THE NEW TESTAMENT: AN UNDERSTANDABLE VERSION Table of Contents
LUKE
CHAPTER ONE
1) Your Excellency Theophilus: Since so many people have undertaken the task of compiling a narrative of events that have happened among us, 2) [that is, people] who were ministers of the word and original eyewitnesses [of these events], and who passed them on to us; [and since] 3) I have thoroughly investigated the entire series of events [myself], I felt it would be good for me also to write you an orderly account of them. 4) Then you could know how reliable the information is that you have been told.
5) In the days of King Herod, of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zacharias of the AAbijah@ division. He had a wife named Elizabeth who was a descendant of Aaron. 6) They both did what was right in God=s sight [by] living blamelessly according to all the commandments and requirements of the Lord. 7) But they had no children, because Elizabeth was unable to bear offspring due to their both being very old.
8) Now it happened that when Zacharias= turn came in his division, 9) to perform his customary duties as a priest before God, he drew the responsibility [that day] of entering the Temple of the Lord to burn the incense offering. [Note: This was done on a golden Altar in the Temple by a priest twice a day]. 10) There was a whole crowd of people praying outside because it was the time for burning the incense offering.
11) Just then an angel from the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the incense altar. 12) Zacharias became disturbed when he saw the angel and was gripped by fear. 13) But the angel said to him, ADo not be afraid Zacharias, for your earnest prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will give birth to a son and you will name him John. 14) And you will have joy and happiness and many people will rejoice when he is born. 15) For he will be great in the sight of the Lord and he will not drink any wine or intoxicating drinks [Note: This restriction suggests that John may have taken the special vow of consecration making him a ANazarite@]. And he will be filled with the Holy Spirit from the time he is born. 16) And he will influence many Israelites to turn to the Lord their God. 17) He will go on ahead of the Messiah [See verse 76], in the spirit and power of Elijah, to rekindle the affections of fathers for their children, and [to influence] disobedient people to live wisely like righteous people. And he will prepare the people to be ready for [the coming of] the Lord.@ 18) And Zacharias said to the angel, AHow will I know this? For I am an old man and my wife is [also] very old.@ 19) The angel answered him, AI am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news. 20) And consider this, you will [have to] remain a mute and be unable to speak until the day when these things happen because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled in due time.@
21) Now the people who waited [outside] for Zacharias were very surprised that he was staying in the Temple so long. 22) And when he [finally] came out, he was not able to talk to them. Then they realized he had seen a vision while in the Temple. So, he remained a mute and had to make [hand] signs to them [i.e., in order to be understood].
23) And so it happened, when he had completed the [required] days of his ministry, he went home.
24) After those days, his wife Elizabeth became pregnant and she stayed in seclusion for five months, saying, 25) AThe Lord has done this for me, and at this time [in my life] He has favored me by removing the stigma placed on me by people [i.e., for not having children].@
26) Now in the sixth month [of Elizabeth=s pregnancy] the angel Gabriel was sent from God to the Galilean town of Nazareth, 27) to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. The virgin=s name was Mary. 28) The angel came to her and said, AGreetings, you are someone greatly favored [i.e., by God]; the Lord is with you.@ 29) But she became very troubled by what he said and wondered what such a greeting could mean. 30) Then the angel said to her, ADo not be afraid Mary, for you have received favor from God. 31) And consider this, you will become pregnant and give birth to a son and you will name Him Jesus. 32) He will be great and will be called the Son of the Highest [i.e., God], and the Lord will give Him the throne of His forefather King David. 33) And He will rule over the [spiritual] descendants of Jacob forever and there will be no end to His kingdom.@ 34) And Mary said to the angel, AHow can this be, since I have never had sex with a man?@ 35) The angel answered, AThe Holy Spirit will come upon you and the power of the Highest [i.e., God] will overshadow you. Therefore, the child you carry will be called the holy Son of God. 36) And consider this, your relative Elizabeth is also pregnant with a son in spite of her old age, and [even though] she was said to be unable to have children, she is now six months along. 37) For nothing that God says [will happen] is impossible.@ 38) And Mary said, AHere I am, the Lord=s slave-girl; let it happen to me according to what you say.@ Then the angel left her.
39) About that time Mary made a hurried trip to a Judean town in the hill country. [Note: This was be the same province in which Jerusalem was located]. 40) [Upon arriving] she entered the home of Zacharias and greeted [his wife] Elizabeth. 41) And it happened when Elizabeth heard Mary greet her, the baby in Elizabeth=s womb Akicked,@ and she was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42) Then she spoke out in a loud voice and said, A[Mary], you are [truly] blessed [from] among [all] women, and the child you will bear [i.e., Jesus] is blessed [as well]. 43) But why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to [visit] me? 44) For listen, when I heard your voice greeting me, the baby in my womb Akicked@ for joy. 45) And she who [has] believed [the promises made by the Lord] is [truly] blessed, for the things which have been spoken to her [i.e., to Mary] by the Lord will [indeed] be fulfilled.@
46) Then Mary said, AMy soul lifts up the Lord, 47) and my spirit has rejoiced in God, my Savior. 48) For He has looked favorably on the humble circumstances of His servant-girl. And consider this, all generations of people will call me >blessed= from now on. 49) For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and His name is holy. 50) He shows mercy to generation after generation of people who have reverence for Him. 51) He has demonstrated power with His arm. He has scattered those who are proud in the thoughts of their heart. 52) He has dethroned rulers and has exalted humble people. 53) He has filled the hungry with good things and has sent the rich away empty-handed. 54) (As He said to our forefathers), He has helped His servants, the Israelites, [showing] that He remembered to be merciful 55) to Abraham and his descendants forever.@
56) So, Mary stayed with [her relative] Elizabeth for about three months [i.e., until about the time John was born. See 1:26-31], and then returned to her home.
57) Now when Elizabeth was due to deliver, she gave birth to a son. 58) When her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had extended great mercy toward her [i.e., in giving her a child], they rejoiced with her.
59) And it happened on the eighth day [i.e., since the baby was born] that they came to circumcise the child [i.e., to perform the Jewish rite of identity, signifying the responsibility to observe the Law of Moses]. And they [i.e., probably the neighbors and/or relatives of Elizabeth and Zacharias] suggested that they name him Zacharias, after his father. 60) But his mother answered, ANo, he will be named John.@ 61) And they replied to her, A[But] there are not any of your relatives named that.@ 62) And [so] they made [hand] signs to the [baby=s] father to find out what he wanted to name him. 63) Then Zacharias asked for a writing tablet and wrote [the words] AHis name is John.@ And they were all amazed. 64) Just then his mouth was capable of uttering speech, and his tongue could form words, and he praised God. 65) Then all those who lived in the area became afraid; and people were talking about all these things throughout the entire hill country of Judea. 66) And everyone who heard about this incident remembered it [i.e., for some time]. They were saying, AWhat will this child become? For the hand of the Lord was [surely] with him.@
67) Then his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied, saying, 68) AMay the Lord be praised, [who is] the God of the Israelites, for He has come to [the aid of] His people and bought them back [i.e., from bondage]. 69) He has provided a horn of salvation [i.e., His saving strength] for us from a descendant of His servant King David [i.e., Jesus, born of Mary] 70) (as He spoke through the message of the holy prophets of long ago). 71) [He has provided] salvation from our enemies, and from the [destructive] hand of all those who hate us, 72) in order to show mercy to our forefathers and to remember His holy Agreement. 73) [This Agreement was] the oath by which He swore to Abraham, our forefather, 74) that we would be delivered from the [destructive] hand of our enemies and [then] serve Him without fear 75) by living holy and righteous lives before Him all of our days. 76) Yes, you [my] child [i.e., John], will be called the prophet of the Highest [i.e., God], for you will go ahead of the Lord=s presence to prepare His ways. 77) And [you will] provide the knowledge of salvation to His people, by [granting them] the forgiveness of their sins 78) because of God=s merciful compassion. Therefore, the morning sun from above will arise 79) to shine on those who are sitting in darkness and [are under] the shadow of death, and to direct our feet into the way of peace.@
80) So, the child [i.e., John] grew and became strong in [his] spirit and stayed in the desert until the day when he appeared publicly to the Israelites.
