faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now I am compelled by the Spirit to go to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships await me. But I don’t consider my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish the race and complete the ministry the Lord Jesus gave me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.

I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. Therefore I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God.

Keep watch over yourselves and over the flock that the Holy Spirit has made you overseers of. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. So be alert! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

Now I commit you to God and to the word of his grace, which can build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. I have not coveted anyone’s silver, gold, or clothing. You yourselves know that these hands of mine supplied my own needs and the needs of my companions. In everything I did, I showed you that by working hard we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

When Paul finished speaking, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept, embraced him, and kissed him, grieving most of all over his words that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship.

Acts Chapter 21

After saying goodbye to the Ephesian elders, we set sail and went straight to Cos, then the next day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. Finding a ship sailing for Phoenicia, we went aboard and set off.

When we came within sight of Cyprus, we passed it on the left and sailed to Syria, landing at Tyre where the ship was to unload its cargo. We found disciples there and stayed with them seven days. Through the Spirit, they urged Paul not to go to Jerusalem.

When our time there was finished, we left, and all of them—with their wives and children—accompanied us out of the city. On the beach we knelt down together and prayed. After saying farewell, we boarded the ship, and they returned home.

From Tyre we sailed to Ptolemais, greeted the believers, and stayed with them for one day. The next day we traveled to Caesarea and stayed at the house of Philip the evangelist, one of the seven. He had four unmarried daughters who prophesied.

After we had been there several days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. He took Paul’s belt, tied his own hands and feet with it, and said,

“The Holy Spirit says: In this way the Jews in Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and hand him over to the Gentiles.”

When we heard this, we and the local believers pleaded with Paul not to go up to Jerusalem. But Paul answered,

“Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”

When he would not be persuaded, we gave up and said,

“The Lord’s will be done.”

After this, we packed our things and went up to Jerusalem. Some of the disciples from Caesarea went with us and brought us to stay with Mnason of Cyprus, an early disciple.

When we arrived in Jerusalem, the brothers and sisters welcomed us warmly. The next day Paul and the rest of us went to see James, and all the elders were present. Paul greeted them and reported in detail what God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry.

When they heard this, they praised God. But they also said to Paul,

“Brother, you see how many thousands of Jews have believed, and they are all zealous for the law. They have been told that you teach Jews living among the Gentiles to turn away from Moses, telling them not to circumcise their children or live according to our customs.

What shall we do? They will certainly hear that you have come. Do what we tell you: We have four men who have taken a vow. Join in their purification rites and pay their expenses so they can shave their heads. Then everyone will know there is no truth to the reports about you, but that you yourself are living in obedience to the law.

As for the Gentile believers, we have already written to them our decision that they should abstain from food sacrificed to idols, from blood, from the meat of strangled animals, and from sexual immorality.”

So Paul agreed. The next day he purified himself along with the men and went to the temple to give notice of the date when the days of purification would end and the offering would be made for each of them.

When the seven days were almost over, Jews from Asia saw Paul in the temple and stirred up the crowd. They seized him, shouting,

“Men of Israel, help us! This is the man who teaches everyone everywhere against our people, our law, and this place. And now he has even brought Greeks into the temple and defiled this holy place.”

(They had previously seen Trophimus the Ephesian with him in the city and assumed Paul had brought him into the temple.)

The whole city was stirred up, and the people rushed together. They seized Paul, dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the gates were shut. While they were trying to kill him, news reached the commander of the Roman troops that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. He immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down to the crowd. When the people saw the commander and his soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.

The commander arrested Paul and ordered him to be bound with two chains. He asked who he was and what he had done. Some in the crowd shouted one thing and some another. Since the commander could not learn the truth because of the uproar, he ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks.

When Paul reached the steps, the violence of the mob was so great that he had to be carried by the soldiers. The crowd followed, shouting,

“Away with him!”

As Paul was about to be taken into the barracks, he asked the commander,

“May I say something to you?”

The commander replied,

“Do you speak Greek? Aren’t you the Egyptian who stirred up a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the wilderness some time ago?”

Paul answered,

“I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. Please let me speak to the people.”

After receiving permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he spoke to them in Hebrew, saying—

Acts Chapter 22

“Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.”

When the crowd heard Paul speaking in Hebrew, they became even quieter. He said:

“I am a Jew, born in Tarsus of Cilicia, but raised here in Jerusalem. I was educated under Gamaliel and trained strictly according to the law of our fathers. I was zealous for God, just as you are today.

I persecuted the followers of this Way, even to their death, arresting and throwing into prison both men and women. The high priest and all the elders can testify to this. I even received letters from them to the brothers in Damascus, and went there to bring the believers back in chains to Jerusalem to be punished.

As I neared Damascus about noon, suddenly a brilliant light from heaven flashed around me. I fell to the ground and heard a voice say, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?’

I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

He replied, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’

The men traveling with me saw the light, but they didn’t understand the voice of the one speaking to me.

I asked, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’

The Lord said, ‘Get up and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you are appointed to do.’

Because the brilliance of the light had blinded me, my companions led me by the hand into Damascus.

A man named Ananias, a devout observer of the law who was respected by all the Jews living there, came to me and said, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ At that very moment I could see him.

He said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you to know his will, to see the Righteous One, and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on his name.’

When I returned to Jerusalem and was praying in the temple, I fell into a trance and saw the Lord speaking to me: ‘Quick! Leave Jerusalem immediately, because they will not accept your testimony about me.’

I said, ‘Lord, they know that I went from synagogue to synagogue imprisoning and beating those who believe in you. And when the blood of your martyr Stephen was shed, I was there giving approval and guarding the clothes of those who were killing him.’

Then he said to me, ‘Go, for I will send you far away to the Gentiles.’”

The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices:

“Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”

They shouted, threw off their cloaks, and flung dust into the air. The commander ordered Paul to be taken into the barracks and directed that he be flogged and interrogated to find out why the people were shouting against him like this.

As they stretched him out for the whip, Paul said to the centurion standing there,

“Is it legal for you to flog a Roman citizen who hasn’t been found guilty?”

When the centurion heard this, he went to the commander and said,

“What are you about to do? This man is a Roman citizen.”

The commander came and asked Paul,

“Tell me, are you a Roman citizen?”

“Yes, I am,” Paul replied.

The commander said,

“I had to pay a great price for my citizenship.”

Paul answered,

“But I was born a citizen.”

Immediately those who were about to question him withdrew. The commander himself was alarmed when he realized he had bound a Roman citizen.

The next day, wanting to know exactly why Paul was being accused by the Jews, the commander released him and ordered the chief priests and all the Sanhedrin to assemble. He brought Paul and had him stand before them.

Acts Chapter 23

Paul looked straight at the council and said,

“Brothers, I have lived before God with a clear conscience up to this very day.”

At that, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. Paul shot back,

“God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit there to judge me according to the law, yet you order me struck contrary to the law!”

Those standing nearby said,

“How dare you insult God’s high priest?”

Paul replied,

“I did not realize he was the high priest, brothers. For it is written: ‘Do not speak evil about the ruler of your people.’”

Seeing that some were Sadducees and others Pharisees, Paul cried out,

“Brothers, I am a Pharisee, descended from Pharisees. I am on trial because of my hope in the resurrection of the dead!”

When he said this, a dispute broke out between the Pharisees and Sadducees, and the assembly was divided. (For the Sadducees say there is no resurrection, nor angels, nor spirits, while the Pharisees acknowledge them all.)

There was a loud uproar, and some of the Pharisees’ teachers of the law stood up and argued vigorously:

“We find nothing wrong with this man. What if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him?”

The dispute became so violent that the commander was afraid Paul would be torn apart. He ordered the soldiers to go down, seize him, and take him back into the fortress.

That night the Lord stood near Paul and said,

“Take courage! Just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.”

The next morning more than forty Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. They went to the chief priests and elders and said,

“We have bound ourselves under a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. Now, you and the council petition the commander to bring him down to you, as though you want to investigate his case more thoroughly. But we are ready to kill him before he gets here.”

But Paul’s nephew heard about the plot. He went into the fortress and told Paul. Paul called one of the centurions and said,

“Take this young man to the commander; he has something to tell him.”

The centurion took him to the commander and said,

“Paul the prisoner asked me to bring this young man to you because he has something to tell you.”

The commander took him by the hand, led him aside, and asked,

“What is it you want to tell me?”

He said,

“The Jews have agreed to ask you to bring Paul before the council tomorrow, pretending they want to learn more about his case. But don’t give in to them. More than forty of them are waiting to ambush him. They have sworn not to eat or drink until they kill him. They are ready right now, waiting for your consent.”

The commander dismissed the young man and instructed him,

“Don’t tell anyone you’ve reported this to me.”

He called two centurions and ordered,

“Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea tonight at nine o’clock. Provide mounts for Paul to ride and take him safely to Governor Felix.”

He wrote a letter as follows:

From Claudius Lysias,
To His Excellency Governor Felix, greetings:

This man was seized by the Jews and was about to be killed by them. I came with my troops and rescued him, having learned that he is a Roman citizen. Wanting to know the charges against him, I brought him before their council. I found that the accusations had to do with questions about their law, but there was no charge against him deserving death or imprisonment. When I was informed of a plot against him, I sent him to you immediately. I also ordered his accusers to present their case before you.

Farewell.

The soldiers followed their orders. During the night they took Paul as far as Antipatris. The next day the infantry returned to the fortress, while the horsemen continued with Paul to Caesarea. They delivered the letter to the governor and handed Paul over to him.

The governor read the letter and asked what province Paul was from. Learning that he was from Cilicia, the governor said,

“I will hear your case when your accusers arrive.”

Then he ordered Paul to be kept in Herod’s palace.

Acts Chapter 24

BELIEVE GOD Version

Five days later, the high priest Ananias came down with some elders and a lawyer named Tertullus, who presented their case against Paul before the governor. When Paul was called in, Tertullus began his accusations:

“Most excellent Felix, we enjoy great peace under you, and reforms are being carried out for this nation because of your foresight. Everywhere and in every way, we acknowledge this with gratitude. But not to take too much of your time, I beg you to hear us briefly.

We have found this man to be a troublemaker, stirring up riots among Jews all over the world. He is a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes, and even tried to desecrate the temple. We seized him, and were going to judge him according to our law, but the commander Lysias came with force and took him from us, ordering his accusers to appear before you. By examining him yourself, you will see that all our charges are true.”

The Jews joined in the accusation, affirming that these things were so.

When the governor motioned for Paul to speak, Paul replied:

“I know that you have been a judge over this nation for many years, and so I gladly make my defense. You can verify that it is no more than twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. They did not find me arguing with anyone at the temple, or stirring up a crowd in the synagogues or anywhere else in the city. Nor can they prove to you the charges they are now making.

But I do admit this: I worship the God of our ancestors according to the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that is in the Law and the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God that these men themselves hold—that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. Because of this hope, I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

After several years I came to bring gifts for the poor of my nation and to present offerings. While I was in the temple, ceremonially purified, without any crowd or disturbance, some Jews from Asia found me. They ought to be here before you to bring charges if they have anything against me. Or let those who are here state what crime they found in me when I stood before the Sanhedrin—unless it was this one thing I shouted in their presence: ‘It is concerning the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you today.’”

Then Felix, who was well informed about the Way, adjourned the proceedings. He said,

“When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.”

He ordered the centurion to guard Paul, but to give him some freedom and allow his friends to take care of his needs.

Several days later, Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish. He sent for Paul and listened to him speak about faith in Christ Jesus. As Paul spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and said,

“That’s enough for now. You may leave. When I find it convenient, I will send for you.”

At the same time, he was hoping Paul would offer him money for his release, so he sent for him frequently and talked with him.

After two years, Felix was succeeded by Porcius Festus. But because Felix wanted to do the Jews a favor, he left Paul in prison.

Acts Chapter 25

When Festus arrived in the province, three days later he went up from Caesarea to Jerusalem. The high priest and Jewish leaders presented charges against Paul and urged him, asking for a favor—that Festus would summon Paul to Jerusalem. But their real plan was to ambush and kill him along the way.

Festus replied that Paul was being held at Caesarea and that he himself would be returning there shortly.

“Let some of your leaders come with me, and bring charges against the man there if he has done anything wrong.”

After spending more than ten days in Jerusalem, Festus went down to Caesarea. The very next day he convened the court and ordered Paul to be brought in. When Paul appeared, the Jews who had come from Jerusalem surrounded him, bringing many serious accusations they could not prove.

Paul defended himself:

“I have done nothing wrong against the law of the Jews, against the temple, or against Caesar.”

Festus, wanting to please the Jews, asked Paul,

“Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and stand trial there before me on these charges?”

Paul answered:

“I am standing before Caesar’s tribunal, which is where I should be tried. You know very well I have done no wrong to the Jews. If I am guilty of anything deserving death, I do not refuse to die. But if these charges are false, no one has the right to hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar!”

After conferring with his council, Festus declared,

“You have appealed to Caesar. To Caesar you will go!”

A few days later King Agrippa and Bernice arrived in Caesarea to pay their respects to Festus. While they were staying there, Festus discussed Paul’s case with the king:

“There is a man whom Felix left in prison. When I was in Jerusalem, the chief priests and elders of the Jews brought charges against him, asking that he be condemned. I told them that it is not Roman custom to hand over anyone before they face their accusers and have an opportunity to defend themselves.

When they came here, I did not delay. The next day I convened the court and ordered the man to be brought in. But when his accusers stood up, they did not charge him with the crimes I expected. Instead, they had disputes about their own religion and about a man named Jesus who had died, but whom Paul insists is alive.

Since I was uncertain how to handle such matters, I asked if he was willing to go to Jerusalem to be tried there. But when Paul appealed to have his case decided by the Emperor, I ordered him held until I could send him to Caesar.”

Then Agrippa said to Festus,

“I would like to hear this man myself.”

“Tomorrow you will hear him,” Festus replied.

The next day Agrippa and Bernice came with great ceremony, entering the audience hall with the commanders and prominent men of the city. At Festus’ command Paul was brought in. Festus said:

“King Agrippa, and all gathered here with us, you see this man. The whole Jewish community has petitioned me about him, both in Jerusalem and here in Caesarea, shouting that he should not live any longer. But I found he had done nothing deserving death. Since he himself appealed to the Emperor, I decided to send him.

But I have nothing definite to write to His Majesty about him. That is why I have brought him before you all, and especially before you, King Agrippa, so that after examining him I may have something to write. For it seems unreasonable to send a prisoner to Rome without specifying the charges against him.”

Acts Chapter 26

Then Agrippa said to Paul,

“You are permitted to speak for yourself.”

So Paul stretched out his hand and began his defense:

 “I consider myself fortunate, King Agrippa, to stand before you today and make my case against the charges the Jews bring against me—especially since you are well acquainted with Jewish customs and debates. I ask you to listen patiently.

 All the Jews know how I have lived from my youth, both in Tarsus and here in Jerusalem. They know me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I lived as a Pharisee, the strictest sect of our religion.

 And now I stand on trial because of the hope in the promise God made to our fathers, the same hope our twelve tribes serve God day and night longing to attain. It is for this hope that I am accused, O king. Why should it be thought incredible that God raises the dead?

 I myself once thought it my duty to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth. That is exactly what I did in Jerusalem. With authority from the chief priests, I imprisoned many of the saints. When they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. Again and again I punished them in synagogues, forcing them to blaspheme. In my fury, I even pursued them in foreign cities.

 On one such journey to Damascus, armed with authority from the chief priests, I saw, O king, at midday, a light from heaven brighter than the sun. It shone all around me and my companions. We all fell to the ground, and I heard a voice in Hebrew: ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me? It is useless for you to resist.’

 I asked, ‘Who are you, Lord?’

 The voice replied, ‘I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting. But rise and stand to your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and a witness of what you have seen and what I will show you. I am sending you to the Gentiles to open their eyes, to turn them from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God, so they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those sanctified by faith in me.’

 So, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision. First in Damascus, then in Jerusalem, all Judea, and later to the Gentiles, I preached that they should repent, turn to God, and demonstrate their repentance by their deeds. That is why the Jews seized me in the temple and tried to kill me.

 But God has helped me to this very day, and so I stand here testifying to both small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what Moses and the prophets foretold—that the Christ would suffer, rise from the dead, and bring light to both Jews and Gentiles.”

At this point Festus interrupted Paul with a loud voice:

“Paul, you are out of your mind! All your learning has driven you mad!”

But Paul replied,

“I am not insane, most excellent Festus. What I am saying is true and reasonable. The king is familiar with these things, and I can speak freely to him. None of this has escaped his notice, for it was not done in secret. King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know you do.”

Then Agrippa said to Paul,

“Almost you persuade me to become a Christian.”

And Paul said,

“I pray to God that not only you, but everyone listening to me today, would become as I am—except for these chains.”

The king, the governor, Bernice, and those sitting with them rose. As they withdrew, they said to one another,

“This man has done nothing deserving death or imprisonment.”

Agrippa then said to Festus,

“This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Acts Chapter 27

When it was decided that we should sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius of the Imperial Regiment. We boarded a ship from Adramyttium that was about to sail for ports along the coast of Asia, and Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us.

The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide for his needs. From there we sailed under the shelter of Cyprus because the winds were against us. After sailing across the seas off Cilicia and Pamphylia, we landed at Myra in Lycia.

There the centurion found an Alexandrian ship sailing for Italy and put us aboard. We made slow progress for many days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. The wind kept us from holding our course, so we sailed to the lee of Crete, off Salmone. With difficulty we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea.

Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because the Fast was already past. Paul warned them:

 “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our lives as well.”

But the centurion trusted the pilot and the shipowner more than Paul. Since the harbor was unsuitable to winter in, the majority decided to sail on, hoping to reach Phoenix and winter there.

When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had obtained what they wanted; so they weighed anchor and sailed along Crete. But soon a violent wind, called a Northeaster, swept down from the island. The ship was caught in it and could not head into the wind; so we gave way and were driven along.

As we passed to the lee of a small island called Cauda, we had difficulty securing the lifeboat. They hoisted it aboard, then passed ropes under the ship to hold it together. Fearing they would run aground on the sandbars of Syrtis, they lowered the sea anchor and let the ship be driven along.

We were violently tossed by the storm; the next day they threw cargo overboard, and on the third day they threw the ship’s tackle overboard with their own hands. Neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and the storm continued raging. We finally gave up all hope of being saved.

After long abstinence, Paul stood before them and said,

 “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete. Then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. But now take courage! Not one of you will be lost—only the ship will be destroyed.

 Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’

 So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”

On the fourteenth night, as we were driven across the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors sensed they were approaching land. They took soundings and found the water to be 120 feet deep. A short time later they found it 90 feet deep. Fearing we would be dashed against the rocks, they dropped four anchors from the stern and prayed for daylight.

The sailors tried to escape from the ship, pretending to lower anchors from the bow, but really letting down the lifeboat. Paul said to the centurion and the soldiers,

 “Unless these men stay with the ship, you cannot be saved.”

So the soldiers cut the ropes that held the lifeboat and let it drift away.

Just before dawn, Paul urged them all to eat:

 “For the last fourteen days you have been in constant suspense and gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.”

After he said this, he took bread, gave thanks to God in front of them all, broke it, and began to eat. They were all encouraged and ate food themselves. Altogether there were 276 of us on board. When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.

When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but saw a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. Cutting loose the anchors, they left them in the sea, untied the rudder ropes, hoisted the foresail to the wind, and made for the beach.

But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was broken to pieces by the pounding surf.

The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any from escaping. But the centurion, wanting to spare Paul’s life, kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. The rest were to get there on planks or pieces of the ship.

In this way, everyone reached land safely.

Acts Chapter 28

When we had safely made it to shore, we learned that the island was called Melita. The islanders showed us unusual kindness. Because it was raining and cold, they built a fire and welcomed all of us.

Paul gathered a bundle of sticks, and as he laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened onto his hand. When the people saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other,

“This man must be a murderer. Though he escaped the sea, justice will not let him live.”

But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no harm. The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall down dead. But after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.

Nearby were the estates of Publius, the chief man of the island. He welcomed us into his home and showed us hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him, prayed, laid his hands on him, and healed him. After this happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were healed.

They honored us in many ways, and when we were ready to sail, they provided us with all the supplies we needed. After three months, we set sail in an Alexandrian ship that had wintered on the island, with the figurehead of the twin gods Castor and Pollux.

We landed at Syracuse and stayed three days. From there we sailed to Rhegium. The next day a south wind came up, and the following day we reached Puteoli. There we found brothers and sisters in Christ who invited us to stay with them seven days. And so we came to Rome.

The believers there heard about us and came out as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. When we arrived in Rome, Paul was allowed to live by himself with a soldier to guard him.

After three days, Paul called together the Jewish leaders. When they had assembled, he said to them:

 “Brothers, although I have done nothing against our people or the customs of our fathers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Romans.

 They examined me and wanted to release me, because there was no basis for the death penalty against me. But when the Jews objected, I was compelled to appeal to Caesar. Not that I had any charge to bring against my nation.

 This is why I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”

They replied,

“We have not received any letters from Judea about you, and none of the brothers who have come here reported or said anything bad about you. But we want to hear what you think, for we know that people everywhere are speaking against this sect.”

They arranged to meet Paul on a certain day, and many came to the place where he was staying. From morning until evening he explained and testified about the kingdom of God, trying to persuade them about Jesus from the Law of Moses and the Prophets. Some were convinced by what he said, but others would not believe it.

They disagreed among themselves and began to leave after Paul made this final statement:

 “The Holy Spirit spoke the truth to your ancestors when he said through the prophet Isaiah:

 ‘Go to this people and say,
 You will hear but never understand;
 you will see but never perceive.

 For this people’s heart has grown hard;
 their ears can barely hear,
 and their eyes they have closed.
 Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
 hear with their ears,
 understand with their hearts,
 and turn—and I would heal them.’

 Therefore, I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”

When he had spoken these words, the Jews departed, arguing sharply among themselves.

For two whole years Paul stayed in the house he rented, welcoming all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with complete boldness and without hindrance.

Luke

Luke Chapter 1

Many people have tried to write accounts about the events that have happened among us—events we’re fully convinced are true. These stories were passed down to us by those who were there from the beginning—eyewitnesses and faithful servants of the Word. Because I’ve carefully investigated everything from the start, I decided it was good to write it out for you in an orderly way, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain about the truth of what you’ve been taught.
During the time of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah from the priestly division of Abijah. His wife, Elizabeth, was also from the line of Aaron. They were both righteous in God’s eyes, faithfully obeying His commandments and regulations. But they had no children, because Elizabeth was unable to conceive, and they were both well advanced in years.
One day, Zechariah was serving as a priest before God, fulfilling his assigned duties. According to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. While he was inside, a large crowd of people stood outside, praying during the time of incense.

Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar. Zechariah was startled and overcome with fear. But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Zechariah. Your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to name him John. He will bring you great joy, and many will rejoice because of his birth. He will be great in the eyes of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. He will turn many in Israel back to the Lord their God. And he will go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah, turning the hearts of fathers to their children, and helping the disobedient find wisdom in righteousness—to prepare a people ready for the Lord.”
Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I’m an old man, and my wife is well along in years.”

The angel answered, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to give you this good news. But because you didn’t believe my words, which will come true at the appointed time, you will be unable to speak until the day these things happen.”
Meanwhile, the people were waiting for Zechariah and wondering why he was in the temple so long. When he finally came out, he couldn’t speak to them, and they realized he had seen a vision. He kept making signs but remained unable to talk.

When his time of service was completed, Zechariah went home. Soon after, Elizabeth became pregnant and stayed in seclusion for five months. “The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “He has shown me favor and taken away my disgrace.”

In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a young virgin named Mary who was engaged to Joseph, a man from the line of David. The angel greeted her, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”
Mary was troubled by his words and wondered what kind of greeting this could be.
The angel said, “Don’t be afraid, Mary. You have found favor with God. You will become pregnant and give birth to a son, and you are to name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His ancestor David. He will reign over Israel forever, and His kingdom will never end.”

Mary asked, “How can this happen? I’m a virgin.”

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the child to be born will be holy, and He will be called the Son of God. And consider your relative Elizabeth. She is pregnant in her old age! She who was said to be barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing is impossible with God.”

Mary responded, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said come true.” Then the angel left her.

Soon after, Mary hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea. She entered Zechariah’s house and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s voice, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so honored, that the mother of my Lord should visit me? As soon as I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who believed what the Lord promised!”

Mary said, “My soul glorifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! He looked on me with kindness, even though I’m nobody. From now on, all generations will call me blessed. The Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is His name! His mercy continues from generation to generation for those who fear Him. He has shown His mighty strength. He scattered the proud and brought down the powerful. He lifted up the humble and filled the hungry with good things, but sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, remembering His mercy, just as He promised to our ancestors—to Abraham and his descendants forever.”

Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months and then returned home.
When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a son. Her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they celebrated with her. On the eighth day, they came to circumcise the child. They were going to name him Zechariah, after his father, but Elizabeth said, “No! His name is John.”

They said, “There’s no one in your family with that name.” Then they made signs to Zechariah, asking what he wanted to name the child. He asked for a writing tablet and wrote, “His name is John.” Everyone was amazed.

Immediately, Zechariah could speak again, and he began to praise God. Awe spread throughout the surrounding area, and people talked about it everywhere. Everyone who heard about it wondered, “What kind of child will this be?” For the hand of the Lord was clearly on him.
Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied: “Praise the Lord, the God of Israel! He has come to redeem His people. He has raised up a Savior for us from the family of His servant David, just as He promised long ago through His prophets—that we would be saved from our enemies and from all who hate us. He showed mercy to our ancestors and remembered His holy covenant—the promise He made to Abraham. He has rescued us from our enemies so we can serve Him without fear, living in holiness and righteousness every day.

“And you, my child, will be called a prophet of the Most High. You will go ahead of the Lord to prepare the way for Him—to give His people knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins. Because of God’s tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to shine on us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, and to guide our feet into the path of peace.”

The child grew up strong in spirit, and he lived in the wilderness until the time came for him to appear publicly in Israel.

Luke Chapter 2

At that time, Caesar Augustus issued a decree that everyone in the Roman world should be registered in a census. (This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) Everyone went to their hometowns to be registered.

Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem—the city of David—because he belonged to David’s family line. He went to be registered with Mary, who was engaged to him and was expecting a child.

While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth. She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him snugly in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

That night, some shepherds were out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared, and the glory of the Lord lit up the night around them. They were terrified! But the angel said, “Don’t be afraid. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. Today, in the city of David, a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloth and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly, a great crowd of heavenly angels appeared, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to those on whom His favor rests!”

When the angels left and returned to heaven, the shepherds said, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing the Lord has told us about.” They hurried and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.

After seeing Him, they spread the word about what had been told them concerning the child. Everyone who heard their story was amazed. But Mary treasured all these things in her heart and thought deeply about them.

The shepherds returned to their fields, glorifying and praising God for all they had seen and heard—it was just as the angel had said.

When eight days had passed, and it was time to circumcise the baby, He was named Jesus—the name the angel had given before He was conceived.

When the days of Mary’s purification according to the Law of Moses were completed, they took Jesus to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. (As the Law says: “Every firstborn male is to be set apart as holy to the Lord.”) They also offered a sacrifice as required by the Law—either a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.

At that time, there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was waiting for God to comfort Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him. The Spirit had revealed to him that he wouldn’t die before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus in to fulfill the custom of the Law, Simeon took the child in his arms and praised God:
“Lord, now let Your servant go in peace, just as You’ve promised. I have seen Your salvation, which You’ve prepared for everyone. He is a light to reveal You to the Gentiles and the glory of Your people Israel.”

Jesus’s parents were amazed at what was said about Him. Then Simeon blessed them and told Mary, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall and rise again. He will be a sign that many will oppose. And a sword will pierce your own soul, too. Through Him, the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.”

There was also a prophet named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher. She was very old and had lived with her husband for seven years before becoming a widow. She was now eighty-four and never left the temple, worshiping day and night with fasting and prayer. At that moment, she came up to them, gave thanks to God, and began telling everyone who was looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem about the child.

After Mary and Joseph had done everything required by the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their hometown of Nazareth. The child grew strong and wise, and God’s grace was upon Him.

Every year, Jesus’s parents went to Jerusalem for the Passover festival. When Jesus was twelve years old, they went up to the festival as usual. After it ended, they began the journey home, but Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, and His parents didn’t realize it. Thinking He was with their group, they traveled for a day. Then they began looking for Him among their friends and relatives.
When they couldn’t find Him, they went back to Jerusalem to search. After three days, they found Him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking questions. Everyone who heard Him was amazed at His understanding and answers.

When His parents saw Him, they were astonished. Mary said, “Son, why have You done this to us? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for You!”

Jesus replied, “Why were you looking for Me? Didn’t you know I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they didn’t understand what He meant.
Then He went with them back to Nazareth and was obedient to them. But Mary treasured all these things in her heart.
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.

Luke Chapter 3

It was the fifteenth year of the reign of Emperor Tiberius. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea. Herod ruled over Galilee, his brother Philip over Iturea and Trachonitis, and Lysanias over Abilene. Annas and Caiaphas were the high priests during this time.

It was then that God’s message came to John, the son of Zechariah, while he was out in the wilderness. He traveled throughout the Jordan Valley, preaching a baptism of repentance—a way for people to turn from their sins and be forgiven.

This fulfilled what was written by the prophet Isaiah:
A voice is calling out in the wilderness: Prepare the way for the Lord! Make His paths straight! Every valley will be filled in, every mountain and hill leveled out. Crooked paths will be straightened, rough roads will be smoothed, and all people will see the salvation of God.

When the crowds came out to be baptized, John didn’t sugarcoat his message. He said, “You bunch of snakes! Who warned you to run from the judgment that’s coming? If you’re serious about turning to God, then let your life prove it. Don’t just say to yourselves, ‘We’re safe because Abraham is our ancestor.’ I’m telling you—God can turn these very rocks into children of Abraham!

“The axe is already at the root of the trees. Every tree that doesn’t bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

The people were shaken. “What should we do?” they asked.

John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to someone who has none. If you have food, share it with those who don’t.”

Even tax collectors came to be baptized. “Teacher, what should we do?” they asked.

He told them, “Don’t collect more taxes than you’re required to.”

Then some soldiers asked him, “And us? What should we do?”

John answered, “Don’t use your power to harm anyone or make false accusations. Be content with your pay.”

The people were filled with anticipation, wondering in their hearts if John might actually be the Messiah.

But John set the record straight. He told them all, “I baptize you with water. But someone far more powerful is coming—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to untie the straps of His sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. His winnowing fork is in His hand. He will clear out His threshing floor, gathering the wheat into His barn. But the chaff—the useless part—He will burn up with unquenchable fire.”

John said many other things like this, encouraging the people and calling them to turn back to God.

But when John confronted Herod the ruler about his many sins—including taking his brother’s wife, Herodias—Herod added to his guilt by throwing John into prison.

When all the people were being baptized, Jesus came to be baptized too. While He was praying, heaven opened, and the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, “You are My beloved Son. You bring Me great joy.”

Jesus was about thirty years old when He began His public ministry. People assumed He was the son of Joseph.

Joseph was the son of Heli,
Heli was the son of Matthat,
Matthat was the son of Levi,
Levi was the son of Melchi,
Melchi was the son of Jannai,
Jannai was the son of Joseph,
Joseph was the son of Mattathias,
Mattathias was the son of Amos,
Amos was the son of Nahum,
Nahum was the son of Esli,
Esli was the son of Naggai,
Naggai was the son of Maath,
Maath was the son of Mattathias,
Mattathias was the son of Semein,
Semein was the son of Joseph,
Joseph was the son of Judah,
Judah was the son of Joanan,
Joanan was the son of Rhesa,
Rhesa was the son of Zerubbabel,
Zerubbabel was the son of Shealtiel,
Shealtiel was the son of Neri,
Neri was the son of Melchi,
Melchi was the son of Addi,
Addi was the son of Cosam,
Cosam was the son of Elmadam,
Elmadam was the son of Er,
Er was the son of Joshua,
Joshua was the son of Eliezer,
Eliezer was the son of Jorim,
Jorim was the son of Matthat,
Matthat was the son of Levi,
Levi was the son of Simeon,
Simeon was the son of Judah,
Judah was the son of Joseph,
Joseph was the son of Jonan,
Jonan was the son of Eliakim,
Eliakim was the son of Melea,
Melea was the son of Menan,
Menan was the son of Mattatha,
Mattatha was the son of Nathan,
Nathan was the son of David,

David was the son of Jesse,
Jesse was the son of Obed,
Obed was the son of Boaz,
Boaz was the son of Salmon,
Salmon was the son of Nahshon,
Nahshon was the son of Amminadab,
Amminadab was the son of Ram,
Ram was the son of Hezron,
Hezron was the son of Perez,
Perez was the son of Judah,
Judah was the son of Jacob,
Jacob was the son of Isaac,
Isaac was the son of Abraham,
Abraham was the son of Terah,
Terah was the son of Nahor,
Nahor was the son of Serug,
Serug was the son of Reu,
Reu was the son of Peleg,
Peleg was the son of Eber,
Eber was the son of Shelah,
Shelah was the son of Cainan,
Cainan was the son of Arphaxad,
Arphaxad was the son of Shem,
Shem was the son of Noah,
Noah was the son of Lamech,
Lamech was the son of Methuselah,
Methuselah was the son of Enoch,
Enoch was the son of Jared,
Jared was the son of Mahalaleel,
Mahalaleel was the son of Cainan,
Cainan was the son of Enos,
Enos was the son of Seth,
Seth was the son of Adam,
and Adam was the son of God.

Luke Chapter 4

Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness. For forty days, He was tested by the devil. During that time, He didn’t eat anything, and by the end of it, He was very hungry.

The devil said to Him, “If You really are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.”

But Jesus replied, “It is written: People don’t live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from God.”

Then the devil led Jesus up to a high place and, in a moment, showed Him all the kingdoms of the world. He said, “I’ll give You all this power and glory—it’s been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I want. If You worship me, all of it will be Yours.”

Jesus answered, “Get behind me, Satan. It is written: You must worship the Lord your God and serve Him only.”

Next, the devil took Jesus to Jerusalem and set Him on the highest point of the temple. “If You really are the Son of God,” he said, “jump off. It’s written: ‘God will command His angels to take care of You. They’ll catch You in their hands, so You won’t even stub Your toe on a stone.’”

Jesus responded, “It also says: You must not test the Lord your God.”

When the devil had finished trying every kind of temptation, he left Jesus alone for a while.

Jesus returned to Galilee, filled with the power of the Spirit, and word about Him began spreading throughout the surrounding area. He taught in the synagogues, and everyone spoke well of Him.

When He came to His hometown of Nazareth, where He had been raised, He went to the synagogue on the Sabbath, just as He always did. He stood up to read from the Scriptures, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. Unrolling it, He found the place where it said:

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,

because He has anointed Me

to proclaim good news to the poor.

He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,

to announce freedom for the captives,

and recovery of sight to the blind,

to set the oppressed free,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”

Then Jesus rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. Every eye in the synagogue was fixed on Him. And He said, “Today, this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Everyone was amazed at His gracious words. They said, “Wait… isn’t this Joseph’s son?”

Jesus replied, “No doubt you’ll quote the old saying to Me, ‘Physician, heal Yourself.’ You’ll want Me to do here in My hometown what you heard I did in Capernaum.”

Then He added, “Let Me tell you something: No prophet is accepted in his own hometown. Think about it—there were plenty of widows in Israel during the time of Elijah, when the skies were closed for three and a half years and a severe famine struck the land. But Elijah wasn’t sent to any of them—only to a widow in Zarephath, in the region of Sidon.

“And there were many people with leprosy in Israel during the time of the prophet Elisha, yet not one of them was healed—only Naaman, a Syrian.”

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were furious. They got up, drove Jesus out of town, and led Him to the edge of the hill their city was built on, intending to throw Him off a cliff. But Jesus walked right through the crowd and left unharmed.

He went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught the people on the Sabbath. They were blown away by His teaching because He spoke with real authority.

In one of the synagogues, there was a man possessed by an evil spirit. The demon screamed, “Leave us alone! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—you’re the Holy One of God!”

But Jesus commanded it, “Be quiet! Come out of him!” The demon threw the man down in front of everyone and left without hurting him.

Everyone was amazed and began talking to one another: “What kind of word is this? With authority and power, He commands evil spirits—and they obey!” News about Jesus spread everywhere.

Afterward, Jesus left the synagogue and went to Simon’s house. Simon’s mother-in-law was very sick with a high fever, and they asked Jesus to help her. He stood over her, spoke to the fever, and it left her. She got up immediately and started taking care of them.

As the sun was going down, people brought all their sick loved ones to Jesus. He laid His hands on each one of them and healed them. Demons came out of many, shouting, “You are the Christ, the Son of God!” But Jesus rebuked them and wouldn’t let them speak, because they knew He was the Messiah.

Early the next morning, Jesus went to a quiet place. But the crowds searched for Him and tried to keep Him from leaving. He told them, “I have to go tell others the good news about the Kingdom of God—it’s why I was sent.”

And so He continued preaching in the synagogues throughout Galilee.

Luke Chapter 5

One day, a crowd was pressing in on Jesus, eager to hear the word of God. He was standing by the Lake of Gennesaret and saw two empty boats left there by fishermen who were off washing their nets.

Jesus stepped into one of the boats—Simon’s boat—and asked him to push out a little from the shore. Then He sat down and began teaching the people from the boat.

When He finished speaking, He turned to Simon and said, “Let’s go out into deeper water. Throw out your nets again.”

Simon replied, “Master, we’ve been working hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But if You say so, I’ll give it another try.”

And when they did, the net was suddenly bursting with fish—so many that the net began to tear! They signaled to their partners in the other boat to come help. They came and filled both boats until they nearly sank.

When Simon Peter saw this, he fell at Jesus’ knees and said, “Lord, get away from me—I’m a sinful man.”

He and everyone with him were overwhelmed by the catch of fish. So were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, Simon’s partners. But Jesus said to Simon, “Don’t be afraid. From now on, you’ll be catching people.”

So they brought the boats to shore, left everything behind, and followed Him.

Later, in one of the towns, a man covered with leprosy came to Jesus. Seeing Him, the man fell facedown and begged, “Lord, if You’re willing, You can make me clean.”

Jesus reached out His hand, touched the man, and said, “I am willing. Be clean.” Instantly, the leprosy was gone.

Jesus told him, “Don’t tell anyone. Instead, go to the priest and offer the sacrifice Moses commanded, as a public testimony that you’ve been healed.”

Still, the word about Jesus spread like wildfire. Huge crowds came to hear Him teach and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often slipped away into the wilderness to pray.

One day, while Jesus was teaching, some Pharisees and religious scholars were sitting nearby. They had come from all over Galilee, Judea, and Jerusalem. The power of the Lord was present for healing.

Some men showed up carrying a paralyzed man on a mat. They tried to bring him in to lay him before Jesus, but the crowd was too packed. So they went up on the roof, made an opening, and lowered him down on his mat right in front of Jesus.

When Jesus saw their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven.”

The Pharisees and law experts started whispering among themselves, “Who does He think He is? That’s blasphemy! Only God can forgive sins!”

But Jesus knew what they were thinking and asked, “Why are you questioning this in your hearts? Which is easier to say: ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or ‘Get up and walk’? But to show you that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins…”—He turned to the paralyzed man—“I say to you, get up, take your mat, and go home.”

Immediately, the man stood up in front of everyone, picked up what he had been lying on, and walked home praising God.

The crowd was stunned. They praised God, filled with awe and holy fear, saying, “We’ve seen unbelievable things today!”

After that, Jesus walked by a tax booth and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting there. He said to him, “Follow Me.”

Levi got up, left everything behind, and followed Jesus. Later, Levi hosted a big dinner at his house. A large group of tax collectors and others joined them at the table.

But the Pharisees and their religious crowd started complaining to Jesus’ disciples: “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”

Jesus answered them, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I didn’t come to call the righteous, but to call sinners to turn back to God.”

Then they asked, “Why do John’s disciples fast and pray regularly, and so do the Pharisees’ disciples—but Yours are always eating and drinking?”

Jesus answered, “Can you make the wedding guests fast while the groom is still with them? No—but the day will come when the groom will be taken from them. Then they will fast.”

He then gave them this illustration: “No one patches an old garment with new fabric. If they do, the new piece tears away from the old, and the two don’t match. And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the new wine will burst the skins, spill out, and the skins will be ruined. No, new wine must be put into new wineskins. And even then, people who’ve tasted the old wine often say, ‘The old is better.”

Luke Chapter 6

One Sabbath day, Jesus and His disciples were walking through the grain fields. As they went, the disciples picked some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands, and ate the kernels.

Some Pharisees saw this and said, “Why are you doing what isn’t allowed on the Sabbath?”

Jesus replied, “Haven’t you read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? He went into the house of God, took the sacred bread, and ate it—even though only the priests were allowed to. He even gave some to those with him.”

Then Jesus said, “The Son of Man is Lord, even over the Sabbath.”

On another Sabbath, Jesus went into the synagogue to teach. A man was there whose right hand was shriveled. The religious leaders watched closely to see if Jesus would heal on the Sabbath—they were looking for something to accuse Him of.

Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said to the man, “Get up and stand here where everyone can see.” So the man stood up.

Then Jesus said, “Let me ask you something. On the Sabbath, is it lawful to do good or to do evil? To save life or to destroy it?”

He looked around at them all, then said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” The man did—and his hand was completely restored.

The religious leaders were furious. They began discussing what they could do to stop Jesus.

Around that time, Jesus went up a mountain to pray. He spent the whole night in prayer to God. The next morning, He called all His disciples together and chose twelve of them to be His apostles:

Simon (whom He also named Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James (son of Alphaeus), Simon (called the Zealot), Judas (son of James), and Judas Iscariot—the one who later betrayed Him.

Jesus came down with them to a level area where a large group of His followers had gathered, along with people from all over Judea, Jerusalem, and the coastal regions of Tyre and Sidon. They had come to hear Him and to be healed. Those tormented by evil spirits were also set free.

Everyone tried to touch Him, because power was flowing out from Him—and He healed them all.

Then Jesus looked at His disciples and began to teach them:

“Blessed are you who are poor—
because the kingdom of God belongs to you.

Blessed are you who are hungry now—
because you will be satisfied.

Blessed are you who weep now—
because you will laugh.

Blessed are you when people hate you,
exclude you, insult you,
and say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.

Rejoice when that happens—leap for joy!
Your reward in heaven will be great.
Remember, the prophets were treated the same way.”

“But woe to you who are rich—
you’ve already received your comfort.

Woe to you who are full now—
you will go hungry.

Woe to you who laugh now—
you will mourn and weep.

Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you—
that’s how their ancestors treated false prophets.”

“But I say this to anyone who’s really listening:
Love your enemies.
Do good to those who hate you.
Bless those who curse you.
Pray for those who mistreat you.

If someone hits you on one cheek,
offer them the other.
If someone takes your coat,
don’t stop them from taking your shirt too.

Give to everyone who asks you for something.
If someone takes what belongs to you,
don’t demand it back.

Do for others what you’d want them to do for you.

If you only love the people who love you—what’s special about that? Even sinners love those who love them.

If you only do good to those who do good to you—how is that different from anyone else?

If you only lend to people you expect to pay you back, what credit is that to you?

Instead, love your enemies. Do good. Lend without expecting anything in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will truly be children of the Most High God. Because He is kind—even to the ungrateful and wicked.

Be merciful, just like your Father is merciful.

Don’t judge others, and you won’t be judged.
Don’t condemn, and you won’t be condemned.
Forgive, and you’ll be forgiven.

Give, and it will be given to you—a good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and overflowing will be poured into your lap. The standard you use for others will be used for you.”

Then Jesus told them a parable: “Can one blind person lead another? Won’t they both fall into a ditch?

A student isn’t above the teacher. But everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher.

Why do you notice the speck in your brother’s eye, but ignore the log in your own? How can you say, ‘Let me help you with that speck,’ when you can’t even see past the beam in your own eye? Hypocrite! First take care of your own eye—then you’ll be able to help others see clearly.