CHAPTER TWO
1) Now it happened in those days that a decree was sent out from Caesar Augustus [the Emperor of the Roman Empire] requiring [people from] the whole empire to be registered [i.e., for taxation purposes]. 2) This was the first registration made while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3) And everyone went to register in his own home town.
4) So, Joseph also went from the Galilean town of Nazareth to David=s town, which was the Judean town of Bethlehem, because he was among the descendants and family of David. 5) [He went] to register, along with Mary, who was engaged to him and who was pregnant [at the time]. 6) And it happened while they were there that the due date came for her to have the baby. 7) So, she bore her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in [linen] cloths and laid Him in an animal=s feeding trough because there was no room for them in the lodge.
8) Now there were [some] shepherds in that region who were living in the fields and guarding their flocks [of sheep] at night. 9) [Suddenly] an angel from the Lord [was seen] standing near them and the glorious presence of the Lord shone around them, and they were very afraid. 10) And the angel said to them, ADo not be afraid; for look, I am bringing good news that will cause great joy to all people. 11) For a Savior has been born today in David=s city [i.e., Bethlehem], who is Christ the Lord [i.e., God=s specially chosen one]. 12) And this is the sign [that will verify it] to you: You will find a baby wrapped in [linen] cloths lying in an animal=s feeding trough.@
13) Then suddenly there appeared with the angel a large number of the heavenly Aarmy@ [i.e., of angels], who were praising God and saying, 14) AMay there be glory to God in the highest [heavens], and may there be peace on earth among men who are pleasing to God.@
15) And it happened when the angels left them and returned to heaven, that the shepherds said to one another, ALet us go to Bethlehem now and see what all happened that the Lord told us about.@ 16) So, they went quickly and found both Mary and Joseph with the baby, lying in the animal=s feeding trough. 17) And when they saw this, they told [everyone] what the angel had said about this baby. 18) And all who heard it marveled at the things the shepherds told them. 19) But Mary treasured all these things and wondered about them [often]. 20) Then the shepherds returned [to their fields], honoring and praising God for everything they had heard and seen, for it all happened just as they had been told.
21) Eight days later it was time to circumcise Jesus [i.e., to perform the Jewish rite of identity, signifying the responsibility to observe the Law of Moses], and they named Him Jesus, which was the name given by the angel before He was [even] conceived.
22) Then when the days of their purification according to the Law of Moses were completed [Note: This was a set procedure required for a Jewish mother on the birth of a child. See Lev. 12:1-8], Joseph and Mary brought Jesus up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord. 23) (It is recorded in the law of the Lord [Ex. 13:2, 12] that every firstborn male child be considered holy [i.e., specially dedicated] to the Lord.) 24) They came to offer a sacrifice of two doves or two young pigeons, in accordance with what is written in the Law of Moses.
25) Now there was a righteous and devoted man named Simeon at Jerusalem, who was expecting the consolation of the Israelites [i.e., the coming of the Messiah to save them], and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26) Now it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die until he had seen the Lord=s Christ [i.e., God=s, specially chosen one]. 27) And he was led by the Holy Spirit into the Temple, and when Joseph and Mary brought the baby Jesus in, so they could do to Him what was customary under the Law of Moses, 28) Simeon took Jesus in his arms, praised God and said, 29) AMaster, you may now allow your servant to be released [i.e., die] in peace, according to what you said. 30) For my eyes have seen your salvation [i.e., Jesus], 31) which [i.e., whom] you have prepared before all people [i.e., for their benefit], 32) [to be] a light for revealing [God=s way of salvation] to the [unconverted] Gentiles, and a [source of] glory to your people, the Israelites.@
33) And Jesus= [step-] father and His mother were amazed at the things said about Him. 34) Then Simeon [asked God to] bless them and said to Jesus= mother Mary, ALook, many Israelites will be caused to fall [i.e., into spiritual ruin] or rise [i.e., to spiritual renewal] because of Him. And [He will be] a >sign= [for people] to speak against, 35) and thus reveal the thoughts of many hearts. Yes, and a sword will cut you [Mary] to the heart [i.e., causing you inward pain].@
36) And there was a woman prophet named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, from the tribe of Asher [i.e., she was a descendant of one of Jacob=s son]. (She was very old, having lived with her husband for [only] seven years after being married, 37) and has been a widow [all these years], and is now eighty-four years old.) She has never left the Temple, but worships [God] by fasting [i.e., going without food and/or water for religious reasons] and praying night and day. 38) She came forward at that very time and thanked God [in prayer] and spoke about the child [Jesus] to everyone [in the Temple area] who was expecting the redemption of the people of Jerusalem [i.e., their liberation from sin].
39) So, when Joseph and Mary had completed everything required by the law of the Lord, they returned to their [current home] town of Nazareth, in Galilee. 40) And the child [i.e., Jesus] grew and became strong. He was filled with wisdom and God=s favor was upon Him.
41) Now Jesus= parents went to Jerusalem every year to attend the Passover Festival. [Note: This was the annual Jewish festival commemorating Israel=s deliverance from Egyptian bondage under Moses= leadership]. 42) When Jesus was twelve years old, they [all] went up to the Festival as usual. 43) And when they had completed [all] the days [of festivities], and were returning [home], the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. Now His parents did not know this, 44) so thinking He was in the caravan, they continued traveling for an entire day [before] they began looking for Him among their relatives and friends. 45) And when they could not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem to look for Him. 46) And it happened after three days that they found Him in the Temple, sitting in the middle of the [Jewish] teachers, listening to them and asking questions. 47) And all of them who heard Him were amazed at His understanding [i.e., of spiritual matters] and His answers [to questions they would ask Him]. 48) When His parents [finally] saw Him, they were very surprised and His mother asked Him, ASon, why have you treated us this way? Look, your [step-] father and I have been anxiously searching for you.@ 49) And He replied to them, AWhy were you looking for me? Did you not know that I had to be in my Father=s house [i.e., the Temple]?@ 50) But they did not understand what He meant when He said that to them.
51) So, Jesus went down to Nazareth with them and [continued] to obey them. And His mother kept all these things [stored up] in her heart.
52) And Jesus advanced in wisdom; He grew up and [increased] in favor with God and men.