A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit, and a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit. You recognize a tree by the kind of fruit it bears. People don’t pick figs from thornbushes or grapes from brambles.

A good person brings good out of the treasure in their heart.
An evil person brings evil from what’s inside.
What you say reveals what’s really in your heart.

Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ but don’t do what I say?

If you come to Me, listen to My words, and put them into practice—I’ll show you what that person is like:

They’re like a builder who dug deep and laid a foundation on solid rock. When a flood came, and the river rose and slammed into that house, it stood firm—because it was well built.

But the one who hears and doesn’t put My words into action is like a builder who skips the foundation and builds a house on top of the dirt. When the flood hits, it collapses right away. And the destruction is complete.”

Luke Chapter 7

After Jesus finished speaking to the people, He went into Capernaum.

There was a Roman centurion who had a servant he deeply valued. The servant was sick and near death. When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent some Jewish elders to ask Him to come and heal his servant.

When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly: “This man deserves Your help. He loves our nation, and he even built us a synagogue.”

So Jesus went with them. But when He was almost at the house, the centurion sent friends to say, “Lord, don’t trouble Yourself. I don’t deserve to have You come under my roof. That’s why I didn’t even consider myself worthy to come to You in person. But just say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; another, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I tell my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”

When Jesus heard this, He was amazed. Turning to the crowd following Him, He said, “I tell you the truth, I haven’t found faith this great in all Israel!”

The men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant completely well.

The next day, Jesus went to a town called Nain. His disciples and a large crowd went with Him. As He came near the town gate, a dead man was being carried out—the only son of his mother, who was a widow. A large crowd from the town was with her.

When the Lord saw her, His heart overflowed with compassion. He said, “Don’t cry.” Then He went up and touched the stretcher, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you—get up!”

The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.

Everyone was filled with awe and praised God. They said, “A great prophet has risen among us! God has come to help His people.” News about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding countryside.

John the Baptist’s disciples reported all these things to him. So John called two of his disciples and sent them to Jesus with a question: “Are You the One we’ve been expecting, or should we wait for someone else?”

When the men came to Jesus, they said, “John the Baptist sent us to ask You: Are You the One who is to come, or should we look for another?”

At that very time, Jesus healed many people of sicknesses, diseases, and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. He answered them, “Go back and tell John what you’ve seen and heard: the blind see, the lame walk, those with leprosy are healed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not stumble because of Me.”

After John’s messengers left, Jesus began speaking to the crowd about John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and live in luxury are found in palaces. So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, and more than a prophet.

“This is the one about whom it is written: ‘I will send My messenger ahead of You, who will prepare the way before You.’

“I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John. Yet the least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”

When all the people heard this—even the tax collectors—they recognized that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God’s purpose for themselves, since they had not been baptized by him.

Jesus went on: “What can I compare the people of this generation to? What are they like? They’re like children sitting in the marketplace, calling to each other:

‘We played the flute for you, but you didn’t dance.
We sang a dirge, but you didn’t cry.’

“For John the Baptist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proven right by all her children.”

One of the Pharisees invited Jesus to eat with him. So Jesus went to the Pharisee’s house and took His place at the table. A woman from the town, known as a sinner, learned that Jesus was there. She brought an alabaster jar of perfume. Standing behind Him at His feet, weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears. She wiped them with her hair, kissed His feet, and poured the perfume on them.

When the Pharisee who had invited Him saw this, he thought, “If this man were really a prophet, He would know what kind of woman is touching Him—she’s a sinner.”

Jesus answered his thoughts: “Simon, I have something to say to you.”

“Go ahead, Teacher,” he replied.

Jesus said, “Two men owed money to a moneylender. One owed five hundred silver coins, the other fifty. Neither had the money to pay him back, so he forgave both debts. Which one will love him more?”

Simon answered, “I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven.”

“You’ve judged correctly,” Jesus said. Then He turned toward the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I came into your house, and you didn’t give Me water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with her tears and dried them with her hair. You didn’t give Me a kiss of greeting, but from the moment I came in, she hasn’t stopped kissing My feet. You didn’t anoint My head with oil, but she has anointed My feet with perfume.

“I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But the one who has been forgiven little, loves little.”

Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.”

The other guests began to ask themselves, “Who is this who even forgives sins?”

Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Luke Chapter 8

After this, Jesus traveled from town to town, village to village, preaching the good news about the Kingdom of God. The twelve disciples were with Him, along with some women who had been healed of sickness and freed from evil spirits—Mary Magdalene (who had once been possessed by seven demons), Joanna (wife of Chuza, Herod’s household manager), Susanna, and many others. These women supported Jesus and His disciples with their own resources.

One day, a large crowd gathered from many towns to hear Jesus, and He told them this story:

“A farmer went out to plant seed. As he scattered it, some fell on the path, where it was stepped on and eaten by birds. Some landed on rocky ground, and though it sprang up quickly, it soon withered because it had no moisture. Some fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. But some seed fell on good soil—it grew up and produced a crop, a hundred times what was sown.”

Then Jesus called out, “If you have ears to hear, then listen!”

Later, His disciples asked Him what the story meant. Jesus said, “You’ve been given the privilege of understanding the secrets of the Kingdom of God. But for others, I speak in parables so that even though they see, they might not really see, and even though they hear, they may not truly understand.

“Here’s what the parable means:
The seed is the word of God.

The seeds on the path represent people who hear the word—but the devil comes and snatches it from their hearts before they can believe and be saved.

The seeds on rocky ground are those who receive the word with joy, but it doesn’t take root. They believe for a while, but when trouble comes, they fall away.

The seeds among thorns represent people who hear the word, but life’s worries, riches, and pleasures choke it out, and their lives never produce lasting fruit.

But the seeds on good soil are those who hear the word with an honest and open heart, hold onto it, and patiently grow to bear fruit.”

Jesus continued, “No one lights a lamp and then covers it with a bowl or hides it under a bed. Instead, they put it on a stand so people can see the light. Everything that’s hidden will one day be revealed. Everything secret will come out into the open.

So pay attention to how you listen. To those who truly hear, more understanding will be given. But for those who ignore what they’ve been given, even what they think they have will be taken away.”

Then Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see Him, but the crowd was so large they couldn’t get close. Someone told Jesus, “Your mother and brothers are outside, wanting to see You.”

Jesus replied, “My mother and brothers are those who hear God’s word and put it into practice.”

One day, Jesus got into a boat with His disciples and said, “Let’s go across to the other side of the lake.” So they set sail. As they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. Suddenly, a fierce storm hit the lake. The boat started filling with water, and they were in serious danger.

The disciples woke Him, shouting, “Master, Master—we’re going to die!”

Jesus got up, rebuked the wind and the waves, and suddenly everything was calm.

He turned to them and asked, “Where is your faith?”

Filled with awe and fear, they said to each other, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”

They sailed on to the region of the Gerasenes, across from Galilee. When Jesus stepped ashore, a man from the town came to meet Him. He was possessed by demons and had been living among the tombs, naked and homeless. No one could restrain him, not even with chains—he always broke free and would run into the wilderness.

When he saw Jesus, he screamed, fell down before Him, and shouted, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Please, don’t torture me!” (For Jesus had already commanded the evil spirit to come out of him.)

Jesus asked, “What is your name?”

“Legion,” the man replied, “because many demons have entered me.” They begged Jesus not to send them into the abyss.

Nearby, a large herd of pigs was feeding on a hillside. The demons begged Jesus to let them go into the pigs, and He allowed it. The demons left the man and entered the pigs—and the whole herd rushed down the steep slope into the lake and drowned.

Those who had been tending the pigs ran into town and told everyone what happened. People came out to see for themselves. They found the man who had been possessed sitting calmly at Jesus’ feet, fully clothed and in his right mind—and they were terrified.

The eyewitnesses told the crowd how the man had been healed. Then everyone from the surrounding area begged Jesus to leave, overcome with fear. So He got into the boat to go back.

The man who had been freed from the demons begged to go with Him, but Jesus said, “No—go home. Tell everyone what God has done for you.” So the man went throughout the town, telling how Jesus had changed his life.

When Jesus returned, a large crowd was waiting to welcome Him back. Among them was a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader. He fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading with Him to come to his home, because his only daughter—about twelve years old—was dying.

As Jesus went, the crowd pressed in around Him. And in the crowd was a woman who had suffered for twelve years from constant bleeding. She had spent all her money on doctors, but no one could heal her.

She came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of His cloak—and immediately the bleeding stopped.

Jesus asked, “Who touched Me?”

Everyone denied it, and Peter said, “Master, the crowd is pressing in all around You. Everyone’s touching You!”

But Jesus said, “Someone deliberately touched Me. I felt healing power go out from Me.”

When the woman realized she couldn’t stay hidden, she came trembling and fell at His feet. In front of everyone, she told why she had touched Him and how she had been healed instantly.

Jesus said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.”

While He was still speaking, someone came from Jairus’ house with bad news: “Your daughter is dead. Don’t bother the Teacher anymore.”

But Jesus said, “Don’t be afraid. Just believe, and she will be healed.”

When they arrived at the house, Jesus didn’t let anyone go in except Peter, James, John, and the girl’s parents. The house was full of people weeping and mourning, but Jesus said, “Stop crying. She’s not dead—she’s only asleep.”

They laughed at Him, knowing she was dead.

But Jesus took her by the hand and said, “Little girl, get up.” Her spirit returned, and she stood up immediately. Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

Her parents were amazed, but Jesus told them not to tell anyone what had happened.

Luke Chapter 9

Jesus brought His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority to cast out demons and heal diseases. Then He sent them out to preach the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick.

He told them, “Take nothing with you—no walking stick, no bag, no food, no money. Don’t even bring a change of clothes. Wherever you’re welcomed, stay there until you leave that town. But if a town won’t receive you, shake the dust off your feet as a witness against them when you leave.”

So they went from village to village, spreading the good news and healing people everywhere.

Meanwhile, Herod the ruler heard everything that was happening. He was confused—some were saying John the Baptist had come back to life, others claimed Elijah had returned, and still others thought one of the ancient prophets had come back. Herod said, “I beheaded John. So who is this man I’m hearing so much about?” And he was eager to meet Jesus.

When the apostles returned, they told Jesus everything they had done. He took them aside to a quiet place near Bethsaida. But the crowds found out and followed them. Jesus welcomed the people, spoke to them about God’s Kingdom, and healed those in need.

As the day wore on, the twelve came to Him and said, “Send the crowd away so they can find food and shelter in the nearby towns. This place is remote.”

But Jesus replied, “You feed them.”

They said, “We only have five loaves of bread and two fish—unless we go buy food for all these people.” (There were about five thousand men.)

Jesus told His disciples, “Have the people sit down in groups of about fifty.” They did, and everyone sat down. Then Jesus took the five loaves and the two fish. He looked up to heaven, blessed the food, broke it, and gave it to the disciples to hand out to the crowd.

Everyone ate and was satisfied—and they collected twelve baskets of leftovers.

Later, while Jesus was praying alone, His disciples joined Him. He asked them, “Who do the people say I am?”

They replied, “Some say John the Baptist. Others say Elijah. Still others believe one of the old prophets has come back to life.”

“But what about you?” Jesus asked. “Who do you say I am?”

Peter answered, “You are the Christ of God.”

Jesus strictly warned them not to tell anyone. He said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things. He’ll be rejected by the religious leaders, the priests, and the teachers of the law. He will be killed—but on the third day, He will rise again.”

Then Jesus told the crowd, “If you want to follow Me, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. If you try to save your life, you’ll lose it. But if you lose your life for My sake, you’ll find it. What good is it to gain the whole world and lose your soul?

“If you’re ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when He returns in glory with the Father and the holy angels. I tell you the truth—some standing here will not die before they see the Kingdom of God come in power.”

About eight days later, Jesus took Peter, John, and James up a mountain to pray. As He was praying, His appearance changed—His face shone, and His clothes became dazzling white. Suddenly, two men appeared with Him—Moses and Elijah. They were radiant in glory and spoke with Jesus about His upcoming death in Jerusalem.

Peter and the others had been dozing off, but when they woke up, they saw Jesus in glory with Moses and Elijah. As the two were leaving, Peter blurted out, “Master, this is amazing! Let’s build three shelters—one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” He didn’t really know what he was saying.

While Peter was still talking, a cloud surrounded them, and they were terrified. Then a voice from the cloud said, “This is My Son, My Chosen One—listen to Him!”

When the voice finished, they looked around and saw only Jesus. They kept this experience to themselves and told no one what had happened—for a while.

The next day, when they came down from the mountain, a large crowd met Jesus. A man in the crowd shouted, “Teacher, please look at my son—he’s my only child! An evil spirit takes control of him. He screams and convulses. It throws him into fits and leaves him bruised. I begged Your disciples to cast it out, but they couldn’t.”

Jesus said, “You faithless and twisted generation—how long must I stay with you and put up with this? Bring your son here.”

As the boy was coming, the demon slammed him to the ground in a violent fit. But Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, healed the boy, and gave him back to his father.

The crowd was amazed at the power of God. While everyone was marveling, Jesus said to His disciples, “Let these words sink in: the Son of Man is going to be handed over to His enemies.” But they didn’t understand what He meant—it was hidden from them, and they were afraid to ask.

Then the disciples began arguing about which of them was the greatest. Jesus knew what they were thinking. He took a small child and stood the child beside Him. Then He said, “Whoever welcomes this little one in My name welcomes Me. And whoever welcomes Me welcomes the One who sent Me. The one who is least among you—that’s the one who is truly great.”

John spoke up, “Master, we saw someone driving out demons in Your name, and we told him to stop because he’s not one of us.”

Jesus said, “Don’t stop him. Anyone who’s not against you is for you.”

When the time came for Jesus to complete His mission, He set His face toward Jerusalem with unwavering focus. He sent messengers ahead to prepare the way. They entered a Samaritan village to make arrangements, but the people there rejected Him because He was on His way to Jerusalem.

When James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, should we call down fire from heaven to destroy them—like Elijah did?”

But Jesus turned and rebuked them. “You don’t know what spirit you’re speaking from. The Son of Man didn’t come to destroy lives, but to save them.” And they moved on to another village.

As they walked along, someone said to Jesus, “I’ll follow You wherever You go.”

Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay His head.”

Jesus said to another man, “Follow Me.”

The man replied, “Lord, let me first go and bury my father.”

Jesus said, “Let the dead bury their own dead. You go and proclaim the Kingdom of God.”

Another man said, “Lord, I’ll follow You, but let me first go say goodbye to my family.”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who puts their hand to the plow and keeps looking back isn’t fit for the Kingdom of God.”

Luke Chapter 10

After this, the Lord appointed seventy more followers and sent them out in pairs to every town and place He planned to visit.

He told them, “The harvest is huge, but the workers are few. So ask the Lord of the harvest to send more workers into His fields. Go now—I’m sending you out like lambs among wolves. Don’t take any money, bags, or extra sandals. And don’t stop to chat with people on the road.

“When you enter a house, first say, ‘Peace be on this home.’ If someone there is open to peace, your blessing will remain. If not, it will return to you. Stay in that home—eat and drink what they give you. A worker deserves their wages. Don’t move from house to house.

“When you enter a town and the people welcome you, eat whatever they offer. Heal the sick and tell them, ‘The Kingdom of God has come close to you.’

“But if a town won’t welcome you, go out into its streets and say, ‘We wipe even the dust of your town off our feet to show we’re done here. But know this—the Kingdom of God still came close.’

“I’m telling you, it will be better for Sodom on judgment day than for that town.

“Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! If the miracles done in you had happened in Tyre and Sidon, those people would’ve repented long ago—sitting in sackcloth and ashes. It will be better for Tyre and Sidon on judgment day than for you. And you, Capernaum, do you think you’ll be exalted to heaven? No—you’ll be brought down.

“Anyone who listens to you is listening to Me. Anyone who rejects you is rejecting Me—and anyone who rejects Me is rejecting the One who sent Me.”

When the seventy came back, they were full of joy. “Lord,” they said, “even the demons obey us when we use Your name!”

Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I’ve given you authority over snakes and scorpions—over all the power of the enemy. Nothing will harm you. But don’t rejoice because evil spirits obey you. Rejoice because your names are written in heaven.”

At that moment, Jesus was full of joy through the Holy Spirit. He said, “Thank You, Father—Lord of heaven and earth—for hiding these things from the wise and learned, and revealing them to little children. Yes, Father, because this is how You wanted it to be.”

Then He said, “My Father has handed everything over to Me. No one knows who the Son really is except the Father. And no one knows who the Father is except the Son—and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.”

Turning to His disciples privately, He said, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you’re seeing. Many prophets and kings longed to see and hear what you’re experiencing—but they didn’t.”

Then a legal expert stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the Law say? How do you read it?”

The man answered, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind—and love your neighbor as yourself.”

Jesus said, “That’s right. Do this, and you’ll live.”

But wanting to justify himself, the man asked, “And who exactly is my neighbor?”

Jesus told him a story:

“A man was traveling from Jerusalem to Jericho when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and left him half-dead by the roadside. A priest came along, saw the man, and crossed to the other side. Then a Levite passed by—he also avoided the man.

“But a Samaritan came along, saw him, and was moved with compassion. He went to him, bandaged his wounds with oil and wine, placed him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. The next day, he gave the innkeeper two silver coins and said, ‘Take care of him. If the cost goes beyond this, I’ll pay you back when I return.’

“Now, which of these three was a true neighbor to the man who was attacked?”

The lawyer replied, “The one who showed him mercy.”

Jesus said, “Go and do the same.”

As Jesus continued traveling, He entered a village where a woman named Martha welcomed Him into her home. She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to everything He said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, don’t You care that my sister has left me to do all the work? Tell her to help me!”

Jesus gently replied, “Martha, Martha… you are worried and upset about many things. But only one thing is truly needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it won’t be taken from her.”

Luke Chapter 11

One day, Jesus was praying in a certain place. When He finished, one of His disciples said, “Lord, teach us to pray—just like John taught his followers.”

Jesus said, “When you pray, say:

Father, may Your name be honored.
Let Your Kingdom come.
Give us each day the food we need.
Forgive us our sins,
just as we forgive everyone who wrongs us.
And lead us away from temptation.”

Then He said, “Suppose one of you goes to a friend at midnight and says, ‘Hey, I need to borrow three loaves of bread. A guest just arrived at my house, and I have nothing to offer him.’

“But your friend answers from inside, ‘Don’t bother me! The door’s locked, my kids are in bed, and I can’t get up to help you.’

“I tell you, even if he won’t help just because you’re his friend, he’ll get up and give you what you need if you keep knocking and won’t give up.

“So I say to you: Ask—and you’ll receive. Seek—and you’ll find. Knock—and the door will be opened to you. Everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will open.

“If your child asks for bread, would you give him a stone? If he asks for fish, would you give him a snake? Or if he asks for an egg, would you hand him a scorpion?

“So if you—flawed as you are—know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?”

Later, Jesus drove out a demon from a man who couldn’t speak. When the demon left, the man began to talk, and the crowd was amazed. But some people accused Jesus, saying, “He drives out demons by the power of Beelzebub, the prince of demons.”

Others tested Him by asking for a miraculous sign from heaven.

But Jesus knew what they were thinking. He said, “Every kingdom divided against itself will collapse. A divided household will fall. So if Satan is fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? You say I drive out demons by Beelzebub—but what about your own people who do exorcisms? If I’m guilty, what about them? Let them be your judges.

“But if I cast out demons by the finger of God, then you can be sure the Kingdom of God has come to you.

“When a strong man guards his home with weapons, his possessions are safe. But if someone stronger attacks and overpowers him, he strips away that man’s armor and divides up the loot.

“Anyone who isn’t with Me is against Me. And anyone who doesn’t help Me gather is actually scattering.

“When an evil spirit leaves a person, it wanders through dry places looking for rest. Finding none, it says, ‘I’ll go back to the person I left.’ When it returns, it finds the place clean and in order. Then it brings seven other spirits more evil than itself, and they all move in. In the end, that person is worse off than before.”

As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd shouted, “Blessed is the woman who gave birth to You and nursed You!”

But Jesus replied, “Even more blessed are those who hear God’s word—and actually live it out.”

As the crowds grew larger, Jesus said, “This generation is evil. It demands a sign, but the only sign it will get is the sign of Jonah. Just as Jonah became a sign to the people of Nineveh, so will the Son of Man be to this generation.

“The Queen of the South will rise at judgment and condemn this generation. She came from far away to hear Solomon’s wisdom—and now someone greater than Solomon is here.

“The men of Nineveh will also rise at judgment and condemn this generation. They turned their lives around when Jonah preached to them—and someone greater than Jonah is standing right here.”

“No one lights a lamp and hides it or puts it under a basket. Instead, they place it on a stand so others can see the light. The lamp of your body is your eye. When your eyes are clear, your whole body is full of light. But when they’re clouded, your body is filled with darkness.

“So be careful—make sure the light inside you isn’t actually darkness. If your whole being is full of light, with no dark corners, it will be as bright as a lamp shining its light on you.”

As Jesus was finishing, a Pharisee invited Him to dinner. Jesus went in and reclined at the table. But the Pharisee was shocked that Jesus didn’t wash ceremonially before eating.

So Jesus said, “You Pharisees are so focused on the outside of the cup and dish—but inside, you’re full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Didn’t God make both the inside and the outside? Give generously from your heart, and then everything will be clean for you.

“But woe to you Pharisees! You’re careful to tithe even your mint and herbs—but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should have done both.

“Woe to you! You love the spotlight in the synagogues and being greeted with honor in the marketplaces.

“Woe to you! You’re like hidden graves—people walk over them without knowing what’s below.”

Then one of the law experts spoke up, “Teacher, when You say these things, You’re insulting us too.”

Jesus replied, “Woe to you lawyers, too! You crush people with unbearable religious demands, but you won’t lift a finger to help them.

“Woe to you! You build memorials for the prophets—but it was your ancestors who killed them! By doing this, you’re agreeing with what your ancestors did—they killed the prophets, and you build their tombs.

“This is why God’s wisdom says: ‘I will send them prophets and apostles. Some they will kill, and others they will persecute.’ Therefore, this generation will be held responsible for the blood of all God’s prophets, shed since the beginning of time—from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who was killed between the altar and the sanctuary. Yes, I’m telling you—it will be required of this generation.

“Woe to you lawyers! You’ve taken away the key to knowledge. You didn’t enter God’s Kingdom yourselves, and you’ve blocked others who were trying to enter.”

As Jesus left the house, the scribes and Pharisees began to oppose Him fiercely. They tried to trap Him in His words, hoping to catch something they could use to accuse Him.

Luke Chapter 12

As the crowds grew—so large that people were stepping on each other—Jesus first turned to His disciples and said, “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees—that is, their hypocrisy. Nothing that’s hidden will stay hidden. Everything that’s covered will be revealed. Whatever you’ve whispered in the dark will be shouted in the light. What you said quietly in a private room will be announced from the rooftops.

“My friends, don’t be afraid of those who can only kill the body. After that, there’s nothing more they can do. Let Me tell you who you should fear: the One who has authority not only over life and death, but who can also cast the soul into hell. Yes—fear Him.

“Think about this: Five sparrows are sold for just a few coins, and yet not a single one is forgotten by God. Even the hairs on your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid—you are worth more than many sparrows.

“If you stand with Me before people, the Son of Man will stand with you before God’s angels. But if you deny Me in front of others, you’ll be denied before the angels of God.

“You can speak a word against the Son of Man and still be forgiven—but if you blaspheme the Holy Spirit, there is no forgiveness.

“When you’re dragged into court or hauled before religious leaders, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say. The Holy Spirit will teach you, in that very moment, what needs to be said.”

Then someone in the crowd said, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.”

Jesus replied, “Friend, who made Me your judge or mediator?”

Then He said to everyone, “Be on guard against all kinds of greed. Life isn’t about how much stuff you own.”

And He told them a story: “There was a rich man whose land produced a huge harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? I don’t have room to store all this.’

“Then he said, ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll store up everything I’ve got and say to myself, “You’ve got it made—take it easy! Eat, drink, and enjoy life!”’

“But God said, ‘You fool! Tonight your soul will be required of you. Then who will get all the things you’ve stored up?’

“This is what happens to anyone who piles up wealth for themselves but isn’t rich toward God.”

Then Jesus turned to His disciples: “This is why I tell you—don’t worry about your life. Don’t worry about what you’ll eat, or what you’ll wear. Life is more than food, and your body is more than clothes.

“Look at the ravens—they don’t plant or harvest or store up food, but God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to Him than birds!

“Can any of you add a single hour to your life by worrying? If worry can’t do even that little thing, then why worry about the rest?

“Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or spin cloth, yet even Solomon in all his royal glory wasn’t dressed like one of these. If God cares so much for wildflowers—here today, gone tomorrow—how much more will He care for you, O you of little faith?

“So don’t stress over what you’re going to eat or drink. Don’t get caught up in anxious thoughts. That’s what people of the world chase after. But your Father knows exactly what you need.

“Instead, seek the Kingdom of God—and everything else will be provided for you.

“Don’t be afraid, little flock. Your Father is delighted to give you the Kingdom.

“Sell what you have and give to those in need. Store your treasure in heaven—where it won’t wear out, can’t be stolen, and won’t be destroyed by moths. For where your treasure is, that’s where your heart will be too.”

“Be dressed and ready—keep your lamps burning. Be like people waiting for their master to return from a wedding, ready to open the door as soon as he knocks. Blessed are the servants the master finds watching when he comes. I tell you the truth—he’ll dress himself to serve, have them sit down, and wait on them.

“If he comes in the middle of the night or just before dawn, and finds them alert—they are truly blessed.

“Understand this: if the homeowner had known what time the thief was coming, he would’ve been ready and wouldn’t have let his house be broken into. You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come when you least expect Him.”

Peter asked, “Lord, is this parable just for us—or for everyone?”

The Lord replied, “Who is the wise and faithful servant, the one the master can trust to take care of the household and distribute food at the right time? Blessed is the servant who is doing just that when the master returns. I tell you—he’ll put that servant in charge of all he owns.

“But suppose that servant says, ‘My master is taking his time,’ and starts mistreating others—beating the workers and partying and getting drunk. That servant’s master will return when he’s not expecting it, and he’ll deal with him severely, assigning him a place with the unfaithful.

“The servant who knows what his master wants, but doesn’t get ready or do it—will be punished severely. But the one who didn’t know, and did wrong anyway, will receive a lighter punishment. To whom much is given, much is required. And the more that’s entrusted, the more will be expected.

“I came to bring fire to the earth—and how I wish it were already blazing! But I have a baptism of suffering to go through, and I am in deep anguish until it’s completed.

“Do you think I came to bring peace to the earth? No—I tell you, but rather division. From now on, families will be split apart: three against two, and two against three. Fathers against sons, mothers against daughters, in-laws against each other.”

Then Jesus turned to the crowd and said, “You know how to interpret the weather. When you see clouds forming in the west, you say, ‘Rain’s coming,’ and it does. When the wind blows from the south, you say, ‘It’s going to be hot,’ and it is. You hypocrites! You can interpret the signs in the sky and the earth—but you can’t see the signs of what’s happening right now?

“And why can’t you judge for yourselves what’s right? If someone’s taking you to court, settle it before you get there. Otherwise, the judge may hand you over to the officer, and the officer may throw you into jail. I’m telling you, you won’t get out until you’ve paid the last cent.”

Luke Chapter 13

Some people came to Jesus and told Him about a tragic event—Pilate had killed some Galileans while they were offering sacrifices, mixing their blood with the offerings.

Jesus responded, “Do you think those Galileans were worse sinners than all the others, just because they suffered like that? No—not at all. But unless you turn away from your sins, you will all perish just as they did.

“And what about the eighteen people who were killed when the tower in Siloam fell on them? Were they more guilty than everyone else in Jerusalem? I’m telling you—they weren’t. But unless you repent, you too will perish.”

Then Jesus told this story: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard. He came looking for fruit but found none. So he said to the gardener, ‘I’ve been checking this tree for three years and haven’t seen a single fig. Cut it down. Why let it keep draining the soil?’

“But the gardener replied, ‘Sir, let it alone one more year. I’ll dig around it and give it some fertilizer. If it bears fruit—great. If not, then you can cut it down.’”

One Sabbath, Jesus was teaching in a synagogue. There was a woman there who had been crippled by an evil spirit for eighteen years. She was bent over and couldn’t straighten up at all.

When Jesus saw her, He called her over and said, “Woman, you are set free from your sickness.” Then He placed His hands on her, and instantly she stood up straight—and began praising God.

But the synagogue leader was angry because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath. He said to the people, “There are six days for work. Come on those days to be healed, not on the Sabbath.”

But the Lord replied, “You hypocrites! Don’t each of you untie your ox or donkey on the Sabbath and lead it to water? Then why shouldn’t this woman, a daughter of Abraham who’s been bound by Satan for eighteen years, be set free on the Sabbath?”

When Jesus said this, His opponents were put to shame, but the crowd was delighted by all the wonderful things He was doing.

Then Jesus said, “What is God’s Kingdom like? What can I compare it to?

“It’s like a tiny mustard seed that a man plants in his garden. It grows into a tree, and birds come and make nests in its branches.”

He continued, “The Kingdom of God is like yeast that a woman mixes into a large amount of flour until it spreads through the whole batch.”

Jesus continued traveling through towns and villages, teaching and making His way toward Jerusalem.

Someone asked Him, “Lord, will only a few people be saved?”

Jesus replied, “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because many will try but won’t be able to. Once the master of the house gets up and locks the door, you’ll stand outside knocking and saying, ‘Lord, let us in!’ But he will reply, ‘I don’t know you or where you’re from.’

“Then you’ll say, ‘But we ate with You and listened to You teach in our streets!’

“But he’ll say again, ‘I don’t know who you are. Get away from Me, all you evildoers!’

“There will be weeping and grinding of teeth when you see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets inside the Kingdom of God—and you’re left outside. People will come from every direction—from east and west, north and south—and take their places in the Kingdom of God. And remember this: those who are last now will be first, and those who are first now will be last.”

That same day, some Pharisees came to warn Him: “Leave this place. Herod wants to kill You.”

Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘I’m driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow. And on the third day, I’ll complete My work.’ But I must keep moving today, tomorrow, and the next day—for it wouldn’t be right for a prophet to die anywhere but in Jerusalem.

“Oh, Jerusalem, Jerusalem—you kill the prophets and stone those God sends to you! How often I wanted to gather your children together like a mother hen gathers her chicks under her wings—but you were not willing.

“Look, your house is left to you desolate. And I tell you this—you won’t see Me again until the day you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”

Luke Chapter 14

One Sabbath day, Jesus went to eat at the home of a prominent Pharisee. Everyone there was watching Him closely.

In front of Him stood a man suffering from a severe swelling condition. Jesus turned to the religious experts and Pharisees and asked, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath or not?”

But they said nothing. So Jesus took hold of the man, healed him, and sent him on his way.

Then He said to them, “If any of you had a son—or even an ox—that fell into a pit on the Sabbath, wouldn’t you pull him out immediately?” They had no answer.

Jesus noticed how the guests were picking the best seats at the table, so He told them a story.

“When someone invites you to a wedding feast, don’t take the place of honor. Someone more important than you might have been invited, and the host who invited you both may come and say, ‘Give this person your seat.’ Then you’ll be embarrassed and have to take the lowest seat.

“Instead, when you’re invited, sit in the lowest place. Then when your host comes, he’ll say, ‘Friend, move up to a better spot.’ Then you’ll be honored in front of everyone at the table.

“For all who lift themselves up will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be lifted up.”

Then Jesus turned to His host and said, “When you throw a dinner or a party, don’t just invite your friends, your family, or your wealthy neighbors—because they’ll invite you back, and you’ll be repaid. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then you’ll be truly blessed. They can’t repay you—but you’ll be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”

Hearing this, one of the guests said, “Blessed is the one who will eat at the feast in the Kingdom of God!”

Jesus replied, “A man once prepared a great banquet and invited many guests. When the feast was ready, he sent his servant to say, ‘Come—everything is ready!’

“But they all started making excuses. One said, ‘I just bought a field, and I need to go inspect it.’ Another said, ‘I just bought five pairs of oxen and need to test them out.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, so I can’t come.’

“The servant returned and told his master. The master was furious and said, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and alleys and bring in the poor, the disabled, the blind, and the lame.’

“The servant came back and said, ‘I’ve done that, and there’s still room.’

“So the master said, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and urge everyone you find to come, so that my house will be full. But I tell you this—not one of those who were originally invited will taste a single bite of my banquet.’”

Large crowds were following Jesus, and He turned to them and said:

“If you want to follow Me, you must love Me more than you love your father, mother, spouse, children, brothers, sisters—and even your own life. If not, you can’t be My disciple.

“Anyone who won’t carry their own cross and follow Me cannot be My disciple.

“Think about it—if you wanted to build a tower, wouldn’t you first sit down and figure out the cost, to see if you had enough money to finish it? Otherwise, if you lay the foundation and then can’t complete it, everyone will laugh at you and say, ‘This person started building and couldn’t finish.’

“Or what king goes to war without first sitting down and deciding whether his army of ten thousand can defeat an enemy coming with twenty thousand? If not, he sends a delegation while the enemy is still far away to ask for peace.

“In the same way, anyone who does not give up everything they have cannot be My disciple.

“Salt is good—but if it loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It’s useless—fit neither for the soil nor for the manure pile. People just throw it away.

“Whoever has ears to hear—listen!”

Luke Chapter 15

All the tax collectors and other known sinners kept coming to listen to Jesus. The Pharisees and religious scholars were grumbling about it. “This man welcomes sinners,” they said, “and even eats with them!”

So Jesus told them this story:

“Imagine one of you has a hundred sheep, and one of them wanders off. Wouldn’t you leave the ninety-nine in the open field and go search for the lost one until you find it?

“And when you do find it, you joyfully pick it up, throw it over your shoulders, and head home. Then you call your friends and neighbors together and say, ‘Celebrate with me—I found my lost sheep!’

“In the same way, there is more joy in heaven over one sinner who turns back to God than over ninety-nine righteous people who don’t think they need to.”

He continued: “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn’t she light a lamp, sweep the whole house, and search carefully until she finds it?

“And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors and says, ‘Celebrate with me—I found the coin I lost!’

“In the same way, I’m telling you, there’s joy in heaven in the presence of God’s angels over just one person who turns back to God.”

Then Jesus told them this story:

“A man had two sons. The younger one said, ‘Father, I want my share of the inheritance now.’ So the father divided his property between them.

“A few days later, the younger son packed up everything he had and moved to a distant land. There, he wasted all his money on wild living. After he had spent it all, a severe famine hit the land, and he began to starve.

“So he found work with a man who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. He was so hungry, he longed to eat the scraps the pigs were eating—but no one gave him anything.

“One day, he came to his senses. He thought, ‘Even the hired workers at my father’s house have more than enough food, and here I am dying of hunger! I’ll go back home and say, “Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and against you. I’m not worthy to be your son. Just take me on as a hired worker.”’

“So he got up and headed home. But while he was still far away, his father saw him. Filled with compassion, he ran to his son, threw his arms around him, and kissed him.

“The son began his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against heaven and against you. I’m not even worthy to be called your son.’

“But the father called to his servants: ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Get the fattest calf and prepare a feast! Let’s celebrate!

“For my son was dead—and now he’s alive. He was lost—but now he’s found!’ So they began to celebrate.

“Meanwhile, the older son was out working in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. He asked one of the servants what was going on.

“The servant said, ‘Your brother is back! And your father has killed the fattened calf because he’s home safe and sound.’

“The older brother got angry and refused to go inside. So his father came out and pleaded with him.

“But he said, ‘Look, all these years I’ve worked for you and never disobeyed your rules—and yet you never even gave me a young goat to celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours comes back—after wasting your money on prostitutes—you throw a feast for him!’

“The father said, ‘Son, you’ve always been with me, and everything I have is yours. But we had to celebrate. Your brother was dead—and now he’s alive. He was lost—and now he’s found.’”

Luke Chapter 16

Jesus told His disciples this story:

“There was a wealthy man who had a manager working for him. But rumors started going around that the manager was wasting the man’s resources. So the rich man called him in and said, ‘What’s this I hear about you? Give me a full report of your management, because you can’t continue in this role.’

“The manager thought to himself, ‘What am I going to do? My job’s being taken away, and I’m not strong enough to dig ditches. I’m too ashamed to beg. I know what I’ll do—so that when I’m fired, people will welcome me into their homes.’

“So he called in everyone who owed his master money. He asked the first, ‘How much do you owe?’

‘A hundred jugs of olive oil,’ the man replied.

The manager said, ‘Take your invoice, sit down quickly, and make it fifty.’

“Then he asked another, ‘How much do you owe?’

‘A hundred measures of wheat,’ he said.

‘Take your bill and make it eighty,’ the manager replied.

“The rich man actually commended the dishonest manager for being clever. Why? Because the people of this world are more shrewd in dealing with their own kind than the people of light are.

“Here’s the lesson: Use worldly wealth to build relationships that matter. Then, when it’s gone, you’ll be welcomed into eternal homes.

“If you can be trusted with small things, you can be trusted with big things. But if you’re dishonest with little, you’ll be dishonest with much. If you can’t be faithful with worldly money, why would God trust you with true spiritual riches? And if you’re not faithful with someone else’s property, why would anyone give you something of your own?

“No one can serve two masters. Either you’ll hate one and love the other, or you’ll be loyal to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and money.”

The Pharisees, who loved money, sneered when they heard all this.

But Jesus said to them, “You try to justify yourselves in front of others, but God sees your hearts. What people value highly is detestable in the sight of God.

“The law and the prophets were proclaimed until John the Baptist. Since then, the good news of the Kingdom of God is being preached—and people are pressing in to receive it. But understand this: It’s easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for even one small part of God’s law to fail.

“If a man divorces his wife and marries someone else, he commits adultery. And if someone marries a divorced woman, he commits adultery too.”

Then Jesus told another story:

“There was a rich man who lived in luxury every day, dressed in fine clothes and eating gourmet meals. At his gate was a poor man named Lazarus, covered in sores and hoping to eat even the scraps from the rich man’s table. Dogs came and licked his wounds.

“One day, the poor man died, and angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

“He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue—I’m in agony in this fire!’

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember—in your lifetime, you received good things, while Lazarus had nothing. Now he is comforted, and you are in pain. And besides, a great chasm separates us. No one can cross from here to you, and no one can come from there to us.’

“The rich man said, ‘Then please, Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house. I have five brothers—warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’

“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’

“‘No, Father Abraham!’ he said. ‘But if someone comes to them from the dead, then they’ll change!’

“Abraham answered, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be convinced—even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Luke Chapter 17

Jesus said to His disciples, “It’s inevitable that people will stumble and fall—but woe to the person who causes it. It would be better for them to have a millstone tied around their neck and be thrown into the sea than to lead one of these little ones into sin.

“So watch yourselves. If your brother or sister does something wrong, speak to them about it. If they repent, forgive them. Even if they wrong you seven times in a single day—and seven times say, ‘I’m sorry’—you must forgive them.”

The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”

Jesus replied, “If you had even the tiniest bit of faith—like a mustard seed—you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.

“Suppose you had a servant working in the field or tending sheep. Would you say to him when he comes in, ‘Sit down and eat’? No—you’d say, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me until I’m done eating and drinking. Then you can eat and drink.’ Do you thank the servant for doing what he was told?

“In the same way, when you’ve done everything God has asked of you, just say, ‘We are unworthy servants—we’ve only done our duty.’”

As Jesus continued on His way to Jerusalem, He traveled through the border between Samaria and Galilee. When He entered a village, ten men with leprosy called out to Him from a distance, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!”

He saw them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were healed.

One of them, when he realized he was healed, came running back. He shouted praises to God and fell at Jesus’ feet, thanking Him. And this man was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Weren’t ten healed? Where are the other nine? Is this outsider the only one who came back to give glory to God?”

Then He said to the man, “Get up and go. Your faith has made you whole.”

Later, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come. He answered, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with visible signs. People won’t say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ because the Kingdom of God is already among you.”

Then He told His disciples, “The days are coming when you’ll long to see just one of the days of the Son of Man—but you won’t see it. People will say to you, ‘Look—He’s here!’ or ‘He’s over there!’ Don’t go running after them.

“For when the Son of Man returns, it will be like lightning flashing across the sky—bright from one end to the other. But first, He must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

“When the Son of Man comes, it will be like it was in the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, marrying—right up until the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all.

“It will be like it was in the days of Lot. People were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building. But the very day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained from heaven and wiped them out.

“That’s how it will be when the Son of Man is revealed.

“On that day, if you're on the roof and your stuff is inside, don’t go down to get it. If you're out in the field, don’t go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife.

“If you try to cling to your life, you’ll lose it. But if you let go of your life, you’ll save it.

“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed—one will be taken, the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together—one will be taken, the other left.”

They asked Him, “Where, Lord?”

Jesus replied, “Where there’s a body, the vultures will gather.”

Luke Chapter 18

Jesus told His disciples a story to show them that they should always pray and never give up.

“There was a judge in a certain town who didn’t respect God or care about people. A widow in that town kept coming to him with one request: ‘Give me justice against the one who’s wronged me.’

“At first, he ignored her. But after a while, he said to himself, ‘I don’t fear God or care what people think, but this widow keeps bothering me! I’ll make sure she gets justice so she doesn’t wear me out with her constant requests.’”

Then the Lord said, “Did you hear what the corrupt judge said? Now, if even he gave justice, don’t you think God will bring justice to His chosen ones who cry out to Him day and night? Will He delay forever? I’m telling you, He will bring justice—and quickly. But when the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?”

Next, Jesus told a parable for those who trusted in their own righteousness and looked down on others:

“Two men went to the temple to pray—one was a Pharisee, the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I’m not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like that tax collector over there. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I earn.’

“But the tax collector stood at a distance. He wouldn’t even look up to heaven. Instead, he beat his chest and prayed, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

“I tell you, that man—not the Pharisee—went home right with God. For all who lift themselves up will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up.”

People were also bringing their babies to Jesus so He could bless them. When the disciples saw this, they tried to stop them.

But Jesus called the children over and said, “Let the little ones come to Me—don’t stop them. The Kingdom of God belongs to such as these. I’m telling you the truth—unless you receive the Kingdom of God like a child, you’ll never enter it.”

Then a wealthy ruler came and asked, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good except God alone. You know the commandments: Don’t commit adultery. Don’t murder. Don’t steal. Don’t lie. Honor your father and mother.”

The man said, “I’ve kept all these since I was young.”

When Jesus heard this, He said, “There’s still one thing you’re missing. Sell everything you have, give it to the poor, and you’ll have treasure in heaven. Then come follow Me.”

But when the man heard this, he became very sad—because he was extremely wealthy.

Jesus looked at him and said, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God! In fact, it’s easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter God’s Kingdom.”

Those who heard this asked, “Then who can be saved?”

Jesus answered, “What’s impossible for people is possible with God.”

Peter said, “We’ve left everything to follow You!”

Jesus replied, “I’m telling you the truth—no one who has left home, or family, or anything else for the sake of God’s Kingdom will fail to receive much more in this life—and eternal life in the world to come.”

Then Jesus took the twelve aside and said, “Listen carefully: We’re going up to Jerusalem. Everything written by the prophets about the Son of Man will come true. He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They’ll mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, beat Him, and kill Him. But on the third day, He will rise again.”

The disciples didn’t understand any of this. The meaning was hidden from them, and they had no idea what He was talking about.

As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside, begging. When he heard a crowd passing by, he asked what was going on.

They told him, “Jesus of Nazareth is coming by.”

So he shouted, “Jesus! Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

The people at the front of the crowd told him to be quiet—but he shouted even louder, “Son of David! Have mercy on me!”

Jesus stopped and ordered that the man be brought to Him. When he came close, Jesus asked, “What do you want Me to do for you?”

“Lord, I want to see,” he replied.

Jesus said, “Then receive your sight—your faith has healed you.”

Immediately the man could see. He followed Jesus, praising God. And everyone who saw it praised God too.