CHAPTER THREE
1) Now it was the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar. Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod was ruler of Galilee, his brother Philip was ruler of the regions of Ituraea and Trachonitus [Note: These two men were sons of Herod the Great (See Matt. 2:1) and ruled over provinces east of the Jordan River] and Lysanias was ruler of Abilene [Note: This was a province just north of the two previously mentioned ones]. 2) [During this time], while Annas and Caiaphas [Note: This man was Annas= son-in-law. See John 18:13] were head priests, God=s message came to John [the Immerser], son of Zacharias, [when he was] in the desert [of Judea]. 3) He went into the whole region around the Jordan River proclaiming that those immersed on the basis of their repentance [i.e., determining to change their hearts and lives] would receive the forgiveness of sins [from God]. 4) This was according to what is written in the book containing the words of Isaiah, the prophet [Isa. 40:3ff], AThe voice of a man who speaks out in the desert [urging people] to make the road for the Lord ready [for Him to travel]; to make a straight pathway for Him [to walk on]. 5) Every valley will be filled up and every mountain and hill will be leveled. And crooked [roads] will become straight and rough ones smoothed out. 6) And all mankind will see the salvation of God [i.e., become available to them].@
7) He said to the crowds of people that went out [to the desert] to be immersed by him, AYou children of snakes, who warned you to run away from the coming wrath [of God]? 8) Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, and quit saying to yourselves, >We claim Abraham as our forefather,= because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham=s children out of these stones. 9) And even now the axe is also ready to chop down the trees at their roots [i.e., you Jews]. Every tree [i.e., person] that does not produce wholesome fruit [i.e., a godly life] will be cut down and thrown into the fire [i.e., the punishment of hell].@
10) Then the crowds asked him, AWhat then must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?@ 11) And he answered them, AThe person who has two coats should give [one of them] to the person who does not have any; and the person who has food should do the same thing.@
12) Then some tax collectors came to him to be immersed and asked him, ATeacher, what must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?@ 13) And he answered them; ADo not collect any more [tax money] than you are required to.@
14) Some soldiers on duty also asked him, AAnd what must we do [i.e., to demonstrate our repentance]?@ And he answered them, ADo not force people to give you money or accuse them falsely, and be content with your pay.@
15) Now as people were anticipating [what would happen] and everyone was wondering in their hearts if perhaps John were the Christ [i.e., God=s specially chosen one], 16) John answered [their concerns] by saying to all of them, AI am [the one] immersing you in water, but One who is more powerful than I will follow my [ministry]. I am not [even] worthy to loosen the straps of His sandals. He will immerse you people with the Holy Spirit and with fire [i.e., the punishment of hell. See Matt. 3:10-12]. 17) His separating shovel is in His hand and He will completely clear off His threshing floor [i.e., by removing all of the husks]. And He will gather the wheat into His barn, but will burn up the husks with a fire that will never go out.@
18) So, John preached the good news to the people with many different appeals. 19) But because he had rebuked Herod, the tetrarch, for [marrying] his brother=s wife Herodias, and for all the other bad things he had done, 20) to top it off, Herod put John in prison.
21) Now it happened when all the people had been immersed [by John], that Jesus was also immersed [by him]. And while Jesus was praying, heaven was opened 22) and the Holy Spirit came down on Him in a physical form, as a dove, and a voice spoke out of heaven [saying], AYou are my dearly loved Son. I am very pleased with you.@
23) And Jesus was about thirty years old when He began to teach. (It was assumed that) He was the son of Joseph, who was the [legal] son of Heli [Note: A lineage through Jesus= mother Mary follows:] 24) [Heli was] the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Jannai, who was the son of Joseph, 25) who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Nahum, who was the son of Esli, who was the son of Naggai, 26) who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semein, who was the son of Josech, who was the son of Joda, 27) who was the son of Joanan, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zerubbabel, who was the son of Shealtiel, who was the son of Neri, 28) who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmadam, who was the son of Er, 29) who was the son of Jesus, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, 30) who was the son of Symeon, who was the son of Judas, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonam, who was the son of Eliakim, 31) who was the son of Melea, who was the son of Menna, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David.
32) [And David] was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshan, 33) who was the son of Amminadab {{Some ancient manuscripts insert Awho was the son of Admim@}}, who was the son of Arni, who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Perez, who was the son of Judah, 34) who was the son of Jacob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham.
[And Abraham] was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor, 35) who was the son of Serug, who was the son of Reu, who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber, who was the son of Shelah, 36) who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech, 37) who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Mahalaleel, who was the son of Cainan, 38) who was the son of Enos, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam.
[And Adam] was the son of God.
CHAPTER FOUR
1) Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River [i.e., where He had been immersed. See 3:21] and was led by the Holy Spirit [See Matt. 4:1] into the desert. 2) During the forty days He was being put to the test by the devil, He did not eat anything; then after it was over He was [very] hungry.
3) Then the devil said to Him, AIf you are the Son of God, command this stone to turn into bread.@ 4) But Jesus answered him, AIt is written [Deut. 8:3], >A person is not to live by [eating] bread only.=@
5) Then he led Him up [i.e., to a high mountain. See Matt. 4:8] and showed Him all the world=s kingdoms in a fleeting instant. 6) And the devil said to Him, AI will give you full authority [over them] and their splendor, for it has [all] been granted to me and to whom I want to give it. 7) Therefore, if you will worship in front of me it will all be yours.@ 8) And Jesus answered him, AIt is written [Deut. 6:13], >You are supposed to worship the Lord, your God, and serve only Him.=@
9) Then the devil led Jesus to Jerusalem and placed Him on the elevated wing of the Temple and said to Him, AIf you are the Son of God, throw yourself down from here, 10) for it is written [Psa. 91:11-12], >He will put his angels in charge of you, to protect you,= 11) and >They will lift you up with their hands so you do not trip over a stone.=@ 12) And Jesus answered him, AIt is said [Deut. 6:16], >You shall not put the Lord your God to the test.=@
13) And when the devil had finished every test, he left Jesus until a [later] time.
14) Then Jesus returned to Galilee with power from the Holy Spirit; and a report about Him spread through the entire surrounding region. 15) And He was honored by everyone [as] He taught in their [Jewish] synagogues.
16) Jesus then went to Nazareth where He had been brought up. He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, according to His custom, and stood up to read [the Scriptures]. 17) The book [i.e., actually a scroll] of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. He opened the book and found the passage where it was written [Isa. 61:1f], 18) AThe Holy Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He anointed me [i.e., specially chose me] to preach good news to poor people. He has sent me to proclaim freedom to those who are captives [i.e., to sin]; recovery of sight to the [spiritually as well as physically] blind; to set free those who are oppressed [i.e., by Satan] and 19) to proclaim the year of the Lord=s acceptance [i.e., the time when people would become His obedient followers].@
20) Then He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were focused on Him. 21) He began speaking to them [saying], AToday this [passage of] Scripture has been fulfilled as you listened to it.@
22) So, everyone spoke well of Him and marveled at the gracious words coming from His mouth. They said, AIs he not Joseph=s son?@ 23) And He replied to them, ANo doubt you will tell me this proverb, >Doctor, heal yourself,= and >Perform [the miracles] here in your own home town also that we heard you did in Capernaum.=@
24) And He said, ATruly I tell you, no prophet is acceptable in his own home town. 25) But it is true when I tell you, [while] there were many widows [living] in Israel during the time of Elijah, when it did not rain for three and a half years, causing a great famine over the entire land, 26) Elijah was not sent to any of them, except to a widow in Zarephath [i.e., a Gentile town] in the region of Sidon. 27) And [while] there were many people with infectious skin diseases [living] in Israel during the time of Elisha the prophet, none of them was healed except Naaman, the Syrian [who was also a Gentile].@
28) Then everyone in the synagogue became extremely angry when they heard these things. 29) They rose up and threw Jesus out of the city, leading Him to the top of the hill on which the city was built, in order to throw Him down [from a cliff]. 30) But He [just] walked right through them and went on His way.