Luke Chapter 19

As Jesus entered Jericho and made His way through the city, a man named Zacchaeus was there. He was the chief tax collector—and he was wealthy.

Zacchaeus wanted to see who Jesus was, but the crowd was too big and he was too short to see over anyone. So he ran ahead and climbed up a sycamore tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus as He passed by.

When Jesus got to the spot, He looked up and said, “Zacchaeus! Hurry and come down—I must stay at your house today.”

Zacchaeus scrambled down and welcomed Jesus joyfully.

But the people saw this and started grumbling: “He’s going to stay with a known sinner?”

Zacchaeus stood before the Lord and said, “Look, Lord—right now I give half of everything I own to the poor. And if I’ve cheated anyone, I’ll pay them back four times as much!”

Jesus responded, “Today, salvation has come to this home—because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost.”

As the crowd listened, Jesus told them a story. He was near Jerusalem, and many thought God’s Kingdom would appear immediately.

He said, “A nobleman went away to be crowned king and then return. Before he left, he called ten of his servants and gave each of them a sum of money. ‘Do business with this until I return,’ he said.

“But his own people hated him and sent a message saying, ‘We don’t want this man to rule over us!’

“After he was crowned and came back, he called in his servants to see what they had done with the money.

“The first said, ‘Master, your money earned ten times more!’

“‘Well done, good servant!’ the master replied. ‘Because you were trustworthy in a small thing, I’ll give you authority over ten cities.’

“The second said, ‘Your money earned five times more.’

“He said, ‘You’ll be in charge of five cities.’

“But another came and said, ‘Master, here’s your money. I wrapped it up and hid it because I was afraid of you. You’re a tough man—taking what you didn’t deposit, harvesting what you didn’t plant.’

“The master replied, ‘You wicked servant! I’ll judge you by your own words. If you thought I was such a harsh man, why didn’t you at least put my money in the bank so I could have earned interest?’

“Then he said to those standing nearby, ‘Take the money from him and give it to the one who earned ten times more.’

“‘But Master,’ they said, ‘he already has ten!’

“‘Exactly. Those who have will be given even more. But those who do nothing with what they’ve been given—even what they have will be taken from them. And as for my enemies who didn’t want me to rule over them—bring them here and deal with them in front of me.’”

After telling this, Jesus continued on toward Jerusalem.

When He reached the towns of Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples ahead. “Go into the village up ahead,” He said. “As you enter it, you’ll find a young donkey tied there—one no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks why you’re taking it, just say, ‘The Lord needs it.’”

They went and found everything just as Jesus had said. As they untied the colt, its owners asked, “Why are you taking the donkey?”

They replied, “The Lord needs it.” And they brought it to Jesus. Then they laid their cloaks over the colt and helped Jesus onto it.

As Jesus rode along, people spread their coats on the road before Him. When He reached the slope of the Mount of Olives, the entire crowd of disciples began shouting and praising God joyfully for all the miracles they had seen.

They shouted,
“Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!
Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”

Some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell Your followers to stop!”

But Jesus answered, “If they keep quiet, the rocks themselves will cry out.”

As He approached Jerusalem, Jesus saw the city and began to weep over it. “If only you had understood—even today—what would bring you peace! But now it’s hidden from your eyes. The time is coming when your enemies will surround you, trap you, and level you to the ground. They’ll destroy you and your children, and not one stone will be left on another—because you didn’t recognize the time when God came to you.”

Then Jesus entered the temple and began to drive out the merchants. He said, “The Scriptures say, ‘My house will be a house of prayer’—but you’ve turned it into a den of thieves!”

He taught daily in the temple. But the religious leaders and powerful people were trying to find a way to kill Him. Yet they couldn’t figure out how—because all the people were hanging on His every word.

Luke Chapter 20

One day, while Jesus was teaching in the temple and sharing the good news, the chief priests, scribes, and elders came up to Him. They challenged Him, saying, “Tell us—what authority do You have to do these things? Who gave You this right?”

Jesus replied, “I’ll ask you one question. Answer Me, and I’ll tell you by what authority I do these things. John’s baptism—was it from heaven or just human?”

They whispered among themselves, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He’ll ask, ‘Then why didn’t you believe him?’ But if we say, ‘From men,’ the people might stone us because they’re convinced John was a prophet.”

So they answered, “We don’t know.”

Jesus said, “Then I won’t tell you by what authority I do these things.”

Then He told the people a story:

“A man planted a vineyard, rented it to some farmers, and went away for a long time. When harvest season came, he sent a servant to collect his share of the fruit. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away with nothing.

“So he sent another servant—they beat him too, insulted him, and sent him away empty-handed. Then a third—they wounded him and threw him out.

“Finally, the owner said, ‘I’ll send my own beloved son. Surely they’ll respect him.’

“But when the tenants saw the son, they said, ‘This is the heir! Let’s kill him, and the inheritance will be ours!’ So they threw him out of the vineyard and killed him.

“Now what do you think the owner will do? He’ll come, destroy those tenants, and give the vineyard to others.”

When the people heard this, they said, “God forbid!”

Jesus looked at them and said, “Then what about this Scripture?
‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone.’
Anyone who stumbles on that stone will be broken, but if it falls on someone, it will crush them.”

The religious leaders knew this parable was about them. They wanted to arrest Him immediately but were afraid of the people.

So they sent spies who pretended to be sincere. Their goal was to trap Him with His own words so they could hand Him over to the authorities. They said, “Teacher, we know You speak the truth and teach God’s way with integrity. You’re not swayed by appearances. So tell us—should we pay taxes to Caesar or not?”

But Jesus saw through their trap. “Why are you trying to test Me?” He asked. “Show Me a coin. Whose image and inscription are on it?”

They answered, “Caesar’s.”

He said, “Then give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar—and to God what belongs to God.”

They were stunned by His answer and had nothing left to say.

Then some Sadducees—who deny the resurrection—came to challenge Him. They said, “Teacher, Moses told us that if a man dies without children, his brother should marry the widow and raise up children in his name. Now, there were seven brothers. The first married a woman and died childless. The second married her, then the third, and so on—all seven died without leaving children. Finally, the woman died too. In the resurrection, whose wife will she be?”

Jesus answered, “In this age, people marry and are given in marriage. But in the age to come—those worthy of the resurrection—there is no marriage. They can no longer die; they’re like the angels. They are God’s children, children of the resurrection.

“And even Moses hinted at the resurrection when he spoke about the burning bush, calling the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ He is not the God of the dead, but of the living—for to Him, all are alive.”

Some of the scribes responded, “Well said, Teacher.” After that, no one dared to question Him anymore.

Then Jesus asked them, “Why do people say that the Messiah is the son of David? David himself wrote in the Psalms:
‘The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand until I put Your enemies under Your feet.’
If David calls Him ‘Lord,’ how can He be his son?”

Then, with all the people listening, Jesus warned His disciples: “Beware of the religious scholars. They love to walk around in long robes, to be greeted with honor in the marketplaces, to have the best seats in the synagogues, and to take the places of honor at banquets.

“But they cheat widows out of their homes, and then make a show of long prayers. They will be judged more severely.”

Luke Chapter 21

As Jesus looked up, He saw rich people putting their offerings into the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow drop in two tiny coins.

“I tell you the truth,” He said, “this poor widow has given more than all the others. They gave out of their abundance—but she gave out of her poverty. She gave all she had to live on.”

Some of the people were talking about how beautiful the temple was—how it was adorned with magnificent stones and sacred gifts. But Jesus said, “The time is coming when all of this will be torn down. Not one stone will be left on another.”

They asked Him, “Teacher, when will this happen? And what signs should we look for?”

Jesus answered, “Be careful. Don’t let anyone mislead you. Many will come claiming to be Me, or saying, ‘The time has come!’ Don’t follow them.

“When you hear about wars and unrest, don’t panic. These things must happen first—but the end won’t come immediately.”

Then He said, “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines, and plagues in many places. Fearful events will unfold—and there will be signs in the sky.

“But before all this, you’ll be arrested and persecuted. You’ll be dragged into synagogues, thrown in jail, and brought before rulers—all because you follow Me.

“This will be your opportunity to bear witness to the truth. Don’t worry about what to say in advance. I’ll give you words and wisdom your enemies won’t be able to refute or resist.

“You’ll be betrayed by parents, brothers, relatives—even friends. Some of you will be killed. Everyone will hate you because of Me. But not a single hair on your head will be lost eternally. Stand firm, and you will win your soul.”

“When you see Jerusalem surrounded by armies, know that its desolation is near. Those in Judea should flee to the mountains. Those in the city should get out—and no one should enter it. These are the days of judgment, when everything written in Scripture will be fulfilled.

“It will be especially hard for pregnant women and nursing mothers. There will be great distress in the land and judgment upon this people. Many will be killed by the sword. Others will be taken away as captives to other nations. And Jerusalem will be trampled underfoot by Gentiles until their time is complete.

“There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars. On the earth, nations will be in turmoil—confused and overwhelmed by roaring seas and waves. People will faint with fear, dreading what’s coming on the world. Even the powers of heaven will be shaken.

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. When these things begin to happen, stand up! Lift your heads high—because your redemption is drawing near.”

Then Jesus told them a parable: “Look at the fig tree—or any tree. When you see the leaves beginning to bud, you know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these signs happening, you’ll know the Kingdom of God is close.

“I’m telling you the truth—this generation won’t pass away before all of this takes place. Heaven and earth will disappear—but My words will never pass away.

“Be careful. Don’t let your hearts be dulled by indulgence, drunkenness, or the worries of this life. Otherwise, that day will catch you off guard like a trap—for it will come upon everyone living on earth.

“Stay alert! Keep praying that you’ll have the strength to escape all these things and to stand before the Son of Man.”

During the day, Jesus taught at the temple. At night, He would go out to the Mount of Olives to rest. And every morning, the crowds would come early to hear Him teach.

Luke Chapter 22

As the Feast of Unleavened Bread, called Passover, approached, the religious leaders were plotting how to kill Jesus—but they were afraid of the people.

Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve. He went and secretly arranged with the chief priests and temple guards to betray Jesus to them. They were thrilled and offered him money. Judas agreed and began looking for the right moment—when the crowds weren’t around—to hand Jesus over.

The day came when the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed. Jesus sent Peter and John, saying, “Go get the Passover meal ready for us to eat.”

They asked, “Where should we prepare it?”

He told them, “When you enter the city, you’ll meet a man carrying a water jar. Follow him into the house he enters. Say to the owner, ‘The Teacher asks, Where is the guest room where I can eat the Passover with My disciples?’ He’ll show you a large furnished upstairs room. Get everything ready there.”

They went and found it exactly as He said, and they prepared the meal.

When the time came, Jesus took His place at the table with the twelve apostles. He said, “I’ve been longing to eat this Passover with you before My suffering begins. I won’t eat it again until it’s fulfilled in God’s Kingdom.”

Then He took a cup, gave thanks, and said, “Take this and share it among yourselves. I tell you—I won’t drink from the fruit of the vine again until God’s Kingdom comes.”

He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body, given for you. Do this to remember Me.”

After supper, He took the cup again and said, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, poured out for you.”

“But look—the one who will betray Me is here at the table with Me. The Son of Man will go just as it was written—but woe to the one who betrays Him!”

The disciples began to ask each other which one of them could do such a thing.

Then a dispute broke out about which of them was the greatest.

Jesus said, “In this world, rulers lord it over people and love being called ‘benefactors.’ But that’s not how it should be with you. The greatest among you must become like the least. The leader must act like a servant. Who’s greater—the one who eats or the one who serves? Isn’t it the one at the table? But I’m here among you as one who serves.

“You’ve stood by Me in My trials. And just as My Father has given Me a Kingdom, I now give you a place in it. You’ll eat and drink at My table, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”

Then Jesus said, “Simon, Simon—Satan has asked to sift all of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith won’t fail. And when you turn back, strengthen your brothers.”

Peter said, “Lord, I’m ready to go with You—to prison and even to death!”

Jesus replied, “Peter, before the rooster crows today, you’ll deny three times that you even know Me.”

Then He asked, “When I sent you out without a purse, bag, or sandals, did you lack anything?”

“Nothing,” they answered.

He said, “But now, if you have a purse or bag, take it. If you don’t have a sword, sell your coat and buy one. For I tell you, what is written about Me must be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the transgressors.’ It’s all coming to pass.”

The disciples said, “Look, Lord, we have two swords.”

“That’s enough,” He replied.

Jesus then went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and His disciples followed. When they reached the place, He told them, “Pray that you won’t fall into temptation.”

He went a short distance away, knelt down, and prayed, “Father, if You’re willing, take this cup from Me. But not My will—Yours be done.”

Then an angel from heaven appeared to strengthen Him. He was in deep anguish and prayed even harder—His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.

When He got up and returned to the disciples, He found them asleep, exhausted from grief. “Why are you sleeping?” He asked. “Get up and pray, so you won’t give in to temptation.”

While He was still speaking, a crowd appeared, led by Judas—one of the twelve. He came close to kiss Jesus.

But Jesus said, “Judas, are you betraying the Son of Man with a kiss?”

When the disciples saw what was about to happen, they asked, “Lord, should we fight with our swords?” One of them struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his right ear.

But Jesus said, “Enough of this!” He touched the man’s ear and healed him.

Then Jesus said to the chief priests, temple guards, and elders, “Am I a criminal that you come at Me with swords and clubs? I was with you every day in the temple, and you didn’t lay a hand on Me. But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”

They arrested Him and took Him to the high priest’s house. Peter followed from a distance. When they lit a fire in the courtyard and sat down, Peter joined them.

A servant girl saw him and said, “This man was with Him.”

Peter denied it: “Woman, I don’t know Him.”

Later someone else said, “You’re one of them.”

Peter replied, “Man, I am not!”

An hour later, another confidently said, “This guy is definitely with Him—he’s a Galilean.”

Peter said, “Man, I don’t know what you’re talking about!” Just then, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed. Jesus turned and looked straight at Peter. And Peter remembered what the Lord had said: “Before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.” He went outside and wept bitterly.

Meanwhile, the guards mocked and beat Jesus. They blindfolded Him and hit Him, saying, “Prophesy! Who hit You?” And they hurled many other insults at Him.

At daybreak, the council of elders—including the chief priests and scribes—gathered. They led Jesus before the council and said, “Tell us—are You the Messiah?”

Jesus answered, “If I tell you, you won’t believe Me. And if I ask you, you won’t answer. But from now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of God’s power.”

They all said, “Are You the Son of God, then?”

He replied, “You’re saying it yourselves.”

They said, “What more proof do we need? We’ve heard it from His own lips.”

Luke Chapter 23

The whole crowd got up and took Jesus to Pilate. They began accusing Him: “We found this man misleading our nation, telling people not to pay taxes to Caesar, and claiming to be the Messiah—a king.”

Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

Jesus answered, “You’ve said so.”

Pilate told the chief priests and the crowd, “I find no basis for a charge against this man.”

But they insisted, “He’s stirring up unrest among the people with His teaching—all the way from Galilee to here!”

When Pilate heard “Galilee,” he asked if Jesus was from there. Learning that He was under Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent Him to Herod, who was also in Jerusalem at the time.

Herod was excited to see Jesus. He’d been wanting to meet Him for a long time, hoping to see some miracle. He questioned Jesus for a while, but Jesus said nothing. Meanwhile, the chief priests and scribes kept hurling accusations.

Herod and his soldiers mocked Jesus, dressed Him in an elegant robe, and sent Him back to Pilate. From that day, Herod and Pilate became friends—they had been enemies before.

Pilate called together the chief priests, the rulers, and the people. He said, “You brought me this man, accusing Him of stirring up rebellion. I’ve examined Him in your presence and found no guilt. Neither did Herod—he sent Him back to us. Clearly, He’s done nothing deserving death. I’ll have Him punished and release Him.”

(Every Passover, Pilate had to release one prisoner.)

But the crowd shouted, “Away with this man! Release Barabbas instead!” (Barabbas had been imprisoned for rebellion and murder.)

Pilate, wanting to release Jesus, tried again. But they kept shouting, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

A third time Pilate said, “Why? What crime has He committed? I find no reason to execute Him. I’ll punish Him and release Him.”

But the crowd wouldn’t relent. Their shouts grew louder, demanding crucifixion. And finally, their voices won.

Pilate gave in to their demand. He released Barabbas—the one they asked for—and handed Jesus over to be crucified.

As they led Jesus away, they forced a man named Simon from Cyrene, who was coming in from the country, to carry the cross behind Him.

A large crowd followed, including many women who were weeping and mourning. Jesus turned to them and said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for Me. Weep for yourselves and your children. The days are coming when people will say, ‘Blessed are the childless, the wombs that never bore, the breasts that never nursed.’ They’ll say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us!’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us!’ If they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it’s dry?”

Two criminals were led away to be executed with Him.

When they reached the place called The Skull, they crucified Him there—along with the criminals, one on His right, the other on His left.

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them—they don’t know what they’re doing.” And they cast lots to divide up His clothing.

The people stood watching. The leaders sneered, “He saved others—let Him save Himself if He’s really the Christ of God, the Chosen One.”

The soldiers mocked Him too. They offered Him sour wine and said, “If You’re the King of the Jews, save Yourself!”

Above His head, a sign was posted: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

One of the criminals hanging there mocked Him: “Aren’t You the Messiah? Save Yourself—and us!”

But the other one rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God? We’re getting what we deserve. But this man hasn’t done anything wrong.”

Then he turned to Jesus and said, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your Kingdom.”

Jesus replied, “Truly I tell you—today, you will be with Me in paradise.”

At about noon, darkness fell over the whole land until three in the afternoon. The sun stopped shining, and the temple curtain was torn in two.

Jesus cried out with a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit.” And with that, He took His last breath.

The Roman centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

When all the people who had gathered for the execution saw what happened, they went home beating their chests in sorrow. Those who knew Jesus, including the women who had followed Him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching.

Now there was a man named Joseph—a member of the council, a good and righteous man who had not agreed with what the others had done. He was from the town of Arimathea and was waiting for the Kingdom of God.

He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. He took it down, wrapped it in linen, and placed it in a tomb carved out of rock—one that had never been used.

It was the day of preparation, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed and saw the tomb and how His body was laid there. Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But on the Sabbath, they rested, as commanded.

Luke Chapter 24

Early on the first day of the week, just as the sun was rising, the women came to the tomb with the spices they had prepared. Others were with them too.

But when they arrived, they found the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. They stepped inside—but the body of the Lord Jesus was gone.

While they were standing there, confused and stunned, two men in dazzling clothes suddenly appeared beside them. The women were terrified and bowed down to the ground.

The men said, “Why are you looking for the living among the dead? He’s not here—He has risen! Remember what He told you back in Galilee? That the Son of Man must be handed over to sinful men, be crucified, and rise again on the third day?”

Then they remembered what He had said.

They rushed back from the tomb and told all these things to the eleven disciples and everyone else. It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who shared the news.

But the men didn’t believe them—it sounded like nonsense.

Peter, however, ran to the tomb. He stooped down and saw only the strips of linen lying there. He went away, amazed at what had happened.

Later that same day, two followers were walking to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked, they talked about everything that had happened.

While they were deep in discussion, Jesus Himself came up and started walking with them—but they didn’t recognize Him.

He asked, “What are you talking about, and why do you look so sad?”

One of them, named Cleopas, replied, “Are you the only one in Jerusalem who doesn’t know what just happened?”

“What things?” Jesus asked.

They said, “About Jesus of Nazareth! He was a prophet—powerful in word and deed before God and all the people. But our leaders handed Him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified Him. We had hoped He was the one who would redeem Israel. And now it’s the third day since all this happened.

“Some of the women from our group amazed us. They went to the tomb early this morning but didn’t find His body. They came back saying they saw angels who told them He was alive. Some of our friends went to the tomb and found it just as the women said—but they didn’t see Him.”

Jesus said to them, “You’re so slow to believe all that the prophets have said. Wasn’t it necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then enter His glory?”

And starting with Moses and all the prophets, He walked them through the Scriptures, explaining everything that pointed to Himself.

As they neared the village, Jesus acted like He was going farther. But they urged Him, “Stay with us—it’s almost evening, and the day’s nearly over.” So He went in to stay with them.

As they sat down to eat, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and gave it to them. In that moment, their eyes were opened—and they recognized Him. Then He disappeared from their sight.

They looked at each other and said, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us while He talked to us on the road and explained the Scriptures?”

That very hour, they got up and returned to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven and others with them, saying, “It’s true! The Lord has risen—and He appeared to Simon!”

Then the two from Emmaus told what had happened on the road and how they had recognized Jesus when He broke the bread.

While they were still talking, Jesus Himself suddenly stood among them and said, “Peace be with you.”

They were startled and afraid, thinking they were seeing a ghost.

But He said, “Why are you troubled? Why do doubts rise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet—it’s really Me. Touch Me and see—a spirit doesn’t have flesh and bones like I do.”

After He said this, He showed them His hands and feet. Still overwhelmed with joy and disbelief, He asked, “Do you have anything to eat?”

They gave Him a piece of broiled fish, and He ate it right in front of them.

Then He said, “This is what I told you before—everything written about Me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.”

Then He opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.

“This is what is written,” He said: “The Messiah must suffer and rise from the dead on the third day. And in His name, repentance and forgiveness of sins must be preached to all nations, beginning right here in Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things.

“And now I’m sending you what My Father promised. But stay in the city until you’ve been clothed with power from on high.”

Then Jesus led them out to the vicinity of Bethany. He lifted His hands and blessed them. And while He was blessing them, He left them—and was taken up into heaven.

They worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem filled with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising and blessing God.

Amen.

1 JOHN

1 John Chapter 1

From the very beginning, we have been sharing what we have heard with our own ears, seen with our own eyes, and even touched with our own hands—we declare the Word of Life. This life was made real to us, and we have seen it and we have experienced it. Now, we are telling you about it because it is eternal life, the life that was with the Father and revealed to us.

We are sharing what we have seen and heard so that you can join us in the fellowship—that is, fellowship with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. And wen are writing this so that your joy can be made complete.

Here is the message that we received from Him, and now declare to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with God but continue to live in darkness, we deceive ourselves and are not living in the truth. But if we walk in the light, just as God is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.