31) Then He went down to the Galilean city of Capernaum and taught the Jews on the Sabbath day. 32) They were amazed at His teaching for He spoke with authority.
33) Now there was a man in the synagogue who was dominated by the spirit of an evil demon [Note: These Aevil spirits@ or Ademons@ were powerful beings sent by Satan to inhabit people, causing physical, mental and spiritual harm to them]. He was shouting with a loud voice, 34) AHa! What business do we have with you, Jesus from Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are; [you are] God=s Holy One.@ 35) Then Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit [in the man], saying, ABe quiet, and come out of him.@ And when the evil spirit had thrown the man down in front of them, it came out of him, without causing any harm. 36) And everyone became amazed and began saying to one another, AWhat is he saying? For with authority and power he orders the evil spirits to come out [of people], and they do." 37) Then a report about Him spread to the entire surrounding region.
38) So, He left the synagogue and entered Simon=s [i.e., Peter=s] house. Now Simon=s mother-in-law was [in bed] stricken with a high fever. And they [i.e., Andrew, James and John, besides Peter. See Mark 1:29] begged Him [to do something] for her. 39) So, He stood over her and spoke sternly to the fever. It left her and she got up [out of bed] and began serving them.
40) And when the sun was setting, everyone who had friends or relatives who were sick with various diseases brought them to Jesus and He placed His hands on each one of them and healed them. 41) And evil spirits also came out of many people, shouting [at Him], AYou are the Son of God.@ And Jesus spoke sternly to them and would not allow them to speak [anymore] because they knew He was the Christ [Note: Jesus would not accept the endorsement of these Satanic spirits].
42) And when it became daylight He left [Simon=s house] and went to a deserted place [i.e., to pray. See Mark 1:35]. The crowds were looking for Him and [upon finding Him] went to Him and tried to discourage Him from leaving them. 43) But He told them, AI must go to other towns also to preach the good news of God=s [coming] kingdom, for this is why I was sent [by God].@
44) So, He [went and] preached in the [Jewish] synagogues of Judea [also].
CHAPTER FIVE
1) Now it happened while Jesus was standing on the shore of Lake Genneseret [i.e., Lake Galilee] that the crowd was pushing closer to Him to hear God=s message. 2) He saw two boats [tied up] along the shore of the lake, for the fishermen had left them [there] and were washing their nets [i.e., on the beach]. 3) So, He entered one of the boats that belonged to Simon [i.e., Peter], and asked him to launch out a short distance from shore. Then He sat down and taught the crowds from the boat.
4) And when He had finished talking, He said to Simon, ALaunch out into deeper water and lower your nets for a catch [of fish].@ 5) Simon replied, AMaster, we worked all night, but did not catch anything. But I will lower the nets if you say so.@ 6) And when they had done this, they gathered in a large number of fish [until] their nets began to break. 7) So, they motioned to their partners in the other boat to come and help them. When they came, they filled both boats until they began to sink. 8) But when Simon Peter saw this, he fell down at Jesus= knees, saying, AGo away from me, Lord, because I am a sinful man.@ 9) For he and those who were with him were amazed at the [huge] quantity of fish they had caught. 10) Simon=s partners James and John, sons of Zebedee, were also amazed. So, Jesus said to Simon, ADo not be afraid; from now on you will catch people.@ 11) And when they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed Jesus.
12) And it happened while Jesus was in one of the towns [i.e., surrounding Lake Galilee], that a man covered with an infectious skin disease appeared and, when he saw Jesus, he fell on his face [to the ground] and begged Him, saying, AIf you want to, you can heal me.@ [Note: Throughout this narrative the terms Aheal/healing@ are originally Aclean/cleansing@ because the Jews viewed a person with such a disease as ceremonially Aunclean.@ See Lev. 13:1-3]. 13) Then He reached out His hand and touched the man, saying, AI [do] want to; be healed.@ And immediately the infectious skin disease left him. 14) Then He ordered the man not to tell anyone [about the healing], saying, AGo on your way and show yourself to the priest and offer the proper sacrifice for your healing that Moses required [Lev. 13:49; 14:2ff] as evidence to people [that you were healed].@ 15) But the news about what Jesus had done spread all the more widely, so that large crowds assembled to listen to Him and to be healed of their sicknesses. 16) So, He went away to deserted places and prayed.
17) And it happened on one of those days [in Capernaum. See Mark 2:1], as He was teaching, that some Pharisees [i.e., a strict sect of the Jewish religion] and teachers of the Law of Moses, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem, were sitting around [i.e., listening to Him]. And the power of the Lord was with Him, enabling Him to heal people. 18) Just then [four] men [See Mark 2:3] brought a paralyzed man on a cot and attempted to place him in front of Jesus. 19) But because they could not find a [suitable] way to get him in [to the house] because of the people crowded [around], they went up to the housetop [Note: This was a flat area, where people retired for rest, prayer, etc., with a stairway accessible from the outside] and lowered the man on his cot through the roof tiles into the presence of Jesus. 20) And when He saw the evidence of their faith, He said, AMan, your sins are forgiven.@
21) Then the experts in the Law of Moses and the Pharisees began to reason [in their minds], saying, AWho is this man who speaks things against God [i.e., by claiming the ability to forgive sins]? Who can forgive sins except God only?@ 22) But Jesus perceived their reasonings and answered them, AWhy are you reasoning in your hearts? 23) Which is easier, to say [to the paralyzed man], >Your sins are forgiven,= or to say, >Get up and walk=? 24) But so you will know that the Son of man has authority on earth to forgive sins, (He then said to the paralyzed man), >I say to you, get up, pick up your cot and go home.=@ 25) So, immediately he stood up in front of them and picked up what he had been lying on [i.e., his cot], and went home, giving honor to God. 26) And everyone was filled with amazement; they gave honor to God and were overwhelmed with reverence, saying, AWe have seen incredible things today.@
27) Then after these things happened, Jesus went out [i.e., probably walking along a street] and saw a publican [Note: This was a person with a bad reputation for dishonest tax collecting activities] named Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14] sitting at the toll booth [collecting taxes] and said, ABecome my follower.@ 28) So, Matthew gave up everything, got up and followed Jesus.