If we say we don’t have sin, then we are only fooling ourselves, and the truth is not in us. But if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we claim that we do not sin, we are basically saying that God is a liar, and that God’s word is not relevant to our lives.

1 John Chapter 2

My dear children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, then we have someone who speaks to the Father on our behalf—Jesus Christ, the righteous one. He is the sacrifice that takes away our sins—and not just ours, but the sins of the whole world.

This is how we recognize that we truly know God: we keep His commandments. If someone says, “I know Him,” but doesn’t obey His commands, then they are lying, and the truth is not in them. But if someone keeps His word, God’s love is made complete in them. That is how we know we are in Christ. Anyone who claims to live in Christ should conduct themself in a manner that reflects the righteous life that Jesus lived.

Friends, I am not writing you a new command but one you have had from the beginning. This old command is the message you have already heard. But I am also writing something new, and here it is—the truth that is obvious in Christ, is also evident in you. Because now the darkness is past, and the light of truth is presently shining.

If someone says they are in the light, but they hate other people, then they are still in darkness. But whoever shows love to the people around them, then they live in the light, and there is nothing in them that may cause them to stumble. On the other hand, anyone who is selfish or indifferent toward the people in their life, then they are walking in darkness, and they do not know where they are going because the darkness has blinded them.

I am writing to you, dear children, because your sins are forgiven through the shed blood of Jesus.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young people, because you have overcome the evil one.

I am writing to you, dear children, because you know the Father.

I am writing to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning.

I am writing to you, young people, because you are strong, God’s word lives in you, and you have overcome the evil one.

Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them. Everything in the world, the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—these do not come from the Father, but these are from the world. The world and its desires will pass away, but whoever does the will of God, lives forever.

Dear children, this is the last hour. You have heard that the antichrist is coming, and even now many antichrists have come. That is how we know it is the last hour. These people left us because they never really belonged to us. If they had belonged to us, they would have stayed with us. Their departure shows they did not truly belong to us.

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know the truth. I am not writing because you don’t know the truth but because you do know it, and because no lie comes from the truth. Who is the liar? It’s the one who denies that Jesus is the Christ. Such a person is the antichrist, denying both the Father and the Son. If you deny the Son, you don’t have the Father. But if you acknowledge the Son, you have the Father as well.

Let the truth of what you have heard from the beginning remain in you. If it does, you’ll remain in the Son and in the Father. And this is His promise to us: the promise of eternal life.

I am writing these things to warn you about people who are trying to lead you astray. But the anointing you received from God remains in you. You do not need anyone to teach you, because His anointing is real, and His anointing teaches you about everything—and His anointing gives you discernment of everything that is true and everything that is not true. Just as His anointing has taught you, remain in Him.

And now, dear children, continue in Him, so that when Christ appears, we can be confident and unashamed at His coming. If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of Him.

1 John Chapter 3

Look at the incredible love the Father has given us—He calls us children of God! And that’s exactly what we are. The world doesn’t understand us because the world does not understand Him.

Dear friends, we are Children of God now…but we do not fully understand what we will be when He comes. But this much we know—we know that when Jesus appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him as He truly is. Everyone who has this hope in Christ, purifies themselves, just as He is pure.

If someone sins, they break God’s law, because sin is lawlessness. But you know that Jesus came to take away our sins; and in Christ, there is no sin. Anyone who lives in Christ does not continue in sin. If someone continues in sin, it means they have not experienced Christ, or maybe they do not really know Him.

Dear children, do not let anyone mislead you. Whoever does what is right is righteous, just like Jesus is righteous. But anyone who continues in sin, belongs to the devil, who has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God came was to destroy the works of the devil.

Whoever is born of God, will not keep living in sin, because God’s Spirit dwells in you. You do not continue in sin because you have been born of God. This is how we can tell who the children of God are and who are the children of the devil are: anyone who does not do what is right is not a child of God. Anyone who does not love their brother or sister does not belong to God.

This is the message you’ve heard from the beginning: That we should love one another. Not like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and killed his brother. And why did he kill him? Because Cain’s actions were evil, and his brother’s actions were righteous.

Don’t be surprised, brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have crossed over from death to life, because we love one another. Anyone who does not love remains in death. If you hate your brother or sister, it’s like being a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life.

This is how we understand what love is: Jesus gave His life for us, so we should devote our lives for the good of those around us. If someone has plenty but sees their brother or sister in need and does nothing to help, how can the love of God be in them? Dear children, let’s not just say we love each other—let’s show the truth of our love by what we do. This is how we know that we belong to the truth.

And when we know that we belong to the truth, we can always find the peace in the presence of God, even when our hearts condemn us. We remember that God is greater than our hearts and that He knows everything and cannot be disappointed. So our hearts cannot condemn us, but instead, we can have confidence before God and we receive from Him, anything we ask, because we keep His commands and do what pleases Him. And this is His command: to believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another, just has He has shown us to do. If we obey, we know that we live in Him, and God lives in us. And we know that God lives in us because of the Spirit He gave us.

1 John Chapter 4

Dear friends, don’t believe everything you hear. Test every spirit to see if it’s from God, because there are many false prophets in the world. Here’s how you can recognize God’s Spirit: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ came in the flesh is from God. But any spirit that contradicts the truth about Jesus, is not from God. In fact, this is a spirit of antichrist, which you’ve heard is coming—but in fact this spirit of antichrist is already in the world.

You, dear children, belong to God and have overcome the world. Indeed, the One who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. Those false prophets belong to the world, so they speak from the world’s perspective, and the world listens to them. But we belong to God, and anyone who knows God listens to us. Whoever doesn’t belong to God, does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.

Dear friends, let us love one another, because love comes from God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love, does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed His love for us: He sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we could have life through Him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that God loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sin.

Dear friends, since God loves us so much, we should love one another. No one has ever seen God, but if we love one another, God lives in us, and His love is made perfect in us. This is how we know we live in Christ, and we know Christ lives in us: He has given us His Spirit. And we have seen, and we testify, that the Father sent His Son to be the Savior of the world. If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, then God lives in them, and they live in God. So we have come to know and we rely on the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever lives in love, lives in God, and God lives in them.

This is how love is made perfect in us so that we can have confidence on the day of judgment—because in this world, we are like Him. There’s no fear in love. Perfect love drives out fear. Because fear is the product of uncertainty. Anyone who is afraid has not fully experienced the certainty of perfect love.

We love God because God first loved us. If someone says, “I love God,” but there is someone in their life that they hate, then they are lying about their love for God. How can someone love God, whom they haven’t seen, if they don’t love another person, whom they have seen? And this is the command God gave us: Anyone who loves God must also love the people God puts into their life.

1 John Chapter 5

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God. And everyone who loves the Father also loves God’s children. This is how we show love for the children of God: We love God and keep His commandments, and our obedience is not a burdensome duty; rather, it is the fruit of a grateful heart.

Everyone who is born of God has the power to overcome the world. This victory over the world is the result of our faith. Who can overcome the world? Only those who believe that Jesus is the Son of God.

Jesus Christ came by water and blood—not just by water only, but water and blood. And the Spirit testifies to this, because the Spirit is truth. There are three who testify before heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit—and these three are one. And there are three who testify on earth: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in one accord.

If we trust human testimony, God’s testimony is even greater. This is the testimony of God: He has declared the truth about His Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God has this truth living in their heart. But whoever refuses to believe makes God out to be a liar, because they are rejecting what God has said about His Son.

And here’s the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is found in His Son. If you have the Son of God, you have life. If you don’t have the Son of God, you don’t have life.

I’ve written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know you have eternal life. And this is the confidence we have in approaching God: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, we know we will receive what we have desired from God.

If you see a fellow believer committing a sin that does not lead to death, pray for them, and God will give them life. There is a sin that leads to death, and I am not saying you should pray about that. All wrongdoing is sin, but not all sin leads to death.

We know that anyone born of God does not continue in a life of sin. The one born of God keeps themselves safe, and the evil one cannot harm them. We know that we are children of God and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. But we also know that the Son of God has come, and God has given us understanding so that we can know Him who is true. We are in Him and we are in Truth; that is, we are in God’s Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God, and He is eternal life.

Dear children, keep away from anything that might take God’s place in your hearts.

Amen.

JOHN

John Chapter 1

In the beginning, there was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. From the very beginning, the Word was united with God.

Everything was created through Him. Absolutely nothing came into existence without Him. In Him was life itself, and that life became the light for all people. This light shines in the darkness, and no amount of darkness could overcome it.

There was a man sent by God named John. His purpose was clear: to tell everyone about this Light so that they might believe through his testimony. Now, John wasn’t the Light itself, but he was sent to point people toward the true Light. The Light that gives light to everyone, He was coming into the world.

This Light was in the world, the same world that was made through Him, yet the world did not recognize Him. He came to His own people, but His own people did not accept Him. But to anyone who did receive Him, He gave them the power to become children of God—those who believe in His name. These people weren’t born into God’s family through human efforts, plans, or desires—they were born of God Himself.

And the Word became flesh. He lived among us, and we saw His glory—the glory of the one and only Son of God, full of grace and truth, sent from the Father. John testified about Him, shouting, “This is the one I was talking about! He’s the one who comes after me, yet He is positioned much higher than me, because He was before me.”

Out of His abundance, we have all received grace and blessing. The law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is closest to the Father’s heart, He has made God known.

This is how John’s testimony unfolded: when religious leaders from Jerusalem sent priests and Levites to ask him, “Who are you?” John didn’t hold back. He made it clear, “I am not the Christ.”

They pressed him, “Then who are you? Are you Elijah?”

“No, I am not,” he replied.

“Are you the Prophet?”

“No.”

Finally, they said, “Who are you? We need an answer to take back to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?”

John replied, “I am the voice of someone shouting in the wilderness: ‘Pepare the way for the Lord!’ just as the prophet Isaiah said.”

Now, some Pharisees in the group asked him, “If you’re not the Christ, Elijah, or the Prophet, why are you baptizing people?”

John answered, “I baptize with water, but there is someone standing among you whom you do not recognize. He is the one coming after me, and I am not worthy to untie His sandal straps.”

This all happened in Bethany, on the other side of the Jordan River, where John was baptizing people.

The next day, John saw Jesus coming toward him. He declared, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world! This is the one I was telling you about—‘After me comes a man who is greater than I, because He was before me.’ Even I did not recognize Him at first, but I came baptizing with water so He could be revealed to Israel.”

John testified, “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven like a dove and rest on Him. I did not know it was Him at first, but God, who sent me to baptize told me, ‘The one you see the Spirit come down on and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ I saw this happen, and I am telling you—this is the Son of God.”

The next day, John was with two of his disciples when he saw Jesus walking by. He said, “Look! The Lamb of God!” Hearing this, the two disciples followed Jesus.

Jesus turned and saw them following. “What are you looking for?” He asked.

They said, “Rabbi (which means Teacher), where are you staying?”

“Come and see,” Jesus replied. So, they went and spent the day with Him. It was about four in the afternoon.

One of John’s disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, couldn’t keep the news to himself. He found his brother Simon and said, “We have found the Messiah!” (which means Christ). He brought Simon to Jesus, who looked at him and said, “You are Simon, son of John. From now on, you will be called Cephas” (which means Peter, or a rock).

The next day, Jesus decided to go to Galilee. He found Philip and said, “Follow Me.” Philip, who was from the same town as Andrew and Peter, found Nathanael and said, “We’ve found the one Moses and the prophets wrote about—Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph!”

Nathanael was skeptical. “Nazareth? Can anything good come from Nazareth?”

“Come and see,” Philip replied.

When Jesus saw Nathanael approaching, He said, “Here is a true Israelite, a man of great integrity!”

“How do You know me?” Nathanael asked.

Jesus answered, “I saw you under the fig tree before Philip called you.”

Amazed, Nathanael exclaimed, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God! You are the King of Israel!”

Jesus smiled and said, “You believe because I told you I saw you under the fig tree? You are going to see even greater things than that! Truly, I say to you, you will see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of Man.”

John Chapter 2

Three days later, there was a wedding celebration in Cana, a town in Galilee. Jesus’s mother was there, and Jesus and His disciples were also invited to the celebration.

During the feast, the wine ran out, and Jesus’s mother came to Him and said, “They have no more wine.”

Jesus replied, “Dear woman, why are you involving Me in this? My time has not yet come.”

But His mother didn’t argue. She simply told the servants, “Do whatever He tells you to do.”

Nearby, there were six large stone jars used by the Jewish people for ceremonial washing. Each jar could hold 20 to 30 gallons. Jesus told the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So, they filled them to the brim. Then He said, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” And they did.

When the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned into wine (though he didn’t know where it had come from—the servants knew!), he called the bridegroom over and said, “Everyone serves the best wine first, and after the guests have had plenty to drink, then they bring out the cheaper wine. But you’ve saved the best wine for now!”

This was the first miraculous sign Jesus performed in Cana of Galilee. By this, Jesus revealed His glory, and His disciples believed in Him.

After the wedding, Jesus, His mother, His brothers, and His disciples went down to Capernaum for a short stay.

As the time for the Jewish Passover approached, Jesus traveled to Jerusalem. When He entered the temple courts, He found people selling cattle, sheep, and doves. Others were sitting at tables exchanging money. Seeing this, Jesus made a whip out of cords and drove everyone out—both the merchants and the animals. He scattered the money and overturned the tables. To those selling doves, He said, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning My Father’s house into a marketplace!”

His disciples remembered the scripture that says, “Zeal for Your house will consume me.”

Some of the Jewish leaders demanded, “What sign can You show us to prove You have the authority to do this?”

Jesus answered, “Destroy this temple, and I will raise it up in three days.”

They replied, “It’s taken forty-six years to build this temple, and You will to raise it up in three days?” But Jesus wasn’t talking about the physical temple—He was referring to His body. After Jesus’s resurrection from the dead, His disciples remembered what He had said, and they believed the scripture and His words.

While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover festival, many people saw the miraculous signs He performed and believed in His name. But Jesus did not fully entrust Himself to them, because He knew all people. He did not need anyone to tell Him about humanity—He already understood what was in each person’s heart.

John Chapter 3

There was a man named Nicodemus, a Pharisee and an important leader among the Jewish people. One night, he came to Jesus and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. No one could perform the miracles you are doing unless God was with him.”

Jesus replied, “I am telling you the truth: unless someone is born again, they cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Confused, Nicodemus asked, “How can someone be born when they’re old? Surely, they can’t go back into their mother’s womb and be born again!”

Jesus explained, “I am telling you the truth: no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Human life gives birth to human life, but the Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. Do not be surprised that I said you must be born again. The wind blows wherever it wants—you hear it, but you can’t see where it’s coming from or where it’s going. That’s how it is for everyone born of the Spirit.”

Still puzzled, Nicodemus asked, “How can this be?”

Jesus responded, “You are a teacher of Israel, and you don’t understand these things? Listen carefully: we speak about what we know and testify to what we have seen, but you still do not accept what we’re saying. If I have told you about earthly things and you don’t believe it, how will you believe if I tell you about heavenly things? No one has gone up to heaven except the One who came down from heaven—the Son of Man. Just as Moses lifted up the bronze serpent in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

“For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in the Son of God is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of the light because their actions were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light and won’t come into the light, fearing that their deeds will be exposed. But those who live by the truth come into the light, so it is clear that their actions, are done in and through God.”

After this, Jesus and His disciples went into the countryside of Judea, where He spent time with them and baptized people. John was also baptizing in Aenon near Salim because there was plenty of water there, and people were coming to be baptized. (This was before John was put in prison.)

An argument about ceremonial washing started between some of John’s disciples and a religious person. They came to John and said, “Rabbi, the man you testified about, the one who was with you on the other side of the Jordan—He is baptizing, and everyone is going to Him!”

John answered, “A person can only receive what is given to them from heaven. You yourselves heard me say, ‘I am not the Messiah, but I was sent ahead of Him.’ The bride belongs to the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and listens, is full of joy when he hears the bridegroom’s voice. That joy is mine, and it is now complete. He must become greater, and I must become less.

“The One who comes from above is above all. The one who is from the earth belongs to the earth and speaks as one from the earth. But the One who comes from heaven is above all. He speaks of what He has seen and heard, but no one accepts His testimony. Whoever does accept it confirms that God is truthful. The One that God sent speaks God’s words, for God gives the Spirit without limit. The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in His hands. Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life. But whoever rejects the Son of God will never experience the life that God desires for them, and they remain under God’s judgment.”

John Chapter 4

When Jesus realized that the Pharisees were aware He was gaining and baptizing more followers than John—though Jesus Himself wasn’t baptizing, but His disciples were—He left Judea and returned to Galilee. On the way, He had to pass through Samaria.

He came to a Samaritan town called Sychar, near the land that Jacob had given to his son Joseph. Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, tired from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about noon.

A Samaritan woman came to draw water, and Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” (His disciples had gone into town to buy food.)

Surprised, the woman said, “You’re a Jew, and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (Jews did not associate with Samaritans.)

Jesus replied, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would’ve given you living water.”

The woman said, “Sir, you don’t even have a bucket, and this well is deep. Where will you get this living water? Are you greater than our ancestor Jacob, who gave us this well and drank from it himself, along with his sons and his livestock?”

Jesus answered, “Anyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give will never thirst. The water I give will become a spring inside them, welling up to eternal life.”

The woman said, “Sir, give me this water so I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.”

She said, “I don’t have a husband.”

Jesus said, “You’re right when you say you don’t have a husband. You have had five husbands, and the man you are with now is not your husband. What you have said is true.”

Amazed, the woman said, “Sir, I can see that you are a prophet. Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.”

Jesus said, “Believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation comes from the Jews. But a time is coming—and is now here—when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and in truth. These are the kinds of worshipers the Father seeks. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship in Spirit and in truth.”

The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming. And when He comes, the Messiah will explain everything to us.”

Jesus declared, “I, the one speaking to you, am He.”

At that moment, His disciples returned. They were surprised to find Jesus talking with a woman, but no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are You talking with her?”

The woman left her water jar, hurried back to town, and said to the people, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did. Could this be the Messiah?” They came out of the town and made their way toward Jesus.

Meanwhile, the disciples urged Jesus, “Rabbi, eat something.”

But He said, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.”

Confused, the disciples asked one another, “Did someone bring Him food?”

Jesus explained, “My food is to do the will of the One who sent Me and to finish God’s work. Don’t you say, ‘Four more months, and then it’s harvest time’? Look around! The fields are ripe for harvest. The one who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit for eternal life, so the sower and the reaper can rejoice together. That saying is true: ‘One sows, and another reaps.’ I sent you to reap what you did not work for. Others have done the hard work, and you have benefited from their labor.”

Many Samaritans from the town believed in Jesus because of the woman’s testimony: “He told me everything I ever did.” When they came to Him, they urged Him to stay, and He stayed for two days. Many more believed because of what He said. They told the woman, “Now we believe, not just because of what you said, but because we heard Him for ourselves. We know this man really is the Savior of the world.”

After two days, Jesus left for Galilee. He had said before that a prophet is not honored in his hometown. Yet when Jesus arrived in Galilee, the people welcomed Him because they had seen everything that He did in Jerusalem at the Passover festival.

Once again, Jesus visited Cana in Galilee, where He had turned water into wine. A royal official there had a son in Capernaum who was very sick. When the man heard that Jesus had arrived, he went to Him and begged Him to come heal his son, who was about to die.

Jesus said, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.”

The official pleaded, “Sir, come before my child dies.”

Jesus told him, “Go. Your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus said and left.

On his way home, his servants met him with news: “Your son is alive!” He asked when his son got better, and they told him, “Yesterday, at one in the afternoon, the fever left him.” The father realized this was the exact time Jesus said, “Your son will live.” So, he and his whole household believed.

This was the second miraculous sign Jesus performed after coming from Judea to Galilee.

John Chapter 5

After this, there was a Jewish feast, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In Jerusalem, near the Sheep Gate, there was a pool called Bethesda, which had five covered porches. A large crowd of sick people—those who were blind, lame, or paralyzed—would gather there, waiting for the water to move. From time to time, an angel would come and stir the water, and the first person to step in after the water was stirred would be healed of their disease.

One man had been there for thirty-eight years. He was unable to walk. When Jesus saw him lying there and realized how long he had been in that condition, He asked, “Do you want to get well?”

The man replied, “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else always gets there ahead of me.”

Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” Immediately, the man was healed. He picked up his mat and started walking. This happened on the Sabbath.

Some Jewish leaders saw the man and said, “It’s the Sabbath! You’re not allowed to carry your mat.”

He replied, “The man who healed me told me to pick up my mat and walk.”

They asked him, “Who told you to do that?” But the man did not know who it was, because Jesus had slipped away into the crowd.

Later, Jesus found the man in the temple and said, “See, you are well now. Stop sinning, or something worse may happen to you.” The man went and told the Jewish leaders that it was Jesus who had healed him.

Because of this, the Jewish leaders began to persecute Jesus. They wanted to kill Him because He was doing these things on the Sabbath. But Jesus said, “My Father is always at work, and so am I.” This made the Jewish leaders even more determined to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was also calling God His Father, making Himself equal with God.

Jesus responded, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by Himself. He only does what He sees the Father doing. Whatever the Father does, the Son also does. The Father loves the Son and shows Him everything He does. The Father will show Him even greater works than these, so you will be amazed. Just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, the Son also gives life to whoever He chooses. Moreover, the Father doesn’t judge anyone but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, so that everyone will honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Anyone who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him.

“I am telling you the truth: Whoever hears my words and believes in the One who sent me has eternal life. They’ve crossed over from death to life and will not be condemned. A time is coming—and is already here—when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, He has also given the Son life in Himself. He has given Him the authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.

“Don’t be amazed by this, because a time is coming when everyone in their graves will hear His voice and come out. Those who have done good will rise to life, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. I can do nothing by myself. I judge only as I hear, and my judgment is fair because I don’t seek my own will but the will of the One who sent me.

“If I testify about myself, my testimony isn’t valid. But there’s another who testifies about me, and I know His testimony is true. You sent people to John, and he testified to the truth. I don’t rely on human testimony, but I mention this so that you may be saved. John was a burning and shining light, and for a time, you were happy to bask in his light.