29) Then Levi prepared a lavish dinner for Jesus at his house. A large number of [other] tax collectors were [also] having dinner with them. 30) Now the Pharisees and their experts in the Law of Moses complained to Jesus= disciples, saying, AWhy do you men eat and drink with tax collectors and worldly people?@ 31) And Jesus answered them, APeople who are healthy do not need a doctor, but [only] sick people do. 32) I did not come to call those who are doing right to repent [i.e., to change their hearts and lives], but [only those who are] sinners.@
33) Then they said to Jesus, AJohn's [the Immerser=s] disciples fast frequently [i.e., going without food and/or drink for religious reasons] and they offer earnest prayer requests, and the disciples of the Pharisees do the same things. But your disciples eat and drink.@ 34) Jesus answered them, ACan you force the companions of the groom to fast while the groom is [still] with them? 35) But the time will come when the groom will be taken away from them [Note: Jesus here refers to Himself]. Then they will fast at that time.@
36) And He told them a parable [i.e., a brief story to illustrate His teaching]: ANo one tears a piece [of cloth] from a new item of clothing and sews it on an old one. If he does, it will tear the new one. And besides, the piece [of cloth] from the new clothing will not match the old one. 37) And no one puts freshly squeezed grape juice into previously used bottles made of animal skins. [If he does], the newly squeezed juice will [crack and] burst the [dried out] animal skins and [all the juice will] spill out, and the animal skin bottles will [also] become useless. 38) But freshly squeezed grape juice must be put into newly made animal skins. 39) And no one who has drunk aged wine wants newly squeezed [juice], for he says, >The older [grape juice] is better.=@
CHAPTER SIX
1) Now it happened on a Sabbath day that Jesus was walking through some grain fields. His disciples picked off some heads of grain, rubbed them in their hands and ate [the kernels]. [Note: It was an accepted practice for people in that day to be permitted to do this as they walked along paths bordering a grain field]. 2) But certain Pharisees said, AWhy are you doing what is against the Law of Moses on the Sabbath day?@ 3) And Jesus answered them, AHave you never read about what King David did when he and his men were hungry [I Sam. 21:6]; 4) how he entered the house of God [i.e., the Temple] and took some >Bread of Presence= and ate it, and also gave some to his men to eat? [This practice] was not permissible according to the Law of Moses, [since the bread was reserved] only for the priests.@ 5) Then He said to them, AThe Son of man is lord [i.e., has authority over] the Sabbath day.@
6) And it happened on another Sabbath day, when Jesus entered the synagogue to teach, that a man was there whose right hand was deformed. 7) And the experts in the Law of Moses were watching Him to see if He would heal [someone] on the Sabbath day, so they could figure out how to accuse Him. 8) But He knew what they were thinking. Then He said to the man with the deformed hand, AGet up, step forward in front of everyone.@ So, he got up and stepped forward. 9) Then Jesus said to them, AI ask you, is it permitted by the Law of Moses to do something good or to do something harmful on the Sabbath day? To save a life or to destroy it?@ 10) Then He looked around at all of them [there] and said to the man, AReach out your hand.@ And [when] he did this, his hand was restored [to normal use]. 11) But the experts in the Law of Moses and the Pharisees became furious and began discussing among themselves what they could do to Jesus.
12) And it happened during that time that Jesus went out to the mountain [i.e., probably a hillside near Capernaum] to pray, and continued praying to God all night. 13) And when it was daylight, He called His disciples and chose from among them twelve, whom He also called apostles. 14) [They were] Simon, also called Peter, and his brother Andrew, James and John [also brothers], Philip, Bartholomew [i.e., the same as Nathaniel. See John 1:45], 15) Matthew [i.e., the same as Levi. See Mark 2:14], Thomas [i.e., the same as Didymus. See John 11:16], James, the son of Alphaeus, Simon, called the Zealot [i.e., the same as the Cananean. See Matt. 10:4], 16) Judas, the son of James [i.e., the same as Thaddaeus. See Matt. 10:3] and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor [to Jesus].
17) Then He came down [from the mountain] with them and stood on a level place [where] a large crowd of His disciples and a large group of people had gathered to hear Him and be healed from their diseases. 18) And [also] those who were tormented by evil spirits were healed. 19) Then the whole crowd tried to touch Him because [supernatural] power was coming from His body, and He healed all of them.
20) Then He looked at His disciples and said, AThose of you who have a [sense of personal] need are blessed, because the kingdom of God belongs to you. 21) Those of you who now have an appetite [i.e., for doing what is right] are blessed, because you will be satisfied [eventually]. Those of you who cry now [i.e., over your sins] are blessed, because you will laugh [i.e., when you are forgiven later]. 22) You are blessed when men hate you and withdraw their fellowship from you and speak abusively about you and reject your name as evil, [all] for being loyal to the Son of man. 23) Be happy at that time and jump for joy and realize that your reward in heaven will be great, for the forefathers [i.e., of your corrupt Jewish leaders] treated the prophets the same way. 24) But it is too bad for you rich people because you have [already] received [all] the comforts [you are going to get]. 25) It is too bad for you people who have plenty to eat now, because you will be hungry [later on]. It is too bad for you people who are laughing now, because you will grieve and cry [later on]. 26) It is too bad for you people when everyone speaks well about you, because the forefathers said the same thing about the false prophets.
27) But I tell you people who are listening [to me], love your enemies and do good things to those who hate you. 28) [Ask God=s] blessing on those who curse you; pray for those who treat you spitefully. 29) Whoever hits you on one side of the face, allow him [to hit you on] the other side also; and when someone takes away your coat, do not stop him from also taking away your shirt [i.e., if he insists on it]. 30) Give to everyone who asks you [for something] and do not demand that he bring back your possessions that he takes away. 31) And whatever you would like people to do to you, do the same thing to them. 32) And if you love [only] those who love you, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? For even worldly people love those who love them. 33) And if you do good things [only] to those who do good things to you, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? For even worldly people do that much. 34) And if you lend something [only] to those people from whom you expect to have it returned, what thanks do you deserve for doing that? Even worldly people lend to worldly people expecting to get the same things back. 35) But love your enemies and do good things to them; and lend to them without expecting it to be returned, and your reward [i.e., from God] will be great and you will be [considered] sons of the Highest [i.e., God]. For He is kind to unthankful and evil people [as well]. 36) You people should be merciful just like your Father is merciful. 37) And do not pass [hypocritical] judgment [on other people. See Matt. 7:1-5] and you will not receive such judgment [on yourselves]. And do not condemn [others] and you will not be condemned [yourselves]. Release people [i.e., from guilt for offending you] and you will be released [i.e., by God?] 38) Give [to others] and you will have [things] given to you. People will pour into your lap a full measure [of goods]; it will be pressed down, shaken together and running over [the edges]. Because the standard you use in giving [to others] will be the standard used [by them or God] in giving back to you.@
39) Then Jesus told them a parable [i.e., a brief story to illustrate His teaching]: ACan a blind person lead a blind person? Will not both of them fall into a ditch? 40) The disciple is not more important than his teacher, but when every person becomes complete, [then] he will be like his teacher. 41) And why do you look for the speck of sawdust in your brother=s eye but ignore the board in your own eye? 42) Or how can you say to your brother, >Brother, let me take that speck of sawdust out of your eye,= when you cannot see the board in your own eye? You hypocrite, take the board out of your own eye first; then you will be able to see clearly enough to take out the speck of sawdust that is in your brother=s eye. 43) For there is no healthy tree that produces bad fruit; nor is there a diseased tree that produces wholesome fruit. 44) For each tree is recognized by its own fruit. For people do not harvest figs from thorn bushes, nor grapes from a brier bush. 45) The good person produces good things from the goodness stored up in his heart. And the evil person produces bad things from the evil [stored up in his heart]. For his mouth speaks what his heart is filled with.
46) And why do you call me >Lord, Lord,= and [yet] not obey what I tell you to do? 47) Every person who comes to me and listens to my words and obeys them, I will show you who he is like. 48) He is like a man building a house, who dug deep to lay the foundation on rock. And when a flood came the river pounded against that house, but could not shake it because it had been well built. 49) But the person who hears [my words] and does not obey them is like a man who built a house on the ground, without a foundation. [When] the river pounded against it, immediately it collapsed and the destruction of that house was complete.@
CHAPTER SEVEN
1) After Jesus had finished telling the people all He had to say, He went into Capernaum.