“But I have a greater testimony than John’s. The works the Father has given me to accomplish—the very works I am doing—testify that the Father has sent me. And the Father who sent me has Himself testified about me. You have never heard His voice or seen His form, and His word does not dwell in you because you do not believe the One He sent.

“You search the Scriptures because you think they give you eternal life, but those very Scriptures point to me! Yet you refuse to come to me for life. I don’t accept praise from people, but I know you. I know you don’t have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father’s name, and you don’t accept me. But if someone else comes in their own name, you’ll accept them. How can you believe when you seek praise from one another and make no effort to seek the praise that comes from the only true God?

“Don’t think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, the one you’ve put your hope in. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, because he wrote about me. But since you don’t believe what he wrote, how will you believe what I say?”

John Chapter 6

After this, Jesus crossed over the Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Tiberias. A large crowd followed Him because they had seen the miracles He performed, healing the sick. Jesus went up a mountainside and sat down with His disciples. It was almost time for the Jewish Passover feast.

As Jesus looked out, He saw a great crowd coming toward Him. He turned to Philip and asked, “Where can we buy bread to feed all these people?” (He already knew what He was going to do, but He asked to test Philip’s faith.)

Philip replied, “Even eight months’ wages wouldn’t be enough to buy bread for everyone to have even a little.”

Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up: “There’s a boy here with five barley loaves and two small fish, but what good is that for so many people?”

Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” The area was covered with grass, and about five thousand men sat down. Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed them to the crowd. He did the same with the fish, and everyone ate as much as they wanted.

When they were full, Jesus told His disciples, “Gather the leftovers so nothing is wasted.” They collected twelve baskets of leftover bread from the five barley loaves.

When the people saw this miracle, they said, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world!” But Jesus knew they were about to come and make Him king by force, so He withdrew to a mountain alone.

That evening, His disciples went down to the lake, got into a boat, and set off across the sea toward Capernaum. By now it was dark, and Jesus had not yet joined them. A strong wind began to blow, and the waters grew rough. After rowing three or four miles, they saw Jesus walking on the water, coming toward the boat, and they were terrified. But Jesus said, “It’s me; don’t be afraid.” They welcomed Him into the boat, and immediately they reached the shore.

The next day, the crowd that had stayed on the far side of the lake realized Jesus and His disciples were gone. They got into boats, crossed the lake, and found Him in Capernaum. “Rabbi, when did you get here?” they asked.

Jesus replied, “You’re looking for me not because you saw the signs I performed, but because you ate the bread and were satisfied. Don’t work for food that spoils; instead, work for food that lasts forever, which the Son of Man will give you. For on Him, God the Father has placed His seal of approval.”

They asked, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

They said, “What sign will You give us so we can see and believe? Our ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, as it’s written: ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’”

Jesus said, “It wasn’t Moses who gave you bread from heaven; it’s My Father who gives you the true bread from heaven. The bread of God is the One who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

“Lord,” they said, “always give us this bread.”

Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in Me will never be thirsty. But as I have told you, you have seen Me and still you do not believe. All those the Father gives Me will come to Me, and I will not  turn anyone away. I’ve come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. And His will is that I won’t lose anyone He has given Me, but will raise them up on the last day. Everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him will have eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day.”

The crowd began to grumble. “Isn’t this Jesus, the son of Joseph? We know His parents. How can He say, ‘I came down from heaven’?”

Jesus replied, “Stop complaining. No one can come to Me unless the Father draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day. It is written in the prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me. No one has seen the Father except the One who is from God; only He has seen the Father. I am telling you the truth: whoever believes in Me has eternal life. I am the bread of life. Your ancestors ate manna in the wilderness, and they died. But here is the bread that comes down from heaven, so anyone may eat it and not die. I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

The people argued, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?”

Jesus said, “Unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood has eternal life, and I will raise them up at the last day. My flesh is real food, and My blood is real drink. Whoever eats My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in them. Just as I live because of the Father, so the one who feeds on this bread will live because of Me. This is the bread that came down from heaven. Unlike your ancestors, who ate manna and died, whoever eats this bread will live forever.”

Hearing this, many disciples said, “This is hard to accept. Who can understand it?”

Knowing their thoughts, Jesus said, “Does this offend you? What if you see the Son of Man ascend to where He was before? The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I’ve spoken to you are full of Spirit and life. But some of you don’t believe.”

From this point, many disciples turned back and no longer followed Him. Jesus asked the Twelve, “Do you want to leave too?”

Simon Peter answered, “Lord, where else would we go? You alone have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Jesus replied, “Did not I choose you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil.” He was referring to Judas Iscariot, who would later betray Him.

John Chapter 7

After this, Jesus stayed in Galilee, avoiding Judea because the Jewish leaders were looking for a way to kill Him. The Jewish Feast of Tabernacles was approaching, and His brothers said to Him, “You should leave here and go to Judea so Your disciples can see the amazing things You’re doing. No one works in secret when he wants to be famous. If You are doing these miracles, show Yourself to the world.” (Even His brothers did not believe in Him at this point.)

Jesus replied, “The right time for Me has not yet come, but for you, any time is right. The world can’t hate you, but it hates Me because I tell the truth about its evil deeds. You go on to the feast. I am not going yet because My time has not fully come.” After saying this, He stayed in Galilee.

However, after His brothers left for the feast, Jesus also went—secretly, without drawing attention to Himself. At the feast, the Jewish leaders were looking for Him and asking, “Where is He?” Among the crowds, there was a lot of whispered discussion about Him. Some said, “He’s a good man.” Others argued, “No, He’s deceiving the people.” But no one spoke about Him openly because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders.

Halfway through the feast, Jesus went up to the temple courts and began to teach. The people were amazed and asked, “How did this man gain such learning without having studied?”

Jesus answered, “My teaching is not My own. It comes from the One who sent Me. Anyone who chooses to do the will of God will know whether My teaching is from God, or if I am speaking on My own. Whoever speaks on their own seeks their own glory. But the one who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him, He is truthful, and there’s nothing false in Him. Did not Moses give you the law? Yet none of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill Me?”

“You’re demon-possessed!” the crowd shouted. “Who’s trying to kill You?”

Jesus said, “I did one miracle, and you were all amazed. But because Moses gave you the law of circumcision (though it actually came from the patriarchs), you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath. If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so the law of Moses isn’t broken, why are you angry with Me for healing an entire man on the Sabbath? Stop judging by mere appearances and judge correctly.”

Some of the people of Jerusalem began to ask, “Isn’t this the man they are trying to kill? Yet here He is, speaking openly, and they aren’t saying a word to Him. Have the authorities really concluded that He is the Messiah? But we know where this man is from; when the Messiah comes, no one will know where He’s from.”

Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know Me, and you know where I am from. I have not come on My own, but the One who sent Me is true. You don’t know Him, but I know Him because I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

At this, they tried to seize Him, but no one could lay a hand on Him because His time had not yet come. Still, many in the crowd believed in Him and said, “When the Messiah comes, will He perform more signs than this man?”

The Pharisees heard the crowd whispering these things about Him, so they and the chief priests sent temple guards to arrest Him. Jesus said, “I am with you for only a short time, and then, I am going to the One who sent Me. You will look for Me, but you won’t find Me; where I am, you cannot come.”

The people were puzzled. “Where does He plan to go that we can’t find Him? Will He go to our people scattered among the Greeks and teach the Gentiles? What does He mean by saying, ‘You’ll look for Me, but you won’t find Me,’ and ‘Where I am, you cannot come’?”

On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let them come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” (By this, He meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him would later receive. The Spirit had not yet been given because Jesus had not yet been glorified.)

When the people heard this, some said, “Surely this man is the Prophet.” Others said, “He’s the Messiah.” Still, others asked, “How can the Messiah come from Galilee? Doesn’t Scripture say the Messiah will come from David’s descendants and Bethlehem, the town where David lived?” So, the people were divided because of Him. Some wanted to seize Him, but no one laid a hand on Him.

Finally, the temple guards went back to the chief priests and Pharisees, who asked, “Why didn’t you bring Him in?”

“No one ever spoke the way that this man does,” the guards replied.

“You mean He has deceived you also?” the Pharisees retorted. “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? No! But this mob, who knows nothing of the law—there’s a curse on them.”

Nicodemus, who had gone to Jesus earlier and was one of their own number, asked, “Does our law condemn a man without first hearing him to find out what he is doing?”

They replied, “Are you from Galilee, too? Look into it, and you will find that no prophet comes out of Galilee.”

Then they all went home.

John Chapter 8

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives, and early in the morning, He returned to the temple. Crowds of people gathered around Him, and He sat down to teach them.

While He was teaching, the scribes and Pharisees brought a woman caught in the act of adultery and made her stand before everyone. They said to Him, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the very act of adultery. The law of Moses commands us to stone such women. What do You say?” They said this to trap Him, so they could establish grounds to accuse Him.

But Jesus bent down and began writing on the ground with His finger, as if He did not hear them. They kept pressing Him for an answer, so He stood and said, “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone.” Then He bent down again and continued writing on the ground.

One by one, the people who heard Him began to leave, starting with the oldest. When Jesus and the woman were the only ones left, Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Where are your accusers? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, Lord,” she replied.

Jesus said, “Then neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin.”

Later, Jesus spoke to the people, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life.”

The Pharisees objected, “You’re testifying about Yourself, so Your testimony isn’t valid.”

Jesus replied, “Even if I testify about Myself, My testimony is valid because I know where I came from and where I am going. But you don’t know where I come from or where I am going. You judge by human standards, but I judge no one. And if I do judge, My decisions are true because I am not alone—I stand with the Father who sent Me. Your own law says the testimony of two witnesses is valid. I am one witness, and My Father, who sent Me, is the other.”

They asked Him, “Where is Your Father?”

Jesus answered, “You don’t know Me or My Father. If you knew Me, you would know My Father also.”

He spoke these words while teaching in the temple courts near the treasury, but no one arrested Him because His time had not yet come.

Jesus continued, “I am going away, and you will look for Me, but you will die in your sin. Where I go, you cannot come.”

The people asked, “Is He planning to kill Himself? Is that why He says, ‘Where I go, you cannot come’?”

Jesus said, “You are from below; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. That’s why I told you that you will die in your sins. Unless you believe that I am who I say I am, then you will die in your sins.”

They asked, “Who are You?”

Jesus replied, “Just what I’ve been saying all along. I have much to say in judgment of you, but the One who sent Me is truthful, and I speak what I’ve heard from Him.”

They did not understand that He was talking about the Father, so Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am the One that I claim to be, and that I do nothing on My own but speak just what the Father has taught Me. The One who sent Me is with Me; He has not left Me alone, for I always do what pleases Him.” Many who heard Him say this believed in Him.

Jesus said to those who believed, “If you hold to My teaching, you are truly My disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

They answered, “We are Abraham’s descendants and have never been slaves to anyone. How can You say that we will be set free?”

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. A slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever. If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. I know you are Abraham’s descendants, but you are trying to kill Me because My word has no place in you. I am telling you what I have seen in the Father’s presence. And you do what you have heard from your father.”

They claimed, “Abraham is our father.”

Jesus said, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do what Abraham did. But you’re trying to kill Me—a man who has told you the truth—the truth that I heard from God. Abraham didn’t do that. You’re doing the works of your real father.”

They protested, “We’re not illegitimate children. We have one Father—God Himself.”

Jesus said, “If God were your Father, you would love Me because I came from God. I did not come on My own; He sent Me. Why don’t you understand what I am saying? You don’t understand, because you cannot accept My word. You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning and he does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies. Yet because I tell you the truth, you don’t believe Me. Can any of you prove Me guilty of sin? If I am telling the truth, why don’t you believe Me? Whoever belongs to God hears what God says. The reason you don’t hear, is because you don’t belong to God.”

The people accused Him, “Aren’t we right in saying You are a Samaritan and demon-possessed?”

“I am not demon-possessed,” Jesus replied. “I honor My Father, but you dishonor Me. I am not seeking glory for Myself, but only God seeks the Glory, and He is the judge. I tell you the truth, whoever obeys My word will never see death.”

They retorted, “Now we know You’re demon-possessed! Abraham died, and so did the prophets, yet You say that whoever obeys Your word will never taste death. Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do You think You are?”

Jesus said, “If I glorify Myself, My glory means nothing. My Father, whom you claim as your God, is the one who glorifies Me. Though you don’t know Him, I know Him. If I said I did not, I’d be a liar like you. But I do know Him and I obey His word. Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day; he saw it and was glad.”

They said, “You’re not even fifty years old, and You have seen Abraham?”

Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!”

At this, they picked up stones to stone Him, but Jesus hid Himself and slipped away from the temple.

John Chapter 9

As Jesus walked along, He saw a man who had been blind since birth. His disciples asked Him, “Teacher, who sinned—this man or his parents—that he was born blind?”

Jesus replied, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned. This happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. While it’s still daytime, we must do the work of the One who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”

After saying this, Jesus spat on the ground, made some mud with His saliva, and placed it on the man’s eyes. “Go,” He told him, “wash in the Pool of Siloam” (which means “Sent”). So the man went and washed, and he came back seeing clearly for the first time.

His neighbors and those who had seen him begging asked, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?” Some said, “Yes, it’s him,” while others said, “No, it just looks like him.” But the man himself insisted, “Yes, that was me.”

“How then were your eyes opened?” they asked.

He answered, “The man called Jesus made mud, put it on my eyes, and told me to go to Siloam and wash. So I went, washed, and now I can see.”

“Where is He?” they asked.

“I don’t know,” he replied.

They brought the man who had been blind to the Pharisees. Now it was the Sabbath when Jesus made the mud and healed him. The Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He told them, “He put mud on my eyes, I washed, and now I see.”

Some of the Pharisees said, “This man isn’t from God because He doesn’t keep the Sabbath.” But others said, “How can a sinner perform such miracles?” So there was division among them.

They asked the man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?”

“He is a prophet,” the man replied.

The Jewish leaders still did not believe that the man had been blind and gained his sight, so they called his parents. “Is this your son?” they asked. “Is this the one you say was born blind? How is it that he can see now?”

His parents answered, “We know this is our son and that he was born blind. But how he can see now, or who opened his eyes, we don’t know. Ask him. He’s of age; he can speak for himself.” They said this because they were afraid of the Jewish leaders, who had already decided that anyone who acknowledged that Jesus was the Messiah would be expelled from the synagogue. That’s why his parents said, “He’s of age; ask him.”

The leaders called the man back and said, “Give glory to God by telling the truth. We know this man is a sinner.”

The man replied, “Whether He’s a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know: I was blind, but now I see!”

They asked him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?”

He answered, “I’ve already told you, and you have not listened. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become His disciples too?”

They insulted him and said, “You’re His disciple! We’re disciples of Moses. We know that God spoke to Moses, but as for this fellow, we don’t even know where He comes from.”

The man answered, “Now that is remarkable! You don’t know where He comes from, yet He opened my eyes. We know that God doesn’t listen to sinners, but He listens to the godly person who does His will. Nobody has ever heard of someone opening the eyes of a man born blind. If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.”

To this, they replied, “You were steeped in sin at birth; how dare you lecture us!” And they threw him out.

When Jesus heard that they had cast the man out, He found him and said, “Do you believe in the Son of God?”

The man asked, “Who is He, Lord, so that I may believe in Him?”

Jesus said, “You have now seen Him. In fact, He is the one speaking with you.”

The man said, “Lord, I believe,” and he worshipped Him.

Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see, and those who see will become blind.”

Some Pharisees were with Jesus, heard what He said, and they asked, “Are we blind too?”

Jesus replied, “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty of sin. But since you claim that you can see, your guilt remains.”

John Chapter 10

Jesus said, “Truly, I tell you, anyone who doesn’t enter the sheep pen through the gate, but climbs in some other way, he is a thief and a robber. The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. The gatekeeper opens the gate for the shepherd, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought out all his own, the shepherd goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice. But they will never follow a stranger; instead, they will run away from him because they do not  recognize a stranger’s voice.”

Jesus shared this illustration, but the people didn’t understand what He meant. So He explained again: “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep. All who came before Me were thieves and robbers, but the sheep didn’t listen to them. I am the gate; whoever enters through Me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. The hired hand, who isn’t the shepherd and doesn’t own the sheep, abandons the sheep and runs away when he sees the wolf coming. Then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock. The hired hand runs away because he doesn’t care about the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know My sheep, and My sheep know Me—just as the Father knows Me, and I know the Father. I lay down My life for the sheep.

“I have other sheep that are not of this sheep pen. I must bring them also. They too will listen to My voice, and there will be one flock and one shepherd. The Father loves Me because I lay down My life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from Me, but I lay My life down on My own accord. I have the authority to lay it down and I have the authority to take it up again. This command I received from My Father.”

These words caused division among the people. Many said, “He’s demon-possessed and out of His mind. Why listen to Him?” But others argued, “These are not the words of a demon-possessed man. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”

It was winter, and the Feast of Dedication was taking place in Jerusalem. Jesus was walking in the temple courts, in Solomon’s Colonnade, when some people surrounded Him and said, “How long will You keep us in suspense? If You are the Messiah, tell us plainly.”

Jesus replied, “I have told you, but you don’t believe. The works I do in My Father’s name testify about Me, but you don’t believe, because you are not My sheep. My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”

At this, they picked up stones to stone Him. But Jesus said, “I have shown you many good works from the Father. For which of these do you stone Me?”

They answered, “We are not stoning You for any good work but for blasphemy, because You, a mere man, claim to be God.”

Jesus responded, “Isn’t it written in your law, ‘I have said you are gods’? If He called them ‘gods,’ to whom the word of God came—and Scripture cannot be broken—what about the One whom the Father set apart as His very own and sent into the world? Why then do you accuse Me of blasphemy because I said, ‘I am God’s Son’? Don’t believe Me unless I do the works of My Father. But if I do the works of my Father, even if you don’t believe Me, believe the works that I do, so that you may know and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.”

Again, they tried to seize Him, but He escaped their grasp and went back across the Jordan River to the place where John had been baptizing earlier. He stayed there, and many people came to Him. They said, “John didn’t perform any miracles, but everything he said about this man was true.” And many that were in that place, put their faith in Jesus.

John Chapter 11

A man named Lazarus, from the village of Bethany, was very sick. He was the brother of Mary and Martha. (This was the same Mary who later anointed the Lord with perfume and wiped His feet with her hair.) The sisters sent a message to Jesus: “Lord, the one You love is sick.”

When Jesus heard this, He said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, this is for God’s glory, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus deeply. Yet, when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was for two more days.

Then He said to His disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.”

“But Rabbi,” they objected, “a short while ago the Jews there tried to stone You, and now You want to go back?”

Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? Anyone who walks in the daytime will not stumble, for they see by this world’s light. But if they walk at night, they stumble, because they have no light.” After He said this, He added, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but I am going to wake him up.”

His disciples said, “Lord, if he’s sleeping, he will get better.” They didn’t realize Jesus was speaking about Lazarus’s death, so He told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sake, I am glad I wasn’t there, so you may believe. But now, let’s go to him.”

Then Thomas, also called Didymus, said to the others, “Let’s go too, that we may die with Him.”

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, Lazarus had already been in the tomb for four days. Bethany was close to Jerusalem, just under two miles away, and many people had come to comfort Martha and Mary in their loss. When Martha heard that Jesus was coming, she went out to meet Him, but Mary stayed at home.

“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if You had been here, my brother would not have died. But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Martha replied, “I know he will rise again in the resurrection—at the last day.”

Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in Me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives and believes in Me will never die. Do you believe this?”

“Yes, Lord,” she replied. “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who has come into the world.”

After she said this, she went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and He’s asking for you.” Mary got up quickly and went to Him. Jesus had not yet entered the village but was still at the place where Martha had met Him. When the people who were comforting Mary saw her leave suddenly, they followed her, thinking she was going to mourn at the tomb.

When Mary reached Jesus, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” When Jesus saw her weeping, and the people with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

“Where have you laid him?” He asked.

“Come and see, Lord,” they replied.

Jesus wept.

The people said, “See how much He loved him!” But others said, “Couldn’t He, who opened the eyes of the blind, have kept this man from dying?”

Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. “Take away the stone,” He said.

“But Lord,” said Martha, “by now there’s a bad odor, for he’s been in there four days.”

Jesus replied, “Didn’t I tell you that if you believe, you will see the glory of God?”

So they took the stone away. Then Jesus looked up and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. I know that You always hear Me, but I said this for the benefit of the people standing here, so they may believe that You sent Me.”

After He said this, Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!”

The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen, and a cloth around his face. Jesus said, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”

Many of the people who had come to comfort Mary saw what Jesus did and believed in Him. But some went to the Pharisees and told them what Jesus had done. Then the chief priests and Pharisees called a meeting. “What are we accomplishing?” they asked. “This man is performing many signs. If we let Him go on, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our temple and our nation.”

Caiaphas, the high priest that year, said, “You know nothing at all! Don’t you realize it’s better for one man to die for the people than for the whole nation to perish?” He didn’t say this on his own but prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation—and not only for them, but also for all the children of God scattered around the world, and Jesus would bring them together.

From that day, they plotted to take Jesus’s life. So Jesus no longer moved about publicly among the Jews. Instead, He withdrew to a region near the wilderness, to a village called Ephraim, where He stayed with His disciples.

As the Jewish Passover approached, many people went to Jerusalem to purify themselves. They kept looking for Jesus and wondered, “What do you think? Isn’t He coming to the Passover festival?” But the chief priests and Pharisees had given orders that anyone who knew where He was should report it, so they could arrest Him.

John Chapter 12

Six days before the Passover, Jesus arrived in Bethany, the village of Lazarus, the man He had raised from the dead. A dinner was held in Jesus’s honor. Martha served the meal, while Lazarus reclined at the table with Him. Mary took a pound of expensive perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’s feet, and wiped His feet with her hair. The house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.

Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus’s disciples (the one who would later betray Him), objected, “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” He didn’t say this because he cared about the poor, but because he was a thief; he kept the money bag and often helped himself to what was in it.

Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of My burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you won’t always have Me.”

A large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there, and they came, not just to see Him, but also to see Lazarus, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. The chief priests, however, plotted to kill Lazarus as well, because his resurrection was leading many people to believe in Jesus.