2) And a certain military officer=s slave [was there], whom the officer highly valued. This slave was [so] sick that he was about to die. 3) And when the officer heard about Jesus, he sent [some] Jewish elders to Him asking that He come and heal his slave. 4) And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying, AThis officer deserves that you should do this for him [i.e., heal his slave], 5) for he loves our nation and he is the one who built the synagogue for us.@ 6) So, Jesus went with them. And when He got close to the military officer=s house, the officer sent [his] friends to Jesus, saying to Him [i.e., speaking on behalf of the military officer], ASir, do not trouble yourself, for I do not deserve for you to come into my house; 7) [and] for the same reason I did not think I deserved to come to you either. So, [just] say the word and [I know] my slave will be healed. 8) For I also am a man [who was] placed under the authority [of others], and I have soldiers [who serve] under me. I can say to this one, >Go,= and he goes; and to another one, >Come,= and he comes; and to my slave, >Do this,= and he does it.@ 9) And when Jesus heard these things, He was amazed and said to the crowd that was following Him, AI tell you, I have never found [anyone with] such great faith, not [even] among the Israelites.@ 10) And those who were sent [i.e., the officer=s friends. See verse 6] returned to the house and found the slave completely well.
11) And it happened soon after this that Jesus went to a town called Nain [Note: This was a town of Galilee about 6 miles southeast of Nazareth]. His disciples and a large crowd [also] went with Him. 12) Now when He approached the town gate, He saw a dead man being carried out; it was the only son of his widowed mother. And many people from the town were with her. 13) Now when the Lord saw her, He felt very sorry for her and said to her, ADo not cry.@ 14) Then He went near the casket and touched it; [immediately] the pallbearers stopped. Jesus said, AYoung man, I tell you, get up.@ 15) And the dead man sat up and began talking. And Jesus gave him [back] to his mother [alive].
16) Then everyone was gripped with fear and gave honor to God, saying, A[Surely] a great prophet has arisen among us and God=s [presence] has come to His people.@ 17) And the report of this [incident] about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the entire surrounding district.
18) Then the disciples of John [the Immerser] told him all about these things [i.e., what Jesus was doing]. 19) So, John called to him two of his disciples and sent them to the Lord to ask, AAre you the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?@ 20) And when these men came to Jesus they said, AJohn the Immerser has sent us to you to ask, >Are you the One who was to come, or should we look for someone else?=@
21) At that very time Jesus was healing many people from diseases, those plagued with serious illnesses and those dominated by evil spirits. He [also] restored sight to many blind people. 22) So, Jesus answered them, AGo and tell John the things you have seen and heard; [how] blind people are receiving back their sight, and crippled people are walking [again], and people with infectious skin diseases are being healed, and deaf-mutes are hearing [and speaking (?) again], and people are being raised [from the dead], and poor people are having the good news preached to them. 23) The person who does not find an occasion for having doubts about my identity is fortunate indeed.@
24) And when the messengers sent by John left, Jesus began saying to the crowds about John, AWhat did you expect to see when you went out into the desert? A tall stem swaying in the wind? 25) What did you expect to see? A man dressed in fancy clothes? Look, people who wear elaborate outfits and bask in luxury live in kings= palaces. 26) But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I will say [he is], and much more than a prophet. 27) He is the one about whom it was written [Mal. 3:1], >Look, I [will] send my messenger on ahead of you. He will prepare the pathway in front of you.= 28) And I tell you, among [all] those born of women, there is no one greater than John [the Immerser], yet the least significant person in the kingdom of God is greater than he.@
29) And when all the people, together with the tax collectors, heard this they praised God for being so just, and were immersed with the immersion [preached] by John. 30) But the Pharisees and the teachers of the Law of Moses, who would not be immersed by John, rejected God=s purpose for themselves.
31) AWhat then should I compare the people of this generation with?@ [Jesus asked]. AAnd what are they like? 32) They are like children sitting in the open shopping market, calling to one another, saying, >We [pretended we] were making music [at a wedding] but you did not dance; we [pretended we] were wailing [at a funeral] but you did not cry [along with us].= 33) For when John the Immerser came, he did not eat bread or drink wine [on festive occasions] and you said, >He is dominated by an evil spirit.= 34) [Then] the Son of man came eating and drinking [at festive occasions] and you said, >Look, he is a glutton and a drunkard, and a friend of tax collectors and worldly people.= 35) It proves that [God=s] wise counsel is right in the eyes of all of her children [i.e., in the eyes of people known for their wisdom].@
36) Then one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have a meal with him. So, He went to the Pharisee=s house and reclined at the [dinner] table. [Note: Matt. 23:6]. 37) And when a sinful woman from the town learned that He was having dinner at the Pharisee=s house, she brought an alabaster [i.e., stone] jar of liquid perfume, 38) and stood behind Jesus, at His feet, crying. She began wetting His feet with her tears and wiping them dry with the hair of her head. Then she kissed His feet and poured the perfume on them.
39) Now when the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, AIf this man were a prophet, he would have known who touched him and what kind of a woman she was --- a sinner.@ 40) Then Jesus said to him, ASimon [See verse 43], I have something to say to you.@ And he replied, ATeacher, [go ahead and] say it.@ 41) [Jesus then gave this parable]: A certain moneylender had two men who owed him money; one owed him five hundred coins [Note: The total amount was 500 days of a farm laborer=s pay, or about $35,000 in 1994], and the other man [owed him] fifty coins [Note: About $3,500 in 1994]. 42) When these two men did not have [the money] to repay him, the moneylender canceled [the debts of] both of them. Now which of them will love him more?@ 43) Simon answered, AThe one who had the largest debt canceled, I suppose.@ Jesus said to him, AYou are right.@ 44) Then Jesus turned to the woman [who had just poured the perfume on Him] and said to Simon, ADo you see this woman? I came into your house and you did not give me any water for [washing] my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them dry with her hair. 45) You did not give me a kiss [of greeting], but from the time I came in [to your house] she has not stopped kissing my feet. 46) You did not pour [aromatic] oil on my head, but she poured perfume on my feet. 47) For this reason, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven, for she has loved much. [Note: This suggests that her forgiveness was the result of her loving, but the point Jesus makes better fits the idea that her forgiveness produced love]. But the person who is forgiven of little [i.e., of only a few sins], loves [only] a little bit.@ 48) Then Jesus said to the woman, AYour sins are forgiven.@ 49) And those who were reclining at the [dinner] table with Him began saying among themselves, AWho is this person who can even forgive sins?@ 50) Then Jesus said to the woman, AYour faith has saved you [i.e., from condemnation]. Go [away] in peace.@
CHAPTER EIGHT
1) And it happened soon after this that Jesus went through one town and village after another, preaching and proclaiming the good news about the kingdom of God. [Traveling] with Him were the twelve apostles 2) and certain women who had been healed from [domination by] evil spirits and diseases. [These women were] Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven evil spirits had been driven out, 3) and Joanna, the wife of Chuzas, Herod=s property manager, and Susanna and many others. These [all] had provided the material support for the group from their own means.