The next day, the crowd that had come for the feast, heard that Jesus was on His way to Jerusalem. They took palm branches and went out to meet Him, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Blessed is the King of Israel!” Jesus found a young donkey and sat on it, fulfilling the prophecy: “Do not be afraid, Daughter Zion; see, your King is coming, seated on a donkey’s colt.”

At first, the disciples didn’t understand these events. Only after Jesus was glorified, did they realize these things had been written about Him—and that they had participated in fulfilling prophecy. The crowd that had witnessed Jesus raise Lazarus from the dead continued to spread the word. Many people went out to meet Him because they had heard about this miracle. The Pharisees said to one another, “Look, this is getting us nowhere. See how the whole world is following Him!”

Among those who had come to worship at the feast were some Greeks. They approached Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and said, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Philip told Andrew, and together they went to tell Jesus.

Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds. Anyone who loves their life will lose it, while anyone who hates their life in this world, will have eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me, and where I am, My servant will also be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me.

“Now My soul is troubled. What shall I say—‘Father, save Me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify Your name!”

Then a voice came from heaven: “I have glorified it, and I will glorify it again.” The crowd heard the voice from heaven and said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to Him.

Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not Mine. Now is the time for judgment on this world; now the prince of this world will be driven out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself.” He said this to indicate the kind of death He was going to die.

The crowd spoke up, “We have heard from the Law, that the Messiah will remain forever. How can You say the Son of Man must be lifted up? Who is this Son of Man?”

Jesus answered, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark doesn’t know where they are going. Walk in the light while you have the light, so you may become children of light.” After Jesus had spoken, He withdrew and hid Himself from them.

Despite all the miracles Jesus performed, many still didn’t believe in Him. This fulfilled the words of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Isaiah also said, “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts, nor turn—and I would heal them.” Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus’s glory and spoke about Him.

Yet, many among the leaders believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees, they would not confess their faith for fear of being expelled from the synagogue. They loved the praise from men, more than they love praise from God.

Then Jesus cried out, “Whoever believes in Me does not believe in Me only, but in the One who sent Me. The one who sees Me sees the One who sent Me. I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness.

“If anyone hears My words but does not keep them, I do not judge that person. I didn’t come to judge the world, but to save it. There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not accept My words; the very words I have spoken will condemn them at the last day. For I didn’t speak on My own, but the Father who sent Me, commanded Me to say all that I have spoken. I know His command leads to eternal life. So whatever I say is just what the Father has told Me to say.”

John Chapter 13

Before the Passover feast, Jesus knew that His time had come to leave this world, and to return to the Father. He had always loved His own who were in the world, and He loved them to the very end.

When the evening meal was being served, the devil had already put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, to betray Jesus. Jesus, knowing that the Father had placed all things under His authority, and that He had come from God and was returning to God, got up from the meal. He took off His outer robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, poured water into a basin, and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel.

When He came to Simon Peter, Peter said, “Lord, are You going to wash my feet?”

Jesus replied, “You don’t understand what I am doing now, but later you will.”

Peter protested, “Lord, You will never wash my feet!”

Jesus answered, “If I don’t wash you, you have no part with Me.”

“Then, Lord,” Peter said, “not just my feet, but also my hands and my head!”

Jesus said, “Anyone who has bathed is completely clean and only needs to wash their feet. And you are clean—though not every one of you.” (He knew who would betray Him, which is why He said not all of them were clean.)

After washing their feet, He put on His robe and returned to His place. “Do you understand what I’ve done for you?” He asked. “You call Me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. If I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. I’ve set you an example, so you should do to others as I have done for you. Truly, I tell you, no servant is greater than their master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent them. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

“I am not speaking about all of you. I know those I have chosen, but this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has turned against Me.’ I am telling you now, before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe that I am who I am. Truly, whoever accepts anyone I send, accepts Me. And whoever accepts Me, accepts the One who sent Me.”

After saying this, Jesus was deeply troubled in spirit and said, “Truly, I tell you, one of you is going to betray Me.”

The disciples looked at each other, unsure of whom He meant. One of His disciples, the one Jesus loved, was reclining close to Him. Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said, “Ask Him who He means.”

Leaning back against Jesus, the disciple asked, “Lord, who is it?”

Jesus replied, “It is the one to whom I give this piece of bread after I’ve dipped it.” He dipped the bread and gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him.

Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do it quickly.” No one at the table understood why Jesus said this to him. Some thought that, because Judas was in charge of the money, Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the feast or to give something to the poor. Judas took the bread and went out immediately. And it was night.

After Judas left, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. If God is glorified in Him, God will glorify the Son in Himself and will glorify Him at once.

“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for Me, and just as I told the Jewish leaders, so I tell you now: where I am going, you cannot come. A new commandment I give you: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, everyone will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another.”

Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are You going?”

Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.”

Peter said, “Lord, why can’t I follow You now? I will lay down my life for You.”

Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for Me? Truly, before the rooster crows, you will deny Me three times.”

John Chapter 14

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled,” Jesus said. “You believe in God; believe in Me also. In My Father’s house, there are many rooms. If that were not true, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I’ll come back and take you to be with Me, so that where I am, you can be also. You already know the way to where I am going.”

Thomas said, “Lord, we don’t know where You’re going, so how can we know the way?”

Jesus answered, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. If you really know Me, you know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and you have seen Him.”

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and that will be enough for us.”

Jesus replied, “Philip, have I been with you so long, and yet you still don’t know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. So how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’? Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak aren’t My own—they come from the Father who lives in Me and works through Me. Believe Me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Or at least believe because of the works you have seen.

“Truly, I tell you, whoever believes in Me will do the works I have been doing—and they will do even greater things because I am going to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, I will do it, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.

“If you love Me, keep My commands. And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper—the Spirit of truth—to be with you forever. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you. I won’t leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

“In a little while, the world won’t see Me anymore, but you will. Because I live, you will live also. On that day, you will realize that I am in My Father, and you are in Me, and I am in you. Whoever keeps My commands and obeys them is the one who loves Me. The one who loves Me will be loved by My Father, and I will love them and show Myself to them.”

Judas (not Iscariot) said, “Lord, why do You intend to show Yourself to us and not to the world?”

Jesus replied, “Anyone who loves Me will obey My teaching. My Father will love them, and We will come to them and make Our home with them. But anyone who does not love Me won’t obey My teaching. These words you hear are not My own; they belong to the Father who sent Me.

“I am telling you these things while I am still with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said. Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and don’t be afraid.

“You have heard Me say I am going away and coming back to you. If you loved Me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, because the Father is greater than I. I have told you now before it happens so that when it does, you will believe. I will not say much more to you because the prince of this world is coming. He has no power over Me. But I do what the Father has commanded Me, so the world will know that I love the Father. Come now, let us go.”

John Chapter 15

Jesus said, “I am the true vine, and My Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in Me, as I also remain in you. Just as a branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it remains in the vine, neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.

“I am the vine, and you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me, you can do nothing. If you do not remain in Me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire, and burned. But if you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is how My Father is glorified—that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be My disciples.

“As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Now remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love. I have told you this so that My joy may be in you, and your joy may be complete.

“My command is this: Love one another as I have loved you. There’s no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are My friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know their master’s business. Instead, I’ve called you friends, because everything I learned from My Father I have made known to you.

“You didn’t choose Me; I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in My name, the Father will give it to you. This is My command: Love one another.

“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated Me first. If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own. But as it is, you do not belong to the world, because I have chosen you out of the world. That’s why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: A servant isn’t greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed My teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of My name, for they do not know the One who sent Me.

“If I had not come and spoken to them, they wouldn’t be guilty of sin. But now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates Me, hates My Father as well. If I hadn’t done works among them that no one else did, then they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen Me and they have hated both Me and My Father. This is to fulfill what is written in their law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’

“When the Advocate comes, whom I’ll send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, for you have been with Me from the beginning.”

John Chapter 16

Jesus said, “I’ve told you these things so that you will not stumble or lose faith. They will put you out of the synagogues, and the time will come when those who kill you will think they are offering a service to God. They will do this because they don’t know the Father or Me. But I have warned you, so when the time comes, you will remember that I told you about it. I didn’t tell you this from the beginning because I was with you.

“But now I am going back to the One who sent Me. None of you are asking, ‘Where are You going?’ Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because of what I’ve said. Yet I tell you the truth: It’s better for you that I go away. If I don’t go, the Helper won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send Him to you.

“When He comes, He will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment: of sin, because they don’t believe in Me; of righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; and of judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.

“I still have much to say to you, but you are not ready to bear it now. However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. He won’t speak on His own, but He will tell you what He hears and show you what is to come. He will glorify Me by taking what is Mine and making it known to you. Everything the Father has is Mine; that’s why I said the Spirit will take from what is Mine and show it to you.

“In a little while, you won’t see Me anymore, but then, after a little while, you will see Me again.”

Some of the disciples said to one another, “What does He mean by saying, ‘In a little while you won’t see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me,’ and ‘I am going to the Father’? What is this ‘little while’? We don’t understand.”

Jesus knew they wanted to ask Him, so He said, “Are you wondering what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you won’t see Me, and then after a little while you will see Me’? Truly, I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. A woman in labor feels pain because her time has come, but once her baby is born, she forgets the anguish because of the joy that a child has entered the world. In the same way, you are full of sorrow now, but I will see you again, and your hearts will rejoice. No one will take your joy away.

“When that day comes, you won’t need to ask Me for anything. Truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. Until now, you haven’t asked for anything in My name. Ask, and you will receive, so your joy will be complete.

“I’ve been speaking to you in figures of speech, but the time is coming when I will speak plainly to you about the Father. On that day, you will ask in My name, and I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. No, the Father Himself loves you because you have loved Me and you have believed that I came from God. I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Then His disciples said, “Now You are speaking plainly and not using figures of speech. Now we understand that You know all things and You don’t need anyone to ask You questions. This makes us believe that You came from God.”

Jesus replied, “Do you finally believe? The time is coming—and has now come—when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me.

“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John Chapter 17

After Jesus finished speaking to His disciples, He looked up toward heaven and prayed, “Father, the time has come. Glorify Your Son so that Your Son may glorify You. For You have given Him authority over all people, so He might give eternal life to all those You have entrusted to Him. And this is eternal life: that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom You have sent.

“I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work You gave Me to do. Now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory that I had with You before the world began.

“I have revealed Your name to those You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours; You gave them to Me, and they have obeyed Your word. Now they know that everything You have given Me comes from You. I gave them the words You gave Me, and they accepted them. They know with certainty that I came from You, and they believe that You sent Me.

“I am praying for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those You have given Me, because they are Yours. All I have is Yours, and all You have is Mine. And glory has come to Me through them.

“I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, protect them by the power of Your name—the name You gave Me—so that they may be one as We are one. While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by the name that You gave Me. None of them has been lost, except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled.

“Now I am coming to You, but I say these things while I am still in the world so that they may have the full measure of My joy within them. I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world. My prayer is not that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. As You sent Me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For their sake, I sanctify Myself so that they too may be truly sanctified.

“I am not just praying for these disciples, but also for all of those who will believe in Me through their message. I pray that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me, and I am in You. May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You sent Me. I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one as We are one—I in them and You in Me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that You sent Me and You have loved them even as You have loved Me.

“Father, I want those You have given Me to be with Me where I am, and to see My glory, the glory You have given Me because You loved Me before the foundation of the world.

“Righteous Father, though the world does not know You, I know You, and they know that You have sent Me. I have made You known to them and will continue to make You known, so that the love You have for Me may be in them, and that I Myself may be in them.”

John Chapter 18

After saying these things, Jesus and His disciples crossed the brook Kidron and entered a garden. This was a place Jesus often went with His disciples, so Judas, the one who betrayed Him, knew exactly where to find them. Judas came with a group of soldiers and officials sent by the chief priests and the Pharisees. They were armed with lanterns, torches, and weapons.

Knowing everything that was about to happen, Jesus stepped forward and asked, “Who are you looking for?”

They replied, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

“I am He,” Jesus said. And as He spoke, Judas stood there with them, and the entire group fell back to the ground.

Jesus asked them again, “Who are you looking for?”

“Jesus of Nazareth,” they answered.

“I told you that I am He,” Jesus replied. “If you’re looking for Me, let these others go.” This fulfilled His earlier words: “I have not lost any of those You gave Me.”

At that moment, Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus.

But Jesus said to Peter, “Put your sword away! Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given Me?”

The soldiers and officials arrested Jesus, bound Him, and took Him first to Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas, who was the high priest that year. Caiaphas had advised the Jewish leaders earlier that it was better for one man to die for the people.

Simon Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. The other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went into the high priest’s courtyard with Jesus, but Peter waited outside at the door. The other disciple came back, spoke to the servant girl on duty, and brought Peter inside.

The servant girl at the door asked Peter, “You are not one of this man’s disciples, are you?”

“I am not,” Peter replied.

Meanwhile, the servants and officials stood around a fire they had made to keep warm, and Peter joined them, warming himself by the fire.

Inside, the high priest questioned Jesus about His disciples and His teaching.

“I’ve spoken openly to the world,” Jesus replied. “I’ve always taught in synagogues and at the temple, where all the Jews come together. I said nothing in secret. Why question Me? Ask those who heard Me. They know what I said.”

When Jesus said this, one of the officials nearby slapped Him. “Is that how you answer the high priest?” he demanded.

Jesus replied, “If I said something wrong, testify to what is wrong. But if I spoke the truth, why do you hit Me?”

Then Annas sent Him, still bound, to Caiaphas the high priest.

Meanwhile, Peter was still standing by the fire, and they asked him, “Aren’t you one of His disciples too?”

Peter denied it, saying, “I am not.”

One of the high priest’s servants, a relative of the man whose ear Peter had cut off, challenged him, “Didn’t I see you with Him in the garden?”

Again, Peter denied it, and immediately a rooster crowed.

At dawn, Jesus was taken from Caiaphas to the Roman governor’s palace. The Jewish leaders didn’t enter the palace, as they wanted to remain ceremonially clean to eat the Passover. So Pilate came out to them and asked, “What charges are you bringing against this man?”

“If He weren’t a criminal,” they replied, “we wouldn’t have handed Him over to you.”

Pilate said, “Take Him yourselves and judge Him by your own law.”

“But we have no right to execute anyone,” they objected. This fulfilled what Jesus had said about the kind of death He would die.

Pilate went back inside, summoned Jesus, and asked, “Are You the King of the Jews?”

“Is that your own idea,” Jesus asked, “or did others talk to you about Me?”

“Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?”

Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, My servants would fight to prevent My arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now My kingdom is not from here.”

“You are a king, then!” Pilate said.

Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. In fact, the reason I was born and came into the world is to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to Me.”

“What is truth?” Pilate retorted. Then he went out to the Jewish leaders and said, “I find no basis for a charge against Him. But it’s your custom for me to release one prisoner at the Passover. Do you want me to release the King of the Jews?”

They shouted back, “No, not Him! Give us Barabbas!” (Now Barabbas had taken part in a rebellion.)

John Chapter 19

Pilate took Jesus and had Him flogged. The soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and pressed it onto His head. They draped a purple robe around Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” Then they struck Him repeatedly.

Pilate went out again and told the crowd, “I am bringing Him out to you, so that you know that I find no fault in Him.” Jesus stepped forward, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. Pilate said, “Here is the man!”

When the chief priests and officials saw Him, they shouted, “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!”

Pilate responded, “You take Him and crucify Him. I find no basis for a charge against Him.”

The Jews replied, “We have a law, and by that law, He must die because He claimed to be the Son of God.” When Pilate heard this, he became even more fearful. He went back inside and asked Jesus, “Where do You come from?” But Jesus didn’t answer.

“Do You refuse to speak to me?” Pilate asked. “Don’t You realize I have the power to free You or crucify You?”

Jesus replied, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given to you from above. Therefore, the one who handed Me over to you is guilty of a greater sin.”

From then on, Pilate tried to release Him, but the crowd kept shouting, “If you let this man go, you are no friend of Caesar! Anyone who claims to be a king opposes Caesar!”

Hearing this, Pilate brought Jesus out and sat on the judgment seat at a place called the Pavement (in Hebrew, Gabbatha). It was about noon on the day of Preparation for the Passover. Pilate said to the crowd, “Here is your King!”

But they shouted, “Take Him away! Crucify Him!”

“Shall I crucify your King?” Pilate asked.

“We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

Finally, Pilate handed Jesus over to be crucified. The soldiers took charge of Him. Carrying His own cross, Jesus went to the place called the Skull (in Hebrew, Golgotha). There they crucified Him, along with two others—one on each side, with Jesus in the middle.

Pilate had a sign fastened to the cross. It read: JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS. Many Jews read this sign because the place of crucifixion was near the city, and the sign was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. The chief priests protested, “Don’t write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that He claimed to be the King of the Jews.”

Pilate replied, “What I have written, I have written.”

When the soldiers crucified Jesus, they divided His clothes into four shares, one for each of them. They also took His seamless tunic, woven in one piece. “Let’s not tear it,” they said. “Let’s cast lots to see who gets it.” This fulfilled the Scripture: They divided My clothes among them and cast lots for My garment.

Near the cross stood Jesus’s mother, His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw His mother and the disciple He loved standing nearby, He said to His mother, “Woman, here is your son.” Then He said to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that moment, the disciple took Jesus’s mother into his home.

Later, knowing that everything was now finished and to fulfill Scripture, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.” A jar of vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a hyssop branch, and lifted it to His lips. When Jesus had received the drink, He said, “It is finished.” Then He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.

Since it was the day of Preparation, the Jews didn’t want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath. They asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down. The soldiers broke the legs of the men crucified with Jesus, but when they came to Jesus, they saw that He was already dead. Instead, one of the soldiers pierced His side with a spear, and blood and water flowed out. This fulfilled Scripture: Not one of His bones will be broken and They will look on the one they have pierced.

Later, Joseph of Arimathea, a secret disciple of Jesus because he feared the Jewish leaders, asked Pilate for permission to take Jesus’s body. Pilate granted it. Joseph came and took the body away. Nicodemus, who had earlier visited Jesus at night, brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. Together, they wrapped Jesus’s body in linen with the spices, according to Jewish burial customs.

At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden with a new tomb where no one had ever been laid. Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

John Chapter 20

Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. Alarmed, she ran to find Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved. She exclaimed, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!”

Peter and the other disciple immediately set out for the tomb. They ran together, but the other disciple outran Peter and got there first. He bent down and looked inside, seeing the linen burial cloths lying there, but he didn’t go in. When Peter arrived, he went straight into the tomb. He saw the linen cloths lying there, and the cloth that had been wrapped around Jesus’s head, folded neatly in a separate place.

Then the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed, even though they still didn’t fully understand the Scripture that said Jesus must rise from the dead. The disciples returned to their homes, puzzled.

Mary, however, stayed outside the tomb, weeping. As she bent down to look inside, she saw two angels in white, seated where Jesus’s body had been—one at the head and the other at the feet. They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

She replied, “They’ve taken my Lord away, and I don’t know where they have put Him.”

Turning around, she saw someone standing there but didn’t realize it was Jesus. He asked her, “Woman, why are you crying? Who are you looking for?”

Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have moved Him, please tell me where you have put Him, and I will take Him away.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

Hearing her name, she turned and cried out, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).

Jesus told her, “Do not hold on to Me, for I have not yet ascended to the Father. Go to My brothers and tell them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, to My God and your God.’”

Mary Magdalene went to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” She told them everything He had said to her.

Later that evening, on the first day of the week, the disciples were gathered behind locked doors, fearful of the Jewish leaders. Suddenly, Jesus appeared among them and said, “Peace be with you.” Then He showed them His hands and His side. The disciples were overjoyed to see the Lord.

Jesus said again, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you.” Then He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.”

Thomas, one of the Twelve (called Didymus), wasn’t with them when Jesus appeared. When the other disciples told him, “We’ve seen the Lord!” he replied, “Unless I see the nail marks in His hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into His side, I will not believe.”

Eight days later, the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. Even though the doors were locked, Jesus came and stood among them, saying, “Peace be with you.” Then He said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see My hands. Reach out your hand and put it into My side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God!”

Jesus responded, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen me, and yet believe.”

Jesus performed many other miraculous signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing, you may have life in His name.

John Chapter 21

After everything that had happened, Jesus revealed Himself again to His disciples by the Sea of Tiberias. This is how it happened:

Simon Peter, Thomas (also called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. Peter said, “I am going fishing.”

The others replied, “We’ll go with you.” So they got into the boat, but they caught nothing that night.

At dawn, Jesus stood on the shore, though the disciples didn’t realize it was Him. He called out, “Friends, have you caught anything?”

“No,” they answered.

Jesus said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat, and you’ll find some.” They did, and suddenly they couldn’t haul the net in because of the large number of fish.

Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord!” As soon as Peter heard this, he wrapped his outer garment around him (because he had taken it off) and jumped into the water. The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, because they weren’t far from shore—about a hundred yards.

When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals with fish on it, and some bread. Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish you have just caught.”

Simon Peter climbed back into the boat and dragged the net ashore. It was full of 153 large fish, yet the net wasn’t torn.

Jesus said, “Come and have breakfast.” None of the disciples dared to ask, “Who are You?” They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread, and gave it to them, along with the fish. This was the third time Jesus appeared to His disciples after He was raised from the dead.

When they finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “You know that I love You.”

Jesus said, “Feed My lambs.”

Again Jesus asked, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter answered, “Yes, Lord, You know that I love You.”

Jesus said, “Take care of My sheep.”

A third time, Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?”

Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love Me?” He said, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.”

Jesus said, “Feed My sheep. Truly, I tell you, when you were younger, you dressed yourself and went where you wanted. But when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to Peter, “Follow Me.”

Peter turned and saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following them—the one who had leaned against Jesus during the Last Supper and asked, “Lord, who is going to betray You?” Seeing him, Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, what about him?”

Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow Me.”

Because of this, a rumor spread among the believers that this disciple would not die. But Jesus didn’t say that; He only said, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you?”

This is the disciple who testifies to these things and wrote them down. We know that his testimony is true.

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world wouldn’t have room for the books that would be written.

Amen.