4) Then when a large crowd assembled and people from every town were coming to Jesus, He told them this parable [i.e., a brief story to illustrate His teaching]: 5) A farmer went out [to his field] to plant grain. And as he sowed [i.e., scattering seeds by hand], some of it landed along side of the road; it was stepped on by people and [eventually] birds of the sky came and ate it. 6) And other [seed] fell on rocky ground and as soon as it started to grow, it [quickly] withered away, because it had no moisture. 7) And other [seed] fell among thorns, which grew up with it and [eventually] choked out [the tender sprouts]. 8) And [still] other [seed] fell into fertile soil; it grew and produced a crop of one hundred times [as much as was planted]. As He said these things, He called out; AThe person who has ears to hear with ought to listen [to this] carefully.@
9) Then Jesus= disciples asked Him what this parable meant. 10) And He said to them, AYou [disciples] are being given an understanding of the secrets of the kingdom of God, but the rest of the people [are being told] in parables, so that [even though they appear to be] seeing, they will not [actually] see; and [even though they seem to] hear, they will not understand. 11) Now [the meaning of] the parable is this: The seed represents the word of God. 12) And those people [represented by the seed falling] along side of the road are those who have heard the word [of God], but the devil comes and takes away the word from their heart, so that they do not believe it and receive salvation. 13) And those people [represented by the seed falling] on rocky ground are those who, upon hearing the word [of God], accept it gladly, but since they have no root [system], they believe it for [only] awhile, and [then] in times of trial fall away [from God]. 14) And those people [represented by the seed] that fell among thorns are the ones who have heard [the word], and as they go about their business, they become choked by worry, by money and by worldly pleasures, and produce no mature crop. 15) And those people [represented by seed falling] in the fertile soil are those who possess a good and honest heart when they hear the word [of God]. They hold on to it and patiently [continue until they] produce a crop.
16) And no one lights an [olive oil] lamp and then covers it with a basket or puts it under a bed. But he places it on a stand so that those entering [the house] will see [by] the light. 17) For there is nothing done in obscurity that will not be made known [openly], and nothing done secretly that will not [eventually] become known and be revealed. 18) Pay attention to how you listen, for to the person who [already] has something, [more] will be given, but from the person who has [virtually] nothing, even what he thinks he has will be taken away from him.@
19) Then Jesus= mother and [half-] brothers came to Him, but they could not get near Him because of the [large] crowd. 20) And it was told to Him [by someone], AYour mother and your brothers are standing outside wanting to see you.@ 21) But He replied to them, AMy mother and my brothers are those people who hear God=s word and obey it.@
22) Now it happened on one of those days that Jesus entered a boat with His disciples. He said to them, ALet us go over to the other side@ [i.e., the east side of Lake Galilee]; so they launched out. 23) But while they were sailing, Jesus fell asleep. A windstorm blew down on the lake and [the boat] began filling with water so they were in great danger [of sinking]. 24) The disciples approached Jesus and woke Him, shouting, AMaster, Master, we are sinking.@ And He woke up and spoke sternly to the wind and the raging water; [then] the storm [immediately] stopped and [everything] became calm. 25) Then He said to the disciples, AWhere is your faith?@ They became afraid and were amazed, saying to one another, AWho can this [man] be, that he can even command the winds and the water and they obey him?@
26) [Finally] they arrived at the district of the Gerasenes, which is opposite [i.e., across the lake from the province of] Galilee. [Note: Matt. 8:28 says >Gadara.= Geresa and Gadara were two towns about twelve miles apart in the same region east of Lake Galilee]. 27) And when He stepped out [of the boat] onto the shore, He was met by a certain man from the town, who was dominated by evil spirits. He had not worn any clothes for a long time and lived in the graveyard instead of a house. 28) And when he saw Jesus, he fell at His feet [i.e., in worship. See Mark 5:6] and shouted out with a loud voice saying, AWhat do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Highest God? I beg you, do not torture me.@ 29) For Jesus was commanding the evil spirits to be driven out of the man, because they had been controlling him for a long time. The man was continually being guarded and his hands and feet were bound with chains. [Sometimes] he broke loose from the chains and was driven into the desert by the evil spirits. 30) Then Jesus asked him, AWhat is your name?@ And he answered, A[My name is] >Legion=@ [Note: This word means a number consisting of between 5,000 and 6,000], for many evil spirits had entered the man. 31) And the evil spirits begged Jesus not to require them to go away into the Apit@ [Note: This appears to be the place reserved for the devil and his evil spirits. See Rev. 9:1-11; 20:1-3]. 32) Now a herd of many [wild?] hogs was grazing on a [nearby] mountain, so the evil spirits begged Jesus to give them permission to enter [the bodies of] the hogs. So, He gave them permission [to do it]. 33) Then the evil spirits went out of the man and entered the hogs. The herd [immediately] rushed down the cliff into the lake and was drowned. 34) And when those who had been grazing the hogs saw what had happened, they ran and told it in the town and [around] the country. 35) People went out to see [i.e., to find out] what had happened. And [when] they came to Jesus and found the man from whom the evil spirits had been driven out sitting down at Jesus= feet with his clothes on and perfectly sane, they were afraid. 36) Those who saw this told others how the man dominated by evil spirits was restored. 37) Then all the people around the district of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave their area because they were gripped with great fear. So, He entered a boat and returned. 38) But the man from whom the evil spirits had been driven out begged Jesus to allow him to travel with Him, but Jesus sent him away, saying, 39) AReturn to your house and tell people about the great things God has done for you.@ So, he went on his way, proclaiming throughout the whole town [i.e., Geresa. See verse 26] the great things Jesus had done for him.
40) Then as Jesus returned [i.e., to the northwest shore of the lake, probably to the vicinity of Capernaum], a crowd was waiting for Him and welcomed Him. 41) And just then an official of the [Jewish] synagogue named Jairus came to Him and fell at His feet [i.e., worshiping. See Matt. 9:18] and begged Him to go to his house, 42) for the official=s only daughter, who was about twelve years old, was dying.
As Jesus was going, large crowds pressed in on Him. 43) Then a woman, who had been bleeding for twelve years, and who had spent all her income on doctors without being healed by any of them, 44) came up behind Jesus and touched the edge of His robe. Immediately her bleeding stopped. 45) Jesus said, AWho touched me?@ And when everyone denied [doing it], Peter and the disciples said, AMaster, many people are pressing in on you and crowding you.@ 46) But Jesus replied, ASomeone did touch me, for I perceived that [healing] power had gone out from me.@ 47) And when the woman realized that she had not escaped notice, she came trembling [with fear] and fell down in front of Him, declaring before all the people why she had touched Him and how she had been immediately healed. 48) Then Jesus said to her, ADaughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace.@
49) While He was still speaking, someone came from the synagogue official=s house, saying [to him], AYour daughter is dead; do not bother the Teacher.@ 50) But when Jesus heard this, He said [to the man], ADo not be afraid. Just believe [i.e., in my power to restore your daughter] and she will be made well [i.e., restored to life].@
51) And when Jesus came to the [synagogue official=s] house, He did not allow anyone to enter with Him except Peter, James, John and the girl=s father and mother. 52) And all the people [in the house] were crying and beating their chests in mourning, so Jesus said [to them], ADo not cry, for the girl is not [really] dead but [only] sleeping.@ 53) And they laughed at Him scornfully, knowing that she was [already] dead. 54) But taking her by the hand, He called to her, saying, AChild, get up.@ 55) And immediately her spirit returned and she stood up. Then Jesus ordered them to give her something to eat. 56) Her parents were amazed, but Jesus ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.
CHAPTER NINE
1) Jesus then called the twelve apostles together and gave them power and authority over all evil spirits and [the ability] to heal diseases. 2) And He sent them out to preach the [coming] kingdom of God and to heal sick people. 3) He said to them, ADo not take anything with you during your travels; not [even] a walking stick [Note: By comparing this and the restriction in Matt. 10:10 with the permission given in Mark 6:8, the harmony seems to be Aif you do not already have a walking stick, do not get one@], or a traveling bag [for personal belongings], or food, or money, or [even] two coats [Note: Mark 6:9 says, Atake only one coat@ confirming the idea that Jesus was saying, in effect, Ado not take anything extra, go just as you are@]. 4) And whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that place. 5) And those people who do not welcome you, shake the dust off of your shoes as evidence against them.@ [Note: This was a Jewish custom showing disdain, and intended to suggest their unworthiness] 6) So, they left and went throughout the villages preaching the good news and healing people everywhere.
7) Now when King Herod, the tetrarch [i.e., governor of that district] heard about all that was happening [concerning Jesus], he was perplexed because some people were saying that John [the Immerser] had risen from the dead; 8) some [were saying] that [the prophet] Elijah had appeared; and [still] others [were saying] that one of the [other] prophets of old had risen again [from the dead]. 9) Then Herod said, AI had John decapitated, so who is this person about whom I hear such things?@ And he became eager to see Jesus.
10) When the apostles returned they told Jesus what they had done. Then Jesus took them and went away privately to a town called Bethsaida. [Note: This town was on the east side of Lake Galilee, and apparently was a different ABethsaida@ from the one mentioned in Mark 6:45]. 11) But the crowds found out about it [i.e., where Jesus had gone], so they followed Him [there]. He welcomed them and spoke to them about the [coming] kingdom of God and cured those who needed healing.
12) Then late in the day the twelve apostles came and said to Jesus, ASend the crowd away so they can go into the villages and the surrounding countryside to find lodging and food because this place is deserted.@ 13) But He said to the apostles, AYou men give them something to eat.@ But they replied, AWe have only five loaves of [barley] bread [See John 6:9] and two [probably smoked] fish, unless we go and buy [more] food for all these people.@ 14) For there were about five thousand men [there]. So, He said to His disciples, AHave these people recline [on the grass. See Matt. 14:19] in groups of about fifty each.@ 15) So, the disciples did this, and had all the people recline [on the grass in groups]. 16) Then Jesus took the five loaves of bread and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, asked God=s blessing on the food. [Then] He broke it [in pieces] and gave it to the disciples to distribute to the crowds. 17) They all ate until they were full, then gathered up twelve baskets [full] of the remaining broken pieces.
18) And it happened while Jesus was praying off by Himself that His disciples joined Him. He asked them, saying, AWho are the crowds saying that I am?@ 19) And they answered, A[Some say you are] John the Immerser, while others say [the prophet] Elijah, and [still others say] that one of the [other] prophets of old has risen again [from the dead].@ 20) Then Jesus said to them, ABut who do you men say that I am?@ And Peter answered, A[You are] the Christ of God [i.e., God=s specially chosen one].@ 21) Then He sternly ordered them not to tell this to anyone, 22) saying, AThe Son of man must suffer many things and be rejected by the [Jewish] elders, leading priests and experts in the Law of Moses. Then He will be killed and [yet] be raised up on the third day.@
23) Then He said to everyone, AIf anyone wants to be my follower, he should deny self [i.e., of always having its own way] and accept his cross [i.e., his responsibilities, with all their difficulties] everyday, and [then he can] become my follower. 24) For whoever would [try to] save his life [i.e., by neglecting spiritual things] will lose it [i.e., miss out on the blessings of God]. But whoever [willingly] loses his life [i.e., in commitment to God=s service] for my sake, that person will save it [i.e., obtain both temporal and spiritual blessings]. 25) For what is a person benefited if he gains the whole world [i.e., of material things] and [yet] loses [his spiritual life] or gives himself up [to spiritual ruin]? 26) For whoever will be ashamed of me and of my words, the Son of man will [also] be ashamed of him when He returns in His own splendor and that of the Father and of the holy angels. 27) But I tell you the truth, there are some people standing here who will surely not experience death until they see that God=s kingdom has come [i.e., in a demonstration of power. See Mark 9:1].@
28) And it happened about eight days after Jesus said these things that He took Peter, John and James with Him and went up in the mountain to pray. [Note: This was probably Mt. Tabor, which was nearby]. 29) And as He was praying, the appearance of His face was [miraculously] changed and His clothing became dazzling white. 30) Then suddenly two men were [seen] talking with Jesus. They were Moses and Elijah, 31) who appeared in splendor, and were speaking of Jesus= [coming] departure [i.e., His imminent death], which He was soon to experience at Jerusalem. 32) Now Peter and those with him [i.e., James and John] had been very sleepy, but became wide awake when they saw the splendor of Jesus and the two men standing with Him. 33) And it happened, as the two men were leaving Him, that Peter said to Jesus, AMaster, it is [so] good for us to be here. Let us make three [small] shelters, one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.@ [But] he did not realize what he was saying. [See note at Matt. 17:4]
34) And while he was speaking, a cloud appeared and engulfed them and the apostles were afraid as Moses and Elijah entered the cloud [i.e., and disappeared]. 35) Then a voice spoke out of the cloud, saying, AThis is My Son, [whom] I have chosen; listen to Him.@ 36) And after the voice had spoken, Jesus was found alone. But the apostles kept quiet [about this incident], and did not tell anyone at that time about anything they had seen.
37) And it happened on the next day, when they had come down from the mountain, that a large crowd met Jesus. 38) Just then a man from the crowd shouted out, ATeacher, I beg you, look at my son [i.e., favorably], for he is my only child. 39) For when an evil spirit takes hold of him he suddenly screams and [then] it throws him into convulsions so that he foams [at the mouth]. And it does not want to leave him, [even after] severely bruising him. 40) And I begged your disciples to drive it out, but they could not.@ 41) And Jesus replied, saying, AYou perverse generation of faithless people! How long must I be [patient] with you, and put up with you [i.e., before you understand]? Bring your son here.@ 42) And while the boy was approaching [Jesus], an evil spirit threw him to the ground in a convulsion. But Jesus spoke sternly to the evil spirit and [then] returned him to his father healed. 43) And everyone was amazed at [seeing] the greatness of God.
But while they were all amazed at everything Jesus was doing, He said to His disciples, 44) APay close attention to what I am saying, for the Son of man will be handed over to [evil] men.@ 45) But they did not understand what He was talking about, for it was hidden from them, so that they would not understand its meaning. And they were afraid to ask Him about what He had said.
46) Then a dispute developed among Jesus= disciples as to which one of them was the greatest. 47) When Jesus knew what they were disputing about in their minds, He took a small child and placed him at His side, 48) and said to the disciples, AThe person who welcomes this little child in my name [i.e., because he belongs to me], welcomes me [also]. And the person who welcomes me [i.e., into his life?] welcomes God, who sent me. For that person who is the least [significant] among you men is the one who is the greatest [in importance].@<